Our Little Pieces of Heaven

Easter Time!!

2010-04-11T08:46:00.002-05:00

The girls enjoyed a "chilly" Easter egg hunt. They both found lots of eggs!

We put in a new kitchen coutner top last weekend. Kynsi is being daddy's little helper with getting the old countertop out!

Easter morning, trying to find Easter baskets before 7am church service!

Easter baskets found!!

Sassy girls! Kynsi is blowing kisses!

Winter is still here!!!

2010-02-14T13:51:00.003-06:00

The girls (and mom) are getting anxious for spring!! Jeff and I are trying to sound excited about playing in the snow but the girls are getting tired of it!!!! Kynsi has started potty training and is doing great! On her 18 month birthday I asked our daycare provider if she could start putting Kynsi on the potty and see what happens, well 2 weeks later she continues to potty on it. Our potty at home sings and plays music and Kynsi has the dance down. I hope this con't!! Kelsi's love for dresses and dancing con't! I cannot believe how much this child loves to dress up! It is alot of fun! Oh, we had a baby girl cow a couple weeks ago. She is doing great! More calves to come this month!

It keeps coming!!

2010-01-09T10:33:00.002-06:00

Yes, five more inches of snow fell Wednesday into Thursday!! The sad thing is, we haven't been able to enjoy it because it is so cold outside! Hopefully this week!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-01-09T10:03:00.002-06:00

Well, Christmas came this year bringing love, Jesus's Birthday, and SNOW!! Jeff, I, and the girls spent our first christmas at home. I was suppose to work at the hospital, however, with low census and 5 nurses spending the night due to the weather, I was able to spent it at home! Christmas morning started with Kelsi being so excited that Santa came and Kynsi with a 101 temp! Of course this would happen with a foot of snow outside! As the day went she was able to enjoy the day and her presents! Crystal could not make it for christmas! It was our first christmas our family spent apart from her!!! Kelsi thought Santa could pick auntie crystal up in his sleigh and bring her to our house when he came!! I had a hard time explaining that one! She did make it home the weekend of New years and we celebrated then!!

Merry Christmas 2009!

2010-01-07T17:53:00.002-06:00

Our christmas season started with Santa visiting Tyler on Browser night! The girls loved Santa and Mrs Claus! Both girls gave the Clauses hugs when finished telling what they wanted for Christmas!

Fall 2009

2010-01-07T17:22:00.002-06:00

Warm weather brought a great night for the two little goblins to do some treat or treating!
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Kelsi turned four the end of November! Jeff and I both feel the last 4 years went way to fast. Kelsi has a such a big heart! Her mind and MOUTH seems to amaze us with what comes out! We had a great time with our families at her birthday party and we were all shocked by how well my Dora cake turned out!

2010-01-07T17:07:00.002-06:00

Kelsi's first day of preschool! She was so excited!

This fall we took the girls to an apple orchard by Marshall. We had a lot of fun on the mini ponies, hay ride, and of course carmel apples!

What have we been doing?????

2009-08-20T16:16:00.002-05:00

Our Baby turned ONE on July 28th. I can't believe it. She is such a little sunshine!! As you can tell from the pictures I have not cut her hair yet. I don't want to have to go through the growing out stage again!!! Ponytails, Ponytails!!!! She is a little peanut for her age, coming in at 19pounds on her birthday. She is running around the 20% for her height and weight. Who would of thought with her being 8pound 6oz at birth. She won't be ready for walking for awhile. Thank the lord!!! We are so blessed to have this little princess.

Since she was 2 months old, we have been dealing with plugged tear ducks. So, finally the beginning of July, she has surgery and it has worked so far!!!! She did very well under anesethia and was back to her normal self by the afternoon!!

2009-08-20T15:36:00.002-05:00

Jeff's brother Eric got Married July 11. It was alot of fun. Kelsi did a wonderful job as Flower Girl!!!

2009-08-20T15:11:00.003-05:00

Kelsi was the flower girl in Jeffs Brothers wedding in July!! She had soooo much fun!

Kelsi didn't mind being pampered that day!!!

All 4 of us at the Rehearsal Supper!! It was a long weekend but both girls were troopers!!!

Jeff and I spent 2 days, ALONE, at the cabin for our anniversary. The girls spent the time with my parents and then they all came to the cabin for the weekend. It turned rainy, but we still got some fishing in!

Kynsi having fun at the park in Alex!

Girls Picutres

2009-03-20T22:26:00.002-05:00

The girls got their pictures done a couple weeks ago. The site is capturedmemoriesportraits.com. Click on Slideshows then Vanderplaats. The code is children2009.

