Summer Musings

We are having such a lovely summer - I just got home from a spontaneous trip to the cabin with the kids to enjoy some cabin time with two of my sisters and a smattering of nephews and nieces. I'm just feeling very fortunate lately. It has been a beautiful summer. The kids are thriving and healthy. James and I have both have achieved some personal goals. We've got lots of good friends. We've got great family. I sound like a braggy Christmas letter - but I know these times are precious and I want to revel in them as much as I can.

We celebrated my brother Nick's 50th birthday with a surprise dinner party at the house with all of his siblings and most of his children. I think I had more fun than he did - but I'm pretty sure that he had a good time too. These little celebrations of each other and the good fortune to be able to all be together feels like such a miraculous treat. We're so grateful to live so close to Nick and the gang (but just far enough way that I don't have to worry about his urban hunting expeditions - "No, officer, I don't know that deranged man..."). Good times, good times.


We've had a great time with the Winsor clan over the last few weeks too - we watched 19 of the 21 stages of the Tour de France, enjoyed some good food and wine and learned a bit more about bike racing. Mostly we laughed and just enjoyed the time together. This time was also tinged with a bit of anxiety and apprehension as they prepared to send Eric to Iraq - the goodbyes started on the 4th and continued until today as Jeff and Paula dropped him off in Buffalo, MN to board the bus for the airport. He'll spend the next few weeks in New Jersey preparing and training before he actually leave the country. He'll be driving trucks, not very sexy, but very important none the less. I took the kids to the official send off and picnic yesterday in Buffalo. I have my own nervousness for him, and I felt it most strongly while seeing him in formation yesterday. I had my arms wrapped around Seamus and I was whispering to him what the officer was saying to the crowd, and I could feel my arms closing around him thinking about the enormous sacrafice it really is to send your children so far way. He asked me why Eric was going to war. It's hard to explain to most Americans, much less to a 4 year old. We all know its complicated, but I told him because it's what a soldier does. He or she makes a pledge to go where we believe people need defending or where people need help. And I said that's what Eric's going to do - he's made a promise to do his best to make a difference in the world. That's a good promise. We took lots of pictures - I'll add them to the post when I get them from Jeff.

So many moments have passed through us during the last few weeks - I know that I've forgotten so many already - but all I can say is that when they happened I truly enjoyed the moment. As I said before, Seamus is full of all sorts of great questions. He's growing tons too - I can hardly pick him up anymore and there is something very appropriate about how weighty he is. On Monday when I told him I decided we were going to quick pack up and drive up to the lake - he immediately remembered his fishing pole hanging in the garage and told me this was the "best news ever".

































Finn is also changing so much - he's getting taller and thinner - it feels like he looks different every day. The poor thing loves going to the lake, but he always gets sick. He's so patient and good about it too - he spend the entire ride to and from the cabin holding a bag under his chin or else asleep in his booster. Yesterday is got sick while he was a sleep - mostly on his very surprised sister - and he told me he was sorry afterwards. Seriously. I couldn't wish for a sweeter kid.













MJ has finally started walking a bit - although she is still way faster with the crab crawl. She's saying a few words - yesterday she offered me her toes while I was changing her diaper and told me to "kiss" them. It was clear as a bell and the boys and I got quite a kick out of it - I can only imagine the things she'll be telling me to kiss in 15 years or so. This toddler time is so wild - I think I'm more aware this time around - or at least parenting feels a bit more conscious this time. Every day she learns something new. She can follow basic directions now - "give me that," "put the toy in the box" and especially, "spit that out." She's very engaged with the boys and she and Finn spend lots of time playing together now. She's a good sleeper and pretty mild (when she isn't head butting the boys). She still refuses to sit in the highchair and I'm about ready to give the thing away. I cannot tell you how many times I've turned my back to fill my coffee cup, returned to the kitchen table to finish the paper to find her sitting squarely in the center of the table smiling at me.














James has had a good, but challenging summer too. Work has been challenging (in a good way) and he's gathered more and more responsibility. He loves his job and not a lot of people can say that. He's in the best shape of his life - he looks so good. He's been very supportive of me as I'm planning on dipping my toes in the academic waters again this fall. I'm starting at the U for a master's in writing - I'm so excited - this is something I've wanted for a long, long time.

