Big News

For those of you who do NOT know already, we are moving. It's only been 11 months since our last move but we're moving into a MUCH larger place and it's only about a half a mile from where we are. It's a big old farmhouse with a huge yard and the perfect spot for a tire swing! ha ha. As of next weekend, we should be all moved in, until then, blog posting will be on hiatus :)

School Daze...

Today was the big day; the first day of school. The first day of the rest of Gabe's life... It's been five and a half years in the making and I wasn't sure if I was going to even let him go...he he. The last five years have been trying and tiring; it's been one fight after another both on our part and Gabriel's part, but today makes it all worth it. He was born a fighter; he's full of strength, determination, faith, and goodness. I honestly didn't know if I'd ever see the day where he ran to the bus stop or climbed up the bus stairs with his friends to go to school...but today I did and what a bittersweet moment; my sweet little baby is no longer a baby, he's a big boy ready to take on the world and all it has to offer...have fun little man, we love you!

Vacation Recap

Now that we've gotten settled back in after being on vacation, I'll do a brief recap!
We went to my parent's house in Harbor Beach (the Thumb of Michigan!) They live about two blocks from the beach, so we were at the beach A LOT. We barbequed, we celebrated birthdays (my mom and brother) we went to the Cheeseburger Festival in Caseville (A Jimmy Buffet themed summer festival-so much fun and so so tasty) We went up to Point Aux Barques and saw a light house from the 1850's and skipped stones. Gabriel went fishing for the first time and caught himself EIGHT fish. My dad, Geo, and Gabe all put in a dollar for the first fish caught, the biggest fish caught, and the most fish caught. Gabe ended up "winning" all of those things and was three dollars richer when he came home. Lucky boy! We saw plenty of deer, bunnies, and a special treat, Beefalos!! We had a great time visiting and wish we could have stayed longer, but on Friday it was back to reality. This weekend is not only Elburn days (a festival in the next town over) but CornFest in DeKalb AND lucky us, Geo is off all weekend! Woohoo!
Now, for what you've ALL been waiting for...


My siblings and I, including the birthday boy!


Gabe and his Pop


Bits and her Pop


Beefalo!


Bits and her aunt Buzzy


Gabe and his prize winning fish!



Me and the kiddos at Point Aux Barques


Skipping rocks at the lake

Because we haven't traveled enough...

We're headed up to see Grandpa John and Grandma Caren today!! The weather is disgustingly humid and it's supposed to storm; what better way to spend a cruddy day than with Grandma and Grandpa, watching the race and eating pizza!?! he he

Have a great day everyone!

Eleven Days

Eleven short little days and I'll be the momma of a kindergartner. Ack! How in the WORLD did that happen? Eleven days?! ELEVEN DAYS!!! We have two doctors appointments, his last visit with his occupational therapist, and the dreaded once a year blood draw to take care of before he'll be going to school. We have all of our school supplies, new clothes, a bus schedule and a note from his teacher welcoming him to her class. How did this happen so quickly? Next thing I know, my itty bitty one will be headed to school on the bus (in fact, she told me today at breakfast that she WAS riding the bus with her bruhby to school, I could stay home by myself!) *sigh* eleven days...

Vacation :)

We are home from a fun filled exhausting six day vacation in Michigan. Will be posting pictures tomorrow...hope you're all doing well :)

Me too, George, me too

Last night after Geo got home from work and we had dinner, we decided to take the kids to our new favorite park to play and walk the trails for a bit. George and I were walking behind the kids who were running trying to catch one another and when they succeeded, were giggling like mad and nearly breathless from the chase and giggles. We started to laugh ourselves and I said to George "Do you think all families have this much fun together?" He looked at me, smiled and said "Boy I sure hope so!" And really, me too, I really hope that your family has as much fun as ours does, I hope your days are filled with giggles, grins, and silly children...because if they aren't, you are missing out on the good stuff, the really REALLY good stuff :)

and a picture of my favorite "kid" from yesterday...

Conversations with Bitsy

Today there was an itty bitty bird sitting on our porch chirping its' heart out. Bits ran up to the door, looked at me-startled-and asked "What's makin' all that noise mama?" I said "Oh it's just a bird chirping Bits" She immediately ran from the door shouting, "I NEED A CUP I NEED A CUP!" She ran back, blond hair all messed up, with a red cup in her hand. She started to pound it on the door saying "Daddy cardinal come back...daddy cardinal sing to me again" I asked her "What's with the cup Bits?" She shrugged her shoulders, said "I dunno" and ran off giggling...oh to be two again, am I right?

August Already?!

Is it really, truly the second day in August already?! This has been the coolest summer on record in Illinois in 138 years...we have had three 90 degree days since May. I know it sounds weird to complain that we haven't had any "hot" days, but man oh man, summer just doesn't seem like summer without the heat, does it? They are expecting a jump in temperatures for August, but so far the ten day forecast is saying we are going to be in the high 70's and low 80's.

We are t-minus six days until our vacation! We've decided to spend six days in Harbor Beach with my family this year (a sort of "staycation" if you will, just 350 miles from OUR home he he) The kids are giddy at the prospect of seeing their Aunt Buzzy and grandparents-and of course, grandma and grandpa's new kitten Sig. We'll be seeing aunts and uncles and cousins...and I hear that there is a fishing trip planned for the "guys" as well. We're planning on heading to the Cheeseburger Festival one day while we are up there...Jimmy Buffet, the beach, and cheeseburgers...can life get any better?? he he.

After coming home it's back to reality. Gabe sees Dr. Big Time (his kidney/bladder specialist) in Chicago before school starts and then...the big day...August 26-the *first day of school* As the date gets closer, Gabe gets more and more giddy about the prospect of riding the bus and being with kids all morning. I'm giddy at the prospect of having some time with just Bitsy in the mornings. My classes start on the 24th, actually, but since they are all online I don't get buy a new backpack or ride the bus-I'll live though :)

Now it's time to hang the laundry and maybe go to the park for a little while while it's sunny and bright out!