Big Fall

This morning was a real surprise...ending with much to be thankful for. Cary was off work today, we all had intentions of sleeping in a bit. But suddenly we were all awakened by a BIG thud and immediate screaming. The kind of screaming no parent wants to hear.

Cary and I took off for McKinley's room where we found him pretty beat up. He'd fallen out of bed and directly onto a small stack of books we'd been given from a friend. I'd neglected to put them away because I wanted to keep them out for us to read and play with the following day. Big mistake. Lesson learned.

McKinley didn't stop crying for a long time, it scared him and he was in pain. As he pulled away from my hug so I could look at his face I saw blood coming from his tears. Insert panic. I think the past few issues that have happened (Bully shove at the park, Pecan up nose, etc) have built up my ability to contain the panic so it isn't seen by McKinley (which is super important, particularly when you're alone and handling a situation that needs immediate attention) but inside I was literally freaking out. Utterly terrified.

I called our pediatrician (the receptionist on the phone did NOT hide HER panic as well as I had managed...)and they asked to bring him in immediately, so we threw on clothing and made it to the office in just minutes. McKinley's eye was swelling slightly and was super sensitive. The doc took a look and found a small cut that was extremely close to the tear duct. Extremely, as in I can't even think of the proper measurement to accurately describe just how close it really was. Our doctor spent several minutes examining the cut to be absolutely sure it WAS NOT at the tear duct. Thankfully, the cut was where the blood had been coming from and we were minutely close to a major problem...MUCH, MUCH to be thankful for.

We walked out of the appointment only needing an antibiotic ointment and to use a cool compress to keep down the swelling. I am so thankful for the outcome and so relieved that McKinley is okay.

I try to count my blessings every day, but today I didn't stop counting them. I am so thanful...
Lynn

Zoo Trip

Another fun trip to the zoo! This time we briefly met up with my friend Kylie and her two boys. They had a blast in the splash park, which was perfect because it was a HOT, HOT day! When I pulled my camera from my bag I bumped the setting, didn't have time to check because I was trying to capture some real cuteness, so the photos of the boys ended up blue! Honestly, kind of a cool mistake!

Kylie and company left shortly after the splashing, but McKinley and I stayed to close the place down...surprise, surprise! We had so much fun together and even stopped off and had dinner in Plainfield at Panda Express, a favorite of ours. It was great to spend a little time with friends and even more fun to spend such a great day with my boy.

This was the first time since the new Tiger exhibit opened that we had a chance to visit and were we treated with a sight! Several tigers were up close and personal with us, much like the Cheetah exhibit. We even saw a Tiger stretch all the way up (and trust me, it was at least 8 feet worth of stretching...vertically) right beside the viewing glass. Another tiger took a drink from the stream, and another tiger paced back and forth checking out each person viewing. Very interesting, and a little freaky too...

And of course, no zoo trip is complete without at least one ride on the train!

Lynn

Spring Recap

Today is the first day of summer, so an appropriate time to recap our crazy spring! And crazy it was, between soccer, school, social engagements, gardening and a surprise, whew!!!!!!!

Soccer was a riot! McKinley's first crack at a team sport proved to be a real treat to watch and a lot of energy-releasing fun for the entire team of 3 and 4 year olds. We are blessed to know the coaches of McKinley's team, they live on Cary's mail route and their daughter is in McKinley's preschool class. We could not have asked for a better experience for our boy and his first go-round, he learned a lot, he played hard and most importantly --- he had a LOT of fun! Below are some of my favorite photos:

School was a really wonderful experience for our entire family. We've again been blessed to be introduced to such a wonderful group of people in the St. Patrick's community and McKinley isn't the only ones to reap the benefits. The Spring was easily the busiest time for school, it kept us on our toes! I think my favorite day was McKinley's 'pretend' Birthday (since he's a summer baby they all get to celebrate before the school year ends! Hello, JEALOUS! I never got to do that!), not only was it "his" day, it was also water day for the entire class. When we picked McKinley up he was soaking wet from all the water play, it was really a funny sight. We also discovered that the strawberry smoothie pops I made for his birthday snack were a big hit combined with water day and the heat. I was glad. I really enjoy making a healthy treat that makes the kids happy...