It was alot of fun and the girls did great. Enjoy the pictures.

Who's going to School??

2009-03-10T22:18:00.002-05:00

Well, After much consideration this past year I decided to apply for nurse practitioner school at MSU mankato. This past week I was accepted!! YEA! I am totally excited and scared. It's been awhile since I have been in school mode. Jeff is excited, hopefully!!

The girls are wonderful! Pictures to come. Kynsi is growing like a weed and showing her personality. She has become very vocal the past few weeks. She is getting closer to crawling. You can tell she just wants to go when she is on her belly! Not yet!!!!! Kelsi has preschool screening on Friday!! I can't believe what a lady my little stinker has become!!

I have been busy with work and teaching clinicals. I have a great group of girls this semester. Jeff is busy with work and farm. We should be calving soon!!! And the fun begins I guess!!

6 months!!

2009-02-09T20:56:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas

2008-12-30T15:16:00.001-06:00

2008-12-30T14:42:00.001-06:00

2008-12-30T14:28:00.001-06:00

Tis the Season

2008-12-15T14:42:00.003-06:00

The Holidays are here! I have finally finished my shopping. I think I finish later and later each year!! Next I guess is christmas baking! The girls are growing like weeds. Kynsi is now on cereal and loves it!!!! Kelsi is trying to figure out the whole Santa thing. She is understanding Christmas. Its fun to continue the traditions and think of new ones with my family!!

I had my surgery on my sunspot Friday. It did come back as Melanoma. Thankfully it was at the beginning of stage 1 so for insurance reasons they are able to diagnosis it as pre melanoma. How nice of them!!! I have a 2inch long scar now as a reminder for sunscreen and skin screenings for myself and daughters!!!

Birthday Girl!!

2008-11-24T11:43:00.003-06:00

Kelsi turned 3 on Saturday!! I can't believe it. Where did the time go. I keep thinking next year my little girl will be in preschool! How sad!! Only for mommy, Kelsi is soo excited. She has been saying her ABC's since summer and can count to 15. A month ago she counted to 6 in spanish! (thanks Dora) We had a birthday party for her on Saturday night. She had to wear her Tinkerbell costume (from Halloween) Her cake was Dora of course. (I couldnt make one that hardly looked like Dora) I had to order. When I ordered the cake I asked for 1/2 sheet. Jeff loves extra cake. Well, they made a full sheet instead! Jeff will be eating cake for awhile.

Happy Birthday Kelsi!!

Why?

2008-11-17T22:22:00.003-06:00

I am sitting at work reading the newspaper when something aweful catches my eye. A newborn baby girls obituary and her picture. A regular labor, full term baby, but something aweful goes wrong before her parents can even see her for the first time. I am asking God why would you take this precious angel away from her parents and brothers who are expecting her? I don't understand? The parents have hope, expectations, and undying love for this person who they haven't even met and she's taken from them before they even get to know her. I know God has his reasons for everything and I shouldn't question him but this bothers me. I would like to understand.

Update

2008-11-16T00:11:00.001-06:00

I talked with my Dr. and the spot was pre-melanoma. Thank goodness we caught it early. I go back Dec 12 to get more tissue removed and retested and frequent checks after for a while.

Doctors or Receptionists?

2008-11-06T22:12:00.002-06:00

I have been fretting since Monday on a pathology report I got a call on. Over a week ago I went to the Dermatologist in Sioux Falls for a check up on some sun spots and moles. During my pregnancy with Kynsi some looked like they were getting darker and with my family hx of melanoma I went in to get checked. One spot was removed and Dr seems optimistic till the report came back. The nurse quoted over the phone " exceptionally abnormal change" She said nothing was said about melanoma but she wouldn't be surprised. OK-not so comforting. They need to take out more tissue around the site and do testing. Well the next appt isn't till Dec 12 and I wanted to get in sooner with the holidays. She was going to talk with Dr and she agreed with the report that I shouldn't wait till December. I will receive a call back very soon on the new date. Well it's Thursday evening and I have left 2 messages with the receptionist. So....has my Dr received the messages or have they been misplaced. Sooooo fusturating. The thing is I am sure its fine I just want to get past it.

Halloween Fun

2008-11-05T20:30:00.001-06:00

Update

2008-11-05T19:56:00.002-06:00

The girls have been extremely busy lately!!! Kelsi seems to always find a way to include Kynsi when she is playing. Hence the picture of Kynsi covered with baby blankets by Kelsi's dolls!!! Kynsi is growing like a weed. She is 12 weeks now and weighing 12 pounds 8oz. Actually she is a little smaller than what Kelsi was at this age. Surprising with how much Kynsi weighed at birth!!

