the liptaks

wisdom

2011-01-21T09:13:00.004-06:00

The other day I told my daughter some wonderful words of wisdom. Shawn (being Shawn) said, "Where did you hear that -- I'm not sure it's true". I 100% knew it was true because years ago my dad told me. You see whenever my dad taught me something growing up, to me, it was true.

My dad taught me many lessons in my life -- some I appreciated more than others as a child. All I appreciate now as an adult. I owe my stellar winter driving skills to my dad. Turn into the curve when sliding on ice, pump the brake; don't let it lock. (Of course now I have anti-lock brakes on my car.) I can drive a manual transmission thanks to my dad. I've learned how to love people and give my all to the task of helping others.

Somewhere along the line I turned into a parent. You know the same type that my dad was. It's funny as I write this with a 13 year old and 9 (almost 10) year old I STILL cannot believe that God thinks I'm the most qualified to be raising these children! Most days I feel like I'm only fumbling my way through life. All the more important that I continually look to the One who wants to guide my every steps!

Anyway -- back to my words of wisdom for Keyanna. It really got Shawn and I thinking. We need to guard our words to our kids. I can remember words that my father shared with me all the way back to being 5 years old. We need to teach them things that we want to last their lifetime. I'm so thankful for my childhood -- I want Keyanna and Nathan to be thankful for theirs also. I think it's awesome that Shawn is their dad. He's the best choice to teach my children what a dad needs to teach them.

Although Shawn doesn't drive stick. I'll have to cover that one :)

new life

2011-01-03T13:54:00.003-06:00

A couple of months ago I had the opportunity to meet with a wonderful young lady. She wanted to talk about why God does bad things to good people. I wasn't prepared for the question and lamely tried to answer. This young lady didn't have the assurance of salvation and I understood how this all was going to be confusing!

We left that meeting with my promising to pray for her everyday. Mainly I prayed that God would soften her heart toward the gospel. But, I also prayed that she would find answers to the questions she asked.

I have a growing list of people who get on my "unsaved" prayer list. I usually pray for them everyday. I have some other people who I pray for everyday also. After Challenge 2010 I had my faith in prayer renewed and I vowed to not lose hope no matter how long something gets prayed for or how silent God is being on the subject.

Saturday, New Years Day, at 12:30am I received a call that it was time to cross someone off the unsaved list!! Praise God. I've been praying for her for so many months it was almost hard to believe. Plus, I felt kinda bad for her because as she was telling me the story of how she was saved I just started crying and couldn't stop. Tears of joy! Tears of elation! Tears of thankfulness!

I keep thinking back to Saturday and can't stop smiling. She, too, keeps smiling. Plus, all of the old doubts and questions she had have disappeared. New Life. Amazing.

So, friends, keep praying. Don't lose hope.

i survived ... and want to tell about it

2010-12-31T13:17:00.005-06:00

My last few months have been quite dynamic I thought maybe someone would like to read about it. You know, if you're bored or are maybe related :-)

The beginning of November had an event happen to me that rocked my world. The kind of thing that kicked me directly in the teeth and had me, to be quite dramatic, wondering what the purpose of my life is supposed to be. I wallowed, stomped my feet, cried, complained, then wallowed some more. Somewhere in the middle of November I called my mom and said, "I quit. I can't live like this." The truth is IT happened. Was it fair? No! But, remembering what I tell my children quite often, "Life isn't fair!"
So, good on me -- I was finished pouting like a three year-old. Whew!

Then a trip to the doctor for some things I thought needed checked turned out to be something I didn't want to have checked. The doctor mentioned the dreaded "C" word and sent me for a scary test. She mentioned that the test will be no big deal -- um, ouch. Possibly the worst pain I've felt ... ever!

And there it was -- wallowing creeping in. I tried and tried to push it down, but at the most inopportune time it would show it's ugly head. Doubt would hit. I searched and searched for Jesus but couldn't quite grasp him. I know he was there -- just silent. As I waited for the results I would vacillate between scared and stark-raving-gripped with terror.

Enter the middle of December -- my beloved grandmother had taken a turn for the worse. My mom would end up giving me daily updates on how her day went. "Today was a good day. She ate a little." "I don't know Am, it may not be long." This prompted a trip to Cincinnati to see for myself. I was there a little before Thanksgiving and she didn't see so bad to me. But on this day in December my mom and I walked into her nursing room and I HAD to sit down. I don't really know what happened for the first 1/2 hour we were there. I think my mom fussed with this and that. I sat. And sat. When did this happen?

What followed will probably go down in my life as one of the most awesomely weird experiences ever. I was able to stroke my grandmother's brow and just tell her all that I appreciated about her. Tell her that I loved her. She would (I'd like to think) respond with just her one eye that she loved me too. Mom and I left her that night knowing that was the final time we'd see her alive.

The call came Monday, 12.20, twenty-four hour hospice watch and on Tuesday, 12.21 at 8:50 am CST the call came that she was gone.

Prior to my grandmother taking a turn for the worse I was living for 12.22. This was the day I was going in to consult with my doctor over my test results. The reason for the great delay was that the doc was going to be out of town and just getting in a few days before that. Let me tell you -- waiting to hear if you have cancer or not is somewhat of a stressful time. I'm a horrible "what-iffer". I what-iffed this thing to death. With everything happening with my grandmother I didn't know if we'd need to jump in the car for Ohio. So, on Monday I decided to call the office on the chance that she'd be in and give me the results over the phone. She was there and let me know -- no cancer! Some things need to be dealt with but she was comfortable letting me wait until January to begin addressing it.

Elation. Happiness. Disbelief.

Tuesday and Wednesday were a flurry of shopping for funeral outfits and getting my hair cut.

