Midwestern Spring Thunderstorms

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I consider myself a Midwestern "transplant". Although we've been here nearly three years (and spent a year in Wisconsin), I'm still amazed at the different weather patterns of the two regions.

In the PNW we sort of ease into spring, which then creeps into summer and lasts a wee bit longer into autumn, before easing on into the winter. It is a gentle transition without much fanfare.

In the Midwest, the weather seems to prefer a stage. In late winter/early spring we get a smattering of spring tease days before Mother Nature kicks another few feet of snow on anticipating hearts. We thaw, and freeze -- thaw and freeze until spring finally arrives. You know spring has finally arrived when it stays light out later in the evening, when your neighbors venture out past the mailbox and you see the shoots of daffodils in late March or early April (those same daffodil shoots started in early January in the PNW!).

What I really love are the major thunderstorms that roll through the Midwest After every one is tucked into bed, I love sitting on my couch and looking out all the windows of my home. I see the sky light up in all different directions and wonder how long it will take before I see another flash of lightening or hear the loud booming thunder. I guess which direction the lightening will shoot down as well as how loud the thunder will be.

The rain in the Midwest is not like the rain in the Seattle area. When it rains it pours out here. Soaking wet rain. You can't pop in and out of the car without an umbrella. No little drizzle that may ruin the perfectly coiffed hairdo -- no...this rain will soak you and possibly flood your basement.

Last spring my 90 year old Grandmother came to visit and experienced her first Midwestern thunderstorm. It was fun to watch her reactions. It's cool and scary, but I love them!

This past weekend we had some great storms on Sunday. We woke up to grey dark skies. It is spooky how you can not only see the storm coming...but you can "feel" it and "smell" it too. You can feel a change in the air and smell the sweet rain miles away. After the long winters I look forward to smelling the fresh rain. Maybe that's a part of the Seattle girl that will never go away -- no matter how far I roam.

Another interesting "Midwestern tidbit" that tickles my fancy is how the people out here moan and groan about the "weather" if it rains more than 2-3 days in a row. While they can withstand the bitter cold...Midwesterners love their sun. I was chuckling the other day when a group of moms were lamenting about the rain. Please! Two days is nothing! It rained consecutively for 250 days during my first year of law school!

Since I started training for a 1/2 marathon Sundays are my long run days. Despite the weather, I try to get outside to run. This is somewhat problematic during the spring storms, however, I've found that in the Midwest the weather forecasts are generally more reliable than in the PNW. Reprieves in storm systems can be calculated based on how fast the storm is moving across the plains. There are no Mountain ranges like the Olympics or the Cascades to slow things down. So, while it will pour for an hour or so you can be sure that inevitably the skies will open up and the sun will shine through.

Brian and I timed our 6 mile run during one of those storm reprieves. Although the wind was really blowing, we were able to make it to the Peoria Heights water tower and back before the rain hit again. I loved running in the wind. The temperature was perfect, and everything was quiet -- save the few sirens in the distance warning people of the tornado watch.

While I miss the rain in Seattle, I'm learning to love the unique weather quirks the Midwest offers. This Midwestern "transplant" makes every effort to find the silver lining and "bloom where [I am ] planted."

Bring on the spring!

Jackson's All Star Quotations

Brian and I have been blessed with our two boys: Jackson and Charlie. They bring joy to our lives and help us to be a better version of ourselves. Although the timing of our children was never on "our" time table, we've taken each day as a gift. I look forward to the joys and surprises each new day brings.

Jackson, our oldest, is wise beyond his years. He is an old soul in a young body. He loves to talk and talk...and talk. There is a quote that says: "[He] could talk an angle out of heaven." Jackson fits that bill. We often joke that he's never met a stranger -- and reading the quotes below, you'll understand why.

While we can get exasperated at times by his constant chit chat, I've tried hard to write down some of the cutest things he's said over the past few years. I hope that someday he'll appreciate the time I took to write these gems down. What strikes me is Jackson's love of God and family. I pray everyday that he never loses his love for God and family.

There is one quote from Jackson, however, that I will never forget. I think about what he said to me in early 2007 often and wonder how that thought popped into his head. I'll give some context:

When Jackson was about 2 and 1/2 years old, Brian and I started trying for another baby. We tried for a year on our own and nothing happened. I chalked it up to the stress of work and our pending move to Illinois. Once we moved to Illinois, however, we still had trouble. I sought more aggressive treatment with my OB-GYN to determine my "problem", if there was one. After trying some fertility drugs, undergoing an HSG, a numerous IUIs with fertility shots, we still had no answers other than we were experiencing "unexplained infertility."

