It's that time of year. That time where blogging gets neglected, but oh, wait...
That time is pretty much everyday, 365 days a year, isn't it. Hopefully many of you received an update via email a couple times in last few months of all the big, exciting things we've experienced this fall.
I do blog more than you see. I have close to two dozen posts written with heart that I just haven't posted yet. Some days I will blog late into the evening and by the time I'm done or early the next morning I just can't seem to press "PUBLISH."
Most days it's because I've needed to vent or organize all my thoughts and feelings and once I'm done I don't always feel the need to share. While there are some posts that get published months after they are written not all of them make "the cut."
Today I am near finished with a post about the year. I started last night after reading my devotions and couldn't help but share about all the amazing things that God has done for me & those around me. The lessons He's taught, the blessings He's shared and the way He's guided me down the path in this life were bursting out of my heart and mind to be shared. It will be coming in a few short days so be on the look out if you are so inclined.
I've struggled recently with making my blog a bit more private. I often get comments on my blog that I need to erase. I can see where they are coming from but have no idea who may be sending them. I have often even wondered who in the world reads my blog. If you are reading this and stop by once in a while would you let me know? I'm curious also if you do and if I make this blog private would you subscribe? I don't know what the plan is yet but it seems like that may be the best way. I also don't want stop anyone from coming to our blog if they enjoy but don't want to commit;) I will admit there are a few blogs I frequent but haven't followed bc I enjoy being on the DL.
If I don't post before Christmas (haha) I want to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas filled with the wonder, joy & awe of our Savior's birth. What a wonderful time to remember and reflect on the greatest gift, God's own Son.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
A Funny Thing Happens in the Fall
I can still remember one late spring afternoon, driving with the windows down and a commercial came on the radio. I generally don't listen to commercials. I'm a station switcher. I switch from one radio station to another to find a song I can sing my heart out to, but on this particular day when a commercial began it had my undivided attention.
It started like this...
"Every summer something breezes off the water...it slows things down around here. It's called the 'Lake Effect.' We can experience it anywhere along the 200 mile stretch of sandy shore of Michigan's beach towns. It boasts amazing water views and sandy front porches & knows what it takes to make every day a day at the beach."
The voice was calming and familiar and as it spoke I could feel myself hanging on it's every word. I was suddenly transported to a place where the world seemed to stand still. That place...pure Michigan.
In the ad campaigns from Michigan's official Travel & Tourism bureau, the voice of Tim Allen coupled with the gentle notes of a melody that warms my soul have been a constant reminder that I live in Chicago. I do not get to experience all the magic & wonder that is Michigan nearly enough.
If you've ever been to one of Michigan's beach towns you know exactly what I am talking about. The sounds, sights and smells of the lake in mid summer are something spectacular. I spend almost 11 months out the year dreaming about that 2 week stretch when I can experience first hand God's amazing sliver of creation we call Crystal Lake. The sounds of children squealing with delight as they spray and splash in the clear blue water, the gentle rolling waves that serenade you as you dose off in your bed, the sunsets that never disappoint, the way the sand so softly cradles your every move or looking outside before bed and seeing more stars that you knew existed simply because we live in the "city."
Well, I'm in Michigan as I type. My husband and I had an amazing day. We walked down the streets of historic Traverse City to do a little window shopping, watched the salmon in the river as they tried to make it upstream, dined in a little cafe near the beach and even now while I watch him fish for trout from the comfort of the front porch as the sun is setting I almost can't believe I'm taking in a little bit of pure Michigan.
It's bittersweet coming up here in the fall. The excitement and busyness of summer with five children around in the fall isn't quite the same. I miss them and know just how much this beautiful place means to each of them but I know it's also okay to be selfish. This trip is one that James and I have been taking just the two of us, for years now. It's our time to get away and reconnect. Rarely do we get even 24 hours to just "be" with each other.
Tim Allen once said "A funny thing happens in the fall on the shores of Lake Michigan. The water warms up and the vacationers go home. The beaches of Michigan become a low key, grown up place to eat great, stay up late and otherwise exercise the long lost privilege of adulthood. A place where we can walk hand in hand, run our toes through the sand & soak up a sunset our kids wouldn't have time for. "
Michigan's has one of the most serene and stunning coast lines in America.
Tomorrow I will walk hand in hand with the love of my life. We will hike trails covered with the colors of fall and take a nap in front of the fire if we please.
The kids got to play all summer here. Now it's our turn and it's all in Pure Michigan.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Finished!
It's finished!
It took me a couple hours over the course of the last five days to finish these fire hydrants. The goal of the Adopt-a-Hydrant program in our town was to raise money for the Fire Department. The idea came from a young man who wanted to repay the Fire Department for the work that they do so he came up with this neat idea.
I started this adventure thinking it would be a nice outlet for me to release some of my extra creativity and also a time for me to relax & unwind away from my busy, action packed family. The actual time I spent painting was far from relaxation. At one corner where I spent a couple days I was hoot & hollar'd at and stopped every five minutes by inquisitive neighbors and passerby's wanting to know if what I was doing was legal and simply wondered what in the world I was doing. I have never been honked at more times in one day that I was last week!
Here is the second hydrant. At the last minute it seemed to be missing something...so I decided on bumble bees. You need to look very close for them. I think I added about eight of them.
I really just love sunflowers. They were our main wedding flower & to this day I can't get enough of this beautiful creation.
It took me a couple hours over the course of the last five days to finish these fire hydrants. The goal of the Adopt-a-Hydrant program in our town was to raise money for the Fire Department. The idea came from a young man who wanted to repay the Fire Department for the work that they do so he came up with this neat idea.
I started this adventure thinking it would be a nice outlet for me to release some of my extra creativity and also a time for me to relax & unwind away from my busy, action packed family. The actual time I spent painting was far from relaxation. At one corner where I spent a couple days I was hoot & hollar'd at and stopped every five minutes by inquisitive neighbors and passerby's wanting to know if what I was doing was legal and simply wondered what in the world I was doing. I have never been honked at more times in one day that I was last week!
Here is the second hydrant. At the last minute it seemed to be missing something...so I decided on bumble bees. You need to look very close for them. I think I added about eight of them.
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| Here she is from the front. |
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| Semi side view. |
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| Her backside. |
Friday, October 7, 2011
One Day At a Time
I'm going to ignore the fact that there are 16 posts that are either finished or near finished. Some of them seemed appropriate at the time but I feel like hanging on to them a bit longer before releasing them into great unknown. The last few weeks have been a blur so today I'm going with the One Day At a Time mentality and posting my most recent adventure.
Today I finished something that I actually didn't want to. Well, that's not entirely true...I'm actually still not completely finished. What is it you ask? Here it is. I almost didn't post a picture bc I'm slightly discouraged that I could not do it exactly the way I had intended but for the general public who drive down Summit & Madison St. it will have to do.
Mr. Dalmatian still needs some mouth work and whisker dots but I just simply have not had the time to add the finishing touches. I am currently working on another hydrant just in front of our house. It's going to be nothing like this one;)
Stayed tuned for the finished products!
Today I finished something that I actually didn't want to. Well, that's not entirely true...I'm actually still not completely finished. What is it you ask? Here it is. I almost didn't post a picture bc I'm slightly discouraged that I could not do it exactly the way I had intended but for the general public who drive down Summit & Madison St. it will have to do.
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| Here he is from the back. |
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| ...and here he is from the front. |
Mr. Dalmatian still needs some mouth work and whisker dots but I just simply have not had the time to add the finishing touches. I am currently working on another hydrant just in front of our house. It's going to be nothing like this one;)
Stayed tuned for the finished products!
Friday, August 26, 2011
25 More
It's been a while again since I last posted but I did get another request for 25 more things you may or may not know about me and it seems much easier than finishing half a dozen posts right now so here they are:
- I am slightly addicted to Panera's Iced Green Tea
- I can't go to bed alone unless I have the T.V. on
- I got my one and only high school detention for going out to lunch off campus
- My nickname in high school was "Flash"
- I don't love ice cream
- I still have the T-shirt I received from my D.A.R.E. graduation & occasionally wear it to bed...(it's 21 years old, not kidding)
- My favorite T-Shirt I wear weekly is a high school soccer-t I got my junior year
- I am not a hoarder;)
- I love tomales
- In my closet all of my hangers must be equally spaced
- At one point in my life I owned 62 pairs of shoes
- I LOVE to take pictures....98% of them are of my kids
- I have one cup of coffee and one cup of tea each day
- I have been the owner of 5 cars
- When I turned 16 I didn't get the BMW I was hoping for. I got a BMW baseball cap.
- I am a total night owl
- I sercretly wish I could somehow have a show on the Food Network
- I have never lit a grill before...or grilled for that matter
- I almost always have a candle burning in our house.
