Malachy's Birthday

So we had a birthday party for Malachy and Mark last Sunday! It was a really nice time. The Kunzes, Mommo, Poppo, Jason, Dee, Joey, and Lou helped us celebrate. It was a really laid back time. Mostly we just snacked and let the kids run a muck. Malachy got a super big truck from Lou, an adorable outfit from the Kunzes and another one from our pals Sandy and Alan. My parents got Malachy a couple Notre Dame shirts and Jason and Dee got him some great wooden blocks! Lauren and Noah had sent a present on Malachys actual birthday that Malachy has been enjoying for several weeks now. =)

Here are a few pictures....

This is Poppo...aka batman

Here are the boys playing Boggle...one of Marks gifts. =)

This is Mom, Key, and I at the Texan (the next day)

This is the ghetto part of our yard! In between the garage and the fence!

Here is little Malachy opening his presents...with a little help!

Thanks to everyone who helped Mark and Malachy have super Birthday!

Woo Hoo it worked

Daddy and Malachy in the park.

Even Superheros need their Mama!

Malachy and Grandma Stanger

My little Fall Munchkin!

Poppo and Malachy Flying!

Halloween!

So I tried for like 30 minutes to upload pictures of Malachy but neither Mozilla or Internet Explore would cooperate so I gave up! Sorry, I will try again later. We spent the last few days in Iowa and had a great time. Malachy loved trick or treating, it was soooo cute! He was really good at it too. He would ring the doorbell and when people would open the door he would say trick or treat and some people thought he was so adorable they would give him seconds and he always said thankyou! Such a good boy. On the way home today he kept saying "More Halloween!". He wore his Batman costume last night in Iowa for what they call "beggers night". Their trick or treating is always the day before Halloween...go figure, it's Iowa. (Just kidding!) Today he wore Super Man and we stoped by Mommo and Poppos when we got back to town around 8. My dad loaded Malachy up with Ice Cream and Candy...I'm so lucky he's sleeping now. I will tell you more later but I have to go to bed now. =)

To answer your question...

No, Malachy had no birthday party! I feel so ashamed! He did a get a BIG truck from Daddy and I took him to the build a bear workshop on Sunday. He also got a movie and neat coloring thing from Aunt Lauren (and Uncle Noah). But it was a crazy weekend. I work and Mark was still in Russia. So we will have to celebrate more officialy later. Not with more presents neccisarily but with cake and people singing and all. We are most likely going to Iowa this weekend so I was thinking the following weekend. However I think Crystal has plans that weekend and a party isn't a party without Crystal so we may just never celebrate....or wait another week. =) Hmmmm....Mark's Birthday is November 5th (I think) so I may just have to have a double b-day party without Crystal. Agghhhh...so much to do!

Also just so ya'll know... Mark is home! =) He had a great time in Russia he says it was the hardest thing he ever did. But I know it was also extremely rewarding and he learned a lot. I will post pictures eventually...I hope!

Malachy has 3 halloween costumes! One is a hand me down spiderman from the Bonsols. That is his favorite! He wears it around the house and to bed often. The others are Batman and Superman! Any opinions on which he should wear for the big day?

Malachy

Happy 2nd Birthday Pumpkin!

I don't get it....

I typed and erased this post many times because I don't want to say anything that will come back to bite me in the butt! But I just don't get it! Sometimes moving to Iowa looks like a really good idea! If only I could bring my family with me. (and Crystal too!)

Last Weekend

bad day

I'm in such a bad mood today. I feel utterly exhausted! Work has been stressful because I have all these "little" things outside of my normal job that keep coming up and I feel like I can't keep my head above water.

I also received a "certified" letter that Kim signed for and forgot to tell me about. When she remembered the next day and I got it, it was a letter from the county saying that my house was going to be sold to collect overdue property tax if I didn't bring them $4000 by the 27th. This is last years property tax that was taken care of at the closing and has been paid to the mortgage company. Also, Mark and I have been paying $400 a month in escrow. So I was obviously a little surprised. Especially considering that this certified letter was my final notice and the first I had heard of all this. I called the mortgage company and it turns out they were sending money to the county but they had the wrong parcel number for my house! So they say they will look into it and call me back sometime this week. Arrrgggghhhhh!

Marks in Russia for another week which makes things harder at home. The dog has thrown up in the middle of the night for 3 nights in a row now, Kim ate all my ice cream, Malachy is in one of his moods and I miss Mark!

Aggghhhhh....Sorry to complain so much. I was hoping it would help to vent a little.

Thanks Noah and Lauren

alone again....

So Mark is in Texas this weekend for his cousin Joe's wedding. I didn't make the trip with him because for one I'm terrified of flying, plane tickets are exspensive, and it's not so easy to take the weekend off. (I already have 1 and a 1/2 weekends I need off in the not too distant future) I do miss Mark and wish things were simpler and I could have gone. We really like Joe and I'm so happy for him! I'm sure Mark is having a great time! His family is huge, he has tons of cousins and they are all great.

