Happy New Year!

Bringing in the New Year with Shalene, Gary, Bethany, Michael, Alivia, Brandon, Christa & Tessa was AWESOME...  We started out with an AWESOME surf and turf dinner, complete with lobster tail, crab, shrimp (cocktail & scampi), sweet potato fries, and ramen salad.  The girls cleaned up the kitchen, then we played Imagine If and had mini cream puffs and peanut butter balls for dessert.  We had a fun white elephant gift exchange then watched a little of a few different movies and then watched the ball come down.  It was an awesome night spent with those I love... 

Fun at the Cabin!

On Christmas night, the entire family, along with Shalene, Angie and Jeanette, headed up north to the Cabin!  It was great to wake up and be there the next day.  Jesse, Hannah, Gabe, Shalene, Angie, Jeanette, and Lizzy took off to Boyne to ski in the awesome snowy weather, while the rest of us chilled at home.  Amber and Bethany made some chili.  The rest of the extra long weekend was great:  we played games, watched movies, finished the chocolate puzzle, played pool, shuffleboard and table tennis, made a winter fire, went snowshoeing, made snowmen and threw snowballs together.

What a wonderful way to put the cherry on top of Christmas with my fav people!

On to the Sidelines!

On to the Sidelines!

This is the last Easter I have a son living at home.  In two short weeks, Daniel will be married, and the whole beautiful time of raising children will be past tense for my husband and I.

I loved every minute of raising my children.  What a privilege to have five amazing children I have been able to raise and send off as arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior!  Seeing the life partners each of them has chosen, and seeing what they are doing with their lives and in the world is nothing short of amazing.

But I feel as if I am being asked to move off the field and onto the bleachers.  And for someone who loves the game it is really a more difficult thing to do:  watch instead of being right there in the center of the action!

For those we are sending off, be patient with us if we get a little too enthusiastic from the sidelines sometimes!  I know it was difficult for my brothers when my dad would whip out the army horn every time they did anything right!  haha!  We may stand up and cheer too much.  We may even argue with the referee if we don't like the calls and try to intervene for you!  We may run onto the field too early if we think you are hurt -- even if you only skinned your knee -- and embarrass you!  But know that all these things only show how much we are passionately involved in the game and how much we enjoyed it when we were on the field.  And please please please keep giving us front row seats...  we could never stand being anywhere else!

Our Long Goodbye

There aren't many men like my Dad, and not many Dads like him either.  Today (another) of the nurses told me how she'd wished she had a Dad like mine.  I know.  Everyone does and always did.

My Dad's children weren't PART of his life:  they WERE and ARE his life.
He always told me my children would do more for me than I did for them.
I can definitely say that wasn't true in HIS case:  he did INFINITELY more for me than I ever did for him.

He never needed anything and was willing to give everything and beyond what he had.
He was never "too tired" or "too broke".

He didn't stop working when he came home...  he was the Dad working late into the night.  He was the Dad making the most awesome ice skating rink ever out of our entire back yard, every night squirting it down and patching the holes.  Our family didn't have the most money, but we definitely had the best parties around!  We had circuses in the backyards, and had vacations every year, even if it meant making a list of places around our home and doing different things together each day.

My Dad worked hard and played hard.  No other family was taking picnic outings in the wintertime.  He was a truck driver, but made sure his family wanted for nothing.  Our home was always open to friends, and they didn't care if we were home or not as long as they could talk with our parents!

He took us to work with him, and I was so proud of how everyone loved my Dad.  He was never too tired to stop to pick up rocks or fire hydrants or anything to surprise my mom.  He was always there to give money to his friends in need.

He tried to make life easier for everyone:  helping my mom with housework and chores constantly, encouraging us to do our "teamwork" together in work and sports, and helping each of us with anything from homeschooling to painting.

Some people don't get to say bye to their Dad.  But our family has a chance for a very long goodbye.  My Dad began slipping away from us a little at a time when he began to develop Alzheimer's over twelve years ago.  Little by little we watched him tire more easily, struggle to remember things, and not be able to keep everything impeccably in order.

Now he is in a home.  He has given his life for us, and we have a chance to walk with him during these last times he has on earth.  It is hard for us not to see our Dad as we knew him, but he's still there:  folding his bib neatly today, saying "where's your Mom?!" "you've always been our Angel" "when's everyone going to get here -- call them and tell them to meet us here!"

