October 2012: A Roller Coaster I'd Like to Never Get on Again

October 2012 is one of those months in life you wish you could skip...or know what was ahead so could change the outcome.  Things were shakey at work for me & it became clear that I was being pushed out of my job after attempting to live through this department take over by another rehab company.  Then on Thursday, October 11th it happened.  I was called & asked not to show up at work the next day because there were no patients for me to see.  Hmmm...funny that there were no patients for ME to see at MY job!  Sparing the details which seem so insignificant in light of what was to come one week later, I knew it was time to clean out my office after 3 years at Villa Scalabrini & move on.  And so, reluctantly & with a very heavy heart I did just that.

Exactly one week later, we lost a dear friend in a tragic accident.  I'll never forget my FB status update that morning..."Today will be a great day! Home Health patients, interview, and weekly cousin time! This already feels much better than the events of last week!"  Then during my 1st home health visit of the day, my cell phone began ringing off the hook.  I looked the first time & it was a recruiter (I was getting a lot of those calls due to my job hunting efforts).  I ignored the rest of the calls & when I walked out the front door I saw that I had several missed calls from a variety of friends.  My heart sunk & I knew something was wrong but nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to learn...
If anyone had told me that 6 months after I take this picture one of our friends would be dead, I might have slapped them for saying something so stupid!

But, it's true.  Mike (3rd from the left) was struck by a taxi early morning Thursday, October 18th and was killed.  Everyday I look at recent picturs, the newspaper clippings on my refridgerator, his mass card in the visor of my car & the "thank you" we received with his picture on it for attending his wake & it still feels too impossible to be true.  Mike was the kind of guy you wanted to be around.  He was happy, outgoing, always smiling & if ever in a bad mood, rarely showed it.  He was genuine & honest and these are not just words you say about someone when they've passed away...every word is true.  He had the most contagious laugh & a larger than life kind of presence.  He had a huge smile, a twinkle in his eye & gave a hug like he meant it.  When he asked how you were doing or how your family was, he really did want to know!  He was generous & devoted to his family.  He was also dedicated to his work & to all of us.  He had a passion for giving & on his own donated toys to Misericordia at Christmas time.  It's times like these that shake your world & force you to ask why God, this great entitiy, would so selfishly take away someone so good so early in life leaving his mom & siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles & all his close friends to mourn.  All we can do is keep sharing our memories, looking at our pictures, telling our stories & honoring our dear friend whenever we can.

So, I lost my job, I lost my friend & 3 hours after hearing this horrific news I am scheduled for an interview at a job, literally, 5 minutes from home that I REALLY wanted!  It didn't seem like I could find a time that would be "better" at this point so I drove to the interview & tried to deep breath & calm myself but the more I thought about why I had to calm myself & get myself together, the more tears kept streaming down my face.  I finally entered the building.  I was there for an hour & a half following around a very talkative potential "boss."  At one point he started talking about "having a bad day" & "leaving it at the door."  I had to change the subject because he had no idea what a day I was having so I thought I must have done a good job "leaving it at the door!"  Most of the inerview was a blur & when I spoke, words came out but I have no idea what I said.  I said thank you, I left, I got in my car & sobbed.  I didn't care if I got the job or not at that moment.

The next day, I was unofficially offered the SLP position with Genesis Rehab Services at Autum Green of Wright Campus!  I was shocked & didn't feel much like celebrating.  It seemed so insignificant at that moment, but looking back, it must have been a divine intervention by my newest angel!  Bottom line was that my family & I needed this job & no matter how insignificant it was in light of everything else, I NEEDED this job!

