9/11 (a buried post I thought I posted)

The events that unfolded September 11, 2001 are still very vivid in my mind. I will never forget that day or the men and woman who sacrificed their own lives to protect mine. The sights & sounds we all witnessed through various sources are powerful and I don't want to trivialize that moment in any way, but I want to share about something else that happened on that day in this post.

Five years later on September 11th, 2006 something REALLY joyous happened. Dylan Carter Laslo was born! All 9 lbs. 15 oz. of him. What a sweet blessing we received! I can honestly say our lives are much more exciting, adventurous and entertaining all because of this little boy.

Today he turns four years old! If you've ever met him you know all about him. He is a Chicago Blackhawk fanatic. This is one little boys who eats, sleeps, dreams, plays and lives hockey. His current wardrobe consists of about 90% Hawks attire. Even on the warmest summer day he can be seen sporting his jersey while sweating to death on his bike.

Dylan is really just the sweetest. He loves to hug, snuggle & kiss his Mama all throughout the day. A couple of weeks ago he learned to ride a two-wheeler and he just loves his new freedom. I can't say enough wonderful things about our sweet boy. He's so kind to the kids in his preschool class. He's the oldest one there and he's become a real leader....something this "little" brother doesn't get a chance to do very often at home.

Dylan's always got something funny to say. He keeps us laughing pretty hard. I just love how his little mind works. The vocabulary this four year old has is quite amazing. The other day he told me he thought I should "think long and hard when I go to the grocery store about what I need to purchase so our family can enjoy an abundant dinner." Where does he get this stuff from?

I've got more to post on Dylan along with some pictures about his recent adventure but this post is long overdue so stay tuned!

Soccer Mom

I faked left, dribbled right, then headed to the net for a goal. There were no spectators cheering loudly in the bleachers and the only remnants of people was their trash blowing across an empty field. I can vaguely remember when the ball seemed lighter; when there weren't so many expectations. But, that was back when I wore a turtle neck under my jersey and pig tails in my hair. Those days are long gone.

I spent a good portion of my childhood playing soccer. I ate, slept & dreamt it. I was always told I had so many gifts but this one seemed to really take off. I wasn't the one who always got the straight A's in school, but when I stepped onto the field and played the game others took notice. That's what mattered most to me. I guess if I am being honest, growing up I felt my worth was in that game.

I had a special friend in school who seemed to always be on my team. The two of us made a perfect pair. She was phenomenal, really. I learned so much from her. Our freshman year of high school we had this crazy idea to try out for the boys team because our school didn't have a girls program...yet. It wasn't easy. Our coach didn't praise us very much and gave us the feeling we really weren't welcome. We didn't get much playing time but we did learn something...it wasn't a hit with some of our peers either. Long story short the season ended and so did the semester. She moved across the country and I had the unique opportunity to transfer schools.

Transferring in the middle of year wasn't easy. I moved from a school with roughly 425 students with one hallway to one that had over 1800 and 3 stories. I was lost. I did quickly make a few friends and couldn't wait until soccer season.

Well, it came. There was a definite division between players, new and old. It was a really strange dynamic but I soon found my place. I met an amazing group of girls through my experience. Recently I've even had the pleasure of reconnecting with many of them. It's fun to see where we all are today.

Today? I'm a soccer mom. I remember when Brett was old enough to play. I couldn't wait to get him on a team! He loved the game so much. His very first game he scored a goal. I was one proud Mama. Well, 7 years later and he's turned into quite the player. His new favorite position is goalie and he's really been doing a fantastic job. Brett's got a great kick. He also loves forward. He quick when he wants to be and I think he's scored at least one goal per game this season. This year he's on a co-ed team. I have to say, I love it! The boys at this age don't communicate very well. The girls on the other hand...do! They can often be heard encouraging each other and the boys. I've never heard a little boy do that. Must be something in their make-up.

The other day I remembered something. Back when Brett was almost one his grandpa took him Christmas shopping. What did I get? Oh, a bright, fluorescent pink baseball cap. In black block letters it read "Brett's Mom." I am going to go search for it in a couple minutes. Be on the look out for pictures;)

Madison & Noah have also been enjoying their first year of soccer. I have to admit, the first week I almost peed in my pants from laughing so hard at Madison. As aggressive and physical as she is with her brothers when it comes to playing with other kids she takes a bit of a back seat. Every time the ball came close to her she would actually run around it and let someone else get it and at one point she was actually running in place so she wouldn't be the first one to the ball. Each week she's getting better and better.

Noah was a bit aggressive from day one. He has to be reminded about pushing. He's not trying to hurt any of the other kids but MAN this child is focused on the goal! He's had a few goals this season so far too. Our Saturday mornings sure are busy but SO fun. I just love watching them have a blast! The kids love their big audience. Grandma & Papa, Grandma & Grandpa L. and Auntie Lisa are usually cheering them on too. What a fun fall we've had so far.