My heart breaks to leave him alone EVER.  I hate going to the nursing home and finding him sitting in a chair facing the water fountain alone.  I wish he never had to be alone.  Although he doesn't remember if you were there that day, he is obviously and definitely happier when we are there with him.

And each chance I have to see more of my Dad I cherish -- and he never disappoints me.  He may come up with something like "see if your mom is making spaghetti today?  when Daniel comes we'll have some together" or tell the nurses "after this I'll get you some donuts!"  Or he'll meticulously go to arrange his mustache (which they mistakenly shaved off and is now growing back).

I want to be with my Dad as much as I can.  Although it is a long goodbye, I know it is a goodbye.  And I cherish each day he knows me and I can find him there.  I want more and more of him to rub off on me.  There's no one else like him in the world.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

Ended 2011 in an amazing way, and started 2012 with a challenge! Day after Christmas, Gary, Daniel, my brother David, and I went to Ft. Lauderdale -- we had an awesome place right on the beach. Met up with Lizzy there, and had a great vacation... celebrated New Year's Eve, and ran along the beach, and saw Robin, Michelle and their beautiful family... Then, on New Year's Day, just before our plane home, Gary and I went for a "last run" in nice weather along the beach. Ran the whole 5 mile run and then crossed the street to get back to the hotel, and I missed a curb and WHAM... flew into the middle of the street and hit my ELBOW first -- full fledged SMASH... (don't worry, I tucked my iPhone in so I didn't hit it -- I was subconsciously worried about it because I took the case off before I ran so I could charge the case -- I really think that's why I smashed into my elbow vs my hand). As soon as I went down, I felt that familiar feeling -- like a 50 pound weight replaced my arm -- and I knew it was broken.

Off to the hospital FAST in such pain I thought I was going to black out. There they discovered that I broke my proximal humerus bone in two places, and had a small fracture in my elbow radial bone. They can only put your arm in a sling for however long it takes to heal and start PT at about 3-4 weeks (I start this week).

Was able to go on a Cruise the following weeks, although on pain pills the entire time. As frustrating as it was not to be able to do anything active, we LOVED the time with Tony and Jeannine, and it was awesome to be waited on hand and foot and NOT need to do any thing at all! Jeannine did my hair, and all I had to do with assistance was get dressed and sit around! My biggest challenge was walking with one arm in front of the broken one so no one bumped into it. Jeannine helped by calling out "BROKEN ARM COMING, BROKEN ARM COMING!!!!" which I found to be quite comforting!!! We made memories for a lifetime despite the sling!!!

Now it's recovery time. I have been entertained by my beautiful kids coming over, and Gary has taken me up north a few times. Still in a lot of pain and not going out unless absolutely necessary, but it is getting better every day! My beautiful friends have encouraged me with cards, notes, and Cory, Raquel, and of course my Mommy even brought over dinner --

I'm learning to chill and focus on the things I CAN do rather than what I can NOT do -- makes for a way better attitude and helps the whole process!

Know that 2012 is going to be an amazing year. I just have to begin it by knowing that whether I am going through "ups" or "downs" with the Lord at my side I am more than a conqueror through Him!

2011-07-14 Roma Day 3

Another amazing day in Rome -- After another amazing Bible study by Hannah, had breakfast together at the hotel (they put us together in an "upper room" today!), then set off on foot to shop and stop and tour the area. We all split up in groups today. Walked down Via de Corsa and stopped at several stores and piazzas. Then met up with everyone at 2 at Trevi Fountain, and went to lunch at an amazing spighetti place. Went back to the hotel for a minute, then left again and went over the water to an area where not much was happening, so back to Via de Corsa. Met everyone at the Spanish Steps at 7, where we had an amazing dinner and goodbye celebration at a restaurant where they actually remembered Gary, me, Christa and Daniel from a few years ago!!! We then went back to Piazza Navone where the action was, and walked up and down and soaked in the amazing sights, sounds, and smells! Back to pack, to try to get ready for an early morning departure towards home!

