All the comforts

Just like all of us have our comfy loves, so does Rookie the dog.  I decided to paint our door this weekend and while I pulled out an old sheet to cover the floors out popped Rookies “baby” from when he was a puppy.  All of us, including Rookie I’m sure, thought this was gone years ago.  It has been pretty funny watching a 100 pound dog walk around with a little pink poodle in his mouth but it does bring back the puppy in him.  He has been so gentle with it and surprisingly hasn’t even attempted to tear it up.  If you ask him where his baby is he will go running and bring it back to you being ever so careful not to let you take it. 

This week my youngest girl cousin had her first baby; baby Brayden was born on Tuesday morning. I have only seen pictures since she lives in Colorado but from what I have seen he sure is adorable.  It is crazy to think that she is just starting what we started just 11 years 11 months and 360 days ago.  Yep, my baby boy turns 12 on Friday.  As you hold that precious little one in your arms for the first time you really do not have any idea how fast your life will go.  What fears you had for yourself will seem irrelevant because from the moment that little one is born your entire life will be consumed with everything that relates to the welfare of that child. 

I read on another blog that is written by a young mom.  She blogged that she has a good relationship with her parents, they still say “I love you” before saying goodbye on the phone or in person yet it is still hard for her to ’get’ that she is to them what her son is to her.  The other day she was at her parents’ home watching her son play and her dad says “you kinda love him, huh?” she replies “yeah, kinda” with a wink and then adds how sometimes she feels like she loves him more than anyone has ever loved anyone else.”  Her mom and dad looked at each other and laughed and replied “And you’ve only known him less than two years!  Just wait until it’s been almost 28 years." Her dad leaned over to her and smiled as he hugged her and said “You’ll love him even more”.  These words actually brought tears to my eyes.  This really goes both ways.  From parents to their kids and kids to their parents; I find that I grow more and more in love with my kids as they grow and my love for my own parents deepens the older I get.  Then there is Blaine…I really feel like we are growing up best friends, how many people these days can say they have been with the love of their life since they were 15; and still miss them in the middle of a work day, feel the world is ending if they are not coming home that night, and are just happy to sit quietly doing nothing as long as their hand is in yours. I have said it many times before but I will never tire of saying “I am blessed".

Yesterday Justin had his first football games of the season, he played three 20 minute games, and I am happy to report that they were undefeated .  These games don’t technically count towards the season; as Justin says…this is our preseason, but all the while they are still wins to me.  The past 2 years the Cobber’s have only lost 1 game (we try to forget about that one) so to start out the season this way sure sets the tone for the year.

During the 2^nd game I was able to stop visiting with friends for a little while to shoot some pictures and was lucky to get some of Justin’s best plays of the day.

Here he is doing some blocking.

Here he is getting the hand off.

Shaking off the tackle

And running it in for the touchdown

Way to go Cobber’s!

Speaking of comforts, I had 7 kids having a water-balloon fight in my front yard tonight when a few came running in, I stammer my usual “no running in the house” when they announce "were getting money...the ice cream man is here!" And then I hear the music, how fun!  It’s still not the same as when I was a kid seeing the ice cream man riding around on a bike with cutesy music going and great grandpa and grandma handing over the money, but all the same…ice cream coming to your house is still a treat.  Each kid got something and there were smiles galore, I felt great comfort in knowing that my kids have such nice friends to share a beautiful Sunday night with.

Still speachless

Growing up we spent much of our weekends, summers and vacations at the lake, any lake.   Swimming, biking, fishing and cook outs were terms we used on a daily basis; times have changed since then. With all the comforts of mom and dad's lake home we have never taken the kids out camping like we did as kids.  Strange that it took us this long but we finally did it, and there will be no stopping us now. 

