my life....

Summer fun

Hope you all are having some fun this summer.  We sure have!  We have been living at the beach, such a change from last year!  Last year the boys had summer camp in the mornings (well Kyle 5 days and Cade 3) then the afternoons were full with either, swim lessons, tennis lessons, rock climbing or taekwon do ( I think that is how you spell it).  This year the boys only did summer camp.  They both were in M-F from 9-12 so I got to spend the mornings running all my chores without the help of the boys and the afternoons have been spent at the beach, with a pool day every now and then.  I just love the carefree, relaxed summer we are having :).  The sand all over I could do without, but you have to take the good with the bad as I say!

Summer camp is now over and we have spent the last 2 days being soooo lazy.  We went to the library yesterday and I let the boys get all three Indian Jones films and three of the Harry Potters.  They are having a great time watching the action flicks and it has allowed me to watch the Thomas Crown Affair and Sweet Home Alabama (the movie's I checked out).  I have seen both so many times I have lost count, but I love them and the mood they put me in after watching them!

We are taking Maddie to a new vet (I was not happy with our old one) and we have taken her off the cushing disease medicine.  It just was not working for her.  Her arthritis's has been masked by the Cushing disease and with her on that medicine it made it really bad...I could not stand to see the Cushing medicine make her liver better, but compromise her way of living.  Plus, she slept ALL the time, not wanting to be in the room with us anymore and  that just was not what I wanted for her!  We will see what comes next as we watch and wait...but at least she is not long in pain and wants to be with us again.

Trey is continuing to train for the Chicago marathon is October...I am so proud of him as I hate and can not run.   He ran this 12 mile run last Saturday and will add a mile each Saturdayuntil he does 22 miles 3 weeks before the marathon (he runs during the week too, but much less amounts).

I have been enjoying the social life.  I saw Mamma Mia with a friend and LOVED it, did not know it would be such the musical, but loved it.  I have been planning a trip to Europe that my mom and I will take in April/May 2009, and found out a great friend from CA most likely will be moving to the Chicago area.  Needless to say, I am tickled pink to have a Californian to get to play with....

The boys are great.  Thinking about doing the ice hockey thing in the fall/winter for them.  Have them signed up for a trial run to see if they like it, then will sign them up.  Hopefully, they will be padded so well they won't get hurt.  Everyone says it is different now...well see....I don't want my "babies" missing teeth and having a bunch of scars all over there sweet faces:). Cade continues to baffle us with his ailments.  He had his first major asthma attack last week (so, no he has not out grown it as we thought) and this week had a very weird virus thing.  He does keep Trey, me and the Dr' (s) on our toes!

We are off the beach before we join some great friends for pizza and wine (the latter for us Mom's only). 

Cowboy day at camp! 

 

a little sparkler fun!!!! 

sisters

I  HATE goodbyes....and today I had to say that to my sister and niece and nephew.  In fact, this might take a while 'cause as I type the tears keep coming down!

I LOVE that I have a sister....not just any sister...but my best friend too.  I love that we have been best friends our entire life (I like to block out 1986-1993...when we were both to busy for each other and thought we did not need each other in our life as much)!

I had a great last 7 day visit with my sister and her kids (sorry you could not make it Tim), but it also makes me so sad as I realize how much I miss being close to them!  Jill and I did not have cousins, so seeing Kyle and Cade with there's brings such joy to my life. :)

We did the beach thing and the pool twice, endured desert like heat to visit the Lincoln Park zoo...it was even to hot for the camels...but my favorite thing was going to see Sex and the City with her and going for drinks and dinner after.  It is not often that we get time for just us two...what and treat it was...full of great memories too :).

So if you have a sister or brother...take a moment and give them a call and be thankful for the siblings you have....specially if they live close by.....time goes by so quickly....enjoy your family!

 

4th of July 2008

out of 151 picture these were the only one with just our boys in them...hence the only ones I can post...

the little black thing is Darth Vader (just in case your were wondering)

 

Kyle decided to go the more "red, white and blue" theme...

difficult...