2011-07-13 Roma Day 2

Our second day in Rome! Had an amazing breakfast at our hotel, and then the excitement began. We waited and waited for our tour bus to come, but it couldn't get through our street because of the pedestrian area. After several phone calls and walking back and forth three blocks to find the tour bus, we finally connected an hour after the tour was supposed to start, only to find out our tour guide was MIA!!! We contacted the tour agency and after some sketchy Italian and English communications, we finally got a guide scheduled for after our Vatican tour. Off to the Vatican on our own to tour. Went to the Sistine Chapel. Went to St. Peter's, grabbed a panini at a roadside stand, and connected with Emmanuale, a FANTASTIC GUIDE, who took us through St. Peter's. We then went to the Colosseum and the Forum and through a large part of the city. Parted at 6:30 p.m., and then walked to a great spighettaria where we had dinner. Then walked the rest of the way back to our hotel, stopping at Piazza Navone on the way. Hung out there awhile, then went to the rooftop of the hotel to go over the amazing day...

Roma Day 1

Went to the train station via water taxi and waited there awhile for our train. It was a little crazy when we got on the wrong car of the train and had to move quickly to go to the other side of the train, but we all got on the train in the end! We got to our amazing hotel in Rome right by the Pantheon -- then we walked to Trevi Fountain, where we had an amazing lunch panini at a great place there, followed by a gelato and a LOT of granitas (lemon slushes!)... it was about 95 degrees!!! Then we walked over by the water, where we shopped and took a ton of pictures. Then to Navone Piazza for a great dinner and then back to our hotel. We walked so much we were all exhausted!

Venezia Day Three

We started out with an early Bible study by Gary, followed by breakfast at the hotel. Then off to Doge's Palace tour. It was amazing; we spent about 1.5 hours wandering around reading signs and exploring rooms. Then we went and caught a boat to Lido Island, where we ate lunch at a really good pizzeria there. After several slushes and waters, we made it to the beach. Mostly everyone went swimming, and a few people rented a boat with a slide to go in the sea with. Caught a boat back to Venezia, then a few people went shopping and others went to get ready for our gondola ride. Gary and I went and scoped out where we needed to check in. Went for the gondola ride, with Channel 2 catching up with us to take photos. The ride was so fun! Our music was incredible; the accordion playing and our comical singer almost falling out of the boat twice and getting hit in the head when he forgot to duck at a bridge (whether it was a joke or not is still up for debate! haha). Went to dinner at an amazing trattoria, then walked around as long as we could stay awake. Sat and listened to the bands playing in St. Mark's Square and drank a de-caf cappuccino. Came back and packed up to leave tomorrow...

2011-07-10 Venezia, Day Two

Today we had a GREAT start with a pretty nice European-style breakfast at the hotel. We then went on a half day walking tour of Venice and learned a LOT about the city. We walked everywhere, rode a gondola across the canal, and ended our tour at the Jewish Ghetto here. We got a wonderful lunch at another Italian restaurant! complete with Tiramisu then walked back to the hotel and split up and every one did some shopping, napping, island hopping and whatever struck their fancy. Got back together for dinner, gelato and some fun, dancing, and walking around St. Mark's Square.

2011-07-09 Venezia!!!!

Venice is AMAZING. Took the train first thing this morning from Torontola-Cortona train station, then took a second train from Florence to Venice. When we landed, coming by water taxi to our hotel was so impressive. It is a sight you just never forget. We walked until we were all ready to drop. Took loads of pictures. We shopped and looked around for awhile then headed back to the hotel to get things together for tomorrow!

2011-07-08 Ballooning and Bicycling in Tuscany!

We got up soooooo early and made it to our hot air balloon ride! It was AMAZING to soar above the beautiful cities in Tuscany. We landed right near a huge sunflower field! We had an amazing lunch there after winding up the balloon, and then drove right back to be picked up for the bicycle tour! Everyone was EXHAUSTED and was SLEEPING trying to get l/2 hour rest in before the tour! We were SOOO tired, but the bicycle ride was AMAZING until Daniel got stung in the inside of his LIP by a WASP while riding his bike! Since he had previously had an allergic reaction to a wasp bite, we were really concerned (PLUS his growing lip wasn't looking good), but we thank GOD that it went down pretty fast and all we had was a benadryl. We had an amazing lunch overlooking the fields of Montisi, then learned about olive oil making and had an olive oil tasting! Back to Villa Scopetello to catch up and then out for an amazing dinner at DiFornello in Sinalunga. Then everyone packed and got ready for ANOTHER early start tomorrow to head to Venezia!

