women's retreat '06

Today I returned from the Women's Retreat. I went in not expecting much, just the usual. The weather was gorgeous, a complete opposite of the rain and chill predicted. I saw the funny sides of several women I have known only casually-- karaoke really brought out the entertainers in people. I especially enjoyed the numbers performed by Miss Deeners, Aeonomore, Old Cheetah, Londonna, and the famous Maureen. I stayed with two women who have really become my friends in the past 3 years. We had great talks about the hard things in our lives driving those two hours to and from LBI. Worship Saturday night was awesome as usual, with Kim and Joyce leading. But the best, and hardest part of the weekend was seeing an old friend unexpectedly, reconnecting, and having to say goodbye again. It all made me long for heaven where we will all be one day, worshiping, laughing, having fellowship together... forever. No more good-byes.

getting some time to ourselves

Our hotel was luxury itself. Located in downtown Chicago, on Michigan Avenue, the Conrad Hilton was like no other hotel I've been in. They asked us at check in if we wanted a warm towel to refresh ourselves. I must admit I was a bit thrown off by this question-- what was I supposed to do? Wipe my face as I stood there in the lobby? I am sure my confusion and surprise showed on my face as we politely declined.

Saturday morning Ed and I met up with Andrew after breakfast. He was able to show us around downtown a little. We went to Millennium Park, which was beautiful even though the day was overcast. We could not resist taking pictures of "The Bean"

(Inside the Bean)

We then walked down to the waterfront and took in the view of the city and the Lake.

As you can see, the day was overcast and then it started to rain, so we had to change our plans to go on a 2 hour Architectural walking tour. We went on our own little tour of Marshall Fields and then to the Tribune building, and the Oppenheimer gallery of Audubon prints. Andrew did a great job giving us historical facts as we walked past buildings. We then picked Erin up and went back to their apartment.

Andrew has 6 avocado trees going from the pits of guacamole (they are pictured here with one of them). They said that they were intending them as housewarming gifts, but then got attached to them. I think I may try that with our next pit-- E will think it's fun. They also have a ton of books that Andrew has collected for himself and to sell in his used book business. After some beers, we went out for pizza. It was a lot of fun catching up with them, and seeing their place.

On Sunday morning Ed and I went to a diner for breakfast before he dropped me off at the airport. I was still pretty teary-eyed when I went up to the kiosk to check in. The man working behind the counter took note of this, and gave me a little pat on the arm and said,"Are you going to be OK?". I attempted a smile, and assured him I was fine. As I went to pick my seat for the flight, I asked him if he could tell me which of the seats would be loading first, as I only had one carry-on bag and didn't want to check it (if you board later, zone 5 or 6, there is a possibility that the overhead compartments are full and you end up having to check your bag). He looked for me, and all the seats were zone 4, 5, or 6. He then asked me to wait, and stepped into the back area. When he came back he told me to check whatever seat I wanted. When he handed me my boarding pass a minute later, I noticed it said zone 1, and started to tear up in gratefulness(as well as being a little fragile already). He said, "Just have a good flight", and he patted me on the arm and sent me on my way. I then had a chance to look at my actual seat, and it was First Class (I didn't realize at the time that zone 1 is first class). I did lose it then, and had to duck behind a sign to compose myself. So I was able to fly back in comfort as well as feeling blessed by that man's kindness to me.

But I have to say that Sunday was a very difficult day for both of us. It was extremely depressing to get on that plane knowing I was leaving behind a very sad and lonely husband. The only thing getting us through this week is the hope that it's the last one he has to be away.

big plans

As you may recall, Ed has been in Chicago weekly, since we moved at the beginning of March. It is now approaching May, and he flew out today, and won't return until next Thursday. Tomorrow I will be dropping off the kids with Ed's parents, and I will then fly out to meet in Ed in Chicago. We will get a chance to spend some time with my brother, Andrew, and his wife Erin on Saturday. We are really looking forward to this time together, especially since the last time we went away was when E was one. I am a little nervous about leaving N, as he is still a little unpredictable and it takes a practiced ear to understand him. But I am sure that his big sister will be a big help, and give him comfort as well. So anyway, I am off to pack and write out detailed instructions for the kids' care.

walking with N

We love to go for walks around our block. E runs ahead, holding onto the dog's leash, N and I follow behind. I am treated to a running commentary on every part of the walk. It goes a little like this:

N squats next to a puddle, and sticks a hand in."Wet?! Wet?!"

