Out of the Mouth of Babes

So, this morning when the kids woke up (at a ridiculously early hour) the first thing they all wanted was breakfast. One might think I never feed my children by the way they are always asking for something to eat, but I promise I do. So...at 6:20 this a.m. I poured everyone a bowl of their favorite cereal and we began our day.


During breakfast Noah suddenly pushed his bowl away. I could tell he was upset about something. Naturally I asked him what was wrong and this was his reply, "last night Dylan woke me up and told me to stop snoring." I told him it was okay because sometimes I have to tell Daddy to stop snoring. Noah looked at me for a second and a few tears began to drip from his eyes and he said to me "but I never snored before and I wanted to hear it."


I sometimes wonder how their little minds work. After we got through the devastation of not hearing his first snore he was ready for breakfast. And, while I was making breakfast Dylan chimed in with one of his famous stories. Today's story was about when he was a little girl. Dylan told me that he's pretty sure when he was a little girl he was my best friend. I asked him how he was sure of that and he replied "I always wanted to be best friend with such a pretty girl." Thanks, Dylan!

I can always count on my kids for a little honesty. A couple nights ago I took a shower right before bed and went to bed with semi-wet hair. For those who don't know I have pretty naturally curly hair. So, when I woke up in the morning I had a pretty good curl fro going. The first thing the kids said to me when I came downstairs was that I looked pretty funny. One of my children even felt the need to tell me it was ok if I wanted to go back upstairs to "fix" it. Most of the time they have a way of making this Mama feel pretty beautiful. Sometimes when I wear a cover up or nightgown they tell me I look beautiful in my "dress." In those times I know I've never felt prettier or had a bigger smile on my face.

These children that God has given me are such a blessing. They are a gift and I treasure them and their sweet words.

In Like a Lion Out Like a Lamb

I was slightly confused when I woke up this morning. Yesterday afternoon the kids and I played outside in shorts and t-shirts and this morning as I looked out the window our yard was covered in snow! I'm pretty sure Chicago forgot to check the calendar to find it was supposed to be the first day of spring.

Well, it's 10 pm and still precipitating. Looking outside and seeing the tulips sprouting through the snow just doesn't seem right. There are many houses down our block that had such beautiful crocuses filling their yards. Spring? Please come soon.

This winter seems to be dragging on forever. I long for the fresh scent of spring to arrive in all it's glory. I want to see green grass and mulititudes of color springing from the ground. I am however reminded when I see the snow of God's goodness and grace. The fresh white blanket of snow is a reminder that my sins have been washed as white as the snow.

So, for now I will take this day as a great reminder. While the days last week brought out the flip flops, sunglasses and bikes and I was so very thankful to open a few windows...sadly it didn't press upon my heart to be thankful for God's gift of His Son and His sacrifice for us in a reminder the way this one day of snow did.

I will now stop complaining and get to bed and dream of the days ahead. But, today I am thankful for this great reminder and to my Savior for dying on a cold lonely cross to save me from my sins. I am also thankful for the sermon a great man named Dennis Mitchell preached from the word this week...so fitting.

A Walk on the Other Side of the Street

Today was absolutely gorgeous in Chicagoland! The sun was shining without a cloud in the sky and I believe the temperature was around 64 degrees. It doesn't get any better than that here in March.

The 3 middle kids had a play date this afternoon so while they were gone and Brett was in school I decided there was no better option than to take Mackenzie for a stroller ride. First of all I realized that I could really use a single jogging stroller. We currently have a triple jogger that I used for Madi, Noah & Dylan, but this time around I only need a one seater. The sidewalks around our block are a little treacherous for our regular stroller.

It just so happened that improved the sidewalks on the opposite side of the street and put in some new ones down Madison Street so Mackenzie and I took a different route today. So as we ventured to the "other side" we also encountered some new neighbors. As we rounded the corner I met Val & Kathy. Val is my age and her and her husband just purchased a house that had been for sale for about 2 years now and Kathy & her husband just moved into the house across the street from Val. They moved into a ranch home so Kathy's husband could maneuver around better without stairs. She explained to me that he was sick and passed just about 3 months ago. She also told me that her daughter and son in law along with 2 grandchildren live just 5 houses away. Yet, in Kathy's very next sentence she said to me "now I've got nothing to live for..I'm completely lost."

Wow, I only met her minutes earlier and here we were, in a conversation bigger and heavier than I ever could ever have expected. Holding back tears the first thing I could say was "your family is so close and grand kids are the best!...now that's something to live for." She agreed hesitantly. But...what I was really thinking and feeling was that she needed the Lord so much in that moment. Why couldn't I spit out that truth to her? Why was I holding back? Since 3 o'clock this afternoon I have been struggling with what I should have said.

