Summer

Hudson's Fall 2011

Hudson's Fall 2011
Corbin, Kennedy, Karla, Chase, Casey, Kyndal

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Back in Routine

Well, we have somewhat settled into a routine...it's sometimes crazy and unpredictable, but it's our definition of a routine right now. I am finishing my 3rd week back at work and it seriously has flown by. I have been swamped. That's a good thing, helps make the days seem to go faster while I'm missing my sweet baby boy.

I was welcomed back with a decorated office door.....so thoughtful....I actually just took the decorations down today. My co-workers were happy to have me back, I am so blessed to work with two supportive people and to have some flexibility to my job. But I didn't realize that going back to work would get harder with each child. It's still tearing me up to be away from him so much. So we take it one day at a time...

One thing is for certain, I am also blessed to have such a loving provider care for baby Chase (and Kennedy too!) in my absence. Lora has taken care of each of my babies, we've had at least one child in her care at all times for over 7 years now. She is like family and is a dear friend. I can't imagine having to search for a trustworthy provider all over again. We are praying that she continues daycare for at least 5 more years!!! Here she is cuddling Chase on his 1st day:

Chase is now exactly 2 months old, almost 9 weeks. I will post some new pictures soon! He has already changed so much and is such a sweet content child. We are looking forward to sharing all of our fall traditions with him, it's a good thing he's a go-with-the-glow little trooper! Have a great weekend everyone!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

A Decade Gone By...

Happy (very belated) Anniversary!!! Casey and I celebrated the big 1-0 this year on September 9!!! We canceled our weekend getaway plans when my Grandmother passed away, but we plan to reschedule for sometime this fall.

Ten years have flown by!!! Here is my attempt to recollect a significant event from each of the last ten amazing and crazy years with my generous, fun-loving, go-with-the-flow hubby!

2000: We did it, we tied the knot! September 9, 2000
2001: We had our first (and last?) pet...yellow lab, Jasper!
2002: We literally built our first home from the ground up! 1963 Timber Ridge Rd
2003: We welcomed our 1st baby, Kyndal Noelle, March 26!
2004: We settled into our new home in the country, 4301 West F!
2005: Our first baby boy was born! Corbin Dee, June 22
2006: We moved to another acreage, 4300 W. Peach St; Grandma Hudson moved to town!
2007: We were blessed with another baby girl, Kennedy Faith, March 28!
2008: SIL Erika + family moved to Lincoln!
2009: Casey was offered a position at the University of Nebraska!
2010: God is sooo good..celebrated the birth of last child, Chase Earl and 10 years of marriage!

From champagne to sno cones, celebrating 10 years family-style!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Adventureland

Last Saturday we woke up bright and early and loaded up from my Aunt's house in Missouri and drove the short 1.5 hours to Des Moines, IA to Adventureland. We had intended on going earlier in the summer but time got away from us.

The kids were a little hesitant at first, it was their first time at a theme park. And even though Casey's hopes of having 3 thrill seeking, roller-coaster riding, big ride begging kiddos didn't come true, they all warmed up to the action and had a blast on the kid rides. Chase slept pretty much all day and the weather was perfect.

Loving the Frog Hopper
Strike a pose Chase!
Corbin was so excited to ride the bumper cars all by himself until they started and he realized he couldn't reach the pedals! He sat there and cried as Casey kept bumping into him. Poor guy!
Kennedy riding the train
We LOVE Dippin Dots! They got to eat ice cream for lunch!!!
The carousel...K's favorite ride :o) She rode it over and over and over again.
We love Adventureland!
....still sleeping....
Loving our sno cones!


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

A Sad Farewell

I have been MIA again....Last week was a sad week, my Grandma Lowe passed away early Tuesday morning. I am thankful that my Grandma is no longer suffering, that she is now "dancing with Jesus" ....the words I used to help explain to my children.

My grandmother (Mom's Mother) suffered from lung cancer. She has endured so much pain the last few years especially but has held on for months longer than the doctor's originally predicted. She was a fighter. Along with the cancer she also had a blood clot in her lung, an aneuryism in her aorta, pneumonia and heart problems. Grandma was 78 years when she passed.

Though I was only able to visit Grandma once/year for most of my life, I have so many wonderful memories of her and the times I shared in her home. Here are just a few:

1. When we came to visit, they were always waiting on the porch, standing together, waving, eager for our arrival. As we tumbled out of the car, their arms were reaching, open wide, ready to give a big bear hug and kiss on the cheek.

2. When we left, we lined up for a picture with them and they again watched us take off again, waving until we were out of sight.

3. I'm not sure if there's any truth to it or not, but I like to believe that part of the reason my Grandpa chose their home in the tiny town of Cincinnati, IA, is because directly across the gravel street from their house is the town's park. We spent HOURS at that park, running back and forth to Grandma's house to "check in" and grab snacks. Grandma always warned us when we were younger "don't go to the big end!" We used to roll our eyes and joke about it, but it was her way of protecting us.

4. I remember spending a couple weeks of the summer a few different years with my grandparents, sans parents. One particular memory always stands out. Grandma Lowe took my sisters and I to the grocery store and said, "fill it up". We looked at her like she had two heads. She said again "Fill it up. If you don't start picking things out, you'll be awfully hungry!" We got to pick out all the groceries, that was so cool!

5. I walk around her home now and think how huge it seemed when I was growing up. The tempting banister leading up the stairs, how she had so many different bedrooms upstairs (3), and how all of us, aunts, uncles, grandkids, would fit around the dining room table. I will never forget those huge family meals.

My Grandma will be greatly missed, but I am blessed with so many memories and from having her in my life. Rest now, Grandma, I will meet you again one day in heaven!

These pictures were taken at our family reunion this summer in June:

Grandma Lowe
Mom, Grandma Lowe, me, Corbin, Kennedy, Kyndal

Mom and Grandma, sister Karon, me, sister Kara

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Shout Out!!

Just want to give a shout out and a huge thank you to two of my favorite bloggy AND real life friends for the homemade meal (complete with dessert!) they made for our family Sunday evening! Not only did we enjoy the food on a normally hectic evening (Corbin had an afternoon soccer game and Casey plays sand volleyball Sunday evenings leaving me solo with the kiddos and the meal planning!) but I've been savoring the leftovers for my lunches while at home this week!

Thank you to Jodee and Kim for your thoughtfulness, we have loved every bite! Here is the special cake they made, including the famous cake picks that Jodee creates:


Too bad Chase can't enjoy the cake...I have had my fair share and his as well! And by the results of his last weigh-in, he doesn't need the extra calories :o) Have a great week!