Quick post

Michael's team won!! They played Chicago Magic and won 2-1. Other teams still have games, so we wait to see if the team goes to Florida in November. I had my mole removed today. I guess I'm a wimp! I'm sore. It was just above my belly button. I have 5 stitches underneath and 5 stiches on top. I'm thinking I will ice it some soon. Travis is to arrive in Friday Harbor tonight for 10 days. Megan got her b-day gift from us today.

Busy Week

This week was a busy week, too much to do , not enough time. I worked Wednesday, my normal day off. My schedule at work has been really full. I'm not complaining, a full schedule is a good thing. I'm still trying to get rid of "stuff" that didn't sell in the yard sale. I really don't want it back in the basement! I'm behind in cleaning the house, feel like I can't get a head.

Michael had a soccer game on Wednesday evening in Lowell (just over 1 hour away). Travis, Megan's boyfriend met us at the game. Michael had an awesome game. We won 2-0, Michael scored our second goal. He just missed scoring on a header, then another strong kick that the goalie stopped. He played a lot, and when he came out both coaches shook his hand and told him great game. This is on the regional super y team, so it was extra special. He has a game in Fort Wayne tonight and tomorrow morning. We will spend the night there tonight. His last game is this next Wednesday. Then his high school team has a camp, and things get busy with that team.

I sent Megan's birthday package to her yesterday. It seems weird that she is turning 22. I also don't like that we wont be with her. I'm happy that Travis is going to be there to celebrate it with her. He is going to be there from the 16th to the 26th. It is beautiful out there and he has never been, so I'm sure he will love it.

I have exciting news!! I am going to visit Megan from August 27th to September 1st. It was just too long for me to go until Christmas with out seeing her. Mom and Dad are going there then so we will stay in a bed and breakfast together. That way we can explore while Megs is working. Of course we will go on a tour with her. We are planning on staying a night in Seattle, Megan too, and see some of the sites there.

I sponged painted the upstairs bathroom this morning. I don't like it! I wanted to "brighten " it up, but it ended up too bright. I'm not going to repaint right away, but I will in the fall. I still plan on sponge painting the downstairs bath.

On Wednesday next week I have my mammogram and I get a mole removed. Lance goes to the groomers, Michael goes to the dermatologist and then the soccer game. I'm thankful for "days off" to get those things done.

Hope everyone has a great week!!

First week back home

I guess it is appropriate that the top picture is blurry considering our activity . (haha) Sorry Jen I don't have pictures of us on my camera, I'm hoping Megan does.

We had a great time in Boise. We really liked the area and the weather. If all works out we could be living there in 3-4 years. Mom and Dad's 50th was really fun for everyone. Of course the best part was hanging out with my sisters, brother and mom and dad. Seeing Megan was a highlight for me. Even though I'm happy and proud of her, it is still hard to be so far away.

Speaking of the weather, there was brilliant sunshine the whole time I was in Boise with low humidity. I get home to Michigan, we have a violent thunderstorm (5 inches of rain) and lose power for over 40 hours! We have a well, so when we lose power we don't have water either. The shower felt great when the power was restored.

We had a yard sale today to get rid of lots of junk. I priced everything cheap, got rid of a lot. I'll call salvation army or someone to come by and get the rest. I really hate yard sales but I had too much stuff! Michael joked that he would dress up in the penguin costume and hold the sign in the street. I thought that was a great idea, but he insisted he was kidding.

Mom and dad are planning on visiting Megs the end of August and I might be able to work it out to go then too. I'm goin to look into it this week. Megan is sending me pictures from the party, so I'll soon copy them and send to everyone.
Love to all!

Spring in Michigan

Took a few pictures today because I don't take pictures often enough. Our lilac tree smells scrumptious right now. I cut a vase full and now the house smells fresh. My perennials are coming up nice this year. Believe it or not we had a frost last week!! Then of course Michael's favorite way to relax on the week-end is playing x-box.

Memorial Day week end

(this pic is from last spring, but thought I needed to put a pic in)

Thought it was about time for another post! Michael had a soccer tournament this past week end in Merrillville IN. So Friday was a busy day getting everything around to be gone for the weekend. I had a hair appointment at 9. I got a high lite but also some color put in. I wanted to brighten my color, and it is definitely brighter! The color is more of a copper then I wanted but I will see if it fades. I did get positive feedback from other moms at the tourney, but I hope they were truthful! Then I made cowboy beans to bring to Travis, because he was watching Lance for the weekend. Steve and I drove to Grand Rapids to deliver Lance, then back home to pack things up.

