Return On Your Investment

Yep, she's 2 today and trying to figure out why she got a cake, ice cream and a candle last night and also a cinnamon roll with a candle this morning (notice it's the same candle...yes, we're Dutch...no hard feelings). 
Just like the stock market (here's the economics teacher coming out in me), when you make an investment you hope your return is high but likely may not be in the short term.  Well, as CEO (yes, I'll consider myself CEO but Shawna is the Board of Directors and truly controls everything at Carlson Inc., although if you're around us enough, Peyton may disagree with this all) of the family, I'd like to announce to all of you shareholders and investors that your 2 year return is very high!!  So many of you invested time, sweat, tears, blood, money, prayers, etc., in us over the past 2 years that you deserve a HUGE return. 
There have been many more highs than lows and we've seen a tremendous amount of progress with KJ.  Her physical abilities are being worked on with physical therapy on a weekly basis (her "exercise" helper, Myles, also has fun at the PT appointments).

Kierstyn has recently figured out how to wheel herself around in her bumbo wheelchair and stander wheelchair, which has given her some independence.  It has amazed us how quickly she has figured out how to maneuver the chairs (consider this your warning that if you're around us to maybe keep your shoes on so your toes don't get rolled over and it's probably smart not to walk backwards as she can sneak up on you and trip you up!!).

She has been a blessing to us and continues to bring JOY to us on a daily basis.  Her smile is contagious as many of you have experienced that and her friendly waves (definitely a trait from Great Grandpa Lamont).  We continue to learn a new normal and continue to be amazed at the outpouring of prayers, love, encouragement, etc. that we receive.  Thanks so much to you all.
Oh yeah, we have two boys still...they're doing great!

Sorry, again, for my lack of medical knowledge and insight.  If you remember from our previous blogging, Shawna is the expert in that field as she's been the head of our medical staff and may as well have an honorary medical degree with all of the time and energy she has poured into our journey (plus she has me to deal with and my ailments and Clark Griswold capabilities).

-from Zeeland/year 2...check

CHOOSING JOY