So Much On My Mind...

I don't even know where to begin with just what is swirling like a tornado around my head. The Dr.'s office called to confirm that Tuesday, 10/27 will be my son's BIRTHDAY. My son. My baby. Hard to believe that I'm going to be a mom.

There have been so very many positive, amazing mother role models in my life, I pray each and every night that I can be half the mom to Reilly that these wonderful ladies have been to me. It seems like an appropriate time to recognize these amazing women, even though most don't read my blog.

My mom-simply one of the most magnificent people I've ever had the opportunity of knowing. It's hard to wrap my mind around the person that she was, putting all others before herself, feeling sick more than half of my life, yet never letting her illness get in the way of her love for her family. Without a doubt, I know that my mom would have done any one thing that I could of ever asked from her. She is my greatest role model and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her and smile and wish she was here. I miss her more than I could ever say. It breaks my heart that Reilly will only know Grandma Debbie through pictures and memories.

My Grandma Milner-Another pillar in my life. Grandma and Grandpa have done so MUCH for us throughout my life. I don't know why I deserve to be a granddaughter to one of the most amazing ladies I've ever known. Grandma doesn't know the meaning of selfish and would lay down in a busy street if she thought she would be helping one of us.

My Sisters-Kim and Keely-although one isn't even a mom, she's cared for me more times that I can count. I've learned compassion, love, patience, kindness and generosity from both of them. I don't know what I would do without both Kim and Keely who continue to believe in my and support me in everything I do. (On a side note, it was so exciting to have Aunt Keely with Dave and I for her first (and second) ultra sound yesterday!) My sisters are my rocks, and I know that I can call them in the middle of the night with a problem and they would both be on my doorstep as soon as they could get here if they thought it would help. Reilly is one lucky nephew to call these two amazing girls aunties.

My Step-Mom Diane-I'll be the first to admit, I didn't make her marriage to my dad those first few months (OK, maybe first year) easy. It was a hard transition for me, and I let everyone know. Diane never gave up on me and because of that, she means a lot to me now. I see her parent her three kids, and grandparent her grand kids with love and patience. She makes my dad happy and I couldn't ask for anything else. I value her opinion and hope that Reilly realizes how lucky he is to have Grandma Diane in his life.

There are so many people that I look up to for advice, love, understanding and help. Even those I didn't mention here...there are so many more. I'm such a blessed soul to be surrounded by such awesome ladies each day. I hope that Reilly can look back on his childhood and know that his mommy did her very best each and every day to make him happy, healthy and loved.

One Thing Missing!

Crib--CHECK
Bassinet--CHECK
Diapers--CHECK
Clothes (and lots of em!)--CHECK
Play Pen--CHECK
Rocking Chair--CHECK
Bouncy Seat--CHECK
Swing--CHECK
Exersaucer--CHECK
High Chair--CHECK
Bumbo Seat--CHECK
Stroller--CHECK
Car Seat--CHECK
Monitor--CHECK
Baby--MISSING--But we're pretty dang close!

It's Fitting!

I just got done taking a personality test...here's my results...I agree with most of them. (I'm not real sure about the rap/hip-hop music though!) What do you think?

Warm

You have a genuine interest in other people. You're a natural host, and are always thinking about how you can increase the happiness of those around you. When friends have problems or are in trouble, you're usually the first person they turn to for aid and comfort. Scoring high on the "warm" trait suggests that you are among those who enjoy domestic activities — doing things around the house — and are enthusiastic about charitable work, helping others, and making the world a better place.

You don't always say exactly what you're thinking; you don't like the idea of causing anyone pain because of your criticism.

Empathetic

You are in touch with your own feelings, which helps put you in touch with the feelings of others.

You don't buy the logic that your happiness comes ahead of everyone else's because unless you're happy you're incapable of making anyone else happy.

Sympathetic

You have a knack for knowing what's going on in the hearts and minds of those around you, without their having to tell you explicitly. People tend to turn to you with their problems because they know you care, and that you will likely offer good advice and a helping hand.

You do not feel that people with sad stories are just looking for attention, or have brought their problems upon themselves.

Friendly

You would rather hang out with others than spend time alone, and you'd far rather be doing something with your friends than just sitting around. You're happy in a crowded room, club, stadium, or auditorium.

