Marley

Movie night for the Topel Family turned into acquiring a new apprecation for our four-legged family member! We watched Marley & Me (which wasn't quite as family appropriate as I thought it would be...but that's okay...Mallory first heard about sex in First Grade, it's only right that Christian does, too!). We knew the outcome, but put ourselves through the ending anyway!

It makes us think of all the special little pups in our lives...both still with us and those who have moved on. We all went to bed with a new appreciation for the time we have with our furry friends!

It was a Grand Visit!

Q (Question): Who can take a friend winning a quarter-barrel of beer celebration at 8:30 on a Friday night into an all day fishing trip within two days?

A (Answer): DAN!!

It started out as a text from Lynnell about Brian winning a 1/4 barrel for his birthday and next thing you know we're packing up to go up to the Green Lake area. Mallory, Christian, and I went to my brother, Tim & Jerzy's permanent camp sight at Grand Valley in Kingston. We hung out...

played...

and gave moral support to Tim as he took on a new project in the camper-house!
He had some assistance from Jerry, Jerzy's dad and several other handy neighbors from the campground. He took out one queen bed and put in two twin beds...quite a project!
The kids stayed overnight with them and we...well, we ended up paying for our spontaneity by getting back to the campground after the gate was put down and slept in a truck in Kingston! Ohhh it brings back memories...of weighstation stays on our way home from the racetrack! Needless to say...Saturday was a bit of a bust for us, but we had a blast while we were there and did I mention we got to the Amish Bakery in time for donuts, peach pie, and cinnamon bread? ...happiness is!!

Ode to my mother...

As I sit here in bed feeling worse than I have in a long time, as if my throat has tiny pins lining it and every muscle in my body is being invaded by aggressive little aliens, I'm sad that this day has not turned out like it was planned! I was looking forward to making a picturesque brunch and enjoying the morning with my mom and my Grandma Vitense. Of course, along with my own little munchkins and hubbie.

I never did get down to pick up the card or gift I had ordered for my mom, but here's what I want her to know today that I don't think I ever could have found a card that said it just right anyway:

Dear Mom,

Growing up was quite a journey. It is for everyone, I'm sure. When I reflect upon the experiences that paved the way to where I am today, it is such a mixture of highs and lows. What I realize now is that none of it matters as much as the here and now. What is in the past has passed and Lord only knows what is to come. Today, I am just very blessed to call you mom. You're here for me whenever I need you, yet you give me the space I need to grow and stumble on my own sometimes. Just the other day, I was thinking about a certain experience I had and chalked one up for you, resounding in my brain..."Mom was right!"
So thank you for the mom you have become and for allowing me the freedom to live according to my own virtues and faith.
Thank you for always being there to fill in for the times I cannot be with my own children (including Brady!). Christian said it so right the other day..."You're my second mom!"
I hope to be able to make this day up by spending some time with you and my second mom, sharing memories and hopes for the future.
I praise God for you.

Love,

Tara Lyn