GBL 5K...

Everyone knows that the Get Busy Livin' Foundation is near and dear to my heart. Three years ago, we lost Dylan...

Dylan was an avid LIVER of LIFE. He was all about seizing the moment and making the most of every single second. He was all about being grateful. Grateful for family. Grateful for friends. Grateful for health. Grateful for nature. Grateful for love.

Well, this past weekend, the kiddos and I hit the road to meet up with family in Kansas. We all met up to celebrate Dylan's life and participate in his annual memorial 5k run. We all met up to Get Busy Livin'....

And, what an AMAZING weekend it was.....

Score one for Momma!!! :Leaving at nap time was a great idear!

Unk dancing to the Polka band at the world famous chicken place...

Sister turn!

Hanging time with extended family...

GBL sign makin'....

Hotel bed hoppin'....

String cheese eatin' & shirt sportin'....(the purple lips are just a little peek into exactly how windy, drizzly, and chilly it was at the race...)

Pool swimmin'...

"Slam Dunk" jumpin'....

Pond water playin'...(This pic is extra sweet because I remember when we were the little munchkins out there, diggin' around without a care in the world....)

Football throwin'...

Picture posin'....

Bubble blowin'....

Bonfire makin'....

Camera spyin...

Frog huntin'...

Frog capturin'...

Smoke watchin'...

Unk entertainin'...

Pitts walkin'....

Nap takin'...

Pretzel Goldfish eatin' and picture colorin'...

Car ride home nappin'....

And, yes...I actually do have a couple pics from the race itself...I'll get them up on here from my i-Pad as soon as possible. The actually race was super rainy and, with Jason back in Des Moines at the Drake Relays, there was no way I was going to be able to man the camera and three, umbrella carrying kiddos. So, Aunt Calie snapped a couple pics of the big event!!! 

What a GRATEFUL day!

Love you, Dyl!

Grandma Jean...

Dearest Grandma Jean,

I know you are up there looking down over all of us with a huge smile across your face. You are smilin’ because you are able to see all us gathered here to celebrate. Celebrate your life. Celebrate the blessing that you have been to ALL of us. Celebrate the love that you and Grandfather have instilled in every one of us. This is a true celebration.

As I grow older myself, I’m realizing that this one life is really all that we get. It’s busy, beautiful, and blessed. I know I’ve been spoiled having such AMAZING grandparents, as not every kid gets to grow up with that kind of love and unconditional support. Trust me, I count those blessings every single day. Blessings that will stay with me FOREVER and blessings that I aim high to give to my own little ones. Blessings that, I hope, one day they will be able to share with my grandchildren, because above all, above all the money and material things in this world, love is what makes things go round. Love and family are two of the many values you displayed on a continual basis. And, I want to THANK YOU for being such an amazing role model. A role model whose impact has trickled down every single branch on this huge family tree of ours, eventually leading to all of those beautiful great-grandkids of yours and beyond.

So, THANK YOU!

Thank you for ALWAYS being there to support me. From the stands at just about every stinkin’ one of my hundreds of softball games, watching and cheering, to every single Christmas celebration filled with the warmth of home and smiles and laughter that gave me memories I will never, ever forget. From our little, entertaining, once-a-year comical cousin skits to the kid friendly games that my little ones loved being a part of. From high school and college graduation ceremonies, to baby quilts capturing all that special, little newborn information. From birthday cards sent to each and every one of those always changing addresses, to “Goldies” that my kiddos had the opportunity to drop into their own little piggy banks, with thoughts of Great Grandma Jean & Grandfather on their minds. From long distance phone calls, just saying “HI,” to the annual grandkid ornaments that will FOREVER hang on our Christmas tree. From hotel room sharing and story swapping at the Get Busy Livin’ events, to those Kodak moments you let me capture of you holding each and every one of my little babies. From opening your heart and accepting Jason as one of us, to those daffodils that will forever bloom in your memory. From Arrowhead tailgating to that crystal, engraved “communication” bell that will forever remind me to stride towards living a life full of all the qualities you embodied.

So, I need to say farewell for now, with our last moments together bringing a smile to my face. Moments that were good for my soul. Moments that make me a better Mommy. Moments that make me a better person.  The moment you and Ty played “balloon” from your chair. The moment you wiggled those toes when I asked you if you wanted a foot massage. The moment you said you’d have to “consider it” when I said I charged a lot for those massages. The moment we snapped our last picture together. The moment Dad fed you ice chips and au jus with at least three different spoons, thanks to Aunt Jan searching for the one that worked the best. The moment Grandfather got those tears in his eyes as he watched you take a drink. The moment his love for you couldn’t have gotten any stronger. The moment we crossed paths with Uncle Denny and Aunt Val as we were leaving, stopping for a quick hug, but knowing that you had more love and support headed in to pick up right where we left off.

