A Summer In Pictures

Wow, what a busy, exciting, amazing Summer we've had!

 

 

I haven't updated much - we've been so busy, it seems by the time I should write a post about it, we're moving on to the next exciting thing, so the days turn to weeks...

 

I feel like I've said this before.  In Michigan, summer seems shorter than our list of things we want to do, so we cram as much as possible into the weeks we have.

 

 

So, to get it all out there, I'll post snippets of our trips, and if the mood strikes, I'll follow up with posts about some of the experiences later.

 

 Father's Day Camping!
As we do every year, we leave the last day of school, and spend the weekend camping (which takes us to Father's Day). This year, my parents came out for a day, and brought a bunch of cousins with them!  It was a WONDERFUL weekend!!

 

Next was County Air Show!

I took Ben, and one of my nephews - the big boys had plans with their Mom.  It was a hot, steamy, sunny day, but boy-oh-boy did we have fun!  It was both boys' first time riding in a "school bus," (it was actually just the shuttle), and we even got to tour a couple of the military vehicles! They loved every minute of it.  The awesome part of this trip was that the only cost was $5 to park!  We took snacks, and packed hot dogs for lunch, and just enjoyed ourselves. It was just great!

 

Just one week after the air show, we left for our first FULL WEEK of camping! We found a place only 15 minutes from my work, so while Hubby had the week off (it was mandatory), I was able to work every day, and come to the camper every night.  The boys enjoyed 3 different beaches, and the puppy was allowed in the water...there was even a cardboard regatta!  It was hot, and dry, until the rain came - then it was hot and WET! But, we will probably make this another annual event now. We all loved every minute of it!

 

 

 

We had many other amazing events through this year - baseball season was a great time, and a trip to the Detroit Zoo with ALL OF THE COUSINS, and our annual block party!

There are even few more bit plans this summer - a trip to the Drive-In, another Air Show, and Labor Day 4-wheeling/camp trip.  I'm sure we'll manage to squeeze a few more things in there, as well. There's lots to do and be done around these parts through the summer - I can't wait!

 

Hope your summers are treating you as well as ours!

 

*smooch*

 

It's no wonder that by October, I'm ready to cozy in for a couple months! We just don't stop!



Our Spring Trip!!!

Well, we were all worried it wouldn't happen.  Life just gets so busy that sometimes we forget to do things...like PLAN for a trip.  That's what happened this year.   Truth be told, everything was PLANNED- except we both forgot to look for and book a cabin, or let our works know we wanted to leave...shoot!

 

 

It was early in our marriage that I realized the kind of family we were...we're not MADE for hotels, motels, or fussy resorts...we're made for a little cabin hidden in the woods. And, it's truly been such a WONDERFUL choice for us nearly every time.

 

When our oldest was in 4th grade, we took our first trip to Hocking Hills, Ohio.  It was an incredible trip for ALL of us! 

 

Now that the middle, Andrew, is in 4th grade, there was only ONE PLACE this family could all agree was the PERFECT Spring trip - back to the hills!!

 

Because my boys aren't really too big on eating out, and I'm REALLY not big on the COST of eating out, a cabin is perfect for us.  And, since I know what my boys like to eat, I can keep the cost of food incredibly low, which means we can splurge a little on a luxurious cabin! 

 

Our requirements for a cabin are:

1) Lots of Space to wander - lots of trees is preferred, no "line of sight" neighbors, too!

2) A HOT TUB (We have had both indoors and out.  While we preferred the indoor, the outdoor isn't bad, and it keeps the boys from assuming it's a POOL)!!!

3) Either a large deck, or LOTS of decks, for relaxing and watching the boys play.

4) PET FRIENDLY (because he's family, too, you know)

5) Something "else" for the boys to do - a pool table, Ping-Pong, foosball...something!

 

To some, this may seem excessive.  And, truth be told, it may be.  But, because we rent a cabin, we are able to make all our meals on-site, so the money saved on meals can be put toward our lodging.  And, it's Mom & Dad's vacation, too - so we want to be relaxed, and ENJOY the trip!  When you head to these hills, there's LOT of hiking, and the hot tub is practically REQUIRED.  Haha!

 

 

This Year's Cabin - On A Lark

For this trip, we had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, pool table, hot tub, lots of family games, and LOTS of hills to climb! I don't have many pictures inside - we weren't there that much.  But, it was lovely!

