S'more fun and Mother's Day

Brian and I decided to get a patio set this year so we could really enjoy the warmer Midwestern springs and summer. In June the fireflies grace us with their fiery dances and Jackson spends hours trying to chase them down. We also splurged on a new fire pit, which has turned out to be the best decision we made.

Every night Jackson begs Brian to light a fire so he can make s'mores. Despite the wicked allergy season, we all venture outside for our new evening ritual. The ipod comes outside and Jackson usually shows us his new "moves" while eating s'mores. The dogs also join in the fun and chase each other around the house while we have our family time.


The other night after soccer practice, Jackson really wanted to light the fire. We agreed and the s'mores ensued. We were all enjoying ourselves when Brian noticed Jackson furtively trying to sneak off to his "special" spot in the yard, where he relieves himself in emergency situations. Brian told Jackson that if he needed to use the potty to go inside. Jackson denied having to use the potty and instead informed us that he "was just looking for a quiet place to pray." Needless to say, in less than 5 minutes Jackson was running to use the toilet inside. I sure hope he had a good conversation with God.

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On Mother's Day, Brian took us to the Pere Marquette Hotel for Mother's Day Brunch. We had a fantastic time. While waiting in line, Jackson informed the hotel staff that he was wearing a tie that his Grandma got him. "It has bees on it and she loves bees." He also told them all about Grandma's favorite color and his school. Later that night on the phone with Grandma, Jackson told her she could be called the "Queen Bee". No doubt this kid understands how to score points!





The brunch was amazing! They had every type of food imaginable! Jackson immediately identified the items he wanted -- waffles and cheesecake. Since he eats well during the week and never has issues with his vegetables, we are more than happy to indulge him on special occasions. And boy did he indulge!

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I quickly started to lose my appetite watching Jackson inhale his waffle followed by TWO pieces of cheesecake. I waited...and finally, after taking a few bites of his chocolate eclair, Jackson informed me he didn't feel well. I can only imagine! Those types of lessons are best learned first hand.

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Charlie opted for a more savory than sweet menu and enjoyed his first omelet with Brian. He also loved the hash browns and bacon!

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Despite the sugar coma induced by so many sweets, Jackson did not lose any of his own sweetness. He was polite to the staff and sweet to his mommy. Both Jackson and Charlie are quite the little charmers! Whenever Charlie gets attention, Jackson promptly stands up and introduces himself as Charlie's big brother and waits for his own compliments. I'm happy that he is no wall flower.

Brian planned the entire day, which was a gift in and of itself. However, he also surprised me with a diamond cross necklace and made the day extra special -- especially after our recent Cursillo weekends.

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Sitting at church and at brunch with my three boys -- Brian, Jackson and Charlie, I truly felt blessed. This time next year, God-willing, I will have another reason to feel blessed! The question is will I have three little boys or a little girl? Only time will tell.

May Flowers

It is hard to believe that we survived the Midwestern winter. Locals say this year was "brutal", but I believe the past three winters have been less than kind to us Northwestern transplants.

By February I start looking for signs of spring. I can't help it. I'm use to the Northwest springs that come early. In Peoria, spring literally does not arrive until LATE April (if it's a good year), or May at best. However, this year's winter did produce one great thing -- another baby! We are expecting baby #3 in late November/early December of 2009. We are thrilled. Charlie and the baby will be 18 months apart, keeping me very busy -- but extraordinarily blessed.

Now that spring has sprung...we are enjoying it full-force! Jackson is playing soccer twice a week. Brian is the coach and we are having a blast. Charlie and I get to cheer on the sidelines, while Jackson and his school buddies have fun. In another week, Jackson will start t-ball. I'm anxious to participate in some more cheering.



We decided to buy new patio furniture now that we have a new grill and are looking forward to eating outside. We also bought a fire pit, which Jackson promptly injured himself with the first night we tried it out. I'm sure Jackson will not touch the top of a fire pit again. Some lessons have to be learned the hard way!

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Charlie and I are taking advantage of the warmer weather. Rather than hitting the gym every morning, we're hitting the pavement and taking nice long walks through the neighborhood. It's so nice to get out early before it gets too warm. I love seeing everyone working in their yards and catching up on home improvement projects.

It is hard to believe that there is only a few more weeks left of school! I'm excited for the pool to open up. Charlie seems to have taken to the water like a fish and Jackson loves playing with all his friends at the pool.

