The Shields Family

2022 End of Year Interviews

2022-12-31T16:57:00.002-06:00

December 31. Here we are yet again. I don't know if it's possible, but this year seems to have gone even quicker than the last. As I reflect on 2022, I have so much to be thankful for.

Jack, who is now a teenager and in the throes of junior high, is doing remarkably well. I worry about these years, as they can either be extremely positive, or extremely negative. He has a great group of friends, is doing well in school, and is involved with activities. Sometimes when I think about the fact that he is only in our home for 5 more years, it stops me in my tracks. My sweet boy, I pray for you daily.

Lia, my wild girl, 10 years old. We celebrated her 10th heartiversary in April, and continue to stand in awe at her health. She is fierce. She loves to dance and draw, and she has this quirky side to her that only a few see. She recently has become more clingy to me, snuggling on the couch, asking me to lay with her until she falls asleep, making lists of things we could do together (Starbucks is always number 1), and I know this won't last forever, so I am soaking it up. Reveling in her attention and her want to be with me. She is so loved.

Ryan and I celebrated 14 years of marriage in August, and are both loving our work. He continues to be in sales for Doll Distributing with stores in Altoona and Bondurant. I am finding my groove at Mitchellville Elementary, and have felt nothing but love from the staff there as I transition to a new grade and building. My refueled passion for teaching has been a breath of fresh air.

Now for the real reason you're all here: Our annual end-of-year interviews. These, honestly, are more for me, to look back on year after year, but once I started sharing them with all of you, and you enjoyed them as much as I did, I began sharing them yearly. I know it's even encouraged some of you to start interviewing your own kiddos.

I hope 2023 is amazing for you.

Jack, age 13

Lia, age 10

What is something from 2022 that you never want to forget?

J: When we won the Big 10 in basketball

L: The spelling bee. The way I spelled raised. I spelled it r-a-z-e-d. It’s hilarious. I was just thinking way too much in the moment. I was scared, and then I humiliated myself. But now I think its funny.

What is something you did this year that makes you proud?

J: I tried a raw oyster and didn’t die.

L: My giraffe drawing, and trying out for volleyball and making the Rams Black team.

Do you have any goals for 2023?

J: Not really.

L: I want to be able to do a back handspring

Best book you read this year?

J: You know, I didn’t read a lot of books.

L: Best Friends. It’s a graphic novel. Those are like the only books I'll read. The other ones are too long.

Who inspires you? Why?

J: Jesus, because he was perfect.

L: My Grandma Sue, because she also does really good art AND she danced pointe. She loves Jesus.

What is your current favorite food?

J: Popeyes Chicken

L: How many can I say? My top 3: Big Mac, Sushi, and chips and guac

If you could pick anywhere to travel to in 2023 where would you pick?

J: Detroit, Michigan.

L: I would want to go to Paris because of the views.

What makes you happy?

J: Winston, going out to eat, Dad when he does his Winston impressions

L: Being with my friends and dancing. Playing with my dog.

What do you like most about yourself?

J: Definitely my sense of humor. It’s GOAT-ed.

L: I’m a good dancer. I can eat a whole Big Mac. I’m a good friend and I’m kind.

How do you like to spend your time?

J: Usually I’ll just hop on my phone or play station.

L: Watching TV, drawing, dancing, hanging out with my friends and family.

What do you think will be different about the world when you’re older?

J: When I’m 20 I think a lot of people will have electric cars. When I’m 40, I think cars will fly. Trains won’t be a thing anymore. At least in the U.S.

L: I'll have to pay taxes, everything will be more expensive.

What do you think your future job will be?

J: Ninja

L: I don’t really have a job that I want to do. But if I had to choose it would be designing houses or a hairstylist.

What do you think Dad does at work all day?

J: Puts beer on shelves and talks to his friends.

L: I feel like he sells the beer to go on the shelf, but I also feel that he likes his job, because he gets to have beer.

What do you think Mom does at work all day?

J: Teaches people. Curses in her head.

L: Teach kids. Tell her fellow teachers about what her kids do. Be a good teacher.

What are some qualities that you look for in a best friend?

J: Loyalty and coolness

L: Someone who is loyal, someone you can trust. Someone who understands you.

What do you think the most important rule is?

J: Don’t drive when you’re drunk. Not a good idea.

L: No drinking when you’re too young.

What are you good at?

J: Making people laugh, basketball

L: Drawing, sketching, dancing, volleyball

What do you know how to do that you could teach me?

J: How to power off someones Chromebook when they’re not looking. If you press control, shift and qq it powers off. All your tabs close. It’s funny.

L: Dance moves. I could show you how to draw an animal.

What do you do when you feel sad?

J: I eat.

L: Go bawl in my room. Watch TV

What do you wish you could do that dad and I don’t allow?

J: Charge my phone in my room at night.

L: Have Snapchat

Was there a time this year when you wanted to give up, but did not?

J: Shooting hoops at the Campus with dad. I wanted to quit because I was doing terribly. I didn’t quit because dad would’ve been mad.

L: When I was trying to draw a husky without looking at a photo, and I was trying to draw the fur, and it just didn’t look good, but I kept going to see if I could fix it. It still didn’t end up good, but at least I tried. The eyes looked good. The fur was not on point.

Who is your celebrity crush?

J: Zendaya

L: Zac Efron, but one day my dad told me he got plastic surgery. His face was too wide. But his hair still looks beautiful and gorgeous. But he just looked so much better his old way. He’s still my crush, but if he ever does something to his hair, I’ll change to Tom Holland. He’s spicy.

What is your favorite outfit?

J: A hoodie and joggers. I like shoes.

L: Any graphic tee, over-sized. Black leggings, my hair up in a claw, with my Lululemon belt bag.

If you could give us all different names, what would they be?

J: Dad would be Bartholomew, Mom would be Gwinneth, I would be Simon, Lia would be Judith, and Winston would be Cornelius.

L: Dad would be Jake, Mom would be Bree, Jack would be Dickie, I would be Bailey, and Winston would be Rafael.

10th Heartaversary

2022-05-24T18:19:00.006-05:00

**I posted this in April on Facebook, but also wanted to make sure I had a copy of it here.

April 16, 2012. Ten years ago today. Full repair of Tetrology of Fallot. Three weeks old. 

Lia has never known her body without this scar. A daily reminder that she went through something. She doesn’t remember it, but she’s heard the stories. “Unzipped,” as we like to say, by a skilled surgeon with a scalpel. Placed on bypass once, twice, three times. Kept alive by ECMO, and then her sternum wired back together and chest stapled up not once, but twice. Handfuls of complications to follow. What do we have left of all that? Her scar. 

It’s not perfect. It’s off center. It’s got texture, it curves and jags. It flows from thick to thin to thick again. You can still see the faint lines of staples. 

But aren’t the places where we’ve been put back together sometimes the most beautiful? What seems like a tale of sorrow can be a tale of joy, a tale of hope! 

For ten years now, this scar has reminded us of the past. Reminds us of what has been fixed. What has been overcome.

Pressure in today’s social media ridden world focuses so much on beauty and body image. I never want this scar to be a source of embarrassment or cause unease for her. Rather, a reminder of the trauma her tiny body endured, the second chance she was given. A chance to explain to others (because they have asked, and will continue to ask) that she has been repaired! You may not be surprised to learn that she and I have rehearsed possible responses to when someone asks.  

Have you ever heard of Kintsugi? It’s the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with gold, silver, or platinum. Or, deeper perhaps, a visual for embracing your flaws. Finding beauty in the imperfect. 

Kintsugi:  Imperfections in gold. 
Lia: A thriving 10 year old, still here, thanks to her imperfections. 

Enter, Linda Drish, friend and photographer. She has taken my senior photos, many Rosien family portraits, and even photographed our wedding. Inspired by the Gold Heart Series, I came to her with a vision, and she brought it to life. I showed up to her studio with gold paint and painted every millimeter of that scar, not even missing where her chest drain was slightly below it. Then Linda got behind her camera and did what Linda does best. 