The boys mini-hike on the grounds of our stay - you can see the deck!

 

This year, we visited Cantwell Cliffs, and the Rock House, in Hocking County. I was pretty nervous starting these RED TRAILS with Ben...he's only four.  Silly mom!!!  He was chasing behind those big boys, and often leading the pack up the hills, and over the rocks...he LOVED it!

 

While packing, Ben was debating to take his rain boots, or his tennis shoes.  He ended up taking both.  At first, I was nervous...who knows how those rain boots will do on a HIKE.  But, wow!  I was sure glad he did!  He was stomping through every puddle, and stream, and across every log he could find!  He loved every minute of it!  Our first trip, two years ago, he was so small, he only "remembered" what he saw in our annual photo book...

 

 

Yes, even the puppy came - and loved it! 

 

Personally, I realized...Momma needs some CARDIO!

Wow, you don't realize how old you get until it's too late.  *grin*

 

And so, as soon as I can figure out HOW, I plan to get a cardio and endurance exercise program started. 

 

Now, the best part of this trip - for the FIVE of us...because we planned ahead, we had the cost of the cabin saved quickly, and set aside for nearly six months.  The food cost about $80 (including a ridiculously large tub of JUNK FOOD!!! Ps. The leftovers will be used in school lunches, and will likely take us through ALL of May), it was about 200 miles to travel there, so we purchased two tanks of gas, at about $25 each, and the first night in town, we stopped at a local pizza joint for dinner (it's a tradition), and that was $30.00.  Because of the time of year we chose, the "extras" of vacation were not available - that means we had a 2 night/3-day trip, for five people, for $135!!!!

 

I think we've decided to make this an ANNUAL trip instead of a "4th grade" trip.  Mostly because all we have left is Ben, and he's four.  The idea of waiting SIX YEARS before we go back was just too much.

 

*grin*

 

 

 

 

Simple Canning Success!!!

Well, at the risk of sounding silly, I think I've officially become a canning snob.  *grin*

I spent the ENTIRE month of March sick.  And, miserable.  And on terrible medication.

So, very little grocery shopping has happened, and I've brushed it off as "let's clean the pantry" hoping the family didn't catch on to the fact that there was no fresh food.  *gigglesnort*

It didn't work.  Go figure.

Because of the super-powered medications I've been on (two different steroids, three different antibiotics, two anti-funglas...YUCK!), I have been trying to incorporate as many FRESH FOODS into my meals as possible.

I was packing my lunch for work, and realized that there wasn't really any fresh fruit to take, so I grabbed a can of canned pineapple. 

When I grabbed the pineapple for a snack, I was ASTONISHED with just how gross it tasted!  There was NO FLAVOR at all...I was a bit angry!

Then, I realized, there's really only one way to avoid it - and that while it's not DIFFICULT, it can be time consuming...I needed to can some fresh pineapple.

So, I finally broke down and did it.  I can say with 100% certainty that I don't think I'll EVER go back to store-bought pineapple.

This was from one pineapple.  I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have to convince myself to NOT go buy 16 more pineapples, and keep right on canning.

It was CRAZY easy.

It went like this:

1. Cut up pineapple. 
2. Shove in a jar. 
3. Add boiling water to cover the fruit.
4. Add a teaspoon-ish of sugar.
5. Add a lid. 
6. Dunk in for a water bath - about 25 minutes...I play it safe.  :)

It is roughly seven million times tastier than the stuff in tin from the store.

Canning has now turned me away from a simple life (go to store, buy a can, eat it up), but wow - it's not HARD, as long as I get the time, it's incredible the difference in flavor!!!

In These Days

Yesterday was one of those days.

They are the days that I have a bit of regret, but that is balanced with a huge whollop of fantastic.

It was sunny. And warm-ish. And, oh my goodness - was it WINDY!

So, on my way to my parents from work (where the boy and the older half of my nephews spend their Wednesday afternoons together), I stopped and bought every one a kite!

My parents have a giant side yard, nice and flat, and lots of room to spread out, and with two 4-year-olds, a 13-year old, me, and my parents, we took to the SKY!  Well, our kites did at least.

This day was packed with so much awesome!!!  We ate tasty dinner, supplied by Mom, then took off for the yard to soak up the wind and sun, and send our kites into flight!  I was so much fun watching my parents run around, showing all us kids (*grin*) how to properly fly a kite.

