Time to migrate south!

Tanner riding on his Tonka truck.












He thought he was sooo funny.









On the coffee table.










In her old car seat that Tanner uses in Chad's truck, she couldn't get out.

Madison and I.

Hello Everyone! Hope all of you are staying warm! We are trying too! I am ready to migrate south if it is going to stay this cold. Today was the first time since Tuesday that Maddy and Tanner left the house. I love being able to work from home, it is very nice in the winter months when it is really cold. Chad didn't work on Thursday, it has been colder in Cedar Rapids than here, they also have more snow. He got to spend the day with his family and 4 daycare kiddos. They liked him being here, one of the little girls was looking for him this morning, it was very cute. The kids didn't have school again today, so we got to play all day. It is nice having the "big" kids here, everyone played well together, and the day went fast! I am looking forward to a quite weekend. Chad is working tomorrow, Saturday, then we might to Alexa's basketball game when he gets home, then we have our neices birthday on Sunday. Maddy is spending the night with Katelyn tonight, they were having a slumber party (there are 2 other girls staying). I hope that she is being good, she has been having a hard time sleeping lately. She was up with me at 6:30 and I couldn't get her to take a nap, then she had dance, then off to the party. She keeps getting up in the night and coming into our bed, I usually take her back to her bed, she gets into bed with us later. I have even tried to reward her in the morning for sleeping all night in her bed. I am hoping that when she starts preschool in the fall, that maybe she will take a little nap everyday again, she can get crabby is she doesn't! Tanner, Chad, & I went out for dinner tonight, it was strange not having Madison with us, & not running her to the bathroom. Tanner has been into everything lately! He likes to take all the sippy cups out of the cabinet and try to drink out of every cup, Maddy never messed with the cabinets. I think I am going to have to keep the baby gate up all the time. He also climbed onto the coffee table a few days ago, he thought he was funny. He loves to dance and mess with his sister's toys, he seems to be a busy little boy. Well I should get a few things done while Maddy is gone and Tanner is sleeping. Stay warm!!

Saying goodbye

I just wanted to let everyone know how greatful we are for all the kind words, thoughts of our family, and prayers. This week has been very rough for our family. I lost one of my closest family members, my Grandma. She passed away on Tuesday morning at the Great River Hospice House. She was very special to me, I spent many days and nights with her when I was little, and talked to her everyday on the phone. I caught myself dialing her number the other day, because I am in the habit of calling her. Madison doesn't completely understand what is going on, Chad, & I read a couple books about death to her, we told her that Grandma went to heaven and is our special angel, & she will be in our hearts forever. Tonight we have the visitation and tomorrow is the funeral. I am very thankful for the love and support that I have received from all of my family and friends. The next few days are not going to be easy, but we will make it through. I have very special memories of my Grandma and it has been nice visiting with family at the hospice house and in the last few days. We got bears from the hospice house that they gave to all the patients and then my mom bought all the grand kids one. My cousin bought a red bird to be buried with my Grandma, and I bought one for Maddy and Tanner, Maddy has been carrying it around and she slept with it last night. She loved to go and visit Grandma & talk to her on the phone. I am going to miss my Grandma dearly, but she will never be forgotten.
On a happier note, Tanner has really started walking this week! He also likes to try and climb on stuff. He is always busy doing something. Madison has dance tomorrow, finally after being off for three weeks. I am ready for things to get back to normal. Since the holidays, I have only worked 1 or 2 days for the last 3 weeks. I am grateful to all my daycare parents for working with me the last few weeks, from the kids being sick and now with the passing of my Grandma, I am ready to get back all the kids back into our narmal routine. I spend a lot of time with my daycare kids and I miss seeing them all, most of them I have been their childcare provider since they were babies. Thanks again to all of you for your love and support, Krystal

What a week...

My Grandma Hopson, Tanner, Alexa, Zach, and Madison Christmas Eve


I hope that all of you had a safe and happy New Year. This week has been a long one, I have spent many days and nights at the hospice house with my family. The decision was made on Monday to move my Grandma to the hospice house, she has been sleeping and resting a lot. Yesterday she seemed to be having a "good day", she was awake on and off, and talking a bit (mostly answering our questions...yes and no). For those of you that have not been to the hospice house, it is a very nice place, it feels like home, and the staff is wonderful. Thanks to everyone that has helped my family in one way or another. I am very grateful to have friends who have offered to watch my kids and cook my family food. We really appreciate everything that you have done. Please keep my Grandma and family in your prayers, love, Krystal