So things are good, but we are not without struggles either. James has been feeling heavy hearted - in all the joy and fun we're having - everything is also colored by a layer of grief. He's been so healthy and open about how hard it has been for him - feeling the absence of his brother and his father every single day in all sorts of different ways. Grief is complicated. It makes you appreciate everything more and yet at the same time makes it hard for your to appreciate anything. James is so grateful for Katie these days. And so am I. Family is the saving grace.

Insert Your Own Caption...

More Finn Photos

The Schneeman Nut Times - Triathlon Race Day

Mary Jeanne and Dan both turned in killer times for the day, sweeping each of their kids and grandchildren into a smoking trash heap. When asked about his mother's tri-prowess, renowned sprint triathlete Eric Schneeman simply said, "uh....uh....how come...how come..."

Also befuddled by this twist was longtime competitor Arnie Gough. When informed of the results, Arnie stumbled away muttering under his breath - "I think she was out there to just 'have some fun'. I finally get what she's been talking about all these years....if only I had listened..."

Dan's accomplishment was made that much more impressive by the fact that he biked the 112 mile course on a circa 1970's road bike with two flat tires. When asked if he'd have won if he had a properly maintained bike - he quizzically (but lovingly) replied, "We are so blessed."

Evidently, these two cavalier triathletes were not even seen on the course - that's how fast they were moving. On a sidenote - Mary Jeanne was able to maintain top speed in the water without even getting her hair wet, a feat astounding most race officials.

Mary Waldvogel was quoted as mentioning - "I really thought that one week train/taper program was going to work. I want my money back." Impressive collegiate athlete/participant/amateur personal trainer Casey Gough simply stated, "No refunds, Aunt Mary." as he laughed his way to the bank. When questioned about this decision, he simply said, "Competition Breeds Success" and charged this reporter an additional $5 for his services.

Signing off, this is Mr. Minor Nut reporting for the Schneeman Nut Times. This minor nut agrees with the patriarch - We are so blessed.

Happy Birthday Finnegan!

Three years old, I can't hardly believe it. Your three-year-old self has emerged as a chatty, loving and wily boy who is full of energy and humor. Your brother, father and I spend a little bit of every day just waiting to hear what you have to say - every day there seems to be something new. Your sister is more interested in watching and she doesn't miss much because her eyes always seem to be on you.

You started swim lessons last week with Seamus and you weren't excited about getting into the big pool without your dad at first. When I told you that you were a big boy, you replied: "Mom, I'm not that big. AND I not know how to swim." I had to say, you are a pretty realistic and practical kid. But true to yourself, you got into the water with your new girlfriend Delaney (see adorable photos - Delaney is also Ben Schneeman's girlfriend, but I don't think he stands much of a chance any more). She wanted you to hold on to a kickboard and you said no thanks and wrapped your arms around her neck. You looked over at me to make sure I was watching - I wasn't sure what you were more proud of - swimming in the pool or snuggling a cute teenage girl. Either way, you were very happy.

You still love animals. Especially lions. or phonetically "eeiions". But you are also getting into action heroes like your brother - you two spend time pretending to be Batman, Spiderman, and The Hulk. You still share the love of Harry Potter with Seamus, and several times a week Ron (you) and Harry (Seamus) adventure around the back yard. You take turns having wand duels - and I love that you rotate who has to throw their wand into the air as he has just been disarmed by the "expeliarmus" command. Whenever you get the chance you recruit Bridget to be Hermione, I can only imagine what life will be like when MJ can really play too (now Seamus tells her that she's Dobby or some other house elf).

You like to have your things "just so" - I suspect that this is Bob's influence in your life. But at night you like to have your star and moon blanket laid over you and tucked into the sides tightly. You woke up last night and I thought you wanted me to come in and retuck your blanket so I resisted because I think this is getting to be a little too much. After I could still hear your quietly crying, I went in to check on you, and you said to me: "I need a hug, mom, so I can sleep." We hugged and you drifted off before I even laid your head back on the pillow. I just adore these moments.

I thought that having three small children would be a bit overwhelming, but the truth is, some days we're tired or some days we're out of sorts, but everyday has wonderful moments of fun and I never want to give up this job. A big part of why I enjoy parenting so much, is that you are such a joy to be around. You are full of humor and personality. I love that you're growing so much and developing - you like to tell "jokes" which means that you intentionally say things to get a laugh out of me. Now often it's potty talk - you like to tell me that Seamus or MJ or someone, something is stinky. You make faces and hold your nose. Bob and Paula took you too Jeff's soccer game last night and you wouldn't sure the port-a-potty because "it stinks. it's SUPER stinky." Well, who can blame you. You like to burp and cough and stand on your head, and I try not to laugh, but I must sometimes because you continue to do it.

