Our Garden

For the last few years Madison has been asking if we could plant a garden. This year I finally decided to do it. We chose a spot in our yard that we thought would work, then we bought some plants. Duane did most of the work, but the girls planted a few plants. We planted cucumbers, peppers, onion, green beans, zucchini and tomatos. We were happy to get my in-laws seal of approval when they came for a visit. They have been gardening for many years. I know it sounds clique, but it really was awesome to plant a seed and watch it grow. The girls have been so excited to help water the garden and look for vegetables to appear. It had rained a few times one week so we didn't pay much attention to the garden. The next time we went out to water it, we found huge zucchini. I was so proud! Then my Kathy (mother-in-law/gardener extraordinaire:) told me that you're not suppose to let them get that big. Good to know! We'll just use the big ones to make zucchini bread. We also realized that we probably planted too many plants. It's a learning process but a fun one! Everyday Madison looks forward to going out and picking what's ripe. It's been a great experience for all of us. Not to mention how great it is to have fresh veggies on the table that came right from our own back yard.

Summer Memories

It's so hard to believe that summer is winding down and the school year is beginning! We made so many great memories over the past few months. We were on the go a lot! We spent a lot of time at our pool, Pleasant Hill. We had a chance to visit a great park in Oakwood called Orchardly Park. It was recently remodeled and they added so many fantastic things for the kids. There was a water play area, a sand play area and lots of playground equipment. I was thrilled with how much Mallory loved the sand. That meant we were in good shape for our upcoming trip to the beach. We also spent a day at Splash Moraine, which is a small water park less than 15 minutes from our house. The girls really love it there. My favorite part is the Lazy River:) I didn't spend nearly as much time in there as I would have liked. All three girls really loved the wave pool. We also visited Wegerzn Gardens, which is part of the Dayton Metro Parks. There is a pretend cave and water fall that the kids can play in and lots of places for the them to explore plants and nature. They have beautiful flowers all around. For the past few summers we have gone to a Bubble Blow Out at Activity Center Park in Centerville. I used to go to it every year with my daycare kids when I worked at DLC in college. Another one of those full circle things. There are lots of water related games and activities and at the end the fire department fills a field with bubbles and the kids can play in it. We went to Krispy Creme for breakfast one morning so the girls could see how they make the doughnuts. That was a treat for me as well:) Molly went to the Rec Center one morning a week for an art and swim camp and Madison went to a drop off program at the park at her school a few times too. I enjoyed having a little time alone with Mallory on those days. Grammy and Aunt Susan came for a visit. We enjoyed having them here. We have been on the go but I didn't feel like we were on a rigorous schedule like we do during the school year. Even though the girls are at various ages, they each enjoyed these different places and activities in their own ways. I was on my toes a lot, but it was all worth it. Nothing makes you happier than seeing your children happy.

