Merry-Go-Round

Why is it that life never slows down?  Tom and I feel like we are in a never-ending cycle of ups and downs and we can't seem to break it.  Things continue in Chicago and not in a positive way.  I want nothing more than to be done with that phase of our lives and to move on from it all.  It seems as though our tenants have different plans and they will always be this nagging thought in the back of our minds.  I have to keep reminding myself that good things do happen to good people, and that eventually things will sort themselves out.  I just hope and pray that it is sooner than later. 

We also lost the life of a wonderful woman last week- Grandma Voss.  She was such a positive influence on my life and a great example of the lives we should all try to live.  Hardly ever a complaint fell from her lips and she was always focused on the positive in every situation.  I will never forget the moment that I watched her lose the love of her life- her heartbreak and grace all the same moment.  It was a true testament of how deeply she loved and how strong she always was. I will always remember the grin she got when I told her that Michael would be born on her Birthday, and how special it was introducing her to him for the first time.  They had a very special bond and it gave me such pleasure to see her face light up when we would visit.  Her heart had such a capacity for love and she was so open with sharing that love with everyone in her life.  3 days before she passed away, Michael and I visited and it was clear to see that she was ready to let go.  She told me, "God always knows when I am feeling blue and sends you and Michael to come and see me."  We didn't speak much that day, as she was in a lot of pain and very short of breath, but the smile on her face that extended to her eyes told me how happy she was, and comforted by our presence.  It is that moment that I will hold on to the most- being there for her as she was preparing to start her journey into the next life.  She was such an inspiration to me and everyone else around her, and I hope that I can live my life with even half of the poise that she had in all of her 94 years. 

Michael now holds on to the Angel that was in her room, and asks to see it every day.  It is so sweet to hear him say "Great Grandma Angel," and to know that she is looking down on us and grinning, maybe even scrunching up her shoulders, too.  I wish Michael could have had a little more time with his Birthday Buddy, to learn from her and understand what being devoted really is, but it is now a legacy that I will try to carry on for him to see. 

Speaking of that little monster.... He is that absolute love of our lives.  He brings us so much joy, and I can't imagine my life any other way than with him in it.  He continues to amaze me with all of his knowledge and understanding of his surroundings.  Even when he is being a stinker, he is so darn cute about it. 

That just about sums up our life these days.  Can it be summer now so we can go to the lake?

Ups and Downs

Tom, Carrie and I just returned from Chicago.  The saga continues.  I don't want to get into it onto here, until we know this chapter is closed.  So, for the full story and the heartbreak- just ask someone in my family. 

On a happier note....

Christmas was wonderful.  It was so much fun watching Michael figure out how this whole thing works.  By next year, he will be a pro!  We spent time with my family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and then rounded out the Holidays in Wisconsin with Tom's family.  I can honestly say that this was the most excited I have been for Christmas in a long time.  I have always loved this season, but to experience it again through the eyes of your child takes it to a whole new level.  I can only imagine how much fun it will be next year, when he really understands what is going on. 

New Year's Eve was spent in Chicago.  It ended okay with a lovely dinner out and some cocktails that were greatly needed.  Carrie, Tom and I were so beat from the day's events that we were in bed by 10:00.  Let's just hope that 2013 starts off better than 2012 ended. 

Sorry for the "Negative Nancy" post, but we are feeling a bit deflated.  I hope everyone brought in 2013 surrounded by loved ones and happy memories from the year before.

Quiet

I have never been a person that jumps at the opportunity to get started on my day at 6:00 am, but I am finding myself doing just that more and more these days.  Tom and my life has gotten so chaotic with this mess in Chicago and chasing around a toddler that it is nice to just sit in the quiet of the house, all by myself, and have some time to just be.

So, here's to you, 6 am!  I think we will be great friends!

Speaking of 6:00 am....  I am writing this from a condo in Breckenridge, with the fireplace on and the mountain outside my window.  It is delightful!  Tom and I booked a trip out here last August, figuring that it would be nice to come back to where we were engaged 5 years ago (how can it be that long?!).  We spent a day at Keystone and also gave Loveland a try.  Snow has not graced these mountains yet this year, so runs are few and snow is man made.  Nevertheless, we have gotten enough runs in to feel it in our quads, and to really enjoy that "take off your boots" euphoria.

We drove up to Vail last night, and ate chocolate right under the Christmas tree that Tom popped the question by.  After, we dined at Kelly Liken, enjoyed a very nice bottle of wine, talked about what the next five years may look like for us, and just enjoyed being together.  As much as we miss our sweet little boy, we have loved being away, just us two.  It seems that life continues to get busier and busier, so taking some time to leave it all behind and just be with the one you are building a life with seems all the more important.  I love you, Tom.

Now.  Is it time for me to be home to kiss my little man all over his sweet little face?!