Showcasing those beautiful imperfections, life saving imperfections, Linda spent three hours with Lia and I that day celebrating ten years of life! We took scar photos, and of course we took dance photos. Lia lives for dance! 

Do you live with scars? Maybe they’re physical, like Lia’s, or maybe they’re mental. Maybe they’re visible to the world, or maybe you keep them hidden. Whatever scars you may carry, I hope you are able to see the beauty in them. A sign that whatever tried to break you, didn’t. 

Happy 10th Heartiversary, Lia. I can’t wait to see what you do with the next decade.

2021 End of Year Interviews

2021-12-31T13:48:00.004-06:00

Once again, here we are. December 31. 2021, what can I say? Much like every year, you were full of highs and lows. You gave and you took. You brought laughter, joy, tears, and strength. You brought new memories, and gave us some we'd rather forget. Thanks for the last 365 days, here's to another 365 more.

Jack is 12 and in 6th Grade at Spring Creek. We were nervous about the adjustment to middle school, but he has handled it like a champ. He is playing basketball this winter, and learning more and more everyday about what it takes to really be dedicated to a sport. Ryan and I love seeing his growth both on the court, but also as a young man. Our biggest hope for him is that he continues to make good choices and is a light for others. New for Jack this year, is a mouth full of braces, riding the bus for the first time, and one of his biggest wishes coming true, getting a dog!

Lia is 9 and in fourth grade at Willowbrook. She continues to shine both in the classroom and on the stage. She tried a new sport this fall, volleyball, and loved it. We received clearance this year to start seeing her rheumatologist only once a year. Her arthritis continues to be in remission, and we are off all medications for that. Other than a rare flare-up, it has not caused her any trouble. As far as cardiology goes, we have noticed her stamina start to decrease a bit, especially during dance competitions. We are in talks with her cardiologist about this, and continue to monitor that leaky valve that we know will need replaced soon. Lia makes us laugh almost every day. She is spunky and quirky, and loves this about herself. We hope she never loses that.

As for Ryan and I, we are doing well too. I'm in my 10th year at Southeast Polk already, which means we've been back in Iowa for almost a decade now. Hard to believe. In my 15 years of teaching, I'm still learning everyday what it takes to be the most effective teacher I can be. Ryan is still with Doll, in grocery sales. He works hard to support us, and we love him for that. When he's not busy with work, he's a wonderful dance dad, never missing a competition, and always running plays, and working on ball handling with Jack.

Now for the real reason you're reading this blog post, our end of year interview questions! I love sitting down with the kids and doing this. Even though I'm the one asking the questions, it is such good conversation between me and them. I always learn something new about them, whether that new something is adorable, or cringe worthy, I'll leave that up to you!

What is something you did this year that you're proud of?

J: Making the Running Rams basketball team.

L: I tried a new sport, I was nervous, but then I loved it.

What is currently your favorite food?

J: That's a hard one. Chicken wings that dad does on the smoker.

L: Sushi, especially California Rolls

What do you worry about?

J: Embarrassing myself, burglars, guns, Lia.

L: Barfing. There some other stuff too, getting kidnapped, getting lost in a store, or drowning.

If you were allowed to get a tattoo, what would you get?

J: A cross for Jesus.

L: A butterfly, because I like them.

What do you do when you feel bored?

J: Play Play Station, unless I'm grounded, then I just eat.

L: Watch TikTok

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

J: Cuddling with Winston, going to a trampoline park, shooting hoops, traveling, or going to any sporting event.

L: Dance or volleyball

Do you have a celebrity crush?

J: Mom, no. But who did Lia say?

L: It's actually not Zac Efron anymore. He's too old. It's Tom Holland now. My favorite celebrity who isn't a crush is Zendaya.

How do you handle stress?

J: I just try to ignore it.

L: I cry. That's it. I don't really have a lot of stress, so I don't know.

Do you have a favorite movie?

J: Cool Runnings

L: Spider Man-No Way Home

Whats the most embarrassing thing dad or I does?

J: When dad makes those weird bird sounds.

L: When dad makes weird bird noises.

What would you like to learn how to do in 2022?

J: Finish an alleyoop in NBA2K.

L: An aerial.

What is your favorite thing we did as a family this year?

J: Got a dog.

L: In Mexico, that place where we ate Sushi. That was good.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

J: A pilot.

L: A hairstylist and a celebrity. Which probably will never happen because I'm not famous anywhere. I only have 84 followers on TikTok right now. An actress too.

Whats the best book you read this year?

J: Hatchet

L: From the Desk of Zoe Washington. She's an independent woman, I want to be an independent woman someday too. Except, I do want a husband at some point.

What is one word to describe you?

J: Odd

L: Funny

What do you think you'll be doing 10 years from now?

J: (age 22) I'll be a senior in college, hopefully in Iowa City.

L: (age 19) I'll be at college, I will be a famous actress and I'll be doing peoples hair for the shows we're making.

Whats the best thing about your sibling?

J: Her dancing is good, even though I'm never really sure which one is her up there. I mean, they don't ever get last place, right?

L: He doesn't have his friends over all the time.

What is your first memory in life?

J: I remember my bedroom in Wichita. Grandpa Maury would color with me in there.

L: Meeting Belle

What makes you laugh?

J: Have you seen the Saturday Night Live about baby spanx? The guy says "I'd never spank a baby, but I sure as hell would spanx a baby!"

L: I have a lot of things, mostly Jack. There's that part in Cool Runnings where the guy is dancing on a table, and he falls onto the floor.

Who inspires you?

J: Donovan Mitchell, he's really good at basketball

L: Zendaya. She's a great actress, shes beautiful and she's very very kind.

Is there anything else you'd like to add or say about 2021?

J: Wait, aren't you going to ask us the question where we get to give everyone a different name?

Me: I can, if you want.

J: As far as 2021, it was fun, we got a dog, he's the best dog.

L: My favorite part of 2021 was when Winston happened.

Not part of my original question list, but apparently one they like to answer:

If you could give everyone in our family a different name, what would it be?

J: Dad would be Daquarius, Mom would be Carol, I would be Lloyd, Lia would be Swanny, and Winston would be Mac.

L: Dad would be Julien, Mom would be Lucille, Jack would be Fart Face, I would be Olivia, and Winston would be Raphael.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2020 End of Year Interviews

2020-12-31T09:19:00.005-06:00

Greetings!

First and foremost, my family is healthy and happy! Our already tight-knit foursome is even tighter. We have never spent as much time together as we did this year. Was it hard and frustrating at times? Yes, of course it was. We are human after all. But the movie nights, the make-your-own pizza nights, the game nights, the walks around the neighborhood, the road trips, the hikes, the home improvements, the basketball in the driveway, they were amazing. We've grown in areas I never knew we needed to grow in! My eyes are opened to new realizations, especially things I can let go of. Things I thought I had to have control over, but in reality, aren't important. I am thankful for that.

Jack is 11 and in his last year at Willowbrook with me. It will be strange not having him there next year. He is a good student, and a mostly good brother (wink wink). He's still quiet and reserved. He loves watching the Bears and the Hawkeyes. Most days you can find him shooting hoops in the driveway or playing on his PlayStation. He is quite the artist and loves to sketch. He longs for the day when we agree to let him get a dog.

Lia is still our silly girl. She is 8 and spends several days a week at the dance studio. It is her passion, and she works hard at it. She is a good friend to all, and a mostly good sister (wink wink). We continue to see her cardiologist once a year and rheumatologist twice a year. Year after year, she continues to receive good news in regards to her health. She is a social butterfly and loves school.

Those of you who have been around for a while know that I love doing these end of year interviews with the kids. Just today, I was looking back on their answers from previous years, and it flooded my mind with so many memories. Some of you have even started this tradition with your children. Their answers will bring me joy (or possibly make me cringe) for years to come.

2020 Interview: (I asked the kids these questions separately, so their answers wouldn't be swayed by each other. I wanted their honest responses.)

What is your favorite memory from this year?

Lia: Being with my family at Table Rock.

Jack: Vacation at Table Rock.

What is your worst memory from this year?

Lia: Hmmmm, probably not getting a birthday party.

Jack: Kobe Bryant dying.

