"Oh where oh where has Lori gone?"

I'm here. Really, I am. One non blogging day turned into two....then three....then four....then before I knew it I was off the blogging map for a looooooong time. While some have missed me and on that subject I will shout out a "thank you" to all those that told me so, honestly I've enjoyed the freedom. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy blogging and typing my thoughts down, but during my what turned into over a month of not posting, it felt nice not feeling the pressure to post something every.single.day.

During my hiatus I've accepted the position of Discussion Group Leader at my MOPS group, which I enjoy beyond belief. Totally up my alley!

I signed up to be a room mom for Mark and Matt's class parties. Hopefully the kids find me cooler and more hip with each passing year. Yeah, right! I already accompanied Mark's class to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. That was fun!

Right now I feel my life is turning a new leaf. Having both boys in school has caused me to look at myself. Where do I fit in this world outside motherhood? Next year Mark will be in three day preschool and the year after that full day kindergarten. When you get right down to it, that's a lot of free time to just stare at myself. While that sounds nice to some juggling diapers, toilet training and feeding schedules, trust me, when you are forced to analyze yourself it can draw out opinions - both good and bad.

Let the chips fall where they may, I say. I accept this time in my life and know I will change and grow from it.

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!

These Days

Life is moving here. Fast. While at my favorite place in the whole world, Walmart (and please know I am kidding), I noticed the many many boxes full of school supplies. Matt announced that he's not ready for school yet and I agreed. Summer, at least July, has been lazy, free and fun. I don't know, talk to me in August and I may be ready for a schedule again. Then talk to me in September and I'll be wondering what to do with my two and half hours worth of free time while Mark is in preschool.

As for my blogging funk, I think that has ended, but I've been absent only because I've been busy elsewhere. I absorb my walks to the park with neighbor friends and DQ runs. Sorry if that comes before typing on this thing.

Yesterday I was delighted when I received this award. It's been awhile since I've been nominated for something.....and that's ok. Thank you, Jewels, for making me smile. And to think I got this during my hiatus? Go figure!

So now I will conjure up breakfast for my starving boys and see where the day takes us.

Preoccupied

I'm in a major blogging funk right now. I'm just not in the mood. Plain and simple. And it's not only because our family is enjoying every minute of our summer's free time, I just have things preoccupying my mind. Nothing major or urgent, but just, well, things.

As of now I may be taking an out-of-the-blue blogging break, but who knows, maybe I'll rise up from my funk and get back to things in a day or two. We'll see. Until then, I'll leave you with photos from our recent trip to a local town's splash pad. Signing off...for now.

Ruled By the Clock

If I said summer break would be less busy without worrying about the clock, than I was really really really wrong!

With both boys home I find our mornings go by very quickly. They play and bicker. Eat and then eat some more. And some times they play so well together and I enjoy watching them share happily. In the midst of this I am still trying to be diligent with my workout routine and so far so good, but trust me, most days I would really like to skip it. My 45 minute high-energy pilates/yoga routine is interrupted with lots of, "Mom he's touching me and pushing me and hitting me and sitting in my chair and not watching what I want to watch...." Need I go on?

By the time I shower, which is a must since we are going out every day for swimming lessons and I prefer not to look like something the cat dragged in, it's lunchtime and then we are out the door.

We come home, Mark goes down for a nap, and I crash for a couple hours until it's dinnertime. Ah, those peaceful two hours go by way too fast, unless they are interrupted by any of Matt's neighborhood friends buzzing in and out our front door.

Steve's class is demanding to say the least. I am back to mowing the lawn for him and running errands with the boys in tow in order to give him a peaceful study space. I don't mind helping in this way, but again, it takes time away from my already busy day. I've had a basket full of folded clean clothes that has sat in the corner of our bedroom for five days. There is also a pile of papers screaming to be filed. Oh when will I get to this, I will never know!

So why I haven't been to your blog page lately....well....you can probably guess by now. I just can't do it all and, honestly, it's been the last thing on my mind.

All this craziness will end by the first of July, which is just around the bend. Steve's class will be over. Swimming lessons complete. And I purposed to keep July open for some family/friends time. Should be nice.

The Dad I Celebrate

Just the Four of Us

This week marks the last days of school. Unlike when Matt finished kindergarten, I am a bit down. Last year I wasn't too sad kissing those half day classes goodbye. Picking Matt up at 10:40am every.single.day got old real fast.

But this year is different. His 1st grade experience is over and while it excites me watching both my boys grow into the beings God created them to be, it saddens me at the same time that its moments never to grasp again. And to think Mark will be in full-day kindergarten in just two years...well...don't get me started on that one.

Now I won't leave you depressed thinking, "Gee, Lori really knows how to make my day! What a downer!" I am sooo looking forward to summer break. Even though June is jammed packed with swimming lessons, Matt's baseball season coming to and end and Steve taking a summer class that calls for tons of reading and typing, we purposely made July a month of less commitments in order to allow time to do family things -- whatever they may be.

