Our family expanded!!!

No baby! It's a puppy!!! Golden doodle. Everyone, meet Jack Trice Schoeberl!!

May

May has always typically been a time of joy for me....graduation, wedding season, friends' birthdays, dad's birthday, mother's day, long weekend....which used to mean "day off work." It is still a joyous time except for on nights like this where I am reminded that life is too short and completely unfair.

I can't sleep.  I am sad.  I miss my father in law.  I miss him SO much.  I wonder what changes (and there would be SO many) in our lives there would be.  Yes, I think it is okay to think about that.  I think it helps cleanse the soul (pour out tears in other words) and gives the opportunity to step back and see what is missing and how I can help fill those holes. 

My kids..... I can just imagine what their relationships with Rick would be like.  (I really need to find that video of Brayden with Papa on the deck playing with the soft football.  I would really like to show it to Brayden).  I believe that Rick would laugh at some of the goofy questions Brayden always asks and would think "well isn't that something" about some of Brayden's quirky things (AKA fear of balloons flying away!). 
Nolan... I am not sure.  He would probably think he is about the most fun 3 year old there is.  Nolan lives his life like a superhero and from the stories I've heard, Rick used to march to the beat of his own drum in his younger days/college days. 
Kalyn... Now this would be interesting.  I've heard stories that he was SO SURE that Jon was a girl that he wrote on a cake.....Mandy.... the name he liked for his baby girl.  I think he would think it was neat what we did when we named her (combining Susan Kay and Sue Lynn (Jon's mom and my mom's names combined).... Kalyn Sue).  Since Kalyn was a bit of a surprise... I can imagine his grin and the conversations that would follow the announcement that we were expecting.  The day she was born, I couldn't have been happier, but I still wish he could have held her -- the girl he never had.

I can only get so raw before I turn into a complete mess.

I know that he is in our hearts and helping us every step of the way.  I think he would be SO proud of his sons and the men they have become.  The father that Jon is to our children.  He would side with me on having another baby for him and Sue to spoil... ya know... to have an even number ;) That one was mostly just teasing, but yes, I do have a little baby fever and no we are not planning another baby at this time.

I could talk to Rick.  There was just something about him that made me feel like he cared about my rambling stories, cooking experiments, and stubborn, first-time mom rules.  I can only hope that he is proud of me.  Jon told me --4 years ago-- that he had mentioned to Jon that he was proud of me for doing Farrell's and being dedicated to my fitness.  4 years, 2 pregnancies and nursing, and not the healthiest eating.... and here we are today.... becoming fit, eating healthy (ok... healthier), and hoping that he is proud of me. 

He wanted to run D2D with Jon.  He just wanted to be a part of his life--Josh's too--because they always had a great time hanging out downtown after the D2D.  He never got to run that race.  I haven't ever ran that race.  I've never ran that far in my life.  I'm doing it.  I hope he will be proud of me.  I'm doing it not only for my health, for my family's benefit and the impressions I leave on my kids about fitness, but I am doing it for Rick -- he never got to and God willing, I still have that chance.  "If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.... I hope you dance!"

On May 18, 2013.... it will be 4 years. Four years WAY too long.  It still feels like yesterday..... I wish Heaven wasn't so far away.

Preschool Graduation take 1

Brayden's last day of school and preschool graduation was today.  I was all choked up.  Not because it was his graduation because he will do it again next year and that, my friends, will be seriously emotional, but because he doesn't fully understand that his friends will not be there on Monday for school and neither will he.  He really, REALLY made some great connections with some of his classmates this year and legitimately wants to be with them ALL THE TIME. 

Well, anyway... it was a cute ceremony and Jon has most of the pictures ( he had a better view and more room on his camera on his phone bc I forgot the camera- camera at the house!)

My little graduate... not so little anymore :/

Kids, Training, Our Trip

Good Morning! 
Tuesday was Nolan's 3rd birthday!  We had a great day!  Picnic lunch on our driveway, family came to town for Brayden's spring concert AND it was nice to be on Nolan's bday, cupcakes, etc!  Saturday we will celebrate with friends and family.  I cannot believe that it has been 3 years already!  BUT some how it seems like he should be 4!

At 3 years old, Nolan loves Spiderman and Batman.  He LOVES to ride his bike.  He also can navigate the iPad.  He likes to do puzzles, watch spiderman and curious George on youtube, and draw his letters.  He does NOT like to have dirty hands even if it is for fun playing--ie painting, shaving cream play, gooey sensory stuff.  He DOES love swimming....as long as he can "crawl" on his belly.  he doesn't much care for deep water where someone would have to hold him.  This should make swim lessons ExTRa fun this summer! *sarcasm* Nolan loves to play basketball, baseball, run, hang, climb, "fight/wrestle"............He LOVES to go to the YMCA with me in the mornings and play with his friends.  Matter of fact, when we drive north on 73rd, he starts hollering at me that he sees the gym!!!  I have no excuse not to go to the gym then :)  Anyway... 3 years ago... we went from being a family of 3 to a family of 4.  I didn't feel well on the 6th.  I left work and spent my day/evening sleeping and sick.  Plans for the 3 of us to go to the farmer's market one last time before baby #2 came along were ruined.  We left early for the hospital for my planned C-section.  The surgery got pushed back twice, but I was in labor when we got to the hospital so they definitely weren't going to send me home :) LOVE YOU NOLLIE POLLIE RAVIOLI!

I have been training for the Dam to Dam 20k.  It has been going pretty well.  I am not much of a running fan, but lately it has been very soothing.  I think it is because I never really thought that I COULD do it.  Knowing I can has been very empowering.  I have also started lifting weights... well, a few months ago.  I LOVE IT!  I seriously am obsessed!  I flex in the mirror sometimes a lot and seeing results is motivation to keep at it!  It started because I wanted to do push ups.... like a lot of them.  Then I wanted to build my arms so they were ripped out for summer.  Now, I just want to be SO strong!

Since our trip to England and Wales is booked, I am SO excited and a little terrified how fast time is going!!  I am nervous to be away from the kids for 11 days, but I know they will be in good hands with my mom, my mother in law, and my dad and Julie.  There is just a LOT of stuff I need to prepare for the kids before I leave.  A LOT.  I need to make some lists and get organized!!!! Just so everyone can see that I am not JUST stressed about our trip..... I am super excited that I am going to have a spa day while in Cardiff.  Jon is going to go golfing.  We are going to stay at a beautiful venue for Lena's wedding!  We are going to see castles and drink a lot of beer!  Jon and I will get to see the sights in London as well as the sights in Wales.  I am beyond excited to spend time with my bestie the week of her wedding and also a second honeymoon with my lover/husband/best friend.

Until next time!