Tell me about a time you showed kindness this year.

Lia: When Jack rode my hoverboard and I didn't tell on him.

Jack: I gave Lia $4 to clean my room.

What is a funny thing you remember from this year?

Lia: Playing Kids Against Maturity with my cousins.

Jack: When dad sings about Sky Joe.

How is life going for you?

Lia: Good, but sometimes its boring, or scary, or not the best. But I do have fun. I got good stuff in my stocking.

Jack: Good, but Covid isn't good. I love Christmas break.

What is one word to describe you?

Lia: Weird.

Jack: Weird and a little bit funny.

What are your favorite things to do?

Lia: Play with slime, spend time with my family, play with friends and eat food.

Jack: Shoot hoops and play games.

What do you love most about Jack?

Lia: He's funny and he plays with me sometimes.

What do you love most about Lia?

Jack: She's funny.

What do you think you'll be doing 10 years from now?

Lia: (age 18) Buying a dog, buying stuff at Target, but I'll pay for it.

Jack: (age 21) Working at HyVee and going to college at Iowa.

What makes a person good looking?

Lia: If they look like Zac Efron.

Jack: I don't know? Clothes?

Describe your perfect day:

Lia: I get 10,000 pieces of candy, I get a dog and name it Fluffy, I get presents, and I get to do my mom's makeup and she actually likes it.

Jack: We get a puppy, we teach the puppy how to swim. Then we go to Get Air, and have dinner at Bubba. I get some presents, and Lia goes over to someones house to play.

What is the best book you read in 2020?

Lia: Louisiana's Way Home

Jack: The Wild Robot Escapes

What is your favorite meal?

Lia: Bacon, pancakes, hash-browns and orange juice.

Jack: Chicken and waffles.

What do you know about Jesus?

Lia: Well, he was born with donkeys next to him. He died on the cross so I can go to Heaven.

Jack: He died on the cross, and then rose from the dead so we can go to Heaven.

What do you think you'll dream about tonight?

Lia: Why my mom makes me answer these questions.

Jack: Nothing.

If you had to give everyone in our family a new name, what would you name them?

Lia: Mom would be Melissa. Dad would be Justin. Jack would be Corey. I would be Olivia.

Jack: Mom would be Madison. Dad would be DeShawn. Lia would be Dakota. I would be Mason.

What made you smile this year?

Lia: When I got a special part in a dance.

Jack: When the Hawkeyes beat Wisconsin.

What bothers you?

Lia: When I have to sweep the floor after dinner. I like to wipe down the table.

Jack: When you say I can only have 1 hour of screen time.

If you could make up a new holiday what would it be?

Lia: 20 days of getting presents from your family.

Jack: Take a dog to school holiday.

What is something about you I might not know?

Lia: I roll around in bed a lot.

Jack: Sometimes I stay on my phone until midnight. 12:48 was the latest.

What makes you feel loved?

Lia: Cuddling with daddy when we watch movies.

Jack: Eating dinner together.

What are you thankful for?

Lia: My family and my friends and my teacher.

Jack: My family and my bed.

What scares you?

Lia: The movie Cats (still traumatized from last year)

Jack: Cody Parkey (only Bears fans will get this)

What are your goals for 2021?

Lia: To not leave my socks everywhere and to not hit Jack.

Jack: To not make so many weird noises.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2019 End Of Year Interviews

2019-12-31T11:16:00.002-06:00

The time of year has come again! As I sat and talked with the kids during these interviews, I couldn't help but be reminded of what a wonderful year it was. We had highs, lows, and everything in between. We laughed, cried, worried, and perservered. We celebrated, mourned, worshiped, and grew. I cannot believe another year has come and gone. As I'm typing this, I keep glancing across the room at the two children God has blessed me with. I am so proud of who they are and what they are becoming.

Before I get into the interviews, I wanted to share with you a little about what 2019 brought for the Shields family.

Lia wrapped up a great year in first grade, and is now halfway done with 2nd. She is thriving. We continue to see her rheumatologist and cardiologist regularly. This year brought a change with a new cardiologist, which had us all a bit nervous, but unnecessarily, as Dr. Shivapour has been wonderful. Lia started competition dance in addition to her regular dance classes, and has recently sparked an interest in basketball. She makes us laugh daily, with her quick wit and humor. Not a day goes by that I do not think about how lucky I am she is here.

Jack finished third grade, and is halfway through fourth grade now! He and I were both nervous about being in the same grade together this year, but other than a few small road bumps, things have gone considerably well. It is refreshing to hear him say how much he likes school. He still is playing basketball and is about to begin a new season this week. If you can't find him in the house, chances are, he's shooting hoops in the driveway. He turned 10 in November, which gave me a lot of opportunity to reflect on a decade of parenting. I think back to 25 year old Ashley, with a newborn, and how much he has taught me. There is something so special about your first born.

Ryan and I celebrated 11 years of marriage in August. He is still working with Doll, and loving it. I never would've thought he'd do so well in a sales position, but he's rocking it. I am in my 13th year of teaching. I pray daily about the highs and lows the classroom brings, and the changes in education I've seen over the years. If we're being honest, I'm feeling a bit of a burnout recently, but trust that God has a plan for me!

We took a family vacation to Chicago this summer where we enjoyed a Cubs game, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, American Girl, and time with the O'Connor family. Also, we took the kids out of the country for the first time, and traveled with Ryan's entire family to Punta Cana. So many precious memories were made, with the Caribbean as the background. We love to travel, and are looking forward to many new travel experiences in 2020.

Well, if you have made it this far, thank you! Without further delay, I give you our 2019 kid interviews!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

J: Playing in the NBA for the Celtics

L: A PE teacher

What is your favorite toy right now?

J: Nintendo Switch

L: My baby dolls

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

J: Jackson

L: Lilly

What is the best book you read this year?

J: Moving Target

L: Charlotte's Web

What was your favorite family event this year?

J: Drinking pina coladas in the Dominican

L: Christmas at Grandma Sue's

What is something you worry about?

J: Natural disasters, especially tornadoes.

L: Sometimes I worry about friends not being my friends. Also, you know those cats in the movie Cats? I worry about them getting into our house.

(Disclaimer: Lia has recently been traumatized by the Cats movie trailer)

Who inspires you? Why?

J: Mom and Dad, because they are nice to me.

L: Mom and Dad because they tell me to keep trying.

What is your most favorite and least favorite food?

J: Most favorite is sugar cookies. Least favorite is mayo.

L: Most favorite is corn, pizza, grapes and watermelon. Least favorite is lasagna or ravioli.

What qualities about yourself do you admire?

J: I'm tall, I'm nice, and I'm a good friend.

L: I'm kind and I include people.

What is your favorite restaurant? Why?

J: Monterrey, I love the enchiladas.

L: Grumpy Goat, because I like the name of it.

What is a moment from this year that you never want to forget?

J: I went out of America for the first time. Also, I didn't throw up once this year.

L: When I first did arrays in math, they were really hard. I was bad at them, but I got good at them. I felt proud.

What is something nice you did for someone this year?

J: I let someone use my pencil.

L: I asked someone if they wanted to play with me.

What is something you wonder about?

J: I wonder how to communicate with dogs. I wish I could talk to them.

L: I wonder why they would want to make those cats talk, and put fur like that on famous people to make them look like cats. (again, the trauma)

Where was your favorite place to visit this year?

J: The beach, in the Dominican Republic

L: American Girl to get my doll's hair done.

Where is somewhere you want to visit in the future?

J: Mexico

L: New York

Is there anyone you miss?

J: Miss Werner

L: Kenzley

Is there anything you want to learn how to do in 2020?

J: How to do a cartwheel

L: How to shoot a basketball.

Any other goals you'd like to mention for 2020?

J: I want to eat healthier, except for Gushers.

L: I want to read more chapter books by myself.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2018 End of Year Interviews!

2018-12-31T14:28:00.001-06:00

I look forward to these interviews with Jack and Lia at the end of each year. It's hard to believe that this is the 6th year we've done this! I know these will be so wonderful to look back on as the kids grow older.

