Beau's Nana Butterfly

Beau's teacher sent me this video last week. They had a cage of caterpillars in their classroom to watch the process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. The other day, it hatched and it was the first time the teacher had ever since this actually happen in the classroom. So they took the butterfly outside to be released. What happened next is breathtaking. The butterfly left the cage, flew directly to Beau, stayed on him for a few seconds and looked like it was giving him a kiss almost on the cheek before flying off. Beau was the only person the butterfly flew to. It was mom. It had to have been. I know it was. 

Thankful for Jodee

Jodee normally doesn't take babies, but to help me out since not having mom, she agreed to take Piper already so I didn't need to find a different daycare. Piper has been so good for Jodee and I love the pictures I get throughout the day of the kids. We are so grateful for having such a dependable, carving and SWEET daycare provider :)

ISU vs. IA Game

Two years ago for my birthday, my mom INSISTED on coming up to Ames to tailgate for the IA/ IA State game with us. She knew we were going to drink, and probably be immature. But she hated missing out on fun and wanted to go. After a GREAT day with a few too many beers, she had to drive the bus home that night from Ames. I will NEVER forget that day and all of the memories we made. So this year, to pre-celebrate my birthday, we went back to Ames and even were able to convince Dennis to come back too. It was harder than I thought it would be, but like always, Caleb and Shawn made it the best possible and I never have a dull moment when we are all together. 

Papa and She-She watched the kids for us that weekend so we could get away for a couple nights. It was needed to say the least. But I'm not sure I'm liking that they dressed all 3 kids in Cyclone attire ;)

Beau's Kindergarten Class Pictures: Part I

The variety cheerleaders came to visit Beau's class for Homecoming this week. I asked him if he sang and danced with them, "No mommy, I only sang. Dancing is for girls". :)

1st and Only Family Picture Swimming

If I could stay at my mom's and her pool everyday, I would. Nothing but peace and serenity out there. It was her "castle" that's for sure. 

PowerKids Kick-Off

The kick off for Power Kids was a couple of weeks ago. It has been incredibly hard to even think of going to church on Wednesdays. It was a tradition with Brook, Mom and myself to always go right away after work on Wednesdays, sit at the front round table downstairs, and visit with mom about our days while she waited for the food to finish cooking for the kids. I can't even imagine stepping foot in that basement again. The thought of knowing she won't be there, in the kitchen, and someone else is, makes me sick to my stomach. My mom loved volunteering at church and dedicating her Wednesdays to cooking the meals for the kids. But even though I selfishly cannot go to church, I don't want that to stop the kids. So Joe has been amazing so far about getting the boys to church and even staying, or Brook stays too. The first night was mini-put family night. I cannot believe how old Banx looks here holding Piper!

Baine's 1st Day of 2 Year Old Pre-School

Well, Baine survived his first couple of weeks of pre-school...so far at least! He cried and screamed on the first morning, but Ms. Richelle swears he was fine after a few minutes :) On the second day, he also cried and pouted. But let me tell ya, he sure loves getting picked up by Grandma Chelle and eating out to lunch with her. He was quick to tell me about that right away :) I asked him how school was "I cried. But had fries with Grandma Chelle!!!" I can see where his priorities are :)