And Baby Makes Three

Jeff and Erin with a bun in the oven due mid-March. CONGRATULATIONS!!

(He's my brother in case you're wondering.)

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!

Sweet Home, Chicago!

On Monday our family headed up to Navy Pier and visited the Children's Museum. The weather was perfect, so we took the opportunity to walk around and indulge in some ice cream, plus the boys got a little...uh...a lot wet! CLICK HERE to view photos.

Flicks & A Friend

Good times are here again! Steve aced his last test yesterday and got a whoppin' 97% in his summer class. This morning it was so very nice to eat breakfast with daddy included and he didn't have to work in front of this computer or read boring textbooks hours on end. We haven't done that in ages!

We celebrated The Fourth by seeing Wall-E and let me tell you, Mark was the best viewer ever considering it was his first theatre experience. SCORE! Pixar never lets us down with a good story and an even better meaning behind it. And after baths we watched National Treasure: Book of Secrets. Too bad microwave popcorn doesn't hold a candle to movie theatre popcorn, but it worked. That was an excellent family flick. A must see!

Today I am meeting a friend at a park with our kids. Happi, remember sitting right behind me and writing those continuing notes back and forth in sophmore literature class? Can't wait to see you and have our boys finally play together.

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.

What on Earth is happening?

A lot, if you must know. It's been almost a week since my last post. I assumed our summer days would be easy going and free with only swimming lessons to worry about. Boy was I wrong!

My best friend from the Lonestar State is up visiting. Oh how I love Kristi! Our kids love their time together and we are catching up on our lives too. Feels good. (This was the only opportunity to take a snapshot with all of them in one place -- watching TV.)

I signed both boys up for a Father's Day craft project through our parks department and realized next time I will assume it's for children in grade school. Here I thought they would do a simple memory hand stamp or something, but no, it was an serious art project that took over an hour to do. Throw an almost 3-year old in the mix and, oh my, I was on edge. Mark was ready to dive into the paint tray and have some serious fun. Live and learn.

Steve's work schedule is less demanding during summer break and some days it's good to meet him for lunch. The boys sprint to the high school's front doors. They can't wait to see their daddy and roam the empty school halls.

And lately I've been receiving emails from many companies wanting to promote products on my blog. Anything from Precious Moments sales to tropical island lotions to school supplies to photography. I haven't responded yet and not sure if I will.

Swimming lessons. Oh yes! Everyday Matt counts the hours until 12:30pm when we leave. He loves loves loves loves them!

Sometimes my exercise routine is interrupted by two boys bickering upstairs over what show to watch. One wants Dora the Explorer while the other prefers Pokemon. One wants the rocker while the other wants the office chair. I find myself yelling in between breaths, "Boys, I am exercising! Don't make me angry by having to come up and deal with you!"

Throw in outside play, walks to the park, trying desperately to keep up with the household chores and extra time in our morning jammies and you have days that are over before we know it. Until we meet again.......

Summer Begins

Today summer break officially kicks off. I will celebrate by giving you my top ten reasons why I love this time:

10. Our nights and mornings are not ruled by the clock.

9. After dinner family walks, which lead into long conversations with our neighbors.

8. Grilling

7. Water balloon fights

6. Steve dresses down for summer school and wears polos instead of dress shirts w. a tie. Less ironing for moi!

5. Sitting on our front porch step enjoying frozen treats.

4. Just put on your Crocs on and go - no jacket required.

3. Park dates w. my mommy friends and their kids.

2. Swimming

1. Being a family!

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.....

It's Not All About Mom

I make Matt breakfast every morning and we share our thoughts over Coco Pebbles and a cup of coffee. I am the first to hear about his day at school when he walks through our front door. I'm around when his friends are over; making snacks and passing out drinks. I watch him at his sports' practices. It is not difficult for me to miss these moments, but for Steve it is. With school meetings, high school sports games and his own summer classes starting, I know guilt creeps in at times when he's not able to be so available. It's not easy to drop his responsibilities and attend everything. So when the opportunity came to go to the high school girl's softball regionals in Elkhart and then visit a friend of Steve's who lives right off of St. Joseph's River to eat and fish, I almost jumped at the chance for our whole family to go. Instead I thought:

What a perfect opportunity for Steve and Matt to bond. Alone. Together.

I am a firm believer that the relationship between a father and son is important. It's precious. You don't have to train a son to look up to his daddy. It's natural. They can chat about things that maybe a mom wouldn't understand. Trust me, Matt is at the age where some things are a bit embarrassing to expose to lame old Mommy. But bring Dad in and he's open and willing. So that day was their day and it was fun. Matt hasn't stopped talking about the five fish he caught -- with his dad.