You got lots of wonderful gift for your birthday, but the thing that I loved the most is your automatic sense of gratitude and your willingness to share. That ain't a common thing for a three year old, but it is just in your nature. You always say thank you - today I had to stop and sit you on my lap to kiss you and tell you how proud of I am of your manners. You smiled and said "thanks." Sometimes I feel like I just couldn't love you anymore than I do at that moment.

What else can I tell you about yourself? Well, like your siblings you are the love of our lives. You are starting to spend more timing playing with MJ and you seem to enjoy being the bigger kid. But you are always gentle and patient and I truly find that remarkable. MJ is so lucky to have you. You seem old to me sometimes - as if you're growing up even faster than Seamus did at your age. You use the potty without help, you like to get your own cereal in the morning (cereal is CLEARLY your favorite food) and you don't have a sweet tooth at all (that is a trait you didn't get from me). You still love cuddles and kisses. You can jump from wild to shy in a minutes time and then back again. You are so tough - you never seem to cry when you get hurt - but you are so sensitive. I learn new things from you everyday, and everyday is better because you are here to show us all of the things we might have missed without you.

I thank God for you every morning and every night. I know you won't be three for ever, and so I'm going to enjoy this year because you and your three-year-old self are such a wonderful gift. We love you, Mr. Finn. Happy Birthday.

Race Day!

As has become a fun, family tradition, James, Katie, the kids and I drove to New Richmond Wisconsin for the 4th of July Class family celebration which included running, turtles, champagne and pancakes. We're like the adopted children Bob and Helen never wished they had...

We got up at 6, loaded up the car and "raced" off to Wisconsin. I say raced, because we were running a little late if we wanted to say hello to Paula's family and have a relaxing registration before the craziness set in. We of course got stopped by a very crabby Wisconsin police officer who seemed to think we were hiding fugitives in the backseat. The traffic stop took almost a half an hour and in the end he didn't give us a ticket (we like to think that Grandpa Tom had a hand in that).

No longer speeding and a little stressed out, we did make it to the campgrounds before the start of the 10k. We handed off the kids to Paula and her sister, Nancy (of course). OK, so first of all, I RAN my first 10K, which felt like a pretty big milestone, and I finished it in a little over 54 minutes. I was not the last person to finish - which was one of my silent goals. Very pleased with myself. James on the other hand is old hat with this sort of thing and ran his 10K in just over 36 minutes. Seriously. He finished in the top 5 and was second in his age group (the guy who beat him won the whole thing). He is a complete rockstar. Katie ran the 2 mile race and I think felt pretty pleased with how she did. The best part of the whole thing was that Paula loaded up the boys into the Burley and brought them out on the course to cheer everyone on - let's just say there was a lot of cowbell. Finn even ran for a while - I think Seamus was more interested drinking all the water.

This proved as a good warm up for the kids 50 yard dash - Finn won 3 third place in his age group and let's just say that Seamus got some questionable coaching out from the start line. But they love this event and we all have so much fun watching. When Paula gave Finn his ribbon he got so excited and then gave it back to her and said, "no, for my birthday, you give it to me for my birthday." Could this kid be any easier?

I got some decent pictures of the turtle race (thanks Sophie for being so patient with our kids). Finn's head almost exploded when he got to hold the turtles - seriously, that's what we should get him for his birthday...I can't even tell you if any of our turtles won - but it was so funny to watch.

After all the races, we went back to Connie's (Paula's sister) cabin for brunch. Great food, wonderful people and a beautiful day. The nieces and nephews played with the boys and held MJ a bunch so not only was it a lovely day it was pretty relaxing for James, Katie and I (our kids really have three parents on most weekends).

I got some good pictures of Paula's family - this was an important holiday because it's the last one before Eric leaves for training and then Iraq. Paula video taped most the day for him to bring with him - and I can't wait to hear all of her witty commentary :)

Kids, I hope you appreciate how lucky we are to have such good examples of strong families. I was struck this trip by the connection and closeness of Paula's family - Connie's cabin is decorated with photos and drawings of all the nieces and nephews - she's made sure there is space for everyone (not just for the holiday, but always). Speaking from experience, big family present a challenge because you've got so many personalities, but when you get it right, a big family can be sort of second skin, that gives you energy, protection and a broader sense of touch. What fun.