Another project we've embarked on is a bigger garden than we've ever made happen at home. And I've learned that apparently we are now called "URBAN FARMERS". I love the term. Makes us sounds WAY better at it than we are! So, my URBAN FARMER hubby and I set out to create a few small raised garden beds - another wonderful find from ana-white.com. They were pretty easy...and in my opinion they look fabulous! I'm SO proud of what we (mostly Cary) did. And yes, Cary may have done most of the 'putting together' of the awesome new beds, but I did my share as well, tending to the new little seedlings we were growing. McKinley is really enjoying watching a seed turn into a plant, turn into something we can pick from our little back yard garden and use in the kitchen for dinner!

We chose tomatoes, sweet peppers, summer squash, lettuce, carrots, chives, basil and cilantro. It sounds like a lot but it hasn't become more than we can keep up with thus far. I just CANNOT wait to see what happens! I'm seeing some pesto and some guacamole in our future and I cannot wait...those are two of my faves!

Here is some of the process, updates to come!

Another Spring project (yes, totally bit off way more than I could chew, but worth it) was a Lenten project called 40 bags/40 days. I found the idea on a blog I follow, the author experiences something much like me...she just doesn't get much out of giving the typical item away during lent, so she does this: makes a list of 40 areas in life that need physically cleaned out. Gather 40 bags, do one projects each day and reflect on how releasing that space of its clutter, physical or psychological makes you feel and how it connects with lent, Easter and God's love. I did it, thought truth be told I did not complete all 40 of my areas by Easter but I've continued to work on the ones that were not yet finished and I'm pleased and a bit overwhelmed with how I feel. I loved having the opportunity to better organize our keepsakes, newspaper articles and photos and other things of McKinley's. I'm so proud of how beautifully everything fit into two small archival boxes. The most awesome thing for me was the reorganization and cleaning out of my shoes. I like shoes. A lot. Almost as much as bags. And no, bags were NOT on my 40 days list. Nope, not budging on those babies! The shoes were not well organized and I could not stand it. I knew what needed to be done and I knew what I wanted it to look like upon completion. So, I chose to do it while McKinley napped...and when he awoke several pairs hit the growing donation pile, a few hit the trash can and a few friends were reunited...and they are so lovely together on their beautiful new shoe tree. Anyway, it was quite liberating and I think I truly GOT more from this lent project than anything I've ever done for lent. It was awesome! Below, photos of some of the beauties who got to stay for the party:

Finally, the social engagements nearly knocked us right off our agendas this Spring, but so fun! We enjoyed everything from zoo trips and egg hunts to weddings and impromptu gatherings with old friends.

Hooray for Spring and the good times and beautiful weather it brought, and hooray for Summer and all it has to bring!

Lynn

A Big Cookie...

A while back the three of us were walking through the mall when Cary spotted a local Cookie store's display of VERY BIG special occasion cookies. He said, "You know, I'd take one of those suckers over a birthday cake ANY day"...consider the message banked.

With Father's Day fast approaching McKinley and I discussed ordering one of those bad boys. McKinley saw the golf green and HAD to have it for his Daddy! So, I made the order and strategically planned a Father's Day trip to the mall, citing some much needed Sears stop (hello, MAN STORE! I knew it would get him there - easy as pie!)

McKinley kept the little secret, taking his Dad by the hand and pulling him to the store. Cary had this BIG smile on his face and was happy...it made me teary. The sweet girl behind the counter had the giant golf cookie beautifully boxed and ready for us to walk out the door, so when I asked if we could borrow a knife and purchase some drinks it was no surprise that the look on her face was pure shock. I get it, it must be hard to watch someone butcher your creation but I knew there was no a chance in the world we were walkin' outta that little bakery without either of the men in my life sampling a few bites. Fits would ensue!

So, we parked it on the table and Cary and McKinley cut into their yummy treat, complete with milk! Luckily, I snapped a quick photo of them before the butchering began.

The cookie was a success...oh my was it good. Serious yum.