The days following the news only got harder as we had to gather to say good bye. We saw so many faces that we hadn't in some time now that all of us have "grown up" and are busy with families of our own. But, I have to say, there was comfort in those old faces, warmth in their embraces & a fulfillment that really couldn't be explained.
On Sunday, October 21st Mike was being waked. It was also the day were were baptizing our Nora. In fact, the last email Mike & I had exchanged was in regard to the event & to tell me that he would be there. It seemed impossible to have a baptism & a wake on the very same day. In death there is life...but it isn't supposed to be the death of a young person. Anyway, because of logistics we were unable to reschedule Nora's baptism for a less somber time in a reasonable time frame. So, we went ahead with the baptism but cancelled the luncheon we had planned to host at our home that afternoon. Instead we had to see our friend for the last time.  The wake, the funeral...all surreal.  It was physically painful to stand with my friends as we held each other & said a final prayer over Mike.  It's a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life.  I can only hope & pray that the next time we have to do that we are all so old that we can't hold each other because we are too busy holding onto our own walker's for balance!  Even then it'll suck.

The end of the month brought the fun of Halloween for the kids.  We had a Wolverine, a "bad" witch, a spider who then chose to be a tiger & a flower haunting it up!  Annually, we spend halloween at my parent's house where there are literally 100's of trick or treater's...and I'm not exaggerating...835 goblins to be exact!  It's insane but very fun for the kids & my parent's favorite holiday.  They really get into it & by far have the spookiest house on the block! 

**To honor our friend there is a toy drive being held to collect toys for children & toiletries, coats, & winter weather gear for adults to be donated to Misericordia in Mike's name. Should anyone be interested in making a donation see below for more information or feel free to contact me & we can make arrangements to get the items.  Thank you.
https://www.facebook.com/events/448922695164454/

Good-bye October 2012...you were a roller coaster and I'd like to get off now...

September...fun, fun, fun!

    So, my plans for more frequent posts failed!  However, I'm cutting myself some slack...we've been busy around here!!!  This month gave us FIVE jam packed weekends!

September began as it usually does with our annual trip to Central Illinois for the Labor Day parade in Pontiac.  My brother-in-law (Ann's husband, Tadd)'s family lives there & it's so fun to experience small town USA!  It's always a wonderful time with John's family.  Lots of food, lots of kids, lots of fun!

The following weekend we went to the annual Bradley Place Block Party.  Always a site to be seen!  The neighboorhood I grew up in has changed quite a bit...let's call it "upscale!"  We're talking about a block party that, in addition to the traditional fire truck & bike parade, has been know to have pony rides, a petting zoo, two jumping jacks, a band AND a DJ and let us not forget...the Jesse White Tumblers!  Really?!  I can't make this stuff up! 

That same weekend I took some sentimental photo's for my In Law's.  They sold the home they purchased when John was just 6 months old.  They raised a family of 4 & lived at their place on Windsor for 36 years.  MANY MANY memories in those old walls, but it was time to close that chapter & welcome the next!  They purchased a wonderful place closer to us & we look forward to creating new memories!  Check out a good lookin' bunch I am proud to call family!

For months I anxiously awaited our September 15th Cubs game (the only Saturday tickets we had after I delivered Nora!)...yes, despite their hideous record...
Anyway, we were unable to secure a sitter & we just couldn't let the tickets go to waste because the weather couldn't have been more beautiful for baseball!  SO, what does this crazy duo do???  Yep,
we packed up the 4 monkey's & headed to Wrigley!  It was a great day & a fantatic decision!

The day after our outing to Wrigley Field, I went to a baby shower for my dear friend Katie Caplis Ferguson.  The two of us have been friends since she was born (I'm 10 months older) because we grew up just one house apart on Bradley Place.  We have so many fantastic childhood memories & reminisce every chance we get!  She is expecting her first baby in November & I am so happy we will have yet another thing in common...motherhood :)