This is Mark and Joe back in the day....not sure when "the day" was =)

Mark gets home late Sunday night so we will still have Monday together...I'm hoping to hit up the Pumpkin Patch!

Production Department Picnic

We had a department staff picnic this weekend and it was so much fun! It was really cool seeing our kids play together! I'm already looking forward to next years picnic! =)

Beautiful Weekend!

The Kunze birthday party was a big hit again this year! Malachy, Mark, and I had a great time! We are so lucky to have such amazing friends!

Adorable babies! Madison, Malachy, and Randall .
Birthday girl Emily
Super friends
Birthday boy Frank!
Me and my Hubby Mark...love ya Hubby Mark!

Good Weekend...

Mark and I had a fun weekend! We (of course) worked our little booties off! But after that we chilled with Malachy, hit a couple of parks, watched some TV, and drove around in our new car! Yep, I said new (used) car... This week we bought a 1997 Grand Jeep Cherokee from a friend at work! It's got a ton of miles on it but it runs great and we are loving it! We have heard from many people that Jeep Cherokees are great cars. I can't wait to take it on a trip to Iowa, it's definietly an upgrade! I'm loving the leather seats, CD player, and Sun roof! (I know I will also love the heated seats in the winter!) We still have the Malibu too...kind of...it's been in the shop for like 3 weeks now with no end in sight...but some day we hope it will be back with us. And who knows maybe I will start driving it?!


Kim, Crystal and I got to do some scrap-booking on Friday night and I got a ton done!! So I feel very pleased with that! Yea! I hung out with my friend Ginger today and that was a ton of fun! We have known eachother forever so it's always "chill" when we get together. She is a great photographer and scrapbooker and I love being around her and soaking up her creativity. I feel so blessed to have people like Ginger, Crystal, Corey, KC, Sara, and Nicci in my life. I have known all of these gals for 12 years or more and they really are like family to me. How many people are that freaking lucky!


And it's worth mentioning that Mark and I caught the end of the "instant classic" Notre Dame game on Saturday! Wow what an exciting 15 minutes that was!

WANT THIS!!

Mark won't let me get this for Malachy so if any of you want to get it for Malachy's Birthday!! I would love it! =) Wink Wink! You may want to chip in!

Kim if you are reading this...

then you are on the computer now and possibly at home with some free time! If that is the case can you do me a favor please. As you know... I stink at all things computer and only know as much as I have to to get by. Well...maybe more then that but ignorance is bliss. So I need your help in updating my links!

Can you please remove Kelly because he no longer posts...shame on Kelly!
Please remove Joel because he has converted to face book and took down his xanga! Double shame on Joel!
Sandy...if you do not start posting soon you will reach the same sad fate as the fore mentioned! Beware! I know you have materiel to post about. You have plenty of useless information to share...I mean usefull USEFULL!!

Then Kimmy...please update Noah's link so I don't have to think about clown parts every time I visist his blog. Next, update Laurens link per her request dated June 27th.

After that PLEASE add Mom, it's wrong not to link to your own mother! Then add Valerie too! Yea! Finaly could you please add a link to Steve's blog. Oh and why your at it =) can you throw in a link to my Myspace!

Thanks Kim! You rock!

Crystal tagged me!

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? Hmmm...that's hard. I would never want to live too far fro my family and friends...but...when we were vacationing in Michigan I was thinking it would be super nice to have a home on the lakefront there! Union Pier, South Haven, or New Buffalo would all work...

2. What's your favorite article of clothing? A super pair of jeans and a comfy sweater!

3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? thats personal...

4. What's the last CD that you bought? It's been awhile...I have been using Itunes alot... but it would probably have to be how to dismantle an atomic bomb by U2

5. Where's your favorite place to be? On the couch with Mark, Chinese takeout, and a good movie!

6. Where is your least favorite place to be? When I worked retail it was work...but I really love my job now. Hmmmm...maybe Malachy's closet because we found mold and dampness! We had to scrub and clean and it's not fixed!

7. What's your favorite place to be massaged? My feet! When Mark and I started dating he would rub my feet every date!

8. Strong in mind or strong in body? mind! But strength in body comes in handy sometimes too...

9. What time do you wake up in the morning? Before Malachy it was normally 10 or 11am but now Malachy gets me up by 7!

10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? Microwave

11. What makes you really angry? Petty crap.

12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be? I think the piano because it's a good base.

13. Favorite color? Blue...It always has been but it has new meaning now because Malachy has the prettiest blue eyes!

14. Which do you prefer...Sports car or SUV? Hmmmm...I used to want a kelly green mustang, I also wanted a black BMW but I think I would prefer an SUV to a sports car it seems to be more travel and family friendly.

15. Do you believe in an afterlife? I believe in Heaven and Hell.

16. Favorite children's book? Ohhh sheesh I don't know. I read so many. Malachy was really enjoying a book called Milk and Cookies and My Nose is a Hose.

17. What is your favorite season? I love Summer but I have been enjoying Fall too !!!

18. What is your least favorite household chore? Cleaning the bathroom.

19. If you could have one super power, what would it be? patience

20. If you have a tattoo, what is it? I don't have one. I used to want a little heart on my hip but I don't care so much anymore.