Tagged

2008-10-30T21:36:00.002-05:00

I have been tagged by a couple of you guys so here it goes....
Rules
1. post rules on your blog
2.write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your blog
4. if you are tagged, just do it, and pass it on!!

1. My biggest wish EVER is to stay at home with my girls!! The past 3 months have been the best being at home.

2. I still cry having to leave the girls and go to work...... its been 2weeks already!

3. This is my first year not deer hunting with the Keifer clan since I was 12!!

4. I actually enjoy doing our cow chores. I have named all of our cows (we only have 4) and the are quite tame!!!

5. Beside the joy of my girls and of course you Jeff, I would go back to High school in a heartbeat!!

6. My dream job (if I couldn't be a stay at home mom first) would be a sports anchor for the vikes!!!

I know such random things.
I believe everyone I know on blog have been tagged!!! If I am missing someone, go for it!!

Wedding Weekend

2008-10-14T09:21:00.003-05:00

This past weekend my cousin Jackie got married! It was a beautiful ceramony and we had tons of fun! Of course it was emotional. I kept thinking during the ceramony that one day this will be my girls! To much to think about at that time. Kelsi had a blast at the dance. She was showing everyone her moves! She made it till about 11:30pm and then crashed! I have more pictures of the girls on my moms camera so I will post those when I get them!

Whats New!!!

2008-09-27T00:02:00.002-05:00

The Girls have been quite busy the last few weeks. Trying to be outside as much as possible before it really gets cold and mommy has to go back to work!! Kynsi surprised us the other night by rolling over!! I couldn't believe it!! I go back to the hospital next weekend. Hopefully Jeff is ready! I mainly be doing nights.

What New!!

2008-09-26T21:57:00.002-05:00

Kynsi was baptized this past Sunday. It just felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders afterwards!! It was a great time! Jeff sister Lisa and my cousin Jackie and her fiance are Godparents.

5 Weeks Already!!!

2008-09-03T23:44:00.002-05:00

Kynsi has just added more laughter and sunshine into our lives. She is adorable. She is smiling and talking!! She has started sleeping mostly through the night. YEA!! Usually up at 2:30am and 6:00am for a feeding and goes to sleep around 10pm. Kelsi is doing great! Getting use to the idea of a sister sharing her mommy and daddy! I am enjoying my time off. I only have 4 weeks left! Where does the time go. I shouldn't complain because I only work 3 days one week and 2 days the next! And yes I do miss you girls at THC!!! But there is something special about being home with your children all day everyday and getting to enjoy everything!!!! Maybe one day!

Fun days at the park!!

2008-09-03T23:30:00.003-05:00

With only a few days left of summer and I still being on maternity leave we have been trying to make the most out of it! Kelsi loves the park, especially the swings!! She loves showing her sister "the ropes "!!!

Kelsi's Events

2008-08-11T14:33:00.002-05:00

Not only has Kelsi been preoccupied with Kynsi being here she has just been busy bod everywhere else. The weekend Kynsi was born was Ableskiver weekend in Tyler. Baby olympics she loved however we learned Kelsi won't always follow her peers! During the running competion everyone started the race but Kelsi just looked at her daddy and said "no, I don't want too" We just laughed. She excelled at swimming lessons passing preschool aquatics again this year. I gues we will have to try level 1 next year. Maybe she will keep lifeguarding in the family (right Michelle and Jenny)!!!!

Kynsi Lou

2008-08-10T12:54:00.004-05:00

It's a Girl!!!!

2008-08-10T12:05:00.002-05:00

Thank Goodness Jeff and I don't gamble because we both would have lost bets with this pregnancy. I thought forsure we would be induced and Jeff was positive this one was a boy, well Sunday 7/27 I started having contractions around 4:30pm. At 7:30 we decided to go in. Unfort. I was only 2cm but with my regular cx's and baby measuring big I was able to stay!!!!! My dr. broke my water around 11:30 started pitocin at 2:30 and was finally complete at 5:30am. Miss Kynsi graced us at 6:38am with the darkest hair and complexion. What a doll!!! She weighed 8 pounds 6 oz. So I was thankful we went 2 weeks early!!! Kelsi is handling it well. When we got home from the hospital she asked if she could hit baby Kynsi!!! I guess she did ask and didn't just hit her!! But she is adjusting well.

