Fall Fun Begins

I love fall. Love it Love it Love it. (And really loved it last night when my Badgers pulled out an amazing victory against the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes!)

This weekend was our real first feel of fall. It's been in the 40s at night this week, the leaves are starting to turn and fall festivals are abundant.

We started off on Friday shaky with a phone call from daycare around 3:15 "Jack has a stomach bug" so early pickup and home we went. However it was apparent after a few hours that whatever it was, wasn't long lasting, and even more apparent as he finished off a big supper with no after effects. We also got a welcome phone call from Linda and Joe Grauwels, long time friends of my parents - you know, those friends that no matter what direction life takes, they will be there - and set some plans in motion to meet up on Saturday, since they are visiting Birmingham with relatives. And meet up we did. Duke and I picked up Linda in Chelsea and brought her to see the house and have lunch and visit. It was so wonderful to share a glimpse of our life here with someone from home.  It would have been better to get Jack to join us for the photo op, but I'll take what I can get.

Sunday brought a wonderful morning at church - gotta love having Pastor Chris deliver another wonderful message which closed with one of my most favorite verses, "Be very careful , then, how you live --not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Ephesians 5:15-17

And for the afternoon, we wisely took the kids, along with Adam and Crystal, Elli and Noah to the Grand Ole' Pumpkin Patch for some fall fun.

Yes, that is Jack - NO FEAR on the bouncer slides.  Duke, feared, until he did it once, then ALL ABOUT IT!  But didn't catch him on film unfortunately!

We skipped the overpriced tractor and hay rides, since we can do that at home for free :) and I think the guys might consider the $25 helicopter rides next year, but there were bounce houses, a pettting zoo (ok, a few rabbits in a hutch, two pot bellied pigs, a couple puppies, some goats and a few ponies and cows which wanted nothing to do with any of us, and then - pony rides!   The last of which would have been better if either of my children had actually done it and my oldest not decided as we left our turn in line that he really wanted to go after all.   That's ok, I don't mind that feeling of having my heart ripped out as I have to tell my child, "I'm sorry baby, you missed your turn and we can't go back (because there are 30 more people in line)"...hopefully it will be one of those life lessons learned, right?  Let's just say, I'm at least lucky that we got a few photo opps prior to that episode - though side note - he did catch on pretty quick to the situation and what consequences he would face if he didn't get himself together, so Natalie I can admit to progress outside of the house too!  Plus, FINALLY a new family photo (not perfect but do-able) - only about a year overdue!

We capped off the day with a last minute decision for a campfire in the fire pit and roasting hot dogs and smore's with the Schobers while the kids ran around playing until dark (7pm here these days).   A perfect end to an "unplanned" weekend. 

Did I mention I LOVE fall?

Weather...Schmeather!

We hosted our 2nd Memorial Day Party in the Countryside on Sunday this weekend. And although the weather had been forecasted to be miserable...and in many places in Birmingham, it was...we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!

Last year was going to be tough to beat, with fantastic sun and skies. We were certainly hoping for that to duplicate this year, with having the lake as an added attraction that we prepared with extra kayaks and a water trampoline. All week we watched as a tropical depression hung over Florida and the gulf coast and prayed it might miraculously disappear. And although the morning was miserable with rain and we moved the tables into the garage/barn just in case, at noon the skies parted and by 2pm it was sunny, hot and beautiful, perfect weather for fun in the lake and with friends. And apparently our place was in the minority, since just a few miles up the road it poured cats and dogs all day! I guess we had angels looking over us after all!

Thanks to all of you that stuck it out and took the chance - we were so glad to have you out to our place and enjoyed every minute of you being here! You all brought wonderful food to share, and it's always great to see how all the kids are growing. From the big kids who are kayaking and catching more frogs and toads than I would have thought possible, to the little ones that are making new creations in the sandbox. It's so great to get out of the normal routine of life and take a day to spend with all our friends, old and new, as well as their extended family and friends. And a big thanks to Aunt Kay, Crystal, and all of you that played "Hey, keep eyes on my kid(s) a minute!" for me while I ran inside to grab this that or the other needed item. And Angela for helping me do a little clean up at the last call of the night.

Here are some photos, again, I wish I'd have snapped more, guess there's always next year!

Amazing things happen to those who are patient

Waiting is just not fun, anticipation can be, such as in the birth of a child. Most of us are familiar with seeing that pink line on a pregnancy test at somewhere between 6 weeks and 3 months into a pregnancy...the shorter end if you are trying like mad to make a baby and the longer end if you are hoping like mad it's just a fluke and #.... isn't really coming so soon after the last one!

Well, imagine waiting nearly 3 years for the birth of your baby. Somewhere the anticipation loses it's muster and becomes waiting. But then, as the waiting lingers, you learn the art of patience and just then is when the most amazing reward for not allowing the patience to become impatient...you see your baby for the very first time!

I am trying, and probably horribly at that, to describe what I imagine my dear friend from years gone by, Sian and her husband Brette and daughter Ava, have just experienced. They have just announced the confirmation of the adoption of their second daughter!