Wednesday evening I went into Nathan's room to feed our cat Max and found him dead. I quickly went to get Shawn to confirm that this cat laying perfectly still and not breathing was, in fact, dead and not just playing some horrible game of possum. Shawn confirmed what I knew to be true and we told the kids. They went in to say good-bye then we gathered in the living room. Nathan in the fetal position on the couch with tears dripping down his face. Emmalee (she was staying the night) just stroking Nathan's head. Keyanna staring off into space and me sitting. Shawn was somehow elected to take care of things in Nathan's room.

What happened next wasn't and isn't pretty. I kinda lost it. No need to type it. Don't even try to picture me losing it. I sent out a text to some friends and even posted a FB status asking for prayer. I knew that the only thing bringing me back was going to be Jesus pulling and wrapping me in his arms. People prayed and God heard. By bedtime Wednesday night we were okay. Sad, but okay.

Thursday the entire Wiggins clan got into our cars and drove to Cincinnati. The wake was scheduled from 6-8p and they requested we arrive around 5. So, we did just that. I remember from my father's wake that you really need that time to be with your family. Plus, I tend to over explain things and wanted to be sure my kids were getting the time they needed with grandma. Let's just say the Scoggins family invented crying. If ever you need to cry about something and you need someone to cry with call one of my aunts or mom. I promise they'll shed more tears than you! We were thankful that the funeral home supplied us "nice" tissues that evening. My aunt Diahanne had arranged for there to be sandwiches at the funeral home. I was extremely thankful for that! When driving to the funeral home I discovered that I didn't feed anyone traveling in my car any lunch or dinner. We ate breakfast on the road but that was it. Kudos to the sandwiches!

My Ohio family's pastor from their church is named Earl Stevens. He had faithfully visited with my grandmother for many years and was an easy choice for who to preside over the funeral. He's a wonderful guy!! He genuinely loves the Scoggins family -- no matter what our last names are now. I have never been shown anything but love and acceptance when visiting his church when we're "home" in Cincinnati. The same was true for this event. Upon seeing me he came and gave me one of those special hugs that let's you know that he's sorry your loved one is gone. He cares.

My aunt gave a wonderful eulogy on Christmas Eve morning that talked about it making sense that her mom's funeral would take place on Christmas. My grandma loved Christmas. Really loved Christmas. Always had. She loved getting presents and didn't make any apology about it. She loved her family ... more than anything and also didn't apologize about that. God supplied me the grace needed so that I could sing Amazing Grace clear and true. And my cousin shared her talent with us by reading a poem she'd written about how much grandma bea was loved.

Pastor Earl gave a wonderful message. He included many personal anecdotes about what made my grandma special. And I love how he didn't dismiss her faults (she had a few :) but he incorporated them into what he desired for us to take from his words. Earl prayed comfort over the family and I felt it. The comfort. Then the words he shared next I think he wrote just for me.

In talking about how stubborn my grandmother was he challenged us to be just as stubborn. Stubborn when living our Christian faith. To not let the circumstances of our lives allow us to be beat down and doubt that God loves us. To not let what bad things happen discourage us from knowing that God is real and desires us to love him unmoving everyday.

Christmas Eve I got it. That was my Christmas present from God. I'm sure I've heard and read something along those lines before. But, right then, I needed to have that challenge. I actually felt the doubt and wallow leave my body. Who would have thought it'd happen at a funeral? I can't begin to tell you how it feels to have my tantrum throwing self released. I feel free. All glory and honor to God.

The days since the funeral have been filled with a lot of activity. Christmas. Shawn and Nathan have declared this final week of Christmas break a time of no work and all play. They've been playing Halo Reach and Naughty Bear for countless hours. Keyanna's been sewing and reading. I've been spending time with my mom. Even at 34 I still need her. Which makes me sad because I know at 56 she still needs her mom. We've been hitting all of the restaurants that are only open in the morning/late afternoon. Bread Basket. Scrambled Cafe.

Tomorrow, New Years Day, we're heading back to Ohio to celebrate our Ohio Christmas. Our first without grandma. Then Monday life goes back to normal. Or, as normal as it can get. I'm praying I stay stubborn.

papa shirts

2010-05-11T09:48:00.003-05:00

When Kia was little she would sometimes bathe at my parent's house. Because we usually didn't plan these baths my mom would have to scramble to find a clean something for her to put on. Usually she would pull out a t-shirt of my fathers. He had plenty as he often got free pocket tees from Menards - usually in a hideous blue color. These shirts were huge on Key - there was no problem with this shirt being Keyanna's nightgown. The understanding is that I'd return it after I got Keyanna home and in her own nightgown. Most of the time the tee did make it back to mom and dad's but sometimes it would get forgotten about.

To know my dad is to know these pocket tees. To know these pocket tees is to know my dad.

When my dad passed away my mom couldn't part with a few things. These items were put in a special drawer in her dresser. His watch (that STILL goes off at 9am), his wallet, his keys, and a few Papa shirts. We also have three papa shirts here that didn't make it back to them. Keyanna still wears them as nightgowns.

Yesterday Keyanna put on the green papa shirt and came out of her room. Something strange has happened though -- it no longer is long. Sometime in the past years either the shirt has immensely shrunk or is it that my Keyanna has grown? When did this happen?

Keyanna is probably a summer away from being my height. She already is rivaling my mom for who's taller.

I wish the original wearer of the papa shirts were here to see it.

i miss my dad today

2010-04-02T22:00:00.000-05:00

I miss my Dad today. Not that I don't miss him on other days but today I miss him more.

I have wonderful, vivid memories of our family going to CFC on any given Sunday or Holiday.
My family "owned" the pew right by the side door. My Dad would sit on the end and I would usually occupy the space right next to him. Most of the time my Dad would turn slightly, drape his arm on the back of the pew and cross his legs. I would snuggle into his side where I always seemed to fit no matter how old I was. I can remember once cuddling in this fashion even after I was married.

Today my family was at church for our Good Friday service. Our church doesn't have pews but rows of rather comfy chairs. We were in the row we "own" and I noticed that I sit a little sideways, arm draped on the back of the chair next to me, and with my legs crossed. Today my Nathan cuddled into my side.

