Preschool Graduation

Things change in the blink of an eye. It seems as though just yesterday we were bringing Alex home from the hospital after being born and dreaming about the kind of person he would be. We still have those dreams for him, and are enjoying watching him grow into that person. Preschool was one notch on that belt for him.

I admire my son in so many ways, but mostly for his outgoing, adventurous, loving, and kind heart. Although he has his moments when life (or his brother) trips him up, he mostly shows kindness. He loved preschool. His first year of preschool was in New Market at the Elementary school at night. He had Ms. Britt for a teacher and loved it. I would drop him off as he ran in and waved goodbye, sometimes. Most of the time, he just ran in and started playing. Although we loved the program, it was only once a week and it went until 8 at night. That's too late for my little guy who wakes up at 6 in the morning to go to daycare. We were so blessed this year to have our friends, the DenHartogs, offer to take him to preschool during the day. We would not have had this opportunity for Alex if they hadn't offered.

He attended Sonshine Preschool at Holy Trinity Church in New Prague, with his best friend - Carter. His teacher was Ms. Marilyn and the teacher helpers were Ms. Jenny and Ms. Stacey. Alex went every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-3:30. Alex loved going to preschool for many reasons, but mostly because he didn't have to take a nap on those days. They went on three field trips during the year; to the Arboretum, the Children's Theater to see a play of Eric Carl's Hungry Hungry Caterpillar, and to the local park and library. 

 

For Alex's preschool graduation, the kids brought and decorated their bikes for a bike parade in the cul-de-sac by the church. The kids lined up with their bikes and one by one as they played Pomp and Circumstance on the radio, they each got a moment in the spotlight to ride around the circle while family members cheered them on. Alex was so excited for this moment as it meant he was officially a big boy. He rode around that circle, standing up while pedaling and then the balloon wrapped around his neck. While this might trip up some other kids, not my kid (yes, I'm bragging). He didn't stop and he had a smile on his face the entire time.

As he heads off to Kindergarten this fall, I have mixed emotions. From being only a thought in my head, to the moment he was born, to this moment now, things have changed and I think about life differently. I worry I didn't do enough of things though. Did I hug him enough, does he know how much I love him, does he know enough about right and wrong, will he continue to love to learn and explore, and the list goes on and on. I worry about the cruelties of other kids, but mostly, the idea of "you can't get this moment back" runs like a bad movie in my mind. I worry about things I can't control. I know I will learn to let this go and we will all survive, and I guess this is what they say being is a mother is all about.

My kid is growing up into a big boy with a new-found independence. He doesn't need me as much, but he still needs me. He will always need me. He's my son.

Thank You!

In a lot of ways this school year has seemed like it would never end. There have been many professional and personal challenges this year. I have wanted for summer for a while now, for a break and for a chance to breath. But, deep down, I'm not ready for the end of this school year. 

The end of this school year marks my amazing mother's end to her 36 year teaching career in Jordan. While I am extremely happy for her and for our family, my heart breaks as her colleague. I see the lives she touches every day and students who look to her almost as their own mother. I see the passion she has for her career and hope to some day be the kind of educator she has always been. 

Our department made a video for her and presented it to her about a week ago. I wasn't sure if I was going to share it, but I can't resist. 

I love you, Mom! There is truly no one in the world like you. I am looking forward to our last couple of weeks working together. Jordan will never be the same.

A Day for Miracles

One thing I have learned in the past year is how many special and thoughtful people are in my life. I was lucky enough last March to enjoy a peaceful weekend at my friend's cabin. It was just the girls. We packed our bags, our crafts and headed up there determined to get some girl/craft time in. Little did I know this would be a much needed break, stress reliever. We had a great time talking, enjoying each others company, getting projects done, (they helped me make about 120 turtles for Alex's birthday invitations), and watching some movies. I arrived back home in the late afternoon on Sunday. 

My parents came over shortly after I got back and had some news for us. My dad had gone to the Mayo Clinic the previous week for his check-up and to get a new timeline for what needs to happen. I wasn't prepared for the next words out of their mouths. My dad told me that the Doctor had told him he didn't have long left. It could be weeks or a few months, but they were doing all they could do for him right now, and they thought that he wouldn't be sick enough to get a liver off the transplant list.

The news hit me like a ton of bricks. I remember thinking I shouldn't cry in front of my Dad because he needs strong people around him who will help lift him up and pull him through. I remember my Dad saying he wasn't going to give up, he wanted to live. And, I remember a ton of thoughts, pictures, memories going through my mind. I couldn't lose him yet. I wouldn't lose him yet. My kids are young, I want them to remember their Grandpa Johnson. I tried not to let my brain go to the "what if's" or the "if only's" of the past. That doesn't do anyone any good. I cried. He has changed, he's doing everything right, he's strong, he wants this...why is this happening? We went out to dinner that night with my parents and I remember coming home and crying. Trying not to think about everything all at one, trying to sleep, trying to think positive/happy thoughts. I didn't sleep much. 

The next day, my mom and I drove separately to school because I was supposed to tutor. I was extremely crabby, sad, mad, etc... I remember not wanting to talk to anyone, trying to focus on school, trying to not think about everything all at once. I was about to go into my first hour classroom when my mom got a call at school. We shared an office at the time, so I was in there with her. I remember her face, her expression, her tears. I remember thinking something bad happened...already. It was just yesterday, I can't process this fast. I remember when she got off the phone and said, "THEY HAVE A LIVER FOR DAD!" The doctor had called my dad that morning to tell him there was a liver they thought would be a match for my dad. My dad had been in the shower when they called his cell phone. He didn't hear it. Then the he couldn't get to the phone. He finally got to the phone and he told me he thought he was still sleeping, dreaming. 