Ready or Not, Mom

I have been looking forward to this day for almost five years now and it's hard for this Mama to believe that it's already here. Tomorrow my two precious babies will leave on a Timothy Christian School bus for their very first day of kindergarten.

I think somewhere in my mind, over the years, I thought I would be writing that very paragraph with exclamation points on the end...at this very moment those points are a bit more mute.

This day is really something special for the Madison & Noah. It's also going to be a day of many firsts for the two of them. They are entering into full day kindergarten in two different classes. Madison and Noah have spent nearly their entire five years together. As different as they are, the bond between them is very strong. They shared a womb, a tiny bassinet, a crib, a room and now they will be separate most of their day. My two sweet ones who turned five this past spring are blossoming into the neatest little people.

I can still remember bringing them home from the hospital. For literally weeks I had a team of people coming over to help me feed, burp, bathe, cloth, hold and rock my newborn twins. To be honest at the time I'm sure I was thinking that none of us would even make it another day. But, God's grace is sufficient. I found that out first hand. He truly never gives us more than we can handle. And hour by hour, day by day, we all made it to this day.

I'm so proud of who my babies have become. Madison is such a girly girl. She loves to serve others any way she can. She loves manicures, small animals and sports. Madison also has the cutest little laugh. She can make herself giggle uncontrollably and it's really quite contagious. Noah is mesmerized by numbers. He will count and add any numbers he comes across. He's a worker. He loves to help do anything we title "work." Noah has the kindest heart and especially a love for his Jesus. No prayer is ever complete without him saying "and I love you, Jesus...and you love me."

So here I sit. All one million forms have been filled out and there are an equal number of checks to go with them. The backpacks are all lined up, lunches made and outfits all laid out for morning. So, here...I...sit. Hoping that by staying up late I can prolong the evening and push first thing tomorrow off a bit, Deep down I know it's not going to work.

Everyone always told me I'd be sad when this actually came and I've stuck my nose in the air at some who have gone before when they cried as their little ones boarded that bus. I keep wondering what is going on with me?! I've been through this already! Brett is now in 6th grade. I've been sending a child off to school each fall for the last 6 years!

It's been my joy, privilege and responsibility to be raising so many little ones for a few years now I think maybe I won't know what to do with only two....one of whom takes a 3 hour nap each day! It's going to be an adjustment for all of us that's for sure. I know it may not sound like it but I am so happy and excited for Madison & Noah to experience everything there is out there for them. What a blessing it is also to know they are going to be given even more tools to lead a Christ centered life. The teachers and faculty at TCS pour so much love and devotion into raising and preparing young hearts that are on fire for the Lord.

I can't wait to hear EVERYTHING about their first day!

Grandpa

Back in August of 2002 I met a man named Leon C. Pullen. He was James Grandpa. From the minute I met him I knew he was something special. He was in his late 80's but a true charmer and never missed a beat.

He loved to talk current events, politics and was a truly interesting man. He always greeted me with kiss on the cheek and a kind compliment. "How's the beautiful woman who's mother to 5 spectacular great grandchildren of mine?" he said to me back in May.

I haven't had a grandfather since I turned four years old, so having one when I became an adult was something very special to me. I admired his intellect, his ability to play golf and tennis well into his 80's, his charm and respect as the head of the family.

Back in May of this year he even stood up to give a speech in front of 50 other party goers at his wife's 90th birthday celebration.

Today, around 9a.m. Leon C. Pullen passed away in his sleep. He was 94 years old. You may be reading this thinking my thoughts are scattered all over the place. That's because right now my heart has broken a little. I have had both the privilege and blessing of calling this man my grandpa for the last 8 years. What a gift God gave me after all the years I longed to see my own.

I will miss his smile, his quiet confidence and his presence. It wasn't very often that I got to see him...maybe a few times a year, but I still count those times precious and a blessing to spend that sweet time with a man who lived a very full life. I am thankful that I was able to visit with him back in May and give him a hug; a special time we all had as a family and what great memories I have.

I pray that he is resting in peace. I'll miss you Grandpa Pullen. Thank you for loving and welcoming me into your family with a genuine heart. You are one special, special man.

Love from ALL of us.

Our Precious Little Girl

It's hard to believe that a year ago today I became the mother of FIVE! Mackenzie Kate was born and our lives were forever changed.

Around noon on July 16th there was a knock on the door of my hospital room and in scurried four little children all anxious to meet their new sibling. They all varied in their reactions...

Brett fell in love at first sight. The way he looked at her was priceless. After everyone had a turn holding Mackenzie she somehow found her way back into her biggest brother's arms and was so peaceful there. Noah was so excited we couldn't have wiped that giant grin off his face if we tried. He was so proud to be a big brother again! Dylan was so-so about holding her. He wasn't scared or nervous, just awkward;) Then there was the proud big sister. Madison was SO incredibly shy to even be in the room she curled up next to Grandma and only peeked out when someone spoke to her. I think the whole experience of seeing me in the bed frightened her a bit but to this day she is Mackenzie's biggest fan. The way Madison looks at her lil' sister is nothing short of amazing. There is already a very special bond and so much love.