It made me miss my Dad.

panda bunny

2009-06-16T15:11:00.003-05:00

So, the story of Panda Bunny goes as follows:

Keyanna's bunny, Hopper, passed away on Wednesday before Memorial Day. Knowing that we were going to be at the cottage a lot this summer Keyanna and I talked about not getting another creature until after school starts. We get the creatures as babies and the time needed to tame them wouldn't be there. Everyone was in agreement. Life was good. {Well as good as it can be when your animal has just died!}

We get to the cottage on Friday for the Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday we go over to a small carnival that they have set up. Everything was horribly expensive so I give each of the kids a $10 cap to spending. Nathan immediately chose to get ride tickets while Keyanna got the lay of the land. We came upon a game they had -- fishbowl toss. The object of the game is get get the ping pong ball into the fish bowl and you win a goldfish. Of course, this was right up Keyanna's alley. While I was in the process of explaining that I really didn't want to have to deal with fish right now Keyanna spots bunnies hopping around on the inside of the game. We ohh and ahh over them. They all looked just like Hopper. We're ready to walk away when Keyanna sees a sign that says if you get a ball in the impossibly small dish on top of the bowls you win -- a bunny.

Oh my goodness!

Needless to say Keyanna's $10 went to throwing ping pong balls at the impossibly small dish. Also, needless to say she didn't win. By now I was sucked into how cute these little bunnies were and they looked exactly like Hopper and my child was grieving not only the death of her Nana two weeks prior but also her beloved bunny. Note the word SUCKER!

So, LONG story short, I bribed the workers and bought a bunny. I'm not proud. I realize that I taught my child many wrong lessons. I'm not even going to list them.

But, in the end we now have Panda living with us. He's cute and provides the entire family many hours of entertainment.

peanut (hopper)

2009-05-20T10:54:00.002-05:00

798-251
Originally uploaded by takphotography

Keyanna's bunny died this morning. I'm thinking it had a stroke. Keyanna was with her; comforting her the hour before she died.

The poor girl lost her Nana just 2 weeks ago -- she was her best human friend. Now her bunny is gone -- she was her best-est friend.

Seriously God?

One month after my Dad died Keyanna's first bunny died. I'm not quite sure where God is going with this.

Even as I type this there is a song playing on Pandora -- "Take it All" by Third Day.
Because my mind thinks in songs I'll post the words below for you.

TAKE IT ALL
All the promises I've broken,
All the times I've let You down,
You forgot them, but still I hold on to the pain that makes me drown,
But now I'm ready to let it go, to give it away.

Take it all,
Cause I can't take it any longer,
All I have, I can't make it on my own,
Take the first, take the last,
Take the good and take the rest
Here I am, all I have,
Take it all.

And all the roads that lie before me,
All the struggles I go through,
Give me a secondary reminder that it all belongs to You,
Now I'm ready to let it go, to give it away.

Take it all,
Cause I can't take it any longer,
All I have, I can't make it on my own,
Take the first, take the last,
Take the good and take the rest
Here I am, all I have,
Take it all.

And ever since I died to myself,
You gave a better life to me,
I give You my finest moment,
I give You the last breath I breathe.

Take it all,
Cause I can't take it any longer,
All I have, I can't make it on my own,
Take the first, take the last,
Take the good and take the rest,

Take it all,
Cause I can't take it any longer,
All I have, I can't take it on my own,
Take the first, take the last,
Take the good and take the rest,
Here I am, all I have,
Take it all.

male bonding

2009-05-14T11:04:00.004-05:00

Male Bonding
Originally uploaded by takphotography

Shawn came home with a Bee-Bee gun on Monday. I sent him to take his brother to O'Hare for his flight to Georgia and get a call at work. "You'll never guess what the kids and I are doing in the backyard." Well, they were shooting the new gun. Shawn's been distressed that our kids don't know how to shoot and he thought this the easiest way to teach them. Nathan is a pretty good shot; Keyanna and myself -- let's just say we may scare off an intruder without doing any bodily harm.

Oh, and safety first -- Nathan is wearing his night-vision goggles to protect his eyes. Shawn didn't think about eye wear while at Cabela's.

bad blogger

2009-03-05T09:03:00.004-06:00

So it turns out I'm a bad blogger in the winter. I did pretty well in the summer but have fallen off the wagon. I originally intended this to be a journal for the kids of our life but since my scrapbooks are about 4 years behind I'd say this is par for the course.

I've had a lot going on in the last months. I can't remember what but I'm sure it was important.

January -- Um, can't really remember.

February -- Nathan had a birthday -- turned 8.

We spent a weekend at the waterpark in Gurnee. It was AWESOME.

We're going back in August for Keyanna's birthday. I took pictures but if I waited until they were edited and ready to go this post would never make it out. Just take my word for it that we were there and had fun.

March -- So far I was sick for an entire week. Sick. As in, lay on the couch and be miserable.

Keyanna was sick for 4 days. Her temp hovered at 103 degrees most of that time. She's was more miserable than me. Thankfully we were sick a week apart because we only have one couch and it would get crowded.

Now that I'm thinking about the illness -- my was in February and Keyanna's was in February/March. Wow, February was a busy month :)

Now on the horizon --

I'm painting the living room and bathroom. So far I have primer on and everything put in rooms they don't belong in. It's fun.

I have to do taxes sometime in the next weeks. Shawn said we're going to get them done by the end of the month. I laughed. He says this every year and every year we finish them on April 15th like all good procrastinating Americans.

I have to get ready for Easter Days in the studio. This is always a fun time.

Which reminds me -- I have to get the kids something to wear for Easter, take their picture in said outfit, and make Easter cards for family and friends.

_________________________________

I like lists -- sometimes I make a list, do the chore and realize that particular chore wasn't written on the list -- so I write it on just to cross it off. I'm a dork like that.

