Easter Weekend 2009 - "It's Not About the Candy"

From our family to yours ... we are hopeful you had a blessed Easter filled with the glory of God and the message of hope Jesus brought to earth 2000 years ago.

Those of you who know our family well knows that Emma has traditionally gotten a little preoccupied with Jesus and the story of his crucifixition. It is something she has always taken to heart and it always upsets her - despite our best attempts.

This year, all the kids have a great (age appropriate) understanding of the true Easter Story and it was a delight to hear them discussing it amongst themselves. It went a little something like this -

"Hey - look at this rainbow colored egg."

"Claire, Easter's not about the egg - it's about Jesus."

(a little later)

"Awesome! ....I love Butterfingers!"

"Duh! Easter's not about Butterfingers either - it's about Jesus."

"Uh-huh - Jesus liked Butterfingers too - didn't He Mom?"

(Then, in true sibling form, an argument ensued about which candy bar Jesus liked best.)

Sigh. They get the idea.

We were able to spend some time at the Splash Universe Waterpark in Shipshewana with my parents and brother. The Easter bunny even left Nana and Papa a giant chocolate easter egg to bring for the kids. The kids were had a great time and the big kids haven't taken their wristbands off yet!

We finished off the weekend with dinner and an egg hunt with friends and kite flying in the backyard. We're all still talking about the "best Easter ever." And if anyone out there knows for sure whether Jesus prefers Reeses, Snickers or Butterfinger, I wish you'd let me know so we can move on.

Glimpses

So... Emma can read ... really well. And she can pull up our blog with no assistance. And read it.

So...she wasn't too keen on the last post regarding spring break. After my explanations of "sarcasm" and "journalistic license," I told her I'd apologize. Sorry Em. (But I'll still be waiting at the bus stop with a big smile on my face tomorrow morning.)

The REAL story about spring break came in glimpses. Because we did a "staycation," this week, I was able to really spend some quality time with the kids. We got a chance to concentrate on some new skills that gave this mama a bit of bragging rights. And I caught some glimpses of the new and exciting impending new stages in their lives.

For a girl who honestly doesn't care what kind of disastrous state her room is in, Emma is really turning out to be a TREMENDOUS help in the babysitting department. She is very responsible with Cooper on a daily basis...and she showed extraordinary care and attention when watching our dear friend Hannah Claire this weekend. Watching her balance Cooper on one hip or explaining potential dangers to the younger ones makes me unconsciously flash forward to when moms (like me now) are calling her to babysit. I think she'll be ready. And I'll be honored.

Glimpses.

Grayson is leaping tall buildings in a single bound. Really. He's riding with bike with no training wheels like he's done it his entire life. This skills has led to some incredible bike rides - just he and I. The talks we have when it's just us ... and the way he stops his bike to pick up a worm on the sidewalk and throw him back into the grass ("because that's where his family is")....melts my heart. He's also reading. Entire books. At night now he often reads to me ... it's hard to tell who is prouder. But I know it's me.

Glimpses.

Claire is most content to be here at home. With me. Doing her favorite things. In her comfort zone. Lately though ... she's expanding that zone. Slowly. As is her way. In ways I don't think she'll notice. But she does. Several nights this week I've overheard her telling Blue Bear (her lovey since she was two weeks old), "Today I _____ and I was scared... but I did it!" You go girl.

Glimpses.

Cooper. I'm trying hard to pay attention and commit it all to memory. His babyhood is so precious...and he's moving incredibly quickly toward toddlerhood. I'm getting glimpses of his "boy face" this week in his profile ... or when he's sleeping on his side ... just like his brother. Each phase only lasts so long ... and as parents, we are always excited and sad to see one end and another begin.

I mentioned Hannah earlier. We got to spend some time with her yesterday while her parents attended a function. We hadn't seen her in a while and she'd really changed. That fast.

Her parents are seeing glimpses of impending changes in their baby girl. Click here to read about it. If you know me at all, it will make you laugh outloud. Because the baby whisperer probably never has to apologize to her eight year old daughter for being sarcastic on her blog.

Spring Break

Well, it's Friday night and the kids are in bed. My billing reports and progress notes for work are finished and emailed in to the appropriate people. I planned on filling you in on all the witty and fun things the kids and I accomplished this week.... this loooooong week while ALL of them were off school. But I won't. I'm too tired.

Suffice it to say that nothing screams "BIRTH CONTROL" like spring break.