- I cannot stand Christmas decorations
- I have never smoked pot...just thought I'd throw that one out there;)
- My favorite game as a child was called "birdie," a made up game my cousins & I created.
- I cannot stand watching cartoons
- My first kiss was when I was 15
- I don't like wearing sweaters
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Ready...Set...Learning How to Relax
Somewhere in the middle of sipping sun tea in a lounge chair on the beach while eating a fresh cut pineapple I realized something. It's something about myself that I think had always known but must have kept so buried in the back of my mind that I did not have to face it. Here it is...
I am completely incapable of relaxing.
I think I've learned to trick myself into thinking I can relax but when I really started to think about what relaxation means I'm pretty sure I fall short of it's true definition.
All year I daydream of coming up to Michigan. I close my eyes and can almost hear the waves and smell the fresh air when I'm stuck in burbs. It's calming and even in mid-February it's looking forward to going to Crystal Lake that gets me through the day. Up north I don't have to make any phone calls, return any emails, pay the bills (okay, I do actually have to pay the bills but it's much easier now that I can do it all online;), run from school to after school activities or even make dinner. It's not that I let my family starve but James and I have worked it out over the years that vacation he does all the cooking, well, grilling. We bring all of our meat from home and he turns our trip into the great vacation grill-off. I'm thankful and blessed BUT that's not the point.
The point is (while I try to avoid it once again) that I seem to be completely unable to relax. Sure I can pretend to lay lifeless on the sandy shore while soaking up some vitamin D but who am I kidding? It's August. As I "relax" on the beach all that is going through my mind is the four completely different school supply lists that await my attention as soon as we get back home. I find myself fighting those little voices telling me to just go inside and order them online, make new lists of all the extras the kids will need or even just find myself wondering if any of my kids will get put in the dreaded "peanut free environment" classroom. That means no peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and on a day when lunch meat is no more I go for the quick pb&j sandwich, pb&crackers or even pb& apples, granola bars, a fam favorite of peanuts & raisins, etc, etc. etc.
I left the house 100% spotless when we left. I knew a house even in slight disarray would have me going crazy on vacation but somehow in my demented state I'm already plotting & planning on how I will unpack and get everything put away. Sick....I know.
So, as I sit back and try to relax this evening I can't help but grab my laptop to process. I apologize if you are reading this and rolling your eyes but get ready to roll some more because I did think about just typing away my thoughts and not posting but then I'd be leaving something unfinished. Not going to happen. Good night, Crystal Lake. Tomorrow I will begin a new book. Here's to hoping Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman is a good distraction from my "relaxation."
Why can't I just turn my brain off for a few? Please don't get me wrong. I'm having one of the most amazing times here filled with so much fun & family but something about my alone time is just not right. Maybe I need some new music on my ipod or maybe that's God's way of telling me to use that time to talk to Him. As I sit and think about it now it's quite possible that all the confusion and noise in my brain is really God yelling, not whispering, for me to listen. I hear Him.
I am completely incapable of relaxing.
I think I've learned to trick myself into thinking I can relax but when I really started to think about what relaxation means I'm pretty sure I fall short of it's true definition.
All year I daydream of coming up to Michigan. I close my eyes and can almost hear the waves and smell the fresh air when I'm stuck in burbs. It's calming and even in mid-February it's looking forward to going to Crystal Lake that gets me through the day. Up north I don't have to make any phone calls, return any emails, pay the bills (okay, I do actually have to pay the bills but it's much easier now that I can do it all online;), run from school to after school activities or even make dinner. It's not that I let my family starve but James and I have worked it out over the years that vacation he does all the cooking, well, grilling. We bring all of our meat from home and he turns our trip into the great vacation grill-off. I'm thankful and blessed BUT that's not the point.
The point is (while I try to avoid it once again) that I seem to be completely unable to relax. Sure I can pretend to lay lifeless on the sandy shore while soaking up some vitamin D but who am I kidding? It's August. As I "relax" on the beach all that is going through my mind is the four completely different school supply lists that await my attention as soon as we get back home. I find myself fighting those little voices telling me to just go inside and order them online, make new lists of all the extras the kids will need or even just find myself wondering if any of my kids will get put in the dreaded "peanut free environment" classroom. That means no peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and on a day when lunch meat is no more I go for the quick pb&j sandwich, pb&crackers or even pb& apples, granola bars, a fam favorite of peanuts & raisins, etc, etc. etc.
I left the house 100% spotless when we left. I knew a house even in slight disarray would have me going crazy on vacation but somehow in my demented state I'm already plotting & planning on how I will unpack and get everything put away. Sick....I know.
So, as I sit back and try to relax this evening I can't help but grab my laptop to process. I apologize if you are reading this and rolling your eyes but get ready to roll some more because I did think about just typing away my thoughts and not posting but then I'd be leaving something unfinished. Not going to happen. Good night, Crystal Lake. Tomorrow I will begin a new book. Here's to hoping Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman is a good distraction from my "relaxation."
Why can't I just turn my brain off for a few? Please don't get me wrong. I'm having one of the most amazing times here filled with so much fun & family but something about my alone time is just not right. Maybe I need some new music on my ipod or maybe that's God's way of telling me to use that time to talk to Him. As I sit and think about it now it's quite possible that all the confusion and noise in my brain is really God yelling, not whispering, for me to listen. I hear Him.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Ready...Set...Relax!
We've only been up here in Michigan on beautiful Crystal Lake for a few days but with all we've done it feels like weeks. Between the beach, tubing, bbq's, campfires complete with smores, homemade ice cream, water skiing, evenings w/ friends on the front porch watching the sunsets, a trip to Frankfort and mini golf, this family of seven could not be having a better time anywhere else on earth.
On the agenda for tomorrow? We honestly never know and I love it! When we are up at the Lake time seems to stand still. I can almost hear Tim Allen whispering in my ear a sweet narration of our time. The sandy beaches and gentle rolling waves make for a natural stress reliever...and that's exactly what we needed. Between the camps, VBS, parties & picnics this summer has been busy but fun. The kids are growing up so quickly and the activity level doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon.
Speaking of kids growing too quickly... Yesterday as we spent some time with friends up here and it was bittersweet. They also have a set of boy/girl twins only their blessings are 18 years old and heading off to college in a few weeks. Their parents stepped away from the campfire to tell me how much fun the last few days had been and to cherish this time with my own kids up here because it really does go too fast. As she stood there with tears in her eyes I couldn't help but give her a big hug. I too had tears in my eyes just putting myself in her shoes 12 years down the road. I knew what an amazing time we have here on Crystal Lake and as I watched their family have one last bonfire complete with smores I knew what must be in her heart. She was truly treasuring that moment.
It's not something I usually do, posting on the blog here while vacation but tonight everyone is in bed little earlier and this Mama just needed some extra time to relax, unwind and process.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Pure Joy
From the day she was born Mackenzie Kate has been the perfect addition to our family. On July 16th 2009 we were blessed with a 9 lb. 11oz. baby girl and I'm finding a little difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that she is turning TWO!
What can I say about my baby girl? Well, that she is no longer a baby. Does that make me sad? Yes. Will I be having any more babies? Only if God chooses. Are WE planning to? Absolutely not.
I have loved every moment of watching my precious little girl grow up. Mackenzie is our big, brown-eyed beauty who is always smiling. She lights up the room just by being in it. She giggles with her sister, laughs uncontrollably while being tickled by her older brothers and laughter is never in short supply as we watch her explore this world.
Mackenzie is definitely the "baby" of the family, getting just about whatever she wants, whenever she wants it from her siblings. As a mother I hate this on so many levels but on the other hand, the way her older siblings are so caring and attentive to her makes my heart happy. (By the way and for the record I do not give in, which I've been told by my children makes me a very not nice mom. I'll deal.)
Mackenzie loves to play with baby dolls, naming them each "Kenzie" or "Ray"...her favorite little 8 month old. She loves to read, sing & dance, color, ride her scooter and right now, most importanly, she loves Dora the Explorer.
Our baby girl can be heard over the monitor most nights an hour past her bedtime, singing Dora's theme song or a version of Diego's. Her spanish vocabulary has grown to point where when she wants certain things she asks for them in spanish. Speaking of her vocabulary...
Mackenzie starting talking around a year just like all the other children but somewhere around 18 months it really took off. There is nothing she cannot communicate to us and the words and phrases she chooses to do so sometimes catch me of guard. The other night at dinner she asked me if it her garlic bread was too hot. I told her 'no' but said she might want to blow on it. She came back at me with this "if I boe too hard I might boe the house down." She often asks to have things that are hers by saying "I have my long'ins now?" That's 'belongings' if you don't speak toddler. It took me a while to figure it out but now there's no mistaking what she says. There have been many times where she has gotten in trouble and she's already learned from her sibs to make up a story about it. So, James and I have all we can do to not start rolling on the floor laughing while hearing them as we try to effectively discipline her.