2011-07-07 Hiking in Cinque Terra

We were up at the crack of dawn again to catch an early morning tour leaving from Florence. Got on the tour bus and headed to Cinque Terra, where we did the amazing hikes to the different villages there. The hike was pretty demanding and it was very hot, but the views made it all worthwhile! Swam in the Mediterranean Sea and had lunch there, and walked around and toured the area. Took a boat ride back, caught a train, jumped on the bus, and back to Florence. We had dinner at a cute little streetside trattoria, and then a few gelatos and back to Villa Scopetello at about 1 a.m.!!! Had to get to bed quickly because we had to get up at 4:30 a.m. the next day for the rescheduled balloon ride!!

2011-07-06 Cancelled Balloon Ride and Cooking Lesson!

We got up VERY EARLY to get ready and get to the hot air balloon ride. We had quite a ride there, getting lost and going all over the place. Only to find out that the fog was too dense to go up in the air! A big disappointment, but we handled it well.

We went back to the Villa and back to bed! When we woke up we went to Sinalunga for lunch and found an amazing pizzeria. We finished lunch with a Nutella pizza! We then went back to the Villa to meet Elisa for our cooking lesson. The girls made an AMAZING dinner: summer minestrone soup, summer pepper soup with croutons, ricotta and spinach dumplings, homemade noodles tagliatelle and pesto, flourless chocolate cake and white chocolate mousse with peaches. The boys played tennis and hung out at the pool. They went and picked up a few groceries.

We got together and had an amazing dinner and fascinating discussion. It was unbelievable! Now we have to get some rest because tomorrow is going to be a long hiking day at Cinque Terra!~

2011-07-05 Monteriggioni, San Gimignano & Siena

We had an amazing day. Started out with an INCREDIBLE family photo op now that Jesse and Amber are here. Great Bible study by Michael & Bethany on what God expects of US. Grabbed a fast breakfast here and then out the door to Monteriggioni. It was great to shop there, walk the wall a little, take some pictures and head out to San Gimignano. In San Gimignano we had lunch at an Osteria just inside the wall, split up and shopped and went to museums and then met back at the square. Then off to Siena. Siena was VERY challenging to find a parking space, and we ended up at the top of the hill driving into crowds on very narrow streets, and I have to say I was definitely riding the clutch with Gary's 9-passenger van behind me and the people and alley in front of me. We parked and enjoyed the entire rest of the day in Siena. Had a great dinner at a cute little Osteria, then back to our car to find TWO parking tickets each! We are going to work on getting off these, because we have NO IDEA why we have them!!! Came home and Hannah cut up a watermelon and we all hung out talking and eating watermelon, and now the boys are watching a movie!

2011-07-04 Fun in Montepulciano, Arezzo & Cortona

What fun we had -- started out with breakfast in Sinalunga, then grocery shopping, then back to Villa Scopetello. We then headed out to Montepulciano, an old walled town. We bought some pottery pieces there, had a good lunch and toured the town It was awesome to drive up the hill in our 15-passenger truck -- hard to even pass a car since the roads are so narrow. It was VERY interesting when we ended up in a PIAZZA (square) where there were no cars allowed! ha! Gary did well backing up and getting back on the road again. Went to Arezzo, where we shopped down a few streets and walked around. Then off to Cortona for dinner and gelato. We got home really late (about 11 p.m.) and AMBER AND JESSE were there -- joining us for the rest of the trip!

2011-07-03 A Day in Florence

We got up early, had an amazing Bible study on Faith by Danny and Lizzy, and then we headed out for Florence, about 1.25 hours away. We piled into the same van and hit the streets. Did a lot of bargain shopping, wheeling and dealing on prices, ate gelato and pizza, drank cappuccino and espresso, and had an all around amazing day. We went to several piazzas, Ponte Vecchio, and Michaelangelo piazza. We saw the Santa Dominica Church and went to the Accademia Museo to see the statue of David. Cruised home in time for a few of the guys to jump into the pool and watch a movie, while others read.