Number One Cubs Fan

Read the sign...I believe!

Are we ready for a win or what?

June 2007

"Has it been this far back since Cubs won?" Drew wonders.

Even at Christmastime we're Cubs fans!

Mother's Day 05 Perfect place to be that first one without Laurie.

Greg and La at the friendly confines.

The excitement of new beginnings...

Sitting at the computer, looking out the window seeing the clean beauty of yet another spring snowfall, I am filled with excitement and yet some trepidation at the future. The dear Cubs have their opening game Monday. Can they possibly beat the now 100 year drought at a championship and become winners? I believe!

And this weekend Katie moves out of 921 to her own apartment. Her job is going really well. The kids and I went over there on Easter Sunday and it was amazing to see nurse Katie dealing with the needs of 97 developmentally disabled adults...all the time introducing Denver, Maya and Isaiah to the patients with a huge smile. Her apartment is five minutes away from her job, how neat is that? Though Pete and I are going to miss the daily contact with her and the babies, this represents enormous strides in Katie's life. I believe!

For our entire family, with Pete's parents with health issues and many others also struggling with both mental and physical ailments; for our friends in various places in the grief cycle; for our church going through some hard stuff, I believe! I believe He is with us in every facet of our lives.

And though I don't post as much about missing Laurie, it is still a palpable, raw ache. And is Laurie's life still impacting others? I believe!

This was the backyard on Good Friday.

My buddy, Osman, will be moving...

Denver and Isaiah with Safiya

Our friends, Osman and Abdi with Maya

Cool Jelly Belly VW

Isaiah preps for Easter Egg hunt.

Ready to leave for church...Wowie!

Easter 2008

Here in Chicago we got bombarded with more snow, probably another 7" or so. We are all sick of it but some how it is still so beautiful. Today Maya, Denver and Isaiah got to play on the their sleds in the back yard and had such a good time.

Because of the snow we felt it was just not safe to drive the 20 miles or so to the Good Friday services at church. Kristin has described how great the service was, sort of like a memorial service for Jesus. Interesting concept.

And today. I brought Denver. Maya and Isaiah with me to Sonlight. It was the last time little Osman and his sister Saforia will be there. They are moving to Colombus Ohio and it is doubtful I will ever see them again. I really could not bear not being able to say good by. I love this little guy with the fierce attitude; I know he has seen more than a little 9 year old should have had to see. Yet he was an encouragement to me more than once. He comes from a Muslim family with strong roots; I also know that the reality of Jesus' love is something Osman is aware of. I pray someday Osman will connect the dots of love we showered on him and know that Christ is the way.

The rest of our day could not have been more fun. We made a run to the Jelly Belly factory and stood in line for 90 minutes to take the tour. D, M and Isaiah were great and appreciated the trip to Candyland. Dinner at TGIF's and then showers, baths, hair sets and finally sleep...for them. Pete had hidden 3 dozen eggs and I made up the seven "Grandma' baskets. Tomorrow, church for me and the kids, Katie and Pete are working. Eggs Goldenrod after church (ask if you are really interested) with family and then ham traditional later with Pete's family and some of mine. I love this season of celebrating the most important time in Christiandom. (Is that a word?)

And as I piece together where I am, I am led back to the blog I recently found through my niece Mandy. Check out http://mnssams.blogspot.com/ I cannot pull myself from this young couple and their journey with their young (under 2 month) son, Joshua. He died just a few days ago. Their journey is remarkable; the medical aspect is fascinating to me who is interested in all things medical. If you want to really get a perpective on your own life, look at what this young missionary couple in New Zealand has undergone and then think again.

May the reality of Easter be the most important thing in your life. It is in mine.

More about Peeps, that sugary treat.

My sweet friend, Lisa, emailed me this website:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-peeps-poll,0,7061783.poll

Although our family is well acquainted with blowing Peeps up in the microwave, I have never known of the "Peeps Diorama" phenom. Check it out. The top ten are shown but you can also click onto the "See More". There are 223 more photos but I had to stop at about 65. I 'll save the rest for later.

Right now my new wallpaper is the Where's Waldo? Peep display. Too funny!

Easter Peeps. From this...

To this. Microwave fun!

Forging ahead...

Aah, the wonder of a weekend away, especially a weekend with friends who in an instant can understand your pain. They have been there too. They are standing in the rain as well. We talk about all sorts of things, knowing full well, there are no pat answers. We share some of the things that are helping us on this journey. I feel like we are all standing under a big umbrella for a while and are almost laughing. We almost have a sense that the sun is coming out...

And the joy of soaking in the hotel hot tub, shopping for bargains, enjoying good food and drink and just hanging out, such a treat....

What Sharon and I both know is that our daughters had influence on many lives. The wonderful 7th comment left on the "Laurie" picture blog entry, reminded me again. Sharon has had many of Nikki's students sending notes, making tribute portraits...we may not have our girls here on earth but we have the knowledge that they are missed; they made their mark!

Yes, we have matching jackets. Great bargains!

Burgers as big as your head!

Our friends...we are so blessed by them.

This little guy is soooooo cute!!!

Pete and the "Sparkle Girls"

Saturday Morning Breakfast Shenanigans...

This message was stamped in the snow by "the" spot. I love it!

A beautiful March 2nd sunset in Chicago

Our pink balloons soar to the heavens...

Little La Snowman...

February 29th Bonus Day

Friday, "Leap Year Day", was a bonus day for me that I chose to use to slow down my pace. I have been mindful of the approaching third anniversary of Laurie's death and know the importance of not overlooking quiet time.

Friday I spent the day mostly in pajamas reading a book, one recommended in Grief Support, entitled The Shack by William P. Young. It is so apparent to me that the timing of this read was perfect. I still questioned in my heart where was God when Laurie made her ultimate earthly choice? Why did someone with such a strong faith do something so unlike her? Where was He?

Well, I still know I will never have all the answers but something in The Shack opened my eyes and heart to the character of God, to the trinity, to where God is in tragedies. Like the song Laurie's friend, Ellen, wrote and sang about Laurie, I was reminded that He was there to catch her and bring her home. That is so soothing. I can trust God even in the worst.

So my friends, thank you for the many emails, calls, comments over this weekend; each is a gift. Let me give a gift back and urge you to read The Shack. It will change you.