I was immediately reminded of my own childhood - my grandparents running around with us, like we were the greatest things that had ever been created, and they just couldn't wait to share everything that life had to offer, and give it to us like the precious gem it really is.

So, why the regret??

This beautiful moment. On a beautiful day. With my beautiful family. Three generations of us, running around the yard. Sunshine pouring down. Colorful kites on strings. Taking the moments to stop and let the wind grab that fabric, and send it higher and higher. The tug of the string.  The gasp when the gust settles, and your kite crashes to the ground. The excitement of your "Longest Ride Yet!" The anticipation of the next lift-off.

And I don't have one single picture of it!

But, you know what?  I'm so completely okay with it. I know, from experience, that one day, while these boys are playing with their kids, they will get that sudden flashback to this day.  I know that my participation in all the fun, and soaking up a warm spring day was what mattered.

Photographic evidence is always wonderful. But, the glorious memory that was shared is pure gold.

Sometimes, I need to remind myself to put down the camera, and enjoy my life. I need to remember to get involved with my kid(s), and not stand on the side taking snapshots that will spend eternity trapped on some server somewhere, or printed and placed in a box in someone's basement.

There's plenty of time to capture moments on film. But there is only so much time to ENJOY these moments.

From My Porch to Yours...and then to Mine!

I was supposed to post this a LOOOOONG time ago.  But, I've been sick, LITERALLY, since Christmas!  So, this is all the amazing decorating we did at the Little Lucas House this year. 

 



 

 

We've had a crazy warm "winter." Because it was so nice, Connor was able to join in on the rooftop fun!  He was so excited to climb to the top of the house.  He kept saying, "I can see for miles!"

 

 

 

 This picture is the whole reason for this post.  In the last bits of summer, I received a message from my cousin that Aunt Kay had sent a gift down for me.  Talk about EXCITED!

And, when I got the gift, I couldn't stop giggling, I was SO excited!  Aunt Kay sent down this adorable sled - bear, stocking and all (with a tiny chalkboard that says BEARY CHRISTMAS!!!) - just for me!

I'm absolutely smitten!

 

And oh...this wagon.  What a story!

 

Our first Christmas married, my Mother-In-Law gifted me this adorable little wagon. The poor little thing had a rough season last year.  Ben (and part of his obsession with all wagons, train, and HAULERS,) had pushed it through the snow and down the porch so many times that 3 of the 4 wheels, and even the handle had all fallen off.  I hadn't planned on bringing it out - especially since I had this adorable new sled, and lantern...I would save the wagon for something else.  Well, that was my plan.

 

Little did I know that Ben knew this wagon as part of Christmas.  While I was busy taking pictures of my two big guys on the roof, Ben had decided he needed to fix my wagon for Christmas, "because you NEED a wagon for Christmas, Mom".  He convinced Andrew to help him get out a rubber mallet, and dad's jack stand (yup, they put this little wagon on the jack...you know, to get it in the air, like Daddy does), and got all the wheels back on.  Ben even made Andrew find a screw to hold the handle in place!

 

So, I'm up front, telling Barry where to hang lights, and Ben and Andrew come marching down the driveway, rolling this wagon! 

 

Needless to say, we grabbed a little baby pine, and PROUDLY placed it under the mail box.  :o)

 

I was so proud of my LITTLE guys taking it upon themselves to solve what THEY saw as a problem (the broken wagon). 

The Flash of July

How on Earth did a month go by so fast??? 

 

 

It probably has something to do with all the terror of a very sick little man. We had a bit of a setback, but now he's doing fantastic!  He's not quite up to 100% yet, but overall, we're SO thankful that he's nearly back to our little man!

 

 

We started July at the lake!  It was a fantastic time with family, family, and more family!  Andrew had his first chance to try tubing behind Uncle Tom's boat.  He was scared, and excited, and thrilled all at the same time.  It was so awesome to watch him go from nervous and doubting to thrilled and PROUD within just a few minutes.  Uncle Tom and Aunt Erica tubed with him, and it was perfect. 

 

His First Time Tubing - That's Terrified Excitement, if I've ever seen it!

 

While Andrew was tearing up the lake, Ben & Jordan (his buddy cousin, as he sometimes calls him...there's 7 weeks between them) were "practicing" on land.  The beach we visited was one that I spent many, many, many days lounging on as a little girl.  My grandparents LOVED to come here, and relax.  It was wonderful to relive my childhood THROUGH my kid(s).  