That is what I am having with this blog in the summer time.  I am finding out I am having a hard time posting during the warm summer months.  In the winter, it is dark here at 4:30.  By 7:00 I am looking for something to do to try and stay awake until 9:00.  With it not getting dark here until 9:00, the evening are just flying by.  The boys are not in bed until 9:00 most night...which has been leaving little time for "me time" or to blog.

Today, we finished up our book/bible group that had been meeting for the past 4 weeks.  We read the most amazing book called The Shack by William P. Young.  As most of you know me, I am not an extremely religious person.  I believe in God, but chose not to discuss my beliefs with others and rather people don't with me (hint...I do not like to be preached too or told to read rather preachy books).  So I was nervous about reading a book that talked about your relationship with God.  Well, this book was not preachy and a pleasure to read....I am sad it is over (both the book and the group).  It address alot of different area's, but really deals with death, forgiveness and the struggles we all have with it and Him.  It was the perfect book to read after Susan's death this past March.

I have been getting ready for a visit from my sister, niece and nephew...they arrive tomorrow.  I can hardly wait...It has been good to have company coming...I have tackled many "small" projects around the house that have needed to get done but I needed a little motivation to get working on them.  I made a bed frame for Kyle's room,  painted and moved a chest of drawers by the entry to store gloves and hat for winter months,  and Trey helped my put down new wood chips in the backyard swing set area (really he did it all, but I supervised :) ).

We have still had plenty of fun through all the projects though.  We have been to the beach and pool regularly and have been lucky enough to be going to many friends houses for fantastic BBQ's.  I do love summer, hot days, long nights, cool drinks and nights spent with great friends.  I know we all enjoy summer time, but up here in chi-town youreally do appreciate the warmth and beauty of it after enduring a long colda** winter!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Today, please take a moment and be thankful for this great country we get to live in. We are so blessed to have men and woman that are fighting for our freedom everyday....hang you flag high today and be proud to be an AMERICAN!!!!

We have already kicked off your 4th with face painting, tattoos, bike decorating and bead making.  All the Dad's are currently playing in a softball game at the park...I can hear the cheering now!  At 3:30 the parade of the kids will begin, followed by sack and three-legged races, tug of war, apple dunk, balloon toss, Daddy piggy back and a pinata to top is all off.  The street is blocked off and the kids will have a very old fashion 4th of July block party.

Whatever your 4th of July plans are I hope you have a very happy and safe one!

already gone...

boy did that happen fast...the baby cardinals are gone.  With in one week those little almost featherless baby birds grow up and left the nest! 

Somedays it seems like the boys are leading the life of the birds and others I feel like I have been a Mom for 20 years...not just 7 years.  Today, fortunately was a great, they are growing up so quickly, day.  The boys had summer camp this morning, then we spent the afternoon at the beach.  It was the perfect beach day too, not to hot, not to cold, just perfect!  After we got home the boys spent the evening playing Wii without one fight breaking out...I don't think that has EVER happened before...could they really be growing up :) !

Other happening, my dad had double knee surgery today.  I owe my sister big time, as she helped out Mom with some running around so Mom could stay and keep a watchful eye on Dad. Dad is expected to make a full recovery and be back out on the fairways in three weeks.  Maddie is adjusting well to her new VERY expensive medicine.  She now is showing signs of arthritis (now that her cortisone levels are down) and have added arthritis meds to the thyroid meds and the cushionings med.  She is become one expensive old lady! Also, my partner in crime, blog friend in CA's MIL had what sounds to be a massive heart attack this pass weekend.  She was taken off life support yesterday, and some how is still with the family.  My heart and prayers go out to you all.  Also have a great Uncle who is not doing well after a baseball size tumor was discover and while operating to remove it, had a heart attack.  Will keep you posted as the two progress.

Enjoy your kids, husband, family and friend's tonight...each and every day we have with them is precious!

Quote

"I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends."

                                    ---Nancie J Carmody

 

I dear friend from CA sent this to me....I just love the saying....only wish she lived closer so I could clean up after she was at my house.

found....