I have been praying for her since that moment. And, now that I think about it, I'm not even sure that her name is Kathy...I will find out, but I am absolutely horrible with new names. I am asking if you read this blog if you would please pray for her, and me. The next time you see me would you mind asking me how things are with her? Will you please hold me accountable? I am going to be picking her up a new ESV Bible at church this week and plan on presenting it to her as soon I can. I want to also see if I can bring her a meal or some just stop in with some goodies. I could feel her loneliness. I think I still can.

The rest our walk was peaceful. Mackenzie stayed awake for over an hour. She even kept her little sunglasses on...thanks Dr. Barnes;) After we returned home we pulled out our picnic blanket in the shade in the front yard and it was simply wonderful. Mackenzie is such a sweet girl. We rolled around, she climbed all over me and we pulled grass together and played 'Yuck! Don't put that in your mouth' as she giggled uncontrollably.

After all the kids came home and James rolled in the driveway we continued to enjoy the weather until dinner. At one point Madison & Noah were playing ball and Madi lost control and it rolled into the street. Noah put his arm out across Madi's chest and told her he'd get it for her. He retrieved the ball and I heard the sweetest words and witnessed a moment I won't forget for a very long time. Noah said to her "anytime you need me for your whole life I'll be there for ya." Nothing melts this Mama's heart like moments like those. She just grinned at me like she knew how special that was.

This is the Stuff Dreams are Made of...

I definitely know winter MUST be nearing its end. Last night I had my first dream of summer. It's not often that I can remember my dreams, but last night was kind of a sleepless night so after my dream I had some time to lay in bed and process.

The setting? Beautiful Beulah, Michigan. I don't really remember many specifics about the dream, but I did wake up and could smell the Michigan air, hear the waves, feel the soft summer breeze and I know I was relaxed. Almost every year around this time I think about how much I would give for it to be July/August in Michigan. There's really nowhere I'd rather be. And, when I am there I almost can't believe it because I've looked forward to it for so long. Almost a whole year.

The sounds of jet skis in the early morning hours, laying in bed at night listening to the waves gently crash onto the sand and the fresh air that blows right through the entire house....that is summer to me. Since my very first trip to Beulah eight years ago, it's one place that I will never forget. I can remember our first trip up north. Brett had just turned 3 and for the full two weeks he lived in the water. Everyone nicknamed him "the fish" because he wanted to swim from dawn 'til dusk, not caring for one second that at times the lake was simply freezing.

I have so many wonderful memories it's hard to even pick out a favorite, but as I write this one thing does come to mind. It was a wonderful August night. James and I were able to sneak away to Traverse City for the day alone while Grandpa & Grandma Laslo took Brett out for the day. The two of us went canoeing down the Platte, stopped for lunch in a cafe, para sailed on Lake Michigan, rented a SeaDoo speed boat and took a long summer's night drive along the Lake. At one point in the night I mentioned that our vacation was nearing its end and there was still so much to do! I still remember James telling me that we would have plenty of time to do those things next time and in the years to come with our own family. Our own family...that certainly had a nice ring to it and at that time had absolutely no idea that 8 years later we would be going back to Michigan with our very own family of SEVEN!

Isn't it just amazing how God works? The way he so carefully plans each and every aspect of our lives? I so thankful and blessed to be surrounded by these five beautiful children God has given us. They make every new experience something exciting and I absolutely love seeing these experiences through their eyes. They have so many questions they want to know to learn all they can. It puts such joy in my heart when they see and get to do new things with such awe and wonder. Children seem to really make the best out of every experience and situation.

I'd have to say it one of the best and quite possibly one of the most disappointing dreams I've had in a while. I cannot WAIT for summer this year. I think our winter has been extra long and we're all dying for a little fun in the sun...only a little over a hundred days until we meet again, Pure Michigan.

Valentine's Day (another "late" forgotten post;)

This year even though Valentine's Day fell on February 14th just like every other year, James & I almost missed it.

The last few weeks have been so that busy we decided to postpone a special night out for the two of us until late February. I know many people feel that it is a Hallmark holiday but it does have history. I have a child who lives & breathes history so I feel that I know a little something on the subject but I think I will spare you and myself from the story bc it's not exactly all about love. I'll leave it up to wikpedia to explain to all who are interested.

Since our first Valentine's James has always surprised me & spoiled me rotten on Valentines Day. For every holiday, birthday or special even my amazing husband has given me a hand-written note or card. I have saved each and every one. I still have the post-it note that was stuck to my door the night we got engaged that read "I love you. I bought you a little something. Please pick out something to wear for dinner tonight." After reading that note I opened the door to my room and round red rose petals on the floor spelling out 'I love you' and they were even on the bed along with a large box with a ribbon.

The funny thing is I didn't think anything of it. James has always been so sweet and really goes all out I thought we were just going out for a nice dinner...I had no idea he was about to scare the pants off me and appear in the doorway with a ring box! (I thought I was home alone after a long day at work;) Oh, and I said 'yes' by the way.

