Wow!

Wow! ...that's all I can say about my special 30th birthday.

My entire life I have always loved birthdays. Not only my own, but just about everyone else also. There is just something so wonderful about them. If you've ever been to one of kid's parties you would know how I love to go all out and celebrate! Now that I am old enough to be excited about more than presents and cake, I am SO completely thankful to God for another year to serve Him. What an amazing feeling!

Well, my magical day began with little voices entering our room all wishing me a "Happy Birthday." Those voices were soon followed by some sweet little lips giving their Mama soft kisses all while wrapping their arms around my neck giving me super squeezers. After I made my way downstairs my wonderful husband had some coffee ready. Later that morning around 10 a.m. I was treated to a magnificent brunch! Since I am not a big breakfast eater (a yogurt will do) this feast was just perfect. James cooked up a storm and when I was finished eating he asked if I enjoyed my breakfast. I replied "yes, thank you" to which he replied "phase one complete."

James always has a way of making me feel so special, not only on my birthday, but just about everyday he finds a new way to spoil and amaze me. So, when I heard his sneaky reply I knew he was up to something, not sure what, but something. James is always up to something.

After brunch I showered and got ready for my noon manicure/pedicure appointment that James made for me. It was delightful! After my pampering was done I used some Godiva cards in the mall and got a whole assortment of Godiva chocolates for free!!!! Happy Birthday to me! (and thanks, Mom L;) After I took a small stroll through Oak Brook I got back into my car and called home. I only talked to James for a minute, but he asked if I enjoyed my time. I of course said yes and he replied "phase two complete." Oh brother... I love the man, but he sometimes marches to his own drummer;)

Just as I was leaving Oak Brook my sister called and asked if I wanted to meet her at a restaurant for some dessert. I called home to make sure it was okay and met her there in the afternoon. After we had a drink and some dessert I looked over and saw my cousin Mandy coming to our table. She decided to get off work early and surprise me and came bearing a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Mandy is exactly 1 month and 20 days older than me. I don't have many memories without her in them. I got in the car and had a message from James that Brett needed to be picked up from a friends house. This was not in the plans. We thought he was being brought home in time for dinner, Hmmmm.

I called James to let him know that I would just go from the restaurant to get Brett. He asked how my time was with the girls. "It was fun" I told him. I bet by now you can guess his reply...it was "phase three, complete." Strange, I know. Well, the dinner James had planned for me was now going to be postponed until the next day because of the time factor in getting Brett so we just ordered pizza. James also had to make it to BSF that night. After I arrived home I was pretty surprised to see my house was completely in order. Even the floors had been cleaned! There were beautiful bouquets of flowers on the table and my parents, sister and Aunt had all joined us for dinner.

After dinner it was time for cake. Not a store bought cake, but one that my wonderful husband and children make for me! It was a three tiered red velvet cake complete with cream cheese frosting and candles already on top. As James walked it over to me it was a site to see;) I blew out the candles and everyone had piece to enjoy.

I should also mention that after I came home and was surprised with beauty in the house James told me "phase four was complete." After the cake and ice cream I had some help opening my wonderful gifts. James always go all out and I love how proud he is when he buys me gifts. He wanted me to open them a couple days before;)...too sweet and excited that man is.

After all the kids were in bed, guests had gone home and James left for BSF, I saw a card on the table. Something James has done ever since we met is to get me card for everything. Even on Christmas he gives me card. They are not simply just cards...he has also always included a note inside and I don't think I have ever NOT read one with tears in my eyes.

What a wonderful day it was. There is nothing better than a little morning relaxation followed by a night full of my family. I am one blessed girl. So, the birthday continued this evening. Since James plans for an elaborate dinner were rained on by time constraints the night before, he cooked quite simply one of the best dinners I have ever had. He grilled some steak, made mashed potatoes, cauliflower w/ hollandaise sauce and king crab legs! What a feast! So, last night the two of us were together on the couch and he asked me how if I had a good birthday. I told him it was the best one yet. He then gave me a kiss and whispered "mission complete."