Watering the Garden

2008-07-25T19:50:00.002-05:00

Kelsi and I came home from the pool and were watering our garden (since rain isn't too popular these days.) Kelsi thought it would be great to run through the sprinkler in the middle of our sweet corn! I thought it was hilarous!

Oh, I caught a cute picture of her taking her nap. About a minute before this she told me she was talking to her Grandpa Randy. She must have been tired!!!

Baby Soon?

2008-07-23T01:36:00.002-05:00

I don't remember being this ready to be done with pregnancy when I was pregnant with Kelsi. I am 38 wks and count every cx hoping and praying they con't. I had a Drs appt today. I am 100 effaced but only 1 cm dilated!!!! The baby's head actually moved up not down! Lets say I was not too excited. My dr did strip my membranes and if that doesn't work we will be induced next week thank goodness. I am just so worried I have such a big baby and that's why the head won't descend into the pelvis. I guess time will tell! My blood pressure is staying under wraps. Working with nurses I think my blood pressure is taken at least 3 times a shift so its monitored closely. I am down to 8hr shifts which is helping.

Happy 4rth!!

2008-07-06T14:55:00.003-05:00

Happy Fourth!! I hope everyone had a great and safe time!! We were blessed with such nice weekend! My parents came over the night of the fourth for a fire and fireworks. Auntie Crystal was home so Kelsi was quite excited. We had friends over saturday night. Kelsi and her friend Ben had a great time on the four wheeler!! The weekend ended with running through the sprinkler!!
Update on the pregnancy. Last Tuesday I had a Dr. Appt. Thought everything was going great however my weight gain had increase considerable for me in 2 weeks and my blood pressure was 140/93. I usually run very low blood pressure. My dr checked me right away. I am closed, thick, and high, (no sign of pending labor) and sent me to the hospital for further testing. The baby looked great for the non-stress test. My blood pressure went back down, my labs were normal, and they did an ultrasound of the baby. I wasn't quite 35 weeks but I measured 38 1/2 weeks!!!!! So she wanted to see how big this baby was. I find out on Tuesday. For now my blood pressure is reasonable and I am down to 8hr shifts instead of 12. We con't to pray for this little one to keep growing in me and stay healthy!!!!

Hott Fun!!!

2008-07-04T17:40:00.002-05:00

We had a another great time at my Great-Uncle Waynes cabins the end of June with my parents, my sister, and my Grandma Donna. Fishing was great and the water temp wasn't too bad. Jeff and Kelsi were able to go tubing. Kelsi loved it till her and her daddy did a face dive into the water. Hopefully this weekend we can get her back on the tube!! Fishing was actually a surprising experience for Kelsi! Usually she is the typically girl not wanting to get too dirty. She wanted to hold the fish, give the fish kisses, and loved handing us our bait!! She had the luck of the weekend fishing. There was something about her and her Diego pole that the fish liked!!!

Summer Time Fun

2008-06-13T21:08:00.002-05:00

So far this summer we have been busy with weddings, playing at the park, and going to the zoo. We are having so much fun with Kelsi's age. A few tantrums now and then but what else can expect with a 2year old!!! This weekend is saddle horse holiday and next weekend is vacation at the cabin!!!!

10weeks left!!!

2008-05-25T04:39:00.002-05:00

I hit my 30week marker this weekend!!! I had a Dr. Appt this week. Everything is going great. My DB check was normal. My hgb dropped from 13 to 9.6. I guess I don't have to worry about complaining about being too tired!!!. I gained 8lbs this month. (I know) At least the Dr. was happy! I have pictures coming soon! My belly is def. much bigger at this stage then with Kelsi. Even though I weighed about 25lbs more!! Kelsi is already going through adjustments. She wants her babies nuk and bottle and wants us to feed her bottle to her!! We will see how things change when the baby does come!

Hello Spring

2008-04-14T13:26:00.003-05:00

Kelsi has enjoyed getting into her spring dresses this past month. I guess besides the 11inches of snow we got on Friday. We spend most of my days off at the park and walking. Kelsi just doesn't understand why we can't run in her stroller anymore!! She has been giving us a hard time at nap time and bedtime not wanting to sleep in her bed, even though she has been since last september. We are hoping that goes away by August!!!!

Home improvements con't. Jeff is finishing up the bathroom downstairs so we can finally start the nursery!!!

We had an ultrasound 2 weeks ago and thankfully everything is going well despite my no weight gain. I have a feeling this month we have gained a few!! My appetite is back and I am enjoying food again!!!