You're not a private person who is ill at ease in a group; you don't view excessive socializing as a waste of time.

Accessible

You're comfortable expressing yourself in words and actions, with no self-censorship. You believe that if someone doesn't like what they see it's not your problem, but theirs. A high score on the "accessible" trait suggests that you have a lot of friends, socialize often, and enjoy rap/hip-hop music.

You don't see the need to keep your thoughts to yourself, or to have a zone of privacy that encompasses only yourself and a small circle of friends and relatives.

Poised

You tend to feel at home wherever you find yourself, even in unfamiliar settings, with new people. It takes a lot to rattle you, and when rattled you recover quickly and gracefully.

You are usually not self-conscious or nervous when you're in an unfamiliar environment or with people you don't know.

Understanding

You are willing to take the time to find out what's going on with other people, especially if they're in distress. You're a good listener, you don't criticize, and you offer unbiased, respectful, honest advice when it's requested. With a high score on the "understanding" trait, it is likely that you are enthusiastic about charitable work, helping others, and making the world a better place.

You don't feel the need to impose your standards on others or say things that, even though true, cause pain.

Tender

You are gentle with others, both physically and emotionally. You are careful not to upset people and go out of your way to find the nicest way to say something. You naturally focus on the fact that the world is full of wonderful people, places, and things. More often than not, people with a high score on the "tender" trait enjoy spending time with children, love romantic movies, and are enthusiastic about making the world a better place.

You don't think of yourself as tough-minded or gruff, nor do you need to be seen as some kind of objective source of truth and rationality.

Outspoken

You like to talk. Luckily, you always have something to say, you tell a good story, and people generally enjoy listening to you. It's no wonder that you're often the center of attention.

You don't tend to keep your thoughts to yourself, and you don't feel you're imposing on others when you share your thoughts and opinions with them.

Scrupulous

You are an honest, fair person. You don't lie or cheat to get ahead. You treat others with respect and hope for the same in return.

You do not feel that you are above the rules that everyone else follows; you are definitely not willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.

The Pictures From My REJECT Friends....(Finally!)

This is the super cute wash cloth bouquet that I was given.
Who doesn't love all these little goodies?

I'm a big fan of the frogs on the left and the puppies on the toes to the right!

Cute lil' giraffe and more frogs! I love it!

9/9/09

It's the ninth day of the ninth month of the ninth year (after the millennium, that is!)

Here are nine things on my mind today...

• We have 8 weeks (give or take a few days hopefully) until I get to hold Reilly in my arms and kiss his face!
• I have 7 hours until I'm probably getting the news that I will have to start taking insulin because of my gestational diabetes.
• I really hope my sister and brother-in-law's garage sale goes well this weekend...and all our stuff sells! The more money we make, the more diapers we can buy!
• Dave and I go to birthing class on Saturday...will we survive?
• Kids really need to be more accountable...and parents need to stop giving in to them!
• I'm so very blessed in life, sometimes it's a hard thing to wrap my mind around.
• I have the best family and friends ever!
• My sister made asparagus for dinner the other night, and I'm not sure how I feel about that.
• I wonder when I will ever sleep the entire night through again, and not just take a series of short naps for 7 hours?

There's a gazoodle of other things flying around in my brain on this ninth day of the ninth month of the ninth year, but I'll stop there.

Is It Really Worth It?

It's September 8th. Just an ordinary day in September. No big deal. Nothing even that outstanding happened on this day in history. It's just another day.

Only it's not. Today is the day that the President of the United States is going to address school aged children across the nation. Big deal. People are in an uproar. Are ya kiddin' me? Good grief people, get a grip. It's been an issue that I've been trying to wrap my head around since we first found out about it last week. I just can't figure out why people are going nuts-o about this.

President Obama, the leader of our nation, the one that was voted to make decisions for us, is going to address school aged children. Radio stations are advising parents not to allow their children to watch, news programs are warning parents it may become a political issue. HE'S JUST GOING TO TALK TO THE KIDS ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY! Seriously!

For the life of me, I can't think of a single child that couldn't and won't benefit from a reminder about being responsible. It'll be good for them. Besides, this is a man that is an authority figure in our country. Even if you didn't vote for him, the majority did, and therefore he deserves our attention for 20 minutes. Isn't one of the greatest lessons we can teach our children to respect authority. Even if we don't' agree with it, even if we have other views? Shouldn't they be taught to respect authority? Won't that lesson take them further in life? It's certainly a lesson I want my son to learn.