Camping Adventure

My Aunt Susan came down for a visit last week and asked if we could take her camping because she had never gone camping before. We had camped several times but not in the last few years and we have a lot of camping supplies so we thought why not. The girls would probably love it! It was raining the day that we were suppose to go, but then the weather cleared up and it was a beautiful afternoon. So we decided to head out. It took a little over an hour to get to Brookville Lake in Indiana. We used to go there when we had our boat. Duane, Mallory and I set up camp while my aunt took the older girls to the lake to swim. We joined them later. Then we came back to the tents and started dinner. Half way into preparing dinner, we started to see some gray clouds and heard thunder. But we didn't panic. We hoped for a quick, mild storm. Not the case! Within 15 minutes all hell broke loose! Picture this...a torrential down pour with severe thunder and lighting, two crying children completely in a panic, one of which (Madison) was repeatedly praying at the top of her lungs, "Please Lord keep us safe from this storm", a small river flowing across our camp site and into our tents, Duane holding up a canopy to prevent it from collapsing on most of our stuff and Mallory refusing to stay in the tent. I thought back to when I taught bible camp several weeks ago when our priest said you will be blessed by God for the time and love that you are giving these children. So I said, "God, can I cash in on that extra blessing now":) Apparently he couldn't hear me over the thunder. I told Duane that if we had to go through such a horrible experience I wouldn't want it to be with anyone other than him. I also affirmed that I knew that it wasn't his fault and apologized in advance for making him feel like it was because he was the closest person to take it out on:) We had to laugh to keep from crying. The only thing left to do was go to sleep. However, our sleeping bags and pillows were soaking wet from the river that flowed through our tents, our air mattress was practically floating, a raccoon decided to raid our trash in the middle of the night and our tent leaked the entire night. I just kept telling myself, if you just go to sleep, this will all go away. Finally I fell asleep and woke up and fell asleep and woke up. I acknowledge the fact that I am some what of a high maintenance woman (I can hear you all laughing:). But I am evolving with age and wisdom. I left my make-up and hair dryer at home. I didn't even bring shampoo! But this was well out of my realm! I'll take a hotel room over a tent any day after this one! Luckily, we woke up to a gorgeous day. After breakfast we packed up and headed to the marina. We rented a pontoon for the day and had a fantastic time. Duane is always thrilled to be on a lake and was all the more thrilled that Mallory loved the lake as well. It was pretty amazing how comfortable she was. Madison and Molly had a blast jumping off the boat and hanging out in the water. The camping trip however will go down as the worst in history. But we all made it through together. I don't think my aunt will ever ask to go camping again:) There is a lot to be said about the comforts of home! I felt complete euphoria after a shower and snuggling up in my bed!

50 Years of Marriage

My in-laws celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 19. A special blessing was said at the Sat. afternoon mass for them, then we had a reception afterwards at the church hall. It is always a lot of work planning parties, but I enjoy it. Everyone really came together to make it a special night. It was all the more meaningful celebrating such an important milestone with two wonderful people. They knew we were having a party, but I don't think they realized how big it was going to be. I have admitted before, I am high maintenance and like to have things a certain way. It really paid off this time. The room looked so beautiful! It truly was like a wedding reception and most importantly Kathy and Jerry were the center of attention all day. We displayed pictures and photo albums for people to see when they came into the hall. There was also a special anniversary plate for people to sign. We had a table with lots of cookies and goodies to dip into a chocolate fountain. Duane's brother Brian announced the happy couple and they came in to a big round of applause from 120 plus friends and family. Father Cebula said a special blessing then Duane gave a beautiful speech before dinner. He mentioned how whenever he told anyone that his parents were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, they would say, "Wow! That is something to be proud of!" He talked about how in that 50 years they went through challenging times and wonderful times. But through all those times they did it together and what an example that is to us. After dinner we showed a slide show that Duane put together. We took so much time picking out all the pictures and just the right music. It was so fun looking through so many great pictures. There were lots of tears as we all watched. This was my favorite part of the evening. I stood at the back of the room and watched every one's reactions. The lights were turned down, but their were candles burning all around the room. Duane sat in between his parents and watched with them. They were just like newly weds when they cut the cake. As with any family event there were circumstances beyond my control. But all in all it was a great night that we won't soon forget. The most significant thing for me was that I was reminded what a wonderful family I am blessed to be a part of. They have been a part of my life since I was 15 years old. I felt such a sense of belonging that night that I really needed. I realized that this is a gift that I am going to embrace even more.