The bottom picture Kelsi decided to get her makeup out and have mom be "gorgous"!!

Crazy 2 months

2008-03-09T23:24:00.002-05:00

It has been way to long since my last blog. I apologize!! I accepted to teach an extra clinical day this semester which is 3 plus con't to do my 2-3 12hr shifts in Tyler. I know I am crazy!!! I am finally done with that. I just got over a 5 day spout of some infection. Temps 102 -103, Tylenol not working, not being able to eat or drink!!! Not good~~ Thank goodness for a wonderful husband.
The pregnancy is going better. I am 19 weeks and down 7lbs! Food is starting to taste better to me now. I am starting to get a belly and I am measuring on with my dates. The end of the month we have another ultrasound! And no we are not going to find out the sex!!!
Kelsi con't to be my precious angel!!! The things this child comes out with. The other day she told Jeff his joke wasn't funny!!! and then followed with the next day to Jeff "I'm looking at you punk" !!!!! What a joy!
Pictures to follow soon

Update

2008-01-27T04:56:00.000-06:00

I am 13 weeks along and wish I was 40!!!! I know I shouldn't c/o but I am literally sick 24/7!!! I went to the Dr for my 12 wk appt. last week and I have dropped 8 1/2 lbs!!! She was kind enough to put me on zofran and so far so good!!!! The baby looks great despite everything thanks goodness!!!!

New Surprise for 2008!!!

2008-01-13T15:23:00.000-06:00

On Christmas our families found out that there will be another little one running around next Christmas!!! Jeff and I are expecting on August 7, 2008. I already had my first appointment and things are looking great. We can only pray it will cont throughout this pregnancy!! I am already sick 24/7. Rarely happened with Kelsi!!!

Christmas 2007

2008-01-13T15:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!!! Having a 2yr old running around this christmas sure made our old childhood memories of Santa Clause and reindeer come back to life. She had lots of questions on christmas morning when more toys were under the tree and her cookies and milk were all gone by the fireplace. It was sure fun!!! We all enjoyed the snowfall (we didn't have to drive far) and lots of food!!! What will 2008 bring us?

Lazy Weekend

2007-12-14T16:17:00.001-06:00

From the pictures you can see we had a fun lazy weekend. More christmas baking was done. Its amazing how a whole container of sprinkles on one cookie can still taste good to a two year old!!! We went to Santa days in Lake Benton on Saturday. Santa looks better on TV then in person I guess. Sitting on his lap was not one of Kelsi's most favorite things to do. With all the snow we have gotten she did experience snowmobiling, turned off in our driveway!! A couple more years Kelsi!!
This coming weekend consists of me working nights. Not near as fun as last weekend!!!

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-03T11:07:00.001-06:00

We got our first measurable snow fall of the season on Saturday. We can't seem to keep Kelsi out of it. I think she eats more snow than anything. We were able teach here that yellow snow you can't eat. Hopefully she will listen! Out two kittens are not as fond of the snow as Kelsi is.

Here comes Santa Clause

2007-11-23T13:28:00.000-06:00

Christmas is upon us! I just love this time of year. We put up our christmas tree. Kelsi is at that age where she wants to help and isn't quite understanding how Santa can come down the chimmney when the fire is so hot! Tonight we are bringing her to see Santa. I am not quite sure how well that will go.

Eve of Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T12:07:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!
The night before Thanksgiving, as I am suppose to be helping Jeff put post in for our future cows, I was able to catch this beautiful sunset from our yard. It made me think on how blessed I am. I love this holiday, many more reasons than food! This year we were able to celebrate Kelsi's birthday on Thanksgiving! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, too!!

2007-11-16T21:31:00.000-06:00

Kelsi's Birthday Party!!

2007-11-16T21:20:00.000-06:00

Kelsi had her 2nd birthday party this past weekend. I can't believe she will be 2 on Thanksgiving!!! It was nice to have both sides to our house and have room for everyone! Kelsi is having fun with her kitchen set and dolls. I don't know what I would do if I had a boy. Shopping would sure be different!! I attempted a pumpkin cake, if you couldn't tell by the picture! Crystal and Drew were home for the weekend. Kelsi is in love with both of them and had a blast having them around all weekend. We are trying to talk them into moving home. Hopefully one day!

Technology

2007-11-14T03:20:00.000-06:00

Technology is so not my thing. But thanks to my dear cousin way out in CA I am going to try to keep everyone posted on our crazy but wonderful life. Kelsi seems to be the highlight of just about everything these days. Her carefree spirit is so contagious. I hope to have pictures on here soon for everyone to see.