So the plans were made, there would be no lake home and....there would be no camper; instead we tented.  This was a decision not hard to make after the carburetor on the RV went out on Friday. We were not willing to give up our trip for anything, even if it was just an overnight trip.  This was not the only change we had for our camping trip; we had to switch campsites as well due to football equipment pickup mid Saturday afternoon.  Rather than going Sat/Sun we moved it to Sun/Mon but then also needed to the change the campsite as well as Nevis did not have any sites available Sunday night. After some quick searches we found one and as luck would have it… it turned out to be a great one!

Come Sunday morning we were surprised to find the kids already up bright and early despite the fact that we were at a friends house pretty late.  Thanks to Missy and Parker we were able to leave the dogs home for the 2 days and 1 night so we could avoid the boarding fees and enjoy ourselves knowing that they would be taken care of.    With the bags packed, camp food purchased, sleeping bags rolled and truck filled with excitement we started out for a new adventure.

As we turned onto the final road of our destination I quickly discovered that we had just turned down a road leading back in time…thanks Blaine; you knew exactly what I needed.

The campsite we stayed at was small, quiet and unbelievably beautiful; they let very few campers in at a time so hearing your neighbors is not likely; the area was completely clean and surrounded by trees.  There is no public outlet so the only people that can only be on the water are those that are camping or own one of the beautiful homes along the shore.  They have only the 2 tenting sights, 6 cabins for renting and about 20 RV sites…and most of those are there for the summer.  

Blaine and I spent the first 45mn putting up the tent and arranging the campground while the kids ran around exploring, it didn’t take them long to get their suits on and head to the beach.  And oh what a beach it was, it had a small playground, lots of sand, a shallow swimming area surrounded by a dock to keep the little kids corralled, and a deeper swimming area for everyone else along with a swimming dock to jump from, it had kayaks, canoes and paddle boats free for campers use; plus there was a pontoon and boats that also could be rented.  We did not bring out own boat this time, but after being there for just a short time we found that we wouldn’t have used it anyway. 

 We spent the majority of our time kayaking around the lake seeing the sights, the wildlife and all the beauty that was around us.

After a quick supper we ventured back to the water and found it to be like glass and us being the only ones still out.  The lake was ours for the evening and we shared it only with the fish, the loons and the ducks.  It was so surreal.

The sun began to set and we decided to head back to camp and get a campfire going, it didn’t take long to see how tired the kids had gotten from the day.  They were getting their beds setup by 10pm!  We stayed up and enjoyed the lack of bugs, the hum of the frogs, and the sights of the full moon that was right above us.  What an amazing night we had, in the middle of the night we even got to hear howls of the coyotes...amazing.  I don’t think we have had such a perfect day or night yet this summer and somehow we got to enjoy it at the lake. 

This morning, we rose shortly after sun rise, had breakfast and headed to the water again for one final kayak ride before we had to venture back home.  We ended up being out there again for a few hours and it was decided by the kids that kayaks are what are wanted this year for birthday presents…what a great idea!

Now, only 2 more weeks and we will travel to our original camp site on the island.  I hope we will be as blessed with the weather, sights and beauty that were given to us this weekend. 

Regardless, I think this is a memory for our family that will never be forgotten.

I love you Keller Krew!!

My time machine wishes

On days like this and only a few short months away from turning 40; I wonder what I would do differently if I could go back in time and relive my life… what changes would I make.  There is so much that I love about my life but there are a few things that I would change ever so slightly.

If I could go back to the age of 6, I would sit one more time on Great grandpa Dorsey’s lap and listen, and I mean really listen to his stories about what it was like when he was a kid.  I now find it fascinating how they lived their lives with so much work, vigor and happiness and wonder what he would think of our lives today...would he laugh at what we call a hard day of work?

If I could go back to age 10, I would play outside more, spend more time with friends at the pool, I would have joined a sports team…if only they would have had more than just those few sports for girls then.  I wouldn't be so shy, I would venture out of my comfort zone and really learn what life is.

If I could go back to the age of 15 I would start preparations for my future with more stringent goals and would not worry so much about what everyone else is doing, who is seeing who and if Blaine is going to be at school today…yes for some of you that didn’t know…we were high school sweethearts.  