So that's my "I haven't blogged in three months" blog. Hopefully it won't be too long for the next one.

merry christmas

2008-12-20T12:36:00.001-06:00

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas!

christmas letter 2008

2008-12-17T13:42:00.010-06:00

Change --

That is was the theme of our 2008.

In February, Shawn's office closed sending his partner to find other employment and Shawn the sole survivor of Carbonite. He moved his office back home saving himself the hour to hour and a half drive to Skokie everyday. Now he works from home again. We spent the first four years of our marriage with him working from home. Then he went to two days at the office, then four, until finally five. It's been an adjustment having him home all the time again. And by all the time I mean the man only leaves the house to go to church on Sundays and about once a month to band practice on Thursdays. That's a lot of him being home. It's been nice though. I haven't had to beg, borrow, and steal a babysitter for my out of the studio jobs. And there have been quite a few this season. Plus, summer of '07 we had to hire a nanny in order for me to work while the kids were out of school. This summer Shawn was our nanny. It's been interesting.
He still works an insane amount of hours though. Sometimes 20 a day. I kid you not. Last week he basically slept every other day. Madness!

Also in February, we decided to end our time at Bethel Church and visit other churches. We walked into Village church on Feb. 10th and were hooked. We LOVE our church. The people couldn't be more friendly, the size is right, and the Pastor wonderful. We ended up becoming members around September of this year. This is the first time I've been a member of a church. Our past church, Grace, didn't really have "members". Although now that I think about it, Shawn was a member, but anyway this is my first time. We are quickly getting involved and loving it.

In June, we said goodbye to Highland Christian School. We, only by the grace of God, made the payments through that school year but knew that we needed to switch to a more affordable option. Bring on the public school. It was SAD! Nathan had the hardest time. Keyanna, being so much like her father, had no trouble. But I did worry as the new school year drew closer if she'd have a harder time.

Also in June, my mom purchased a camper in Plymouth. This was the best change ever! If you read back in the blog you'll see what fun we've had there this past summer. We already have our dates down for our 2009 sojourns.

In August, I decided to join Village's AWANA team as a 3rd - 6th grade girl leader. This was a big decision as I was already signed up to do CFC's AWANA again. Thankfully one is on Tuesdays and one on Wednesdays. Talk about a crazy week.

Also, August found the kids starting back to school. Only instead of HCS they began at Johnston Elementary. I was so scared for them on the first day. They came out and were completely fine. In fact, they loved it. I was and am so thankful for Johnston! I know it's the right place for the kids to be!

In September, Keyanna began horse back riding lessons. They say she's a natural and she absolutely loves it. I'm thankful for Nancy who drives her to the lessons each week.
September is also the weekend that we spent camping with Village Church during the hurricane. Who would have thought it could rain so solidly for an entire weekend. We were thankful, though, that we left when we did. We came home to Munster floating away and our basement seeping. One of the families that were camping with us were one of the ones that were directly in the flood zone. They had only about an hour to evacuate. They're okay. But it's taken time.

Small groups began in September for Village. They had a need for both host families and also for leaders. I signed us up for both. This is our first time hosting a group and Shawn's first time leading a study. Our group has been gracious in our mistakes! :)

November started Nathan's karate lessons. Again, I'm thankful to Drew for driving him. He's so adorable when he practices here at home. He enjoys being in the teacher role and teaches Keyanna what he learns when he gets home.

All-in-all 2008 was a good year. I'd like to think that I'm adaptable. This year I've been able to show my skill. I'm thankful for God's provision. He really does take care of us every day.

I'd like to close with a passage of scripture that has made me think this Holiday season.

John 1:1-12 -
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.
He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him,
the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own,
but his own did not receive him.
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God—
children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will,
but born of God."

Read this -- think on this --

Merry Christmas from the Liptaks!

hark, the herald angels sing

2008-12-15T11:35:00.003-06:00

Yesterday at church we had a new couple visiting. They were from Africa and have recently been searching for a church to attend. They had the two most precious twin girls probably about 6 months or so with them.

During our song time I heard the couple singing so beautifully. It was a treat to have them behind me. During 'Hark, the Herald Angels Sing' the couple sang the song in their own language. It was magical!

What a beautiful day.

(Plus, the drummer was pretty cute yesterday.)

15 hour days

2008-12-11T12:14:00.002-06:00

Please allow me to begin this post by saying that I am NOT a neat/clean freak.
Well I guess you could even go as far to say that I'm messy.
Plus, you can add to that -- I hate doing laundry. Hate it.

Well, this month I've been working 12-15 hour days.
Shawn works 15-20 hour days. I'm not kidding -- he's taken to sleeping every other day. The man's crazy.
But, I digress.
Some things have gone by the wayside. Dishes, laundry, any sort of cleanliness.

The other day Keyanna came downstairs in her black tee with more cat hair on it than the cat. I yelled at her for holding/mangling the cat. To which she responded, "Mom, I wasn't holding the cat; I was laying on the living room floor watching TV." Umm, wow! I really think a vacuuming is in order.

So the following pictures represent how bad it's gotten. And hopefully soon I'll be able to say that it's better. Of course, I could have spent the time that it took to write this post and clean up but what fun would that be?

Oh, and thank you to Ronald, Wendy, Mr. Arby, Mr. Bell, Mr. Edwardo, and Mr. Hut for providing dinner for our family during my crazy month.

Funny story -- Shawn and I were watching Eli Stone last night (hey you can't work every hour of every day!) and there was a commercial with a banquet of food. We both were like, "Mmm ... real food." We then made a grocery list -- I'll make it to the grocery store eventually!

Here's Shawn sleeping after being up for 2 days.

My bedroom

My kitchen sink
See the arrow? That is my notice from the great Town of Highland that I owe them $40 because I left my garbage cans at the curb after garbage day. Garbage day is Tuesday; this notice was left at 11:13am Wednesday. You gotta be kidding me.

friday

2008-11-07T10:40:00.001-06:00

It's Nathan's favorite day of the week!

prayer

2008-10-13T10:01:00.003-05:00

Shawn's grandmother, Gloria, is fading.
The family is making decisions on what needs to be done for her.
Please join us in praying for her, the family, our daughter.