Jack is 9 years old and a 3rd grader at Willowbrook Elementary
Lia is 6 years old and a 1st grader at Willowbrook Elementary

Photography by Kayla Pontier

What is your favorite drink?Jack: Mt. Dew or Diet Dr. Pepper
Lia: Water

Favorite Book?
Jack: Map Trap by Andrew Clements or The Great Sasquatch Escape by Suzanne Selfors
Lia: Piggie & Gerald books

Favorite Game?
Jack: Uno
Lia: Kanoodle

Favorite Restaurant?
Jack: Panda Express
Lia: McDonalds

Favorite Place to Go?
Jack: Home or Kinnick Stadium
Lia: Target

If you could change your name what would you change it to?
Jack: Jackson
Lia: Layla Sparkle

What is something your mom always says?
Jack: "Maybe we should light a candle."
Lia: "Go get me a brush."

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Jack: Football player in the NFL
Lia: Ballerina

What are you going to do different this year than last year?
Jack: I'm not going to pee on the seat
Lia: Not cry at school

What are you afraid of?
Jack: Food poisoning
Lia: Restaurants with fire (she means hibachi)

What is the nicest thing you did for someone last year?
Jack: I helped a friend who was being picked on.
Lia: I asked someone to be my friend

What do you do best?
Jack: Play Minecraft
Lia: Be a good girl at school

What 3 words best describe you?
Jack: Strong, funny, creative
Lia: Pretty, special, talented

What is the best thing that happened to you last year?
Jack: Climbing Horsetooth
Lia: Getting Mrs. Sayre for a teacher

What is the worst thing that happened to you last year?
Jack: Office referral
Lia: Hitting Jack with a golf club

Where was one of the best places you went in 2018?
Jack: Fort Collins
Lia: Texas

What makes you happy?
Jack: Being home
Lia: My family

Happy New Year!

2018: The Year In Review

2018-12-30T14:57:00.002-06:00

Well, 2018 has come to an end, and what a year it was for the Shields family! We experienced loss and welcomed two new family members. We traveled, we celebrated birthdays, we danced in recitals and played basketball. Enjoy this look back at our year:

January: We kicked off the year with another basketball season for Jack at the Altoona Campus. He was on a team with several of his friends this year and is excited for another season to begin soon. He had quite the cheering section for his games!

After one of Jack's games.

February: We were given another great report on Lia's heart condition. She passed her echo and EKG with flying colors and was given another year's clearance. We also found out it would be the last time we would be seen by Dr. Lozier. He has taken a job in Cleveland at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. While we are going to miss him, we have been reassured that our new cardiologist, Dr. Shivapour (who came from Cleveland) is wonderful. We are looking forward to meeting her soon. A heart valve replacement will be next on Lia's list of heart surgeries. We continue to pray that her heart can hold out a few years longer. God is good though and all things are perfect in His timing, so we continue to put all our faith in Him. (Don't believe me? Read all blog posts from spring of 2012 😉)

She is my strength.

We will miss you, Dr. Lozier!

We also enjoyed a special visit from Aunt Hilary in February which included a girls night out!

Hilary & Lia

March: March was a great month. I am happy to report that no one received a bloody nose from having cabbage thrown at them! Miss Lia turned 6 years old and we spent a week traveling in Texas! We toured AT&T Stadium in Dallas, did some shopping at Magnolia Market in Waco, and took in a Spurs game and the Riverwalk in San Antonio. On our way home, we stayed a night in Wichita. The first time we had been back since we moved in 2012. I visited Linwood Elementary (location of my first teaching job) and had a wonderful time catching up with my former first grade teammates.

Sitting on center field

The Alamo. I may have cried.

San Antonio Riverwalk Boat Tour

You must visit this place!

Happy 6th Birthday, sweet girl!

April: April was a rough month, as my Grandma B. went to her eternal home. Although we miss her here on earth dearly, we know she is with Jesus and pain free.

This photo was taken just a few days before she passed. I will cherish it forever.

April also marked another year of walking in the Greater Des Moines Heart Walk! We had so much support from family and friends this year. It was my dad's first year walking as a survivor with Lia. I am happy to report that he continues to do well after his heart attack in November of '17.

Survivors Photo

I hope you'll consider joining us this spring as we walk to find a cure for heart disease and stroke.

May: In May, we celebrated my 34th birthday, and a kindergarten graduation!

Kindergarten Graduation

Also in May, I participated with my school in our first ever Girls On The Run! I partnered up with a girl from my class, Sadie, and I must say, we rocked our 5k together!

Sadie and Mia were both students in my class. Lia was our cheerleader!

June: June brought Ryan's 37th birthday and Lia's 3rd recital with Pat Barton Dance Studio!

Dance is her jam.

Ry's 37th at Iowa Tap Room

July: July was an amazing month as we loaded up the car again and headed for Colorado. We climbed Horse Tooth in Ft. Collins, toured Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, saw the Red Rocks outside of Denver, and toured Mile High Stadium where we got to sit in John Elway's suite! The kids loved the mountains so much we are hoping to go again soon.

August: Busy month for the Shields family! August marked 10 years of marriage for Ryan and I. We celebrated in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with our amazing friends, Sam and Kelcie. We were spoiled rotten on this anniversary trip and cannot wait to go back to gorgeous Cabo someday.

August also brought another year of wonderful memories at the Iowa State Fair. Lia performed with her dance studio again this year, and we loved watching her on the Bill Reilly stage!

State Fair Fun!

August brought the beginning of yet another school year. I am still teaching fourth grade for the Southeast Polk school district. Jack started third grade and Lia started first! I know I say this every year, but I am so thankful to be working in the same school they attend. Next year, Jack will be in the same grade I teach! How can that be?

September: September is such a fun month! Football starts! Lia attended her first Iowa game at Kinnick Stadium this year! We went to the Iowa/UNI game with the kids, so of course I had to rock some purple and gold along with my black and gold. We loved waving to the Children's hospital after the first quarter.

September ended a bit rough for Jack as he took a golf club to the eye accidentally by his little sister. His glasses were crushed and ended up with 8 stitches in his eyebrow. His scar is healing nicely and he has a good story to tell for anyone who asks.

He was such a trooper!

September ended with Lia being asked to join the competition team with Pat Barton Dance Studio! She excitedly signed her contract and began practice soon after. She will be traveling to Davenport, Kansas City, Ames and Des Moines for competitions this spring. I really don't know what we've gotten ourselves into with this whole competition dance, but am so excited to do this with her. She truly loves dance.

October: Yay for babies! Both my sister AND brother welcomed new babies to the world this month! Jameson and Alex welcomed Holden James on October 4th, and Brent and Morgan welcomed Kellen Ashley on October 30th. To say it's been a fun few months with two new babies in the family is an understatement.

November: My baby boy turned 9 years old! He had a 'dog' themed party. He wants a dog SO BAD. We are not getting a dog any time soon, so we settled with letting him invite some dogs to his party. Yes, you read that right, his guests were dogs. My brother brought his dog, Lola, my parents brought their dog, Bella, and our wonderful neighbor, Jen, brought her dog, Copper. A 'dog gone good time' was had by all! (see what I did there?)

December: December always goes so quickly, doesn't it? We had a wonderful Christmas season with our amazing family. I love teaching my children about the true meaning of Christmas and what it actually meant for God to send his son to earth. We enjoyed teaching some of Jack and Lia's Sunday school classes this month, sharing this joy with other kids too. We are so blessed to attend Valley Church in West Des Moines.

Before Christmas Eve service

I hope this blog post finds you well. We have some exciting things planned for 2019 and can't wait to see what the next year brings us! Stay tuned for Jack and Lia's New Years interviews coming soon!

2017 End of Year Interview

2017-12-31T12:23:00.000-06:00

It has become our yearly tradition to interview the kids at the end of year year! Here is our 2017 interview. Also check out our 2017 family recap by clicking HERE

Lia age 5

Jack age 8

1. What is your favorite thing to wear?

L: Nice clothes

J: My Russell Wilson shirt

2. What is one thing your learned last year?

L: Doing our ABC's in preschool

J: Two digit addition-I like two digit addition. I like subtraction a little.