Last night at dinner she was the last one at the table because she wouldn't eat her dinner. Brett whispered to her that it would be so yummy to eat her zuccini and Mackenzie said "I not like the flavors in here." When hearing her talk you must see the hand guestures and facial expressions she makes. She's a real character!
Our sweet girl is just that, sweet. Mackenzie Kate loves to cuddle, kiss & hug. My new personal favorite is when, completely unannouced & unprovoked she will come up beside you and softly say "I yuv you" followed by the most gentle kiss and hug you can imagine. It really melts you heart. Mackenzie is the first one up in the morning. Every morning she wakes up calling for me (loudly) or I can hear her singing one of her many songs as I race to get her before she wakes up the whole neighborhood. When I scoop her up she is always smiling and I can't tell you how amazing it feels to have her little arms wrapped tightly around my neck as we make our way downstairs.
When I look at our little Miss Mackenzie Kate all I see is pure joy. Not only is she so full of joy but she also seems to create it while entertaining those around her. We can't help but giggle along with her when she's telling stories.
I'm afraid the only part of her that's slightly "baby" that I have to hold on to is some of her baby rolls. As the days go on I see them slimming away as she turns into a beautiful little toddler while she races around her big, wide world. Every day Mackenzie makes our lives a little better. I can't imagine our family without her.
I love you, Mackenzie Kate. The joy you bring to our lives is something to be treasured. You are a blessing and I can't put into words just how much I love you. You are one of a kind and the laughter you bring is contagious. Happy Birthday, sweet girl!
What can I say about my baby girl? Well, that she is no longer a baby. Does that make me sad? Yes. Will I be having any more babies? Only if God chooses. Are WE planning to? Absolutely not.
I have loved every moment of watching my precious little girl grow up. Mackenzie is our big, brown-eyed beauty who is always smiling. She lights up the room just by being in it. She giggles with her sister, laughs uncontrollably while being tickled by her older brothers and laughter is never in short supply as we watch her explore this world.
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| Pretty sure she could polish off a watermelon all by herself. |
Mackenzie is definitely the "baby" of the family, getting just about whatever she wants, whenever she wants it from her siblings. As a mother I hate this on so many levels but on the other hand, the way her older siblings are so caring and attentive to her makes my heart happy. (By the way and for the record I do not give in, which I've been told by my children makes me a very not nice mom. I'll deal.)
Mackenzie loves to play with baby dolls, naming them each "Kenzie" or "Ray"...her favorite little 8 month old. She loves to read, sing & dance, color, ride her scooter and right now, most importanly, she loves Dora the Explorer.
Our baby girl can be heard over the monitor most nights an hour past her bedtime, singing Dora's theme song or a version of Diego's. Her spanish vocabulary has grown to point where when she wants certain things she asks for them in spanish. Speaking of her vocabulary...
Mackenzie starting talking around a year just like all the other children but somewhere around 18 months it really took off. There is nothing she cannot communicate to us and the words and phrases she chooses to do so sometimes catch me of guard. The other night at dinner she asked me if it her garlic bread was too hot. I told her 'no' but said she might want to blow on it. She came back at me with this "if I boe too hard I might boe the house down." She often asks to have things that are hers by saying "I have my long'ins now?" That's 'belongings' if you don't speak toddler. It took me a while to figure it out but now there's no mistaking what she says. There have been many times where she has gotten in trouble and she's already learned from her sibs to make up a story about it. So, James and I have all we can do to not start rolling on the floor laughing while hearing them as we try to effectively discipline her.
Last night at dinner she was the last one at the table because she wouldn't eat her dinner. Brett whispered to her that it would be so yummy to eat her zuccini and Mackenzie said "I not like the flavors in here." When hearing her talk you must see the hand guestures and facial expressions she makes. She's a real character!
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| This is a pretty typical MK face |
Our sweet girl is just that, sweet. Mackenzie Kate loves to cuddle, kiss & hug. My new personal favorite is when, completely unannouced & unprovoked she will come up beside you and softly say "I yuv you" followed by the most gentle kiss and hug you can imagine. It really melts you heart. Mackenzie is the first one up in the morning. Every morning she wakes up calling for me (loudly) or I can hear her singing one of her many songs as I race to get her before she wakes up the whole neighborhood. When I scoop her up she is always smiling and I can't tell you how amazing it feels to have her little arms wrapped tightly around my neck as we make our way downstairs.
When I look at our little Miss Mackenzie Kate all I see is pure joy. Not only is she so full of joy but she also seems to create it while entertaining those around her. We can't help but giggle along with her when she's telling stories.
I'm afraid the only part of her that's slightly "baby" that I have to hold on to is some of her baby rolls. As the days go on I see them slimming away as she turns into a beautiful little toddler while she races around her big, wide world. Every day Mackenzie makes our lives a little better. I can't imagine our family without her.
I love you, Mackenzie Kate. The joy you bring to our lives is something to be treasured. You are a blessing and I can't put into words just how much I love you. You are one of a kind and the laughter you bring is contagious. Happy Birthday, sweet girl!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
For My Dad
There is no man on earth more special to me than my Dad.I was four days old when my parents brought me home from Hinsdale Hospital. It was a matter of days before they were able to take me home that they found out they were going to be parents for the first time I'm adopted. There are many different ideas or meanings behind an adoption but the one I grew up with was that John & Grace were chosen by God to be my parents. I was born to a single mother who could not care for an infant and she loved me so much that she gave me to an amazing couple who could. It couldn't have been a better "fit."
I can't tell you how many times over the years I would get "you look just like your mom and dad." I was always proud and often hid that little smile in that wanted to tell them why that would be silly. One of my very first memories I can remember, baggy of carrots in hand, was going to my dad's softball games. I remember playing at the park during the games and cheering when I saw my daddy at bat. My dad worked for my Grandpa's garbage business and I remember some days we would find where my dad was working and go have a small picnic lunch with him or bring him something cold to drink on a hot day. When the weather was nice he would ride his bike to work and back in the day he would have Saturdays off.
I always loved Saturdays as a little girl. My mom worked on the weekend and we would get to spend the whole day with my dad. We would get the oil changed in the car, go to the pet store, visit my mom at work and we would often go out for lunch. I grew up watching my dad wear many hats. He seemed to know how to do or fix just about anything. My dad was always better than the other dads.
As I got older my dad seemed goofy. He would do his very best to embarrass me. He would always sing loud in a store, the car or public place and I can still remember every year for the Calvinettes Square Dance feeling tortured. My dad was joyful, never caring what anyone else thought of him...but as a tween that's all that mattered to me. I love my dad but somewhere deep down he enjoyed to torture me.
He was a little girls dream dad. He would let us do his hair for what seemed like hours on a Saturday afternoon. He would sit and watch those movies where they spoke English over Chinese and their lips never matched with what was being said all while we put hair ties and headbands in. My dad would get out in the driveway and play basketball with me, we would work in the garden together and even go on bike rides in the forrest preserve. Whatever we wanted or needed him to do he was always there, front and center. My dad never disappointed.
As I grew up we had a special bond. I lived and breathed soccer and it was something my dad and I were able to share. He took me to all my games and I'm pretty sure everyone knew he was my dad. He was the loudest one there cheering me on. I can't explain the feeling but I'm sure professional athletes feel the same thing deep in their core when a crowd of 22,000 cheer them on as they take the field, court or ice. I can still hear him yelling, clear as day if I close my eyes "Go get 'em Hide!" There was really nothing better than hearing all his joy and pride screamed for the world to hear.
The older I got the more I realized just what an amazing man he was. He would get up for work around 2 a.m. and some days wouldn't get home until 5 p.m. He always does his best to provide for his family and even my exhausted Dad will make the time to come to our programs, concerts, games and sometimes two weekly Bible Studies. He is a special man, respected by his family and truly loved by all his girls and his grand kids.
When I was in my twenties we had a chance to spend a few sweet times together. When the World Cup came to Chicago my Dad got us amazing seats to some of the games. I'll be honest sitting next to him when I wasn't playing hearing his cheer was startling but I loved it just the same. He never holds back. I certainly would have never admitted it when I was younger but MAN was I spoiled. Nothing over the top but my Dad has a way of making a little girls dreams come true;)
Shortly after those games I remember traveling to Florida for a week all by myself. It was first solo trip and my flight was at 6 a.m. I got to the airport a little after 4 a.m. and after I checked in and settled in a my gate with a book my phone rang. It was my dad. I wondered who else would be up at that hour. My Dad isn't much of a phone person but he stayed on the line and chatted with me for a while. It was a couple weeks after September 11th, 2001 and he must have known I was slightly nervous about the flight. Again...special Dad.