Keyanna, prior to this summer, has spent just about every weekend over there. They have a special bond. Nana gave Keyanna something every weekend -- without fail -- complete love and understanding. She gave her her undivided attention.

Grandmom helped raise Shawn in a major way. She's always been there for him.

Keyanna, Nathan, and Shawn went over this weekend to get some of Keyanna's stuff out of the house. They're working on selling the house to pay for some needed care. I was working so I didn't go ... truth be told though ... I don't know that I could have gone. It's too sad. I hate endings. I'm coming to dislike forever.

Pray for us.

surprise movie

2008-10-03T10:32:00.000-05:00

Every now and then us Liptaks do something wild and crazy!
We bought a surprise movie and then gave clues all week to the kids about which one it was.
To make it even more fun Shawn surprised us with going to CVS with a list of our requested foods.
Mine was Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkin
Nathan's was Chocolate Chip Cookies
Keyanna requested Candy Corn
and Shawn bought himself black licorice (YUCK!)

To reveal the movie we let the sound run and didn't turn on the picture. The kids then had to guess. (Like I said we're wild and crazy.) So, it was finally revealed that we bought Iron Man.
Nate was pretty happy; Keyanna wanted us to try again.
But all in all it was a pretty good movie.

the go-cart

2008-09-29T14:53:00.001-05:00

Have I ever mentioned that we don't have a golf cart?

Have I ever mentioned that we're the only people at the campground without one?
Have I mentioned that they cater to the people with golf carts with fun activities?
Golf Carts -- $4000.
YIKES!

So, as a special treat for our last weekend of the year :(
we decided to rent a golf cart. :)

What fun we had this weekend!!

Remember all of the ice cream that we consume at the cottage?
Well now we didn't even have to walk to get it!
Hooray!
(Now we may have a few more unburned calories)

We were really sad to turn it back in!p.s. You actually have to be 16 to drive at the campground.
Don't tell!!
p.p.s. We like to call it a go-cart.

monkey bars

2008-09-29T14:48:00.000-05:00

miracle on the monkey bars

early halloween

2008-09-22T10:22:00.000-05:00

The Liptak children have never "done" Halloween before.
Mr. Liptak has moral/spiritual/ethical problems with the holiday.
I grew up with the holiday and had no great for/against feelings for it.

Our campground has themed weekends and this weeks was Halloween.
So, we talked Shawn into letting us participate.
(I have to interject here that it was quite easy to do. I think he's getting soft in his advance age!)
Yea for us.
So, Keyanna right away wanted to be Hannah Montana.
Nathan didn't really care.
I went to Wal-Mart (the night before) and decided that whatever I find is who they'll be.
I found Nathan the cutest skeleton outfit, brought it home and the next morning (the day we're leaving) he, I kid you not, got tears in his eyes and said that the costume was too scary.
What?!?
This is the kid who watches way too scary movies and plays way too scary video games.
More on that later -- Mr. Liptak; no Halloween but gory video games -- bring them on?!?

So, on the way to the campground we stop off at another Wal-Mart and purchase Nathan a more respectable Iron Man costume.

The weekend was pretty cool.
There was a "spooky story" reading on the back lawn under the trees.

A little fun fair.
Did you know that if you're Iron Man you can hoop things?

Then, of course, the pinnacle of Halloween.
Candy.
The kids went from site to site in these incredibly hot costumes.
Did I mention it was 90 degrees?

Pretty soon they needed a break. It was HOT!

In the evening we went on a Spooky ride threw the woods.
It was pretty funny how scared you can get having fake characters jump out at you!
There was one guy with a chainsaw (minus the chain) that came right up to the wagon and tried to saw us to death. All little kids were ready to get off the wagon at that point.
Emmie slept with me that night because I'm in the only room without opening windows.
Freaked them out!

Did I mention it was hot?
All day Sunday the kids got to swim in the pond. I kept thinking, "Wow, I can't believe how hot it is for October." Then remembered it's only September.
Wanna hear the best part of the week-end?
Cindy's cafe was having a sale -- Hot dog baskets -- $1.50.
Hot dog, fries, drink.
Whoo Hoo.
Normally we can't afford the place. Normally one hot dog is $3.24.
Just the hot dog.

normal

2008-09-18T11:05:00.003-05:00

I ache for normal.

I've been going through life, like everyone else, these past few days. I drove 1 1/2 hours to get to church for AWANA on Tuesday night (a typical 20 minute trip), I've gotten the kids off to school, I made it over to 165th in Hammond for the other AWANA I'm working at, I even had an opportunity to work, gasp, on Wednesday.

But nothing seems right. Little seems safe.

I got in the car yesterday after Mom's AWANA and with my dial tuned constantly to WJOB I immediately heard that a house exploded in Munster. Haven't these people gone through enough? Do we really need the threat of exploding homes?

I'm a lucky one. We came through unscathed.

Some basement seepage -- no big deal. The studio upstairs as a precaution -- who cares. Trouble traveling around -- I have a car that works and a little spare $ to put gas into it.

I went to Lansing this morning to get my haircut. I drove up Ridge and peeked at the devastation. I felt guilty. Is it okay to get your haircut? Is it okay to do something so normal when people don't have a home?

I want normal. For everyone.

hurricane ike

2008-09-15T14:42:00.005-05:00

Everyone has a story when nature happens.
Our story starts on Friday when we thought it'd be fun to go camping at the Dunes with our church. The trip had been planned since April so we had to go.
Big shock -- it rained the entire time.
I forgot my camera so no visual references but two very significant things happened while we were there.

1) A tree branch fell on one of our teen's cars and completely smashed the back window.
2) A tree fell on a family's campsite Saturday afternoon.