"Yes, that is wet."

He turns to the sidewalk and touches it. "Die?! Die?!"

"That's right, it's dry."

The next minute or so is spent with N alternately pointing to the sidewalk and the puddles as he proclaims them wet or dry.

Then his attention is pulled to a barking dog. "Doggy?! Doggy?!"

"I see"

"Woof, woof, woof"

"That's right, a dog says 'woof'"

And so it goes. N exclaiming in a loud question/statement everything that catches his eye, from "wis" (dandelion wishes) to "copter" (helicopter). He walks along, his head down, arms pumping, little feet slapping the sidewalk. Sometimes he'll stop and when I say "Come on, N, let's go!" He'll smile, pause a second and then say,"Two, Fee...GO!" and take off with a start.

Inevitably, between 75 and 85% of the way around he will stop and turn to me."Hol-shou, hol-shou!" (Hold you) and I need to pick him up and carry him the rest of the way. Of course he wants to walk the last bit as we cross the street to our driveway, but, resists holding my hand so I end up gripping his fingers and fighting with him all the way across the street. But once home, and set free, he happily runs down the driveway announcing, "No-ah house? No-ah house?"

Easter '06

• Easter Eve- before going to the grandparents

  "N, hold my doll's hand"

  

  "Twins"

  

  Easter Day- with cousin Elijah

  

  N and his ever-present "baby"

  

Zoo trip

We did get to go to the zoo yesterday, with our friends Rachel and Bridger. It was a gorgeous, perfect day for the zoo. Sunny, slightly breezy, warm, and not too crowded. We arrived just as the zoo was opening, around 10 am. We first saw the hippos swimming and the tortoises eating lettuce (funny story- I was holding N up to get a look, and said,"See the turtles?". A 9 year old boy who was standing next to me turned to me and said, with a touch of disdain, "They're tortoises".) Then we went through the monkey house, a personal favorite. I think I could sit and watch those squirrel monkeys all day, or at least longer than a toddler's attention span allowed. We walked through the rest of the zoo, and finished up with a picnic lunch before heading home for naps.

"Chooraffe"

We originally became members when E was 1, and kept it for 3 years, letting it lapse this past year. I love being able to go for 1/2 a day, and go home without feeling guilty for not seeing everything. They also have special members only events throughout the year that we took advantage of, like Boo at the Zoo (kids come dressed in costumes and they can trick or treat at special stations), extended morning or evening hours, opening day of new exhibits with music, crafts and freebies. So we are picking up our membership again this year, and can take guests as well. Let me know if you want to plan a zoo trip some time!

E listening to the story with her zoo key.

E, Bridger and N on the hippo statues (chicken in the dirt on the left)

Spring Break

It feels almost luxurious to be on "spring break". There is no running out at 8 am to pick up the kids, dropping some off at school, then coming around to pick them up again at noon. Lunch for 4, naptime, playtime, pick-up and then dinner.

Instead, I get to set the schedule for the day with only my 2 kids to worry about. Today I went to the gym, and then home for a shower. Afterward, I packed up a bag of snacks and headed out for some stores nearby I have been wanting to check out. We then hit the mall for lunch and window shopping. Then back home, where I put an already-asleep N into his crib for a (late) afternoon nap. It felt like such a guilty pleasure to not have to watch the clock, to have only 2 kids, to be able go to the mall mid week, mid morning. I might even take a mid-week trip to the zoo--anyone want to join me??