I hope that Cary had a really wonderful Father's Day and knows just how much he is loved and appreciated by his family. We had a lovely day and shared some fun activities and a really big cookie. Couldn't think of a better way to spend a Sunday!

Lynn

We pick, do U Pick???

I've been craving a way to really break into summer...some recent events have kept me inside and in bed and sick, so when I thought "U Pick! Strawberries!" I knew that would put me even more in the spirit and McKinley would love it.

I was right! We even convinced Mom to tag along, so I planned a quick trip to the grocery, packed a picnic lunch and we began our little road trip to a nearby U Pick farm.

We laid our little feast out on the picnic table and enjoyed the cool (okay, a little TOO cool) breeze while we ate salad, pita and hummus, yogurt, pop chips and dip, watermelon and cantaloupe...and a long-time fave of mine and McKinley's - Blood Orange Italian Sodas! Oh it was perfect. And delicious. And Mom even bought a little piece of cake that she and McKinley shared.

Once we were finished, we packed back up an hopped on the farm's golf cart for the worker to drive us to the patch. Honestly, I think the golf cart was McKinley's very favorite part of the entire trip. He was giddy as he rode in the front like a big boy. It was so cute!

We were assigned our rows and set out to work. We made quick picking out of it, Mom chose two small baskets and I chose the medium basket (which was about 5 pounds of berries). It didn't take long to fill them up, the three of us were plucking away! The berries were the most beautiful color...and the taste, OH MY GOODNESS I have never ever tasted a sweeter berry. We didn't add any sugar to them at all, they were perfect as is!

And if it tells you anything, McKinley was previously NOT a strawberry fan. So, why would I take him to pick them? Because I intended to use them in his smoothies and in ice cream, no actual berry to bite into, which is what is doesn't care for. However, he is a changed man! One taste of these suckers and he was hooked!

During the picking, a moment of perfect comedic timing happened when "Precious" the farm dog left her perch beside the employee and ran to befriend McKinley, just seconds after I pulled out my camera and started clicking. The dog KNEW I had a camera. Matter of fact she began posing in various ways: rolling on her back while laying on my foot and turning her head JUST SO. Lying with McKinley and looking back at the camera. And my favorite - her little sneaky way of capturing her good side in the shot with Mom and McKinley. What a diva! I turned off the camera and replaced the lens cap and poof! Precious was gone. Imagine that!

Once our baskets were full we headed back to the golf cart and to the stand to have our berries weighed. We tucked them safely in the hatch and headed home.

On the way there we made a stop at Cary's office where he had just arrived. The four of us stood, hatch up, eating those strawberries right there in the parking lot! Holy Moly those things are so good!!!!!!!!!

Today was awesome. The perfect way to put me back in the summer spirit! Here's hoping we'll be back soon for more strawberries and then blueberries!

YUM!!!

Lynn

The tale of a giant tube

We spent Saturday evening with our dear friends, The Cook Family. It was so wonderful! Easy, laid back, just fun - and exactly what we ALL needed. The boys played, we all chatted, we ate some yummy food then everyone hopped on the boat and headed out for a fun night of tubing on the lake. McKinley wasn't real sure about the tube at first, so The Cook boys went for a spin. As McKinley watched he became really eager to get out there himself. Randy stopped the boat, reeled the boys back in and McKinley and Lisa hopped on too! McKinley had perma-grin for the ENTIRE ride. Later Lisa told us that he was squealing with delight all the way. Randy went pretty slow at first, but several rides later and McKinley was making the motions for donuts, to speed up and to "Rock and Roll"! I'm actually surprised he didn't swallow some bugs, his smile was so big for so long!

Finally, it was time for some dessert after a quick swim at the dock and a dip in the hot tub. Ice cream sundaes? Yes, please! Everyone had some - complete with sprinkles, as requested by McKinley.

The boys were all worn out and plopped on the bed to watch a movie before gaining a second (third? fourth?) wind and playing more.

We ended the night really late but so relaxed having had the best time!

I love summer!!!!!!!!!!

Lynn

Chugga Choo Choo!!!!!!!!!

