Sound the Trumpets!

Oh my goodness, am I actually posting something today? I guess so! These past couple weeks have been both lazy and busy. Seemed like one day passed and then another and another and another. I decided to enjoy the last days of summer before school started.....and summer ended today with Matt off to second grade. And I am trying to digest Mark starting preschool in another week. Can't believe his time is here too!

So those of you asking, "Is Lori still on this planet?" Yes I am and doing quite well, thank you.

So here I sit. The house is quiet with Matt in school. No bickering or whining or complaining of boredom. Maybe I'll catch up on the last three episodes of Lost from last season during Mark's nap? Sounds good to me!

RINGING IN 2008-09!!!!

I'm Still Here....Really I Am!

Good grief, has it really been over a week since my last post? I guess so! Again, time is passing, things are happening and I am absorbing every morsel of my summer days.

Last weekend we took a trip to Terre Haute to visit my brother and his wife (Jeff and Erin). On Saturday we attended an Indianapolis Colts practice. The guys had fun and Matt actually named off several players. That boy! Erin and I had more fun observing the crowd. Behind our smiles was actually boredom! We endured.

On Sunday Jeff, Steve and Matt attended the Brickyard Race while I stayed behind with Erin and Mark for the day. It was a very lazy day for us and I loved it. What's better than relaxing on a couch watching "Overboard"?

Then my icing on the cake was Monday. My best friend, Kristi, was visiting from Texas. We including six more of our friends splurged on a limo drive up to Chicago. We shopped, dined, laughed and talked. I had a blast!!!

To view our photos of the weekend --> CLICK HERE!

And maybe I'll post more....we'll see!

She'll Be Pretty In Pink

On Sunday I was here. Really, I was! Maybe you can look for me here or quite possibly here, since she was the guest of honor.

Truth be told I had to leave early to relieve a hubby that needed to write a five-page paper due this week and the boys weren't helping him accomplish that -- even with their favorite shows on the tube. I sure can't wait for his classes to be put to rest, but I had a two-hour long blast!

Blessings, Steph!

Blasts From My Past

I clicked on my mail server program this morning and was pleasantly surprised when I received yet another Facebook friend request.

To me Facebook is like an online reunion site. Soon after signing up I've been reconnecting with a load of friends - and I won't use the term "old friends" since we are getting closer and closer to the big 4-0. How about past friends? Yeah, that sounds much better.

Some I've known since elementary school. We shared many slumber parties, movie nights and dressing like Madonna. Remember, when neon ruled, earrings purposely mismatched and oversize shirts belted loosely. Oh my, when Duran Duran came on watch out!

Several I came to know in middle/high school, when I started searching for God. I attended Campus Life and our church's youth group. To know many still follow the Lord brings me joy. Some spoke volumes in my life, even much needed truth during my high school years of rebellion and rejection.

And then there are the ones I've just recently connected with. Time will tell how my life is affected by my relationship with them. Can't wait!

To browse through these friends (past and present) and see their family, children, ministries and passions is too cool. Maybe one day I'll see a friend request from you? Or better yet, get the opportunity to meet up with a past friend or two in person.

Beauty Queens

Our church hosted a Queen for the Day Spa to benefit a women's shelter. Since my best gal pal, Stephanie, is pregnant, I wanted to treat her to a special day before life changes and she's a mom of four. We had a great time getting facials, manicures and a massage. Here we are in all our no-makeup glory! And while we absorbed every minute of pampering our husbands had a great day of their own. They were brave and headed to Culvers for lunch -- just the guys! And when we arrived back we found them playing baseball in the backyard.

On Our Plate

I received two particular phone calls this weekend (among many others). One was from Matt's future rookie baseball coach -- practices start after spring break (end of March) and opening day is April 19th. The other call was from Matt's flag football coach, who said his first practice is this Thursday with games in April. I turned to Steve and said:

"I won't be cooking many dinners next month."

I was reminded how busy our home gets during the spring/summer season. All of the sudden I transform into a chauffeur and sport's fan with Gatorade in tow. And I hope this season is easier with Mark. It's hard to keep his interest going during a 2-hour ball game. Thankfully flag football is an hour and only a month long -- what a piece of cake!

And to add to our family dynamics, we found out Steve needs elbow surgery to repair a torn ligament. It stems from when he helped our friend in Texas with her garage door (spring broke). So Steve is in the middle of consults and deciding whether to have the surgery before or after our trip to Hawaii (in two weeks). We personally know a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and he is helping in every way possible with referrals, etc. It's sure nice to know friends in high places!

I am preparing to be lawn groomer all over again and hopefully our home doesn't need a major repair because I am not that talented in the "men's work" department. I just know it'll be a long haul as far as Steve's recuperation is concern.