September is a special month for John & I...we were married on September 23, 2005 & this year we celebrated our 7 year anniversary!  We have spent nearly every anniversary either pregnant or with a newborn so this year we were anxious to have a little time away.  My cousin, Kristin & her new husband, Chris, were gracious enough to take all four of the kids for the entire weekend!  I was hoping after that long weekend they hadn't changed their minds about having a family of their own! 
John & I felt a little lost when we checked into the Hilton Garden Inn & all we had to carry in were two duffle bags & a small cooler!  No kids, pack & plays, toys, bedding (no one can sleep without their special friends!) or bouncy seats!  We had dinner at Harry Carey's & our waitor comped our bottle of wine!  Amazingly generous!  Then we tried our luck at the new River's Casino....but quickly remembered that we don't have any luck!  We won then lost then lost some more & before our pockets were too empty we went back to the hotel & finished our evening with a nightcap at the bar.  Saturday we drove up to Milwaukee & stopped in Pleasant Prairie for a little outlet mall shopping.  John & I realized that we hadn't shopped like that for ourselves in at least 8 or 10 years!  We checked into a small motel that John's cousin's wife, Kim, had recommended & arranged for us.  We surprised John's cousin, Matt, at his 40th surprise party!  What a blast!!!  Sunday it was back home to collect our family.  We missed them but truly enjoyed being able to let loose & know they were in the best hands!  Pictured below...the face of relaxation!!!

We wrapped up the month with a birthday celebration!  Our little Emmett turned 2 years old!  We had a big jello cupcake after dinner on the 28th, his actual birthday.  Then, on Saturday we continued the celebration at our house with family & a few friends too.  His eyes lit up like I've never seen when he received his "race car!"  Happy Birthday, my love!

August 2012...in a Nutshell!

Where has the summer gone?  Ok, so maybe having a baby sped things along, but geez!  We have had a fantastic summer and because of that I really slacked on this whole blogging idea.  So, I am going to sum up our summer in one LONG post & brace for a very busy fall!

Most know that I have been selling lia sophia jewelry for nearly a year & a half.  So, on August 5th I packed up the family & took them to Wicker Memorial Park in Highland, Indiana (my team happens to be located there) for the lia sophia Family Picnic.  What a wonderful park!  We had a fantastic day of fun...food, drinks, friends, lia Bingo, kid's games, splash pad & I had a great time introducing my family to my newest friends...

 

On August 7th I surprised Jack with a trip to Great America!  We met my "God Family" (My Godmother Vicki, my Godsister Kim & her 3 daughters, Paige, Ellie & Jenna) in Gurnee for a HOT but SUPER FUN day!  We fit in both the water park & the rides into a 10 hour day.  Jack was a trooper & had a blast! 

 

 

The Annual Conway/Corr/Barnett Family Day in Lake Geneva took place on August 12th.  Every year John's dad's side of the family spend the day at Aunt Peg & Uncle Ed's house on the lake.  We've always lucked out with fantastic weather & this year was no different! 

 

 

AND...Nora Jane turns 2 months old mid month...

 

August 17th my cousin Kristin Arciola got married to Chris Vana in a beautiful ceremony at Friendship Park Conservatory & celebrated their nuptials at the Seville.  Jack & Molly were the ring bearer & flower girl for the big day! 

 

 

 

 August then called for a "Cherry Street Gals" reunion!  On the 19th 3 of the best ladies I know (my college roommates!) came over for a long over due get together.  All of us had had babies within 7 months (A first for them...a fourth for me!!).  Katie & Russ had Elaine last December, Kim & Jeff had Noelle in January & Krisit & Beau had Benjamin just 4.5 hours after I delivered Nora this past June!  Kristi & I shared the exact same due date & were in labor together (yet very far apart...she lives in Denver!) however, Nora was born on June 16th & Ben was born on June 17th.  Who would have ever thought so many years ago when the 4 of us shared an apartment at ISU on Cherry Street that we would all be SO incredibly blessed!

 



Winding down the month with TWO great events!  First, on August 27th Jack & Molly started back to school!  Jack began kindergarten & Molly began preschool at Our Saviour Lutheran School.  They were both VERY excited for the big day!

And finally on August 29th my best friend, Shannon & her husband (and great friend of ours!), Kevin, brought their first baby, Sean James, into this crazy world!  We are beyond excited!!!  Mommy & baby are doing wonderfully & he is one handsome devil!

 

PHEW!  What a month!  This brings us to September...I plan on several small posts along the way...stay tuned, it's already been exciting!  XO