Happy Anniversary!

We were married on May 29, 2004 and had ...oh this is cheesy "The time of our life" in a beautiful, "Dirty Dancing"esque wedding and reception overlooking White Lake. In the 6 years that followed, our lives have been blessed. I love you dearly. Thank-you so much for our beautiful babies and life together:)

Me and my babes: Maya, 4- Beanie, 2- Bro...new


Daddy and the girls.
I love you honey, Happy Anniversary! Jen

Higher Education

Spartan Alum and Two Future Spartans- Bro- stop with the judging. One day you will sit in the student section and act stupid too. Maya, make mama proud and become a Spartan cheerleader one day:)

One day, Beans, you too will walk these sidewalks in East Lansing.

Maya and Adalae: Future Pioneers, Go East!

ten really great sounds...or words or phrases

In no real, particular order...
1. The sound of a baby belly laughing.
2. The very first time you hear your baby crying.
3. "I'm Sorry."
4. you've been accepted.
5. "I love you."- or any kid derivative of this phrase
6. stillness- nothingness
7. chaos and laughter
8. a baby or child deep breathing as they slip into sleep in your arms.
9. your favorite music playing, in your favorite establishment, with your favorite drink and your favorite person.
10. "thank-you."

Owwie Potion and some random thoughts...

Owwie Potion...
Spring has sprung and with it so have the number of "owwies" in my classroom and at home. I developed a secret potion that my students and lil sweeties and I concoct that makes them go away. Amazing, truly amazing and a reason why I love young children so much that a make believe potion with ingredients that include just time, love and attention can solve any ailment. It also makes me wish that I had an "Owwie Potion" for the school budget cuts as well as pretty much the entire economical crisis that is putting our families and friends in a very difficult position. It is very hard to watch family and friends struggle and worry about continuing to provide for their families. I prefer to stay out of work discussion and constant rumors, but it is getting more and more contentious my the day.

Speaking of contention...a few random thoughts
Most people have their own way of dealing with negativity. I prefer to ignore it, well after I have progressed through my stages of anger. Stage One: Power walks with a poor sap who is forced to listen to my ranting. Thank-you to those who do this for me, you are special. Stage Two: Clean the house...really thoroughly, so thank-you also to those who piss me off, you are also special and actually serve a good purpose. (Perhaps someone should call me and tell me how to raise my strong willed child, that could elicit some strong, needed cleaning) Stage Three: Lament to those in my inner core, and yes, at this point solicit the needed kudo's, pat's on the back and "it could be so much worse and you are completely right, and perhaps...just perhaps you could see this perspective...." speeches from some of the best friends ever. Ahhh, woosah, now I am able to ignore the drama. And you know, mostly, with the exception of the BIG owwies, it is ALL just drama. So many better and productive things to focus on in life than drama....and if it does happen, because it does....thank-you wise person who told me that it is only a problem if you can't think of one conceivable, livable solution...even if it involves hard work. How often will that happen?

Turning 30...a Decade in Review

Happy Birthday to K.P and ME!! I feel empowered to be turning 30 and while Kirk doesn't quite share in my excitement to close a chapter on the 20's he is warming up to the idea. This isn't Facebook, and I'm not soliciting any kuddo's here so if you aren't in the mood to hear me brag, then stop reading.
I am proud of what Kirk and I have accomplished in the past 10 years and as a I reminisce I am reminded that the best of the 20's were with him and they have only gotten better since we have been together. So I'm lucky, I found my soul mate and that makes my 20's rock in and of itself.
1o years ago I was a sophomore at MSU and trying to love the carefree college existence, I actually craved the stability of home, struggled with the major I wanted versus the major my dad wanted and pretty much felt that Mr. Right had come and gone. Jeez, the drama. Like most things in life....when you stop complaining and wondering why things are crappy and start doing something about them- life started getting better and gaining momentum. I made the decision to re-declare my major to early childhood development and started taking classes that were actually fun...with people who ended up being my best college friends- oh and one became my husband.
Spending a semester in Australia was another turning point and an unforgettable experience. My last year in college was a blur and then I "met" Kirk...I actually blew him off several times my senior year and...little could I have known then that he is not the best with second, or third chances....must not have been able to resist destiny or ME:)) We dated for 8 months, gasp...moved in and were engaged 5 minutes later. I LOVED our wedding and reception, outside, overlooking White Lake. So Dirty Dancing esque. We spent a great year in a one bedroom apartment, before buying the cozy house that became what is now our sweet, cozy home. Maya Helene was born in the Fall of 2005. It was the most amazing day of Kirk and my life together. Completely indescribable, but like the other most amazing days of our lives...one that was so perfect, you would almost not want to relive it, because the memory of it was everything you would every have wanted and more. Adalae Jean was born next in the Fall of 2007 and brought a sissy for Maya and more Joy for Kirk and I. Beans is JOY. She can light up a room with her cheesy smile and crack you up with her daily antics. Riston Cooper-Kenneth, our SON was born in September of 2009. His personality is still evolving, but he has an easy smile and the girls love there lil 'bro.
So, wow, finished undergrad, met Mr. Right, started my career, got married, bought a house, got pregnant... 3 times and brought 3 beautiful babies into the world, finished my graduate degree and have worked full time for the last 7 years. The best thing about the 20's is knowing that I left no stone un-turned, no regrets, only complete and utter fulfillment. It is the best possible birthday gift in the world. So, am I sad to be turning 30? No way. I feel for the first time like I can breathe, stop and smell the flowers with my babies and enjoy the fruits of some serious labor. I can and will coast....well as much as anyone who really knows me- knows that I am capable of doing. Look out 30's here I come:) My next installment...thinking of the 30's Bucket List