a surprise for his lady :)

Last night Andy walked in the kitchen, handed me a box and said it was an early Christmas present. It was awesome because, 1) I love surprises and 2) Andy is totally against giving Christmas presents early. Which drives me crazy because I can barely control myself. I almost always give him at least one present early every year. If I could, I'd give him a present right now.

So I open the box and see this!!!!!

lfasjdflkasdf;lkajf;akjsd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He wanted me to have it early so we could take pictures this Christmas. Isn't that an amazing surprise?? Now I can stop making excuses as to why there are only 5 pictures of Molly and she's 8 months old.

I don't really know how to use all the features, but I have figured out how to take a picture. Last night everyone went to sleep and I stayed up for hours taking picture of stupid things. I took a picture of my Christmas decorations...my feet...Copper...my wedding ring...more Christmas decorations. I tried to take pictures of myself but that camera isn't made to be flipped around real quick for a self portrait. Especially when you're wearing it around your neck in the first place. Tends to choke you up. Gag.

What is also pretty thrilling is that we had the extra cash just laying around to buy this mother. That makes me happy. It's a really great gift to ourselves...sort of like a treat for being a good boy and girl. It feels good that we waited and did it the right way. All around happy feelings :)

I know you all know this...because I constantly blab about him...but Andy is the best.

I hit the jackpot.

brotherly lovin'

Ever since sweet Molly came into our lives Colt has loved her a little more every day. I'm not just saying that either. He loves everything about his shishy [sissy]. He always runs over to her and saying, Hiiiiiii with a sweet, cheesy smile totally mocking the face that Mommy, Daddy and any other grown up makes while talking to a baby. He never once has showed any sort of jealousy towards her and he's always been so gentle and loving. Which has made the transition from 1 to 2 kids totally enjoyable.

For a long time he'd call her, Moll and just recently he's perfected it, now sounding like Molleeeeeee. With a very, very long 'e'. I've been thinking a lot lately if my kids like their life. I try to always give them their time with me. One on one. We laugh a lot during the day. They're fed, cleaned, hugged and loved. Typically spoiled. I especially love watching Colts love for his sister grow. I've always been extremely close to my brother. We have so many awesome memories together and to this day he's still one of my favorite people. I think how cool it would be if Colt got a brother one day or if we were able to give Molly a little sister...but right now, I love watching the brother/sister bond grow. It's so precious.

The other morning when Colt woke up I walked in his room holding Molly. He started squealing, Molleeeeee?!...Piyo?! He wanted sista to come hang out in his quarters for a while. And lay on his Piyo [pillow]. It was super cute.

I have no doubt that if some jerk tries to mess with Molly, Colt will be the first to sit on him and make him PAY!

e & a

Our friends Lane and Laurie just recently lived one of the biggest days of their lives. If you've been reading my blog for a while you might have read this.

It was been four long years that Lane and Laurie have been trying for a baby and on August 2nd the Lord answered their prayers. They welcomed not one, but two precious baby boys into the world. Ethan [6lbs, 15oz] and Aidan [6lbs, 5oz] arrived and they are more adorable and perfect than ever imagined.

Laurie took these pix.

I have been in a constant state of praise since they were born. I find myself tearing up just thinking about the miracle they are. The struggle Laurie has had to endure...The close call when they were 20 weeks old and almost entered the world extremely premature...The hard pregnancy...The bed rest...The shots...The negative pregnancy tests. On Tuesday I got to hold this little miracle in my arms.

God is so good.

He loves his people.

That is not up for discussion.

happy sunday

This is what we've been doing all day.

My heart is full.

annipic

Andy and I started a new tradition this year. We're writing each other letters [although I'll always accept chocolate too] and taking a picture together then saving it in scrapbook for each Anniversary. I think the letters will grow in value as the years go by.

He wanted to take a full body picture in front of our fireplace but the only person home to take that picture was Copper and she's not that talented. PLUS, I choose to use my veto powers because until I birth my child and get my body under control there will be no full body pictures being taken if I have anything to do with it. Molly is currently the only cute part of my bod...and my head is kinda cute too [when I've done my hair].

Here is our annipic for 2010.
I love Andy's head.
It's bigger than mine, which we all know how hard it is to find a head bigger than mine. So we're pretty much a perfect match.

Do you have any traditions with your hubby?

3 years of the good stuff.

Today I celebrate three years of marriage with my man.
I'm still really in love.

I would re-live my wedding day in a second.
Jan 27th 2007.
It was perfect.