21. Can you juggle? No

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? That sort of thing always gets me in trouble....I do wish I was still more in touch with Carolyn.

23. What's your favorite day? Monday...It's like my Saturday and Mark and I both have it off.

24. What's in the trunk of your car?... Car? That would be nice.

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? Cheeseburger of course!

Uhhhh...I tag Lauren, Kim, Mom, and Val...

Russia

These are old pictures...but you know me I can't have a post with out pictures! =)
Mark is in Russia for the next week! He went as a volunteer with the WCA to help prepare for the first ever Global Leadership Summit in Russia! He is going as a volunteer, not as staff, but they are paying all his expenses...WE feel so blessed about that because it was really important for Mark to be a part of this! I was afraid we were going to have to take a second loan out on the house in order for him to go! =) He also gets to go back for the Summit in October. He couldn't be more excited! I know he's really glad to bring a part of his "new ministry" to his "old ministry" that has remained a huge part of his heart. And he gets to see old friends! Funny thing is his Mom's in Russia right now as well! Unfortunately she is on a trip to a remote area this week so they won't cross paths but it is still pretty neat! Mark if you are reading this we miss and love you! Malachy says,"you did it Daddy, yah!"

Kickin Summer

So I was just thinking about this past summer and I have to admitt it's been pretty GREAT!! The Highlight (of course) was the last couple weeks. Getting to see Noah and Lauren, visiting with Jason, Dee, Joey, and seeing the extended family! Having our superb family vacation in Michigan!! Then Kim let Mark and I have a fun night of alone time and prison break at the Hyatt! I feel soo lucky!

Today Mark and I had a work retreat in Lake Delevan. Mark and I got to chill on the boat, go tubing, and take turns driving the jet skis. We got to hang out with our work friends, soak up the sun, and eat food we didn't have to buy or cook! What a great day. (Mark was also really close to being named champion in the Corn hole tournament, his team took second.)

Some other summer highlights were: The Schaumburg flyers game, a couple days at the kiddie pool here in Elgin, 4th of July at Lou's, going to the Art Musem, Brookfield AND Lincoln Park Zoo! Hanging at the park with Malachy and chilling in the back yard. The only thing that would have made this summer better would have been some Cubs tickets!

Now I'm ready to start looking forward to the fall...Malachy's birthday, warm sweaters, Pumpkin Spice lattes, Thanksigiving and Christmas here we come! Oh and I should throw Saturday Notre Dame football games in there for Dad! =)

Noah promised me the "wave" picture would be the coolest picture on the roll....was he right? You decide...

Noah has began his journey back to Afghanistan. Please remember Noah and Lauren in your prayers as they begin another 6 months apart. Pray for Noahs safety in Afghanistan and that he can find a community of people that he can realte to in a positive way.

I can not tell you how much we all enjoyed seeing Noah while he was home. He is a really great guy and we respect and love him soooo much! He means the world to our family and their will definietly be a huge hole with him overseas this holiday season.

Last vacation pictures

Ok so here are the last of our vacation pics Im going to post. It was a super time. I'm bummed it's over but really glad things went so well. Kim watched Malachy last night so Mark and I could escape for some alone time! =) We went to the Ameri Suites in Hoffman which are being converted to a Hyatt Home. It was super nice. No hot tub or anything swanky like that...but the had a huge L shaped couch and a huge plazma TV. Which was perfect for us because our plan was to watch the remaining episodes of Prison Break season 1 and sleep in. Throw in some Chillis and it was a perfect night! =) Anyhow with no further adou here are the pictures...

Kim being cute!

Mark, Malachy, and I walking around downtown South Haven with the family!

Malachy is king of the castle.

relaxing with aunt Kim

Mark and Steph...awwww aren't we cute

Vacation

Ok, So I have a bunch more pictures to add but after I got these up Blogger started being itself and wouldn't let me post anymore. =( Despite numerous attempts! So I will try again later.

WE had a GREAT time on Vacation! It was a little chilly and rainy most days but we didn't let that spoil our time. We read books, made cards with my stamps, watched sunsets, rode bikes, played B-ball, swam in the pool, played at the beach, collected rocks, went shopping in cute towns, ate out, barbecued, made smores, went to movies, watched prison break, had chess training games, connect four tournaments, and really enjoyed eachothers company! The only thing that would have made this vacation better would have been if Noah, Lauren, Jason, Dee and Joey could have joined us for a day!...There is always next year! =)

This is Malachy and Dad enjoying the Sun in front of our Cottage

Mark, Malachy, and I went to St. Josephs one chilly-ish day to check out the children's museum then we hit up the butterfly garden. Malachy liked the fish pond.

I just thought this one was pretty. We went to see the sunset a couple nights so Malachy could say good bye to the sun.

This is our family in front of the pretty tall grasses planted near our cottage. As you can see by Poppos face it was hard to know when to smile because the lady taking our picture kept asking us to say things like"I love South Haven" instead of "cheese". So we did the best we could. =)