So Much To Do...So Little Time

In less than 72 hours I will be in sunny Florida. That thought is rather frightening and delightful all at the same time!

I am going to go to New Smyrna Beach to celebrate James' Grandma's 90th birthday. Just typing that sentence is really quite amazing...90!

It's been a long time since I last had either of my grandmas. My grandma Grace was one of the most special people in the world to me. It's been 14 years since she passed. I can still put myself back in her arms if I close my eyes and smell a piece of Extra Spearmint gum. The smell of roast and potatoes cooking can take me back to Sunday dinners as a little girl. I miss her. I miss her hugs, her humming voice, the sleepovers watching late night Nick at Nite and most of all, just her. I wish so much she could have been here to see my kids. Her faith and love for the Lord was always so evident as she lived her life. I know she is rejoicing in glory with our Redeemer and that's my peace.

My grandma Koch was special too; a real one-of-a-kind She was a true Matriarch of the family. She was respected and loved and never stopped. She was loud, very loud. I used to get embarrassed to have her at my concerts, games and events because her cheering was borderline obnoxious. It wasn't until I was in high school I realized how much I really loved it and just how lucky I was to have her. The day of my grandma Grace's funeral I was supposed to play in a sectional soccer game for school. This was a HUGE game. I had worked all year for it! My grandma Koch offered to be the one to take me to it since my parents couldn't really leave. I don't remember anything else about that game but hearing her cheer SO loudly for me. The joy my heart felt was like no other. It was a special time for the two of us. She was the one there for me that day. She passed a little over four months later.

So, getting to celebrate a birthday for a grandma who is turning 90 is HUGE! I can't wait to be a part of it. Grandma Pullen is quite the lady. She is an amazing artist, world traveler, golfer, refined theatre/opera lover and I feel privileged to be able to call her my grandma. It's going to be a weekend packed full of celebration. When she parties she parties BIG. For her 85th birthday she had a marching band!

BUT...being a wife and mother of 5, as the time is nearing I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I feel like I have so much to do and so little time to do it in. James will be staying home with kids while I'm gone so I want to make sure he doesn't have anything to worry about besides them. The laundry, cleaning, packing, bills and summer camp forms all need to be taken care of in the next 2 days. I'm excited and nervous as this will be the first time I am away from all the kids. I think it's a much need "mommy break." My sister is going to be going with me to Florida. We have rented a condo for the week and are also calling this trip a sisters retreat. The two of us have never gone away together and I can't wait! We need this time together, too. Watch out Florida here we come!

Spring

I can't quite put into words just how much I love this time of year. Spring comes in at a very close second to my love of summer;) Why do I love spring? Why NOT? The trees all budding and flowering, the cool crisp air in the morning along with multitudes of birds singing and the smell of freshly cut grass in the afternoons are all reminders to me of the goodness of God. It also means a trip to the greenhouse is nearing.

I just love the first trip to the greenhouse for spring/summer planting. The choices are endless and my artistic side must learn to coexist with my budget. That's no easy task. I will never fully understand why plants must cost so much, but won't complain too much because I know that the income they produce for planting feeds, clothes and gives our family shelter.

I can't even think about the greenhouse without remembering the first time I met James. I was working on pricing some terra cotta pots and my workday was creeping along. Then James came in, walked past me, flashed a smile and that was it. I was smitten and rest is history.

Vern Goers Greenhouse has got to be one of the most beautiful places in the world during the spring. The feeling you get walking in can be almost intimidating. The variety of plants, flowers and vegetables seems almost endless. Just the drive into the parking lot brings back sweet memories for me too...the gravel under your tires, the sight of God's artistic array of color and a few familiar faces all produce a little high inside of me. Kind of like a kid in a candy store.


The greenhouse also holds a place in my heart few may know. I spent a particularly hard few months there back in the winter/spring of 2003. There was much going on in my life at that time. I spend nearly 8 hours a day completely alone in one of the greenhouses transplanting. It was in that time that I really felt God pulling me closer. I listened to WMBI Moody radio faithfully during those 8 hours and the gift of some amazingly powerful preaching poured into me. Each day I longed to hear the truths that were being spoken as my heart grew more tender and less hard. There were many days my mind wanted to stray to worry and anxious thoughts tried to consume me. But, in those times of quiet business, I heard the Lord telling me of His unfailing love, strength and faithfulness. It was only through Him that I made it through those dark times.

