Summer... Here we Come!

I cannot believe the amazing weather today.  I just want to sit outside in the sun and feel the warmth on my skin.  This is the weather we've all been longing for and I think we have a few days of it before it returns to normal spring temps.  Not that I'll complain about those either - but these 70's are to die for!

I took the picture above after lunch today.  Pay special attention to Olivia's outfit.  She has her shirt on inside out (because there was apple sauce on the front of it... makes sense huh?) with only one sleeve on, her leggings on backwards and her winter ugg replicas on but unzipped.  What a gal.  She definitely keeps me on my toes.

We had an appointment at Children's Hospital eye clinic this morning and found out that she is going to need glasses.  Oddly enough this has nothing to do with the JRA although that is what they were looking for.  She is extremely far-sighted and it's very lucky that we caught it now because it probably would have waited until she was in school and having troubles.  Now we can hopefully avoid that.  The doctor seems to think after getting used to how they feel on her face she will want to wear them because they will help her see so much better.  I'm not sure he knows my little Olivia.  We will hopefully pose this as a piece of jewlery, a new type of sunglasses, or something that "Pinkalicious" would wear and keep our fingers crossed that she buys it.  Otherwise we may be in for the struggle of our lives. :)

Next week I will be on spring break and will find a place to get her glasses... I'll post pictures then!

A Quick Visit to Chicago

Last weekend we drove down to Chicago after Braden was finished attending a friend's birthday party.  The whole trip was just perfect.  The drive down went smooth.  Norah slept the entire way while Braden and Olivia watched The Little Mermaid.  It actually gave Steve and I a chance to visit which rarely happens on car rides.  

Once there we relaxed for a short bit and then headed to Lincoln Park Zoo.  We were only there for a little while before it closed but it was great to walk around outside, breathe in the fresh air and spend time with family.  My parents made the trip as well so it ended up being all 9 of us.

Back at Sam and Em's we ate delicious pizza and then celebrated their birthdays with cupcakes and presents.  Returning to the car with only a quick stop at Starbucks had us home by 10pm.

Sam and Em are moving to the Twin Cities this summer.  I am now realizing how much I am going to miss having them close. We weren't able to see them as often as we both would have liked but it was just nice knowing they were there.  I feel so lucky to have Sam for a brother.  He is one of the most amazing men I know and I really appreciate his perspective on things, his honesty and his giant heart.  I'm sure we'll still make trips to see each other - although less frequent - so Sam and I will have to be better about staying in touch over the phone and email.

Thanks everyone for a wonderful visit - short and sweet - but appreciated none the less. :)

Skiing in CO

Steve met a few friends in Colorado at the end of February.  This has become an annual trip to look forward to!  Isn't the view amazing?  Steve is obviously on the left, then Dan and Ron.  Dan is a great friend that Steve has met through the Industry and Ron was his boss at the National Sports Forum.

Kevin, the tall guy :), is on the Steering Committee for the Forum with Dan, Steve and of course Ron.

The National Sports Forum has really been a blessing in our lives.  When Steve took the job in San Diego we weren't sure what it would amount to.  It has helped Steve grow professionally and continues to do so each year.  Ron is an incredible mentor as is his wife Christy(to me).  They have raised three really neat kids who are as different as they come.  It's amazing how they fit it all in.  Both Ron and Christy have their own businesses and yet family time seems to always be a priority.  We're lucky to have the Forum as well as the Seavers (Ron and Christy) in our lives.

I love this picture.  I think Steve looks very handsome and it's great to see him doing something for himself.  He doesn't get very much time to do things he loves so hopefully this annual trip continues for a long time.  Maybe someday Braden will join him!

All Smiles!

This child smiles more than anyone I know! :)

A Long Way To Go!

My mom left her camera with me so that I could do some practicing and decide if investing in a good camera is the way to go or not.  I just cannot get over what a difference in picture quality there is from a point and shoot.  The colors are more vibrant and I'm able to capture those moments because there isn't a lag between pressing the button and capturing the shot.