In fact, if I were in charge of high school curriculum, I would suggest that all high schoolers spend a few days babysitting families when all the kiddos are home for a week. With their other siblings. With NOTHING to do. In cold, rainy weather. Listening to things like "He hit me." or "It's my turn." Over and over and over.

Yep. Planned Parenthood should have a video of my house this week.

Only three days till Monday.

More Pics of Girls' Weekend...

On the 8th day, God created ....

girls' weekends. I'm sure of it.

I just returned from a great example of what girls need to rest and rejuvenate. My husband arranged for me to spend some time in Milwaukee with some girls I used to work with when we lived there. It has been almost nine years since I moved away, but I wasn't worried. With this group, we have an uncanny ability to pick up right where we left off. I consider it an indication of true friendship. Well, that ... and the fact that they relish a good fish fry and cocktail as much as I do. It is Wisconsin after all.

It was a wonderful 48 hours ... packed with fish fry at Trocadero, a relaxing stroll around Cedarburg (one of my favorite little towns on the north shore), an open house at Cedar Creek Winery, shopping at Bayshore mall, and fantastic food all along the way. Not to mention cosmopolitans and pomegranate martinis....

Did I mention the hotel room? Adjoining rooms with FOUR full sized -sleep number beds. With no husbands, no kids, and no pets taking up space or covers. Wowee! That ALONE would have been nirvana for this mama. But it got better! Add in a pool, hot-tub, and a fridge stocked full of wine, crackers, CHEESE (you just knew that was coming didn't you?) and uninterrupted girl talk. Ahhhhh.... heaven.

We topped it off with brunch at Lake Park Bistro. Despite living in that area for eight years, it was my first time there. After eating all weekend, I wasn't sure I would fully appreciate the food or experience so I suggested we skip it. The girls wouldn't hear of it. I'm so glad they insisted. The bistro overlooks Lake Michigan and that body of water on a sunny day still takes my breath away. The cuisine is French, the waitstaff is wonderful, and the flavors are divine. So are the mimosas. If you're ever in town ... I highly recommend it.

It was hard to leave. Really hard. Milwaukee is a great place to live. Even greater place to visit. So much to see and do ... especially without the kids. But I missed the kids ... and the great guy who sent me to see my friends. And stayed home with all four. On our anniversary. So, after flipping a coin, I came home.

The good news? I didn't get to see it all. And since it only takes 3 hours and 45 minutes to get there from here (if you don't stop and Chicago traffic is light), I'll probably get to go back again.

Monte, thank you. Love you. Lori, Amy, Ann, and Cathy - thank you. Love you too. Let's not make it so long until next time.

Happy 8th Birthday Emma!

When Emma gets off the bus after school today, she will be 8 years old. Or, as she told me last night, halfway to sweet sixteen. Gulp.

There are definitive signs she is growing up. Today, I told her I would bring her a special birthday lunch .. and not subject her to the "ultimate pizza snack" offered via the school cafetorium. She's apparently outgrown Happy Meals ... opting for a ham and cheese from Subway. For dinner? Vegetable lo mein please. I'm just glad she hasn't discovered sushi.

She chose to host a sleepover for four of her friends instead of pushing tokens into obnoxious video games at a pizza toting restaurant with a large mouse on it. She's "so over" Chuck E Cheese.

We also did the gift shopping a little differently this year. She made a list of items she wanted for her birthday - along with how much they cost. Then we talked about the birthday budget. Given that budget, it was her responsibility to come up with what she wanted and could afford. It completely did away with the whining, gave her complete control over what gift she chose, and made her appear very grown up, especially when she asked if she could use the money to attend some art classes. Uhh...sure. But don't you want to go buy candy?

All this growing up is a little hard to take. That's why I was soooo glad when the sleepover girls selected BOLT as the movie to see at the theatre. There's just something special about a bunch of giggling girls and an animated movie that makes things slow down just a bit. Even if it only lasts 90 minutes.

Happy Birthday Emma. No rush to 9 right?

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Other than turning another year older, yesterday was a pretty great day. I woke up and made a conscious decision NOT to focus on inching closer to the big 4-0. Instead, I remembered something a former patient once told me about how he celebrated every birthday - up into the 80's (he never did tell me how old he actually was). His advice? "Every year on your birthday, TAKE STOCK. Think GENERALLY about all the things you've accomplished in your lifetime ... then think SPECIFICALLY about the things you've done just in the past 365 days."

So, I took stock. When I actually took the time to think about the new experiences, great friends, and new baby that have come into my life this year, I was so humbled and grateful God blessed me with these past 12 months.

