Moose Mountain Mini Golf

Saturday evening Mike and I went to the 3rd floor of the mall (there are 4) and played a round of Moose Mountain Mini Golf. It was a really fun course and shocker of all shockers, I WON!! Mike may have took it a little easy on me, it being my birthday and all, but it's still a win.

Moose Mountain Mascot

Love the No Cussin' sign, darn those F bombs

Mike driving the Moose Mobile

My Mini Moose

I'm sure Mck Mama would be proud of my alliteration in this post.

An Aquarium in a Mall

Shark and Octopus and Turtles Oh My!!!

There is an aquarium under the Mall of America, YES I said under the Mall. This was one of the coolest aquariums I've ever been to, since it included a large array of sharks and a moving walkway. This walkway took you through an enclosed tunnel where the fish/sharks swam around and above you. Here are some photos of the Adventure.

Sharky the Mascot

Lou the Turtle

Mall of America Friday

Friday was our first day at the Mall of America. We started the visit by doing some shopping (I know your surprised) and checking out what the mall had to offer. This is a picture of me at the Lego store in the middle of the mall. The entire thing is made out of Legos and has life size people, dinosaurs, and vehicles.

Hungry from all of our shopping, we headed over to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for dinner and some fun. On our way there we ran into Louie the shrimp and of course I sensed a photo op. Dinner was super delicious and the restaurant was really fun. I even got to take home a cool light up cup for my birthday.

Mike is trying to get into the action. RUN FORREST RUN!!

I'm 30!!!

Look Who's Pushing Turdy?

OH YEAH...It's ME!!!

This was the card that I recieved from the great girls I work with in Cardiology. It really made me laugh and feel like part of the group...THANKS GIRLS!!!

........................................................................

Now for the BIG EVENT!!!

off to the Mall of America with the most wonderful husby in the whole entire world.

That's right, Mike and I are spending the weekend in Minnesota!! More to come on that later, but for now did I mention...

..................................................................

I'M

The Big 3-0 is Coming!!

The 27th and 28th days of the 30 days of Birthday have brought some really awesome gifts, straight off my Amazon wish list. I can't wait for my surprise getaway on Friday and a chance to enjoy both of these really thoughtful gifts. Thanks Honey

Wordless Wednesday (almost)

This is an original canvas from Gitzen Girl. Check out her website and read her amazing story. She is such an inspiration for me. Thanks Sara!!

Happy Easter

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter.

This is what the Easter Bunny brought to our house this morning.

The basket my Mom bought for me while she was pregnant.

Who knew it would still be in use 30 years later...Thanks Mom!

Shopping Extravaganza 2.0

This weekend was the second annual Schaumburg shopping trip for myself and my best, good friend Leslie. This tradition started last year when Leslie was pregnant with little Owen and his room needed decorating. Friday night we met up at our awesome hotel, Hyatt Place, and hit the nearest TJ Max. Though it was kind of ghetto, we found some great buys and had a great time.

Saturday began with a wonderful and cheap breakfast at Ikea and then a marathon shopping day that would give even the most seasoned shopper sore feet. After Ikea, many outlet stores, lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, and hours at the mall, we finally arrived back at our hotel around 9:30. Boy were we exhausted, but the night was not complete until the traditional reviewing of the purchases.

At the Woodfield Mall, taking a much needed rest of our feet.

The above 2 pics are of great finds from our favorite outlet Home Goods.

Since I am such a Starbucks addict, I LOVED the Cap-Pacino hat knitting kit.

Leslie fell in love with these wooden scissors, but unfortunately they were dull.


Last but certainly not least below is us with our wonderful treasures.

I like to call it the Haul of Fame Photo.

Can't wait till next year!!

What a Relief

I am relieved and happy to tell everyone that my little "nephew" Owen came out of surgery for tubes in his ears wonderfully. I have spent much of the morning worried about him and obsessively checking my friends blog for updates (I know that really surprises those of you that know me). As you can see from this pic, taking a few hours after, he made it through great and is his happy smiley self again. Sending my love little one!!!



