Made for Her...

Emma is just not into clothes. Well, I should say she doesn't beg to go to the mall shopping for them. I guess it's just as well. Time enough for that later on.

I saw this outfit at the mall and it just seemed as though it was meant for her. And... bonus... it was on sale. Same for the sweater coat. The stars aligned. I bought it. It fit. She liked it.

Don't you just love it when an outfit comes together?

Pearls from Mom... the Introduction

One of the most favorite periods of my life was my Milwaukee time. It was instrumental in shaping who I was to become... personally and professionally. I lived on my own in a big city, ate new and strange foods, made friends completely different from any others before... and had my car stolen.

But it was the people I met while working at Columbia Hospital that have left an indelible impression on my soul. The patients and my colleagues. It's impossible to say who had the most influence. One patient suffered a horrific stroke... and gradually over time... improved to a level no one had predicted. I had the pleasure of knowing him a loooong time. He knows my kids. Well, three of them anyway. He used to say some "funny" things during therapy to regain his language skills. And when he did, his partner would say.... "There's a pearl for you." Many of those "pearls" stay with me to this day ... because of the memories associated with them.

I want to impart some "pearls" of my own to our children. Things I want them to remember about their childhoods... our lives together ... and things I want them to know about me... back before they even existed. Imagine! I had a life before them. Gasp!

So... not all of these "pearls" will be posted here ... but some of them will. Some of you may be in them. If so, it is only my intention to honor you in the place you hold in our family. And to help to give the kids both roots and wings. Sort of like Milwaukee gave me.

Boo To You! 2009

Halloween is the kids' Holy Grail of Holidays. They love the decorations, trick or treating, and resulting loot just as much as they enjoy the Christmas season. They often lament that the day does not last long enough. Today it did.

The day was looooong ... with a swim meet, a harvest party at church, trick or treating in the arctic cold ... followed by a halloween party. It it were not for the sugary boosts shovelled in their mouths, they may not have made it. But they managed to perservere.

Our neighborhood does Halloween in a big way... we had lots of dressed up kiddos, a visit from the Aboite Firetruck and firemen passing out candy and giving rides in the firetruck, and neighborhood grills providing hot dogs to hungry kids and parents. Good times.

Despite the unexpected layering to their costumes because of the cold, I think they made the best Cleopatra, Cinderella, Ninja, and Elephant that I've seen.

We hope your Halloween was just the right balance of silly, spooky and fun!

Vile

I am beginning to see how being an aunt or uncle could be a lot of fun. I've not experienced the pleasure of buying the loudest or most obnoxious toy or letting a kiddo have WAY too much candy, cookies, etc. before dinner. But I just might be getting my chance.

Sarah and Kevin (friends extraordinaire) brought these to my kids for our pre-Halloween gathering. Gummy creatures. The size of dinner plates. Octopus tentacles, centipedes, and other squid-like rubbery nastiness that make squeaky sounds when you bite into them. Eeewww. Revolting.

The kids LITERALLY ate them up. I've heard little else but how cool Kevin and Sarah are. Amidst complaints that we would never buy them something like that.

Yep. I smiled at Kevin and Sarah as I handed over the perfectly sized little bundle of Halloween goodness to their little Yoda. But all of you know what I was thinking about.... the Christmas present. Oh yes, revenge will be mine. And it will be sweet.

Halloween Tricks and Treats

Last night we were fortunate enough to have two Halloween parties. At dinnertime, we invited over the "Littlest Yoda" (as my kids called her) to practice her Trick or Treating skills. It turns out she got to practice her saber skills as well with the local ninja.

I let all the kids put on their costume for a little bit before we left for our adult party. I don't know what was the most fun for them... dressing up themselves or watching their normally "uber-cool" parents transform into nerds.

Yoda's parents got some good shots of the kids too. They brought along some Subway and "treats" for our kids. Watch for a separate post on those.

It's a process....

this "thank you note" writing business. I believe in it and it's a "must do" in our house. But... they are often embarrassingly tardy. I apologize if you sent a gift to this newly five-year-old are still patiently waiting. They are coming. One slow pen-stroke at a time.

When you get the sticker adorned envelope with your name and hers so painstakingly crafted, please lift your eyes heavenward in thanks that we both made it through the process.

Claire has already stated that next year, she's only inviting ONE person. That way, she'll only have to write ONE thank you note. Hee hee.