I got to see four of the cutest little kiddos on my caseload. I listened as my kindergarten boy read me five books all by himself. I ran five miles on the treadmill (a new personal best). I relished in my homemade cards from my kids (and one from Claire's BFF as well). I started on a list of songs I want on my new Ipod shuffle. And ... I started on my application to volunteer for Operation Smile. It's been something I have ALWAYS wanted to do. It was so inspiring to look through the stories and list of countries - knowing that someday, I could actually DO THIS. I've got some work to do to be a certified volunteer. But... I've taken the first step. Stay tuned.

Thank you to all of you who have called, emailed, or sent cards. It's nice to be remembered. I'm blessed to have you.

How Cool Is Covington???

I love my kids' elementary school. Seriously. Love it.

It currently has 734 enrolled children ages 5th grade down to kindergarten. That's roughly equivalent to half of my hometown. It was very daunting when we first moved here.

It doesn't feel quite that large anymore. Because of reasons like this.

Yesterday, I was in the office writing ANOTHER check for lunch money. I get to do that every time a brightly colored, typewritten piece of paper labelled "cafetorium" shows up in either backpack.

The art teacher (who is SUPER) recognized me and mentioned she was surprised Emma was only signed up for one "enrichment" class. Enrichment classes are fantastic short-courses in just about everything the kids have the option of attending after school. Everything from fun foods to fly fishing to foreign language to bunco. No kidding.

I told her Emma simply couldn't narrow it down to below six (which would have cost about $200.00) so I had simply chosen ONE for her. But how nice of her to notice.

She volunteered that only one other second grader was signed up for "Italian Street Painting." Ironically, that little person is a good friend of Emma's. Wouldn't it be cool if they did it together? Indeed.

I mentioned it to Emma. She's all signed up. And elated. About learning how to "paint Italian street murals." Per the syllabus.

I think I just shelled out $10.00 for Emma and her friend to sidewalk chalk while being supervised by the art teacher.

The things we do for love. And super-cool elementary schools. And art teachers who remember both you AND your kid.

Cooper's New Trick

Our littlest guy is now eating puffs! Not only that, but he's feeding himself! Not always accurately (see above photo where the puff is on the sleeve) but .... he's doing it.

I'm not sure how I feel about this latest development. Of course, it's a GREAT distraction that will allow him to separate from mommy for longer periods (I envision myself doing dishes or going to the Y in the future) but it does mean he's growing up. Quickly. Even more quickly because I'm busy with the other three and can't just sit and hold him all day. Absorbing and archiving every milestone. I wish I could.

Today, I'm just snapping pictures and handing out puffs. The laundry, dishes, and dog grooming appointment be damned. I can't miss this.

My Own Cat in the Hat ...

Grayson's Kindergarten class celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday this week. He actually asked me to put this picture on the blog - note the "cat-like" pose. =)

I thought maybe this would entice him to read Hop on Pop to me at bedtime. No dice.

It did, however, lead to a great discussion with Emma on pen names. I revealed to her my own secret wish to write under the pen name Lucy Brewer. Don't ask me why - I was all of about ten when I came up with it. She found that fascinating so now she's coming up with one of her own ... and putting quite a bit of thought behind it. So much so, that we are still narrowing it down. I'll have to let you know.

Six Months Old!

Cooper's now six months old ... and has been for a few weeks now actually. I know... I know ... this NEVER would have happened with the first baby. I've accepted it.

A few updates (since he STILL doesn't have a baby book) ... he's sitting up now but is still pretty wobbly and can't yet right himself consistently. The siblings are VERY amused by him falling over and liken it to the funniest episode of Tom and Jerry. At present, the "under-8" crowd is very into physical comedy and potty noises.

Cooper also has two teeth. I've been trying for a while to get a good picture of them .. and I think you can see them nicely in one of the pics above. I think he wins the award for earliest eruption of teeth. Emma was a full 9 months older than he was when hers came in.

He still sleeps on his tummy but is now rolling over from tummy to back. While this is certainly an exciting skill, it has complicated the sleeping considerably. Because ... he can't figure out how to roll back over to go to sleep. The last week or so ... we've been "summoned" in the middle of the night to discover our little "turtle boy" face up in the crib.

He's eating rice cereal and has had bananas twice. He's not lovin' it yet .. but does tolerate it. Spoon anticipation is coming in nicely ... but he's not yet showing tons of interest in more solids.

So far, he's the biggest snuggler of the four... and has recently developed significant addictions to "taggies" and his mama.