3. How do you like to spend your spare time?

L: Playing with Macie (doll)

J: In front of my Play Station

4. What is your favorite book?

L: Piggie and Gerald books

J: I Survived the Great Chicago Fire

5. What did you love most about last year?

L: Getting Macie for my birthday

J: Alabama!

6. What is your favorite TV show?

L: Olaf's Christmas Adventure

J: Any football game

7. What do you think makes a person good looking?

L: Dressing nice

J: A Seahawk's shirt

8. What will you be doing 10 years from now?

L: Mostly playing with Macie

J: I'd be what? 18? Staying up all night.

9. Tell me about a funny time in your life.

L: Can it be inappropriate? Jack said "I'm Batman, I'm awesome, I got a 9-pack."

J: When I farted in dad's face.

10. What is the grossest thing you can think of?

L: Duck poop

J: VOMIT (he told me to write that in all caps)

11. Name two places we should go on vacation this year.

L: Chicago and Target

J: Colorado and Century Link Field

12. What is the best thing about being 5?

L: Trying to look like a grownup

What is the worst thing about being 5?

L: When Jack tries to wake me up

What is the best thing about being 8?

J: I've only been spanked about two times

What is the worst thing about being 8?

J: One thing: The Hawks lost to Purdue on my birthday.

13. What is the nicest thing you did for someone this year?

L: Helped somebody buzz in the front door so they could go the bathroom (school)

J: Helped Rayden find his book

14. What is one word to describe you?

L: Mad

J: Hilarious

2017 Recap

2017-12-31T11:11:00.001-06:00

Well, it's the last day of 2017, and as I log on here to recap our year, I realize that the last blog I did this year was for Lia's birthday in March. I think I am going to make my New Year's resolution to be better about blogging. I know that someday as I'm going back through and reading them, I will appreciate that I took the time to sit and write them. What can I say though? Life is busy.

2017 brought many ups for the Shields family, and also a few downs. Enjoy this look back:

January brought Jack and Lia's first trip to Carver Hawkeye Arena for an Iowa game! They had a lot of fun. We also went to the Drake/UNI game, celebrated Lia's last (preschool) Donuts with Dad, and had lunch at school with Jack to celebrate his 'Star Student' week in first grade!

February brought another excellent check up with Lia's Cardiologist, Dr. Lozier. We are still seeing him annually, where she receives an echo-cardiogram, and EKG, and (fingers crossed) another year's clearance! God continues to bless us with Lia's good health. We are so thankful.

We also took a trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City for a fun weekend getaway. We met up with friends from Wichita, and had a blast!

In March we celebrated Lia's 5th birthday, and Grandma Diane's 70th birthday! For St. Patrick's Day we went downtown to the parade, where Lia got hit in the face with a cabbage (yes, a cabbage)! It was quite a scary moment, and she got a small bloody nose, but she survived and now we have quite a story to tell!

In April, we walked in the Heart Walk again! This was a bittersweet year as Grandpa Jim was not able to hold Lia in the survivor's photo, although we know he was watching over us from Heaven. Grandpa Jeff stepped in and held her. Little did we know at the time that Grandpa Jeff was struggling from heart issues of his own (See November)

May was a great month, as we celebrated Lia's preschool graduation, and even more exciting, her last Methotrexate injection for rheumatoid arthritis! We still see her rheumatologist twice a year at the University of Iowa, but so far her arthritis has stayed in remission. There is no cure for arthritis, (much like heart disease) so we continue to monitor. I am happy to report that she is doing so well! She never complains about her joints hurting, and is very active! Again, God is good.

I turned 33 in May, and we went to Celebrasian downtown to try lots of new foods! We had a lot of fun.

In June, we celebrated Daddy turning 36, and my 15 year high school reunion in Washington.

July was a fabulous month, not only was Jack baptized in front of much of his family, but we took an amazing Rosien family vacation to the Gulf Shores! Memories to last a lifetime were made.

In August, Ryan and I celebrated 9 years of marriage in St. Louis! Jack started 2nd grade, and Lia started kindergarten. They are both blessed with amazing teachers. I started my 11th year of teaching. I'm still at Southeast Polk, teaching 4th grade at Willowbrook Elementary in Altoona. I am lucky to have Jack and Lia in the building where I teach.

In September, Jack was able to attend his first Iowa football game with Ryan! They traveled to Ames to see Iowa play Iowa State! Jack had a great time. We also celebrated my Dad's 60th birthday in Iowa City to see the Hawks play Penn State.

Also in September Jack caught an amazing fish off the Wapsie River! While fishing with Grandpa Maury, he reeled in a 32 in. Northern Pike! We now have a canvas of the photo below hanging in Jack's room.

October brought cold temperatures but some cute trick-or-treaters!

November started off great! We celebrated Jack turning 8 by taking him to his first Iowa football game at Kinnick Stadium, which included a tour of the football training facilities! He was pumped.

November ended on a more sour note as we said goodbye to Ryan's grandmother. We celebrated her life with a beautiful service surrounded by family. The next day, my dad suffered a heart attack and ended up having two stents put in. He is currently still in cardiac rehab and is steadily recovering. He continues to be monitored closely as the artery that was left open is 70% blocked. Continued prayers for him are appreciated!

December, as always, is so fun! Christmas shopping, Christmas lights, celebrating Christ's birth, Christmas break from school, and time spent surrounded by family! It goes too quick! We had a wonderful holiday season.

I'm excited for what 2018 has in store! We already have some fun plans in the works! I hope you all have a wonderful new year!

Lia Turns 5

2017-04-12T12:36:00.001-05:00

Lia celebrated her 5th birthday a few weeks ago! We celebrated with my family (A Trolls themed party) and then with Ryan's side of the family the next day, as Lia also shares her birthday with her cousin, Zach. She is a lucky girl to have so many people who love and support her!

Our sweet 5 year old!

Birthday Twins! Zach turned 17.

My mom made the most adorable "troll hair" for the kids to wear at Lia's party.

Meet Macy, Lia's new American Girl doll!

In other news, the Des Moines Heart Walk is next weekend. We are excited to get out there and support Lia and the American Heart Association. We missed the walk last year due to my grandfather's funeral. Speaking of which, it's hard to believe that it's already been nearly a year that he's been gone. I miss him terribly, but am looking forward to our heavenly reunion someday. If you look close, in the last photo I posted above, you can see a framed photo I have of him. That is the same photo that was on display at his funeral.

There are only 6 weeks left of school. It's hard to believe that I am wrapping up year 10 of teaching. We have lots of fun things planned this summer, including a trip to the Gulf Shores of Alabama! The kids are excited to get back to the beach. Rather than just a day trip like we did last summer when we were in Orlando, we are doing a whole week at the beach! I also have my 15 year class reunion this summer. 15 years? That hardly seems possible. Yikes, I'm getting old.

I hope this blog post finds you well. Enjoy your Easter weekend! So much to be grateful for.

Surviving Winter

2017-03-14T19:17:00.002-05:00

As I type this, it is the middle of spring break, and there is SNOW on the ground! AHHHH! I am so ready for spring to get here! I want warm temps, green grass, Easter, and the countdown to summer. It's so hard to be excited for those things with snow on the ground and 20 degree temps!

Ryan took a few days off this spring break, so we have been enjoying having him around. We tried a couple new restaurants, Gusto Pizza and Mad Meatball, took the kids swimming, went sledding, had a movie night, and tomorrow we head to Iowa City for Lia's rheumatology appointment.

Our March Madness brackets are all filled out, and we're excited to watch lots of basketball over the next couple of weeks. A little sad that neither the Hawkeyes or Panthers are in the tourney this year, but at least we'll get to watch Iowa in the NIT.

To keep busy this winter, we planned a weekend trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City with our friends the Rodriguez's! They live in Wichita, so Kansas City is the perfect meeting point. We had so much fun catching up with them.