A few years later my dad & I went on a mission trip that was close to both our hearts in Honduras. We spent a little over a week having breakfast and devotions together, working at the orphanage and farm and taking in the sights & smells of a country very foreign to us. We had an amazing time and I was able to see first hand just how hard of a worker my dad really was. It was my first time actually out of the country and it was neat to experience that with my dad. What a sweet time we had together.
Not only is my Dad possibly the best Dad but now he's also a great Poppa. Our children adore him. Grandma get a pretty good reaction when she pulls up to our house but if Poppa steps out the whole crowd erupts with cheers and pure silliness. I've had the amazing privilege and blessing of calling this man my Dad. I thank God for him and who he is and I hope that I have made him proud.
"The glory of young men is in their strength but the splendor of old men is their gray hair."
Proverbs 20:29
Happy Father's Day, Dad! (Oh, and you would say your hair is blond, not gray.)
I can't tell you how many times over the years I would get "you look just like your mom and dad." I was always proud and often hid that little smile in that wanted to tell them why that would be silly. One of my very first memories I can remember, baggy of carrots in hand, was going to my dad's softball games. I remember playing at the park during the games and cheering when I saw my daddy at bat. My dad worked for my Grandpa's garbage business and I remember some days we would find where my dad was working and go have a small picnic lunch with him or bring him something cold to drink on a hot day. When the weather was nice he would ride his bike to work and back in the day he would have Saturdays off.
I always loved Saturdays as a little girl. My mom worked on the weekend and we would get to spend the whole day with my dad. We would get the oil changed in the car, go to the pet store, visit my mom at work and we would often go out for lunch. I grew up watching my dad wear many hats. He seemed to know how to do or fix just about anything. My dad was always better than the other dads.
As I got older my dad seemed goofy. He would do his very best to embarrass me. He would always sing loud in a store, the car or public place and I can still remember every year for the Calvinettes Square Dance feeling tortured. My dad was joyful, never caring what anyone else thought of him...but as a tween that's all that mattered to me. I love my dad but somewhere deep down he enjoyed to torture me.
He was a little girls dream dad. He would let us do his hair for what seemed like hours on a Saturday afternoon. He would sit and watch those movies where they spoke English over Chinese and their lips never matched with what was being said all while we put hair ties and headbands in. My dad would get out in the driveway and play basketball with me, we would work in the garden together and even go on bike rides in the forrest preserve. Whatever we wanted or needed him to do he was always there, front and center. My dad never disappointed.
As I grew up we had a special bond. I lived and breathed soccer and it was something my dad and I were able to share. He took me to all my games and I'm pretty sure everyone knew he was my dad. He was the loudest one there cheering me on. I can't explain the feeling but I'm sure professional athletes feel the same thing deep in their core when a crowd of 22,000 cheer them on as they take the field, court or ice. I can still hear him yelling, clear as day if I close my eyes "Go get 'em Hide!" There was really nothing better than hearing all his joy and pride screamed for the world to hear.
The older I got the more I realized just what an amazing man he was. He would get up for work around 2 a.m. and some days wouldn't get home until 5 p.m. He always does his best to provide for his family and even my exhausted Dad will make the time to come to our programs, concerts, games and sometimes two weekly Bible Studies. He is a special man, respected by his family and truly loved by all his girls and his grand kids.
When I was in my twenties we had a chance to spend a few sweet times together. When the World Cup came to Chicago my Dad got us amazing seats to some of the games. I'll be honest sitting next to him when I wasn't playing hearing his cheer was startling but I loved it just the same. He never holds back. I certainly would have never admitted it when I was younger but MAN was I spoiled. Nothing over the top but my Dad has a way of making a little girls dreams come true;)
Shortly after those games I remember traveling to Florida for a week all by myself. It was first solo trip and my flight was at 6 a.m. I got to the airport a little after 4 a.m. and after I checked in and settled in a my gate with a book my phone rang. It was my dad. I wondered who else would be up at that hour. My Dad isn't much of a phone person but he stayed on the line and chatted with me for a while. It was a couple weeks after September 11th, 2001 and he must have known I was slightly nervous about the flight. Again...special Dad.
A few years later my dad & I went on a mission trip that was close to both our hearts in Honduras. We spent a little over a week having breakfast and devotions together, working at the orphanage and farm and taking in the sights & smells of a country very foreign to us. We had an amazing time and I was able to see first hand just how hard of a worker my dad really was. It was my first time actually out of the country and it was neat to experience that with my dad. What a sweet time we had together.
Not only is my Dad possibly the best Dad but now he's also a great Poppa. Our children adore him. Grandma get a pretty good reaction when she pulls up to our house but if Poppa steps out the whole crowd erupts with cheers and pure silliness. I've had the amazing privilege and blessing of calling this man my Dad. I thank God for him and who he is and I hope that I have made him proud.
"The glory of young men is in their strength but the splendor of old men is their gray hair."
Proverbs 20:29
Happy Father's Day, Dad! (Oh, and you would say your hair is blond, not gray.)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
What's Been Going On...
Life here in Lasloland has been quite busy. I believe I'm still in a fog from the blizzard this winter. Life seemed to sort of fast forward from that point until now. I almost can't believe it's already June because somewhere in my mind we just celebrated Christmas.
After our first weekend of summer vacation...(which was in the high 90's by the way) we spent Monday the way we spend just about every other day of our lives, outside. It was about quarter to four in the afternoon and the kids were all happily and safely riding their bikes when tragedy struck. I ran inside to grab the sunscreen and Noah came to the front door in a panic. He told me Dylan crashed and was bleeding. I of course told him to tell Dylan he'd be okay, but he then said he couldn't because too much blood was everywhere.
I ran two houses down only to see it was true. Poor Dylan had somehow fallen off his bike and the force sent his face straight into the concrete. His lip was cut open and there was so much blood that it was pooling and clotting right on his swim trunks. I quickly scooped him up and ran to the house. There was so much blood I almost couldn't see into his mouth. When I tried to look I almost passed out. I have been hurt a lot over my life & seen and heard my own surgeries and can handle it, but the sight of other people's blood gets me every time.
I quickly called James to come home and help me because I knew that by the looks of Dylan's other front tooth that was dangling, he needed to be seen by a professional. Dylan already lost a front tooth last fall from an accident. I posted about his experience here. So, James rushed home, changed and he and Dylan were off to the doctor. I waited for what seemed like years to hear any word on what was going on. Finally I received the call that they had to pull Dylan's other from tooth that seemed to be dangling in his tiny mouth and that we'd have to make a return visit in a month to check on another tooth that he knocked loose to see if tightened back up on it's own.
After a few hours my little guy was home with quite possibly the fattest lip I have ever seen. It was frightening, really. We considered taking him into the ER because even after he returned home his poor little lip was still bleeding but stopped just before bedtime. After all he'd been through that day as we were putting the kids to bed Dylan said "I'm glad I could teach Madison & Noah a good lesson of how NOT to ride with no hands." We had been wondering the whole time what exactly happened. What an ordeal, what a kid...glad that was behind us! Or was it?
 |
| This is the next day & about half the size! |
The very next day Noah was riding his bike and managed to skid and take a chunk out of his knee, his elbow and wrist, get complete road rash all along his left arm and somehow managed to scrape his pelvic bone. Noah was a mess. Physically and emotionally. It was a long couple days with little boys on the injured list.
So, if you wondered why I haven't answered the phone all week and thought "what on earth is she doing?" Now you know.
Monday, June 6, 2011
What I'm Going to Do on My Summer Vacation
Well, it's officially summer here in the Laslo household. As of 12 p.m. on Thursday afternoon I now have one kindergartner, two first graders and a seventh grader. Yes, I just wrote SEVENTH GRADE!!!! Once again I feel completely caught of guard that my children are growing up so quickly.
Already today I field millions (okay, but maybe only a slight exaggeration) of questions as to what we were doing today, tomorrow, the next day, when they were going to some one's for a play date, when someone was coming to our house for a play date, when vacation was, if we could go swimming and how many days until we leave for Michigan. Yep, these will be the very conversations that I can promise you I will have daily.
Summer at the Laslo's means hours of playing our backyard, swimming & sprinklers, riding scooters, rollerblading and evening bike rides that sometimes include ice cream. It's the very time of year the kids look forward to and talk about from the end of August to May.