As for Mark and I, we made our own day of fun. We blew bubbles in the front yard. Ate whatever we wanted for lunch and dinner. We snuggled on the couch while watching TV and during commercial breaks we made funny faces at one another. I guess everyone's day turned out to be a special one.

"Toot toot, chugga chugga!"

That's what Mark says when he walks into his bedroom now. During Memorial Day weekend I spent a day and a half painting it red -- Big Red Car red for all you Wiggles fans out there. We aren't doing a Wiggles theme, it's just the first thing that popped into Mark's head. I am not a fan of bedroom themes anyway since a child's interest changes on a daily basis. I just have to add some framed pictures, handle some minor touch ups and it's all done. For all you Chicago Cubs fans out there: Matt's room is Cubby blue and Mark's is Cubby red. Yes, that was intentional.

Sunday night our family endured different sleeping arrangements since Mark's room was out of commission. Mark slept in Matt's bed and since the two boys would argue more than sleep, Matt slept with me in our bed and Steve took the couch. (Got that straight?) Thankfully that lasted one night. I love my bed with my husband in my space and I think Steve would agree. The next night all was normal. Phew!

Realizations

In a few weeks Mark will turn three. Three. THREE!

School ends June 4th and I anticipate my mornings not being ruled by a bus stop time -- 7:30am thank you very much!

My daily blog visits have decreased. With the weather warming up we are outside more than in. Talk about a cure for the winter blues. Blame my daily exercise routine on my new found desire to be more active and spend less time sitting in front of my computer's monitor.

Gas is $4.09/gallon here. I am beginning to become pessimistic. It's never going down. Ever.

Mascara is a tired mom's best friend. Use an eye lash curler and let me tell ya, I am W I D E awake!

Matt is half way through his baseball season. That went by fast!

Don't try to swipe the sides of the mixer's bowl while the machine is beating. It can be lethal!

Matt can add faster than me. Actually, this doesn't come as a surprise. I could never do math in my head let alone figure out tip.

A towel can pick up spills way better than paper towels. Trust me, I know!

Spring Fever

It's here. It's really here. SPRING.....with summer close by.

The boys are outside daily. Matt is riding his bike with his buddies. Mark and I walk to our park before lunchtime and I am amazed that his little feet walk that entire distance without a complaining word.

We attended Steve's softball game last night although we never saw Daddy hit. He took care of the books since his elbow is still recovering. Matt ran off with kids to play catch while Mark played in the kitty litter like dirt. Matt was never a dirt-loving kid, however his little brother is. That bath water was sure hazy!

Neighbors are out chatting. People wave "hi" as they take after-dinner walks. Sometimes I think technology has done a disservice to communication. Forget texting and go out and talk to one another!

The windows are open. Fresh air throughout the house. I switched off the heat and hopefully next month's utility bill reflects big savings.

I grilled steaks. Our oven decided to bust, but who cares when I can cut into a mouth-watering piece of grilled goodness. As I type I am waiting for the repairman to call with an estimated time of arrival.

The fridge is stocked with produce. Strawberries, red peppers, grapes, blueberries.....

Oh, I love this season. How about you?

And if you haven't already, celebrate Spring by entering my Bloggy Carnival Giveaway!

Anticipation

This weekend our family had a taste of what lies ahead: SUMMER

Now I know we only hit the mid-60's, but seriously, my mood was altered from gloom to joy just by the warm sun. And I guess having the boys play outside for hours on end helped too. All their bickering and rough-housing wasn't occurring five feet away from me. I had several moments of peace in my kitchen watching from the window as they screamed and hollered in outdoor bliss.

Sunday Matt (#33) had his first flag football game. It was so much fun! Matt was Mr. Quick as he dodged and spun around the field. Mark made sure to cheer for his big bro: "Go orange. Hi, Matt!" A far cry from trying to keep his attention with suckers and toys like we did for two years at baseball games. He was really into the game and we noticed how much he looks up to Matt. Truly sweet!

And on the subject of kids and sports, I am wondering if I fit the description of what a soccer mom is? Can someone define it for me and I'll decide. Right now I think I fit the bill! -- Is that a bad thing?

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)

The Miracle Worker

Today is a new day. Steve slept all night and woke up refreshed. The thought of not being confined to a bulky cast is a relief (to him and me), especially with Hawaii a little over a week away. Our flight, however long, will go much smoother than we expected. Can you imagine sitting in coach with a rock hard stone-like sleeve around your arm? Ugh. Talk about uncomfortable.

Before Steve was wheeled into surgery we knew that either the tendon was partially intact or torn to the point of needing total reconstruction. The doctor at NMH couldn't tell unless he went in and saw everything with his own eyes. Either way, he needed to do something inside the elbow to help it heal.