I had fun today with the kids... I have a long way to go.  I'd think I was going to have this perfect shot only to take it and realize there was a shadow in the way that I hadn't seen or something of the sort.  I love pictures and trying to capture moments, moods, feelings and just the looks on their faces.  Thanks mom for letting me play.

Olivia's Buddy Andrew

Olivia has grown up in Braden's shadow as I am sure most second children do.  She plays with "his" friends, goes to "his" school, and pretty much wants to be and do anything he is and does.

The last two months we have had Andrew over on Thursdays while his Nana and Papa enjoyed some sunshine in Florida.  Olivia LOVES Andrew.  She thinks that he is "her" friend and she squeals whenever he arrives.  Andrew is very sweet with her.  He often obliges to her demands to play babies, princesses or have a picnic.

The latest at our house is playing just that - house.  She conned Andrew into playing yesterday and I found her sitting on his lap.  She was the baby and he was taking care of her.  He fed her, then she curled up on the floor and he covered her up with a blanket.

I don't know that he'll appreciate these pictures later but man oh man did they put a smile on my face yesterday!

Mr. Basketball

Steve got a hold of the High School Basketball Jersey that he wore to the State Tournament the year they won.  As you can see it appears to have shrunk a little. :)  He has played basketball for many years and just recently had to cut it out due to his travel. He's hoping to start playing in a Monday night pick-up league again which I think would be great for him.

You look just like you did 15+ years ago sweetie!!!  I love you. :)

Hiking with Papa

My dad came down and took Braden hiking last Friday.  The day couldn't have been more beautiful.  Braden had a wonderful time and can't wait for their next adventure.  

My mom was here as well and came with Olivia, Norah and I so that Olivia could be in a commercial.  We're not sure yet if they chose one of the takes with her in it or not.  We have a budding actress on our hands. :)

Freeze

I am way behind in my posts. Life is literally flying by ... sometimes without my knowing it.  I am trying to enjoy the moments, not stress, and absorb it all but realize that time continues wether I want it to or not.  Being back at work has been good - the transition has been relatively smooth - but the days I am home seem busier if that's possible.  

I really want to freeze my children. During a calm, peaceful moment of course. :)  I am so afraid of them growing up and not feeling like I made the most of their young years.  Being home next year will help with that.    

This picture of Braden is so telling.  This is the Braden that my heart melts for.  It's the boy who cries at sad movies, who at 5 still wants to snuggle on my lap, who wants to read every book he can get his hands on, who says please and thank you very willingly without reminders, and who gives the most gentle, sweet kisses at bedtime.  We won't talk about the "other" Braden who sneaks out because the Braden I described above is the one I want to hold forever in my heart.

This is the Olivia I'll keep in my heart and mind!!  She can light up a room with her smile and chatter.  She is quick to "take care of" anyone or anything that is sad or hurt.  She is strong willed, confident and creative.  Olivia has a thrilling imagination and absolutely LOVES to help her mama do almost anything.

 

A few weeks ago Braden and Olivia had a gymnastics open house.  My parents came down and my mom brought her camera... hence the GREAT pictures.  Here Braden is helping Olivia wait in line to walk across the balance beam.  Absolutely priceless when he takes on the big brotherly role.  That doesn't happen very often at home but in public he seems to fall into that role with more ease.

This is Braden at the end of his gymnastics!  He was very proud!  What a great kid he's becoming. :)

I hope that this blog can help me look back in future years and recapture the moments I am so afraid of losing.

Those Naughty Little Leprechauns!

Last night Braden and I set some traps for the Leprechauns!  We were very intent on catching them.  He cut some gold circles, put some money and golden caramels in a bowl. The plan was to trap them in Magnus' cage.  He went to sleep and those little Leprechauns got to work.

While we were sleeping they messed up the kitchen and the porch and left little green shamrocks and gold coins all over our house!  What stinkers they are.  They even colored our toilet water green.

The Lucky Mommy of Norah Grace!

Can you think of anything better than being greeted by this face each morning?