We also have celebrated some big birthday's around here! My mother in law turned 70, and we celebrated with a family dinner and painting night. Plus, my niece, Finley, celebrated her FIRST birthday! She's such a cutie. Lia turns 5 in two weeks, so we're busy planning her Trolls themed party, and Jack starts spring soccer on Monday night! We have a lot to keep us busy around here. I just began 8 weeks with a new student teacher, and Ryan is busy with work as always.

Here are some photos for you to enjoy!

Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas City

Board painting for Diane's birthday!

Enjoying some Gusto Pizza with this cutie!

My family at Finley's birthday!

Lunch at Mad Meatball

Sledding fun in Peasant Hill!

2016 End of Year Interview with Jack and Lia

2016-12-31T18:48:00.000-06:00

Well. it's that time of year again! My annual end-of-the-year interview with Jack and Lia! This is my 4th year doing this (previous years interviews linked below), and I love looking back at all the responses from the kids. The questions are completely random, and J & L are not together when I ask the questions. I record their answers word for word. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed asking the questions.

May 2016

Also, if you haven't already read it, check out my 2016 family recap, click HERE

1. Why do you like being a kid?

Lia: Because I love myself and I love my haircut

Jack: Because I can have an elf at Christmas

2. What was your favorite part of 2016?

Lia: Going to the pool at Disney

Jack: Flying in airplanes

3. What do you like to do for fun?

Lia: Play PlayDoh

Jac:k Play basketball and football

4. What was the nicest thing you did for someone this year?

Lia: I gave my mom a hug because she cries for Grandpa Jim

Jack: I helped Joe when he fell and hurt his leg

5. What do you love most about your sibling?

Lia: When we be nice together

Jack: She watches TV with me

6. What do you think makes a person good looking?

Lia: Putting make-up on

Jack: Wearing a polo to church

7. If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

Lia: A zebra, because I like them

Jack: An orca whale because they are black and white

8. Tell about a funny time in your life:

Lia: When Jack and I were playing football and I kept doing this [performs some sort of leaping movement] to the ball

Jack: When I give Lia the football and she tries to throw it back

9. What do you think you'll be doing 10 years from now?

Lia: Reading a book

Jack: Playing in a real football game

10. One word to describe you would be ____.

Lia: Happy

Jack: Happy

11. What is the grossest thing you can think of?

Lia: A smelly garbage can

Jack: Diarrhea

12. Name two things we should do together as a family on the weekend.

Lia: Take a walk together; Go to the park together

Jack: Go to a Bears game; Go to Pump It Up

13. What is one goal you have for yourself in 2017?

Lia: I want to win a necklace with a star on it like what Quinn has in her room

Jack: To win the last soccer game of the year

2015 Interview click HERE

2014 Interview click HERE

2013 Interview click HERE

2016 Recap

2016-12-31T17:59:00.003-06:00

As 2016 comes to an end, I thought I would recap our year. As with any year, we had some highs, and we had some lows, but in the end, I have an amazing, hard working husband, two healthy children who are my whole world, a job that I love, and the most supportive family and friends that a girl could ask for.

January: Morgan and I hosted a baby shower, for my sister in law, Alex. We patiently awaited the arrival of our new niece.

February: Lia had her annual echo and EKG. Things look amazing, and she continues to show signs of good health!

The bravest girl I know!

March: We welcomed our niece, Finley, into the world, and celebrated Lia turning 4 with a Belle themed party!

Lia and Finley

She's FOUR!

April: By far the saddest month of the year, as we said goodbye to my grandfather. Although we are so thankful he isn't suffering anymore, and is spending eternity in Heaven, we sure do miss him.

Hated saying goodbye to him. But how lucky am I to have had him for 32 years?

April also brought a trip to Chicago to see our friends Abby and Liam. Got to see a Bulls vs. Cavs game, toured Lagunitas Brewery, and of course, visited Wrigley Field!

May: Ashley turned 32, and Jack started his first season of baseball! He made so much improvement as the season went on. We are so proud of him.

Proud of our little baseball player!

June: Ryan turned 35, and Lia danced in her first recital! We loved seeing her tap and ballet routine. She loves to dance and added jazz to her to her repertoire this year.

July: July was by far the best month of the year for us. The Make A Wish Foundation sent us to Florida for a week at Disney World to fulfill Lia's dream of meeting Princess Belle. We had a magical get away, and will forever be grateful for our experience with Make A Wish and Give Kids The World.

Cocoa Beach, FL

Belle: The newest Team Lia supporter!

Epcot

Jedi Training

Made over into Snow White!

August: Ryan and Ashley celebrated 8 years of marriage! Jack became a first grader, and Lia started her second year of pre school!

Annual trip to the great Iowa State Fair!

September: Jack played fall soccer, and loved it!

October: Jack and Lia wanted to relive their Disney days, so Jack dressed as Darth Vader for Halloween and Lia was Snow White!

November: Jack turned 7 and began his first season of basketball! He says basketball is his current most favorite sport. He loved being on the court and we loved watching him. Also, I can't leave out the fact that the Cubs won the world series! Ryan was like a kid on Christmas! Go Cubs!

Jack and Lia with Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Sue after one of his games.

We got to have luch at school with Jack on his birthday!

Rachel and I hosted a baby shower for mom-to-be, Abby!

Fishing with Grandpa Maury while we were back over Thanksgiving weekend.

December: We found ourselves surrounded by family as we celebrated Christs' birth. Also paid a special visit to Santa Claus.

After the business of the Thanksgiving holiday, we let Jack have his first FRIEND birthday party in December. We went bowling and played laser tag! Lots of fun was had by all.

I hope this blog finds you feeling as blessed as I do.

Fall 2016

2016-11-19T20:56:00.001-06:00

August 5, 2016; the date of my last blog post. Wow. I have really been a slacker when it comes to updating you on our family. Does anyone still read this? A comment below would be wonderful. I'm not sure if I actually have an audience, or if I am only doing these blogs for myself to look back on someday. Either way, I will keep typing.

The fall has been good to the Shields family. I have a great group of fourth graders, and a fabulous associate I work with in my classroom. Jack is rocking the first grade, and Lia is loving 4 year old pre school, getting all prepared for kindergarten next year! Ryan recently got a promotion at Doll, and is still loving his job.

In September, we had a visit to the rheumatologist in Iowa City. Lia is nearly in remission with her arthritis. We are still continuing to give the methotrexate injections once a week, but as she gains weight, we will not increase the dosage, resulting in a natural ween off the medication. Very excited about that. We have her annual echo in January. Praying that we continue to hear good news from her cardiologist. She is dancing again this fall at Pat Barton Dance Studio in Altoona. She is taking ballet, tap, and jazz. She LOVES dance.

Jack wrapped up a wonderful season of fall soccer, and the very next weekend started his basketball season! This is his first year playing basketball, and he LOVES it. His face lights up every time he makes a basket. Right now, he's learning a lot of the fundamentals; dribbling, shooting, passing, playing defense. We love our little athlete, and hope he continues this love of sports. He is a wonderful student also. He loves going to school and learning. We just celebrating his 7th birthday today! I can hardly believe he's already 7. Time can slow down any time now. He had an 'aircraft' themed birthday. Ever since his first flight this summer (to Florida) he has become really interested in airplanes.

Will add a few pictures from the last couple of months. Enjoy.

The birthday boy after his basketball game! Great win from the purple team!

Ryan, Lia, and I had lunch at school with Jack on the Friday before his birthday!

Dr. Hong, Lia's rheumatologist!

First day of First Grade!

First Day of 4 Yr Old Preschool!

Wanting to relive our Disney experience, Lia dressed up like Snow White for Halloween

And Jack as Darth Vader

A trip to Washington to see Nanny! She is awful lonely without my grandpa, but doing well. She takes life one day at a time.

A true sign of summer coming to an end, a trip to the Iowa State Fair!

Disney Vacation!

2016-08-05T17:09:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, Lia was granted a wish from the Make A Wish Foundation, back in April. She chose to meet Princess Belle, which led to an amazing Disney World vacation for the Shields Family! Not only were we able to experience all that Disney has to offer (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios), but we also spent a day at Sea World and made a trip to the beach! It was Ryan, Jack and Lia's first time seeing the ocean! We made such wonderful memories, and know that we will remember this trip FOREVER! The look on Jack and Lia's faces as we experienced different things each day is enough to make your heart melt. If you have ever considered making a donation to a charity, I would encourage you to donate to the Make A Wish Foundation. They were so amazing to work with, and gave Lia (and us) a trip that we would never be able to do on our own. It was a nice break from the reality of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, medical bills, injections, and pills.