Now that we know O is going to be OK his Mom and I can safely embark on Shopping Extravaganza 2.0 tomorrow. This is an annual trip to Schaumburg which started when O was still in utero. Can't wait to shop till I drop!!!

Wordless Wednesday (almost)

This picture from Stellan's name gallery made me cry and remember our "Little Peanut". Keep praying for this little peanut.

Grief and Fear

Today is a hard day for a few of my bloggy friends and I send my prayers out to MckMama, Angie, and Stacy. Their grief and fear is overwhelming today, but their faith in God prevails.

Also, I am struggling with my own fear and grief today. If you read my post from yesterday you may understand that the loss of our little peanut was brought to forefront of my mind by a ignorant comment that stung like a slap to the face. The fear in my heart comes from Mike and I getting ready to get back on the trying to conceive roller coaster. Now that I know we can become pregnant I don't worry so much about that, but carrying a baby to term is a very real fear. At this point I ask for your prayers not only for our journey, but for healing and peace for my bloggy friends.


Thanks,

AHHHH!!

That title is the only way that I can describe how I feel right now. You see, I just got back from a great and relaxing massage. This was Mike's surprise for the 19th day of Birthday. It was extremely relaxing and I am totally pain free at the moment, Thanks Mike.

One strange thing that happened during the massage was when the therapist asked whether I had any kids, while telling me about her 3 month old son. My new standard response to this question is to tell people that we recently lost our first little one at about 2 months. What came out of her mouth next is something that should go in a book of things to NEVER say to someone who has lost a baby. "Did it die inside you?" I'm sure that she really just didn't understand, but it made me want to cry. For the rest of the 60 minutes I just tried to focus on relaxing and looking forward to trying for another little peanut.

Rent in Chicago

Saturday Mike and I took the train into Chicago to attend the limited 2 week engagement of Rent. The show was AMAZING and we were surprised to find out the two of the cast members from the original Broadway cast and movie were preforming. Adam Pascal, who played Roger, and Anthony Rapp, who played Mark, made the show a once in a lifetime experience. Along with the show we had lunch, did some shopping, and of course got Garrettts popcorn, if you've never tried it, it's a must for any Chicago trip. Here are a few pics, Enjoy.

Yours truly at the Corner Bakery, can you say YUMMY!!

Wordless Wednesday

13 days down...18 to go

If you read my post last week you know about the 30 days of birthday. Since we are about half way through the celebration I thought I would share a few of my favorite treats so far.

This is Chick the pinata that I received on the 9th day

Above are the Nanner Puss french toast breakfasts that Mom and I got on the 11th day of birthday. The upper one was Mom's and was made to look like a model, since we watch America's Next Top Model all day Sunday. Below that is the one made to look like me...Can't you see the resemblance?

Wordless Wednesday

30 Days of Birthday

In less then a month I will be celebrating that much dreaded 30th Birthday. Since this is a big one, Mike has decided to make it a 30 day celebration. This has turned out to be a totally awesome idea, it gives me something to look forward to everyday and takes my mind off waiting/worrying about other things. Just a few of the nice surprises were a clean house when I came home from MI, some yummy carmel corn, and this morning I found "Mr. Freeze" icey pops on my nightstand. These 30 days will culminate with a super secret Birthday weekend trip...I CAN'T WAIT!! My husband is so awesome, how did I get so lucky. Love you Mike!!

Very Busy Weekend

Even though this past weekend was 3 days long, it was jam packed and very exhausting. It started with a trip back to MI with my Mom for a Dr's appointment. Thankfully the Dr. was really impressed with the healing the ankle had done and OK'd her to slowly start putting weight on the leg. By the time we go back for the next follow up, she should be able to walk without the boot or walker.

Saturday brought a load of errands to run and visits with friends and family. The first stop on my visit tour was to see Renee and Cohen, my sister in law, and nephew. Aunt Kate got some cuddle time with Cohen and great conversation with Renee.

Don't we make a cute pair?

Then it was off to the mall for some girl time with Amber. I don't get to see her very often and it was great to catch up and do some shopping. We'll have to do it again really soon. While there I ran into a fellow Bloggy friend Katie from When Hello Means Goodbye. It was great to finally meet her and I'm so glad I said Hi.

