Happenings!

So much has been going on lately! All GREAT! 

Let me go back a bit! 

May 21-27 - my sweet sister Cassidee and her family came to visit!! Our "sister time" goes back over 7 years ago. Needless to say, quality time with Cass was much needed!! She is younger and sweeter than I, always a joy to be near, and will be welcoming her second son the beginning of October!! While here, Cass & Mark celebrated their 4th anniversary & I got to soak up some nephew time! Once they got used to him, the girls also enjoyed playing with energetic Marek!! He's adorable & always so happy!! I loved spending time with the Cooney family, enjoyed observing my li'l sister be a Mama, and like the fact that we're pregnant together!! Our kids will be close in age! 

June 9th - Our dear friends, the Schmucker's came over to play! It was so nice getting to catch up with Mel & Jason. Odd how you can live in the same town as someone and only see them on a rare occasion. Definitely going to have to schedule more "play dates" in the near future! Caitlin Mae is growing so fast!! It was neat getting to see the girls interact with her! They liked sharing their toys. 

June 15th - Ratliff's in da house!!! Our best friends came & stayed with us over the weekend & it's always a treat having them here!! The girls adore their Godparents and we just can't get enough of their company & fellowship! So thankful for the bond we share! Cool tid bit...Cherise is welcoming baby Ratliff in November, so we get to be prego together!! 

June 18th - Brag on Hubby time!! Ian is now an FTO(Field Training Officer) with CSPD! He was one of the few applicants chosen to train the new recruits joining the force in September! I am SO proud of him. He has worked very hard and has accomplished so much! He's my hero, so you'll pardon me for my bias opinion, but the rookies will be learning from the BEST officer on the force! His commitment to this role will mean a slight adjustment for our family, but we are willing to take the next step together. He will still be working the 4pm-2am shift, but he will not be able to come home on breaks and it is likely that he will not be home on time. As it is with learning any lesson, what takes a senior officer 20min. to do will take a recruit 2.5hrs. so he will be working a lot of overtime. But we are thankful for the opportunity and know that others will benefit greatly from our sacrifice! I love Ian!! 

June 19th - present...McReynolds are here visiting! I am convinced I have the coolest nephews on the planet! Evan, Caden & Brennan are here with their Amazing Mama, Amy! They're visiting from Oregon, and are enjoying the warm weather. They've been in Nana's pool everyday! Ian has loved playing baseball & basketball with his nephews. It took the girls, mainly Karis, a little time to warm up to the idea of boys running around. But once she did, all the cousins have been having a blast together! We are having SO much fun and I will post pictures soon!

Thank you to those that have been praying over my morning sickness. I am happy to say that it has subsided and I'm doing good. Thanking the Lord for His blessing of "baby Bert"(that's what the girls call Mama's tummy)  ;) 

Stay tuned Friends!

It's that time again!

BABY TIME!!

Ian and I are excited to announce the "baking" of Mader child #3!! Yes, we're only having one this time. ;) Ian fondly refers to this little one as "Bean"(baked bean...partly because that was one thing I was CRAVING before even knowing I was pregnant). 


We found out on May 3rd, and you can imagine, I was a little anxious to know the quantity so that I could begin emotionally preparing for a major life change. Even though we completely surrender to the Lord's will, we are thankful that it was in His plan to have a single child this go 'round. I am thankful that He is in charge of every detail and appreciate His grace in easing us all into this adjustment...especially my girls! I was a little worried that if it were two, I would have very limited time with my toddlers. Praise be to God for "knowing the plans He has for us...to prosper & not to harm...plans for hope & a future!" Jer.29:11


We're not sure if we're going to find out the gender of this li'l one. We would love a boy, but would be happy with whatever the Lord has already prepared for us! Definitely keeping the name a secret! ;) Aside from morning sickness, I'm doing good. Thankfully, the girls have been sleeping in til 10am, so I have a chance to get over it before they wake. 
I'm 8 weeks along with a due date of Jan.10th. Your prayers are welcomed & SO appreciated!!

Karis & Kelsie are 2 years old!

