This was a huge first for the baby girl in our lives

at 6 1/2 months old we made a stop on our way to celebrate Caden's birthday/Heaters party for a baby makeover.

When our baby was born she had a head full of beautiful and uncontrollable dark hair.

A few months passed and her hair got a little lighter in color and a with time she was nearly bald except right down the middle of her head. We really thought that she would eventually lose that too. However, it just didn't happen. That patch of hair just kept getting longer and longer until it was hanging in her eyes. We have always been able to disguise her out of control hair by putting ginormous bows and flowers the size of a dinner plate attached to headbands around her head, until she figured out that if she pulled on them enough times during the day Mommy would just give up. Drastic measures needed to be taken.

With a stop to the Pure Salon and a visit to Jatena we went from this

to a little girl who absolutely thought getting her first haircut was absolutely no big deal To this adorable baby that no longer has a mohawk hanging in her face.

Mommy did a really good job (I thought) of fighting back the tears and when we look in the mirror together, I still see my adorable little baby girl looking back at me and even though her hair is a lot shorter now on the top, she is still absolutely 100% kissable

And I LOVE HER!!

If ever you wanted to know who this baby girl looks like.......want no more

Ellee Rae 6 1/2 Months Old

Caden Robert 7 Months

She looks like her biggest brother and I love them!!

Ellee Rae' first Haircut 7-23-09

Cut by Jatena Leon

The Birthday and all that goes along.......

One Minute after this picture was taken my first born son was officially 8 years old.

He was up very early on his birthday knowing that the tradition is that you may open one birthday present when you first wake up no matter who is home. However, Mom gets to choose which one and the rest can not be opened until we are together as a family. That usually means that as soon as Dad walks in the door (who usually makes a point to get home promptly at 3:30 on the day of their birthdays) they are so excited they can hardly contain themselves. They know Mom saves the best ones for the time when we are together.

So of course as soon as we got the birthday hugs out of the way when he came running up the stairs on the morning of his birthday, he couldn't wait one minute longer to unwrap the present that was waiting for him on the table. It was the present from his brother and Reece was very excited that he was unwrapping the one that he got him first. Caden within the last few months

has decided that wearing basketball shorts all of the time is NOT COOL! So Reece got him some new cargo shorts and this Life Is Good shirt and you would have thought he won the fashion lottery. He was thrilled to say the least!

The day was filled with lunch at Applebee's, which was not his first choice, as he really wanted to go to Texas Roadhouse. However, we either had to have a birthday lunch on his birthday because we were having our Heaters Baseball Party/Caden's Birthday party during supper, or we had to wait until Friday night when Texas Roadhouse was open for supper. He also really wanted Daddy to go and since Applebee's was close to the school, Applebee's it was. We had a great lunch and then we were off to pick up his cake and a few odds and ends that we needed for the party. We arrived back home at 2:30, Phil walked in the door promptly at 3:30 and presents were unwrapped within seconds of him coming in the house.

What could bring this much excitement to a kid's face?

An iPod Nano, of course!!

And this face?

Of course you can't have an iPod with out an iDog Dance, or so I am told and I am a sucker for pleasing my kids.

Ellee got him an Itunes card to help fill that iPod up with fabulous songs, but he seems to be pleased as punch with all of the songs that Dad downloaded from his iTunes list that they use at the State baseball tournaments in between innings. Everything from Low Rider to Home Sweet Alabama, as Caden calls it.

With the present unwrapped we were off to celebrate not only his birthday at the Squires house (they have an amazing backyard with a beautiful pool and have hosted our baseball party 2 years in a row. They rock!!) but we were also celebrating the 8U League Baseball Champs, aka the Heaters. Phil stayed up half the night on Thursday smoking pork and brisket and making his famous sauce that our parents want to use as a fundraiser next year for our baseball team and call it the Heaters Heat. I thought it was a very cleaver name they came up with and who knows...we may actually try and make that happen! Lots of swimming, lots of the boys playing baseball, the younger kids playing on the swing set, the adults enjoying the beautiful weather and everyone having a great time of celebrating 2 great things. I especially loved being able to kill two birds with one stone.

The bat reads: Happy 8th Birthday Caden and didn't even realize it says CHAPIONS instead of CHAMPIONS until I looked at the pictures!

So a great time was had by everyone and we arrived back at home shortly after 11:00 tired and ready to call it a day.

Caden,

I hope you had a great day and a great party. I still can't believe that 8 fabulous years have passed, however, I can't wait to see what this year holds for your life.

I love you more than you will ever know and then some.