 

 

 

My lovely Great Aunt Shirley came with us...I wish I had a picture to share.  She spent the day watching our kids, and her grandkids play at the beach, and just grinned the day away...it was so nice to see her and spend time just talking.

 

 

July has been so much fun - I'll follow up with another post at a later time...so many pictures/memories/good times!

 



 

The Day I Proved Irrelevant

It was an ordinary Monday. After a ridiculously frustrating day at work, I hopped in my car, and called - hoping to hear from my Mother-In-Law that Ben had decided he was moving in with Nonna...at least for the night.

Instead, she said, "He's playing outside right now.  He's got a weird bug bite, or something on his legs.  Did you notice it?"

I thought, 'Wait - am I supposed to figure out how to get this child to stop moving long enough for tick checks or something?  I live in the city - why would I do that? No, I didn't notice it - I wrapped him in a blanket, and prayed that when I placed him in bed last night, that he would stay there, and not think of seven-hundred things he forgot to do today, and that he needed to do immediately, so that approximately 6 minutes later I could also go to sleep. Shoot - another thing to add to my "WHY ARE YOU BEING A BAD MOM" list.'

But, I know her question is out of concern, not judgment, so I answer, "no, I didn't see anything last night, but I'm sure he's played outside all day.  I guess I'll check it out when I get there."

*sigh*

I was so close to getting an evening to crawl in bed after dinner...

*double-sigh*



 

 

When I get there, I see this rash - it looks like an angry mosquito bite...I tell my MIL, "It's weird - it kinda looks like...a hickey?"  Weird...

 

Thirty minutes later, it's looking like this:

 

 

 

So, we head home.  I give him Benadryl, and wash his legs, thinking maybe this is an allergic reaction.  It's possible, right?

 

Nope.

 

An hour later?  We have this:

 

*GULP*

 





The next morning, we go to see the Pediatrician, and he says, "It's bruises...it's all bruises."  By this time, they're down his legs, on his bottom, and starting on his feet.

 

Doc says, "Blood work.  Get to the lab.  Now.  No, you can NOT stop for lunch.  You must go.  Now. I will call, and you'll be STAT.  Tell them I called ahead for you - get there now."

 

Um...wow.

 

The next 12 hours were the most terrifying of my life.



 

 

Blood work was inconclusive, and Doc said, "I have no idea.  Get to the ER. No, not the local one - you need to get to Children's Hospital.  They'll have oncology and cardiologists on-site."

 

I'm sorry - did you just say ONCOLOGY???  As in...the C-word that no one that has ever loved anyone wants to hear???  I must've misunderstood you...

 

I did not. 

 

 

After how sick I was during my pregnancy - bed rest for 4 months, strange medications with risky complications, early induction, all that stuff - I was terrified what it may do to our little guy.  I was scared that the treatments to help keep ME safe during my pregnancy would cause problems with him.  Then, when he came, he was absolutely perfect.  He was the healthiest of all our children - I was so thankful.

To think that in mere moments our life could be turned completely upside down, and that this little person's life was TRULY on the line...I have never been so scared in my life.

 

We called everyone we've ever met, and said, "Please.  Pray.  Stop what you are doing, and pray."

And, I'm so beyond thrilled to report that while he is sick - ear infection and some congestion in his lungs, he's good!  It was a virus called HSP - Henoch-Schonlein Purpura - which is a virus-type issue that causes inflammation in the blood vessels.  In six weeks, it should be gone.

When you're sitting with your child, watching bruises appear out of NO WHERE...there is NOTHING can explain the terror.

What amazed me was his JOY through it all.  All the "new people to meet," as he said.  The only disappointment he had was that they tried to make him wear a dress (his hospital gown).  Heeheehee...that's why he's in his undies in all our pics.  With the gown on?  He was looking like this...

Poor Baby Boy in a Dress :o)

 

It's astounding to me how bitter and resentful I had become from the pressures of everyday life.  I didn't realize how selfish and whiny I had become.  God chose this as a moment to snap me out of it. 

 

Of course, he scared the bejeebus out of me...but maybe that's what it would take to see the reality of what I was becoming.

 

I'm just so thankful that he chose to give me a warning - and remind me that we may not have these little people forever, and that there are so precious few moments with them.