I love you so much Grandma Jean and will miss you physically being around when we all get together, especially on April 27^th. But, I won’t miss your spirit because I know it will never be far away. So, go now, grab Dylan, Grandma Meier, and everyone else you’re seeing again for the first time in a long time, give them a big hug around the neck from all of us and smile. Smile having confidence in the footprints you are leaving behind. For those footprints will forever lead us in the right direction.

"The sthun isth stho bright!"

That cute, little statement came out of this guy's mouth as we headed home from Pittsburgh, Kansas yesterday....

Yep, that's right....

The Tooth Fairy had to scrounge around for yet another dollar. She almost didn't find one. Could you imagine?!?! Funny...that sweet, little fairy told me that she was going to start keeping dollar bills in her nightstand so she'd be ready every time duty calls. I don't know a kid who would want to wake up to 100 pennies, do you?!?!

Another FIRST for Miss Tay....

and this little first has to do with visiting that guy that keeps up with all the ins and outs of those little white gems we love to show off each and every time we SMILE....

Yep...that's right!! Miss Tay recently made her first trip to the DENTIST!!!! And, she was a trooper through every second.

Jason took all three to the dentist at the same time (what an AMAZING Daddy) on the Friday before Spring Break. I had to work, so he was left to tackle everything on his own. (And, no....I really didn't schedule it that way on purpose. ha!)

In all seriousness...I love going to the dentist and I hope my kiddos always will as well. And, by looking at these pics, I'd say Tay is well on her way!!!

Relaxed with a tad bit of the "holding on for dear life" look...

Letting him work his magic....

Way to Go, Miss Tay!!! Your first official, in-the-dentist-chair, trip was a HUGE success! Keep on brushing those pearly whites and never, ever, be scared of going to the dentist! He's definitely a Good Guy! 

And, THANKS, Daddy, for getting them all there...you're the BEST!!! 

Love, Hugs, and Kisses!!! 

~Mommy

Tea Party Central....

is the new name that should be given to a little spot in our living room by Miss Tay....

She's LOVING hosting tea parties with her friends. I love nothing more than to just sit behind the scenes and listen to her cute little tea party convos, and then partaking in a little sip of tea myself.....

What a cutie!

The tea's ready to pour....(SO CUTE how each friend has their own treat in front of them!!!)

And, apparently, Tay gets the whole cake!!! Here she is blowing out her candles!!!

A tea party CHEESE!

Ready for round two....

PARTY TIME!!!

Having a little convo with her friends....I have captured this on video, so we can relish in her sweet little words forever!!!

Tea parties usually move to the floor so everyone's a little more comfortable...

...where someone usually joins her and rounds 3, 4, 5 & 6 begin!!! 

Miss Tay, you are such a wonderful party host. Everyone has fun and really fills up on tea and sweet treats! Continue to rock that little imagination and enjoy every second of your sweet little childhood!!! Lots of love, hugs, and tons of kisses!!! Love you, Little Peanut!!!

Trey the Science Guy...

After receiving this little gem of a book, Trey has been excited about running his fair share of science experiments in the kitchen....

Easy, simple materials and a lot of inquiry...the name of our game!!!

Checking out the steps...

Following them to a "T"....

Time to wait...

Two days later...that hard shell is now a squishy, mushy blob...

Seconds later....must have been a little strong with that squeeze!!! He compared that egg shell to a balloon...I  have to agree...they felt exactly the same! 

Calling Aunt Lori to report the results....gotta love the egg all over his shirt!!! Hazards of the job, I guess!!!

Nice work, Mr. Scientist! 1 down, 364 to go!!! I can't wait to see what experiment you are going to try next...the conversations that accompany these fun activities are the best part!!! I can tell your wheels are turnin' and that's what learning and life are all about!!!! 

Love you, Buddy!!! 

XOXOXOX

Happy Experimenting!!!

The BARNSTORMERS are BACK in ACTION...

and, even though the game, was extremely short of stellar, we had a blast!!!

Jason and I took Miss Ty to this one all by herself....it was her night out with her mommy and daddy and all eyes were on her. It's not often that she gets time all by herself with both of us. She's usually either tagging along with older bro or is toting around her little sis. Last night we got to enjoy all things Ty...even skipping back to the car, hand in hand, not stepping on any cracks or "we'd break our momma's backs" was a huge ball of fun!!!

So, to say this was a special night would be an understatement.....

All ready in our B-stormer get-up....

All smiles heading to the stadium....

We always get there early because Daddy likes to watch the warm-ups....

Obviously, we needed MORE cowbell last night!!!! After a 2-0 start on the road, I was shocked to see how poorly they played! (As if I'm an Arena Ball expert or something....ha, ha!!)

Always gotta check out the program!!!

Ready to throw her halftime footballs into Barnyard Billie's wagon

Headed down at halftime to get an easier throw....

And, what's a game without a little cotton candy?!?!!

Miss Ty...we had so much fun with you!!! You are such a full-spirited, fun-loving little girl. I already can't wait for our next little adventure!!! Love you bunches!!!

GO BARNSTORMERS!!!