Cullen's graduation

with Mrs. Salazar & Mrs. Stolarck

Joe Cool with Kenton

Well, Cullen survived his first year (well, 3 months) of preschool. He loved it and thrived, considering he was the youngest in the class. It was cute to see their graduation, they sang several songs for us. Cullen did okay, although he kept asking Mrs. Stolarck if it was over yet.

Military Ball

Sean and I went to the Military Ball Friday night. We hadn't been to one in four years (I was newly pregnant with Cullen at the last one.) I was somewhat dreading it... we had to find a sitter, I had to find a formal dress, Sean had to put his uniform together, I had to figure out what I was going to do with my hair, we had just got back to CO, etc, etc... But once we were there, I remembered how proud it makes me to be part of this little piece of Americana. The Ball has so much history and tradition and it's something most people never get to experience. This is our 6th ball (we went to at least 3 when Sean was still in ROTC at K-State). I was surprised how many people were there (about 900-1,000 people)- it was significantly larger than any one I've been to before.

The Grog Bowl Ceremony brought me back to K-State. Sean was asked to run (MC) the Grog Bowl his senior year at K-State. He and the team were asked to run the Grog Bowl this year too. It's a fun tradition where the guys dress up and add strange items to the punch bowl... some items include: a boot with Iraq sand, blood, doughnuts, and lots of random alcohol! Sean did well with it and was able to keep it fun. He's got the gift of gab and was able to ad lib the lulls.

Sean and the team were also awarded the Thorne Award at the ball. It's awarded every year to the best ODA (team) in 10th SF Group. It's a great honor. Our friend Matt's team won this award last year, which is very cool.

As I was leaving for the ball, Cullen said to me "Bye momma, have fun at the dance with daddy!" It was so cute, it sounded like something a 8 year old would say! He was a little upset when I told him I was going to a dance. He thought I was going to CoCo's wedding and he didn't want to miss that! I finally got it through to him that it was NOT CoCo's wedding and only then did he decide it was okay for us to go without him. :)

with Sonya

with Ellen

The guys getting the Thorne Award

The guys doing the Grog Bowl Ceremony

Some of the contents of the Grog (after all the alcohol is gone).

preschool field day

Doing the sack races
(great view of Pikes Peak in background)

blowing bubbles

the tunnel in the obstacle course

racing against Mrs. Salazar

I helped at Cullen's field day today. It was pretty cold and windy, but the kids didn't seem to mind. They all had fun- I think Cullen's favorite was rolling down the hill (which wasn't even a station). He graduates from preschool Tuesday, I think we'll both miss it this summer...

mother's day gift

Cullen climbing a tree

PaPa with the boys

A little off center, but I love Finn's expression.
(I can't believe how red his hair looks here!)

Uncle D playing with Finn

Sean got the camera I've been wanting for my birthday/anniversary/mother's day gift(s). I LOVE it! Here are some random snapshots I took- just trying to figure out all the settings. I'm so excited to have a nice camera! Lord knows, I love to take pictures...

Josh and Coco's wedding weekend

My three handsome boys after the reception.

Saying goodnight to Coco

Cullen being ornery with the groomsmen.

Finn finally fell asleep at the reception.
(briefly...)

Cullen running in circles with the nephews.

Waiting for the ceremony to start

Hanging out with the flower girls!

Helping Courtney get poofed

mmmm mimosas

A tired ring bearer and father of the bride...

with the beautiful bride

We had a great time at my sister and brother in law's wedding! We were relieved that Cullen cooperated as the ring bearer! He did his job just as we asked. When it was time to walk back down the aisle at the end of the ceremony, he took off running after the flower girls. :) I wish I had more pictures, but it flew by... so I can't wait to see the professional pictures! Cullen was in his element at the reception!! He was such a ham, hanging out with the groomsmen and running with Josh's nephews. He found himself in the middle of the action several times- in the middle of the groomsmen as they chanted their soccer stuff, and right next to Coco during the maid of honor's toast... Congratulations, Courtney and Josh!!

Finn's Baptism

Finn and Cullen with baby Clare
Clare was very tolerant of Finn trying to touch her eyes!

Finn with his godparents- Aunt Coco & Uncle D

The boys with GG and GPa-Pa

We had Finn Baptized Sunday. We were happy to have him baptized at my grandparent's church (as was Cullen). Finn and Cullen are the 5th generation in my family to be Baptized at that church. I was Baptized there, as well as my mom, my grandpa, and both of his parents.

In honor of all Moms (dads too)...

On my 2nd birthday with my Great-Great Aunt Adah Finn, me & mom,

my Aunt Teresa, and my Aunt Linda.

Top picture- me (@2 1/2) with my mom and a litter of our puppies
Bottom picture- me (@16 months) with my dad and his way sweet hair ;)

I read this poem recently at Cullen's preschool and I think it's appropriate for upcoming Mother's Day! I know I think of my own mom and grandma

(and you too, dad and grandpa!) when I read it...

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you pick up a soda can and I learned it is important to recycle and take care of our Earth.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you smiled and it made me want to look that pretty too.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked... and I want to say thanks for all the things you did when you thought I wasn't looking.

~~ Mary Rita Schilke Korzan
More than two decades ago, a young woman soon to graduate from college and get married reflected on her life and was filled with gratitude for the goodness and example of her mother. After praying for divine assistance to express in words her love and appreciation, Mary Rita Schilke Korzan wrote a poem titled “When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking” and dedicated it to her mother. Years later she was surprised to find the poem in a book with the words “author unknown.” Mary eventually unraveled the mystery of lost authorship, driven by a desire that those who read the poem would know the person who inspired it—her mother.