Kiddos

"Uncle Chris" with our friends' kids, Tessa and Brody, and Kaylee reading a story before bed.

These kids were out!

Ally and Kaylee - excuse me - Cinderella and Mulan.

Here's what I was doing two years ago today...

That's my sister, Marla, then Christi, Julie, me, and Jenny enjoying ourselves at Julie's wedding. It was beautiful, and we had so much fun just hanging out. I remember it like it was yesterday. Happy 2nd anniversary, Julie!

It is still hard to think about that wonderful day without thinking of the next day, April 23, 2006.

That is the day my friend, Ian Anderson, went home to be with Jesus. He was killed in a car accident on the way home from the wedding. I will never forget the phone call I received that day bearing the awful news. I will never forget that feeling in the pit of my stomach that is still there today as I think back. But there are other things I will never forget too, like the way Ian always made everyone laugh. He was one of the funniest guys I've ever had the pleasure to know. I will never forget his love for video games, rap music, and most of all his family. I am so proud of his wife, Christi. Her strength comes only from God, and she is on a road of healing that has led her to newfound joy. You can read about her journey here.

Today I am thankful for Julie's wedding and the time that we got to spend together as friends, enjoying each other, yet not knowing the pain that the next day would bring.

Holy Car Seat

The last time I plugged an item on my blog was right after we got the new vacuum. Did I mention that it's beltless? Anyway, today's plug is for a car seat, so all you mommies and daddies take heed. If you haven't seen this new car seat yet, hold onto your hats. Here it is, folks, the Graco Nautilus.It is a regular forward-facing car seat with the 5-point harness straps that you can use up to 65 lbs. After that, you use the regular seat belt up to 100 lbs. It also converts to a backless booster chair for older kids. Kaylee is almost 3, and this should be the last car seat we will have to buy for her. We just got it, and I already love it. If I had to ride in a car seat, I would choose this one. If, in my old age, I shrink to under 4'9", I will use this for my booster seat.

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Graco should really be paying me for this.

Happy Birthday, Chris!

Yesterday was Chris's 29th birthday. We celebrated last night with two other couples and had a great time grilling brats and eating cupcakes. With 6 kids among us, the house was pretty hoppin'. It was nice outside, so we shipped half of the kids out there to play. It was lots of fun, and we're already looking forward to a summer full of cookouts with friends!

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Happy birthday, honey!

The Fam

Chris's family (minus his sister Rachel and her husband) were in town this past weekend to celebrate his birthday, which is tomorrow. Lauryn has a cold or allergies or something and was a little out of it all weekend.

We had a fun time hanging out at the Children's Museum, and Kaylee's already asking when Ally and Drew are coming back.

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One Shining Moment

Can you believe it? If you didn't see the game last night, you really missed out. When Mario Chalmers hit that 3-pointer to send it into overtime, the screaming and jumping around about took our house down. Then when it was over and "One Shining Moment" came on, I believe I saw a tear well up in Chris's eye.

Today I am proud to be a Jayhawk.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk, baby!

Tonight is a big night. Our Jayhawks are playing in the Final Four against North Carolina, the team who took our beloved coach, Roy Williams. Here's to hoping we make him wish he'd never left the great state of Kansas!