Happy 4th of July

Unfortunately, it was a rainy, dreary day on the 4th of July. The rain held out long enough for us to run our 5K that morning. But it rained most of the day after that. We decided to head to Columbus to surprise my Aunt Patty on her birthday. She has a cook out every year. I also wanted the girls to meet their new cousin Aurora Rose. We took the opportunity on the drive to talk a little with the girls about all of our blessings and how we are so lucky to live in a wonderful country. There are certainly many things that could change for the better. But we truly are blessed to be Americans when you think of the many alternatives that people endure around the world. Duane reminded us of a time when he was walking out of Target with Madison and they saw a soldier who was either home on leave or getting ready to serve. Madison told him thank you for keeping us safe and the soldier stopped and saluted her. Duane was obviously very affected by this even though Madison was too young to understand how significant this was. But we'll remember that story and tell her again when she is old enough to truly appreciate it. We thought it was important to stop on a day full of time with loved ones and celebrations, to remember all of those who were not with that family on that day because they were keeping us safe or lost their lives doing so. We enjoyed good food and spending time with our family that we don't get to see very often. My cousin Katina is more like a sister and I always enjoy the time we spend together. It was so nice to get some cuddle time with Aurora. She is a beautiful baby girl! That evening we all vegged out on the couch and watch a movie together. We had a happy 4th!

First 5K today!

With every child, it is harder and harder to loose the baby weight. After Madison was born the weight came off with no effort. It took a little more effort with Molly. After Mallory it seemed like an impossibility. So finally 15 months after Mallory was born I decided to start doing something about it. I started out slow, riding my elliptical 3 times a week for a half an hour. Then I added a one hour fitness class once a week. Then I added going to the gym once a week. I was getting in shape and losing inches, but not loosing much weight. I got over it and started to enjoy the fact that I looked and felt better. Not to mention I was down a size. After the recommendation of some friends who are in fabulous shape, I started running. For a year and a half Joey and I have talked about trying to run a 5K. But we never got around to it. So we decided to give it a try. I used to think runners were crazy. It seemed like torture. Then I got a taste of the adrenaline rush and I was hooked! I started slow. It took me almost 45 minutes to make it 3 miles. That was with a lot of walking. Gradually, I could run the whole thing in a little under 36 minutes. I really have enjoyed putting on my head phones on and taking some time for myself. Duane and I have run together a few times. He puts up with my slow pace:) Well today Joey and I finished the Americana 5K in Centerville in 31 and a half minutes! What a feeling! Jodee, her husband and Duane ran too. Being experience runners including marathons and half marathons, they obviously finished ahead of Joey and I, but were there to cheer us on to the finish. I couldn't have done it with out Joey running next to me and all of Duane and Jodee's support over the past months. Maybe next time we can make it under 30 minutes! We'll see! Happy Fourth of July! It sure is a happy one for me!

Summer Fun!

Wow! Was June every a busy month! We finished up school, Duane went to China and the girls and I headed to Massillon for a visit including a trip to Baylor's Beach and a pit stop in Columbus to visit the Cloyd Family and new baby Matthew. We had our 10th anniversary, my birthday, Father's Day, a week of Bible Camp and then a week of Nature Camp. Madison also had a tumbling camp and a drop in reading program at school for a few hours each. Finally, we feel like we can slow down and hang out at the pool. Mallory is getting around in the water pretty well in her bathing suit with built in floaties. It took her a few days to get used to it and learn how to balance. Now there is no stopping her. She likes to jump in water too. Molly is a regular on the low dive and has started venturing out into deeper waters on her own. Madison has now learned to dive off of the high dive and do a back dive off of the low dive. They have no fear! Their mother on the other hand is a nervous wreck! Dad loves it! My in-laws came for a visit recently. It was a nice, relaxing weekend and we enjoyed spending time with them. We took them to the our pool for the evening and they had a chance to see how well all the girls are swimming. We are having a great summer so far!

Aunt Annie's

We had a field trip to Aunt Annie's Pretzels for Brownies earlier this month. We were happy that Molly got to tag along. She loves being included in things with her big sister so it was a big deal to her. She fit right in. It was really neat. The girls got to go back behind the counter and make their own pretzels. Then they learned all about the history of pretzels and how Aunt Annie's got started. I found out that years ago Monks started making pretzels to give the school children as a reward for learning their prayers. That came in handy for me for snack and prayer time during bible camp. We got a free pretzel and lemonade. All three of us had a great time. Don't they look so adorable in their little hats:)