One day in the car, I started to tear up after receiving bad news. Jackson was in the back of the car at age three, and asked me what was wrong. Without giving him too much information, I said: "mommy is sad because she wants a baby in her belly." Jackson was silent for a few minutes and then said: "The baby isn't ready yet. He is in your heart and getting dressed." I can't remember what I said after that, or if I cried some more, but I do know that my three year old brought comfort to my heart and helped strengthen my faith. Jackson was truly an angel that day.

Interestingly, after a diagnosis of endometriosis and subsequent laproscopic surgery, we found out 6 months later that we were expecting Charlie! Charlie took his time getting dressed in my heart and was well worth the wait. He came into the world with a full head of hair and the sweetest smile on his face.

The following are some other great Jackson Marshall Lewallan quotations and pictures. Enjoy!

July 2006 Quotes:


Jackson was barely three years old. We were staying at my parent's lake house before moving. My dad took him grocery shopping one morning and let him pick out some Kool-Aid. He couldn't wait to make it and drink it. Since it was red, we made him drink it outside on the deck. After taking a few sips, Jackson peeked his head through the doors to the kitchen, held up his cup and exclaimed: “This is damn good kool-aid!”

August 2006 Jackson Quotes:

On the way to Kristin Feronti’s home in Cleveland we'd been sitting in the car for hours. Jackson got bored and asked us if we: "want[ed] to dance and shake [our] hips?” A few hours later, he informed us: “I’m done with this. I want out of this seat!”

September 2006 sayings:

On the way out the door to his first day of school Jackson stopped me and said:
“But you need to take my picture!”

Jackson attends a Catholic school. One of the first days of his new school, they were celebrating Mary, the Mother of Jesus’ birthday. I knew that because it was on the school calendar. When Jackson got in the car to go home I asked him what he did that day. He said he didn’t know. Prodding him a bit, I asked if they had a birthday party, and he said “YES!” I asked who was the birthday party for? “Some girl” he casually replied. I asked if her name was Mary. Jackson snapped his head up like I was a mind reader and asked: "How’d you know!”

At the doctor’s office Jackson had to get all the neccessary shots etc. to attend pre-school. When the nurse pulls out the stethoscope Jackson asked: “What are you doing?” The Nurse said: “listening to your heart.” Jackson’s nodded like he understood and said: "yeah...God’s in there.”

After getting a TB test, Jackson was very upset. He marched over to the nurse, spanked her bottom and said: “That was NOT nice.” The rest of the day he kept telling me how that “lady” was “naughty”.

Driving in the car one day, Jackson informed me that we needed to go back to Washington because: “Grandma needs her little boy.”

Playing in the basement, Jackson tested his "God arguments". He came up to me and said:
“I’m a good boy, so God says I can have this toy.”

I'm asked a lot of questions, and prepare myself for inevitable questions about God, the meaning of life, etc. etc. What I was prepared was Jackson's question as to the company God keeps. One day he asked: “Where does God live?” I replied: “Up in heaven above the clouds.” Jackson thought about that for a second and asked: “With Mary Poppins?”

October 2006

After drinking his first cup of hot chocolate: “This is scrumptious!”

Eating pre-Halloween candy: “You know what mom? I just prayed by myself.” What did you pray for I asked? “I said: Dear God, thank you for these delicious candies.”

December 2006:
Getting out of the car on the way to swimming, I asked Jackson: “Why is it that you can’t listen to me?” Jackson responded: “I don’t know –it’s a secret”.

Getting dressed for our holiday party, I removed the towel wrapped around my hair and Jackson exclaimed: “Uh Oh mommy – you’re hair is a mess. It looks terrible.”

After the big snow, Jackson went outside to play with our neighbor, Cody. Cody and Jackson built a snowman. However, when Jackson came inside that night he said: “We put the hat on the snowman but he didn’t come to life!”.

April 2007:
Saying prayers one night: “Thank you God for making Grandma.”



May 2007:

After spraying carpet cleaner in his hair, on the flat screen t.v. and in DVD cases, I asked Jackson: “Why are you being so naughty? He answered: “I don’t know…because I’m a little boy.” So true!

One morning while watering the plants, Jackson was outside in the yard running with the dogs. It was very early – just about the time older people like to walk. I had recently discussed the dangers of talking to strangers with Jackson. He stood at the edge of our yard and watched an older couple walk by. He introduced himself and said: “Hi! I’m Jackson. They introduced themselves and then Jackson inserted: “Please don’t steal me.” He had desperately wanted to say hello, but he obviously understood that they were “strangers” and wanted to ensure he avoided the dangers I had warned him about.

October, 2007:
Driving in the car, Jackson attempted to be the most annoying back seat driver in history. Knowing he had no idea how to give me directions, I facetiously asked : “What would I do without you?” He matter of factly responded: “Panic.”