When's the Best Day ....

to get a quote for a new furnace AND hot water heater (to the tune of $4,000)?

Probably NOT on the fourth day of the Team Savage stomach flu, 6 weeks prior to Christmas, on the day that your dog dug up the new landscaping, or six/seven months away from a potential move.

I don't know if there IS a good day for this sort of news... but for us, today WAS NOT it. If only a glass of wine didn't sound so revolting right now. Grumble .... scowl... frown... etc.

Claire's 5th Birthday Party

Claire's big party day didn't go as planned. We had planned a park party outside with a lot of running, swinging, and fresh air. You know, something appropriate for the "turning five" crowd.

When the weather report predicted ongoing showers all day... we went to plan B. That involved calling party places at the last minute starting with "Can you accommodate a group of preschoolers tomorrow?" I didn't have high hopes. Luckily, one place she has always wanted to go ... didn't hang up on us. They actually bent over backward to accommodate us. Of course, it was at a place with breakables. And paint. Excited as I was to book a "plan B", it made me want to pour a stiff drink.

It went off without a hitch. An hour and a half was just the right amount of time to create a masterpiece, have a cupcake (or two), open presents and read a book. Cooper didn't stay... a momma can only keep so many hands from breaking something. Everyone else had a great time... especially the birthday girl.

Happy 5th Birthday Claire !!!

She's the quiet one. She's slow to warm, quick to observe, and only invokes the deep belly laughs when called for. She's not one to complain or whine over every injustice and is just starting to recognize and speak her own mind. Change and new situations are not things that make her comfortable ... but comfy jammies, books, her family, and "not soft blue bear" do.

She's five years old today ... and sporting a brand new haircut (because she saw fit to start the hair modification process herself). We think it makes her look at least six ... or six and a half.

So, how did she celebrate today? With a bunch of adoring ladies at the salon oohing and ahhing over the new do, followed by the entire beta fish swim team (and coaches) singing to her after swim practice... finished up with presents, chocolate cake with all the princess-y trimmings and an assortment of bedtime stories.

What makes this five year old girl smile? New nightgowns (no pajamas "with legs") for her anymore, Littlest Pet Shop accessories, and anything Barbie. And... of course.... the whipped icing off of her cake. Not necessarily the cake itself.

Happy Birthday Claire. We love your blossoming personality, willingness to try new things, and developing dry sense of humor. Love you.

Big Boy Haircut

Apparently, at Claire's soccer game Saturday morning, Monte got equal compliments on our "cute little boy" and "darling little girl." I thought that was really nice ... until he told me everyone was talking about Cooper. Wearing blue. All over.

OK - as much as I love the curls, it was time to cut the hair. I didn't even bother to take the camera. I predicted he would be a fart in a skillet... and he was. I knew what his reaction would be. I just wasn't prepared for mine. Tears. Quite a few. It' s a really good thing I went to our family hair place. All the girls know me (and all the kids) and they treated us like family. Of course, they've known Cooper as long as I have. Kleenex, Diet Coke, knowing glances, and a few tears later, it was all done. He looks like a boy. And about three years old.

I still can't get him to slow down long enough to get a good shot of the curl-less wonder. This is the best I can do. Wish I could slow time down just a little bit.

Authenticity....

I read a few blogs. Not as many as I'd like to... but a few just really give me perspective and make me chuckle. I've noticed a theme in them lately. They are authentic. Not too dreary... not too syrupy. Just right. There is real life in them. Not just the parts they want everyone to see.

I've also realized that's how I want my kids to remember their lives when they read this years down the road. So, in the spirit of full disclosure, this is what my Tuesday morning sounded like.

(I'm putting Claire's hair in a bun for ballet lessons... already at my friend's house... already late for work...)

I'm noticing Claire now has some sort of "bang" thing going on with her hair. Certainly not something there the day before. Certainly NOT anything I had paid for...

Me: "Claire... who cut your hair?"

Claire: (avoiding eye contact) "I don't know."

Me: (recalling my years of psychology) "OK... where is the hair that someone mysteriously cut?"

Claire: (looking relieved) "Oh... it's under the bed... in the basement."

Me: (torn between cracking up and choking her) "Do you know where the scissors are that cut the hair that someone put under the bed?"

Claire: (proud of herself for knowing yet another answer) "Yep... it's under the pillow."