The tree falling is a huge story. Basically they went home overnight because their tent was dripping on them and they have 3 kids under 5. We went into their tent about 11am and started the clean-up effort for them. By the time we were done we'd moved their tent to a new location to aid in the drying out effort. They arrived about noon to begin packing down. The tree came down about 1p right in the original spot their tent was. Their baby was about 6 inches away from where the tree came down and came through the event without a scratch. In fact, the entire family came through without a scratch. The dad and his son were right in harms way but the dad heard the tree snap and had the presence of mind to grab his son and get out of the way. TOO SCARY!

Long camping story short ... we all packed up and came home about 4p Saturday afternoon.

The same family mentioned in the tree incident is one that is under evacuation orders in Munster. They live behind the BK on Calumet. I haven't heard any updates lately.

Sunday we got to Ridge Road on the way to church when Shawn decided we'd better turn back. Good thing. Our basement started to seep but we did get it under control pretty quickly.

We received a call about 2p that the bridge at Kennedy had been breached and we were soon to be under evacuation orders. The kids and I got my office and studio upstairs in about 20 minutes. Shawn was getting all of our computers and monitors upstairs. We then received a call from my mom saying that they had just said that Highland had no evacuation orders or almost evacuation orders. So, needing up-to-date info I sent Shawn to the bridge while I sat panting. I can't do the stairs like I used too!

Shawn reported that the bridge was holding and it looked like the water wasn't going to breach the walls so after that we slowly continued bringing stuff upstairs as a precautionary measure.

I'm still not putting the things back until tonight. I don't know that I have it in me to take everything back up again.

I would like to have my house back though!Here is a view of the Kennedy Avenue bridge this morning.
I've never seen the river this high.
A couple of years ago it was high but not to the bottom of the bridge.

The best sign of the day for the kids!

help ...

2008-09-15T14:41:00.000-05:00

I'm trapped in Plymouth.
Open up Route 30!

never forget ...

2008-09-11T14:38:00.001-05:00

"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

where'd the cat go

2008-09-08T15:22:00.000-05:00

Aggie taking advantage of the kids being at school and not bugging her.

sky

2008-09-05T15:19:00.000-05:00

I think the sky at Yogi in Plymouth is bigger and bluer.
It's one of my favorite things to just stand and look up.

blueberry fest

2008-09-02T15:13:00.000-05:00

It's quite the tradition for the Wiggins family to go to the Blueberry Festival over the Labor Day Weekend. We've actually been going for about 20 or so years (we missed last year!) We typically go to the festival then over to Goshen where we stay in a hotel with an indoor pool. Last year I decided that I can't go to the hotel without Dad so everyone graciously decided to stay in Chesterton for the weekend. This year with the cottage right in Plymouth we obviously stayed there.

It ended up being only Mom and myself going into the festival. We did it in 2 hours. That's pretty quick considering we usually spend all day.

...and i quote

2008-08-26T20:27:00.002-05:00

While we were watching Michael Phelps win his seventh gold medal

Nathan said, "I could be in that race ... if they'd let me wear my swimmies."
Ha!

thank you jesus!

2008-08-20T15:38:00.002-05:00

I went to get the kids today from school and they both talked all the way home about how great their new school is. Keyanna said that she's excited to go back and tomorrow can't come fast enough. Nathan was a little less enthusiastic but did say that he's going to like school this year.

Nathan's highlights were: he was able to choose his own seat, he is able to do his assigned work in whatever order he chooses, Mr. Ashmann is very nice.

Keyanna's highlights were: you are able to eat candy in class, Mrs. Smith never gets mad, you can bring a water bottle for your desk, the desks are super huge, Fun Fridays, Mrs. Smith already knows her name, the big project for fifth grade is learning all of the states and capitals (Keyanna had to learn them all last year!)

commence

2008-08-20T12:02:00.004-05:00

Normally today's post would be titled, "The Most Wonderful Day of the Year." Normally this momma is ready for 7 hours of peace a day. I'm assuming come Monday or so I'll be back to normal. Today, though, I'm not quite ready to let go. Up to me I would have continued summer a little longer. We've had a great summer ... swimming at the cottage, staying up late, eating dinner at 8p. Now we start back bedtimes, early dinner and getting organized. None of those things are bad -- just routine -- ready or not here we come!

We began today with yummy cream cheese muffins. Then Nate played video games for the last time ... he didn't realized video games still work in the fall. Next we went out for a fast food lunch. We arrived at school about 11:15a to be there at 11:40a. Several other people were also insanely early.

We went in and took Nathan to his class first. He seemed somewhat excited to go in and his teacher, Mr. Ashmann, welcomed him quite warmly. He went in, sat down, gave me a smile, and said see ya later.

Keyanna was next. Her teacher, Mrs. Smith, was wonderful. I cannot say this enough! She knew who she was. I'm assuming Keyanna is the only new student but having Mrs. Smith call her by name right off the bat was a highlight of Keyanna's day. She also took a few minutes to welcome me to the school and assure me that Keyanna will be fine. I probably had a face :(
Keyanna went in and found her desk and waved me off.

I go to fetch them at 2:40p. They're normally going to walk home but today I said I'd meet them. They're going to be fine ... they're going to be fine. I've been saying Shawn's statement all day in my head. We'll see at 2:40.

the beach

2008-08-19T13:52:00.001-05:00

I promised myself that I'd get my kids to the beach for a photo session before the end of summer. Well, today was the day. And not a moment too soon as they start school tomorrow.
I probably should have gone later in the day for my poor squinty Nathan.
He has a hard time keeping his eyes open in direct sunlight. He did okay but I think shaded fall pics will go better.

orientation

2008-08-15T15:34:00.002-05:00

Thursday the Liptak family attended an orientation at Johnston School, our friendly neighborhood school.