I'm still in awe sitting here this morning knowing that my baby is ONE YEAR OLD! This time around everything felt "new" again. It felt like I hadn't had a newborn around in ages and was trying hard to remember all the "rules."

Mackenzie is simply the sweetest baby girl. From morning to night she'll snuggle for as long as you'd like. She loves to play with the older kids and follow them around. She was an early crawler and walker and I'm really thankful for that. It really makes this Mama's job easier when she can get to where she wants to go. She rarely cries or has any sort of bad temperament. What a blessing that is when you have four other children to care for also but what great helpers they have all become.

I feel so blessed to be called Mama. I know the heartache some have had trying to bring a new life into this world. It's hard to put into words or comfort those who are longing for a child. Every time I hear one of their stories my heart breaks a little for them. In a friendly conversation with someone I consider to be a good friend she came right out and said "why do you get all these kids and I can't even have one?" I cried for her, I cried with her and I cried praying with this dear friend in my arms. I know the Lord, my mighty Savior, my heavenly Father knows why our lives are planned the way He sees fit. I try not to complain to others about the rough day I've had, how hard a pregnancy was or even about any other aspect of my life. I am blessed by God beyond measure and want to show other's just how thankful I am.

What a blessing and privilege it is to be the mother today of a little one we call Mackenzie Kate. The day she was born our lives changed forever; for the better and I thank God for another miracle. I promise to raise her in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and to always tell her of His unfailing love and sacrifice for us. Happy Birthday, baby girl! You are SO loved.

The 4th

I still remember my 4th of Julys as a little girl. We lived in Brookfield right by the Zoo. I grew up on Grand Boulevard and every year the 4th of July parade would come right down our street. We would have all of our extended family over and make a whole day of it.

When I got old enough my parents helped me organize a "lemonade stand" if you will. I sold pop, lemonade and freeze pops. I remember making about $20 once and I thought I'd won the lottery! What amazing memories I have of family and the fourth. Each year I dream and wish for it to be July and now when it actually rolls around I can't believe it arrived so soon!

For the past eight years we have changed venues and began attending the Hinsdale parade with the Laslos'. And, every year we dress all the kids up in their festive gear and make a day of it too. This year Mackenzie landed herself on the front page of the Hinsdalean newspaper. She was a stitch to watch run all around the streets without a care in the world. She watched in awe of all the busyness and somehow fell asleep during sirens and cannon shots. What a doll.

The older kids always have a blast catching candy and waving & interacting with all the parade goers and participators. The last couple of years my parents have attended as well and I think it's even a little more fun to watch the kids watching the parade. What joy & excitement they have for such simple things. It can make any heart happy to see such enjoyment.

We ended our wonderful 4 of July weekend with some of our friends and a BBQ. There's just something so wonderful about summer and I sometimes wish we could just press pause button it.

What We've Been Up To

I've been quite neglectful of this blog for some time now. I start a post only to fall asleep or close my laptop because the thought of finishing anything these days seems too good to be true. This summer has been moving at the speed of light! Here's a small update on our "little" Laslos.

Brett completed the 5th grade this year with flying colors. I thank the Lord everyday for this amazing child. He learned the Oboe this year which is not at all an easy instrument to play. He also competed in the the Spelling Bee an finished an honorable 9th. Along with extraordinary marks on his last report card his tests scores from the state tests prove he is in the 99th percentile in his academics (which mean he scored higher than 99 percent of the students in the whole state of Illinois.) Bragging? Of course! He works so hard at all he does I couldn't be more proud of him.

Brett started the summer attending basketball camp, followed by a sculpture/ceramics art camp and then last week was a part of Willowbrook Warriors soccer camp. He loves engaging himself in all these activities and testing his strength, endurance and creativity. After the 4th of July he took a break and went to Michigan for a week w/ his Dad's side of the family. He's there now and having a blast.

Madison & Noah are getting to experience their first camp this week. They are in an adventure/exploration camp in the woods of Downers Grove. They absolutely LOVED it and couldn't stop telling us of all different senses they used. They learned about wildlife, plants and insects. It's really fun to see them so animated when talking about it.

Dylan has been a little down since he's not old enough for M & N's camp, but yesterday he got to have Grandma Laslo all to himself and attend story time at the library and spend time walking around town with her. Today he's actually spoiled all over again with Grandma H taking him to pet store to buy a new fish for Papa and just a little play time all by himself. He's really lonely without the other two members of the little Laslo tag team, but it's something he need to get used to as they will be gone for 7.5 hours everyday in the fall. It's going to be a learning experience for both of us.

Mackenzie Kate is walking all over the place. She seems to get bigger and smarter every day trying and exploring the world around her. She turns '1' this Friday. Another post for another day about my feelings on that;) She's been a trooper traveling around town to various activities for the little ones.

June was a busy month of zipping here and there and everywhere.