A day at the lake

Grace, my friend Lori, my niece Staci Ann, and I went to the lake to take pictures of Grace for her three year old pictures. They turned out very good. Here are a few samples of my favorites.



Staci Ann & Grace

Buddy Walk 2008

2008 Buddy Walk was today at Gray's Lake in Des Moines. The Buddy Walk is set up to raise money and awareness for children, adults and their families who have Down Syndrome. Grace's best friend Stacia has Down Syndrome. This is the second year we have participated in the walk. Grace, Stacia, Shana (Stacia's mommy), Suzanne (Stacia's grandma), and I all went and had a good time. Together the five of us through numerous people and one fundraiser were able to donate $650.00!!! Last year we donated $750 + but our fundraiser was a little bigger last year. Next year we are going to shoot for more hopefully.


Stacia and Grace

Stacia and her mommy Shana

Stacia and her Grandma Suzanne

First Day of Preschool

Grace woke up about 6:45 am this morning. She yelled "Mom, I am going to school today!!!" She was awake about 15 minutes earlier than I had expected but oh well. She didn't fall asleep until 10:15 pm last night because she complained of a belly ache, she was very nervous. We got ready and then Tanner stopped by on his way to catch the school bus. After a couple pictures with him and a couple of her by herself, Brooks and I got some taken with her. As we were walking up the ramp to her school I almost lost it and started crying, I contained myself. Before we left I drew a heart on her hand and one on my hand, that way we could be with each other. She had to wash her hands and was upset for a few seconds about that but she met a new friend right away and was ready to go. Mom and Dad got hugs and kisses and off we went. I cried for about ten minutes after leaving. Then I cried again about ten minutes after that and then again a few more times.

This is so hard!!! The last three years I have been with her for almost every waking moment and now I am not there. Is she making friends? Is she being good? Is she picking up?(probably not) Is she having fun? I can't wait for her to get home!!!

Tanner going into the FOURTH GRADE and Grace going to PRESCHOOL


Mom, Grace, & Dad...First day of Preschool

An Update:
We picked Grace up from school and the teacher let us know that she did really well except a few things. 1: We forgot to tell the teacher that her friend Tori is in her class. So when they sat in group circle Tori was in front of Grace and turned around and the two talked the whole time. 2: Grace likes to fidget. She was laying on her back and rolling around. Too funny. All things that we can work on I guess. She loved her new school and is ready to head back tomorrow. However she only goes on Mondays and Wednesdays. I guess mom will have to find somehthing fun for her to do tomorrow.

p.s. Sorry the pictures are soooo bright...my camera is being dumb.

Meeting the new Teacher

We went to meet Grace's teachers tonight. It was an Open House, we had a little Welcome from the Superintendent, the School Nurse, and one other teacher. Then we were off to Grace's class room. She played with friends that she already knew and a few new ones. She threw a fit when it was time to go, so it should be interesting getting her home tomorrow. She is pictured above with her main teacher Ms. Tammi, she has two other aides in the classroom, Ms. Kelli and Ms. Teresa. Mom, held up pretty well, I cried a little earlier in the day and figure that is what helped. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

Happy Birthday to Great Grandma Waddle

Four Generations: Grandma Linda, Grace, Mom Kelley, and Great Grandma Waddle!


Happy Birthday to Grandma Waddle!!! Saturday night mom, dad, Brooks, Grace and I met Grandma and Grandpa Waddle at the Peppertree in Osky for dinner to celebrate. Grace was very excited to see her Great Grandparents. She looked forward to the party all day and was most concerned with the CAKE! Grandma did get a cupcake and we sang Happy Birthday to her along with two of the waitresses.



Grace and Great Grandma Waddle

About Us

Hello, I am Kelley. I am married to Brooks and together we have a beautiful daughter Grace Marie! We live in little old Melcher-Dallas, Iowa. I am a stay at home mom as of right now but maybe that will change in the coming months. Brooks works at Pella Corp in Pella, Iowa. Grace is 3 years old and wonderful.
Brooks and I have been together for 12 years this August and have been married for 5 years this coming November!!! We have been through a lot of ups and downs and have weathered them all together. We were blessed with Grace Marie July 16th 2005. She was a week late getting here but I said she wouldn't be a DeHeer if she was on time.
I am the youngest of three children.


My dad Jack is retired from Firestone and my mom, Linda, works at Jacobsen. My sister, Jennifer, is married to Ryan and they live in Omaha, NE. Ryan has one daughter, Staci, who lives in Knoxville with her husband Ashley. Jennifer has two kids, Haley, who is starting college this month and Derek who is a Freshman at Knoxville High School. My brother, Steve, lives a block away from me and has a son, Tanner, who is starting the fourth grade this year. We are all very close which in turn means we fight a lot and laugh a lot!
Brooks is the oldest in his family. His dad, Wade, works for the City of MD, and his mom, Diana, works for the State of Iowa. His brother, Dylan, works at Pella Corp. We are close with is family too.
So that is the run down on our families so far.

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