If I could go back to 18, I would enroll in a college that teaches the art of photography.  I have always had a passion for pictures and the memories that they can create.  It seems that everyone hates the thought of getting their pictures taken but if you can make them look great you are their hero.  I love looking at a picture that can tell a story, I love how you can make someone’s eyes look deep and so inviting.  I love looking at the innocence that comes from taking a picture of a small child and how excited they get when they see themselves.  I love when I take a picture and everything turns out just right…

I would travel more; I would go to see relatives that live in different States.  I would travel to see Barb in Colorado, Mike in Washington (pre-South Dakota) and DeDe when she lived in San Francisco, I would go see the Grand Canyon, and last but not least…I would travel to Hawaii and Alaska.

I would not change having the two beautiful kids that I have, but I would not be so eager to be “done”. (I guess 2 kids under two will make anyone have rash decisions when there exhausted and sleep deprived).  This is something I hold with great regret.  How fun it would be today to have a little one running around, the sound of pitter patter in the morning, the beaming smiles from the little face that is so eager to see you again, the bear hugs that they give and the sweet sounds of “mommy” when they see you in the morning or return from work…the night time cuddles and storytelling before sleep. Ahhh, I love my kids’ ages but I sure miss them being little too.

I would definitely change where we live; I would choose a house out in the country where we can have pets without leashes, trees of abundance, a big porch surrounded by flowers, feeders to watch all the colorful birds, a yard big enough to hold a trampoline and a swimming pool in the summer and an extra-large hockey rink in the winter.  It would be far enough out of town to feel like you are in your own world but close enough to spend time with friends and family.

My cup overflows most days but I would definitely make some changes if I could go back in time; since this time machine doesn't exist yet I think I will work on a list for the second half of my life, start making those goals, check off those items on my bucket list and enjoy all the gifts that I am given each day.  I will be thankful for a husband that loves me, cares for me, and would give me the moon if he could.  I will be thankful for the amazing kids I have been given, and continue to watch them grow into the wonderful people they are. I will be thankful for all of you...my family and friends who stand by me through it all.  I love you all!

What kind of changes would you make? What would you do differently or wish you could do over?

A new adventure

As I opened the patio door this morning it became quite apparent by the cool chill that crept in that summer is really winding down; a quick reflection on our summer, or lack of, it sends an urgency for me to find something else for us to log down in our 2011 summer activities.We so far have made a trip to the cities and did the Valley Fair, MN Zoo, Mall of America and the outlet malls, and a trip to mom and dad's lake...but all of our other weekends have been here in town or quick trips to Evansville or Grand Forks; all fund but as always I want more!  But...the one thing we haven't done this year or ever, is an actual camping trip; something all of us I am quite certain would enjoy but just haven't had the opportunity or more so the ambition to sleep in a tent.  Well, thanks to a great grandfather in law...we are now the proud owners of a 1978 RV.  Yep...its an oldie but it was free, given with love, and was unbelievably taken care of.

Blaine made reservations for us at a camp ground close to Walker MN for this weekend.  We are all pretty excited for the trip.  The campground is actually on a island, and has a swimming area with a water tramp, a fishing dock, canoes that can be rented and we will bring out boat along to pull the kids behind in the tube.

So while the week continues with work, football, hockey camps, guitar lessons and softball games we are all now eagerly anticipating our weekend of adventure.
If anyone has any great reminders or camping tips...send them our way....we just might need them!

Here are some pictures I found on line of the lake...looks beautiful!