Up to that point we were told there was a 8mm tear. We were told surgery was needed. We were also told that his recuperation would be grueling and long. Needless to say, we anticipated our lives altering. Every doctor before the specialist was saying this, so we had no reason to feel otherwise. We just prayed.

After pondering about our day yesterday we were left with two thoughts: either all the reports before the specialist were false and the MRI lied or God possibly took His hand and touched those muscles and bones. Even the specialist was baffled that the tendon felt intact before surgery, but the MRI showed damage, blood and trauma. Either way, we'll accept it! I also failed to mention yesterday that nothing was done within the elbow -- only the tapes over the initial incisions. And his sling can be removed Monday and then used as needed.

I believe our God performs miracles today. I believe He is the same yesterday, today and forever. And why yesterday worked out the way it did we'll never know in the natural, but God did something. I know that for sure!

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!

Direction

And I am talking south to San Antonio! It's been three years since Steve and I vacationed alone and this Thursday we are heading to the Lonestar State for the NASSP convention (4 days). My very close friend lives down there and I cannot wait to see her and figure out why she left the cold, snowy Midwest for cowboy hats and rodeos. (Maybe because the highs will be in the 70's?)

So these next fews days I have lists to make, clothes to organize and packing to tackle. Until then, come back ya'all for some updates from The Alamo.....

SEE YA!

Happy Hearts Day

Steve and I are not big "card holiday" celebrators. I can't remember a Valentine's Day when we made plans for a date and Sweetest Day usually passes with both of us forgetting about it. Our expectations are pretty low, huh? Tonight we may do Outback's curbside take-out. (Matt loves their ribs and if my boys are happy, we are happy.) Besides, I am a firm believer in every day should be Valentine's Day......or Mother's Day or Sweetest Day or Father's Day......

Yesterday I slaved over making treats for Matt's class party: gluten free sugar cookies (Pictured here) Pamela's mix never fails!

And if anyone has advice on how I can keep Mark from stripping down to his bare bottom before he goes to sleep, please fill me in. Finding him in a pool of urine these past few mornings isn't pleasant -- for him or me! Last night I checked him before Steve and I hit the hay. Again, he was naked as a jaybird (bed dry, thank God) and half asleep while I put his PJ's back on. He apologized, "Sorry, mommy, pants stay on." I tell you, this kid......

So I hope your Valentine's Day is a good one. HUGS!

Off Me

This has been a whirlwind of a week. First Matt's illness and then Mark needed to see the doctor because his right ear was hurting. Since he has tubes, I needed to make sure they were still in place and working properly. Yes, he has an ear infection and, yes, the tubes are there just the right one was clogged with wax. Ah! Case solved.

So another birthday for me came and went. No surprises or major presents. Just another day. Steve has been busy like a beaver tackling projects. I admit feeling a bit sorry for myself lately. Most of our plans have failed because of my dad's recovery, my boys' health and/or Steve's work schedule This morning was MOPS and I missed it to take Mark to the doctor. I am learning once again about sacrifice. That this life doesn't always center around my needs, but others'. Not only is that ok, but necessary in order to put my focus where it should be and get what matters straight. I thought again and found blessings in other areas:

• My boys slept thru the night despite sore ears and cough spasms.


• Last night we ate dinner at Culvers as my day-after birthday present. I didn't need a candlelight dinner or some fancy place to dine. As long as I don't have to cook or clean up, I'm happy.


• I am thankful my boys do well in public. Sometimes they get wound up, but overall, they sit down, eat and wipe their own faces. Mark is so curtious that he waves good-bye to everyone and says, "Thank you!"


• We aren't knee-deep in rain water or snowed in. The weather is so abnormal this season, isn't it?


• Mark loves, and mean loves, going to the doctor. When Matt went earlier this week, Mark got all bent outta shape not because he was being checked, but because he wasn't. This is coming from a 2 1/2 year-old! Go figure, but I'll take it!


• Target is directly across from our pediatrician's office and I never wait over 20 minutes for a prescription unlike a famous pharmacy chain I know. And I do flips over their liquid medicine's dispenser: a syringe!


• This Saturday Matt and I are going to our town's mother/son bowling party. It's a date I anticipate every year during this "heart month". Next year I'll have two Valentines to take. Double the pleasure, double the fun!


• Walmart's generic coffee is as good as any expensive brand -- even Starbuck and Seattle's Best! That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.


• That we own a minivan. Those automatic doors are so helpful.


• Halls Breezers make my throat feel oh, so good.


• Foaming hand soap and sanitizer make washing little hands, and mine, fast and easy!

There ya have it. I feel better just typing this. Have a great weekend!