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I had forgotten how much I love this blog.  It took me reading two posts to smile and think, "YES!  I need to keep doing this!"  So they are not 9 and 11 anymore, but 10 and almost 13.  Yiiiiiiiiiikes is right.  Almost a teenager.  That has baffled me for some time now.  How has this happened?  My baby almost a teenager?  He is really turning into such a funny character with opinions,  hopes, a sensitive heart....he is growing up.  I really do love this age.  I always thought I would dread this but I enjoy joking with him, teasing him a bit and being able to talk with him more like an older kid.  I see his soft heart so often when we are out and about, I see him helping others without being asked.  I love the person he is becoming.

Maggie.  This little tiny person that once shouted her demands at us is now so soft spoken (in school), yet quietly confident in who she is, her dreams, goals and future.  She is determined, works so hard and is soooooo sassy. Sassy in a good way that will benefit her as she gets older, and even now.  Her caring heart is so evident in everything she does.  This girl has a passion for animals and people that need a little extra something.  I just cannot wait to see what she grows up to do with all this love she has in her heart.

As a parent, sometimes I think "My word, am I doing anything right?  Are we even on the right path?  What will they turn out to be?"  Constantly I ask myself that.  There is no guidebook, no advice column with all the answers checked off in a box.  Still, we struggle daily in making decisions that will affect our children forever.  I am reminded in reading this blog that I am so proud of, not just these two kids, but my family.  I'm so happy that we get to be in this life together.  I realize that I just upped the "cheese factor" with that last sentence, but it is so true and there is just no other way to put it.  I am feeling especially lucky to get to spend this life with these 3 other people.  I cannot wait to keep sharing fun stories about our family.

A Visit With Cousins

We are currently on our way home from a long Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee with Katie, Jimmy and the kids.  Katie and I decided that it would be fun to surprise her kids. They had no idea we were coming and it was so cute!! They all hugged and jumped up and down. The girls immediately took off to play. The boys weren't really sure what to do at first then soon entered into inseparable video game land together. We had a great time just hanging out and relaxing. When we left today my kids cried and cried and cried. I realized that I don't always think about how important these trips to Milwaukee are for all of us. It's so easy to get caught up in day to day life...my kids adore their cousins AND their aunt and uncle. Mark and I LOVE spending time with all of them as well. It is heartwarming to see that our children love to be with each other so much that it brings them to tears when we have to leave. Although it is always hard to leave, I am glad that they have such wonderful connections! I can't wait to see how these kids grow up together, cause trouble together and learn from each other.