Daughter, Sister, Friend...

We got a great surprise this weekend. Nikki called on Tuesday to say that she was coming to Indy to stay for the weekend. We hadn't seen her since Christmas, so we were very excited about her visit. I have known Nikki since she was in third grade. I was working for the YMCA afterschool program and she was one of my kids (almost 13 years ago). During this time, I developed a life changing friendship with her mom, Jill. Jill was a single mom of two and was active in the air force. While I was in college, Jill started hiring me to stay with her kids while she was out of town for work/play. My friendship with Jill continued to grow over the years as did my relationship with Nikki. They made me feel a part of their family. To say that Jill was an amazing person is an understatement. Strong, devoted, intelligent, fun, witty, are all qualities of Jill's that I know see in Nikki. Jill was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through several surgeries and chemo treatments with amazing strength. While the cancer went into remission, it was short lived. The cancer returned and Jill passed away one week before Jake was born. Nikki was just 15. She moved out to Missouri (or as she use to say Misery) to live with her dad. I was upset about this move at first, but she was mature beyond her years and knew what was best for her. ( She finished high school a year early, has a degree in accounting, starting her masters degree this week...and is only 21) My relationship with Nikki is one that I treasure, as I do my time with her. I can talk to her like a sister, stay up at night worrying about her (or lecturing her) like a mother, and help her cross things off of her "bucket list" like a friend. Her relationship with my boys and Chris makes her an important part of my family now. Chris loves and worries about her as much as I do. The boys never forget her in their prayers. Love you Nikki.

Move Over Manning!

Jake played his first football game this Saturday. Jake was very impressive "cutting back" and tackling. He played quarterback and linebacker. He ran in 3 touchdowns. I am seeing my future as an NFL mom...put in your order for season tickets now!

Getting his team ready.

I think there were more dads on the field than players.

Running in another TD!

First Grade

Wednesday was Jake's first day of first grade. Being on vacation and trying to get my own classroom ready, I really hadn't stopped to think about this milestone in Jake's life. That morning Chris brought Jake to school to make sure he got settled in. As they were leaving my classroom to go to his, Jake's big brown eyes filled with tears of nervousness and the fear of the unknown. At that point it hit me too. We stood outside my classroom hugging and crying. Thankfully, Chris took him to his room and by the time they got their Daddy had him laughing. I am going to miss spending lazy summer days with him, but I am excited for what is to come for him.

Dear Jake,

How exciting! Your first day of first grade. I am so excited for this new adventure in your life. When Daddy and I made the decision to send you to the same school that Mommy taught in, we thought that we were doing the best thing for you. Little did we know that we were doing the best thing for Mommy and Daddy. I spent much time thinking about which teacher to put you with and I thank God that I have that choice. Most parents send their child to a complete stranger. I worried about you all morning (even though I knew Mrs. Skeel was taking good care of you), but when you passed my room and gave me a big smile I was able to breath again. Your Daddy had already texted me to see how you were, and of course, as soon as I saw you I had to text him back. These are a few things that Daddy and I hope you learn now that you are in school full time.

1. We hope you learn to love reading...it will take you on great adventures.

2. There is more honor in failing than cheating.

3. Have faith in your own ideas.

4. For every enemy, there is a friend.

5. Be gentle with gentle people, but stand your ground with tough people.

6. Have the strength not to jump on the bandwagon if it is headed down the wrong road.

7. Always have sublime faith in yourself and mankind.

8. Remember that the most important relationship you can have is the one you have with God. Even you don't feel like he is there, just close your eyes, fall to your knees and let Him enter your heart.

9. Have the courage to be brave, and the patience to make good decisions.

10. While we may not always agree with your decisions, we will always love you. There is nothing you can't talk to us about. We are incredibly proud of you.

Love Always,

Mommy and Daddy

Lake Michigan

To celebrate the end of summer break, we traveled to the shores of Lake Michigan the week before school started. We camped for six days at Indiana Dunes State Park. This was by far one of the best, most relaxing vacations (not to mention cheapest) we have ever taken.

Enjoying the Sunset.

Fun in the sand.

Playing in the water.

Digging a hole in the sand.

Getting buried in the sand.

Luke finally became comfortable riding his bike...every five minutes he wanted to go on a bike ride.

Exploring the great outdoors.


On one of the many hikes.




Luke all tuckered out.

Taking a break from our 7 mile hike.


This snake slithered right in front of me on our hike. I didn't even scream...I should get some type of award...

Chris teaching the boys to split wood for the fire.


Jake ended up doing it all week for us.