This is actually Lia's second time flying--but we try not to think about the first time!

The kids were excellent passengers! Thanks for the activities to keep them busy, Cara!

This is Dennis. He was our airport greeter. He also helped us get our luggage and our rental car. One of the nicest people I have ever met!

The kids loved Dennis

Next stop was to check into our villa at Give Kids The World! It looks like a castle, so the kids loved that! It was a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom/full kitchen and living room! All Make A Wish families stay at Give Kids The World. The people here are amazing and cater to your every need.

Day 1: Disney Springs and Epcot

We knew Jack wouldn't be into all the princess stuff, so we made special reservations for him at T Rex cafe. We ate lunch next to a woolly mammoth, which he thought was awesome. We also got to experience a meteor shower during our lunch!

This is Lia, and her Fairy Godmother. Lia got go be made over into Snow White!

Our beautiful Princess!

Add caption

Family photo in front of Epcot.

Day 2 took us to Magic Kingdom:
We were literally there from park opening to park closing! (A small nap after lunch) Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table all the way to the Electric Lights parade that doesn't start until 10 pm!

Add caption

Rapunzel

Ariel

Jasmine

Cinderella

Snow White

And then the moment we had all been waiting for! Meeting Lia's favorite princess, BELLE!! We got to have her all to ourselves in her library for about 15-20 minutes. She showed us around, gave Lia a rose, and talked with us. It was so amazing!

So proud of Jack for trying many roller coasters and Splash Mountain!

Waiting for the parade to begin! Because we were with Make A Wish, we got priority seating! Talk about spoiled!

Tinkerbell

Rafiki

Goofy

Chip and Dale

Minnie

Mickey

Olaf

Sophia

Day 3: Jedi Training at Hollywood Studios!

Animal Kingdom!

Lia wasn't so sure about some of the characters

Glowing Drinks!

Cocoa Beach!

Jack drew a whale in the sand.

Jack and Lia in bottom left corner!

Cocoa Beach Pier

My 3 favorite people!

Sea World!

When we got home from Florida, we were exhausted, but so so so grateful for our wonderful vacation! Thank you Make A Wish Foundation!

Kindergarten Graduation and Dance Recital!

2016-06-13T18:55:00.000-05:00

We officially have a kindergarten graduate! Jack is officially a first grader! He had a great year in kindergarten. He learned so much, made new friends, and made us very proud parents with his wonderful grades! This boy loves to learn, and I love that about him.

Waiting for his diploma

Mom and Dad with the graduate

Jack's teacher, Mrs. Moorberg. She is wonderful.

Even though we are officially on summer break, I am teaching summer school the month of June. Meanwhile, Jack continues to enjoy baseball, and Lia wrapped up her first year of dance! Her recital was this weekend, and she ROCKED it! My mom and I have decided that performing is definitely her thing! She shined like the start that she is up on that stage! She has said that she would like to do dance again next year.

Tap on the left, ballet on the right.

Here are a couple more photos from our May-June. Looking forward to another great summer! We have a super fun vacation planned for July (more to come on that later! Be sure to check back.)

Our little ball player

Fun little overnight getaway to the Omaha Zoo! This is Jack with a cute sun bear.

Petting the stingray's at Stingray Beach! They loved this.

Fun with cousins, Zach and Noah

Lia and Brynn before Lia's recital

Grandpa Jim

2016-05-07T10:25:00.002-05:00

In April, we said our goodbyes to my amazing grandfather. I cannot even begin to describe to you how special he was to me, to all of us. Although he will be greatly missed, we can find peace in knowing that he is now living with his Heavenly Father, and that we are guaranteed to see him again someday. My grandpa had the ability to make you feel like you were the most special person in the world. He never hesitated to tell you how proud he was of you, or how much he loved you. He taught me how to drive, to swing a golf club, how to do a lay up, and although I never mastered it, he tried to teach me his famous 'Fort Dodge hook shot'. Most importantly, he taught me how to live a life for Christ. Not a day goes by that I do not think of him, or see something that reminds me of him. He was a wonderful role model to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He helped inspire my love of teaching, and we share a teaching degree from the same university. Although he is no longer here, reminders of his love and kindness keep me going. I am so lucky to have been able to call him my grandpa for 31 years.

Heart Walk T Shirts

2016-03-14T08:55:00.001-05:00

The Des Moines Heart Walk will be on April 16 this year, and we are taking orders for new Team Lia shirts! If you are interested in ordering a shirt, please let me know. Orders are due by March 26. Shirts are $10 (add $2 for anything over an XL). We would love to have you walk with Team Lia! Even if you can't walk with us, feel free to order a shirt. We are doing red ones this time around so you could wear them in February for 'Go Red' day!

Here is the link to our Heart Walk page. Please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association for their continued efforts and research in finding a cure for heart disease!

http://heartwalk.kintera.org/desmoines/lia

Finley Elizabeth Rosien

2016-03-12T17:34:00.004-06:00

This blog post is in honor of my sweet brand new niece, Finley. My brother and his wife welcomed her into the world on Monday, March 7th. Lia and I got to meet her this week, and let me tell you, she is the most precious little peanut! Finley had quite the welcome into this world, as my brother fainted during the epidural and ended up in the ER, but don't worry, he made it back to the room in time for her delivery, where luckily there was no more fainting!

Miss Finley, is the fourth granddaughter in a row for my parents, and the 5th overall grandchild. Jack may or may not have cried when he found out he was getting yet another girl cousin. I know that once he meets her though, he'll be just as smitten as we are.

Jack and Ryan have not met her yet, because unfortunately, Mr. Jack is fighting a bad cold/sore throat/fever that he just can't seem to shake! He's sleeping on the couch next to me as I type this. Poor guy is going on day 4 of a fever.

Yesterday was our first day of spring break! We don't have a whole lot planned, other than a trip to Iowa City for a rheumtaology appointment. Thrilling lives we lead, I know!

The new happy family of 3!

Pretty convenient that Grandma Sue works in the hospital Finely was born at! She also sat with Alex while Jameson was in the ER getting checked out after fainting.

She's already got him wrapper around her finger.

Lia asked if she could be Finley's babysitter someday :)

Sweet girls!

Proud Aunt :)

February 2016

2016-03-02T20:38:00.001-06:00

Well, like usual, February has come and gone, and I never did a blog. I feel like time is moving so fast! February was great to the Shields family, and I've got photos to prove it. February is one of my favorite months for two reasons: 1) Valentine's Day and 2) Heart Awareness month! As usual, you didn't disappoint with all the photos you sent me of you wearing RED in honor of heart disease awareness! I'm always so touched at everyone who does.

March is here--which means several great things! 1) I'm going to be an aunt again sometime this month! 2) My baby girl is turning FOUR 3) spring break!

Enjoy our photos from the last month:

Willowbrook staff with Miss Lia in the front. I work with some fabulous people!

My fourth graders rocked the red this year! Can you spy Lia?

Jack and Lia are more than ready for spring. They made these chains to count down the days!

This was a fun Sunday afternoon at Copper Creek here in Pleasant Hill. We saw a deer, lots of geese and ducks, and played on the playground equipment.

We traveled to Fairbank to celebrate Grandpa Maury's 70th birthday! Here he is pictured with all his grand-kids. There is a lot of love in this picture!

At what age to little boys start to smile normal? Clearly not age 6. *Also see smile in photo above :)

Grandpa and his girl.

And then TODAY is Grandma Diane's birthday! We are lucky to have such great parents/in laws/grandparents!