We are also excited for a visit from Grandma Marshall! Jackson has to have surgery on his mouth in June. He has two extra upper teeth, which need to be extracted. He will have to be put under for the operation and they will remove his other upper baby tooth. No doubt this will be painful...so we're bringing in the best pain medication known to mankind -- Grandma! With all her pampering, story reading, snuggling and love Jackson will surely make a full recovery in no time flat.

Cheers! Happy Spring!

Easter 2009

Easter is always so much fun. However, it is always a bit sad because we are not with our extended family. Back in Seattle, we would celebrate Easter with the Rainier Club Easter Bunny Brunch. It is a fantastic event complete with pony rides, face painting, gourmet food, and a visit with the Easter Bunny. The Rainier Club always goes all out -- the club is transformed into a virtual "candy land" for kids -- and grown up kids.

Last year we celebrated Easter in Nashville, TN. While we had "fun" doing an Easter egg hunt in the hotel room, we were determined to make this year's Easter extra special.

With two kids now, I bought enough Easter candy for the entire neighborhood. I wanted the kids baskets to overflow with candy. However, I bought the candy about a week before Easter and although Brian did his best to hide the candy, Jackson "accidentally" stumbled upon the hidden stash.

While we were getting ready one morning Jackson came up to our bathroom and announced he found the candy. I was devastated that he may "find out" the truth before his time, but Brian and I did some quick thinking. Brian told Jackson that because of the economy, the Easter Bunny's budget has been slashed and that mom and dad helped out with buying some of the candy. Even though we were helping the Easter Bunny out with the candy, the Easter Bunny still brings the gifts, more candy and hides all the eggs...if kids are good.

I also shared with Jackson what happened to me when I was a little girl. Being the curious (a.k.a. sneaky) kid I was, I went searching for Easter candy and gifts. Low and behold I found the secret stash under my mom and dad's bed. JACKPOT! I found the Belle stuffed animal toy I really wanted and loads of candy. Not being able to contain myself, I shared the news with my sister Jeanette and firmly warned her NOT to tell my older sister, Stephanie. Jeanette didn't listen, and of course, Stephanie ratted us out.

Easter morning arrived and Stephanie's Easter basket was literally overflowing with candy. Jeanette and my basket contained a few measly little jelly beans -- a visual lesson in the consequences of snooping. Needless to say...I never snooped again.

Jackson's eyes widened when I told him the story and I told him that I hope the same misfortune does not happen to him. Needless to say...I still think he inherited the snooping gene from me.

Easter Egg dying was fun. Jackson pestered me relentlessly for hours to dye eggs. I finally caved in and we made some pretty neat eggs. Charlie watched with delight and I can't wait for him to help out is big brother next year.








On Saturday, we hit the Wildlife Prairie State Park Easter Bunny Brunch/Egg hunt. While it could never compare to the Rainier Club...it was still a ton of fun for the kids. The brunch was good and they had an Easter Bunny and even some skunks to see too!




That night Brian helped the Easter Bunny write out clues to find the hidden Easter baskets. I absolutely LOVE his clues from the Hippity Hop Corporation. His clues are footnoted with a bunch of hold harmless clauses, which I find hilarious. I hope to save them all and share them with the boys when they are older.

Religiously, Brian and I attended Maundy Thursday and watched the priests reenact the foot washing at the Last Supper. We also attended the Easter Vigil service on Saturday night sans kids, and then hit the 9:00 service on Sunday morning with the kids. Charlie slept through most of the Easter service. Thank goodness we had grandma's blanket! He can't sleep without it.

After church we we rushed home to throw the ham in the oven, do a quick clean, set the table and get the rest of the food ready before the Shanahans joined us for Easter dinner. Meredith (2nd grade) and Jack (pre-K) and Jackson (Kindergarten), all ran around outside searching for more eggs that Brian and John hid. The weather was nice enough that the kids could continue to play outside while the adults enjoyed their dinner. It was great -- ham, green bean casserole, BLT smashed potatoes and brussell sprouts.

During the clean-up, John showed us how to make ham stock with the ham hock. I'm off to the store today to buy carrots, onions and split peas to make homemade soup!

While we couldn't be with extended family, we made the most out of this Easter. Next year should be even more special, as Brian and I intend to go through RCIA at St. Vincents and convert to Catholicism. Our first communion will be next year on Easter!