Soooooo you can imagine how I felt when I heard our church is hosting a "Queen for the Day" spa day to benefit a local women's group: timing couldn't be more perfect!! Before my life gets more complicated, I think a good massage, manicure and facial is right up my alley, don't ya think?

And before my friend's life gets more complicated with a fourth addition to her family, I thought she could use a spa day too. So I made a call of my own to her.

UPDATE & PRAYER REQUEST:

Steve is getting a consult from a doctor up at Northwestern on Tuesday and is scheduled for surgery Wednesday. I feel so unprepared, but we'll get through this. Keep you all posted!

Health

I sure take it for granted and today I am thankful to be movin' and groovin' in this shell God gave me. There are many people I care about that are battling illnesses. From Stephanie that is getting over a nasty infection to my dear friend, Stacey, that battles symptoms of lupus and let's not forget my dad is slowly recovering from his recent crisis. And I think about soon-to-deliver Sheryl dealing with a cruddy cold and can't take cold medicine to get needed rest. It seems everywhere I turn I am hearing news of another cancer diagnosis or someone bed riddened with a virus or infection. Please, God, remind me that:

"He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases." Psalm 103:3

Comfort these I know, Lord. Give them peace and let them know they are in Your hands.

Renewal

A new day. A new look -- on life and this blog. A sense of starting over. A clean slate. I am wiping the dust off and moving forward. A complete 180.

And someone I know has a new journey that awaits! YAY!

Wordless Wednesday: What Am I Thinking?

Stephanie and I at our recent bloggers tea party.

A Cup of Tea

Saturday morning was too much fun! Sheryl @ Peanut Butter & Jelly Boats was in town for Thanksgiving and Steph decided to hold a surprise blogging friends baby shower for her. After having 3 boys Sheryl is due with her first girl in April. YAY! Girl time mixed with yummy breakfast eats is nice, but better than that, witnessing Sheryl being drenched in love. It felt great! Here is the line up and make sure to visit each blog to read more about our time together:

Peanut Butter & Jelly Boats

More Than A Single Mom
Adventures In Babywearing
Milk & Honey
Mommy Instincts
To Think Is To Create
M.O.M. On A Mission
The Berger Buzz
Rip, Runnin & Roarin
Sunny Side Of The Street
Crooked Eyebrow *She posted a ton of pics on her Flickr page -- CHECK THEM OUT!

(Top pic is of Steph and Sheryl. The bottom is of Happi and I -- we've been friends since high school.)

MOPS @ 9am

Today I am thankful for my community of believers that surround me and keep me on target. You know who you are. Thank you!

Lift Up One Another

Someone I love dearly needs a kind word and encouragement from the Lord today. Go there now!!

Our family loves your family, Steph. Be strong!

Addition

Send your congratulations to Jaymi (aka The Flip Flop Mamma) who just gave birth to a son last night, Jonathan David Jr. Many blessings to your family, Jaymi!!

Take A Stroll Down Memory Lane

Check out Steph's blog to view some memorable photos. Yes there is one of me and a few others from my blogroll.

Today I am busy gathering baby items for a family in need. My sister-in-law from Southern Indiana is due over any minute to grab everything for parents that just had twin preemies. After we comb through the house ridding everything meant for babies, we'll dive into lunch and chat. I'm sure I will wipe a small tear as they are driven away, but unless the sky parts and God strikes a lightening bolt declaring I am with child, it's not happening again. We are content with our two boys. With that now out in the open, I am rejoicing that these items will bless another family and not be tossed out.

UPDATE: Erin called me after delivering the items to the family last night. They were SO grateful and everything will be put to use. I think we cleared out my whole basement! I feel great!

Pleasant Surprises

WOW! "The Family Table" photo tag was such a hit -- and still going strong! To everyone that participated, I enjoyed reading about your dining traditions and viewing all the photos. THANK YOU! After seeing several kitchens in white, I am tempted to paint my cabinets! (Steve would kill me since we've lived in our home for over 7 years and I have yet to paint the living/dining room.) So if you haven't participate yet, there is still time. GO NOW!

Friday night Matt and I went on a mother/son date to our local water park. Our church along with several other churches rented the facility which meant a huge discount on the ticket price. Unfortunately the weather was around 70 degrees and we left an hour early to go home for hot chocolate -- yes in July! Chills and all I enjoyed time with my son!!