Mommy

One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven...

EIGHT....

We were ready. Your car seat was in the car, the bag was packed with the most adorable gown, headband to match, and crochet socks made by your Great Great Grandma Mable, all of your clothes had the tags cut off washed and hung neatly in your closet (the were every shade of pink that one could imagine), your room was perfectly put together and waiting for us to bring home a little girl. A little girl named Tyra (after daddy's grandma) Deanne (after your Aunt Wehnoka Deanne).

July 23, 2001 at 5:00 a.m. your Dad and I get into the car and head for Hutchinson. We were half way there, in fact I think we had just gone through Haven when your Dad looked at me and said, "What if it is a boy and what will we name him if it is?" I looked back at him and said it's a girl (we did have 6 sonograms after all) but if by chance it is a boy, I want to name him Caden. That was the end of the discussion about you being a boy.

Hours later God decided that it was time for us to meet this baby that would call us Mommy and Daddy and I guess it's true God does have a sense of humor. I don't think we ever understood that until Doctor Sawchek said, "IT'S A BOY!" I said, IT'S A WHAT?" Your Dad turned white as a ghost, cut the cord and looked at me with a crooked smile and I knew at that moment all was right with the world and everything was as it should be. They took you away because you were having a little trouble breathing, and we were left for awhile to absorb the shock of it all. Daddy said, "what are we going to name him?" I said, I guess his name will be Caden Robert (after your Grandpa Bob) and so it was. We were now the parents of a baby boy who had absolutely nothing to wear and couldn't possibly wear home that outfit that had tiny pink roses all over it, however, Ellee did wear that outfit home on the day she was born. There were a lot of people sitting in that waiting room waiting for the news that a little girl had entered the world and so your Daddy went to share the surprise. When he arrived in the waiting room Iya said he was white as a ghost and just stood there in the door way saying absolutely nothing until she said, what is wrong and what is wrong with my daughter? Daddy said, "IT'S A BOY and his name is Caden Robert!" I don't think that anyone believed him until they saw you with their own eyes. That's the day we knew that God had something special planned for your life and I still believe to this day that He does! He knew all along what He was doing and I believe that your life's story will be nothing short of amazing.

EIGHT YEARS LATER and you still amaze us everyday and I can't imagine life any differently. You entered this world a healthy and beautiful baby boy and everyday I thank God that He knew exactly what he was doing the whole time.

Your Birth Announcement read:

Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born. So one day he asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow. How am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" "Among the many angels, I chose some for you?, said God. They will all be waiting for you and will take great care of you." But tell me, here in Heaven I don't do anything else but sing and smile", said the child. "That's enough for me to be happy." How am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me, if I don't know the language that men talk on earth?" asked the child. God said, "your angels will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear and with much patience and care, your angels will teach you how to speak." The child asked, "And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God answered, "your angels will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray." The child said, "But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore." God reassured the child. "Your angels will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way for you to come back to me, even though I will always be next you." At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from earth could already be heard, and the child in a hurry asked softly, Oh God, if I am about to leave now, please tell me all my angel's names." Your many angel's names are of no importance. You will simply call two of them Mommy and Daddy.

Caden Robert Bressler

Born: July 23, 2001

Height: 20 1/2" Weight: 7lbs. 13 oz

Parents: Phil and Trasie Bressler

Big Sister: Cynthia Anne Bressler

Happy Birthday Little Man!
Caden,

I can't believe that 8 fabulous years of a little boy we did not expect have gone by. You changed my life the day you were born and for the first time I was responsible for someones life besides my own. I was a Mommy!

I was a Mommy who knew absolutely nothing about raising a baby. I was a mommy who was scared to death. I was a mommy who loved this baby that slipped into my heart so much that it hurt, and I was a mommy who was so thankful for the greatest gift I had ever been given. It was a feeling that can never be put into words and I don't believe that God ever intended them to be known to anyone other than Mommy that He sends each of of His angels too.

You are my first born, you are the one who changed my life as I knew it and I dread the day when you will be the first one to walk out of my door to find your own way in the world. I just want you to stay EIGHT forever.

All my love and then some,

Mommy

They have left the house...

Today was the day we said good-bye to 2 more things that our baby girl has out grown. I can't believe that the swing and the bouncy seat are both things of her past and a reminder that they just don't stay little long enough.