The boys snuck up to the girls room on our wedding day while we were taking pictures and stole our bagels from Panera. We were left sharing a bag of Sun Chips and a bottle of water [all of which I took care of]. A few minutes later, someone bought them McDonald's while we withered away.
Of course a wedding day doesn't make a marriage. It takes thought and effort, from both people, every single day. It's not always easy but it's always worth it. We've been together for 5 years, married for 3 and I can't express how 'right' life feels. Marrying Andy is by far one of the best things I've ever done.

We're going to celebrate by spending the day with each other. My in laws have Colt for the day and night. We're gonna get lunch, go buy some clothes for Molly so she's not naked for the first 3 months of life, watch our wedding and honeymoon videos, make a fire and get Pizza Hut for dinner. So you can clearly see we're going all out here. But really all I want to do is just be with my man.

Last night Andy and I were talking about our wedding day. He told me he weighed the same he did as the day we got married...then I punched him in the face. He's the hottie tottie and I make the babies.

3 years
2 babies
1 love

That should be a Hallmark card.

51 years

Happy Anniversary Grams and Gramps!
Thank you for being an amazing example of what love looks like.
I LOVE YOU!

We're a very soft spoken, reserved type of family. Can you tell?

Christmas Hijacking:)

My wife's blog has been hijacked, by me, her husband! Reasons are as follows:

1) Her only request for her stocking was a note from me.

2) I was going to write that note this morning before I left for work.

3) Around 5am, my hands woke up, reached over and turned my alarm clock off without my knowledge.

4) I woke up 5 minutes after I usually leave for work.

5) I didn't have time to write said note for her stocking, so this is what happened instead. This has potential to be better than a note, and I have never wrote on her blog before. And by the way, lists are pretty good for blogs, now I know why everyone writes a list.

Now, reason's I love my wife:
1) Mo is mostly responsible for this little dude!Look at that smile. Because of her, he is a sweet, caring, huggable, kissable, smart, nice, happy, full, healthy boy full of life. Because of her he is going to be a great big brother too, which takes me to reason #2.

2) She's going to give me a little princess that will be all the things Colt is and more. She is going to have me wrapped around her little finger, I know it...

3) Next, if you look behind my rump, you will see an example of another one of Mo's great attributes, her family. That's her cousin Missy, a perfect example of how crazy her family is. Mo's family has welcomed me into their family and I feel at home. Every single one of them is caring, loving and thankful for everything God has given them. Great people raise great children!


4) Couldn't help myself, look how cute!

5) Last but not least, Mo makes me want to be the best husband and father I can. I strive to provide the best for her, give her the most I can so she can keep our kids and house happy. I'm thankful everyday for what she does for me. Its hard to be away from home on Christmas, but I know that my wife is loved and is loving my little babies while I'm gone. I couldn't ask for more.

I love you babe, is this better than a note in your stocking?

life is unpredictable.

This week I've had a few moments where I've been listening to a story or reading a blog and I've just absolutely lost it. All these stories had to do with babies either struggling with an illness or loosing a battle and leaving this world prematurely.

I heard the story of a little boy named Dillion who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 2. I'm sure his parents never saw it coming. At Colt's age this little boy was perfectly healthy for all they knew. Of course, the entire time I can't help but think of my baby...and how anything could happen. Anything could happen to anyone.

Life is unpredictable.

The truth that I'm clingy to today is that we aren't guaranteed tomorrow.
I want to hug and kiss my baby today.
I want to love with all my heart today.
I want to be the best wife I can be today.
I want to be more like Jesus today.

You only have today once.
Waste not.

a picture is worth a thousand words

Our dear friends the Anderstroms helped us out tremendously for Mom and Dad's Anniversary Party. Reed [being a pastor] led mom and dad through their beautiful vows. Nora made [well, she would have made but she broke her leg a few days before the party]...Nora had someone make an awesome pasta salad...and Jonathan gave us the gift of pictures! What a wedding gift :) Thank you Anderstroms!!! I've looked at these pictures thousand times. They are awesome. One of my favorite things about the party was the fact that everyone wore black and white, well, except for mom and dad...and a few people who missed the requested dress code on the invite, but that's ok :)

Here are a few of my favorites and my first attempt at a slide show:

wedding bells

25 years ago my parents eloped and today their getting their long awaited reception.

85 people are coming.
The tables are set up.
Their friends are coming from near and far.
I'm really excited.

Mr. Panera Man

Friday morning the alarm went off, early as usual. Andy kissed me goodbye and went off to the Hospital to get a few IV's & intubations under his belt. He had an 8 hour shift so I was expecting him home at 3pm. At 7:15am he called my cell. I was still asleep.