November 2007:

After being diagnosed with strep throat and an ear infection, Jackson and I were driving in the car. I asked him: “how are you feeling back there buddy?” Jackson said: “Look at me! Do I LOOK happy?”

While throwing a fit in church, Jackson wrote on a piece of paper: “I D N L U” I asked him what that meant and he replied: “I do not like you!” Nice. I can’t wait for the teenage years.


December 2007:
On the 15th we all headed out to Washington to visit the family. One day in the car, Jackson decided we’d play the “quiet” game. He kept saying: “You lose” to anyone that spoke, coughed, or laughed. I turned around and asked him: “Are you the enforcer?” He said: “No! I’m Jackson. I’m just a little boy – Duh.”

Playing trains upstairs in Grandma and Grandpa’s house, Jackson said to the toys: “Everyone stay calm and enjoy the ride!”

Jackson became the official Marshall household welcoming committee. Whenever Grandpa walked through the door in the evening, Jackson would say: “Welcome home Grandpa!” I bet that doesn’t get old! Better than a dog, albeit more expensive.


February 2008:

On Valentine’s Day I asked Jackson if he wanted to call Grandma and Grandpa and wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day. Jackson was in a foul mood and apparently didn’t want to do it. After cajoling him a bit he relented and said: “Fine – just make it quick.”


August 2008:
As we pulled into the parking lot at the club Jackson said: “Can I tell you something mom? I have superpowers. Really. You can’t tell anyone or I will die and have to live in heaven.” I started laughing and he said: "I knew you were going to laugh!" (Obviously one of the acquired super powers).

Later on, he was playing with Joey, another little boy at the pool and I heard him explain that God gave him his superpowers “for real”. He explained that he can: (1) run really fast, (2) he knows what people are going to say before they say it, and he can see “bones and hearts”.

These are just a few of my favorites. Jackson has a quick wit, but a heart of gold. I thank God every day for him. I continue to write down all the wonderful things he says, and look forward to carrying on the same tradition with Charlie...and any others that may come along in God's time.

Spring cleaning/midwestern sanity?

Unlike the perpetual drizzle in the Seattle area, the Midwest gets cold...cold and dirty. When it snows, there is not only snow, but snow, salt, sand and grit. It gets onto your car, your clothes, your garage and your home. The gray dirt gets everywhere.

By February you can almost hear the collective cry: "Uncle!" Everyone is ready to get rid of the gray and trade it in for some green (the real green...not the environmental craze). I digress again!

Anyhoo -- getting rid of the grit, also entails getting rid of the dirt and grim that has snuck into your home while you were warming your hands. The dirt -- once the daylight lingers-- is highlighted in all the dark little areas that have been harboring dust bunnies and gross fluffs of dog hair.

On Thursday, I cried "Uncle". I had enough of the Midwestern grit and dirt. I armored myself with a mop, my vacuum, Lysol, a duster and a few hundred garbage bags and went to town. I had prepared myself for a morning of bible study, but Charlie went down for an early nap. Knowing that I only had a short amount of time I tackled the clutter and dirt methodically. It felt great. It was better than prescription drugs! This de-cluttering had me on a euphoric high! With an evil little laugh cackling in my head I dumped broken toys, old papers, and a myriad of out-dated clothes. Wa ha ha ha! (that's the evil laugh). I dusted, vacuumed, mopped and even cleaned out my fridge! The joy!!!!!! A clean house. -- temporary, but clean!

The cleaning continued after picking up Jackson from school. I popped Charlie and Jackson in the tub together to clean them both. Dirty nails and hair for Jackson and spit up remnants for Charlie. What I didn't expect with my cleaning frenzy was the shear joy I'd derive from watching my two boys play together in the tub together.

It was the end of a long and productive day and I was spent. I had hoped to clean the boys much like I'd cleaned the rest of the house. However, once the two boys were in the tub I had to sit down and watch. They were so cute. Jackson is the best older brother, protecting and cuddling Charlie. Charlie, on the other hand, is experiencing everything. He smiles at Jackson, shrieks with delight and splashes his hands in the water. Even though five years separate the two of them, they know innately that they are brothers and they smile that knowing family smile at each other. It reminded me of a time when I got to bathe with my older sister (6 years older). We sat in the tub and relaxed with some bubble bath and bubble gum. My parents still have the picture and it still warms my heart to think of those innocent times.

I love seeing life through the eyes of my boys. I know that while I have other "duties" to tend to...the sneak peak of brotherly delight through their eyes is a god-given treat. I'm sure that in a blink of an eye I will wake up one day and they will be grown and out the door. Memories of bath time will soon be forgotten, or at minimum, replaced (by them, not me).

So today I cleaned out the clutter to make room for the important things: Two boys in a tub. Enjoying life and enjoying being brothers.

I'm so blessed.