He's just recovered from a yucky cold and has had two ear infections in six weeks. His smiley personality is back .... and we're hoping he decides to go back to sleeping though the night any time now!

I just love those eyes of his ...

Martha Stewart Would Not Be Proud

Disclaimer: My house is usually fairly clean and orderly. Usually.

I feel like I should post a sign on the front door reading "Enter at Your Own Risk."

The dangers involved are varied - if you step into the kitchen, the stack of dishes in the sink may fall on you. If your shoes stick to the kitchen floor, it's just errant pineapple juice. Don't worry. It's on the "to-do" list.

In the dining room, the glorious (and expensive) solid oak, Amish made table is no longer suitable for serving guests, but is stock-piled full of girl scout cookies, laundry piles, swimming bags, and homework assignments. It is hazardous to get past.

The house is a mess. But as long as you are here, feel free to sign the guestbook. Or, write your name in the inch thick layer of dust on the glass entertainment center. Right under where the kids have been playing tic-tac-toe.

A Tale of Two Swimmers...

Emma and Grayson both swam (for competing teams) in a meet today and I got to go watch! They did it last weekend too ... but I sent Monte and my mom then. Cooper and Claire just aren't up for four or five hours poolside.

It was a "swim your own age" meet. Great idea - as the kids are somewhat more evenly matched. I was able to sit with people I knew and each had seven and five year olds. Even better . . . we all cheered for our own kids, each other's kids, and all the kids who gave it their all ... even when they came in last place.

I hadn't seen Emma swim outside of practice in months and I was amazed by the progress she's made in her strokes .. especially butterfly and breaststroke. She swam six or seven events (I lost count) and was pretty tired at the end ... but she gave it her best shot... even in the final relay (where I saw an unprecedented burst of speed and spirit of competition).

Last night before bed she was pretty nervous about the 100 I.M and kept repeating the order of the strokes in her head ... hoping they would stick. I was a little worried for her too - that's ALOT to remember ... even when you haven't been at the pool for four hours and swam several events. When I saw her face as she took her mark, I almost couldn't watch. She looked pretty shaken. She did it ... and finished second in her heat. I didn't see the judge's hand go up to disqualify her .. but it may have. When I saw her come out of the water smiling like she was, it just didn't matter to either of us. To us, it was the most perfect IM ever swam.

Grayson had a fun day too. His confidence grows with each meet he attends. He swam a 25 in all four strokes. It wasn't always legal ... or pretty ... but it was a vast improvement over the beginning of the season ... when he didn't know a butterfly from a breastroke. It just cracked me up the way he touches the wall, then flips his goggles up and looks at the scoreboard. He has no idea what he's looking at .. but that's what the big kids do ... so he does it too!

At the end of the meet, his coach did a little group huddle that brought a tear to my eye. It was the end of his season. I can't say enough about his coach and his group of five year old boys. It takes a special lady to take those boys as far as they've come this season. Thanks Terri! Heaven awaits you. Undoubtedly, so does a stiff drink.

The way the heats were arranged, there were a few times Emma and Grayson were close enough to talk. Once, she even gave him a little pep talk and a high five when it was his turn. Fellow parents, it just doesn't get any better than that.

We finished off the day with a lunch at Steak and Shake - their new favorite. Over cheesefries and milkshakes (and without a baby or preschooler to distract us), I got a chance to really listen to them. They've learned new vocabulary, made new friends, acquired new skills, gained new confidence, and have pride in their progress. Our conversation reassured me that I'd made the right decision - taking them to practices - even when they'd rather watch Scooby Doo.

They may have been faster swimmers at the pool today ... but there were no prouder mamas.

Valentine's Weekend

We're having a wonderfully busy Valentine's weekend. Friday night I got to spend some time with Hannah Claire (oh, and her parents). Saturday morning came very early for Emma and Grayson as both were swimming at the same meet - but for different teams. I didn't go as Cooper and Claire would be less than appreciative of the long day and hard bleacher seats. But Monte and Mom were really proud of how both kids did. Preliminary results indicated Emma now has legal times in breaststroke and possible butterfly! That would be a big deal as she's been working really hard not to be "DQ'd" (disqualified). She also swam a 100 yard freestyle (that's four lengths of a pool). I don't think I could do that anymore. Grayson was proud of his 25 yard freestyle and backstrokes too. I think the best part of the meet for him was playing his Nintendo DS with the other little boys.