Andy: Are you asleep?

Mo: Uhmmm Hummggmm

Andy: Sorry. I think I forgot my backpack again. Can you go check please? [Walk out to the living room. Spot his bag. Go back to bed where my cell phone is charging. Lay back down. Find my warm spot in the sheets. Grab my phone.]

Mo: Yep. You left it again. Why are you so forgetful lately?

Andy: I was extra tired this morning. Do me another favor. When I locked the door behind me I remember setting down my duffel bag but I don't have it. I think I might have left it on the porch. Can you go see please?

Mo: Sure. I guess I can take you with me this time. [Unplug my phone. Head to the front door.]

I open the door and didn't see any sort of bag. Instead I saw Andy with a cup of coffee in one hand and a Panera bag in the other with a big silly grin on his face.

Mo: What are you doing? [confused, eyes trying to adjust to the light, looking like a monster]

Andy: My clinical got canceled a few days ago but I pretended to still have it so I could surprise you with a day off and breakfast. You love Panera.

Mo: Andy! [smiling, gushing, blushing]. I feel bad! You didn't need to do this. You never get to sleep in...You should have slept in babe!

Andy: I know but I wanted to surprise you.

It's official. I am married to the sweetest man that ever walked to face of this earth. I fell a little more in love with my husband on Friday. The End.

25 years

Spencer and I are throwing my parents a 25Th Wedding Anniversary Reception in June and we surprised them with the news on Sunday! Mom cried when she read the invitation. Yes...it worked! We're putting them up in a Bed & Breakfast before the big shin dig because the reception is at their house...poolside. We've been saving since December. Their actual Anniversary was yesterday but in Indiana you have to wait for pretty weather so we're not celebrating until June.

My parents eloped and never had a reception...no showers...no nothing. So this is IT for them! This is going to be a serious reception. Mom gets to choose the cake...the flowers...the music. I'm excited.

We tweaked the guest list yesterday and there are 108 people being invited. Now I just have to make it happen!!

We will gladly accept the 'best-children-ever' award.

Congrats on 25 years Mom and Dad. You're superstars.

the good i saw

Yesterday while driving to an appointment I came across a pretty bad car accident that left glass shattered all over the road and put a four lane [with a center turning lane] road down to two lanes going both ways. I didn't see them hit, but I was there as both drivers were able to open their doors and walk out of their cars.

The girl was late 20-somethings and the man [who from what I saw was the one that got hit] both stood and looked at their cars in shock of what had just happen.

The girl put her head in her hands and being to weep.

The man spent no more time assessing the damage but instead walked over to this stranger and held her while she cried.

And their they stood. Strangers. Standing in the rain. In five o'clock traffic on a busy street.

I don't know if that man knew Jesus but he showed God's love to a stranger and to about 100 other people slowly passing the accident in the middle of five o'clock traffic.

I like when I see good things.

date night

Andy is a full time fire fighter, a paramedic student, a small business owner [Andy's Lawn Care. whoot whoot], a daddy and my lova. Which means he's really busy. Sometimes too busy. But his crazy work schedule is what allows me to be the happiest I've ever been and kick it with Colt 24/7. On Monday he asked if I wanted to go out to dinner on Friday with him. Yes! He called his mom and she babysat for us.

I'd like to call our dinner...'date night' instead. Yep. We had a date night. I'm pretty sure that makes us sound more in love.

We went to Hacienda. For those of you who don't live near a Hacienda I'm so so sorry. It could possibly be one of the best non-authentic Mexican restaurants in the world. You get free chips and salsa...and only 1000 calories per basket of chips. No, we didn't have three baskets...only two. You do the math.

After our romantic mexican fiesta we did the next most romantic thing people do on date night...grocery shop. I don't know what it is about grocery shopping but it honestly makes me really happy. That was one of the things I was most excited about after getting married...next to sex of course, was grocery shopping. I love picking out my own food and pushing the cart around. And when we check out Andy and I play the Price is Right and guess the total. One of the high lights of our trip was when we were in the dairy isle and I asked - "Hey, remember that time we bought the off brand version of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and we laughed so hard because they called it...This Isn't Butter, Is It?" Andy said he remembered and we both laughed. It's the small things in life.