And he smiled big time when he realized a "quick trip after church" meant purchasing a new bike. His birthday is around Christmas, so it makes buying things like a bike difficult during the winter months. Besides the old bike was getting way to small for his tall legs. He was thrilled! Last night what was supposed to be a short walk to show his friends his new set of wheels ended up being a two-hour ordeal visiting neighbors, etc. (Next thing you know I see Steve driving down the street worried something happened to us. OOPS! It was after 9pm. Maybe I should have called?) I am so thankful for our neighborhood!

Finger Lickin' Good

French toast is still a big hit in this house. We are on day 4 of it!

Also on our family's schedule today: having Steph and her kids over!!

We are praying this works out since our last two attempts were thwarted because of a child's illness (curse that pink eye, Steph). Oh, I've been praying the third time is a charm!! Also, I have been honored with a Rockin Girl Blogger Award. That put a smile on my face this morning.

Thanks, MorningSong!!

Spring Fever(s)

And I don't mean the fever when you are longing for warmer temperatures and outdoor fun, but a fever that knocks on our front door -- unwelcomed and without warning. An illness after all the winter colds and seasonal flus have passed. Don't you wish you could just slam the door?

Mark's came Thursday soon after we arrived home from our Kindy 500 race (no wonder he fell asleep). Friday I took Mark in to see the doctor and after a negative strep test followed by a chest film they found pneumonia. Of course I had that feeling when his cough sounded wet and his temp reached 103.9! (Good news is his ear tubes were placed well and clear.) After a long day away at the doctor's Matt complained about "not feeling right". A fever with no other symptoms. Motrin/Tylenol is a good thing!

So we are staying close to home this weekend watching Pokemon and playing Xbox. We planned to celebrate Memorial Day with some close friends, but they are dealing with their own illnesses too. Seems like are plans are always thwarted thanks to coughs, fevers, stomach bugs and more. URG! This curse needs to be lifted, right Stephanie???

I'll leave you with a photo taken when I visited Happi last weekend. (Love ya, girlfriend!) She was dressed up for the expo while I sneaked in wearing my casuals....and lime green Crocs! It was so nice to see my friend. I hope all of you have a great holiday weekend!!

Better Late Than Never

My camera is back! What would I do without my cell phone and digital camera??? As my dear friend, Happi, said: "I shudder at the thought!" And speaking of my high school pal, on Sunday afternoon she was in town for an expo and I popped in for a quick "hi" and a hug. We haven't seen each other in 5 long years (since our 10-year high school reunion in fact), so the moment (even though short) was very sweet. As we sat in the foyer catching up I chuckled. We were gabbing like we did before. Like no time had passed. It was precious. We couldn't help but also think how God planned our lives: both of us have two boys 4-1/2 years apart. TOO COOL!! Since I ran out of the house so anxious to see her, I forgot my digital camera -- again! We borrowed her sister's camera, so we'll share later. Maybe I need to tattoo "Will not forget my camera" on my forearm???

Remember when Hanes used to sell plain old white T-shirts and underwear? On Saturday as I am passing Target's intimates section their new Hanes display caught my eye: cool tanks and vivid-colored lounge pants. When did Hanes stuff get so cute? Also, Walmart sells the perfect sleep tee by none other than...you guessed it...Hanes. I absolutely love it and bought one in blue too.

So now I will share the photo of Matt's keepsake frame he made me for Mother's Day (finally). It states many encouraging words describing my position in this house: encourager, patient (really?), friend, nurse, wise (again, really?) and more. One phrase that touched my heart the most was "Mom +Me" colored by yours truly. AW!! That's my boy!!

PRAYER REQUEST: The surgical center called. Mark is scheduled for his tube insertion tomorrow morning @ 8:30am. Please pray all goes well and we are out quickly. Thanks!

Sharing a Journey

March 2000 Stephanie along with her husband came to our home and announced they were having a baby (Noah). We were also expecting a child of our own (Matthew). We were so excited to share the special journey called parenthood together. It bonded our families. (Our hubbies were already best friends since high school.) We understood each other. Enjoyed many stroller-filled mall trips. Toddler meltdowns. Girl-time shopping while our hubbies watched the little ones. Super Bowl games. Cookouts. Picnics. Park trips.

September 2000 at my baby shower with Noah and Matthew in our tummies

In 2005 we shared this journey again while pregnant with Mark and Gray. It was special all over again. Being there for each other. Sharing our morning sickness. Backaches. Just being plain tired because this time we had other little ones to care for. Now we have to drive separately to Old Navy or McDonalds. One van doesn’t fit all of us!!

October 2005 days before little Gray was born

Happy 30th Birthday, Stephanie! Thanks for being my friend. My shopping companion. An ear when I have “one of those days” and need to vent frustration. A rock during Noah’s major attack. A calm voice. A yummy chef. A fashion queen. A GREAT MOMMY AND WIFE!!!