Another example of his sweetness was last spring. I was working at the TCS resale and had been there late into the evening. I was supposed to be home earlier to pick up dinner for the two of us, but that didn't happen. I called James on the way home and asked if he wanted me to pick up some dessert. He said no. So, I just drove home expecting to eat some leftovers and I almost fell over when I walked in the house. Not that I expected the house to be completely unruly, but it was shinning like the top of the Chrysler building and as I walked into the kitchen...I had no words. There in the kitchen was a beautiful table for two, complete with lit candles, a beautiful place setting and an amazing bouquet of flowers in the center. I was speechless! James knew I would be exhausted and hungry and he prepared me a feast of (my fav) crab cakes and a wonderful salad. He even picked up dessert! Thankful he's mine and blessed to be his. He is always thinking of me.

Well, this Vday was no different. I received the sweetest card and a beautiful little bouquet of pink roses & gerber daisies.... my favorite! And we even made it out to dinner by the end of the month to our favorite restaurant.

These days our life doesn't exactly give us much time for candlelight dinners alone, but I know neither of us would change it for the world.

Mia

Well, I just found this post that never got posted....My parents pup passed suddenly right before Christmas:

A little over 13 years ago we welcomed a little chow/black lab mix pup into our home. I got to name her Mia. What a playful puppy she was. She was only five weeks old when we got her and she had an extremely playful spirit.

Mia had this funny quirky run. She would run with her head cocked to one side. Mia was a dog that simply adored people. She would lick you until you had to finally run away. From a little pup to a 100lb. dog she was a part of our family...much to the dismay of our mom, we even gave her a middle name. Lisa & I knew her name was officially Mia Grace;)

Over the years she never changed. Always happy to see anyone that walked through the door at my parents house. Even though she was dealing with a bit of arthritis these days and was hard for her to even walk at times, she would get off her comfy pillow to greet me. A couple of days ago I stopped over to use my parents printer. It was a quick trip, but on my way in I bent down to give her a little head rub. She of course rolled over so I could rub her belly and I did for a second, but told her I was in a hurry.

Ever feel really guilty? I felt horrible thinking about 48 hours earlier. I wish I would have rubbed her belly for an hour and given her a real kiss and not just an air kiss. Mia never let me down. Anytime I needed a pick-me-up she was right there front and center to give me nothing but uncondtional love and attention. She was around 100lbs.full grown but you could find her snuggled up on the couch with my mom at night. She thought she was a tiny lap dog.

After I moved out and got married I really missed Mia. She was there on nights when I was home alone and days when I needed a big black furry pillow. Over the last few years I don't think she was very pleased with me for producing little dog hair-pullers. She pretty much allowed the kids to see her, then made a quick exit for a bed upstairs where she couldn't be bothered. The only part of them she liked was the part where they gave her unlimited dog biscuits when Grandma wasn't looking.


Mia really was the best dog a family could ask for. Even though she once chewed apart half of a dozen of my favorite shirts when they slid off the drying rack into her cage, left giant balls of black hair that got on most everything we owned and even the fact that she would nearly break your legs trying to climb up and cuddle...Mia was the sweetest dog and a great friend.


We'll miss you Mia girl!

Legoland

Last week was Noah's turn to go on a date with Mom. I surprised him and took him to a place I knew he would love...Legoland. It was a perfect fit! Noah just loves Legos. James and I got him a few sets for Christmas and ever day since he pulls them out at some point in the day.

As we walked in the first exhibit we saw was the skyline of Chicago completely made out of Legos. There were even some mechanics involved and cars were driving, people were walking the lakefront and even boats entering the harbor.

Next we walked into a room with some lifesize figures. We saw Batman, some Star Wars characters and even a giant santa complete with presents all made from Legos. We then proceeded to go on a ride I would would compare to "It's a Small World" at Dinsney World. It was themed what I can only describe as 'old world dragon' and it was pretty cool. There were skeletons, a 30 ft. dragon and all the people/town were, you guesseed it, all made out of Legos.

Ater the ride we went upstairs and saw a 3D movie about a Lego town. Noah had to take his glasses off a couple times because there were all sorts of flying birds, insects and even a sword that cam pretty close to our faces;) Across the hall was a small room that they had replicated the process of how a Lego is made. A small girl acting like a goofy professor walked us through the process and in the end Noah walked up to her in all seriousness and told her "you are really smart." Too cute.

After all the info we took in it was time to get down to business. There is a playroom compete with a dozen tables of Legos. They are where kids can get their creative juices flowing. Noah has a blast buidling race cars and racing them down one of the many different ramps derby style. I thought were going to spend the night. I couldn't get him to leave.

Our last stop was to the gift shop. Noah got to choose a Lego set to take home and he picked a firetruck. I think it has over 250 pieces. The two of us had a great time together! On our way out we said goodbye to President Obama and headed home BUT not before a nice little Portillos dinner. After dinner I even suprised Noah and got him a piece of their chocolate cake. His chocoa smile was adorable and he grinned form ear to ear during the whole piece. What a special date with a special little boy I had.