The speech is over, and I don't think any of our kids are going to suffer any long term ill effects from it. Just in case you're wondering what was said...here it is!

(Just for the record...I still think it's just another ordinary day in September...)

Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama

Back to School Event

Arlington, Virginia
September 8, 2009

The President: Hello everyone – how’s everybody doing today? I’m here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we’ve got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I’m glad you all could join us today.

I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it’s your first day in a new school, so it’s understandable if you’re a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you’re in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could’ve stayed in bed just a little longer this morning.

I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn’t have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday – at 4:30 in the morning.

Now I wasn’t too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I’d fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I’d complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster."

So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I’m here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I’m here because I want to talk with you about your education and what’s expected of all of you in this new school year.

Now I’ve given a lot of speeches about education. And I’ve talked a lot about responsibility.

I’ve talked about your teachers’ responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn.

I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox.

I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve.

But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.

And that’s what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself.

Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide.

Maybe you could be a good writer – maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper – but you might not know it until you write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor – maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or a new medicine or vaccine – but you might not know it until you do a project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team.

And no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.

And this isn’t just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.

You’ll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment. You’ll need the insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free. You’ll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy.

We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don’t do that – if you quit on school – you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country.

Now I know it’s not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork.

I get it. I know what that’s like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn’t always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn’t fit in.

So I wasn’t always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I’m not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.

But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn’t have much. But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country.

Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don’t have adults in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in your family has lost their job, and there’s not enough money to go around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don’t feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren’t right.

But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life – what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you’ve got going on at home – that’s no excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude. That’s no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That’s no excuse for not trying.

Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.

That’s what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.

Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn’t speak English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University, and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to being Dr. Jazmin Perez.

I’m thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who’s fought brain cancer since he was three. He’s endured all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer – hundreds of extra hours – to do his schoolwork. But he never fell behind, and he’s headed to college this fall.

And then there’s Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a program to keep young people out of gangs; and she’s on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college.

Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren’t any different from any of you. They faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same.

That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you’ll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you’ll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you’ll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn. And along those lines, I hope you’ll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don’t feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.

Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it.

I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you’re not going to be any of those things.

But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won’t love every subject you study. You won’t click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won’t necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.

That’s OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who’ve had the most failures. JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter book was rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, "I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

These people succeeded because they understand that you can’t let your failures define you – you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble, that doesn’t mean you’re a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn’t mean you’re stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying.

No one’s born being good at things, you become good at things through hard work. You’re not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don’t hit every note the first time you sing a song. You’ve got to practice. It’s the same with your schoolwork. You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper before it’s good enough to hand in.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust – a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor – and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.

And even when you’re struggling, even when you’re discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you – don’t ever give up on yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.

The story of America isn’t about people who quit when things got tough. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best.

It’s the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other.

So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?

Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you’ve got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.

My Reject Friends

I have a group of friends that are all "rejects." Before anyone gets their boxers in a bunch...these friends all know they are rejects...they all know I call them rejects...they are okay with it. I'm a reject too!

You see, the reason we are all rejects is because we have either all resigned or been asked to leave the Camp Fire Council. Again...we're okay with that. It's no longer a place we want to be. However, when we were all there, we got to become good friends. Although we're no longer associated with the council, we still hang out once a month!

Last night was our monthly "reject dinner." We went to Reggios in Mishawaka for the yummy salad...(ok, we had regular food too!) Little did I know...my reject friends planned a little party in my honor. I didn't know a thing about it, they keep good secrets! Imagine my surprise when one of them told me that we were having a little celebration...and I was the one being celebrated! Ok...well not only me, but Mr. Reilly too!

They all brought awesome gifts for our new little bundle...we got 2 giraffe outfits, 2 frog outfits, pacifers, bibs, snack cups, a frog blanket, a laundry basket, a "bouquet of washcloths", money, onesies, a travel bath set, a doggie outfit and a teether. I couldn't believe it! I was so overwhelmed by their kindness...and sneakiness!

I have an amazing group of reject friends! And I love them! I will post pics of our new goodies soon!