Last night Monte and I went to see Collin Raye in concert. It was my fourth time seeing him and while he has less hair and more belly than he did the last time, I am still blown away every time he opens his mouth. The man can SING! The theatre was in the round and very intimate. It was a great way to spend a Valentine's evening.

Cooper's Big Week

It's been an exciting week for the little guy. In addition to sprouting his first tooth (we were hoping that was the reason he was drooling so much), he just started rolling over!

Disclaimer: He's only rolling from tummy to back. While none of our children have set records in the gross motor department, I suspected Cooper would take even a bit longer to roll over. He's chubby. He's laid back. Ok - very laid back. And ... well .... dare I admit to this ... he sleeps on his tummy. So, when you lay him down for some "tummy time," he immediately closes his eyes and starts his sleepy song. Not much motivation to roll over.

The kids have been tutoring him for a few weeks now. It's hilarious. They all get as close as they can to him and roll around saying "Do this Cooper. Do this." I love to watch his face during all this and wonder what he must be thinking ... "And they are worried about me???"

Father Daughter Dance 2009

Last night was the Father Daughter Dance put on by the Girl Scouts. It was Emma's and Monte's second year in attendance and Emma even more excited than last year ... because she knew what to expect I think. Then again, it may have been the promise of cheese fries at Steak and Shake after the dance....

The hunt for the dress was not nearly as traumatic as last year. She loved her Christmas dress so she donned a sweater and off she went. For a chuckle, check the blog archives for last year's post. Not only does Emma have her baby teeth but I was still parenting by bribing. Amateurs!!!

There's nothing quite like watching a Daddy helping his little girl put on her wrist corsage. It puts a lump in the throat and some tears in the eyes.

As I took the pictures this year on the steps (as I did last year), I got just a small glimpse of what it will be like for homecomings, proms, etc. Wow. I hope her date has as much patience as her daddy. And that he likes cheese fries and strawberry milkshakes too.

Overthinking Things

The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert. After they got their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep. Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, "Kemosabe, look towards sky; what you see?"

The Lone Ranger replies, "I see millions of stars."

"What that tell you?" asked Tonto. The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says, "Astronomically speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three in the morning. Theologically, the Lord is all powerful , and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow."
"What does it tell you, Tonto?"

"You dumber than buffalo. Someone stole tent."

I've been the Lone Ranger a bit these past few weeks. Overthinking, overanalyzing, overworrying. This is not unusual for me - but something I'm working hard on minimizing. The answer usually is just that simple. And if you spend too much time thinking about something, someone just might steal your tent.

I'm Entirely Too Old for This ...

but I couldn't care less. I am totally and completely sucked into this series. I never saw it coming - even with my utter addiction to Harry Potter. I should have known. It all started the same way.

All my cute little teenage babysitters have been raving about these books forever. They all gushed about the movie when it came out and peppered their conversations with "Edward and Bella" this and "vampire" that. I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt, but it all sounded juvenile to me. When my grownup friends (I use that term loosely) started to get hooked, I thought it may be worth another look.

I read the first one in less than 24 hours. I practically accosted the babysitter when she brought the second one into my house. She let me borrow it. Like she had a choice.

I devoured that 600 page book like it was a triple fudge brownie. No remorse.

I ignored laundry, work, and my kids until I knew ... really knew... that Edward had returned and Bella was safe. Oh brother. It sounds even more pathetic when I type it.

Anyway ... I don't have the third one yet. I've been trying to be adult about it .. but I'm starting to get irritable and short-tempered. Not unlike some of the stars of Celebrity Rehab.

I'm not proud. Just honest.

Channeling My Inner Toddler

There are things I've done in the past week and I just can't explain the rationale behind them.

Those of you with toddlers - you can relate to this one. You know how you tell a child NOT to do something (run with a pencil for example) ... then provide them with the perfectly legitimate reason (it could hurt you)? What do they do then? Do it! Just to see what happens.

I did that this week. Lots of mommy blogs were abuzz with peanut butter recalls. There were people all over with their undies in a bundle - throwing out every food product with peanuts in it. Egads. I was NOT going to do it. I was NOT going to hit refresh every two minutes to see what new perils lay in my pantry.

What did I do? I opened and ate the peanut butter paste out of three packages of recalled crackers. Smart? Responsible? Probably not. But I had to see what happened. I was channeling my inner toddler.

Then ... there are things that have a good reason behind them ... but I shudder at the thought of doing them again. Why do them in the first place? Because someone challenged me.