Here it Comes

Well folks, it's about to happen. I less than 2 hours from this posting I will turn thirty! I don't think that needs an exclamation, but I should seem semi-excited, right?

I have much to be thankful for as I look back on these last 29+ years. The blessings began when my parents became "my parents" and took me home from Hinsdale Hospital on January 29th 1980. I couldn't have asked for two better parents than the ones that God chose for me. Over my relatively short life they have been there every step of the way, showing me His way and loving me like Him when I've strayed. I have tears strolling down my face just thinking of their many sacrifices for me, all out of love. Even in my missteps, they have been a constant pair in shepherding me back. I can't even put into words right now just how much I love them.

Growing up I have such wonderful memories. My mom always tried to make such special memories for me. I can remember countless times she would put little surprises and notes in my lunch. Although I would not have admitted it back then....I was pretty spoiled;) My mom was the best birthday cake-maker. Anything we wanted she could produce. Even as a mom who worked full time, she trumped all the other moms when it came to baking goodies. Her constant support of me in all I did was worth more than anything. My mom was always front and center in all I did...except when I had Sunday soccer games.

That's where my amazing dad took over. He is quite possibly the best daddy a girl could have. I know it caused some tension at times, but my dad took me to those occasional Sunday afternoon games. It really was a special time for the two of us together. I can remember almost every game I ever played as a youngster my dad took me there. Most times we would stop for lunch after or just grab a Gatorade, but MAN did I feel proud to have my dad there. I can still hear him shouting "GO GET 'EM HEID !" I even remember one time he took me to the mall after a game to go shopping. Talk about a daddy's girl;) The best time I think I ever had was when we got to attend the World Cup here in Chicago. It's a day I'll never forget. Just me & Dad. Even after I had moved out of the house I had a chance to go to Honduras on a mission trip with him. What a blessed time that was. I know God plans times like those.

We might have had a hard time admitting it years ago, but another pretty special person in my life is my sister. Being 4.5 years apart we've had our times of differences, but today I love her like a best friend...one that lives in her own world, but when we are together it's usually full of laughs. She's probably one of few that knows me better than I know myself. I love her and would do anything for her. I sometimes wish I could go back in time and change our distant past, but thank God she is who she is today and that she's in my life.

Growing up isn't easy. There is much heartache, drama and learning life lessons along the way. I've had my share. Trust me. Looking back now I am amazed. Amazed that I made it through, amazed that my family still loves me and amazed how God has so carefully planned this life for me. The way he has orchestrated this life of mine is nothing short of amazing. I never walked the path alone. So many instances I can see that poem Footprints in my mind and hear a voice speaking those last few words..."it was then that I carried you." How true.

I feel extrememly blessed to have grown up in a Christian family. Even though it wasn't until my "adult" life that I truely professed Him Lord and Savior of my life, I was taught of His goodness, grace, forgivenss, love and mercy. I learned this most when my precious Brett was born. As a young mother in this world it seemed the world was against me. Like it wanted to consume me. My first few years as an "adult" seemed to be full of challenges, detours and road blocks. It was only through Him that I was able to find my way.

One of those detours led me to a place I never expected. A greenhouse. I thought to myself many times in the few couple months of learning and working at that greenhouse I made a wrong turn somewhere. It wasn't until I met James that God's plan was revealed in a way that I started to understand. I met James in the spring of 2002 and from that day on my life has never been the same.

James is my other half. When the busyness that is my life seems to consume me, he's always there to balance me out (and provide a hug from two arms that make me feel more secure and loved than anything else on this earth) and I know he'll be there in these next 30 years right by my side. We've had our share of trials, but on this very day, I know I am married to a man who loves Christ first and will strive to love me and point in that direction first. I could not be the wife, mother, daughter, friend and sister I am today without him.

These last ten years of raising our little Laslos' has been an honor. Thank you sweet Jesus for each little gift. What can I say about all my wonderful children? These 5 little ones have made me the person I am today. I am a Mama. The joys, laughs, tears and gray hairs compliments of my children are experiences I wouldn't trade for the world. I get up each day and am thankful for each little smile, hug and high five. Why did God to chose em to be the steward of these little souls? I don't have that answer, but have promised to raise them in the nurture & admonition of the Lord. This is quite possibly the greatest job I have even been given, had and will have.

