"Thanks, Google"

Beck revealed her list of google searches that lead many to her blog. This is just a taste of what I found people googling to lead them here:

"8 o'clock bedtime" Probably back from when I posted this. My blog also popped up when someone searched "7 o'clock bedtime". I will say this over and over again: early bedtimes are essential in keeping me sane and giving Steve time alone with me (watching a movie, playing a boardgame, talking......)

"glass hitting the head" Ok, that's just mean! What is this person thinking? Or even worse, contemplating?

"chamba chai latte costco" The best instant hot drink ever....also served on ice. It's up there with Starbucks lattes for sure!

"fifty things turning fifty" Get the Good Housekeeping list here.

So those of you that visit often, how did you manage to find your way here? What makes you keep visiting? Is this a survey? I don't know...just call me curious!

Wordless Wednesday: Drifting Off

Content

Putting my boys’ recent illnesses aside (they are 100% better now); this has been such a refreshing time. Sunday I met up with another high school pal. Stacey and I were never close in high school, but when I went stag to my 10-year high school reunion I ended up sitting at her table. We struck up a conversation and discovered we both met Jesus soon after high school. There we sat talking like we’ve known each other for years! Sharing our history. Our salvation story. I don’t mean to quote Casablanca, but it was the beginning of a beautiful (lasting) friendship.

We’ve stayed in touch ever since. Last weekend she was in town visiting her family and we decided to meet up at Chipotle. And let me just say Chipotle rocks! Forget the Nacho Bell Grande at Taco Bell (gross), Chipotle is fresh and oh so yummy. Even more, they cater to a gluten free diet – SCORE! Can’t wait take Matt there so he can create his own burrito bowl! And do not get me started on the lime wedges by the fountain drinks to flavor my Coke or the delicious corn salsa. YUMMO! We grabbed our food and decided to eat outside. Stacey asked, “What time is it?” I grabbed my cell phone. Three hours had passed! As I sit here typing the right side of my face is bright red from the sun. How could I think about my skin when we were gabbing away? We hugged and made plans for our next visit when either of us is in each other’s town.

And who loves the new long/Bermuda shorts? Stephanie blogged about them and even posted a beautiful picture of herself in them. You’ll never catch me wearing regular shorts thanks to spider veins and birthing two children. It’s about time shorts like these are in style! Monday I shopped at OLD NAVY and walked out with two pairs. Let’s burn the “who wears short shorts” and while we are at it I'll add skinny jeans and ultra low riders!

As I was shutting the windows preparing to turn our A/C on yesterday afternoon I stood for a minute watching my family in the backyard. Steve and Matt were playing kickball while Mark was running circles laughing. In that moment I was content. My family is healthy. Everyone is happy. It was a complete feeling and I stood there a few moments more......

So this week is the last full week of school. I’ll blog my feelings about wrapping up Matt’s kindergarten year later.....

And finally around here The Wiggles and Thomas the Train are resurfacing. Yes, Mark is finally interested in TV and Wags the Dog grabs his attention every time. Even Matt is tapping into the toddler within himself as he watches with his little brother. Is it awful to admit I am relieved Mark is a bit of a couch potato so I can indulge in moments to myself?

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!!

Race Day

This morning was Matt's Kindy 500 box car race. After working for almost 3 weeks on his race car, he wore his NASCAR Army #01 with pride.....and speed! (Any Mark Martin fans out there???)

Papa and Nana H came out to watch and brought some spirit flags to cheer Matt on. It was a hot, sunny day (mid-80's by 9:30am).

Matt started off slow (dead last in fact), but when he appeared going around turn 3 he was SECOND and it was a race to the finish. Matt missed first by a cardboard box length! He had a blast! (And he needed a bathroom break badly -- thank God he made it!!)

Each child was presented with a medal and certificate. Matt would have smiled more, but the sun was beating down on everyone...we were all ready for A/C and a cold drink! Afterwards we enjoyed good eats at Culvers (one of our favorite family hang outs). While eating Matt put his medal around my neck. I asked him why he was giving it to me and he responded, "Because I love you." I love my boys! Now I am off to nap myself.......

PS Where was Mark in all this? He fell asleep in the stroller! (photos to be posted soon)

Wordless Wednesday (sort of)

TWO HANDSOME FELLOWS!

PS Mark's ear tube insertion went well yesterday. The ENT said lots of pus and thick fluid came out, so hopefully he will hear better than ever now. Happy WW!!