I won't go into detail here ... but the challenges involved a spinning class (not so bad) and a ...
(here goes my PG rating again) ... waxing party (definitely worse than the spinning class).

Again ... I'm up for a challenge. But seriously ... I can't provide a better reason than... "She told me too." Which tells me I'm not yet equipped to parent children older than mine. Because I'm at a point in my life when I can relate to ...."But all the other kids are doing it."

There are no pictures to accompany this post. You should be glad of that. Noone wants to see the after-effects of spin class .... or the waxing party.

Brotherly Love

Or double trouble ...whichever moniker you like.

Like his big brother, Cooper seems to enjoy anything involving loud, rough play. Grayson always asks if he can "wrestle with him gently."

So far, no injuries. But look out when Cooper gets teeth!

Based on their interactions with Cooper, I'm predicting Grayson will have the most children. I'm also praying they will all be with the same woman ... and that the woman is his wife!!!

Dear Emma, Grayson, Claire and Cooper,

There are so many parental "pearls of wisdom" I'd love to impart to you. The time is going so quickly though ... and it's filled with things like "Time for bed" and "Turn off the lights" and my personal favorite ... "Flush the toilet!!!"

These things are important. If mastered, they will make you an easier person to live with.

But they are not the most important. This is. Listen up guys.

Make friends. Good ones. When you find them ... hold on tight. They will be your lifelines.

Surround yourself with good people that will tell you the truth. Even when it is hard to hear.

These will be the people you call when you get the best and most tragic news of your lives.
These friends will vacation with you, stand up at your weddings, be there for the birth of your children, and the funerals of your parents. They will take you shopping, out to movies and cocktails, and drag you to spin class. They will cheer for you when things are great and cry with you when they are not. They will be the immovable force in your lives.

These friendships won't always be easy. There will be hurt feelings, tiffs, arguments, and senses of abandonment. You may loose sight of them for a while. Hold tighter. Breathe deeper. It will pass. They will come back. And part of you will come with them.

Because these kinds of relationships are God given. And God driven.

I promise to help you nurture these relationships because I know how important they are to me. I want that for you. You and I may not always see things the same way. I expect that. But I need to know that you will have the sort of people watching out for you that I have watching out for me. You'll know when you find them. And so will I.

Friends are the family you can choose for yourself. Choose wisely. I have.

Praises ...

I'm taking a page from my friend Marci here. Undoubtedly, I won't do it justice like she does, but it's important I give it a shot. Praises to God for all the blessings He has put in our laps this week - including...

renewed friendships (after nearly 12 years), a historic presidential inauguration, the birth of a healthy baby boy to friends Myah and Josh, the successful surgery to excise a tumor from a three year old girl, a first birthday party for Hannah, friends bringing home a son from China, and a particularly relevant church service this morning that spoke directly to my heart through song and word.

Through these events and more, it is evident God is in control. Our lives are full of blessings.

Yeah for Hannah(s) !!!

We are blessed to have two Hannahs in our lives and we got good news from both of them recently. Hannah C and her parents got good news in Indianapolis this week. I was suspecting they would but I breathed a sigh of happiness and relief when I heard the good news!

The older (but no less gorgeous) Hannah and her mom came to visit over the weekend en route to a college visit in Ohio. Hannah's mom is my first cousin and I do wish we lived closer. I adore that entire family. We had a great visit and the kids were soooo happy they spent two nights with us. We all missed seeing Jim, Olivia and Daniel though.... next time?

Hannah is contemplating college choices and weighing very important factors - cost, proximity to home (or adoring relatives), big town, small town, etc. We are so very proud of her and are confident that she will make the right choices for herself.

All that collegiate talk has made me very nostalgic ... have I really been out of grad school 13 years???? I am a fossil.

Random Thoughts on Inauguration Day

I admit it. I got sucked into watching parts of the Presidential Inauguration. I figured it would be the same old, hum drum stuff. So I settled in and prepared to watch some of the DVR'd material piling up.

When people started dropping like flies during the luncheon, I was hooked.

Loved Aretha's hat. Michelle's yellow dress? Not so much.

It was all very exciting. The celebrities, the gifts, the music, the speeches, the fanfare ... and the "Beast." That's the presidential car ... in case you aren't up on things like that.

However, in a recession/depression climate, do we REALLY need to spend 160 MILLION dollars on a big shindig? Wouldn't he still be president Obama if YoYo Ma wasn't the cellist?