I love orientations. I love information ... especially advanced information! Shawn could wake up the morning of school starting (or afternoon :) and figure everything out right then. Me, I require as much advance information as I can get my hands on. I need to, "What if", the situation many weeks prior!

So, we are at this orientation and it really was quite nice. The principal talked for a little while about things, opened the floor to questions, and then we all went on a tour. I'd been a couple of times before when I gave myself the tour (remember advance info!) but this was the first time Shawn had gone. The kids seemed pretty comfortable with everything which does this momma's heart happy! They start school Wednesday, August 20th at 11:40p. I guess they do the half day thing in reverse?

Pray for the kids! Pray that they are comfortable with everything and everyone. Pray that they make quick friends and aren't afraid of their teachers.
Pray for the momma! One second I'm good; the next not so much. "They'll be fine ... they'll be fine." This is the mantra that Shawn's adapted. He'll probably knock me over the head with a heavy object by the time Wednesday rolls around!

my last gift

2008-08-10T19:23:00.002-05:00

Today's the big day ... my 32nd birthday.
Reflecting on gift's from the past I was reminded of our "garage presents."

Basically this is the present that we received, most often purchased by my dad, that was too big to be wrapped. So you'd finish opening your presents and Dad would stand up and say, "I think there's one more in the garage." This present would often be some sort of electronic goodie. As years went on, be it Christmas or our birthday, someone would receive the majestic garage present. The garage present would so much be looked forward to that my mom would sometimes hold your "best" present back, no matter the size, to be opened last.

I received my last garage present from my dad not on Christmas or my birthday but on a cold day in December. We had just been told that there was nothing more the doctors could do to make him better. They suggested that we stop the life saving iv's my dad was receiving and let him go in peace.

What!?!

My mom and I were being made to make a choice for someone who's always been the decision maker. This is the man who we turned to for any choice of any kind for his opinion. We were unable to consult dad due to the amount of morphine he was on to keep the pain at bay. He had been in/out of consciousness for about a week or so at that point.

It was up to us the doctors said. And with heavy hearts we decided it was time to let go. To release dad into Jesus' hands in the most ultimate way.

Racked with something I cannot even know I went into dad's hospital room to sit with him for the rest of the day. Some parts of that fateful Friday are completely blank in my mind but others startling clear. There was quite a bit of commotion in the room that afternoon. Dad, waking up, sensed something was up. He demanded that someone tell him what was going on. Mom said, "Amee, tell your father." I stood up to get close and said with trembling in my voice, "Dad, there's nothing more they can do. We're going to stop the antibiotics and let you go." I stood there ... I've just made a life decision for someone, told him and waited what will come.

Here's my last gift from my daddy -- He said, "Thank you. That's what I've wanted." He said this in such a moment of clarity. It's as if Jesus released him from his morphine stupor and allowed him to gift us with his acceptance. We talked for a little longer about what he's meant to us and how much we love him. He, in turn, told us of his love for us. He made a few housekeeping demands of all of us (making sure to always take care of mom and the grandkids), then, he fell back into the demands the morphine were making on his body.

We did have a few more conversations with him before his passing a week and a half later but none ever meant more to me than his gift.

the storm

2008-08-06T23:11:00.002-05:00

Power's back ... Internet's back.
Life's good.

I'll have pics later of the missing treetop in our front yard
and
the missing tree in our neighbors yard.

Plus, I'll have the harrowing tale of how we survived the storm.
Stay tuned for when I'm not so tired.
:)

the cat

2008-07-28T10:50:00.002-05:00

One day Keyanna found this cat roaming around the campground.
She affectionately named it "Kit".
Well she there had a hard time doing anything but worrying about the cat.
I wouldn't let it inside or allow her to feed it.
I didn't want it to get to a place where it relied on us for anything because we were leaving in two days and planning to not come back for a week.
Oh my goodness did this child fret about the cat -- until she saw it catch a bird or mouse or something ... gross! Once she knew the cat could fend for itself she relaxed.
All the kids played with the cat until time to leave. I have to admit even I thought it was cute.

Well, you guessed it, time to leave Keyanna wants to bring the cat with.
Knowing that Shawn would kill me(!) I had an easy time saying NO!
We haven't seen him anymore this summer. He was such a sweet cat I'm sure someone scooped him up as their own ... at least that's what we're telling Kia.

boo boo's flowers

2008-07-28T10:46:00.002-05:00

Our cottage came with a pretty extensive flower garden.
We figure we'll kill it all in no time so here are the pictures before that happens.

bella

2008-07-28T10:44:00.001-05:00

Bella Lou got to have a photo session one of our cottage days.
She's such a nut! I think she thought the camera was going to attack her.
She kept running from me!

where ya been?

2008-07-28T10:36:00.003-05:00

It's tough getting everything finished when you're jetting off to Plymouth every free moment!!

We have SO MUCH enjoyed our little "cottage" in Jellystone Park, Plymouth this summer!
I think we've been there more than we've been in Highland which makes getting the house clean, laundry done, oh and WORK(!) hard to get done.

But it's all coming to an end :(
Mom goes back to work in one week and we lose our ice cream buyer.
I don't know if it'll be worth going if we can't get ice cream!

The kids have enjoyed doing the various activities up at the rec center, we swim in the very COLD pool, play at the beach, walk up to BooBoo's Snack Shop for ice cream.
I've probably gained a million pounds in ice cream alone!
But, you know what, I've enjoyed every moment of our summer.
Diet's can begin again in the fall!

trust

2008-06-29T16:34:00.004-05:00

Today at our totally cool church we learned about trust.
What does it look like to completely trust God.

John 14:1 says -- "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."

Trust isn't Spiritual Presumption or a National Identity.

Trust is Personal Reliance on God, Confidence in God, and Dependence on God.
"O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you." Psalm 84:12

The following are 6 blessings we receive from God when we trust in him.

1) Spiritual Salvation -- This is the biggie! Without a personal relationship with Christ there is no Heaven for you. You must believe that Jesus came in human form and died on a cross for your sin.