I feel such completeness when I look at my family. Mark is out of diapers and in a regular bed -- the last two toddler mountains to overcome in my book. And while I whimpered a little taking down the crib a few weeks ago, contentment came in like a flood. To put these two to rest actually felt good. I can't explain it, but at this moment it feels good to move on and flow with time. And when July comes we can plan little family activities and not worry about packing diapers and getting that nap time in. Even though Mark still naps 2-3 hours every afternoon (thank God), he is able to last a bit longer without having a melt down.

Here's to summer break! Oh the possibilities.....

Gosh, I Love My Kids...sillies and all!

I Got Plans

As Steve was heading out for work he announced that we were going out for dinner as a family. I am never picky with that option. If I don't have to cook or clean it up, I'm happy. And after my park day with my MOPS gals this morning, I stopped by our local grocery store's Redbox booth and rented a movie for Steve and I tonight. Who says you have to actually go out to a movie theater to consider it a date? And instead of paying $10/person plus the extra $20 for a drink and tub of popcorn, I just typed in a promo code and got my rental for free. With my boys' bedtime by 8-8:30pm, my hubby and I have a date set on our couch with microwave popcorn, cream soda and the remote control.

PS Mark is sleeping like an angle in his new big boy bed. Easy transition!

Never Say Never

Those that know me know very well know that I don't do shorts. Last year I caved in somewhat and bought Bermudas, but those are really shorts, are they? More like shorter capris. For years Steve has given me a hard time about my no-shorts decision. He compliments about how great my legs really look and how I need to get out of my capris pants box.

While we were vacationing in Hawaii, I realized I needed to get off my butt and workout. I wasn't huffing and puffing during our tours and hikes, but every night I was drop dead tired. My muscles a bit sore and my feet weary. It was then I realized I needed to do something and so I did. For a little over three weeks now my workout commitment is still strong and the benefits far outweigh the effort.

So drumroll, please.....

Yesterday I bought shorts. Not Bermudas or "walking shorts", but regular shorts. As I looked into the dressing room's mirror I was proud at what I accomplished. I announced to Mark, who was busy using the hangers as drumsticks, that "mommy's legs look just fine". And if my varicose veins are revealed, which are stamps of love from my two pregnancies, then so be it. They are my testimony of being a mommy! And my no-tan legs are the way God made me and who wants to start an argument with Him? Uh, not me!

When we returned home I brought in my bags and went back outside to kick a ball around with Mark. I wasn't tired from shopping. Or maybe I was still on my shorts-buying high? Either way, I felt great. And you should have witnessed Steve's face when I told him about my recent purchase. "It's about time," he replied.

Today our temperatures will reach 80. I want to walk with Mark to our neighborhood's park. I hope to play football catch with Matt after his homework. And I plan on wearing shorts.

Weekly Recap

• A girls' night out Tuesday for coffee and dessert. (Actually I had bruschetta, but it's sweet candy to my taste buds; not my breath, unfortunately).


• Chaperoning Matt's class to a nature hike. I figured if I can handle 100+ teenagers, I can handle a group 7-year olds.


• Making fresh salsa. My favorite! Mine consists of black beans, corn, jalapeno pepper, red onion, tomato and a colorful bell pepper. And what would salsa be without fresh cilantro? I can dip corn chips in this or even top it over brown rice. Yummo!


• Flag football/baseball practice. Our laptop computer has been a godsent for DVD watching. Mark and I have designated our van's far back bench seat as our second family room area.



• And on the topic of sports, my time in the laundry room has increased due to grass stained baseball pants and a muddy football jersey.


• Friday @ MOPS! How I love my group of Purple Patience gals! I'm gonna miss you throughout the summer. Trying not to tear up. We are already planning a few days with the kids during our 3-month long break.


• Today marks my third week straight of keeping with my workout schedule. I am proud of myself and more than that, it's healthy for me. When I am outside with my boys, I can actually play with them instead of sitting on my folding chair reading a magazine. YAY FOR ME!

Soaring

I worked out yesterday. Yes, I sure did! My muscles are a bit sore this morning and it feels so good! And it did replace that hour I used to spend watching Oprah. Refreshing.

But what is not so refreshing is our local gas price average: $3.75

I am so frustrated by this. Soon we'll have to decide whether to put gas in our van or eat! Not that it has really come to that yet, but seriously....

Right now there are some households that can't afford to put $80 of gas in their vehicle that they rely on to take them to work or the kids to school. What is America going to do? Will there be an end to all the madness?

I'm In Time-Out

One night during my after-dinner-dishwashing-session I noticed dust on top of the window's trim. Since my arms were elbow deep in suds I decided to get to it later. I still had two crusty casserole dishes to scrub, a coffee pot to clean and a countertop to wipe down.

