Ten Years

Jack and I have officially been married for 10 years as of tonight.  That is a long time!  Of course, it's nothing like the 40 my parent's just celebrated, but still, for someone who still feels like she relates to her high school youth group kids and still looks around my house from time to time wondering whose kids (meaning my boys) these all are, that's a long time! 

Recently, a friend noticed the sole wedding picture we still have up on our piano and commented, "My, you guys were just babies (when you got married)!"  While true (I was just 21 and Jack 23), I take that to mean we have visibly aged.  In some ways, I'm totally fine with that.  I have no desire to go back to the insecurities of being 21.  I am way more confident in myself and my body now than I was at that age.  (As a side note, I had this same conversation with my sisters while out for dinner at the same location as a high school prom after we heard some beautiful 18 year-olds discussing their "back fat".)  On the other hand, when Jack told me tonight (while at Bonefish enjoying a martini and some bang-bang shrimp) that my under-eye bags looked like I got socked in the face, I longed for the uninterrupted sleep of my youth.  (...And I'm certain that Jack, too, longs for the hairline of his youth.) 

In ten years we have been through home improvements, jobs, travel, infertility, twins and then one more, and so much more on top of that.  There have been a lot of changes, a lot of laughs, a lot of tears, and a lot of fun.  I'm not sure where I saw us "in 10 years" 10 years ago, but I think this is right where we are meant to be.



I have the best mom ever -- she sent us these for our anniversary today!

Mr. Independent

Lucas is my baby.  He's already a year and half (well, next Tuesday, officially) and most of the time he certainly thinks he's 3 like the other boys, but he is my baby.  I love his baby words (he still says  "hawwow" into the phone or "beebee" whenever he sees his face in the mirror or "Melmo" instead of Elmo).  I love his chubby baby legs and cheeks.  I love when he runs.  I love when he naps.  In fact, that's the only time he's not trying to keep up -- when he's napping.  The twins and I really enjoy his nap time as we can get out all the games and do all the things that are just too cumbersome with our little Lukie-menace running around (the Memory game or the Chuggington game is a little tricky when someone keeps moving / stealing the pieces).  But even with nap time, he's asserted his independence.  He no longer "needs" to snuggle to sleep -- he'd rather cuddle with his dragon and Elmo on his own.  Spoon feeding?  No way.  Cut off his corn (from the cob) for him?  No thanks.  Help him climb on the couch?  I've got it, mom.  My baby will not be left in the dust behind his brothers. 

I can do it myself, mom.

Keepin up with the brothers.

Still keepin up with the brothers.

Exhuasted.  Snuggle time with daddy.

Dancing in the Breezeway

Spring Garage Sale

Today wrapped up my two-day garage sale to try to get rid of some of my excess baby boy clothes.  While we may not be done yet (and chances are we'd have another boy), I just have WAYYY too much stuff so ... $350 in my pocket later, I'm a happy gal!  Of course, the Alger Heights garage sale weekend happened to coincide with Jack's annual golf weekend and, of course, Lucas decided to catch a stomach flu bug... but regardless, I'm calling the weekend a success.  And to wrap a nice bow on it, my last sale was to a 50 year old dude with an apparent shoe fetish who picked up three pairs of black strappy sandals to "add to his collection."


Tyler and Sam hanging out at the garage sale
(they actually were having fun, despite the frowny faces).



Two days of picnic breakfasts and dinners.



Tyler after packing up the sale on day 2 (I feel ya baby, I'm exhausted too!).

On a separate note, with our membership at the Kroc Center, we get to go to the Children's Museum free during May so we checked it out last week.  It is such a cool place filled with toys, toys, and more toys for kids (I guess that's what you'd expect). 



Lukie!



Tyler & Lucas go grocery shopping (lots of produce!).



Daddy and Tyler outside the museum.




Mommy & Sam with the legos.



Sam in the mirror triangle tunnel.



Daddy, Tyler and Lukie play in the kitchen.

Spring! Finally!

The last week of weather has run the whole spectrum: rain (lots and lots and lots of rain), snow, sleet, sun, clouds, and finally warmth!!  We have finally been able to go outside without winter coats!  The spring jackets were out this week and today, we even brought out short sleeves!  No coats!  Finally! 

Tyler working with tools on his bike.

Sam working with tools on his bike.

Sam and Ty play in the dirt (making "sand" castles).

The Playground!

Lucas plays in the sunshine.

No water, but still fun in the pool!

April 20

Why is it that some days just seem to attract drama?   In general, April 20 (and 19th) mark historically sad days: The Columbine shootings, the Waco, Texas/ Branch Davidian massacre, Oklahoma City bombing, and even this week (while not on the same date), the Boston Marathon bombing.  Terrible, awful stuff happens in this fallen, sinful world and it kind of seems this time frame is ripe for drama.  

But personally, this date marks a number of dramatic (happy and sad) events for me and my family.  One year ago today, my Aunt Jan lost her years long battle with cancer.  She was way too young, but she was loved, loved the Lord, and lived a great life with family.  It was sad but also a relief that she was finally pain free and Home. 
Other years have been marked with dramatic JOY.  April 20th is my mom's birthday and the 19th is my parent's anniversary (their 40th was this year!), so that's always something to celebrate.  But 4 years ago today was truly The Best Day Ever.  Not only was it my mom's birthday, but also my sister-in-law Dana gave birth to my precious nephew Joshua.  And if that wasn't enough, that morning, I took my first blood pregnancy test and it was positive!  After 2+ years of praying and trying, we finally had positive news.  I still tear up remembering those phone calls. 

As I look at my precious boys playing together today (sometimes nicely, sometimes not), I am thankful for this date without drama this year. 

Shootin Hoops & Lukie Dancin

While this may look crazy, loud, and like an accident waiting to happen, I have a feeling some of my moms-of-boys friends (or sisters ... ) know this chaos all too well.

Just a typical Monday night.