I am grateful that those are only memories for me now. I can no longer feel the hurt that was so deep inside me. The desperation that I felt was replace with peace. So, as I think of spring and the greenhouse I also remember that of time of new renewed faith & trust. The greenhouse has always been a place of new beginings...not only in the life of the flower but in my own. Thank you, sweet Jesus.

In the next few weeks I cannot wait to see, touch and smell the beautiful display that will surround our home. Spring is here! The kids can't wait to get their hands dirty too. They love nothing more than help their daddy work and I believe that there is no sweeter sight than seeing them so proud of all they've done. Happy planting!

Who's the Boss?

Who's the boss? This is a question I've found myself asking inside my head quite often lately. It seems I am teaching the children, oh, ten times a day about obeying their parents....is it working? Not so much all the time. We seem to have the same conversation over and over. Finally, tonight I actually muttered the words out loud. "...because I'm the boss."

It's not something I'm proud of *grinning* but it just kind of came to me. I was so tired today of them asking 'why' they had to be doing all the things that they should be doing I thought I would just throw the phrase out there once. Well, of course it didn't make any sense to the kids. They know that Grandpa Laslo is their Daddy's boss and they told me it was silly that I would think that I was their boss. But I am, right?


Well, this too got me thinking. I am supposed to be the boss but the more I got to thinking somehow I wasn't so sure. My children are the ones who determine my work day or my schedule so to speak. My children are also the ones who determine when my "breaks" are; when I eat, go to the restroom and even when I get to use the phone. They seem to be the CFO too. They are the ones who sort of set the budget. The kids are the ones who let me know when it's time to buy new things. Holes in their shoes, pants, stains on the carpet and how much food I need to buy. So who's the boss now?

I am continually learning each day how to effectively steward, protect and teach these little ones in my care. I never took a course or graduated with a degree in this area. I just pray that God continues to work in me and that these children I have been blessed with learn to obey and play all while glorifying Him.

Five Times Two

It was a beautiful spring day in Hinsdale. At just about 6 a.m. on April 15th, 2005 I was checking into the hospital, and by 8:38 a.m. our lives had been changed forever. We were no longer a family of three but now a family of FIVE! Madison Grace was born first and weighed 6 lbs. 11oz. & Noah James followed and weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. I could hardly believe that this day had come! As I laid in recovery after an unbelievably quick C-section I was in awe. It was a long road I travelled carrying twins and I was so glad it was over and I was able to hold two precious, perfectly healthy babies.

I can still remember watching James handle both of them in those first few hours. I couldn't do much because I just had surgery, but immediately, after not having any experience with any of this before, James became a natural. In the first few hours of that day I can't remember much but I do remember we received visitor after visitor. I couldn't believe just how many people came to greet the newest members of the Laslo family. But...one thing our family and friends would have to wait 24 hours later for were their names.

Since we didn't want to find out and had absolutely no idea what the babies sex would be we didn't have "set" names right away. It took us well into the evening while staring into their two precious faces to properly give them names. I hate the idea of naming a baby before you see them and meet them. You need to be able to gather a bit of personality from them first. So, no surprise now, but we named them Madison Grace, Grace after my grandmother (and mother) and Noah James, James after, well....James.

The days of caring for infant twins is a complete blur to me. Feeding two babies, sleeping little, bathing them, changing countless diapers, dressing them and getting three children where we needed to go was busy, but looking back now I'd say it went well. We all survived and I'm here today to tell about it;) Over the last five years I could not even have imagined who these little people have turned into. They still amaze and surprise me.

Madison is such a girly girl. She loves to dress up and play pretend. Madison is like a "mini me." She loves to do anything and everything I do. She is always helpful and polite and sometimes shy. Madison is also the comedian of the crew. She is always saying something clever and making me laugh most of the time I want to be serious. Even being as girly as she is she would choose to play soccer or baseball over dolls any day....all while wearing a dress;) She is incredibly coordinated and quick. Madison Grace seems to always have a sneaky little smile on her face.

Noah, or "NoahJamesLaslo" as he calls himself is a pretty typical little boy. He loves to work. Noah has a few tool boxes full of tools that make their way into just about every room. Whenever their is a job to do he is front and center. He is even big enough now to reach into James tool bench/drawers and identify and find us any tool we may need. He really loves learning facts. He is a very protective big brother and is just the sweetest little boy when it comes to his baby sister. Every morning since Mackenzie was born, the minute I bring her down in the morning, Noah is there to give her a hug & kiss and say "good mornin' Kenz." He has such a tender heart.