Sigh. It took five years to grow out that curly hair to make it long enough to wear in a bun. As my friends have pointed out, it could have been alot worse. It's not too bad really. And... because she's going to be wearing a headband until she's 10, you probably won't even notice it.

Prayers for Kate

There is a young family with a daughter facing a malignant brain tumor. Kate's parents are devout Christians (he's a pastor) and they blog from the heart about the journey they are facing. Her blog is authentic, heart-wrenching and inspiring. Today they have an MRI to determine if their daughter's tumor is growing, shrinking, or something in between. What they must be going through. Please take a moment to include this family in your prayers.... caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

Beach Babes (and babies).... Part Two

It's been a week since we got back home from our trip to the beach ... and I just found SAND (again) when doing laundry. Does sand reproduce?

I don't think I can explain how cathartic the water is for all of us. I have always loved the water... river, lake, pool, or ocean ... it's calming effects, rhythmic sounds, smells. It was just incredible to see how the kids reacted to it. We could have stayed several more hours and they wouldn't have tired of it. It was hypnotic.

Did I mention the sand? Cooper tasted one bite and decided that it was better between the toes than in the mouth. "The bigs" chased, dug, ran, buried, rolled, climbed and tumbled down sand hills until I wondered how they'd ever have the strength to stand up again.

It was a totally impromptu trip... but one DEFINITELY orchestrated by God. More of that later. I just love that they are still talking about that day. No TV, friends, playdates, or video games. Just water, wind.... and SAND.

Beach Babes (and babies).... Part One

As luck would have it, Weko Beach was only about 10 miles from Lemon Creek Winery/Orchard. We visited once before, on an impromptu get-away right before the start of school. We love the Lake Michigan beaches this time of year... still warm enough for sand and water exploration... but not throngs of people. That's important when you are trying to supervise four very independent little people.

Keep in mind, we had NO plans to visit a beach when we took off in the morning .. so we had no suits, no toys, no towels. I don't think they minded. The waves were big, the sand was plenty, and the soft pretzels came with cheese (and a fantastic view).

Lemon Creek Winery/Orchard

Anyone who knows us is well aware of our affection for all things wine-related in Michigan. Lemon Creek Winery has expanded in recent years to include u-pick fruits of all varieties. They also have a tasting room, some chilled bottles and an asundry of cheeses and crackers. Alas, we were not able to convince the children to "sit quietly while we went to the tasting room." Another day perhaps. In about 10 years.

We were able to ride the hayride to the fields and pick peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, and raspberries to our heart's content. Or, in our case, when the kids became convinced they were too "smokin' hot" to continue.

Everyone had a great time but Cooper was truly in his element... all the sticks, farm dogs, and fruit he could eat. I'm quite sure we would have never let Emma just walk around eating fruit off the ground, but somehow... we just let him be. And he couldn't have been happier.

Spontaneous? Who Us?

I don't know if spontaneous would be the first adjective to roll off my lips when describing our family. I'ts not that we don't love the IDEA of spontaneity, it just isn't always practical.

So imagine our surprise when we woke up Sunday morning with no plans. We were loving it... made a big breakfast, finished a pot of coffee, laying around in our jammies.... when it hit us. A memory... followed by an idea.

Remember last year when we drove to Michigan to that orchard to pick peaches? How far was that? Where was it? Hmmm...

I'll post more about how much fun we had, but for now, here are some orchard pictures that I think are just "delicious."

Prayers for Papa Update....

Thank you to everyone (near and far) who have called, emailed, and prayed. Proof positive that I know some of the best prayer warriors out there!

Our prayers were answered and he has come through surgery and recovery better than expected. As of last night, he is off the ventilator, moved to a regular room, and has been up and walking with PT. Those of us who have worked in ICU know what a miracle that is.

We'll be able to visit with him soon at home. I'm sure he'll appreciate a (short) visit by the grandkids to help pass the time. Thanks again friends. God Bless!

Prayers for Papa

Calling all prayer warriors!

Tomorrow my father will go in for surgery to address an aneursym and also bilateral leg bypass. While we do not expect anything outside of routine, we'd all appreciate some prayers on his behalf for a successful surgery and a speedy and complete recovery.

Get well soon Papa ... the fish are waiting (and so are the grandkids!)

Thanks guys... we'll keep you "posted."