Sunday morning began with packing, cleaning up, and hitting the road. After 5.5hours in the car we finally arrived in WI with just enough time to eat dinner, watch a quick movie, and head to bed. Despite the hectic pace and it being over way too fast the weekend was very enjoyable. I can't wait to do it again in 4 weeks.

Happy 61st Birthday Mom!!

Today my Mom turns 61. We have a fun night planned with Olive Garden take out, Pina Coladas, and cake. We are glad that she gets to spend her birthday with us and then I will be bringing her back to Holland for the weekend to see friends and family.

Happy Birthaday Mom!!

Oh Bother!!

This St. Patricks Day is not bringing me the Luck O the Irish. The only way to go is up, things sure aren't going so well thus far.

Heavens Happy Birthday

Since everyday in Heaven is glorious, I can't begin to imagine what the birthday parties must be like. Today is my Dad's 65th Birthday and he is celebrating it in Heaven. Since his birthday is the day before St. Patricks day my Grandma always gave him a green birthday, I am sure that this tradition continues and that today Heaven must look like the Emerald City.

Happy 65th Birthday Dad.

We Miss You.

Wordless Wednesday

Not really feeling it

So today is my first day back in OB since losing little peanut. Let me tell you that I am not feeling it. It's not that I don't want other people to be happy, but it is just really difficult to put on a smiley face for those patients that are just finding out they are pregnant, or due around the same time as I was. I hope that no one feels that I am being harsh or ungrateful with this, I just needed to get it of my chest so that I could try to work through it. Thanks for listening.

How Sweet!

My hubby just sent me this picture with a cute note.Isn't he so sweet and cute. I guess my husbands OK too.

A Few Random Facts:

Those of you that are on Facebook have certainly heard about the 25 random things note that is going around. I don't like to get involved in those pass it on things, but yesterday while walking around Staples (explained later) I realized that there are a few things that not many people know about me. So here goes:

1. I realized, while wondering around Staples yesterday, that I am a sucker for office supplies. Give me a notebook, pen, or highlighter over clothes any day. I would just as soon shop for stationary then try on clothes.
2. As a child I could not fall asleep unless I knew that my Dad was awake, watching TV on the other end of the house. I thought no one could get by him then and steal me. Never mind the front door in between.
3. I always shower and dry off in the exact same order and way. I won't go into detail.
4. I can't stop reading a book in the middle, no matter how stupid, boring, or how much I don't like it.
5. I have never had my hair colored and don't ever plan to. Even though my Mom is a hair dresser and could do it for free.
6. I have never tried smoking, not even one puff, and have no desire to ever do so.
7. I love to Cross Stitch and have been doing it since I was a little girl. I call it my old lady hobby. It relaxes me.
8. I decided what I wanted to do for a living when I was in 1st grade. I have the bear dressed as a nurse I made to prove it. I never once considered being anything else.
9. I have never watched an Indiana Jones, Godfather, or Die Hard movie, and until 5 years ago had never seen Star Wars. My husband is trying to change this one.
10. I would rather go to a car show then a fair/amusement park any day. Growing up the only child of an Auto Body Technician, I have a wealth of car knowledge and use it frequently.

So now that you know these things about me, let me know something about you. Leave me a comment with an interesting fact.

Card Making with Mom

Today turned out to be a rainy Saturday here in the cheese state. At first I was sort of sad that the week had been so beautiful and the weekend was dreary, but since it looked like an inside day, it was time for inside fun. The first activity that came to mind was making cards, which is something that I really like to do, but haven't done since leaving MI. These are some of the creations that Mom and I came up with. I know there will be more in the future, so stay turned.

Maybe a handmade mother/daughter original will end up in your mailbox.

A night out...It's about time

This weekend Mike and I were able to go on a much needed night out. In the last month we have been out, lets see, ZERO times. With everything going on we have been staying home, spending time in separate cities, or just too darn tired to go out. It feels like we have a small child, but our arms are desperately empty.