That was (hand over my mouth) weeks ago and today I said hello to the same dust bunnies making their home on top of that wood trim. I made the same promise that I would get to them later.

I say this because it relates to me replying to comments. So many of you have left comments on posts and prayed for our family during Steve's elbow problems and my dad's emergency surgery scare, but I haven't returned the favor. I apologize. I hope you know I care about all of you that visit this blog and pray blessings back over your families. Just when I make a promise to visit your blog a week goes by with nothing accomplished, which leads to another promise and another week goes by. You get the picture.

Send me to the naughty chair, Supernanny, I deserve it.

Today is Matt's first baseball practice @ 5:30pm. Right in the middle of dinner, thank you! Tomorrow is flag football practice. Saturday Steve will travel to Terre Haute for classes (2-1/2 hours away) and that night we have a fund raiser to attend as well as another baseball practice and birthday party in between. I'm sure Mark will miss his nap that afternoon, which really helps his mood. (Yeah, right!!)

When you get right down to it, I'm just tired. I like my down time in front of the TV or reading one of my favorite magazines to find a new recipe to try out. I need that time among Dora the Explorer, chicken nuggets, household chores, errands and potty training. I mean I crave that time! It refreshes me and makes me a better mom and you know what they say: a happy mom makes a happy home.

Even God Himself needed an outlet after spending 6 days creating the universe, which, helloooo, is a major task:

"By the seventh day God had finished his work. On the seventh day he rested from all his work. God blessed the seventh day. He made it a Holy Day because on that day he rested from his work, all the creating God had done." Genesis 2:2-3 (The Message)

He needed a day to recuperate. To step back and enjoy what he accomplished. And he passed that advice to his creation: REST

On that note, Mark is asking to watch his beloved Dora. Better go!

Better Late Than Never

Alright, Wendy, you asked for it: PHOTOS FROM TEXAS! (This is my first Orange Julius ever. It was refreshing during our Riverboat Ride around the city of San Antonio.)

Our main computer had some kinks in it, so our friendly tech guy installed Windows Vista as well as Office 2007. The features are pretty cool, but it's taking some getting used to. Matt is requesting his own email account and I had to guide my way along all kinds of parental controls.

In another week at this time we will be on a plane traveling from O'Hare (Chicago) to Newark (New Jersey) then all the way to Honolulu, Hawaii. Don't get me started on the flight.....I know.....LONG! But I'll take whatever they give me if it means tropical weather, blue waters and tasting the best pineapple ever.

Steve is recovering from surgery well. He hates being "a burden" and needing help with getting dressed, showering and carrying. I don't mind, but he thinks it puts a crimp in my day with handling the boys too. I realize a cast would have been much worse, so I am thankful he's in a sling and gaining his independence with every day.

And I haven't updated any of you on my dad. He is also doing well and gaining strength. Life isn't normal yet, but getting closer and closer. God was and is sooo good!

I have been a bag blogger too. With our new operating system, Steve's needs and Matt's flag football practice, which started last week, I haven't had time. Now I have packing to tackle and summer clothes to wash. This weekend I bought a couple crazy tropical shirts that aren't Steve's style, but he's agreed to wear them anyway. (And those that know my husband understand he's not the crazy type.) I am still trying to get this house in order and it seems after I pick up a mess, another is made. Does anyone want to offer their organization skills and fix this house? Anyone???? Just kidding, I'm just lazy!

This post will end on a good note. Mark made poo poo on the potty for two straight days. (Pee pee stuck just fine, but he was stubborn about the whole poop thing.) Seriously, I was starting to think he would go #2 in his pants for another year. So diapers are a thing of the past and I do not miss them. Good riddons....forever!

(Photo taken inside the Natural Bridge Caverns)

No Cast Here

At this very moment I am at a computer terminal at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Steve's doctor just came out of surgery and said his tendon was partially torn and all that is required is a simple sling for a few days. We were hoping for this outcome and not a full-arm cast like we expected.

Thanks for your prayers and encouraging words. Again, nothing beats family, friends and a community of believers praying!

BLESSINGS BACK AS ALWAYS!!!

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!

Clean House

Last week was a time of reevaluation. Specific circumstances caused me to look more deeply in corners of our family's spiritual health. I walked into cluttered rooms and realized we needed to get rid of things, reorganize and find a whole new order.

In some ways I felt I failed as a parent. I think I got comfortable, even lazy, with training my boys. You know, allowing Xbox to be played without a time limit - after homework of course - and letting my kids camp themselves in front of the TV for hours. And even though Matt loves to watch NASCAR and other sports with his beloved daddy doesn't remove the awful Victoria's Secret commercials and alcohol ads, but that's a whole other rant I could go on about! I wish we could guard our children's innocents forever, but in this world it's impossible.