Everyone at school was happy for my Dad, my Mom, our family. My principal even waited on hold for a while when my husband was on the phone with me! We immediately got the "okay" to leave, and drove on icy roads all the way home. My mom and Dad picked me up and we headed down to Rochester. We saw many accidents, cars in the ditches on the way there. My mom wasn't slowing down, my dad was riding passenger, and I was in the backseat reading off the directions of "what to do now, where to go, who to call, etc...". My mom and I were very excited, my Dad was nervous. He kept saying, "Let's just wait until we get there, it's not for sure yet". I know this was his way of protecting himself, not getting his hopes up too much. 

We arrived mid-morning at the hospital, got my Dad checked-in and my brother's arrived. Doctors were coming and going all day long with tests and questions. My Mom was so prepared with her thick binder full of previous reports, information about liver transplant, phone numbers, names, etc... 

We laughed and talked during the day - the five of us. The staff of doctors, nurses, specialists, etc... at Mayo Clinic were awesome. My Dad was sure lucky! In talking with my Dad's doctor they were completely surprised that this was happening, too. It had not even been a week ago that they had told my Dad he probably wouldn't get a liver. But, this liver came in from someone who had passed. They went to the transplant list and went down it matching all the criteria (blood type, body fat, age, etc...) and my Dad was the first one eligible for this liver. I am humbled.

 

Before my Dad left for surgery, the one of the clergymen came and said a prayer with our family. As the two doctors wheeled my dad's bed off into surgery I felt excitement at the possibilities and sadness at the other possibilities. I didn't try to go there too much. Positive thoughts only. The doctor's started surgery around 8 pm and were in surgery well into the night. I went home that night to be with my boys and Andy. I went back the next day. He was transferred out of the ICU to the normal transplant recovery unit and seemed to be in and out of varied measurements of pain. He was so positive and it was easy to follow his lead. 

After being discharged about a week later, my parents stayed down in Rochester for about a month. They were in a hotel room and had numerous appointments. Colleagues of ours put money in to purchase gift cards for restaurants, gas, groceries, etc., friends and family came to make visits and drop off things to do for entertainment, or food. My parents, and our family, were fortunate to have so many people in our corner saying prayers, and showing the good will of people. Again, I was humbled.

I thank God every single day for this miracle in our lives. Because of this "perfect storm" of the liver, and people in our lives from the friends, family, doctors, nurses, and so many others, our lives will be full and happy because we get this second chance with my Dad. He can be the Dad, Husband, Grandfather, Friend for all of us that he was meant to be. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you!

**My Dad is doing so well now, six months after the transplant. He has been able to work with my brother, Luke. He is continuing on his road of sobriety. He is an excellent Grandpa; coming to watch baseball games, soccer, getting Alex on the bus, chasing frogs with Aiden, and so much more! He and my mom are enjoying her retirement and their new life together. Thank you for all the support!**

Finding the Fun Indoors

With the extreme cold temperatures and never ending snow, we have tried to find activities indoors to do this winter as well.

Andy and our friend, Sam, took a trip the Lake of the Woods this winter.  Eva and I took the kids to Pump It Up in Shakopee for a day of fun in the big inflatables and balls.  They had a blast.  We were there for hours and packed a "picnic" lunch.  We took a good bath when we got home, but they were tired.  Eva and I were laughing on our way out because as we were walking, Aiden's eyes were closing.  How can you fall asleep walking?  It was a success!

We also cleaned out our closets and organized the drawers.  He wanted to wear this to preschool.  I look like a "professional football player" Mom! 

While Andy and the other Dad's were away on another fishing trip, the Mom's and kids (11 total) got together at a friend's house for a play date. It was a great time, but I am totally looking forward to Mom's weekend away in March!

I got to take a field trip the Children's Theater with Carter and Alex through Preschool to see the play "Hungry Hungry Caterpillar".  I have never seen anything like it before, I was amazed!  The bus ride was also fun since we were the first ones on the bus, we got to choose our seats first.  The boys insisted on the back seat!  

With all the snow days this winter, we were thankful for some indoor activities such as the Kiwi Crates from Uncle Nate and Aunty Abby.  We also played with play dough, legos, went to dinner, the Lego movie, played with the Wii and with other indoor toys.

Oh! Did I mention we all had the flu at some point this winter. Ugh.

Kindergarten shots for my big boy!

With all that said...Winter, we are done.  We enjoyed all your activities and it is time for you to leave. Bring on Spring!

A Snowy and Cold Winter

Let's face it. This winter has been brutal. It seems like when it hasn't been below zero and frigid; it has been above zero and snowing. I have questioned more than once why we continue to live in the frozen tundra. I think it all comes back to family and roots, but it is often tempting to pack up and move South.  

Even with the cold and snow, we have had a few days to enjoy the benefits of living here.  Sledding in my parent's backyard is the perfect little afternoon activity. The hill isn't too big for the boys climb back up, but big enough to go down and have fun. 

On two particular days this winter, we got all bundled up and walked over to my parent's house.  It's not too far, about 1.5 miles and it is just nice to get out in the fresh air once in a while.  

We also enjoyed building a snowman or two.  Of course we helped ourselves to some hot chocolate afterwards as well.

One night, the boys and I were feeling particularly ambitious and dug out a tunnel in the snow at our house.  They thought that was so cool!  I remember doing it as a kid and just thinking how awesome and unique our snow houses were.  Some day they can do that too.  Maybe not yet.  The tunnel was ambitious enough for now. :)