CFRC Board of Directors

I have been elected as the Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Community Family Resource Center.  It is the non-profit organization that runs the preschool program, along with other family orientated events, that I take the kids to.  I have been so happy with the program, seeing what it's done for Rae & Jo, that I was happy to support them more directly when I was asked to join the BOD.  So now I'll get to spend my all my "free time" helping to organize fundraising events and write for grants.  These, along with United Way contributions, are the organization's main source of revenue and allow the program prices to be incredibly low. 

Looking forward to another exciting chapter in this life experience!

Gratitude ~ I am grateful for all the learning opportunities I am presented with through CFRC BOD.

Van's First Week

Van is 1 week old today! He had a check-up at the doctor yesterday and everything looks healthy! He is up to 8 lbs 5 oz...what a good little eater he is. Here are some pics from the past week.

(be sure to scroll down...there are a few more new posts including Rae starting school!)

Gratitude ~ I am grateful to have such a loving family. It is really special to be able to raise our children in an environment so completely filled with love!

Snapping Turtle

Zoe spotted this turtle making its way across our yard toward the pond. We grabbed the kids and camera and ran out to take a look. He took a few bites at me when I went to pick him up, and WOW, he is fast with that head and has quite a reach with his neck.

Grattitude ~ I am grateful to have such a variety of wildlife in our backyard. It is a great experience for our children to interact with!

Sprinkler Fun

Grandma and Grandpa brought the girls a new squiggle sprinkler. A couple of days last week it was very hot and they made good use of it!

Grattitude ~ I am grateful for the simple pleasures in life, like a sprinkler on a hot day, and how much joy they can bring.

Rae Takes the Bus

Rae started 4K yesterday. She has been so excited all summer to ride the bus and go to a school that is just for 4 year olds! Jen and I were a little anxious - hoping that she had a good first day experience. Rae REALLY likes riding the bus; it zooms very fast she says. Her teachers are very nice and there are so many fun things to do at school. She spent the rest of the day telling us about all her fun adventures.

First Day of 4K

Second Day of 4K

Grattitude ~ I am grateful that Rae is strong, beautiful, and confident.

Van Owen Lutsey

Born August 26, 2010, at 3:59 AM.

8 lbs 1 oz

20.25 inches

Contractions started last night at 9:30 PM...just after we got into bed for the night. We got up and ready for the hospital. Rae and Jo were sleeping downstairs with Auntie Zoe - all three looked so peaceful that we just let them sleep and left a note upstairs. By 10:15 we were on our way to the hospital; by midnight Jen was set up in an exam room, and by 1:15 AM we were settled in our inpatient room.

Jen was AMAZING with this labor and birth, as she was with the last two. The first hour or so, we walked laps around the unit, with Jen talking and laughing with the nurses (to their amazement) in the hallways between contractions. Within a couple more hours we were holding baby Van - healthy, alert, and calm. He took to nursing right away, and has been very content and peaceful.

Jen is a true warrior. She followed through with her wish to have another natural, medication-free birth experience. It was awe-inspiring to be there and witness. The doctor and nurses were all equally excited to watch Van twist his way out, actively helping in his own birth!

Today is completely filled with gratitude. To add a strong, healthy boy to our family. To our doctor and nurses, who wonderfully supported and followed all of our wishes and requests. To all our family and friends who have done so much to support us throughout this pregnancy. Thank You!

Quick Updates

Internet troubles lately...so, it's been a while since I've posted on here. Our connection is working tonight though!

I took Jo to Larissa's (Zak & Carrie's daughter) one-year birthday party today. It was nice to see our Green Bay group of friends and their kids. Jo was a little shy for a while, but warmed up by the time cake came out. Rae got sick last night, so Jen stayed home with her.

Shopko was having a huge sale that ended today, and Jen saw a kitchen table set that she really liked...and it was way over half off! So, Mother's Day came early to our house, and I spent a couple hours putting together a new table and chairs. Very nice looking and can seat twice as many as our last table!

Rae turns 4 tomorrow! With her being sick, we postponed her party, but we'll still have fun with just us, and do a bigger family get together later next week.

My computer screen is flashing light and dark at me now...pretty sure it's on its last leg... I'll see if I can get it to do pictures soon. ~Namaste~

Grattitude - I am grateful for the renewing & refreshing energy of Spring. Each breath is full of life!