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I had forgotten how much I love this blog.  It took me reading two posts to smile and think, "YES!  I need to keep doing this!"  So they are not 9 and 11 anymore, but 10 and almost 13.  Yiiiiiiiiiikes is right.  Almost a teenager.  That has baffled me for some time now.  How has this happened?  My baby almost a teenager?  He is really turning into such a funny character with opinions,  hopes, a sensitive heart....he is growing up.  I really do love this age.  I always thought I would dread this but I enjoy joking with him, teasing him a bit and being able to talk with him more like an older kid.  I see his soft heart so often when we are out and about, I see him helping others without being asked.  I love the person he is becoming.

Maggie.  This little tiny person that once shouted her demands at us is now so soft spoken (in school), yet quietly confident in who she is, her dreams, goals and future.  She is determined, works so hard and is soooooo sassy. Sassy in a good way that will benefit her as she gets older, and even now.  Her caring heart is so evident in everything she does.  This girl has a passion for animals and people that need a little extra something.  I just cannot wait to see what she grows up to do with all this love she has in her heart.

As a parent, sometimes I think "My word, am I doing anything right?  Are we even on the right path?  What will they turn out to be?"  Constantly I ask myself that.  There is no guidebook, no advice column with all the answers checked off in a box.  Still, we struggle daily in making decisions that will affect our children forever.  I am reminded in reading this blog that I am so proud of, not just these two kids, but my family.  I'm so happy that we get to be in this life together.  I realize that I just upped the "cheese factor" with that last sentence, but it is so true and there is just no other way to put it.  I am feeling especially lucky to get to spend this life with these 3 other people.  I cannot wait to keep sharing fun stories about our family.

A Visit With Cousins

We are currently on our way home from a long Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee with Katie, Jimmy and the kids.  Katie and I decided that it would be fun to surprise her kids. They had no idea we were coming and it was so cute!! They all hugged and jumped up and down. The girls immediately took off to play. The boys weren't really sure what to do at first then soon entered into inseparable video game land together. We had a great time just hanging out and relaxing. When we left today my kids cried and cried and cried. I realized that I don't always think about how important these trips to Milwaukee are for all of us. It's so easy to get caught up in day to day life...my kids adore their cousins AND their aunt and uncle. Mark and I LOVE spending time with all of them as well. It is heartwarming to see that our children love to be with each other so much that it brings them to tears when we have to leave. Although it is always hard to leave, I am glad that they have such wonderful connections! I can't wait to see how these kids grow up together, cause trouble together and learn from each other.

That Deserves a Round of Applause

So here we are again...it's now 2015! 2015. I have not blogged in FOUR years!! (Yikes!) Although Maggie and Nicholas have grown to 9 and 11, they still say the funniest things and still continue to amaze me. I find that in the hustle and bustle of our busy days I spend less and less time reflecting on these moments. Sadly, I spend less time re-living those funny little moments that slip by so quickly. Tonight I was overcome with sadness, horror and disappointment in the world around me. What can I do about all the horrible, tragic things happening around me? Those people that have no value for life, the cancer that runs rampant everywhere and affects everyone...what can I do about that? Well...I don't know. I really don't. But what I do know is that I can appreciate this little bubble that I live in and hug my family a little tighter. I can blog about the funny things my kids do because it makes me feel happy about this world and what I have. So....a story.

Last Sunday in church Father Bob gave a touching homily about how people no longer value life, he spoke of abortion, etc. It was extremely meaningful and powerful. Unlike every other Sunday, everyone clapped upon completion of his homily.  So, then fast forward to this past Sunday...Nicholas is sitting next to me continuously asking "is it over yet? What time is it?" He was more than done. I encourage him to watch and listen to Father Bob's great message. Finally Fother Bob finishes, Nicholas' head pops up and he begins to slam his hands together in a nice slow clap!   Not today buddy, not today. :)

Another tooth...

I know I got a little sappy when Nicholas had his bottom two teeth pulled...first tooth lost, etc. But he actually lost his first real tooth yesterday!!! It wasn't pulled out, it actually was wiggly and fell out. (Well, my mom pulled it out while she was babysitting, but it wasn't pulled out by a dentist.) I wonder if other parents get as excited about these things as I do? I guess I'm excited because I remember what it felt like to lose my teeth as a kid. I LOVED having a loose tooth and the tooth fairy coming...I loved it all! It's fun to share those little moments with your kids, knowing how they might feel. I guess I think about it more too because it's just another sign that he is growing up. He is turning into such a sweet, caring little boy. He is so intuitive and thoughtful of others, all while being hysterically funny and witty. It's so awesome to have such a wonderful little guy! Now....I need to go put a little moo-lah under a little boy's pillow. :)

Dirty Rug

We have been needing a new vacuum for quite a long time. Ours leaves stuff all over the floor after we have gone over it 3 or 4 times. Ridiculous. Anyway, we had gone waaaay too long without vacuuming when Maggie commented on one of the rugs by the washer and dryer. She said to me, "Mommy, that rug is dirtier than a groundhog on Sunday!"

After asking her to repeat herself, just to make sure I heard correctly, I laughed so hard! I was baffled because I have never in my life said anything like that. I know Mark hadn't...where could she have heard that from??? I just figured probably from TV somewhere.

Then it occurred to me...could this child have inherited "Markisms?" Seriously! I know that Mark has always been known for his quirky sayings but could it be possible that it can actually be something that is passed on to your child??? Oh Lord. What have we created?

Happy Groundhog's Day!

It was shortly after Groundhog's Day. Nicholas and Maggie had learned and talked about Groundhog's Day at school. As I was getting ready for the day in my room, I overheard Nicholas say to Mark, "Hey dad, did you hear about the beaver and his shadow?" He said it like it was just the coolest thing in the world. I love how much that kid makes me laugh!!

Where does she come up with this stuff??

Recently Maggie has been on quite a roll with funny little quotes. The other day she was getting ready to brush her teeth with a new toothbrush and toothpaste that she got at school. She looked at me and said, "If I have tears in my eyes, it's not because I'm crying, it's because I'm falling in love." Seriously.

Another funny was the other day when she and Mark were playing "lion." She had Mark under the kitchen table with the chairs all around because he was in his "cage." Mark got out to take a break and I asked him where Maggie was. He said, "I don't know, she said she is washing her lion or something." (She has a stuffed Simba that her sweet cousin Kasey gave her.) It dawned on me that she knew what cleaning a lion looked like. I said out loud, "Please tell me she isn't licking Simba!" From out of nowhere and almost immediately I hear a "Well, actually, I am." Mark and I laughed so hard neither of us could speak. I couldn't see her because she was sitting under the counter at our bar area. Mark said she was trying to pick the fuzz from Simba off her tongue.

She (and Nicholas) make me laugh EVERY day. Sometimes I wonder if all parents are as amused by their own children as I am. I look forward to everything they will say next because you just NEVER know what will come out of their mouths.