This year since all the kids seemed to get older on me again we decided to do something different this summer. I personally think it's brilliant. Now that the kids can read and have more time in the morning with no school I've made a new "LIST." The list is great. Now every morning when the kids wake up they simply take a look at the list. There's no need to ask me when we are having breakfast, if they can go outside, etc... The list lets them know exactly the order that the morning routine should happen. It's been great so far. The beds are being made, clothes are being put away and teeth are being brushed without me asking. The kids also know that they can't do any of the outdoor activities until their list is done.
Right now the list may be a novelty but it's working so I'm not going to mess with it. As the weeks get busier it may be tough but I think it's going to be a great discipline/learning tool for them now that they are old enough to do these things independently.
In a couple weeks the boys will have soccer camp, Madison will have Poms camp, the three middles are going to be going to an outdoor adventure camp, the oldest has a few grass-cutting jobs for the summer and Mackenzie and I plan to do plenty. Our weeks are filling up with barbeque's, picnics, sleepovers, parties, Vacation Bible School and friends but I have to say I wouldn't want it any other way. This is what summer is all about.
Already today I field millions (okay, but maybe only a slight exaggeration) of questions as to what we were doing today, tomorrow, the next day, when they were going to some one's for a play date, when someone was coming to our house for a play date, when vacation was, if we could go swimming and how many days until we leave for Michigan. Yep, these will be the very conversations that I can promise you I will have daily.
Summer at the Laslo's means hours of playing our backyard, swimming & sprinklers, riding scooters, rollerblading and evening bike rides that sometimes include ice cream. It's the very time of year the kids look forward to and talk about from the end of August to May.
This year since all the kids seemed to get older on me again we decided to do something different this summer. I personally think it's brilliant. Now that the kids can read and have more time in the morning with no school I've made a new "LIST." The list is great. Now every morning when the kids wake up they simply take a look at the list. There's no need to ask me when we are having breakfast, if they can go outside, etc... The list lets them know exactly the order that the morning routine should happen. It's been great so far. The beds are being made, clothes are being put away and teeth are being brushed without me asking. The kids also know that they can't do any of the outdoor activities until their list is done.
Right now the list may be a novelty but it's working so I'm not going to mess with it. As the weeks get busier it may be tough but I think it's going to be a great discipline/learning tool for them now that they are old enough to do these things independently.
In a couple weeks the boys will have soccer camp, Madison will have Poms camp, the three middles are going to be going to an outdoor adventure camp, the oldest has a few grass-cutting jobs for the summer and Mackenzie and I plan to do plenty. Our weeks are filling up with barbeque's, picnics, sleepovers, parties, Vacation Bible School and friends but I have to say I wouldn't want it any other way. This is what summer is all about.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thanksgiving
I have a couple (dozen) posts fighting to be next to be posted but just like the rest of the things around here most were left unfinished. They are just going to have to keep waiting...I found this as I scrolled through this neglected blog. I don't know why it was never posted. It's nothing spectacular. It's not amazing. It just happened to be a great little reminder to me today and I thought I'd share.
Today I have so much to be thankful for. Almost 31 years ago a young woman who I have never met gave birth to me . She chose life and God chose a family for me. So, here I am reflecting on the things I am most thankful for and I can't help but think just how thankful I am to her. I have never met her, I don't know her name or where in the world she is today but I am so thankful to her.
God so carefully orchestrated my conception, birth and life and I can't help but be forever thankful to Him. Of course I'm not thankful every day. I'd love to be but I'm simply not. There were some days in my recent past when I was writhing in pain from kidney stones and wasn't very thankful. I certainly should have been but wasn't. I am thankful that my Heavenly Father loves me despite my unthankfulness if I confess those sins to him.
I have way too much to be thankful for. I have an amazing husband that works so hard to provide for our family and providing for a family of seven isn't an easy task. He loves what he does. Even on his toughest days of work he will come home and help give baths, read stories, fold laundry (that I may have let pile up throughout the day) and even helps get all five little children tucked in their beds. He is a master at baking cheesecakes and could win a Throwdown with Bobby Flay any day.
I am thankful for so much my heart is bursting and I wanted to share it. I'm not a writer and I know my posts have nothing to offer the world, but...I'm a wife, mom, daughter, niece, sister, friend and I'm thankful for those titles and the people I share those relationships with and I have no others words than "Thank You." Thank you God, for all the rich blessings you have poured out to me. I do not deserve even the least of these but am so thankful.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Has it Really Been Six Years?
I don't miss the days of nursing babies around the clock, changing a diaper every hour of the day or scarfing down my dinner so quick I could barely taste it because there were two little babies crying out for their Mama. I don't miss carrying two ten pounders in infant carriers, one on each arm through a crowded store simply because the store setup did not allow for my double wide stroller. I don't miss the sleepless nights, the dark circles under my eyes or even the countless loads of spit-up, peed on or poopy stained sleepers, the nights I would get a restless baby rocked to sleep and lay them down just for another to wake up. Those were days and weeks I felt like I was living my own groundhog day.
Today I can honestly say I don't even remember the full magnitude of those emotions and events. Thank you, God! His mercies are new every morning and his grace IS enough!
Tomorrow morning when I wake up and head downstairs for my coffee I know that within 30 minutes I will be greeted by the two of the most excited children on the face of this earth. Tomorrow I will have TWO six year olds! Some days it feels like just yesterday I was laying in a hospital bed looking through tears at two of the most beautiful little ones God has ever blessed me with. While some days I think I forget it, I could not be happier or feel more blessed to have been given the opportunity to be called Mama.
Madison Grace and Noah James are a couple of the most fabulous, talented, kind, loving, creative little souls I have ever met. Their heart for the Lord and others is so true and pure. Madison was born at 1:37 pm on April 15th, 2005. I remember the most amazing tears of joy streaming down my face when I heard that I had a baby girl. Then, at 1:38pm Noah James was born. After I got over the shock of just giving birth to twins I was beside myself. A perfect little girl and the sweetest little boy had just entered ours lives and we were changed forever.
Madison is my sweet, sensitive, girly girl. She has a heart of gold. I love the way she cares for each person in our family. She is responsible, loving and almost always has a smile on her face. Each afternoon when she walks in the door from school she still gives me the most welcoming smile. Madison is a very talented artist. She is completely creative and also can replicate almost any picture, drawing or sculpture she sees. She has a shy front but the more comfortable she gets she just beams with joy. She loves to ride bikes, take her little sister for long walks in the wagon and do anything alone w/ her Mama for some quality girl time. She is really an amazing big sister and she's so helpful. I know I can always count on Madi when I need a compliment or encouragement. She's such a true joy and her laugh melts my heart w/ it's genuine happiness.
Noah is probably one of the kindest young boys I know. He loves to build, work and loves learning to read. Noah is so enthusiastic about school it's fun to see. He seems to be soaking up knowledge like a sponge and he has this drive deep inside that pushes him to test his (good) limits. Noah can follow directions from a 400+ piece Lego set and built the entire thing by himself. He can do puzzles that if left out I have a hard time doing. He's also very creative and seems to be following his big brother's footsteps w/ his natural love for math. We're pretty sure he's going to come up some new mathematical theory or equation before the age of 10. Noah loves the Chicago Cubs and doing anything we title "work." He's a very hard worker and really enjoys school. He seems to really love the independence. One day I was at school volunteering and decided to pick the kids up and drive them home so they didn't have to take the bus. Noah walked right out of his classroom and passed me in the hall and gave me that "this is my territory, Mom...see you at home kind of look. He actually chose to take the bus!
I can't really can't even express how privileged and blessed I am to be their Mom. The joy they have brought to our lives is endless. As I sit here and type...(yes, I've completely neglected this blog for far too long and the only reason I'm on tonight is because I believe I've caught one of the kids colds/possibly strep)...I cannot help but feel so proud of who the Lord is growing them to be. It's never easy to watch while your children need you less and less but I could not be prouder of who they are becoming.
Happy Birthday, Madison Grace & Noah James! We love you so much and you are both a constant joy and rich blessing. May this year bring you even closer to Him and I hope you get to experience blessing upon blessing as you grow and walk down every new path God has laid in front of you. "Trust in the Lord w/ all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths."
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Love Like Ours
It was a gloomy, very early, spring day. I was bundled up in an old pair of ripped jeans, a sweatshirt and a fleece jacket and wearing a Michigan baseball cap. In front of the greenhouse, among the racks and stacks of terra cotta pots, I stood shivering in the cool morning breeze with my pricing list. My task for the day was to price them as all the moisture of my hands was sucked dry by the clay.
That morning a large pick-up truck filled with three men rolled up into the gravel filled parking lot. After a season with only a few customers a day I was curious as to what the men could be doing there. There were not many flowers unless you count the flowering indoor plants in the first greenhouse but these men didn't look like they were coming in to buy gifts for their wives. All the flats that were transplanted were just sprouting. The greenhouses were full of new life yet seemed lifeless without their future magnificent colors.