Merrillville is 50 miles west of Chicago. The tourney is called "the best of the Midwest" and sponsored by the Chicago Magic. The boys had a great weekend! They won three games, so they were top in their division. They played the other division number one team for the championship. At the end of regulation we were tied at 4. We had two overtimes then a shoot out. We ended up with the win. Michael's team was the U15 tourney Champs!! Very tense game for all the parents! This tourney was very physical, punches were thrown on the field. Soccer is very much a contact sport! While at the tourney Michael was asked to play on the regional super Y team for the summer. He wants to be able to do it, so we just need schedules and info.

We had a fun time between games as well. That area is very built up, so lots of variety in places to eat. There was also a nice mall. Michael needed a few things for our Boise trip. He got a couple shirts and shorts at American eagle. He definitely knows what he likes and doesn't like. I'm beginning to think he is my picky child when it comes to clothes. With Megs it is more like if she finds something that fits, it is a good. We also went to Indiana Jones. I wouldn't recommend going. Definitely not as good as the previous ones!

We got home today around 4:00. Travis ended up going home over the weekend (south of Battle Creek). So he dropped Lance off on his way to Grand Rapids, which worked out great for us! Well I am doing piles of laundry. It amazes me how three people have so much laundry!

Sunday, "Mother's Day"

Happy Mother's day to my Mom and my sisters'. Hope everyone is taking time out for themselves and enjoying the day!

Michael had soccer games yesterday and this morning. In the first few minutes of the game yesterday he got kicked on the ankle bone and then rolled his ankle. Needless to say he didn't play the rest of the game. He iced it all night and took Motrin. He wanted to try and play today but running and kicking was difficult (very necessary when playing soccer). His coach told him to rest it today so he is healthy for the next games. We won both games 2-1,4-1. We are ranked #1 in the state for u15 boys premier 1. So the team is doing great! Hopefully Michael will get healthy.

The game today was in the Lansing area, so after the game we went and had lunch with Steve's side of the family. His parents, brother his wife and their two kids. We had a nice visit, good to see everyone again. It was quieter then usual at the table, due to a certain girl that was missing. But she can be assured stories were told of her adventures.

I am going to "kick back" and have a lazy afternoon. I have no plans for dinner, so that means Steve will have plans (haha). It is rainy here, perfect afternoon for a nap!

Being a Mom

Today is Friday. I have Fridays off. I have nothing that "has to get done today". I am in a reflecting mood, some might call it a "lazy day". I slept in, read the paper, surfed the web, general pick up around the house. I made banana muffins (from scratch), and now decided to write a post.

As Mother's day is coming up soon, I'm reflecting on being a mom. I think over the last 20 years being a mom has lost some respect. Being a mom is not enough, by societies standards, but yet what is more rewarding. I work part time by choice. I get no paid vacation and no "benefits". I see working part time as the best benefit of all. I can't imagine what it is like to work full time and be a mom full time. I consider myself a full time mom. I get the benefits of being a full time mom. I can make special treats, pick my kids up from school (on my days off), just being able to be there for them. On nights that I work I'm exhausted when I get home. I can only imagine what other mom's feel or have to deal with by working full time.

I've always enjoyed this quote: "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be a different because I was important in the life of a child". I've truly experienced the most joy from being a mom. I've never expected my children to be "perfect", then in a weird sort of way I wouldn't be needed. I've just always want my children to know they are loved and I want them to strive to be the best they can be at whatever path they choose to follow. Steve and I have always prayed for our family. Every morning I take Michael to school. I turn the radio off and pray for that day. I truly feel you can't under estimate the power of prayer!

I am experiencing a different stage of "mom hood". I know I will never not be a mom, no matter how old my kids get. I have had a great example to follow, in that my mom is always there when she is needed. People might think I didn't do enough for me in the past 20 years or so, but I see it differently. I did just what I always wanted and dreamed of doing.

So I guess this post is a tribute to "being a mom", I see it as the most important "job" in the world!