All politics aside, Barack Obama is our nation's president now and our prayers should include him and his entire adminstration. I am glad Teddy Kennedy appears to be out of the woods.
I am proud of our nation's ever-enlightening views on race. I hope the Obama adminstration works for peace and accountability. Both are sorely needed.

I'd like nothing more than to admit I was wrong.

Five Months Old!

Time is flying by. When someone asked me this week how old Cooper was, I actually had to say "five months." Egads. Big changes around this time start turning infants into babies.

He has mastered the art of rice cereal. It took some practice. He was not a fan last week when Claire was sooooo anxious to feed him. He's got the hang of it now.

He's starting to sit up by himself. Briefly and with a very wide base of support. But it's coming.

Predictable schedule. Naps at 10:00 and 2:00 with bedtime at 8:00.

Big smiles and a much more engaging personality. Melts a mama's heart.

Next stop ... six months. Or rolling over. Whichever comes first.

I Call Dibs on the Brain Tumor!

As you know, I am a HUGE Grey's Anatomy fan. I am an even bigger Jeffrey Dean Morgan fan. When the GA writers killed him off a few seasons ago, it was akin to a real-life catastrophe. There was wailing, gnashing of teeth, and a migraine headache the next morning from crying. Don't pretend I was the only one. I was in a room FULL of wailers.

So, while some of you Grey's fans are not getting the "ghostmance" between Denny and Izzy.... I have it all figured out. Denny is not a ghost. He's a brain tumor.

To that end, when Izzie is diagnosed (probably during sweeps week), she'll have to decide whether to have the tumor removed (and loose Denny) or live out the remainder of her life in Denny-deliciousness. Hmmm .... that's a no-brainer.

No pun intended.

Yoga Update

This is my first really serious yoga class. I've been to class three times now (including tonight). Turns out ... I can breathe... OR .... I can move.

Just not at the same time.

Sigh.

The Post Adoption Blues? Don't Despair ...

Adoption is near and dear to our hearts. Some people get it. Some people don't. Fine by us either way. But our family knows our life circle has been forever broadened by it.

I'm aware quite a few of my friends have been "sucked into" our friends' adoption to Taiwan - reading the blog, meeting Hannah, etc. Others have called or emailed to ask how she's doing ... and let me know about these post-adoption blues. Don't despair friends... I have a cure.

Rebecca and Andy are currently in China anxiously awaiting tomorrow ... when they will meet Owen. He's almost three ... and will come home to four siblings ... one of whom is almost the same age!

Rebecca has an "artsy" eye and it's always fun to read her blog. The pictures of China are amazing as well. We met Rebecca and Andy the same time as Hannah's parents. Hard to believe that tomorrow ... all of us will have the children God intended us to have when we met.

Update on the Whole Exercise Thing

I intentionally did NOT make a formal New Year's resolution about diet/exercise. It thwarts me every time (A personal aside - isn't "thwart" a great word? It doesn't get used enough).

But ... setting aside some "me" time that does NOT involve chocolate, Tabor Hill wine, and the remote control (love me some Grey's Anatomy) has been on my mind and my priority list.

So I dusted off my YMCA card and have set up quite a little schedule for myself. The goal is to walk in the door 4 times per week. Anything else is gravy.

I talked a friend of mine into taking Yogalates with me. How I wish it were gentle, relaxing yoga followed by a steaming, full-fat vanilla latte. Not so.

It's a gut-busting combo class devised and led by a sadist in a cute black leotard. Half yoga...half pilates. I still don't really know a "downward dog" from a "chair" but I'm working on it.

Still hate running. Still make myself do it. It might be getting a little bit easier. At least, that's what I'm telling myself so I keep going.

Bad Day

Do me a favor. Click here to listen to the music before you read this post. It helps set the mood for my pity party. Do it for me. Daniel Powter had nothing on me yesterday.

Yesterday was A. BAD. DAY.

Long story ... but it involved a state survey at one of my places of employment, a crying baby, a vomiting dog, and news of a friend admitted for surgery.

Even an improved downward dog pose at yoga didn't lighten the mood. I'm still a little shaken.

Today ... a little more clarity. Professionally, I need to find a better fit for my time and my passion. Simplify again. I hear you God.

Prayers to Marci and her family.

A huge thank you to my friend who called with great news - just when I needed it. An even bigger thank you to my babysitter - who takes it all in stride - even when I don't.

My unending gratitute for the makers of Diet Coke and the bulb syringe for babies. Without both of you, I may have gone over the edge yesterday.

Word for 2009

It seems I am perennially behind. Is that a word? I'd check the spell check but Cooper should be up any minute and I haven't even made the bed yet today. Geesh.