Dear Deming Park,

I was nervous about the train this year...it's been a very cold Spring, not to even mention the rain, storms and the now Mother-Nature-Made POND that sits in the center of the circle turn of the train tracks. But you came through! Cary noticed the posting on the park sign a month ago and we've literally been counting down to today ever since. McKinley has mastered the calendar between school and counting down to Disney last year, and now the train, so he KNEW today was the day!

The beloved train is aging, the track has seen some challenges over the last few years, but somehow she keeps chuggin' along!

So, after McKinley's soccer game today we headed for the park. We purchased our tickets and McKinley chose our seat. We took a nice easy ride around the park, McKinley smiled the entire way. Once we were finished I offered to take a photo of McKinley in front of the train, as I was snapping away the girl running the train offered to let McKinley UP ON THE TRAIN for a photo op. He was so excited but so serious about his new little adventure. It was sweet...I appreciate the chance to let him do that!

So, thanks again...this will be the first on many train rides this summer for our family!

We are proud of a really unique Terre Haute tradition!

Lynn

Birthday party and a new friend for McKinley

We traveled to my Godparents home for Shelby's birthday party. I cannot believe she is really 14. Not cool. She is so not a little girl anymore, but a sweet young lady...but still, it makes me feel old.

Anyway, we had a lovely time with everyone. The food was great, the company wonderful as always, and the cake? Yum. But it was McKinley who really cut loose and had the time of his life...running after a long-legged girl.

Her name is Clara. She is the youngest daughter of good friends of Shelby's parents. Clara is 4, an older woman.

This was not the first meeting between McKinley and Clara, however it was the first time they took notice of each other.

McKinley had been standing in the kitchen of Honey's house, with his lame parents trying to figure out what he could do to liven up the joint. Then she walked in from the back yard. His eyes lit up. She stopped in her tracks with a stand-offish look on her face. He said:
"My name is McKinley. It starts with M-c-K-i-n-l-e-y"

Clara, still with that look: "My name is Clara, it's C-l-a-r-a"

He'd met his match!

McKinley: "I'm 3 and a half"

Clara: "I'm 4"

McKinley: "Let's go!"

Clara: "Okay!"

and that was the last I saw of my boy, except the occasional streak of two bodies blazing by.

They chased each other, they visited a nearby coy pond, they swung on a porch swing, the skipped rocks with Cary, they made new friends with the neighbors, they did it all.

McKinley was out of breath trying to keep up with Clara's really long legs, but he was a champ!

They ran and ran and ran until Cary and I were literally at our wits end ready to scream because McKinley wouldn't even listen and the kids were running through neighbor's yards (which was okay with the neighbors but not a common practice for the Vernon's...call us strict, I guess).

The evening ended with two very happy, very tired children.

We had a great time with Shelby and family, and really enjoyed watching McKinley make another new friend.

Lynn

BOWLING!

Wahooooo! We finally did it! The Vernon fam and the Semmler fam finally got together for BOWLING! It's kind of become a joke between us...wanna go bowling? Yeah and it doesn't happen! Various reasons occur (one time McKinley kind of got in trouble. That was NOT a quiet night. A tough lesson, but part of it...) sometimes the alley closes earlier than we anticipated. Sometimes there are leagues. Sometimes dinner runs late. Sometimes there are...well, anything can happen really. I truly think we have attempted this five times at least.

But THIS TIME! This time we made it happen and it was a BLAST! I had so much fun with my hubby and friends, but I must confess that my very favorite part was watching McKinley, Savannah and Austin on their own lane, screaming with delight and running around like our crazy kiddos do. The most adorable thing started...I do not know who's idea it was but so precious. McKinley or Savannah would make their shot then jump to their bellies to watch and wait patiently to see how many pins would be knocked down. They waited a while...occasionally I thought we could hear crickets and the theme to The Andy Griffith Show as the ball traveled ever so slowly down the lane, as if on a leisurely Sunday stroll. The kids didn't care how slow the ball was, they squealed with glee each and every time the ball reached the pins! Seriously, too cute for words.

The "adults" had their own lane...yours truly really blew it. Oh my gosh, no one tell my Mom just how poorly I bowled (she was a big bowler before I was born...I mean trophies, people). I've never been GREAT at bowling (well, except on the Wii...I rock on the Wii) but tonight I STUNK. BAD.