Well, my babies are two and I still can't believe it! So much has happened in so little time. They are growing beautifully and Ian and I have been so blessed to witness them live their lives & develop their own amazing personalities. We are ever thankful, Lord! 


Originally, we were planning on throwing them a party with a few friends, bounce house, cake pops...the works! But our plans were thwarted due to illness. Kelsie caught coxsackie (hand, foot, mouth) a week before their birthday, and Karis followed two days after Kels. It was awful! Apparently it's extremely contagious, and even though they felt better, we had to be sure it wouldn't spread, so we had to cancel the party. But we did all we could to make it a special day for them. The girls slept in til 10:45am & when they woke, Daddy took us to iHop for breakfast. They got to choose what they wanted to eat. Kare chose pancakes & eggs; Kels chose french toast & bacon. They both had chocolate milk (a favorite). After that, Daddy took us to ToysRUs & let the girls pick out a toy. They were in heaven! Then, we went to Nana's to play & celebrate together! Here's a few pictures of our special day. 

Nana & Grandad gifted us with li'l motorized police cars!! 

 Happy Birthday to you Two!!

 Proper Karis using her utensils so as not to get messy!

 Kels doesn't mind the mess, as long as it's yummy...what spoon?!

 Our happy family!! 

Karis Reagan - My Sugar! You are a darling girl and you touch my heart daily. You have a way of turning an unhappy situation upside down with one of your snuggle bear hugs! You love to be held, hold hands, give kisses & cuddle. You are more willful than your sister and often use your "first born syndrome" to your advantage. I have to discipline you moreso than your sister because you are stubborn like me and we butt heads sometimes. You are a picky eater and rarely finish what is on your plate. As of now, there's no type of food that you're crazy about. You love, love, love to read, dance & sing! You are fearless & will jump from high heights without considering where you'll end up. You often get yourself into precarious situations and need someone to bail you out. It's typically Dada, and I think you like being rescued by your hero! ;) You are so smart and recognize your colors, numbers and letters. You love caring for your sister. When Kelsie is crying, you never leave her side and often kiss her head or rub her back, telling her "It's ok, sissy". You are dainty & don't like mess, wet or sticky stuff on you. You enjoy rearranging and organizing. I often see you taking things from other rooms & putting them in piles elsewhere. You love people and often say "nice to meet you" to strangers. You often accept adults better than you do children your age. You tend to be a little possessive with toys and don't always like to share or take turns. You and I are alike in that, we feel things deeply and sometimes over react emotionally; but your soft hearted-ness will transform a hard world, my love. I don't know what I'd do without your sweet spirit. I love you, Kare Bear!

Kelsie Jordyn - My Spice! You are so full of life & joy and you make me laugh daily. You think everything is funny & do the most hilarious things! You are constantly on the go and nothing slows you down. You are sporty and courageous, but cautious. You seem to calculate an outcome, and if you know you can't do something, you rarely do it. You enjoy eating and do so quickly, so that you can get on with your next game/project. You don't really have a favorite food, but you never turn down a hamburger & fries. You snuggle only on your terms. You will accept and give hugs & kisses, but rarely initiate them. You have developed a personal space that your sister doesn't seem to share. You enjoy reading, dancing, cooking and helping! You are constantly thinking of serving & doing tasks for Karis. You are her biggest fan! When Mama needs help with chores, you are the first one to respond & assist....laundry, watering plants, unloading dishwasher, vacuuming! You too are incredibly smart, recognizing your colors, numbers and letters. You don't mind getting dirty and find fun in making messes. You love to climb & crawl in small spaces. You are skeptical of adult strangers, but you are accepting of children your own age & play well with others. You are quite used to sharing with your strong willed sister, so it's typically no big deal to trade or take turns. You like giving Wrigley & Ali treats. You are prone to electronics and enjoy pushing buttons. There's not a whole lot that bothers you; you & your Daddy share an even-keeled outlook on life...very levelheaded. I love that life is a dance for you & your carefree spirit! I can't imagine life without your glowing smile & giving personality! I love you, Kelsie Jo! 

In the two short years that we've known each other, I have had the privilege of learning so much about you and so much from you! Thank you for being the most perfect daughters a mother could ever hope for! I am so proud to call you mine!