As the men walked past me, I looked up as I heard the tiny stones cracking under their boots. One of them caught my eye. He flashed a quick smile and continued to walk past me up the gravel path. That smile, I will never forget.
Over the next few days and weeks I would see that stranger's smile a few more times. I couldn't get him out of my mind. I found myself smiling just thinking about him. It was almost silly, really, the way he seemed to make my day just by coming in. On one of those occasions I was there to help him. After talking to him for a few minutes I knew; I knew I had to get to know him.
A few days later (after a little pep talk from a coworker of mine) that stranger with a smile pulled me to the side and asked me if I'd like to go to dinner sometime. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I was elated, on cloud nine, over the moon excited! My heart was racing as I gave him my number. Over the next week he called me almost every night and we must have talked for hours each time. Those phone calls were by far my favorite time of day and something I looked forward to all day long. He was no longer a stranger. He was James Laslo and my heart raced every time I heard his voice. After a couple weeks of talking on the phone because of our busy schedules, we finally made a date to go out for that dinner.
James picked me up in his cousin's BMW. I guess he thought the date might go a bit better
driving something a little classier than a dirty, purple Dodge Ram, work pickup. We went down to the city and enjoyed an amazing Italian dinner. After dinner we took a walk and decided to ride the giant ferris wheel at Navy Pier. It was a beautiful, crystal clear, spring evening. Up on the top we could see the entire city, complete with an array of brightly colored lights that seemed to illuminate as far as the eye could see. After our ride we drove to the lakefront and parked the car near the aquarium.
The night seemed almost magical as we walked for miles up and down the lakefront, taking in the sights and smells of the lake as the wind softly blew a breeze our way. Our last destination of the evening was Buckingham Fountain. There were tourists, families and couples strolling around the fountain as the lights changed from one color to the next. At one point James took my hand, pulled me close and he kissed me. At that moment if felt as if all time stood still. It was also at that moment that I felt like I knew I found the man of my dreams. I was head over heals for him and I knew after a kiss like that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. It really was that simple.
My life seemed almost too perfect. I had a beautiful little boy who was the light and joy in my life and now had found a man who made me feel the same. After many years of praying for "him" God led James & I together.
Our wonderful summer soon led into the fall, which seemed to quickly change into winter. Then something happened that would change our lives forever. An event that would test our relationship, our love and our faith. It was something that would separate us for months by a distance of a thousand miles. The separation was not something either of us wanted but it was here.
The love I once felt now seemed like a stranger. I felt alone. I experienced some of the darkest times of my life that winter and into late spring. I woke up every morning and headed to work to spend my days alone in a dark, cold greenhouse transplanting tiny plants from seed trays into flats. It was a mindless job. I hate nothing more than to be alone with my thoughts. As my mind wandered and those thoughts raced I made a choice. In previous nights I laid awake in my bed crying out the the Lord. I wanted my pain to end. The pain of my broken heart. I simply missed James. Each night I prayed with a Psalm I memorized in 6th grade. Here are the key verses that God reminded me of each time I prayed:
Psalm 147: 4 & 5 "He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." He knew of this situation before James and I were even conceived. I could come to Him, my Savior and creator of all things and He would understand...even when it felt like not one person in my life could. He was my true comfort when no one and nothing else ever could.
So, the choice I made one morning at work was really something so simple but also life changing.
The Lord showed me His answer to those prayers through sound waves. The radio became an interesting vessel in which God chose to speak to me. Every morning I would grab my portable radio and head into the greenhouse to begin my work. I didn't set it to today's hits, classical music or even talk. I remember my mom listening to WMBI 90.1 Chicago my whole life. I honestly never really listened. I turned on Moody radio each new day to hear sermons, praise & worship music and was able to catch Midday Connection. The truths that God was pouring into my heart and mind were powerful. I would leave each day on a brighter note than I started.
I would go home each night and open the Bible that I received for my 8th grade graduation. Inside the cover of my student Bible a Psalm was written just for me. Psalm 25:4&5 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long." I prayed those words often and God started doing a great work in me. I was being transformed as each day passed.
Soon spring had ended and just as summer began something wonderful happened. James and I were reunited. He was home. We took the rest of the summer getting to know one another all over again. But, as they often do, the seasons changed and fall was upon us. One late fall Saturday evening after work I had taken my little guy to a preschool birthday party. If you've never been to one, they are completely exhausting. After the party I dropped him off to spend the night at his grandparents. As I pulled up to an empty house and parked my Jeep in the drive I gathered all my stuff that had collected from the week in my car. I opened the door the house and walked inside. After putting everything away I made my way upstairs to take a shower.
I turned on the hallway light and saw something strange. I quickly flipped the switch on in my room and found quite a surprise. There were rose petals all over my floor, even continuing on my bed in the shape of a heart. On my bed sat a large box with a note attached to the top that read "Here's a little something for you to wear tonight. I hope you like them. Love, James." It was a box with a couple new outfits from my favorite store. As I turned around I encountered yet another surprise. James was standing in the doorway! After I screamed and spent a moment trying to catch my breath he came in an knelt down on one knee. That was the night James asked me to be his wife. After the shock wore off and I was able to comprehend what was going on I said "yes!"
The rest is, well, history. We really did have fairytale wedding. Every part of the planning and every moment of of special day was near perfection. We've been together for nine wonderful years and some days I almost can't believe it's only been nine. Together, James and I have been through it all. We've had ups and downs, had high points and very low points. Today the love we share is intense. We are best friends, parents and partners in this life. I don't think I'd want to imagine living it without him.
James is really an amazing man. He gets up before the sun rises in the morning and some days/months doesn't return home until after the sun sets. He works very hard for our family and is an amazing provider. Even after a 12 hour work day he still has all the time and energy in the world to play and care for our five amazing children. He can cook gourmet dinners, do countless loads of laundry and clean the house so it sparkles like the top of the Chrysler building.
The love James has for our family shows in all he does. He is such a wonderful model for our children and for me of how we should live our lives for Christ. He makes time each night to teach our children important truths from the Bible. I don't of many men who will get up countless nights and rock a crying baby back to sleep, then get up the next morning at 6a.m. with the rest of the children, get them fed and dressed and out the door ALL while letting his wife sleep in for a day here and there.
There are so many reasons I love him I know my heart can't even begin to write them down. I do know that over the years a hug from him is a common cure for my tears. His smile still melts my heart. I love the way he still reaches for my hand when we are in a public place and the way he always thinks of me before himself. A love like ours is hard to find. It's intense, crazy, wonderful and always there. In all our trials it has remained firm. Thanks to our heavenly father for his promise that if we built our marriage on Him it cannot be easily broken.
I could not be more thankful and blessed to be married to such an amazing man. Thank you, God for James.
That morning a large pick-up truck filled with three men rolled up into the gravel filled parking lot. After a season with only a few customers a day I was curious as to what the men could be doing there. There were not many flowers unless you count the flowering indoor plants in the first greenhouse but these men didn't look like they were coming in to buy gifts for their wives. All the flats that were transplanted were just sprouting. The greenhouses were full of new life yet seemed lifeless without their future magnificent colors.
As the men walked past me, I looked up as I heard the tiny stones cracking under their boots. One of them caught my eye. He flashed a quick smile and continued to walk past me up the gravel path. That smile, I will never forget.
Over the next few days and weeks I would see that stranger's smile a few more times. I couldn't get him out of my mind. I found myself smiling just thinking about him. It was almost silly, really, the way he seemed to make my day just by coming in. On one of those occasions I was there to help him. After talking to him for a few minutes I knew; I knew I had to get to know him.
A few days later (after a little pep talk from a coworker of mine) that stranger with a smile pulled me to the side and asked me if I'd like to go to dinner sometime. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I was elated, on cloud nine, over the moon excited! My heart was racing as I gave him my number. Over the next week he called me almost every night and we must have talked for hours each time. Those phone calls were by far my favorite time of day and something I looked forward to all day long. He was no longer a stranger. He was James Laslo and my heart raced every time I heard his voice. After a couple weeks of talking on the phone because of our busy schedules, we finally made a date to go out for that dinner.
James picked me up in his cousin's BMW. I guess he thought the date might go a bit better
driving something a little classier than a dirty, purple Dodge Ram, work pickup. We went down to the city and enjoyed an amazing Italian dinner. After dinner we took a walk and decided to ride the giant ferris wheel at Navy Pier. It was a beautiful, crystal clear, spring evening. Up on the top we could see the entire city, complete with an array of brightly colored lights that seemed to illuminate as far as the eye could see. After our ride we drove to the lakefront and parked the car near the aquarium.