I have quite a to-do list for my 30's....or maybe more like a "check-into" list. In the fall when most of the children will be in school I would like to begin taking some photography courses. Every time we travel to a new place I am always wishing I had my camera more. I for some reason feel the need to capture the beauty and essence of God's beauty for all to see. Any noun can get my attention these days. I would also like to take some cooking courses. I am a fine cook but would love to know and see and learn all there is to creating something new and fabulous. My biggest passion is to get to know and work on my personal relationship with my Savior. Without Him I would be lost. I can't imagine these next 30 years in a ho-hum knowledge. He has great things planned for me and I am ready to learn.

So, bring it on 30! I can't wait to see what God has in store!

5 Kids and Counting... Our Blessings

Today at the store a fellow shopper made a startling discovery...I have 5 children. I will never quite understand why people are so shocked or amazed that we are a family of seven. Growing up most of my friends and relatives all had large families. Coming from a family of four, I felt like we were the minority.

I would like to know why people think it's okay to question every aspect of my life when they are complete strangers. Where are their censors or boundaries? Here are some examples:

While out with Madison & Noah when they were infants a lady in Kohl's asked my how I breastfeed both of them. Why would she even assume that I did? Why was she so inquisitive? ...and WHY ON EARTH did she think it was appropriate to ask me such a question?!
Once while shopping at the mall with the three middle ones an someone came up and asked if they were triplets. I told her 'no' but they were less than 17 months apart. She then proceeded to tell me that I should have waited because she had children close in age and that it takes away from their identity. Really?

Recently people have started comparing us to the reality shows. I can't tell you how many people asked if I was going as "Kate" for Halloween. It seems like I hear something about the Gosselins or Duggers more than I would like to. I have probably heard "You're catching up to the 18 kids and counting lady" dozens of times...literally. In a way I know they are joking, but at the same time they aren't saying those things because they respect her, in a way they are mocking her.

I have a certain respect for those women who have oodles of children. Yes, to be honest I also think it's a little crazy, BUT also believe that children are blessings from God. He has chosen those women to be stewards of those (His) children.

I also understand that I have been given great blessing in my children. I know many, many women that have had multiple miscarriages and some who can't even conceive. My heart is heavy for those friends. Sometimes it's even hard to talk to those and be a comfort to them when I am the one raising 5 beautiful children of my own. Do they even want to hear from me?
I know God is faithful. I also know a bit of what is in the heart of those women. I am adopted. I have heard my own mom's own account of not being able to conceive. God is good. I can't even begin to tell of all the ways that he has so perfectly orchestrated my life and that of my family. To think...almost 30 years ago, my parents got the call that there was a little baby girl born in Hinsdale Hospital waiting for them. From that moment God started showing my parents the new journey He was about to lead them on.

I can't imagine my life any other way. From before I can even remember, I have heard of how God planned for me to have John & Grace Harbaugh as my parents. Born to a young mother who made the choice for me to have life; a life that has always had God's hand in it. Today I am so thankful for my life. A life that God has given me. A life that includes an amazing husband...one that adores and serves God first, one that puts up with all my short-comings, one that loves me for me and loves our children more than anything on this earth. A life that includes five rambunctious, crazy, messy, loving, playful, kind & wonderful children.

When I go out and for one reason or another have to explain that these children are indeed ALL mine, I make sure that they know how happy I am and how very blessed I am. I no longer feel the need to explain to others why, how or anything else about my life. When the questions start pouring in, I know to just smile and hurry about my way. These children are certainly a blessing from God and I would have it no other way. So, what does the future hold for our family? Only God knows and I am prepared to follow the path He has for me.

Six Months Later...

Our little baby is growing up! It's been six months since we welcomed Mackenzie Kate into our home and I'm finding it a little difficult to believe it's been that long!

She's been a fairly "easy" baby since birth. She started sleeping through the night at about 2.5 weeks and continues to do so...about 9-10 hours at night.