I left one little part of the evening out which was...you guessed it...our trip to Target. I don't like to re-live/remember/or talk about any trip I ever make to Target. Ya see...Target and I used to be in love. But then I met Dave [ramsey] and I had to end my relationship with Target. So, when we stopped by Target today...I didn't make any eye contact. I didn't want it to be awkward for either of us so I just kept on walking to exactly what I needed and got out of there as fast as I could. I had so many happy memories with Target. Anyway...the breakup is all apart of our "PLAN" which I'll be posting about in the near future. So stay tuned.

Between the salty chips and the dairy isle...I'd say the best part was getting to hold Andy's hand.
I like date nights.

what's the catch?

Last night...for some reason I felt like being extra nice to Andy and offered to give him a back rub. Typically my back rubs are one handed, with one eye open, as I start to drool and drift into my own dreamland. I usually fall asleep during the back rub, wake up apologizing and wondering how long I was out for. But last night I felt extra generous.

He was already passed out on the couch watching Fox News so I woke him up and pretty much said...This is a one time offer. I'm willing to give you a two handed back rub...while sitting up at full attention...with massage oil...for more that two minutes. AND would you believe he said NO?!? Confused...I said again...This is a one time offer. He finally said Yes but asked what the catch was. Apparently my love isn't enough, there is some sort of catch. I assured him there was no catch I just felt like doing something nice.

So last night from 11:30-11:45pm Andy got a awesome back rub and I earned some wife points. At one point I said [just because I like to hear the response] You are one lucky man. And he said...Yes I am! Grin.

I'm usually the one that gets up and does the morning routine, morning feeding everyday with the baby...but not this morning! Andy woke up as the baby started to fuss and told me to keep sleeping because in return for the back rub I could sleep in and he would take care of everything : ) Ahhh...what a gift! Would you believe that I spelt until 11:30? Believe it baby.

So the lesson for today is do something nice and unexpected for your special someone. Do something that you know they would love and do it without a 'catch'. In return you'll have a greater appreciation and love for each other. I'm no therapist but it works!

true love

I left Andy the last Hershey Kiss and the last Reeses Peanut Butter Cup in the freezer tonight. We keep them in the freezer because that makes them extra spectacular. When he gets home tomorrow he'll see the gift of my truest love.

I love that there is a Healthy Choice behind the candy.

We're so healthily unhealthy.

Scarface

Check out this wicked cool scar.So I'm sitting in the ICU and just got an update. Dad gets to go home tomorrow! Whee!?! His neurosurgeon said that Dad's 'gray matter' has bounced back quicker than expected and so tomorrow he gets to go home. He is only in the ICU now because the room he was supposed to get transferred to was full. A few weeks of light movement and rest and he's good to go!

God is crazy cool.

baldness

My brother went under the knife too. His razor knife that is...and joined Dad in his baldness adventure. Spence has a very large dome. I say that with nothing but love in my heart. It's like an orange on a toothpick.

What's funny about this picture is you can't see the other side of Dad's head. They only shaved the top of his head and the right side where they did the surgery. If you're standing on the other side you would see the worlds best 'bowl cut'. And if you peek around to the back of his head he's got some fancy mullet action going on. Hotness in the hospital. That's how he rolls.

Dad is doing good today. The cat scan from this morning revealed that his brain or 'grey matter' as Dad keeps calling it has shifted almost 75% back to center. That is a great! On Monday he could only lay at a 0-15 degree incline and today he went all the way up to a 30 degree incline. The hope is tomorrow he can pull a 45er. He really wants to sit up. The plan is to stay in the ICU until Friday with the hopes of possibly being sent home on Sunday. I'm thinking that's a best case scenario but he's heading in that direction.

Yesterday I went to the Third Day website and left a message for their Management Team. I pretty much told what happened to Dad and mention what a big fan he is. I said it would be great if they could write him an e-mail or something...sort of like a celebrity pick-me-up. Those happen everyday, right? Dad was mumbling a third day song through anesthesia in recovery yesterday. He is a nut. Anyhow. It was a shot in the dark but I thought it would be an awesome surprise for Dad if Third Day pulled through on that one. I'm waiting to see if they respond...but I haven't told Dad anything just in case it works out. So Shhh.

I feel bad for because he hasn't gotten one second of sleep since getting to the hospital Monday morning. I would be a zombie by now. He fumbled on a few things today and couldn't remember some things that he normally would have remembered. We're not worried though. His brain isn't fully back to work and he's running on zero sleep...that can't be good for recovery either. Hopefully he sleeps well tonight. Mom was going to see if they could give him a sleeping pill but they weren't sure if they would be able to do that or not.