The night seemed almost magical as we walked for miles up and down the lakefront, taking in the sights and smells of the lake as the wind softly blew a breeze our way. Our last destination of the evening was Buckingham Fountain. There were tourists, families and couples strolling around the fountain as the lights changed from one color to the next. At one point James took my hand, pulled me close and he kissed me. At that moment if felt as if all time stood still. It was also at that moment that I felt like I knew I found the man of my dreams. I was head over heals for him and I knew after a kiss like that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. It really was that simple.
My life seemed almost too perfect. I had a beautiful little boy who was the light and joy in my life and now had found a man who made me feel the same. After many years of praying for "him" God led James & I together.
Our wonderful summer soon led into the fall, which seemed to quickly change into winter. Then something happened that would change our lives forever. An event that would test our relationship, our love and our faith. It was something that would separate us for months by a distance of a thousand miles. The separation was not something either of us wanted but it was here.
The love I once felt now seemed like a stranger. I felt alone. I experienced some of the darkest times of my life that winter and into late spring. I woke up every morning and headed to work to spend my days alone in a dark, cold greenhouse transplanting tiny plants from seed trays into flats. It was a mindless job. I hate nothing more than to be alone with my thoughts. As my mind wandered and those thoughts raced I made a choice. In previous nights I laid awake in my bed crying out the the Lord. I wanted my pain to end. The pain of my broken heart. I simply missed James. Each night I prayed with a Psalm I memorized in 6th grade. Here are the key verses that God reminded me of each time I prayed:
Psalm 147: 4 & 5 "He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." He knew of this situation before James and I were even conceived. I could come to Him, my Savior and creator of all things and He would understand...even when it felt like not one person in my life could. He was my true comfort when no one and nothing else ever could.
So, the choice I made one morning at work was really something so simple but also life changing.
The Lord showed me His answer to those prayers through sound waves. The radio became an interesting vessel in which God chose to speak to me. Every morning I would grab my portable radio and head into the greenhouse to begin my work. I didn't set it to today's hits, classical music or even talk. I remember my mom listening to WMBI 90.1 Chicago my whole life. I honestly never really listened. I turned on Moody radio each new day to hear sermons, praise & worship music and was able to catch Midday Connection. The truths that God was pouring into my heart and mind were powerful. I would leave each day on a brighter note than I started.
I would go home each night and open the Bible that I received for my 8th grade graduation. Inside the cover of my student Bible a Psalm was written just for me. Psalm 25:4&5 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long." I prayed those words often and God started doing a great work in me. I was being transformed as each day passed.
Soon spring had ended and just as summer began something wonderful happened. James and I were reunited. He was home. We took the rest of the summer getting to know one another all over again. But, as they often do, the seasons changed and fall was upon us. One late fall Saturday evening after work I had taken my little guy to a preschool birthday party. If you've never been to one, they are completely exhausting. After the party I dropped him off to spend the night at his grandparents. As I pulled up to an empty house and parked my Jeep in the drive I gathered all my stuff that had collected from the week in my car. I opened the door the house and walked inside. After putting everything away I made my way upstairs to take a shower.
I turned on the hallway light and saw something strange. I quickly flipped the switch on in my room and found quite a surprise. There were rose petals all over my floor, even continuing on my bed in the shape of a heart. On my bed sat a large box with a note attached to the top that read "Here's a little something for you to wear tonight. I hope you like them. Love, James." It was a box with a couple new outfits from my favorite store. As I turned around I encountered yet another surprise. James was standing in the doorway! After I screamed and spent a moment trying to catch my breath he came in an knelt down on one knee. That was the night James asked me to be his wife. After the shock wore off and I was able to comprehend what was going on I said "yes!"
The rest is, well, history. We really did have fairytale wedding. Every part of the planning and every moment of of special day was near perfection. We've been together for nine wonderful years and some days I almost can't believe it's only been nine. Together, James and I have been through it all. We've had ups and downs, had high points and very low points. Today the love we share is intense. We are best friends, parents and partners in this life. I don't think I'd want to imagine living it without him.
James is really an amazing man. He gets up before the sun rises in the morning and some days/months doesn't return home until after the sun sets. He works very hard for our family and is an amazing provider. Even after a 12 hour work day he still has all the time and energy in the world to play and care for our five amazing children. He can cook gourmet dinners, do countless loads of laundry and clean the house so it sparkles like the top of the Chrysler building.
The love James has for our family shows in all he does. He is such a wonderful model for our children and for me of how we should live our lives for Christ. He makes time each night to teach our children important truths from the Bible. I don't of many men who will get up countless nights and rock a crying baby back to sleep, then get up the next morning at 6a.m. with the rest of the children, get them fed and dressed and out the door ALL while letting his wife sleep in for a day here and there.
There are so many reasons I love him I know my heart can't even begin to write them down. I do know that over the years a hug from him is a common cure for my tears. His smile still melts my heart. I love the way he still reaches for my hand when we are in a public place and the way he always thinks of me before himself. A love like ours is hard to find. It's intense, crazy, wonderful and always there. In all our trials it has remained firm. Thanks to our heavenly father for his promise that if we built our marriage on Him it cannot be easily broken.
I could not be more thankful and blessed to be married to such an amazing man. Thank you, God for James.
Monday, January 31, 2011
New Year, New Shoes & a New Bed
The start to this new year has proved to be quite chaotic but, when isn't it with a family of seven?
On December 31st this year the weather was unseasonably warm in Chicago. I believe the high temperature was around 58 degrees. It was slightly misty out and honestly I didn't really want to do a whole lot....much to the dismay of my husband. He wanted our New Year's eve celebration to be something grand but honestly I was still tired from two straight weeks of the stomach flu that ripped through our home. I really do love my husband so I slapped on something dazzling & off we went.
The drive into the city was quiet. The fog that covered some of the tallest buildings in the world was slowly rolling. The lights were still magnificent. We walked through Millennium Park to get to one of our favorite little restaurants, the Park Grill, which is located directly underneath "The Bean." As we strolled under the bean and down to the skating rink it was fabulous. The sight of people in colored hats, coats & mittens all waiting around the rink as the zamboni made it's final pass seemed festive. It was beautiful all lit up.
We had a superb dinner of oysters rockefeller, black truffle risotto, dry-aged prime rib and for dessert we shared a napoleon & passion fruit sorbet with fresh berries. It's the kind of dinner I often dream about. After dinner we took a walk around the park and then down the lakefront. We saw an amazing array of fireworks being shot off all around the city. All in all a great evening.
The week after New Year's was tough...getting back into the school/work routine is never easy. I'm not quite sure how, but our children seem to lose just about everything they own these days. We have lost an entire coat, mittens, hats and most recently a pair of gym shoes. James & I were at school a couple of different times that week and simply could not find them anywhere. So, as if buying seven new pairs of shoes at the beginning of the school year wasn't enough, now we had to buy replacements. Thank goodness for sales.
On a recent date night for James & I we did what every set of parents does on their date...we went shoe shopping for one of the kids;) After we found the identical pair that was lost, we bought ourselves some fresh cookies & a cup of coffee and decided to go bed shopping. It's something we have been putting of for some time now. Beds are a bit of a nightmare. Before we got married my wonderful husband wanted to surprise me by buying our bedroom furniture & a bed and he had it all set up in our townhouse so I could move in. Rule number one? You can't buy a bed for someone who hasn't tested it out for them self. I was "okay" with it until about 6 months later when I was larger than life carrying twins.
It was a super plush bed with an even softer pillow top and it was one of those beds that sat up higher than your average bed. Even before I got pregnant I had to taking a running start to get up on it. After many sleepless nights we went back to the furniture store to exchange it. At the time I was pretty big and the awkward circumstances of laying/testing a bed out when you are 6 months pregnant with a complete stranger watching your every move was not my idea of a comfortable shopping experience. I finally just said "that one" so I could move on with my life and get out of the store. That bed lasted us only five years. It was horrific.
Well, last week our date night brought us back to another bedding store. We were the only customers in the store and had a very knowledgeable salesman helping us. He gave us all the information we needed and kept a comfortable distance so we felt we had an enjoyable experience. Then, we found it! It was a bed that we kept coming back to. It had all the right components. Not too firm, not too soft, covered springs, foam top and it was even almost half off! It was delivered the next morning & we couldn't have been more excited!
All day we were talking about how excited we were to go to bed. We were dreaming of a perfect nights sleep. One filled with dreams of sugar plums dancing and children behaving, and the most restful sleep we ever had! Then, it was time. We laid in bed forever. Tossing and turning but neither of us said a word. I certainly didn't want to be the one to complain but it was brutal. I actually remember waking up at one point and I'm pretty sure James was yelling at me to get back on my side. The next morning? We looked at each other and I wanted to cry. Yes, it was that bad. It's been a little over a week and hasn't gotten any better. We checked to make sure it was the same bed in the store. We've had the kids come in and jump their little hearts out.
