Spring Break '09!

Tomorrow is officially the last day of our wonderful spring break 2009. No, we didn't travel to some exotic location, and we certainly didn't struggle through another surgery for Kolbe like last spring break. We simply spent it as our little family in our little house in little ol' Lubbock just enjoying the little things together. Mark was off from school for the week and spent the entire time with us! (Really! He didn't pick up a school book once, even though he might regret that come Monday!) Here's a few pictures of the excitement that occurred:

Mark's mom has just finished building a beautiful new house. We were able to go over a few times this week to "help out" (code phrase for probably being more of a hindrance than anything else...) This picture is of Mark and her in her gorgeous new kitchen! (Laura=jealous) Miss Lora is so deserving of this beautiful new home and we're so happy for her!

My new favorite picture!...Should probably be titled "Mama's Got Her Hands Full"...literally.

Looks like Grandma's are full too!

Over spring break, we had several "spring cleaning" goals, the biggest of which were to clean out our shed in the back yard, clean our our garage, and attempt to start getting our grass in kid-friendly order for the summer. Kolbe LOVED helping Mark out with all things outdoors. Daddy finally let him hold the hose on his own! Doesn't he look so excited!?!

Too bad no one told him that if he waters the same spot for a long period of time, it will create a big puddle...a puddle that will look so enticing to walk through...and even more enticing to sit in...but not nearly as enjoyable as it led on to be!!!

Such a classic shot! Love it!

Today we met up with Mandi and Shelby at the park to play on the playground and feed the ducks. I'm sure you can guess what Kolbe's favorite part was...the ducks, of course! He was totally fascinated!

Why just swing when you can swing and work on your cast as well???

Mr. Handsome climbing a tree. (He thought it was pretty cool until he got distracted by a ladybug...)

Mr. Reagaroo doing what the rest of world would love to do for all of spring break too!

Reagan's Baptism

Our sweet little one, Reagan Mark, was baptized last weekend on March 7th (his original due date!). We were blessed to have my brother, Mike, and sister-in-law, Casey, in town. They will serve as Reagan's godparents throughout his journey in life as a Christian and a Catholic. We were also happy to be joined by plenty of other family members to celebrate the sacrament with us.

Reagan was a champ! He was a little bit fussy, but surprisingly quieted down when Fr. Jim O'Connor poured the water over his head! He definitely filled out the baptismal outfit much better than Kolbe did. (He's up to 8 1/2 pounds now!) Before we left for the church, Mark got Kolbe dressed while I was nursing Reagan and happened upon a bag full of my brothers' clip on ties from when they were little. Even though it was way too big, he clipped one on Kolbe shirt and sent him out to me. When he came waltzing into the family room, I literally was brought to tears by how cute he looked! Part of me was laughing at the "adorable-ness" of his little outfit and the other part just couldn't believe my baby had grown up so much! He's turning into such a little boy!

After the baptism, we went to Popo's house for lunch and then later celebrated with Mark's parents by having a delicious steak dinner. It was certainly a wonderful and special day for our little guy! Praise God for the gift of baptism!

Reagan with his parents, godparents and big bro

Reagan Mark with his godparents, Mike and Casey Hefferly

Reagan's baptism by water!

Such a beautiful new Catholic!

Is he not the cutest big brother you've ever seen!?! (ok, maybe just the cutest little 15 month old period!)

A Beautiful Life

To my Popo, my godfather, my friend,

Thank you for sharing my childhood with me, and thank you for allowing me to share your journey to heaven! I have been so blessed to be loved by you, and my two little boys are more than privledged to have known you! I will make sure they teach their cousins about the amazing man that you were! I couldn't be happier for you, Popo!

John Edward Gaschen
September 23, 1928 - February 27, 2009

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Summer 1982...with me!

December 2007- with Kolbe

February 2009- holding Reagan

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him!

Ribbit, Ribbit!

Move over, Kermit! I'm the new frog on the block!