While out watering today I saw a beautiful red cardinal fly past me into some bushes.  A bunch of squawking took place then he flew out.  The nosy thing that I am, I went and found a nest with 2 to 3 babies in it.  This is as close as Mom and Dad would let me get.... 

 

I could see two for sure...but think a third was in there too!  The best is a star-burst wrapper that they used for the nest...no doubt from our yard and from the boys just tossing the wrappers on the ground....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a close up...boy there sure are ugly when they are little...I hope they are all boys....they are so much prettier that the girl cardinals!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In other news, Cade made a candy pizza in art class today at summer camp.  It had M & M's, gummy bears, star-bursts and a large Oreo cookie I was told.  Once Kyle heard this his nose was all out of joint, because they only did a picture in art today...the injustices of it all!!!!

Am off to enjoy the beach with the boys!

i'm backkkkkk......

Well, after taking a break from blog land, I am back with pictures, stories and memories to share with you all from the last 18 days!

Our first adventure to kick off summer was a trip to CA.  Now, I know I will be in A LOT of trouble for not telling you all I was coming or calling while there...I had the best of intentions of calling you all to schedule get together's, but with my back issue and the short time I was there it just never happened.  I am truly sorry for that...as you all are the reason I do this blog.  One day I do hope to come to CA and get the time to visit with you all...I do extend an invitation to you to come to Chicago for a visit...summer here is beautiful and the winter can offer you a winter wonderland.

Back to the CA trip.... Me and the boys had a great trip even with my bad back (Trey was in AZ for his yearly boys golf outing).  The boys had a great time with there cousins...Aunt Jill, Uncle Tim, Grammy and Grandpa were hits too...but Andrew and Lizzy get the boys going!

First excursion was the water park in Grammy and Grandpa's community...Now that the kids are old enough we (Grammy, Aunt Jill and me) could relax on the lounge chairs while the kids ran all over the water park...it was a first, and one I really enjoyed!

Kyle, Andrew, Cade and Lizzy...water babies!!!

 

 

 

Next up was Disney...we (Grammy, the boys and me) had a ball, my bulging disc did not!  After 11 hours of walking around and pushing the boys I could barley walk...Mom even offered to get me a wheel chair to exit the park in.  I took one for the team on this day, but it was worth it!

Cade, Kyle and Grammy in Tarzan's tree house (use to be Smith Robinson tree house).

Me and the boys waiting in line at the Haunted house.

 

 

 

Last up was a trip to the beach.  The weather did not cooperate (we only stayed for 45 minutes) but the boys had a ball splashing in the ocean waves...thanks Mom for playing life guard as I recouped from all the Disney walking :)

Thank goodness the boys both seem to have the love of the ocean as I do...pure joy and delight!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once home summer camp began...they go from 9-12 M-F.  For the first time in 7 years I get three hours to myself daily (well M-F).  Now I did think I would have all this time on my hands, but with a mammogram, vet visits, book club meeting at my house, planning the neighborhood 4th of July party with another gal and all the other everyday stuff to do I have just seen the time fly by....but I do hope to get a couple of days here and there to relax and watch summer.

First day of summer camp...don't know who is more excited...Mom or the boys!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, we spent this past weekend up at our dear friends parents Lake House in Wisconsin with another couple.   It was so much fun to hang with friends that you truly love, value and cherish.  There was 3 couples with 7 kids total....  We did it all...drank, ate and were merry.  Thanks S & P for a great weekend!  

Canoing...one little, two little, three little Indians...

tubing...hold on tight!

Our view from the house....nature at it's best...a gorgeous sunset.

Wrapping up an action packed day with a bone fire and smores!

my peonies

I have always LOVED peonies, but have never lived anywhere would I could grow them (I guess there is something to be said about the cold Chicago winters here).  Well, after 2 months of babying my peonies plant, it finally opened up one of it's blooms.  I have 12 others of the verge of blooming too!  I just had to share the beauty of this flower....I think it is the pretties flower ever!