My little double team is about to turn five tomorrow. I think I can't believe it! They are all registered for kindergarten in the fall and they are both excited to go on "Brett's bus." I can still remember carrying two messy little toddlers up for nap at the same time...one in each arm. I can still hear them giggling themselves to sleep and the sound of them jumping and shaking their cribs in unison to let me know they were up for the day. The days of taking turns giving them bites of food as they each sat in their exersaucers (bc they would scream if one had to wait) and watching all their firsts...crawling, walking, talking...and I don't know if I am really ready to stand there at the corner on their first day of school and wave good bye to them. I want to be ready. I want a little extra time in my day to tend to some things around the house and spend some more time with the two littlest, but, I know I'm going to be sad. How do I already know? I have tears making their way down my cheeks just thinking about it.

What a privilege and blessing it is to be the mom of such amazing little ones. I am so proud of who they are becoming. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for them. They have grown so much as little people and grown in their knowledge of God and His love for them. My prayer for them is that they will continue to grow in Him and seek Him throughout their lives and develop a personal relationship with their Savior. So, Happy Birthday Madi & Noah! I love you more than words can explain and I love being your Mama!

April Showers

April is usually a pretty busy month for us and one that is usually determined and planned while avoiding the April showers. This month so much is happening I can hardly keep it all straight. We had such a wonderful Easter last weekend. My parents came to our church in the morning to hear the kids sing. Just a week earlier as the children paraded through the sanctuary waving their palm branches, Madison almost wore a hole in the carpet dragging her feet and slithering through. She simply cannot stand people staring at her. But, on Easter morning I promised her that I would stand in the back so she could see me, and BOY was I surprised!!!

My beautiful little girl not only stood up there without covering her face but she also smiled with her whole little self and sang! I was standing in the back the whole time just glowing. The sound of all those little voices raising praises to our King was just amazing! I think I was fighting back tears nearly the entire time just watching Madison step out of her shell and watching her knowing she was so proud of herself. What a great morning.

After church we went to my uncle's house for our last big Holiday get together before he moves. He's not going far by any means, but the Engbers house was our "holiday" house growing up. Such wonderful memories of dinners, birthdays and sleepovers. I sure will miss going there but the Lord knows it's a time for change. I'm just glad my kids could be a part of the tradition of such wonderful time spent with family and friends there.

Uncle Doug or "Uncle Dog" as the kids cal him never disappoints. He always has something up his sleeve. This year as he knew he'd be moving he tried to get us to take home an extremely large organ that graced his living room for some time now. He even sat down at one point and was playing stadium songs with the kids and told them it would be fun to have at our house so we could learn all the Chicago Blackhawk music. Maybe even a future for one of our little Blackhawk fanatics? After all the organ playing and having a piece of the lamb cake the kids were ready to head out and hunt for Easter eggs. When all the baskets were full and the kids were quietly sneaking candy we got ready to head to our next destination....the Laslos'.

Thankfully the weather the gorgeous and when we arrived there the kids got to go on another hunt. Just as they were finishing up collecting the last of the eggs the giant rain drops began to fall. Luckily we moved everyone inside before the true storm rolled in. There was thunder that shook the house and lightning that illuminated the heavens. Round two of dessert followed and the kids of course snuck more of their candy. I'm pretty sure Dylan has been doing so for days now. Every time I see him he is chewing on something. Mr. Honesty even asked me to move his basket further on the counter so he couldn't reach it...maybe he finally got a tummy ache;)


Well, this week we finally had the new swing set installed. I LOVE IT! For the past two days we have watched the kids explore and play on their new equipment. It was a surprise for all of them. After it was installed I have to admit I wandered into the backyard and tried it out. I think it';s been a while since I've been on swing and I loved every minute of it! The biggest attraction to the kids is the tire swing. We even had to have Dylan lay down a bit after riding he was on for so long and got a bit too dizzy.

Now we are onto the countdown before we have two little ones turning 5! I'm in a bit of denial about it and I'll share it in another post, but for now it's planning week. We have a party in works for Sunday afternoon and hope the weather cooperates. I'd rather have two dozen people outside enjoying the day than inside bumping into one another;)

Spring

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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.