I am so happy for them and excited for this next journey the three will take to China to welcome their little girl to the amazing amount of love they have built up to give her.

Congratulations McDonald family of four! I am so thrilled for your excitement! There is nothing more amazing than the addition of a new baby to a family! Enjoy every minute of this new adventure!

THE HEART SPEAKS MUCH...

Today, sadly, I attended another funeral service. This time, again, though I did not know the deceased, his daughter has become like family to me and Jack. Mid week, Jack's teacher, Michelle, learned of the sudden passing of her father. I know it has been an especially difficult situation, and there are many emotions she is having to face.

In all of this however, what I am most impressed with is Michelle's ability to be strong, for herself, for her daughter Lexi who is just in 1st grade, for her grandmother who lost a son at just 47 years old.

There is something about Michelle that has always struck me as special. From first meeting her last September when she was a new teacher at Odyssey and Jack was one of her first "kids", I can say it is a rare thing to be around someone that truly shows compassion and care for children as she does. And as much love and sweetness as she showers the kids in her care all day long, I have absolutely no doubt she doubles that for her own children at the end of what can only be a very long day among 1 & 2 year olds. Lexi and Cain are two of the most polite, well mannered, sweet children I have had the pleasure to meet.

So, my heart and prayers this week go out to Michelle, Lexi and Cain, and also for the man in her life - Jonathan, who seems to also have found how special she is. Jack has been blessed to be in Michelle's care since last September, the longest relationship he's had with anyone on a daily basis other than me and Cory. With us living away from home and family, it's people like Michelle that make us feel like Birmingham is truly our home and that we do have our own "family" here!

A Tribute

Today I attended the funeral for Brooke Paracca Isbell (see yesterday's blog for more info). I can't even describe the grief that filled the room for this young wife and mother of two, she was just 31 years old. Although we all agree she lives on, it still will take time for those that loved her to truly move on and understand this life cut short. And through all of this, her mother, my friend Penny, has still not been told of her death as everyone agrees that due to Penny's delicate condition, she would probably not survive the news. On a dark day, however there was good news - Penny spoke for the first time today since being put on life support two weeks ago. On Wednesday, March 26th they didn't believe she'd make it through the night but she continues to prove the doctors wrong.

I wanted to share with everyone the poem that was included at the service. It gave me solace during a service that was more difficult than any I have ever attended, and in this case I had never even met Brooke, her husband Anthony or her boys, Bailey (10) and Peyton (3). It speaks to the strength of this family.

To Those I Love

When I am gone, just release me,

Let me go - so I can move into my afterglow.

You mustn't tie me down with your tears;

let's be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess how much

you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

but now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,

then let your grief be comforted with trust.

It's only for a while that we must part,

so bless the memories within your heart.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home."

(Author Unknown)

Shout to American Idol!

I'm not a die hard American Idol fan. It's a rare thing for me to get both kids to bed and things organized for the next day before 8pm and so I usually miss most of the show, but I do catch it when I can. Last night I tuned in and caught the last hour of the Idol Gives Back show. It was pretty interesting, seeing all the places they plan to honor with gifts, all related to poverty stricken areas. But the last performance of the show gave me a whole new respect for AI and if I knew who made the call to have this season's contestants perform it, I would give him/her a medal. Imagine my shock and suprise as Ryan Seacrest announced they would be singing "Shout to the Lord"! I nearly fell out of my chair that on network television in a prime spot, on a prime show, that a praise & worship song would be featured! It was both amazing and wonderful and much, much overdue! Maybe there is hope for America yet!

On a side note, for those of you that find it in your heart to pray for others in need, I have two families I'd like you to put on your prayer lists for the weeks to come.

First, Penny Paracca, a fellow board member of mine from Birmingham's Children's Hospital Auxiliary has been fighting an unknown illness since October last year. She has been in and out of the hospital, has endured multiple surgeries, fought high blood pressure problems and is now on full dialysis. They aren't certain of the source of each problem or the diagnosis for her. Two weeks ago, she was rushed, unconcious to the emergency room and spent a week on life support before they could wean her off. Her husband, Bill, is the most faithful person I have ever encountered. Throughout this entire process he has continued to believe and profess that Penny will be cured and his positive demeanor and faith is an inspiration. This week however, even worse news. In what seems to be a tragic accident, Penny & Bill's daughter Brooke was found dead in her garage on Monday morning. At this time, they believe she may have slipped and hit her head, fatally. Brooke and her husband have two young boys, 10 & 3. So for this family that has endured so much in the last 6 months, and just had this laid upon them, please say a prayer for their continued faith and healing.

Second, my dear college friend Kerry Curtis wrote tonite to share that she is at her father's bedside in northern WI as he is undergoing chemotherapy for bone cancer. Kerry herself has been dealing with an auto immune problem for nearly a year which had them believing for some time that she was facing cancer. Thankfully that does not seem to be the case for her, although I am sure she is still dealing with other issues due to her diagnosis. Now she has to be strong at her father's side as he fights for his life. Please pray for her strength during this difficult time.