The Week...

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY...We had a busy week and look forward to the same this next week. Here are a few highlights...
Kelsey had a great therapy week with Christen in the pool on Monday and riding Peaches on Tuesday. I am singing Christen's praises! All along, Mike and I have questioned whether Kelsey's balance issues could be because of a vestibular problem, but we have been told by a number of Doctors that Kelsey is too young to have a vestibular disorder. Since Christen has been working with Kelsey - she has been able to see what we see in this regard - and agrees with us. So as a medical advocate for Kelsey, Christen was able to set up an evaluation for Kelsey this week by a woman at St. Charles that is a vestibular specialist. YES! We might be finally getting somewhere! Kelsey is doing fantastic overall, and absolutely loves her big brother! Mike and I continue to be amazed at James's creativity! He has a special stuffed bunny that belonged to Grandma McCall. This weekend, he came up the the idea to build "Dee Dee" the bunny a crate. It's pretty amazing! He also made Dee Dee a collar with tags that he wrote her name and our phone number on - in case she escapes! We are so happy that James has the gift of creativity! He can always think up something to do. Mike and I re-financed the house this week and were very happy to get a 4.5% rate! This is the only good thing about the economic woes!
Mike's Grandpa Gunnar was hospitalized yesterday after a "spell". We don't fully know what is going on with him yet as of this morning, so we are keeping him in our prayers.
Leo the dog continues to bring our family so much joy! He has decided that he too is a human. He is learning many new commands and is eager to please. We just love him! Finally, I am SOOOO excited that my oldest and dearest friend Colette is flying here for my birthday! If the weather holds for us, we plan to go snowmobiling while she is here. She has never been and that is a true love of mine! I cannot wait to see her!
Have a wonderful week...

It's the little things...

Each night as Mike and I get ready for bed, we spend a few minutes chatting as we brush our teeth. It is just one of those times each day that is part of the routine of life. Small as it may be, it's special quality time. Not only do we have the chance to talk without kids interrupting, but there is a small thing that Mike silently does for me each and every night. He places a clean and neatly folded hand towel by my sink. I glance down at that loyal towel that appears like magic each night, and think of how lucky I am to have a husband who is so thoughtful. Yes, a clean towel is small, but it speaks volumes on Mike's love for me - along with the many other things he does. I could not have asked for a better husband and father for our kids. I am also grateful that he makes time each and every day to do something - small or large - but something that says I love you! It is truly the non-material, giving of yourself gifts that mean the very most.

Of all the gifts in this world that I have been given, I have to say that my husband Mike is one of the best!

Back to work!

With the first official work week of 2009, we are back to our old schedule. Kelsey is back to riding Peaches this week at Healing Reins and she also had water therapy on Monday. Both went great - especially her riding therapy! We have not been out to the ranch in about 3 weeks, so Kelsey was very happy to see Peaches again! James is happy to be back to school. We continue to be amazed at how much he is learning and absorbing! He continues to be very intrigued with the garage and "projects". He is actually very careful - even using the saw! Today, he made of flag pole and drew an American flag to hang on the pole (it even had 50 stars!). Very creative! Leo has given himself a new nickname..."Houdini". We continue to love him dearly and enjoy him, but one small challenge he is presenting us with: He is an escape artist! We purchased a 8'x8' chain link kennel for him when we are not home (which is not too often!). Leo has managed to bend and contort the fence 3 times and escape. Luckily, only into the main garage. Mike and James spent 4 hours this weekend shoring it up, and so far it has held. We are chalking his escapes up to the fact that he truly loves being with us and the kids at all times!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Happy New Year 2009 Friends and Family! I hope and pray for a wonderful 2009 for all! 2008 proved to be a rough year for many friends and family - but life seems to keep marching on!
Mike and I spent New Years asleep - happily! We could say that we don't go out because we have small children, but that would not be true! Even when we did not have kids, we still always spent New Years home by choice. I guess we are just home bodies!
Have a Wonderful 2009!