Mackenzie has a new love in her life too. Pears have worked their way into her diet and she would have it no other way. I have never seen a child more excited for anything in their whole little life.

These days she doesn't like to sit idle and watch the action. She is the action. She gets up on all fours and just when you think she is going to move her tiny hands, she lunges forward like an animal about to catch their prey. I guess it's not technically crawling yet but she can certainly get from point A to point B in a couple seconds. If Mackenzie see something she wants she goes to get it.

The days of leaving anything on the floor are over. No little legos, bouncy balls or matchbox cars. Mackenzie puts anything and everything in her mouth...and if it fits, she will shove it in as far as she can.

She goes to the doctor next week for her checkup and shots. Never a big deal for this baby. Mackenzie smiles and talks all the way through her appointments. Her personality just gets better every day. She clearly loves her siblings too and they still fight over who gets to talk to her first in the morning when I bring her down.


What a perfect little blessing. Mackenzie brings such joy into our home. These are a couple of her six month photos.

Happy Birthday, Brett!

It's hard to believe that eleven years ago, on a day that was near blizzard conditions, my perfect baby boy was born. Eleven years?! Where does the time go?!

Over these last eleven years Brett has been nothing but a true joy & blessing in our lives. He is always kind, loving, giving and more intelligent than I ever was at his age. Brett finished his first Harry Potter book in the 1st grade and finished the entire series by 3rd grade...along with the Chronicles of Narnia and about 500+ plus books since then. He loves to read and it shows.

As a baby he was almost always happy. He had these big brown eyes and beautiful eye lashes to match and his grin could light up a room. He loved to go to the park, go out for walks and especially loved to play outside.

He started playing soccer when he was 5 and scored two goals in his very first game! He loves to play sports. He's played soccer, basketball and baseball. Just this Christmas he got a new pair of hockey skates and has wanted to go out and practice nearly every day.

Brett is an organized child. His room almost always immaculate; books, stuffed animals and collectibles all in their place. In addition to reading he also loves a good puzzle which he and James do in the evenings in his room. We have a special card table set up in there for that very reason. Brett is also big on games. Every night after all the little people go to bed it's game time. From Uno to Cribbage, Aggravation to Tribond, he's pretty competitive. It gets hard to play any kind of trivia game w/ cards bc after reading or playing them once he's got them memorized...no fun if you play w/ him and don't know that;)

Over the years he has transformed into a fantastic big brother. From the very beginning he always been there to help out when needed. He's the only child with their own room and it stay locked most of the time to keep little sticky fingers from running away with his special things.

He loves school and is involved in an array of activities. He participates in Cadets at my parents church. It's basically a christian boy scout group. He just wrapped up math club before Thanksgiving and participated in the Math-a-thon where his school took home the first place trophy. When he returns from winter break he will begin a history club. He is pretty excited about it. This year he also began playing the Oboe.

Brett is one of the most kind children I have ever encountered. I know I am a little biased, but if you met him you might just agree. Brett excells in school and loves to learn. He is always spitting out random facts to me. He is also a great friend and classmate, always lending a helping hand to them when needed. Once in Kindergarten he stayed home from school with an ear infection. It was late April and it was only for one day. When he got back to school his teacher told me that the whole class was concerned that he was not there. Brett was always there. She said that most of the day the children made mention of his absence and were glad to see him come back. He has that affect on people.

I will never forget the look that that little baby boy gave me as he opened his eyes for the first time. I knew everything was going to be okay. God gave me a great gift that day...a blessing that I am so thankful for. I can't wait to see what the future holds for him. His heart for the Lord and for others in evident in all he does and I pray it continues.

This evening James took Brett to a Chicago Blackhawk's game. They won 5-2. They left early for the game to ensure that they were one of the 1st in the stadium to get a Hossa bobble head. I can only imagine how much fun they had and how much food they ate;)

Today as I look back over the eleven years since he was born I can't believe how much has changed. I can no longer hold my 5'0" child. His (men's) size 8 shoe is bigger than mine. He doesn't like to give me a hug before he leaves for school. One thing will never change...he will always be our "little" boy. Happy Birthday, kiddo!