Where does the time go?

Wow! I can't believe that I put my oldest son on a bus to Washington, DC, yesterday. As I drove him to the school in the early morning, I told him we needed to pray. As I started...so did the tears. My head was swimming with emotions. We are talking the nation's capital...during a war! I was so happy for him to go and learn and create memories with his friends but my heart ached knowing I wouldn't be there to experience it with him. Who would keep track of his stuff, make sure he ate at least something healthy, make sure he got more than 2 hours of sleep, make sure no one stole his stuff, who would take pictures to document his memories, what if he got sick, what if violence broke out, WHAT IF????????????? All of those thoughts in 2.2 seconds! As the tears came...we shared a laugh and he told me that if I got out of the car crying, he was going to tell everyone I hit my head and was in pain. LOL He did manage to give me a kiss before he exited the car. I must be doing something right. I waited with the other mothers as they loaded the buses and pulled away...none of them even looked out the window to wave...I wouldn't of at that age either. As the buses rolled down the dark street...I prayed some more. Yes, I know he will have a fantastic time and I am so happy for him and proud of the young man he is becoming.
He did text me to let me know he arrived safely. Todd wanted to call him during the day (he worries too) but I told him we need to let him be on his own and have fun without us intruding. We did talk to him at night. Once we knew he was alive and happy...off to dream land we went.
I felt like I did the first day I sent him to school...confused! Happy for the adventure he was embarking on but scared because I couldn't be there to make sure everything was OK. You know, no one tells you how emotional this parenting thing is and how fast it goes! I put him on the bus to Kdg. and the next day, so it seems, he's boarding a bus to Washington, DC! Wow...what a ride it's been so far! I'm excited about this ride lasting a long time. I just have one more day until he returns...safely to us. I can't wait to hear all the fun and wonderful things he did. Dominic won't really admit it but...he misses his brother.
One question...why do the years fly by but a 3 day trip seems to take forever????

Happy Easter

Well, here it is March...and we celebrated Easter. I know this happens every so often but it always seems strange. Anyway...it was a great day. The boys didn't wake us up until 8:00...which is a nice change from 5:30 (on Christmas). Finding baskets use to take a lot longer. Now that they are older I think the baskets were found and partly devoured within 10 minutes! Then off to church...no spring outfits this year. It was too chilly for that! Who am I kidding...I have teen boys...they don't wear Easter outfits...even if the weather were nice! Oh well, I'm just happy to attend church with them. After church comes the egg and treasure hunt at our house. They were happy with their change filled eggs and gifts from the "Easter Bunny";) The rest of the day was spent at my parents house. They have an egg hunt every year for the kids. This year...Anthony found the $5 egg (thanks to mom's problem solving skills). We also got to spend time with my nephew, Andy. He is too cute! He's 19 months old and makes us laugh constantly. My boys are awesome but it's nice to be around babies and watch them experience the world. My kids are completely captivated by Andy. He's good for all of of us...especially my brother. Kids have amazing powers over us adults:) I hope you all feel as blessed as I do.

Looks like we made it!

Yesterday was our 18th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that we've been married that long, since neither of us act much older than 18! lol Where has the time gone??? It has been a great ride so far. Yes, with any marriage there are ups and downs but there isn't anyone else I'd rather go through them with. Todd is a source of strength and stability for me. We balance each other. I thank God for sending him to me. For those who didn't believe in us...shame on you! I knew what we had and don't you feel silly now?!
We celebrated with a quiet dinner and a walk around the mall. Nothing fancy...just some time alone. It's nice to be able to spend time together without a bunch of hooplah. You know you've made it when you can sit quietly together and know what each other thinks and feels. It's nice to be told "I love you" but it's even better to KNOW it without being told.
So here's to us...may we have many, many, many more beautiful and fun years together.

What a wonderful couple

I would like to start by wishing my WONDERFUL parents a Happy Anniversary. I believe it is 46 years! Wow! In todays standards this milestone is almost unheard of. I am so blessed to have the parents I do. Are they perfect...no. But they are perfect for me. They have taught me many things in life but the most important thing that I learned from them is ...family comes first. If I can be half of the mother my mom is, I will have achieved greatness. No matter what I have been through...and trust me, it's been a lot...my parents have stood by me through thick and thin.
Speaking of standing...they also stood united when raising us kids. Even when they didn't agree...they stood in unison. As a child I did not appreciate this solidarity, but as a parent I understand and praise them for doing so.
They have also taught me to take time for my husband. As parents, we get wrapped up in homework, sporting events, appointments, etc. but it is so important to take time for our spouses also. Yes, our kids come first but I now see how important it is to stay connected with my husband.
It's easy to lose each other in the rat race of life. My father once said it's important to take time for just you and your spouse because when the kids grow up and leave home, it's important to know the person who will be left behind with you. As my boys get older, I begin to see more clearly what he is talking about. Thanks dad.
Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad. May you have many, many more wonderful years together.

Just another day

Well, here we are on just another cold day. The weather has been so bad that church was canceled today. We did get a little sun...I guess it's better than none. The sun did manage to melt most of the ice on our cars, roads, and porches. Yea!
Today was uneventful. Did nothing but laundry, dishes, eat, research vacation stuff, and watch t.v.
Anthony went to his friends house...as usual. Dom has putted around the house all day. He's jumping rope in hopes of being in shape to wrestle next year. He also gave up pop/soda for Lent. He seems determined...I hope he makes it. Todd has laid around all day and did nothing but "veg".
Sometimes days like these are nice but I'd rather have good weather that we can go out in and be productive.
Baseball will be starting soon. Then I will probably be whining that I wish we could just have a day to "veg". The grass is always greener on the other side. LOL
It could always be much worse than a boring day so I guess I'll just say "thanks for another day".

Here's wishing you many blessings!
Lori

I need some sunshine!

Hey, It's Lori. This is my first blog. My friend Debbie has one and I thought it was a neat way to keep friends and family up to date on this crazy ride we call life. Also these young ones have "my space" and "face book" so I guess this leaves blogging for us not so young people;)
I have found myself to be a bit emotional this week and need an outlet. I figured my writing skills need improvement and I need a safe place to vent. LOL
That past year has been quite a roller coaster ride! Things have happened fast with lots of twists and turns but ended with feelings of relief and joy. Although it's all over...I find myself trying to catch up emotionally. My work doesn't help because I worry about all the kids I work with. Their stories are heartbreaking. Tell me...how do you bring a child into this world and not love it???? I need lots of money and a lot of land so I can just take them all in and show them what family is all about. Who am I kidding...they only know what they live and they love their family no matter what. I guess I'll just be their surrogate mom and try to share a smile with them.
Can someone say vacation? I need one! I'm only about 100 days away from sunny Florida. This is my motivation at this point. If I keep my eye on the "prize", I know I can make it through the rest of the school year.
Alright, I know I live in Ohio but this weather is really on my nerves! I can't remember the last time it was sunny. I liked it better when we had winter...in the winter. Remember when we would actually have a white Christmas? These white Easters just aren't gettin' it! Speaking of Easter...it is only a few weeks away and that not only means that we get to Celebrate Christ's life (which is the most important) but I also get a long break from work. Yea me!
OK...enough of my whining, I feel a little better.
Please leave me comments...then I know you care! LOL