However, Cary and Rick had a nice little rivalry happening. I was cheering on my sweet hubby and he was doing so well! He's such a natural at every sport he touches. Rick won. Not by much though.

Pretty soon we realized we had again closed the place down. Time to head home! The kids were all exhausted but we all had the best time! So excited we finally got to play. Better start planning the next time now....ha!

Lynn

Sweet, Heartfelt & Handmade

It's Mother's Day and this morning I was greeted by a grinning boy who was so eager to deliver, open and present my very first handmade Mother's Day gift. I practically melted right into the sheets (did I mention I was still in bed???) when a little brown bag decorated with glued-on construction paper flowers and a construction paper card (with matching flowers) was given to me. McKinley handed me the card, inside was a little 5 line story about me, as translated by Miss Kymberli. It read:
My Mom is 6 years old... (I guess this is what 6 looks like. Better than 32.)

Inside the brown paper, flower-adorned bag was the most precious recycled bottle I have ever laid eyes on. It was covered in colorful tissue paper, resembling stained glass. It is my very first handmade gift from my son. I love it. I adore it.
McKinley immediately explained that it is to hold a candle and that we should use our Halloween ones that you switch on (battery operated votives in orange and black), so he ran to get one. Then he further explained that the bottle looks like the windows in the church, and he is right, it is so beautiful. I was so touched. The sweet gift is going on our dresser in our bedroom. I will look at it every day.
My sweet boy...he is precious!

After that sweet exchange we started getting ready for Mother's Day Brunch at Claddaugh in Plainfield. We picked Mom up and were on our way to the yummiest brunch I have EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. OH MY GOODNESS that Shepard's Pie was incredible. McKinley, fellow non-meat eater, could NOT get enough of the ham, which did smell amazing. Everything was insanely delicious, the desserts were crazy-good. McKinley enjoyed the chocolate fondue and we all sampled this double chocolate cake. Oh gosh, my mouth is watering. We WILL be back for their brunches. DELICIOUS.

Once that to-die-for brunch was over we did some shopping at Metropolis and headed home. McKinley and Cary gave me an iPhone for Mother's Day, which is a lot of fun...and addicting...and the apps! OH THE APPS! Good times!

What a special, special Mother's Day for me...and it all began with a sweet little surprise just two days before.
Life is good.
I am beyond blessed and thankful more than words can express.
Being a mother is the craziest, most difficult, trying, and emotionally challenging (in good ways and in bad) job but there is absolutely none more rewarding. I love being McKinley Shane's Mommy and look forward to the future of our wonderful family.
Thank you, Cary and McKinley for the best Mother's Day yet!
I love you both so very, very much,
Lynn

Poignant...

I was literally standing in the exact same spot where I watched that plane burst into the tower. This time, nearly 10 years later, I read that the creator (I simply CANNOT use the term 'mastermind') of that tragic madness that seemed beyond any reality I could have ever known was dead. Finally.
Admittedly, I am not all that comfortable with the idea to 'celebrate' someone's death in the sense of being GLAD they are no longer on this Earth...but at the same time, this man equals destruction, hurt, pain, fear, anguish and so much more...just evil. I pray for those he terrorized. I pray for those lost on 9/11/01. I pray for every single family member who has been victimized by his actions - around the world.
I am not here to judge, only to say that it is honestly a triumph for humankind.
Humankind.

He certainly lacked Human Kindness.

Praying for Peace,
Lynn

FIESTA! ...and EASTER Stuff!!!

What a week!!!!!!!!

Thursday was McKinley's Easter Party at school. It was a small little party, just the three year olds, and it was first thing in the morning, so when I signed up to bring the treats Miss Kymberli and I agreed it shouldn't be cupcakes at 8a.m.! So, instead I made strawberry shortcake kabobs...oh my goodness were they yummy! They are pictured just below McKinley and I. Miss Kymberli gave me the recipe and I must say I banked it for future occasions. Delish!