We gave them to a couple who have 3 boys, were done having kids and then found out that they were having a girl. I know they will put Ellee's things to good use, however, it didn't mean I didn't shed a few tears as I backed out of their driveway. I felt like I was leaving part of my life there. I allowed myself to swish my feet in that sorrow for a few moments, but didn't wade in it because I am trying really hard to look forward to next stage of her life. As with all of my kids the next stage is my new favorite and I'm sure it won't be any different with Ellee.

Hard to believe that she was once this little!

She really did prefer her bouncy seat over her swing. Perhaps it was because there wasn't a speed button for her brother to push to make her go faster.

So as we say good-bye to the things that left our house today we say hello to the next stage of her life and the fabulous adventure of having a little girl in a house with two brothers.

Mommy what are those lights?

Reece: Mommy what are all of those lights in the sky?

Mommy: What are you talking about?

Reece: See Mommy all of those lights in the black sky?

Mommy: Are you talking about the stars?

Reece: Is that what they are called?

Mommy: Yep Reece, that is what they are called and I am so sorry that you are now 5 years old and this is the first time you have ever seen stars.

It never dawned on me that my city boy with a huge John Deere country heart had no idea that stars could be seen in the dark western Kansas sky. I sure am glad that when he discovered them we were in a place where we could see forever.

I remember my friend Matt telling me that his dad thinks Western Kansas is a little piece of paradise.....I would have to say he isn't far off after being back there this past weekend and realizing the little things I miss about a place I once called home.

Who would have ever thought that I would miss the stars at night?

Yes! Reece, those would be stars and the falling ones are great for wishing on!

9U State Baseball......Experience Gained and Memories Made

We set out on our adventure to the State Baseball Tournament in Western Kansas on Thursday morning and it was an adventure we won't soon forget.

Upon arriving in Lakin, Kansas we were greeted by the kind of people you only find in Western Kansas: people who are glad to see you even though they have never seen you before, people who are proud of their small town ways and everything they have to offer you, and who have worked hard on ball fields that have been manicured immaculately and can't wait for the games to begin. We walked into the Lakin Recreation Commission building where we would meet with the Babe Ruth Official and the Tournament Director and get the layout for what was ahead of us in the coming days.

And So It Begins.......

We were all fed a wonderful BBQ beef meal and it was on with the competition, however, it wasn't baseball that we were playing this night it was...

Baseball Throwing At A Target

Filling A Bowl With Water Relays A Balloon Toss

Pie Eating

Tricycle Riding

Dressing Of The Goat!

A good time was had by all, then it was off to the hotel in Garden City. We all managed to turn in for the night and the boys were up and ready for practice the next morning. Phil took Caden to practice while Reece, Ellee and I went to pick up my nephews, Ethan and Austin, who came to spend a couple of days with us while we were there and to watch Caden play baseball.

It was a pretty laid back afternoon as we prepared to play ball at 7:30 on Friday evening. We needed to be at the fields in Lakin by 6:00 for the opening ceremony of the tournament. So we were all loaded and vehicles assembled in a line to make our way to Lakin when the storm clouds came rolling in.

Phil and I both said as we made our drive to Lakin with this storm rolling in that we loved Western Kansas when it was storming because you could see it forever.

We arrived safely in Lakin to make it to the batting tunnels when a meeting was called and the games cancelled for the evening. We headed back to Garden City with some disappointed boys. We arrived back in Garden City only to find out that while we were in Lakin a hail storm had hit Garden and it looked like it had snowed while we were away. So we did what we do best--eat! A wonderful meal for 30 at El Conquistador and then off to bed in hopes of playing tomorrow.

Saturday arrives and it's raining again. We get word that the games are going to be played as scheduled, so we loaded up with boys dressed in full uniform and made our way to Lakin again. It continues to rain but they give the go ahead to play ball. The boys line up on the field the baseball pledge was

read, the national anthem was suppose to play, but didn't due to technical difficulties. However, there was a game waiting to be played, so they shouted "God Bless America, now lets play ball!"Bats were swung, balls were hit and missed5 Innings of amazing pitches by none other than Caden Bressler. Going into the 5th inning it was a tie ballgame. They scored 3 runs on us and we couldn't recover in the top of the 6th. The game is over, they shake hands with the other team and line up for the MVP and WOW awards to be handed out.

The MVP for Haysville goes to Caden Bressler. Good thing I had my sunglasses on because my eyes welled up with tears and it was a memory worth remembering for a lifetime.

Most Valuable Player

My tears were dried up quickly and in true Caden fashion he thought it was cool, but to him he was just doing his thing and that thing just happens to be playing baseball.

One game down and now it is on to the opening ceremony.

Color Guard enters the field
each player is announced and given their participation certificate.