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Reflections of family

What a great week it's been, I can say we have been blessed.  I watched a show the other night that a young man had a tattoo put on his back that read "The sun may set today but it will raise again tomorrow", may sound simple but putting it into perspective these days I can certainly relate.  I find myself really trying to live each day more so than I did just a few months back.  I realize my little adventure in hospital was so nothing compared to what Michele and Vicky are going through but it did open my eyes as to how quickly things could have gone the other way.  I am again thankful for Dr. Howden for knowing me so well and having that gut feeling that there was something more going on.  If it wasn't for him...my recovery might have taken a much different turn.  This past week I have been going a little too crazy with my PX90 work outs and running that I found pain once again more so than just muscle ache.  I discovered this on Friday morning as I was getting ready for work, I sneezed and my lower abs / upper groin area burst with pain...I panicked to say the least wondering if this was the beginning of it all over again; do I call Dr. Howden, or Dr. Patron the infectious disease specialist and ask for blood work to be performed so it doesn't get as bad or do I wait this out.  I decided to wait it out and am finding today that it seems to be getting better, however I did still wake often last night to turn over because the pain didn't allow me to otherwise so I am still very cautious since at one point in March I thought it was getting better on it's own as well, so again...no exercise until the pain goes away. One step forward...three steps back.

Last weekend we had invited Blaine's mom, Wayne and Sheila for supper but received a call Saturday morning that Michele had been running a fever for 3 days and they were taking her to see her doctor in Alexandria.  It turned out that she had a skin infection in the area where her last brain surgery took place, we could not see it but they said it is under the top layer of skin; they prescribed antibiotics and the fever has since gone away, the infection is still there but it all takes time. Good news though is she then saw her oncologist in Saint Cloud on Tuesday and received a good checkup, it doesn't get better than this entering the 8th month. 
Blaine and I decided since our Saturday had opened up why not have a mock date night.  Mock meaning the kids came along but we told them they were the chaperone's.  We all went out for a steak dinner, a movie and then came home and made frozen yogurt parfaits.  Turned out to be a pretty nice night out, may not be the ideal date but it all worked out anyway. 

Sunday we had been invited to go to Grand Forks to celebrate my nephews 9th birthday but found out late Saturday evening that that this too had been cancelled so we had another day open.  Rather than sticking it out at home we decided to head to GF and take mom and dad out for lunch, they had stayed home from the lake for the party so they had an open day with no plans as well. Nothing like great company, good food and a beautiful day.  After lunch we stopped by to see grandma, looks like she had just had her hair done, she looked so pretty, Mom says she was doing much better this day than she was just the weekend before; guess this was a good day for a visit.

Yesterday before the rain came we drove out to Blaine's work so I could shoot a few more pictures of the kids, I think I got a few that aren't too bad...definately still need to work on the aperture and ISO...I'll get there.  Justin seemed more interested in climbing the trucks and tractors than getting his picture taken but I guess I wouldn't want it any other way!

Today, Michele, Wayne and Sheila were able to make it over for supper so Blaine made a quick wheelchair ramp for her to come into the house.  It was such a humbling feeling to have her here, and she seemed so happy, she is still unable to say but just a few words but her grin, chuckle and the slight tilt of her head as she smiles at Blaine says it all, my hopes are that this memory will live for a very long time. She loves animals so it was a treat for her to see all of our dogs especially Gizmo since he came as a gift from her 9 years ago next month. Rookie was kissing her nonstop and she loved every minute of it.  The kids brought up their Lizards, I was pretty surprised when Michele tried to move her wheelchair to get to Kayla's lizard Lucy so she could hold her (this one is a baby and is still pretty cute!) quite a feat for someone who cannot move the right side of their body.  The meal was great but unfortunately the visit ended sooner than I think anyone really wanted as Michele's leg starting giving her some pain and there was some swelling, it was time for her to go home and rest.  The good-byes don't get any easier since we don't know what tomorrow will bring but we must remind ourselves that the progression has been somewhat slow these past few months so we must be thankful for this time that has been given to us.

 

One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking of you
Just give me the strength to do everyday
What I have to do

Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time

 So here's hoping that our next visit with her will be as uneventful as it was today, praying that her visit with the surgeon brings no news, looking forward to making her another yummy treat to see her delight and wondering how many other ways I can think up of capturing as many memories as possible for Blaine.