Mom said he's been going nuts at the hospital trying to find a good picture of Colt to show to the nurses. He loves to show off his grandbaby. Another one of his quests is to try to make his neurosurgeon laugh. Dr. Smith is a really nice guy with great bedside manor but he's quiet and to the point. If you've been around Dad you know it doesn't take long before he makes you laugh. It's funny that Dad keeps talking about getting his Dr to laugh though. It's like his next big challenge.

A few quick bullets:
-My 36 day strike is over. Everyone is back to work if ya know what I'm saying. We're going to start trying though. And I didn't even have to twist Andy's arm! Muh ha ha.

-Colt's snot is disappearing from his nose and his smile is appearing where his frown used to be! Yay!

-I had subway for breakfast and lunch today. Andy said he's going to start calling me Jared. It's turning into a problem people. It's only $5 for an entire foot long? That's a whole 12" of hoagy deliciousness. Did you know that?

That's all for now my friends. Everyone is sleeping so soundly at my house right now. It's so quiet that the tapping of the keyboard is interfering with the beautiful sound of silence.

thank you Jesus

I never would have thought shortly after I posted yesterdays blog my mom would call me with the news I heard. It changed me.

Four weeks ago my Dad slipped and fell at work trying to move pallet. He went to the ER and had a cat scan to reveal a mild concussion. He was released to go back to work the very next day.

Last Monday he went to the doctor complaining about a severe head ache. They said it was a side effect from the concussion and only time would take the head ache away. All day Saturday and Sunday he slept and held his head complaining about pressure. His pain tolerance is unbelievable so it's hard to tell if he's actually in pain or not. He was acting funny and not making much sense all the time, but my Dad goofs around all the time...you can't always take him seriously.

Then this morning when the alarm went off [which he set himself] he asked why my brother was going to church so early in the morning. My mom told him it was Monday. He didn't know. He couldn't remember what he did on Sunday. He doesn't remember talking to the doctor on the phone. He couldn't remember anything he had done all day. Mom got him in the car and took him straight to the E.R. By the time he was at the hospital he couldn't even recall his address.

He ended up having two emergency surgeries today. One was to put a screen in one of his veins to capture blood clots from traveling from his body to his lungs. His other, only a few short hours later was brain surgery. They drilled holes in his skull in hope to drain a 12" long x 1" deep hematoma on the right side of his brain. The hematoma had grown so large it pushed his brain an inch off center causing the pressure and his brain to swell.

He is being monitored at the ICU at Memorial for the next 3-4 days. He'll then be transferred for another few days in a different ward and undergo physical therapy to make sure he gets all his motor skills back. The neurosurgeon says he'll be off work for at least a month but depending on how the next few days go in the ICU, he should fully recover.

Thank you to all my friends out there who have been praying for us.

My Dad was at such peace. Before he was wheeled back for the surgery he looked at my mom, Spencer and I and said ...I know and love Jesus Christ. If anything happens in there...just know that I'm in better hands. I'm not afraid of dying because I know where I'm going if I do.

Mom told him if he gets to the point during surgery and he has the choice of coming back to us...or going...he should choose to come back. Because we need him and there are more grandchildren that want to meet him one day...but if it's to the point where he needs to go...we would understand and he should go.

Mom and Spencer were being strong. Tears were pouring down my face. That is a conversation you imagine having with your father when he is 95 years old and on his death bed...but not now...not like this.

Dad's surgery was a success. There was a 50/50 chance that drilling the holes wouldn't be enough. If that were the case they would have had to cut a piece of his skull out and remove the hematoma and let the brain expand that way. Luckily that wasn't the case and he's being monitored but I think hopefully most of the blood will be able to be drained out.

My Dad is amazing. He is like a father to others. He loves everyone. He is jolly. He is hilarious. He resembles Jesus. He would die for me. He would give his last breath for my child. He is selfless. He is Third Days biggest fan. He cares for the less fortunate. He is an example of hard work. He is giving. He has a joyful spirit. He has a sense of humor that won't die. He loves his wife. He loves his church. He is the one and only.

This picture of Colt and my dad was burned in my thoughts and prayers this afternoon. It was all I could think about. One day I pray my son will cherish this picture of him and his grandpa as much as I do.

Please continue to pray for these next days in the ICU. Please pray the blood will be thin enough to drain completely and no further operations will need to take place. Pray that the source of the bleeding [which is unknown] has clotted up and isn't continuing to bleed. Pray for my mom and my little brother.

God knew on the day my dad was born that we would be here today. He knew that he would be scared and that we would be fully relying on our faith. He knew that within hours, people from New Jersey to Florida...from Wisconsin to Kansas would be in prayer for my Dad.

Thank you Jesus.