And on that subject, it was revealed that a couple of Matt's friends aren't edifying or helping to build up his character. Why are most kids allowed to watch more smut on TV than ever? Where is the logic in children viewing rated-R movies and listening to explicit lyrics about sex and getting drunk? And I am not talking about preteens, but 6, 7 and 8 year-olds! This worries me.

One day I am on top of bad behavior and the next day I let it slide. I also realized I should expect a lot more responsibility from my boys as far as household chores go. If The Duggars' toddlers can do it, so can my 2-1/2 and 7 year old!! Maybe some of this is caused by cabin fever, but I can't use that as an excuse any longer.

These areas, while some not major, can slowly corrupt our family. I was forced to ask God what I needed to do to change. We made some new rules along with more expectations -- consequences following (good and bad). I asked Matt, who understands a lot more at his age, for forgiveness because ultimately it was my job to train and teach him. He responded with a big hug. I think we all learned a lesson.

Another Year Added

Ok, let me just get this out in the open. Today is my birthday. I am 34 today. Yes, 34 years of dealing with this thing called me. And what a journey my life has been thus far. It only proves, again, how faithful and merciful God is.

I am not one that enjoys opening gifts that are designated for me. At my wedding and baby showers, nothing made me more uncomfortable than sitting in the hot seat unwrapping one present after another. It's just too much! I am not sure why I am like this, but it is what it is. And don't get me started on receiving compliments. Ick. But allow me to sit back and watch others be drenched with surprises and blessings, well, that's a whole different story. Who doesn't love that?

And usually on or around my birthday someone goes ill. Two years ago my boys were struck with the flu and my dad called that day with his cancer diagnosis. It was a birthday I choose to forget! This year it's Matt, who ended his perfect attendance streak with a barking cough, fever and ear infection. He was so disappointed, but there is more to his education than perfect attendance. We both got over it.

These photos were taken Sunday during our Super Bowl celebration. Just a glimpse of our family around the house enjoying one another -- the best present ever in my opinion! Matt savored his can of Pepsi, while Mark swam in the nacho dip. We ate and cheered the NY Giants on. What a game by the way!!! (You'll have to excuse Matt's mouth full of corn chips. Boys can be so gross!)

Some advice: Next time you decide to hold the camera backwards to take a snapshot like I did here, don't hold your head back. HELLO, DOUBLE CHIN!!!

Looking at the Positive

Things that will brighten my day:

• A morning cup of coffee with cream & sugar, please.


• My new favorite snack to munch on: sugar snap peas


• Our dishwasher!


• A nice, hot shower and maybe I'll have time to blow-dry my hair too.


• Clorox wipes (makes cleaning a bathroom swift and easy)


• The time between 1:00pm and 3:00pm when Mark is down for his nap and Matt is still at school - ah, sweet peace.


• Chapstick


• Fresh, clean clothes (laundry day)


• A bowl of cereal. I just love cereal! Especially Frosted Flakes now - it changes often.


• This CD! "Hear Us From Heaven" is my favorite. When I don't know what or how to pray, I just pop in worship music and sing.

And one thing that would brighten my dad's day is getting his catheter out. Pray he "goes" regularly and fully! (Thanks)

Calling All Prayer Warriors!

As I type my computer's clock reads 2:33am.

Wednesday morning I received a call from my mom that my dad had pain Tuesday night. So bad that they called 911. After emptying more urine again that supposedly backed up from his prostate being swollen from his recent surgery, they associated that with his new pain and sent him home. (Don't get me started on that one!)

At 7am he wasn't better, but worse. My mom took him back and they did a CT. Since my father threw up from the pain he experienced earlier, they found out his diaphragm suffered a tear and his intestines/colon moved into his upper cavity, shifting his heart and left lung over, while collapsing the right lung. My mom requested an air lift to University of Chicago Hospital and we took off there. They knew my dad's body well from his previous surgery and cancer treatment. My mom wasn't going to have anyone else care for him now but them. Talk about being proactive! Way to go, Mom! In fact as the helicopter left with my dad, their Pastor's wife said she saw angels surrounding it as it flew off. I believe that!

After U of C's team made out their gameplan, he was in the O.R. around 5pm and came out around 10pm. All went well and he is breathing fully with no damage to the heart. Everything is reconfigured and put back into place.

So now we wait and pray. As I type I think about how my mom is doing. Is she sleeping? What will these next few days bring? Or weeks for that matter? As I type I drink my hot tea soothing a sore throat from such a dry hospital and taking many phone calls -- I sure used my cell minutes! I want to be there for them any possible way. Then I wonder if my mom will call at what is now 2:45am.

If this post sounds vague and choppy, forgive me. Just pray. We are in His hands.

UPDATE: My mom phoned this morning and my dad is doing well. They want him moving today as well as physical therapy like breathing exercises, etc. God is good!