Or being able to play with this little bugger all day?

I am so thankful for our little Norah Grace!

Back to Work

I started back to work this week with mixed emotions. 

Fear

I was afraid of leaving the kids - especially Norah.  I knew Olivia and Braden would be just fine without me - I think they actually benefit from the interaction they receive at Kristin and Heathers' houses.  It was Norah that worried me.  She is so little, so sweet, and so mine! :)  I was afraid of missing her daily smiles, not being the one to make her happy and spending my entire work day thinking about her.

Excitement

There were traces of excitement flowing through me as well.  I really enjoy my job and love working with Kristin. I often wonder if I'll regret giving up such a wonderful situation.  It's about as perfect as they come but the longing to be home with my children is still nagging.  I think I'd regret more not trying the stay at home mom thing.  I was excited to see the class, excited to have something of my own, and excited to teach!

Sadness

Going back to work meant that Norah is already 3 months old. I don't know why I've become such a sap about them growing up but I feel like it's happening before my eyes and I have this clear vision of a teenager who wants nothing to do with me. I feel like I have to soak it all up before they grow.  This is easier some days than others!! :)

Relief

The week is obviously over and I feel much relieved.  Norah did wonderful at Heather's and Braden and Olivia seemed to enjoy the change of pace.  My two days at work (yes, I know --- what in the world am I complaining about right?) went very well and by the end of day two I felt back in the swing of things.  It's almost as though I never left.  I'm ready to absorb and enjoy what I can over the next couple of months since I'm not sure when I'll be back in the classroom.

Thankfulness

I am so thankful that I have the wonderful, loving husband that I do.  This transition was much more smooth than I had anticipated and it's in large part due to him.  He listened to me cry and dried my tears, assured me that all would be okay, dropped all three kids off at their designated spots in the morning and sent me the BEAUTIFUL flowers above on my first day back.  He has a heart of gold and I really, really appreciate the love and helpfulness he gave me this last week.  I love you honey.

Happy Birthday Kristin!

Kristin turned 40 and what a fabulous 40 she is!  She and about 50 friends partied the night away at Firefly - a local Wauwatosa restaurant/bar.  I snuck out of the house at 8pm just as Braden and Olivia were heading down for the night.  I haven't been out at night since before Norah was born so this was quite the event.  

These are many of the girls from our book club!  From left - Katie, Lexi, Kate, Stacy, Me, Sara and of course the BIRTHDAY GIRL!  We had a great time visiting, drinking wine and laughing. I was really sad when I looked at the clock and it was already after 10pm.  I had deemed that my bedtime!  I didn't make it to bed until after 11:30 but at least it was an attempt! :)

Thanks Kristin for having such a fun party and for being an awesome friend.  I love ya!

Do You See What I See?

Look closely... Do you see what I see?

LOOK AGAIN...

Yes, I'm sure you can now see the PEN that my son took to my upholstered rocker during what should have been his nap time.

MY CHILDREN ARE DESTROYING MY HOUSE!

UPDATE:

Steve and I talked after this incident today and were trying to think the "Love and Logic" way about what his punishment should be.  We decided not to cancel the plans he had tonight as they had nothing to do with him drawing on the chair and that he would have to help me figure out how to remove the ink as well as come up with something else to, "make it up to mommy."  

When he and Steve came home from their dinner he walked in with tears in his eyes and told me how sorry he was and that he had gotten me a chocolate heart because he loved me so much.  OKAY - melt my heart.  We then spent a little bit cleaning the ink off with rubbing alcohol (which worked) and the incident is behind us.

I didn't think house destruction was supposed to start until the teenage years!

The Wisconsin State of Mind

Only in Wisconsin do we get so excited for 40 degree weather that we break out the scooters and blast into the street with bells on our toes and a twinkle in our eyes!

That is exactly what's happening at my house right now!  Braden, Olivia and Evan are scooting around the front sidewalk.  They are smiling and breathing in the fresh air that we've waited so long for.  

Now... only about two more months of cold weather before we can shed the jackets!