Saturday night we broke the streak and headed out on the town. The festivities started with a few errands and then it was off to Cirque Du Soleil. I gave Mike tickets to see Saltimbanco in Rockford for his birthday. If you have never seen a Cirque show let be tell you it is a once in a lifetime experience, that is unless you're obsessed like us and this is your 6th. The show was absolutely amazing, especially from our 2nd row seats.



Following the show it was off for authentic Chicago style deep dish pizza at Giordanos. Can you say YUMMY!!! It was a great dinner to finish off a fun evening that refreshed us and allowed us to let our hair down.



Hopefully it will not be such a long time until our next night out on the town.

Wish I were here:

I am so wishing that instead of the rain, ice, snow, and cold that I see out my window every morning, I could be enjoying these views. A girl can dream...RIGHT?

My Daily Horoscope

Aries

March 21 - April 19Go for the gold, dear Aries.
This day marks the beginning of the rest of your life.
Treat it with respect. You may find that you are on a crusade,
and that your combative instinct is working over-time.
There is a lot of fuel in your engine, so don't worry about running out.
The only thing you really need to be concerned about is possibly stepping on other people's toes. Make sure you consider how your actions are affecting others.

What does everyone think???

Little Peanut

These are the lyrics to the song "Glory Baby" by Watermark.

Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby…baby.
You were growing, what happened dear?
You disappeared on us baby…baby.
Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe until we’re home with you…
Until we’re home with you…


Miss you everyday. Miss you in every way
But we know there’s aday when we will hold you We will hold you
You’ll kiss our tears away. When we’re home to stay
Can’t wait for the day when we will see youWe will see you
But baby let sweet Jesus hold you‘till mom and dad can hold you…
You’ll just have heaven before we do
You’ll just have heaven before we do

Sweet little babies, it’s hard to understand it ‘cause we’re hurting
We are hurting. But there is healing.
And we know we’re stronger people through the growing
And in knowing-That all things work together for our good
And God works His purposes just like He said He would…
Just like He said He would…


BRIDGE:I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies and what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home
And it’s all you’ll ever know…all you’ll ever know…


I love to hear this song that I heard about on the blog When Hello Means Goodbye. It makes me feel better to know that my little peanut is in heaven with her Grandpa.

Update

I just wanted to send out a quick note to let everyone know that Mom and I made it back to WI on Tuesday and she is resting comfortably at our house. Her Dr's visit went really well. She got her staples out, had an x-ray that looked great, and was fitted with a boot. Still no weight on that ankle for 6 more weeks, but we will do whatever it takes to make it better. She will be staying with us until the middle of April, with one visit to MI March 20th for a Dr's appointment.

Lastly, we just wanted to thank everyone for their support, thoughts, and prayers for both my Mom and Mike and I's loss. We will keep everyone updated on progress.

Trials of an only Child

As many of you know, I am an only child. This is not a bad situation to be in most of the time, but in circumstances of sickness and trauma, it is a lot to bare. This is the story of my very interesting week, and the reason why I am stuck in Holland without Internet access until Tuesday.

My week started out on a very shaky note, with a call from my mother saying she had fallen on the ice and "hurt her ankle". After a few hours and one very scary looking X-ray, I got a call from an ER doc saying the ankle was broken in 3 places and needed surgery ASAP. To this I instructed them to wait until I got there and took off for, the supposed to take, 5 hour drive to Holland. Including picking up Mike at work it took us 4 hours the get to the hospital, and we arrived just as they were wheeling her to surgery. Luck was on our side...we thought!!

After one night in the hospital we had devised a great plan that would get Mike and I back to work on Thurs and Mom to a safe place where she wouldn't have to be alone, our house. Unfortunately, the Dr. vetoed that plan on Tuesday by saying that Mom couldn't endure the ride to WI for 1 week.

So, here I am in a noisy Panera Bread, using the Internet, and trying to get some time to myself. The last 3 days have been nothing but taking Mom to the bathroom, getting her stuff, and watching TV. Don't get me wrong, I love to be lazy at times, but this is getting to me and with 4 more days to go I may need medicinal help to endure. Following a post op appointment on Tues I will be bringing Mom back to WI to live with us for the 6-8weeks she has to stay off the ankle.

