The Kohlmans

We had quite the winter storm last weekend. The freezing rain came off and on Saturday evening, then it snowed about 2 inches. We had to cancel Kohlman Christmas, and we stayed home from church. Of course, Lincoln had to check out the snow! (But no, it's not the first snow of his life. It snowed the second day of his life. While we were in the hospital the trucks beeped as they cleared the parking lot all. night. long. And, in the morning, my doctor couldn't come check on me because of the weather. We still went home that day. It also snowed this past October - just a dusting, but it happened.) We didn't get Lincoln any snow gear for this winter, so we just showed him the white stuff and had him touch it.  He wasn't terribly impressed, but that's okay. It meant we didn't have to stay out in the cold for very long!

Sometimes I see links on facebook, and I think, I should not click on that. It will only make me mad (or upset or frustrated) . Then I click on it anyway and end up mad or upset or frustrated. I just did that. Again. My first thought whenever I do it is This is just what is wrong with "the church" today . You see, in so many places, "the church" preaches forgiveness but practices judgment. "The church" and its religion and dogma get in the way of faith and hope and love. And "the church" forgets that "the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13) And this is just what's wrong with "the church" today. Now, let me say this. "The church" that I refer to is not (necessarily) a particular church, though I'm sure there are many particular churches that would fit the stereotype. Rather, it is the collected, and rather loud, voice of popular Christianity today. And "the church" I refer to ...

Lincoln, It's so exciting to watch you learn and grow every month! At nine months... You can get to pretty much anywhere you want to go. Mostly you scoot on your bottom. You will pull up on anything and everything, even if it has no change of keeping you balanced. This has gotten you a few bumps on the head when you choose things like the lazy susan cabinet in the kitchen! You also like to cruise around furniture and from one piece of furniture to another, and you're pretty good at sitting down from standing rather than falling or tipping over. Laps around the ottoman are lots of fun! Yesterday morning I walked into your room and found you sitting up!You can easily push yourself up to a sitting position all of the sudden. We promptly moved your crib down to the lowest setting. Wrestling with mommy and daddy is a favorite activity, and you like to "play" piano. Animal sounds always make you smile. When we say, "The lion says..." you will usuall...

So, so many things to be thankful for this week. But, when I started this I resolved to do more than write a list. I'll choose one of the many. After all, there's always next Thursday. I am thankful for Penny Hollis. (I just realized I don't have any pictures of Lincoln with Penny. We'll have to fix that ASAP!) It's hard to leave your baby to go to work, even if you know you couldn't be a stay-at-home parent. But when you leave your baby with someone who will text you random updates or pictures throughout the day, drop off isn't as hard. When you leave your baby with someone who misses him on her days off, who plans a Christmas party for seven kiddos 3 and under, who is willing to cloth diaper, who makes him smile every morning just by being there, who affirms you as a parent, going to work is easier. When you leave your baby with someone who loves him  almost  as much as you do, you have someone great to be thankful for. So I'm thankful for Pe...

We are so glad that Barb, Jeff, and Justin moved to Cottonwood Falls a year and a half ago. It's a beautiful drive up to their house, and they're closer! This is especially great when it comes to Justin's athletic endeavors.  We got to watch his play a couple weeks ago. Lincoln was enthralled by what was happening on the court. It was fun to watch Justin play, even though the team lost. 

It's official!  Brad is done with his Master's of Sport Management degree.  He graduated today. We could not be more proud! (Or more glad that it's done ;)