When your seven year old brings home a list of New Year's Resolutions and asks what yours are ... and you don't have any yet ... it's time to get on the ball.

I read a blog today that used a word of the year to base her resolutions around and I really liked the idea. So here it goes. My word for the year is SIMPLIFY.

I resolve to simplify the organized chaos that is the life of this family of six. Admittedly, the prayer for more hours in a day has not yet been answered. Until it is, the only way to live more fully in the moment is to simplify what goes on in those 1440 minutes.

Simplify the schedule. Mine and theirs. Choose what is most important and make that a priority. Sleep, exercise, relationships. Faith. And maybe a few Diet Cokes thrown in for sanity.

Yesterday was an excellent example of how I'd love to be more present. I had plans to go to the Y to exercise. Things pretty much had to go exactly the way I needed them to go. Kids ready - Cooper napped - my clothes on. Ready. Called the Y to make an appt for Cooper. No baby appts until way after I had planned. Really? I was feeling pretty put out and a little stressed. I had prepared for this all day. Ack!!!

Not three minutes later, the phone ran. My friend Sarah was bringing Hannah over. Did we have time to play? Um..... YES!!! Check out the great pics of Hannah and Cooper here.

But if my original plan had worked out, we would have been gone when she called. We had a great time. Living in the moment. Simple. Relationships. Faith that God knows the best for us (and our schedule) even when we don't.

Perspective

All day I've been celebrating that the kids are back in school. Well, three of them anyway.

Why celebrate? The house is cleaner, quieter, and alot less hectic. Selfish ... shallow... honest.

Click on this short video to get a glimpse of a family who celebrates for an entirely different reason. Maybe, like me, you'll get some much needed perspective to start off this new year.

http://www.oprah.com/media/20081001_tows_99balloons

Chick Magnet

I can't recall right now where Cooper got this adorable onesie (in case you can't read it, it says "chick magnet." I just know it was a gift - and from a friend. A pretty GOOD friend I expect - as most people don't send gifts anymore for the fourth baby. That just makes me more embarrassed that I don't remember. Forgive me. Just know that I LOVE IT. It makes me laugh every time he wears it. Especially when you pair the onesie with the thighs. Too much.

I also adore the hat Jennifer gave me. Maybe I should pair it with the onesie. Add the thighs and make it a triple threat... and give the folks at "What Not to Wear" an aneurysm.

Hannah's Homecoming

Kevin, Sarah, and Hannah touched down here in Hoosierville yesterday. The kids and I were pretty excited to see little Hannah in person so we loaded up Jennifer's (wife to Troy - see earlier post) minivan and headed to Fort Wayne International Airport. I don't see anything international about it ... but that's what it's called.

It took a bit of explaining to all of the kids about what all was happening ... but they understood that they were going to be a small piece of a very special day. How often do you get to be part of something like that? We got a chance to talk with Hannah's grandma(s) before the plane arrived. The looks on their faces ... that's about as good as it gets.

Thanks to Sarah and Kevin for letting all of us at the airport be among the first to welcome Hannah home.

Cooper's Ears' New Year's Eve plans

Happy New Year to everyone! Ours went a little differently than expected ... but it suited us just fine. We aren't big New Year's Eve people ... maybe because we've had little ones for almost 8 years now. Anyway, we had tentative plans to attend two little get togethers - with our own "big three" away at Nana's, we figured we could brave it with just Cooper.

His ears had other plans. Their idea of a party included getting infected, causing some pain, irritability and sleeplessness. Their idea of a clincher? Presenting all this at 3:30 pm on New Year's Eve. You know, long after the pediatrician's office closes.

No fever so I knew it wasn't a major deal - and it isn't like I haven't done this before - but I wanted him to be more comfortable and I didn't want it to escalate for two more days before the peds office opens again .. so off to Redi-Med we went.

After a less than stellar checkup by a questionable staff, we went home armed with Amoxicillin. That and some Tylenol did the trick and Cooper slept from 7:30 pm to 5:30 am. I just didn't have the heart to get him out of bed. Sorry guys. Maybe some other time.

Kudos to Monte though for preparing a very yummy dinner of filet, baked potato, and bread with olive oil/parmesan cheese.

I think he was the only one who technically saw the New Year ring in. Cooper and I had enough of the I Love Lucy marathon and turned in prior to midnight.

Kids are coming home today and while they aren't happy about it, it's more than time. Time to get back into the routine.