My McKinley Cuties

TOFU

When we were young my mom would add Tofu to some mysterious meal and apparently we ate it.  When we got old enough to be influenced by stereotypes Sam and I decided that we were NOT eating Tofu - no where, no how and we gave my mom quite a run for her money.  She has never revealed what dish she hid it in... a mom never reveals her secrets!

I've had tofu a few times in my adult life and have actually liked it.  It gets a bad rap - maybe it's the name - maybe it's the appearance - who knows!  I do know however that it is very healthy and should be a bigger part of our diets.

One of our meal co-op meals this week was a multi-grain spaghetti casserole.  It had tofu in it and by gum... Braden couldn't get enough.  Steve and I talked it up and he doesn't know better yet - so he tried it and loved it.  Olivia too but she eats anything so that wasn't surprising. :)

Thanks Cheri for the yummy meal and for introducing our family to this wonderful treat! :)

The Drive

The drive from my parents driveway to our garage takes exactly 90 minutes.  It's almost a straight shot North or South depending on your origin. :)  My mom has made that drive so many times since Braden was born I truly think she could do it in her sleep.

There are months where we don't see each other much and then others - like February - when she trekked down three of the four weekends. I don't know that I've expressed my appreciation adequately for the countless miles she has put on her car and the time she's given to us.

I really appreciate your help this last month mom!  Drive on! :)

Grandma and Bapa

Happy Birthday to Grandma, Happy Birthday to Grandma, Happy Birthday to Grandma, 

Happy Birthday to You!

We celebrated Judy's birthday last weekend with a homemade chocolate cake (her favorite) and presents.  It was a treat to be together and so helpful as Steve was away skiing in Colorado.  

Grandma took Olivia to gymnastics and Bapa took Braden.  They helped with grocery shopping and meal co-op.  They helped with nap time and bed time and everything in between.  

Braden and Olivia love their grandma ... that goes without saying ... but there is just something about their Bapa that has captivated them.  He walks in the door and they are tugging at his pant leg to play, to tell them stories and to snuggle.  I think the feeling is mutual as I know Darrell comes down any chance he can get to see them.  

It's not the big events that the three of them delight in or that makes their time together special.  It's the little ones.  They love to walk outside and look at nature.  They find small bugs, talk about plants or look into the sky.  They love to snuggle inside and talk about life.  It's absolutely magical to sit and listen to them.  He can hold a discussion with them about absolutely anything.  I've heard them talking about where meat comes from, how to catch fish, the baby mammoth that is going to be in the Chicago museum this summer, and other topics I wouldn't even begin to think would interest them.  It does though - they are captivated by his stories, by his attention and his love.

Thank you Darrell and Judy for all of your help but most of all for your love for our kids.  They are lucky, lucky, lucky!

ALL ABOUT NORAH!

Norah is 12 weeks old as of yesterday or 3 months in my book!  WOW... where does the time go?

NORAH'S ALL ABOUT ME:
-I love to smile and do so a lot!
-I am talking more and more "oooooooooo"
-I take an amazing morning nap (most of the time between 1-3 hours)
-I love to watch my brother and sister play
-I am just now liking the baby bjorn - facing out
-I look super cute in the color pink
-I nap in my crib but I sleep in the co-sleeper in mommy and daddy's room at night
-I can barely make it to 5:45 for my bedtime and then I usually sleep 7-8 hours for my first stretch
-I LOVE bouncing on the exercise ball when I am fussy but I don't need it much anymore :)
-I can grab toys and am particularly fond of a taggy blanket that someone at mommy's school made me
-I am about as cute as they come!

Beautiful Snowfall

All of a sudden out of nowhere yesterday came the most beautiful snowfall.  The flakes were gigantic.  This picture is of a crabapple tree in our backyard which I find particularly beautiful.  You can't quite get the feeling with my point and shoot camera that came over us when we peered into the backyard.  It was magnificent - almost magical.  Not much came down (the snowfall was short-lived) but we enjoyed it while it lasted.