If any friends or family out there are going to be around on Saturday or Sunday and are looking for something to do give me a call, I have time. Thanks for listening to me whine, I should get back to "work". Kate

One Week

Today it has been one week since I lost my first little peanut. One week of grieving for someone that we never really knew, but loved dearly. This one week has been filled with a roller coaster of emotions and many moments of confusion. Confusion over not only what to tell friends and family, but about what to expect from my own body. This next few months will be a waiting game and I am TERRIBLE at waiting. The only thought that has brought me comfort this week is that my little peanut is safe in heaven with her grandpa (my father) who passed away 3 years ago. I know that he will take great care of her and she is blessed to know him. Thanks to everyone who called, wrote, sent cards, and prayed. I am blessed to have so many people out there who care. Kate

I thought I would leave you with one of Peanut's friends: This is Leon the Lion, her first toy.

Extreme Loss

I write this post with tears in my eyes. It seems like crying is what I've done a lot of this weekend. Just a few days ago Mike and I were extremely excited and looking forward to announcing to friends and family that we were expecting our first baby. After a year of trying we were finally blessed with a positive test on Jan. 17th. Since then we had been getting more excited by the day and had been finding it difficult to not tell everyone that we know and love our great news. Unfortunately, our little one was not healthy and was not able to stay with us. Friday when I woke up I knew that something was wrong and a trip to the Dr. confirmed that we had suffered a miscarriage. Now we are grieving the loss of our little peanut by trying to focus on the good things in our life, while looking forward to trying again in the future. I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray and keep us in their thoughts. Kate

PLEASE PRAY!!

Mike and I have suffered a terrible loss today. I am not up to going into detail right now, but we just need everyone to pray that we are stronger for this in the long run. Thank you to everyone. Kate

Oh So Cute!!!

Thought everyone would enjoy this cute little face. I know that it always brightens my day.

Curly or Straight...What's the Verdict

Well, this was the look for the day. What does everyone think? The experiment started with a girl at work that has been talking about straightening my hair for awhile now. Today was the big day and over our lunch hour Tracy and I played "Barbie Beauty Shop".

This is the finished result:


Reactions have been mixed. The girls at work mostly thought that it was great, but of course they're not going to say it looks bad. Now as for my Mom, those of you that know her know she tells it like it is, I sent her a picture this afternoon. Her reaction was "It looks like SH**". Then there was my husband who was so shocked when he got home that he just kept asking "what did you do". He also said that there was no way I was his wife, his wife has curly hair.

Now that hair experiment day is over I am glad that I did it, but have to say I think I look better with curls. I guess god knows what he's doing when he creates us. So tomorrow it's back to curly sue.

Job News

So I told everyone that I would let them know when I heard about the job. Well, I got the call this morning that they offered it to and it was excepted by another candidate. Needless to say I'm disappointed, but hopefully another, better opportunity will come along soon. I am going to continue to concentrate on the wonderful things that are happening in life and stay positive. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Kate

Still Waiting

Today marks 2 weeks that I have been waiting for word on the new nursing position that I applied for. This waiting has been made much more difficult by the fact that I have been filling in for the nurse that left the position. Hopefully next week will bring good news and a permanent home for me. Thank you for your continued prayers and I will keep everyone posted. Kate

How Fitting!!

Daily Horoscope:
Aries March 21 - April 19
Uncertainty with regard to professional matters can lead to an increased determination to get ahead, dear Aries, in spite of confusion as to exactly how to do it. It might be a good idea to do some research, organize all your information and then use it in order to formulate a plan of action. The resulting advancement may be slow-moving, but it is sure and steady, and a wealth of experience that enriches your life should follow.

Prayers Please

I am sending out this post to request prayers for Mike and I. Many of your know about our struggles to start a family and we always need thoughts and prayers for that, but recently there is one more request. A few weeks ago I applied for a position as a Pediatric nurse in the clinic system that I work. I interviewed for that new position today and hope to know something by next week. This position would give me a routine and a department to call home, which would bring consistency to our lives. Those of you that know me well know that I am terrible at waiting and second guess myself during that time. Hopefully this week will pass quickly and we will recieve good news at it's completion. Thanks, Kate.