Pictures were taken the National Anthem sung off key by two brothers,

and the opening first pitch thrown by the Garden City Community College Broncbuster Baseball Coach.

On to our second game of the tournament. We face none other than Cimarron River which is the Liberal All-Stars. They are a team whose coaches showed little sportsmanship. Despite a commanding lead, they continued to steal bases and take extra bases at every opportunity. Avery Harjo was pitching for us and did an amazing job at throwing strikes and they hit them. When the top of the 1st inning came to a close the score was 18-0. Caden was behind the plate and did an amazing job of stopping ball after ball and nevergave up. We ended up losing that game 21 to 2 but they had a tough time getting any more runs on us after they scored 18 in the first inning.

We were done for the day. We went back to the hotel, the moms did some grocery shopping for a cookout while the boys, siblings, and dads did some swimming. We enjoyed watching the boys just have a good time, running around outside with a few water balloon fights busting out, great food was prepared by the dads while the moms washed some pretty smelly ball uniforms.

Sunday arrives and we took my nephews to meet their dad in Sublette. It was hard to say goodbye and Aunt Trasie cried, because that is what she does. However, they were excited to be going back to spend the day at the water park in Liberal. They helped me out while they were

with us by watching Ellee so she didn't roll off of the bed and they took Reece everywhere that he wanted to go, not to mention Caden loved having them there to watch him play.

Ethan and Austin,
Thanks so much for all of your help! I love you bigger than any ocean and I hope you will come and stay with us again soon!

Game time begins at 3:15 so after lunch at A & W we head back to Lakin for what would be our final game. Caden had a little extra support from a friend of mine from the good ol' days. Trudi, her daughter Darian, and son Dalton came over from Syracuse to cheer him on and it was so fun to get to spend some time with them.

3:15 p.m. and it's time for us to meet up with Columbus and Caden is standing back on the mound. After another 6 amazing innings of pitching by this boy, we lost our 3rd game 13-5.

It proved to be a little bit disappointing for a boy who gave it 100% in all three games. Once again the line was made and they stood there waiting for the announcement of the MVP and WOW awards to be handed out and that frown was soon turned upside down when the announcement was made that he was once again the MVP for Haysville.

Most Valuable Player

And so with that the state tournament ends for the Haysville 9U Boys.

Caden,

I would have been happy for you had you won a game or two or the whole tournament, but you couldn't have made me any more proud. I am proud of you for winning 2 MVP awards in this tournament, however, what makes me the proudest is the attitude, the sportsmanship, the determination, and the giving 100% no matter how tough it got. This was a great experience for you and even though you didn't walk away a tournament champion with a trophy in your hand, you walked away with a new respect for the game and memories worth remembering. I know I will remember this for the rest of my life.

Once again your Dad heard someone commenting about your size and how it was going to be easy to hit off of you, and once again your proved them wrong. You proved that big things really do come in small packages!

Thanks for the memories and thanks for being the amazing kid you are.

I love you more than you will ever know and then some,

Mommy

Stats

11 Innings Pitched

18 Strike Outs

12 Hits

7 Walks

19 Put Outs

5 Assists

3 Runs

2 Stolen Bases

For a 7 year old playing up 2 years, those stats are something to be proud of!

Please....Can we have just a little family time outside of baseball?

Thank you! That is exactly what we did and it was nice. It was nice to just get away, even if it was for just the weekend. It was nice to spend sometime with some great friends. It was nice just to see the kids having a great time. It was just nice!

We left for Kansas City on Saturday morning and checked in at the hotel. We met up with the Ross Rascals, the kids did a little swimming then off to the plaza we went. We enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Cheesecake Factory on the Plaza and spent some time just wandering around and window shopping. Have you ever taken 6 kids to the Plaza and tried to do anything but make sure they were right with you and were not wandering into the streets? Wow...that alone was enough to know that we did not want to attempt to take them into any stores.

After a good night's sleep we were up early as the kids were very excited for the day to get started so they could move on to bigger and better things. We ate breakfast and were checked out of the hotel by 11:00 a.m. headed to Legends. We ate lunch at Cheeseburger in Paradise, Dina and I did a little shopping while the men took the kids (minus the babies) to Cabela's. Then at 2:30 my phone rang and the kids could not possibly wait another minute to get on with why we really went to Kansas City. So off we went to the GREAT WOLF LODGE!

This super-exhausted and sleeping little swimming beauty sums the entire weekend up perfectly ~

WE WERE ALL EXHAUSTED!

A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!

It was nice!