We have 30 days to exchange "it." Before we even purchased the bed I asked about return policies and and he told us in 25 years he's never had anyone return more than one bed. Well folks, he's never met me. Thank goodness a new 30 days comes with each bed because I have a feeling next week we'll be right back in there and if that one doesn't work...I'm not afraid to go back. I'm thinking it would be best when buying a bed to test it out overnight in the showroom. If you have to get up in the middle of the night for a bathroom break? Hop on over to another one. I would do it. Let's hope for the best on bed number two!
On December 31st this year the weather was unseasonably warm in Chicago. I believe the high temperature was around 58 degrees. It was slightly misty out and honestly I didn't really want to do a whole lot....much to the dismay of my husband. He wanted our New Year's eve celebration to be something grand but honestly I was still tired from two straight weeks of the stomach flu that ripped through our home. I really do love my husband so I slapped on something dazzling & off we went.
The drive into the city was quiet. The fog that covered some of the tallest buildings in the world was slowly rolling. The lights were still magnificent. We walked through Millennium Park to get to one of our favorite little restaurants, the Park Grill, which is located directly underneath "The Bean." As we strolled under the bean and down to the skating rink it was fabulous. The sight of people in colored hats, coats & mittens all waiting around the rink as the zamboni made it's final pass seemed festive. It was beautiful all lit up.
We had a superb dinner of oysters rockefeller, black truffle risotto, dry-aged prime rib and for dessert we shared a napoleon & passion fruit sorbet with fresh berries. It's the kind of dinner I often dream about. After dinner we took a walk around the park and then down the lakefront. We saw an amazing array of fireworks being shot off all around the city. All in all a great evening.
The week after New Year's was tough...getting back into the school/work routine is never easy. I'm not quite sure how, but our children seem to lose just about everything they own these days. We have lost an entire coat, mittens, hats and most recently a pair of gym shoes. James & I were at school a couple of different times that week and simply could not find them anywhere. So, as if buying seven new pairs of shoes at the beginning of the school year wasn't enough, now we had to buy replacements. Thank goodness for sales.
On a recent date night for James & I we did what every set of parents does on their date...we went shoe shopping for one of the kids;) After we found the identical pair that was lost, we bought ourselves some fresh cookies & a cup of coffee and decided to go bed shopping. It's something we have been putting of for some time now. Beds are a bit of a nightmare. Before we got married my wonderful husband wanted to surprise me by buying our bedroom furniture & a bed and he had it all set up in our townhouse so I could move in. Rule number one? You can't buy a bed for someone who hasn't tested it out for them self. I was "okay" with it until about 6 months later when I was larger than life carrying twins.
It was a super plush bed with an even softer pillow top and it was one of those beds that sat up higher than your average bed. Even before I got pregnant I had to taking a running start to get up on it. After many sleepless nights we went back to the furniture store to exchange it. At the time I was pretty big and the awkward circumstances of laying/testing a bed out when you are 6 months pregnant with a complete stranger watching your every move was not my idea of a comfortable shopping experience. I finally just said "that one" so I could move on with my life and get out of the store. That bed lasted us only five years. It was horrific.
Well, last week our date night brought us back to another bedding store. We were the only customers in the store and had a very knowledgeable salesman helping us. He gave us all the information we needed and kept a comfortable distance so we felt we had an enjoyable experience. Then, we found it! It was a bed that we kept coming back to. It had all the right components. Not too firm, not too soft, covered springs, foam top and it was even almost half off! It was delivered the next morning & we couldn't have been more excited!
All day we were talking about how excited we were to go to bed. We were dreaming of a perfect nights sleep. One filled with dreams of sugar plums dancing and children behaving, and the most restful sleep we ever had! Then, it was time. We laid in bed forever. Tossing and turning but neither of us said a word. I certainly didn't want to be the one to complain but it was brutal. I actually remember waking up at one point and I'm pretty sure James was yelling at me to get back on my side. The next morning? We looked at each other and I wanted to cry. Yes, it was that bad. It's been a little over a week and hasn't gotten any better. We checked to make sure it was the same bed in the store. We've had the kids come in and jump their little hearts out.
We have 30 days to exchange "it." Before we even purchased the bed I asked about return policies and and he told us in 25 years he's never had anyone return more than one bed. Well folks, he's never met me. Thank goodness a new 30 days comes with each bed because I have a feeling next week we'll be right back in there and if that one doesn't work...I'm not afraid to go back. I'm thinking it would be best when buying a bed to test it out overnight in the showroom. If you have to get up in the middle of the night for a bathroom break? Hop on over to another one. I would do it. Let's hope for the best on bed number two!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
25 Things...
I've been neglecting this blog horribly & promised a friend I would give her something to read today while she's at work;)
25 things you may/may not know about me:
25 things you may/may not know about me:
- I actually got my driver's licence when I was 17
- I did not like to eat pizza until I was 16
- I love to scrapbook but haven't done one for myself in over ten years
- I'm adopted
- I was chosen to be on a team to play games @ the Bozo Show
- When I was little I wanted to be a boy so bad I used to ask my Grandma to call me "Sonny"
- My mom wanted to name me Gretchen
- I once got out of a ticket w/ some quick thinking...I poured my water in my lap & started to cry. He felt bad.
- I tried out for 'Little Women' in Jr. High but didn't make it
- In 2nd grade at the end of the year I told some of my friends if they gave me their gym shoes I would donate them to kids who needed them...I just loved shoes very much and wanted them for myself. I've since repented of that horrible sin
- In high school I won MVP & Most Offensive awards at a banquet
- I cut my own hair for over 10 years before I found a good salon
- I went to one ballet class when I was 3 but never went back
- I played for my schools boys soccer team
- I have always wanted to be a sports photographer
- I went to college for Elem. ed
- My first job was at Soccer 2000 when I was 15
- I have never had my hair colored
- I've been to Honduras 3 times
- I love being alone during the day but can't stand it at night
- We didn't name our twins until they were almost 24 hours old
- I played the piano for 8 years, the flute for 6 and someday hope to play the violin
- One of the only foods I simply cannot stand is mushrooms
- I have won 12 things from radio call in contests
- My first car was a Jeep Cherokee
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A Delightful Dozen
Brett was the most precious baby. He was sweet, mild tempered and absolutely adorable. As he got older I was amazed at everything he did. Every new milestone was something special. He was my first born and a true joy.
Tomorrow Brett turns twelve years old. TWELVE years old! It seems like just yesterday I was walking him into his preschool class for the very first time. He was quite shy and didn't want me to leave, but by the end of the day I remember seeing the biggest smile flash across his face. The "I did it, Mom" kind, the kind that melts your heart.
Over the years he's grown into such an amazing young man. Brett excels in school. He is such a hard worker, really soaking up everything he can. He's responsible, respectful and has a true heart of gold. Brett is really a super big brother...helping out when needed, putting together toys, puzzles and always ready to snuggle with his littlest sister. The two of them have something really special.
Brett has recorded many accomplishments and special events this last year. He competed in the Spelling Bee at school last spring and made it into the finals. I believe the word he missed was 'Psychoanalysis.' (Did I spell it right? ...I would have been out too;) He was the leading scorer on his soccer team this last fall and most recently competed in the Geography Bee and made it to the final six out of twenty-two. He's very interested in Geography and History and loves Math.
Last year he started playing the oboe and acquired a saxophone over the summer and made the switch this fall and loves it. Brett's involved in the boys choir at church and attends Cadets a couple times a month. I would say he's a pretty busy kid but he wouldn't have it any other way. One of the highlights of this year for him was getting to attend a party with the Stanley Cup. His Grandpa was able to take a turn having the Stanley Cup for a day so they made a whole day of it. Lucky kid, eh?
Well, as I look back over the last 12 years I can't help but get a little sad that my "little" boy will become a teenager next year. I'm certainly not ready for that! I am SO proud to be the mother of such a wonderfully kind, patient, handsome, intelligent young man. I'm also thankful to God for protecting him along the way. I know that he is who he is today certainly not do to me. I may have had a hand in it, but the Lord has been his guide, protector and Savior and there's no better feeling than know that today he is walking with the Lord and has his own relationship with Him.
What a delightful dozen years this has been raising our sweet Brett Michael. I know the future is full of promise and many blessings for him. We are so blessed to have Brett for a son and promise to continually point him to Christ so he can reflect Him in all he does. What a heart for service Brett already has, often giving to those who have very little because even as a child he understands what it means to be the light of Christ to others. We sometimes can learn much from our own children.
Happy Birthday, Kiddo! You are a true delight and joy and we love you!
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