The party was a lot of fun, with two activities (foam egg decorating and cross bracelet making) before the treat. But the best part was the egg hunt for the kiddos. McKinley had so much fun! He found his 12 eggs very quickly and set out to make sure his peeps got all of theirs too, showing Dominic and Eleanor where to grab the last of theirs. All the kids looked so sweet with their coke-bottle baskets (that's a keeper!) and dressed up so sweetly. I love having the opportunity to go to McKinley's events...even when I've had to wake up at 5am and pick up fresh donut holes from Baesler's with no make up and a wet head before Cary leaves for work. So worth it...and yes, I totally ducked in the back door and didn't see a soul. However, the bakery folks did give me some funny looks when they saw my wet hair...and me without make up. YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday evening we attended McKinley's very first Spring Concert at school. This year's theme was a Fiesta, and what fun it was! Every class sang a song in Spanish, including McKinley's preschool! All the performances we watched were so impressive...but our favorite was the preschool. Their performance of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" stole the show. They sang a verse in Spanish, a verse in English and ended with another verse in Spanish...with the hand motions! Awesome!

McKinley rocked it...his little fingers were a-walking just like a spider. He was in the front row, looking so handsome. It was precious. And yes...I totally cried. Can't help it people....

Sunday, of course, was Easter. I probably say this every year, but this one was my favorite so far. McKinley was so into the Easter Bunny, but more so into the 'real story of Easter'. We've always incorporated the real story (in a very simplified version), but in school it was even more detailed and complex and the children totally got it and enjoyed their lessons. It was so special to see McKinley randomly select a person to tell about the story of Easter. For instance, on a whim last Monday we drove to Plainfield to eat at Claddaugh (a favorite of ours) and do a little shopping (Dick's for the boys, Ulta and Target for Mommy). At Claddaugh our server was really taken by McKinley and kept going on and on about him...so he just kept chatting away and then launched into this: "I've got to tell you something. I have to tell you about the Story of Easter" and he gave her a shortened version (Jesus was on a cross, they nailed him up there. Bad people put him there because they didn't like him, and he died. But he came back! They rolled away the stone and he was gone! ). I was a little nervous - I mean, religion and politics, right??? Social faux pas, but in the eyes of a child it is so very special to hear this come out in such a heartfelt way, so we were not about to stop him...quite proud actually. But seriously, you never know who you could offend. Our server was so nice, she played along with him and thanked him for sharing that beautiful story. It was so sweet.

So, back to Easter...McKinley was tickled to see the Easter Bunny had arrived and left some fun goodies...and he had hidden eggs! I started our holiday brunch and we got ready for church, Mom stopped by for a few minutes and soon we were off for Easter Mass. It was a packed house so we sat way up by the confessionals which are now padlocked and rarely used. I noticed McKinley was trying so hard to concentrate on the beautiful music, the choir and everything going on but he could not stop looking at the confessional.

In a moment of sheer childhood innocence he leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Mommy? What's that right there?" pointing to the confessional.

Me: "It's a confessional. It's the place where we go talk to the priest if we need to."
McKinley: "Mommy? Is that where Jesus is going to come out?"

Me, biting my lip very, very hard: "Ummmm, no, McKinley he won't come out of there, it's locked and no one uses anymore."

McKinley: "Okay, but Jesus isn't going to come out of there?"

Me: "No. He won't actually be HERE today"

McKinley: "Where is he? Is he coming or not?"

Me: "Uhhhhhh...." blank...

Cary: "Yes, he will be here someday."
Thank goodness that did pacify McKinley's inquisitive mind for the time being...thank you to Cary for picking up on that.

Regardless, it was the funniest thing that McKinley was sure Jesus would come flying out of the confessional right next to us. Ahhh, the innocence of a child.

After church we went home for brunch, an egg hunt and to get ready to venture to Bloomington for Easter dinner at Grandma Vernon's.

We had a great time there with Cary's family, and Nana (Grandma Vernon) couldn't get enough of McKinley, who - by request - performed The Itsy Bitsy Spider, in Spanish for the whole family.

McKinley had the best time playing with his cousins in the rain (which is all it ever does anymore....) and 'bumping' down the stairs on their bums. It was a great holiday!

We have had a really crazy week, but all the activities have been so fun and so special.

Happy Easter!

Lynn