Morning Announcements and '16 Echocardiogram

2016-02-01T19:30:00.000-06:00

Well, today is February 1st, and I never did a blog in January! I've been so behind lately! We had a great month, and lots of fun things happened! Jack celebrated his 100th day of kindergarten, and the same day he got to do the Pledge of Allegiance and the Southeast Polk Respect Code on the morning announcements for the whole school! He did a great job and I was a very proud mommy! This past weekend he came down with a fever and upset tummy and had to miss school today, which if you know Jack, makes him very sad! He loves school and hates missing it. He's feeling like his old self again tonight and is excited to go back to school tomorrow.

Lia had her annual echocardiogram and EKG today. I'm happy to report, that we've been given yet another year's clearance. Dr. Lozier stated that things look very 'stable' and there was hardly any change when comparing this years echo to last years. We are so thankful to God for his continued blessings with her health. We continue with the weekly methotrexate injections for her arthritis, and she has been pain-free in her joints lately! We head to the U of I in March for a follow up with her rheumatologist.

I am loving my fourth graders, and Ryan is loving his job at Doll. Things are good here in Pleasant Hill! I hope this blog finds things well with you too :)

Enjoy a few pictures from January!

100th Day of Kindergarten festivities

Rocking the Pledge of Allegiance!

Echo and EKG

Having a blast in the snow before we headed back to school over Christmas break.

2015: End Of Year Interview With Jack and Lia

2015-12-28T15:21:00.000-06:00

My faithful followers know that over the last couple of years, I have enjoyed doing end of the year interviews with the kids! They are so fun to look back on, and I know that someday I will really be thankful that I have them. The Shields family is looking forward to an amazing 2016, and trusts that God has the most perfect plan in store for us, whatever that may be!

2014 Interview: Click HERE
2013 Interview: Click HERE

Jack-Age 6, Kindergarten

Jack:
1. What is your favorite drink? Flavored Water
2. What is your favorite vegetable? Green Beans
3. Where is your favorite place to go? Iowa State Fair
4. If you could be any animal what would you be? A puppy, because their so cute
5. What do you want to be when you grow up? A hospital worker
6. What are you afraid of? A fire in my house
7. What do you love most about yourself? I can color good
8. What makes you laugh? Fart noises
9. What is the grossest thing you can think of? Pooping
10. What will you be doing 10 years from now? Going to college
11. What are you going to do different this year than last year? Be 7
12. What is one wish you have for the new year? To be 7
13. What was the hardest thing you did last year? Math

Lia-Age 3, Pre School

Lia:
1. What is your favorite drink? Root Beer
2. What is your favorite vegetable? Broccoli
3. Where is your favorite place to go? McDonalds or Target. Target pretty much
4. If you could be any animal what would you be? A giraffe because they tall
5. What do you want to be when you grow up? Sheriff Callie
6. What are you afraid of? Lions
7. What do you love most about yourself? I be happy and laugh
8. What makes you laugh? When a dog talks
9. What is the grossest thing you can think of? Poop
10. What will you be doing 10 years from now? Having a stay-home day with my family
11. What are you going to do different this year than last year? Play outside in the snow
12. What is one wish you have for the new year? To have another Christmas
13. What was the hardest thing you did last year? Build a puzzle by myself

Jack's 6th Birthday

2015-12-07T19:16:00.003-06:00

Jack turned 6 on Nov. 19. We celebrated just the four of us on his actual birthday, had an Iowa football tailgate birthday party with my family, and had a post-Thanksgiving birthday celebration with Ryan's family. Talk about spoiled! Three birthday parties for a very special little guy!

He's 6!

My two favorite guys.

His dream came true with a new guitar! He's been practicing and can play a couple of chords. We are looking into starting lessons for him.

This has nothing to do with Jack's birthday-but Grandma Diane and Grandpa Maury came and spent the morning with Jack at school for Grand-Friends Day! They had a lot of fun.

A Hawkeye cake for a Hawkeye party!

Birthday Boy!

Ryan even made some goal posts for Jack's party!

Running the Iowa flags every time they score! Love getting the honks from cars passing by. This is a fun idea we learned from the Olesens! Go Hawks! Even Grandpa Jeff and Uncle Jameson ran the flags a couple of times.

Lia and Arbor

Hello Fall

2015-11-08T18:58:00.001-06:00

I can't believe the last blog post I wrote was titled 'Lia's First Day of School'. Well, it's November now, and I am WAY behind in blogging! Fall is in full effect here! I am attaching lots of photos for you to see what we've been up to!

In September, we found out my Grandpa Rosien had a brain tumor. After the tumor was removed, we found it it was melanoma. He is undergoing radiation at the U of I. We have really appreciated all the prayer and support that has been shown. Please continue to keep my grandpa in your prayers. See Alex's cute little baby bump there? Well. we found out a couple of weeks ago that shes having a GIRL! I'm so excited to have another niece this spring!

We continued our fall tradition with a trip to Howell's pumpkin patch in Cumming. The kids loved feeding the goats, riding the ponies, and picking our our pumpkins!

The Pumpkin Princess

My nephews were in town for a soccer tournament, so we got to spend some time with them. We enjoyed dinner at Fong's together. Love this picture of the four of them. Jack and Lia adore their older cousins.

Daddy is a great pumpkin carver! Lia watches carefully to make sure he's getting it just right.

Thanks for the fun Halloween shirts to wear to school, Grandma Sue!

Lia dressed up as a kitty cat this year.

Jack was a Ninja Turtle.

We had a rheumatology appointment last week in Iowa City. The arthritis Lia has is not gone, but not any worse, so I guess thats good news! We are continuing with the methotrexate injections. They seem to be doing the trick.

Look at those joints!

Such a good little patient.

Another appointment? No big deal.

Jack always watches to make sure his sister is being handled with care. Future doctor?

Jack is loving kindergarten. He was the SUPER STAR last week. He got to be the line leader all week, have this special board put up, and the class wrote a story about him. He's looking forward to Grand-Friends day coming up soon where Grandpa Maury and Grandma Diane will come spend the morning in school with him!

We are planning Jack's 6th birthday, which I know I say this every year, but doesn't seem possible. He's having a Hawkeye themed tailgate party, which will be a blast!

We're headed to Fairbank for Thanksgiving this year, and looking forward to spending the holiday with family. I have so much to be thankful for in my life. I am reminded everyday when I wake up how amazing God is, and how much He has blessed Ryan and I. Hope all is well with you! Take care!

Lia's First Day of School

2015-09-13T16:34:00.000-05:00

Lia joined Jack and I at Willowbrook this past week for her first week of 3 year old preschool. She has the same teacher, Miss Noelia, that Jack had last year. She loves coming to school with me in the mornings, and getting to play in my classroom. She is shedding a few tears off and on throughout her day, but I'm sure we won't be seeing that much longer as she adjusts to this new routine!

Also including some photos from Labor Day, and the big Iowa game yesterday! Go Hawks!!

Miss Lia--all ready to go! She chose to pose like this.

Proud big brother

Princess backpack!

Such a big girl! Hanging up her bag!

Miss Noelia helping her through the morning routine.

She found her name!

The three of us before school started.

We went to Yellow Banks Park on Labor Day and enjoyed some time outdoors as a family. This pond made for a beautiful back drop. Also enjoyed walking some trails by the Des Moines River and playing at a few different play grounds.

Yellow Banks

As if starting pre school wasn't enough for last week, it was also Lia's first week of dance classes! She is taking a 3 year old combo class in Altoona (tap, ballet, and tumbling). She was all smiles!

My cute little ballerina.

Morgan and the girls were in town this last weekend, so we got to have a little play date with them. It also happened to be the Iowa/Iowa State game, so we were all in our Hawkeye gear.

Lia and Brynn

My cute little Hawkeye fans.

There was even lots of black/gold and red/gold in my classroom on Friday!

Things otherwise are going well here! Jack is loving kindergarten, and I'm off to a great start in the fourth grade. It's hard to believe we've been in school almost a month already! Ryan is still working weekends at Doll, but we're hoping very soon that his days will be switched to M-F.

Lia did suffer from some pretty bad joint pain on Friday morning. She was limping, and we had to get out the rice packs for her knees before school. I was pretty bummed by that, and will bring it up to Dr. Hong when we go back to the U of I for her next appt.

Hope all is well with all of you!