2) Personal Protection --
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Naham 1:7

3) Personal Provision --
Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
Proverbs 11:28

4) Emotional Peace --
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT)

5) Life Direction --
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

6) Spiritual Intimacy --
Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Psalm 32:10

God desires for us to move from Spiritual Self-Reliance to Absolute Trust.
No matter the circumstance God says, "Trust me! I will take care of you."

Romans 10:11 - As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

I want to trust. How about you?

If you want to hear Pastor Steve for yourself go HERE!
It'll be up soon -- June 29th -- Trust God.

prayer

2008-06-29T09:26:00.002-05:00

The liptak fam has a few prayer requests ...

*My grandma is sick and needed to be taken to the hospital yesterday. My mom is on the way to Ohio to care for her and help out her sisters. Pray for safe travel for my mom and for my grandma to improve dramatically!
*Shawn's grandmom has had a set-back of sorts. His mom is here from Florida but will need to return home in the next couple of weeks or so. They're thinking on hiring a caregiver. Pray that grandmom is responsive to the idea. Also, my Keyanna spends countless hours over there. These past couple of weeks her time there has had to be restricted. I have no idea what the future holds but pray for Keyanna's heart.
*Shawn, right now, has a fever. We're supposed to become members at church tonight. I'm not sure what they do if you can't attend?!? I haven't woken him up yet this morning to see how he's feeling. So maybe he'll be fine for tonight; maybe not. Pray that he feels better soon though!!
*My sister, Bethany, has some things going on. Pray for her, Cody, & Emmalee.

happy bithday, shawn

2008-06-27T18:00:00.002-05:00

After the Rainforest Cafe/Ikea trip we got home in just enough time to celebrate Shawn's birthday. Mom provided the customary angel food cake (Shawn's favorite!) I like to tease Shawn that he's getting pretty old!! We even noticed a couple of weeks ago that he's starting to do the "move your arm close/far" reading of small print. Bifocals in the future??

rainforest cafe/ikea

2008-06-27T17:50:00.002-05:00

We had to run some stuff to Shawn's work partner, Jamie, in Gurnee on Tuesday. While there we thought we'd take a detour to Rainforest Cafe at Gurnee Mills Mall. Jamie actually even went with us. While we were there there were two girls scuba diving in the fish tanks cleaning them. The kids and I enjoyed watching them. Shawn and Jamie talked World of Warcraft the entire time so they didn't notice too much.

After we left the mall Shawn navigated us to IKEA, one of my favorite stores.
We bought some stuff for our cottage and for my office at home. At the end of our shopping experience we went to the bistro for ice cream and soda. We were driving the van which doesn't have air conditioning so we were delaying the trip home until after rush hour. No need to be stuck in traffic without the benefit of a breeze!!

boo-boo cottage

2008-06-27T17:42:00.003-05:00

Exciting News!
My mom bought a cottage(camper) in Plymouth, Indiana. It's at Jellystone Campground.
We took possession on June 19th (my mom's wedding anniversary).
We spent the day cleaning -- you'll notice in the pictures everyone working except Nathan.
We've found that just having him out of the way is help enough. Unfortunately we're probably ruining him for his future wife. He's going to think he never has to do anything!

The people before us were smokers so we had to wipe down every wall.
Plus, our cottage is a little old. So we spent quite a bit of time getting everything clean and ready to go! But now, it's perfect! We have a bedroom in the back with a full size bed, bunk beds for the girls, a fold-out couch for Bethany, another couch for Nathan and a futon on the enclosed porch for mom. It's awesome!! We're SO EXCITED to make many memories there this summer and many to come.

The girls found strawberries growing next to our driveway! After closer inspection I think they actually belong to the neighbor. Oops! They still enjoyed them.

happy father's day

2008-06-18T17:39:00.000-05:00

We were on our way to church on Father's Day when I jokingly made a comment about skipping church and going out to breakfast instead. Shawn then said, "Why don't we?" So, we were total church ditchers and went out to breakfast before going to Bethany's to swim.

I usually dread the holiday. I miss my dad. But doing something out of the ordinary for the day helped some.

Plus, the kids enjoyed getting to go out to eat with their daddy.

the job

2008-06-16T15:20:00.003-05:00

This weekend I was reminded of what a cool job I have.
I spent Friday and Saturday at the beach taking pics.
Completely cool that I get to work in a tank top and bare feet.
Of course it's not all rosy. (see below).

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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Blobs added to protect the identity.
Not something you see everyday in Indiana, USA.
Really though, if you're brave enough ...

bored

2008-06-11T13:17:00.002-05:00

Keyanna said, "I'm bored." at 11:30am.
Seriously?

field day

2008-06-10T19:17:00.003-05:00

The kids had a great time at Field Day.

The game I was running was Water Relay.
They had to get the cup of water into the bucket after passing it over their heads. Cute game.
They finished up the day with pops.
Both of my kids ended up on the royal blue team.
Hence the reason they're in the same shirt.

we're okay ...

2008-06-10T18:55:00.003-05:00

We're okay.
We spent today doing errands and such.

First we went to the bank and the kids got suckers. That's good!
Next we went to Heavenly Ham. The kids got cookies. That's really good!
Next off to Toys R Us where they both had gift cards.
Nathan got a new "big boy" bike! For $30! He's so excited.
Keyanna got a frog habitat thingy. She's super excited.
Right now she has two giant ants in residence.
After Toys R Us we went to AT&T to activate Keyanna's cell phone.
I never really thought I'd be getting my 10 year-old a cell phone but she's working at the library this summer. I thought it'd be nice to have the added security. She thinks she's totally cool. In fact, I think she's "smokin'" (Her words.)
Next to the library to take Keyanna's book back and get new ones.
I checked out a book I've already read but call me crazy I take comfort in some books.
We finished the day at Edwardo's Pizza. Shawn's been craving deep dish since Sunday.
I have to admit ... I broke low-carb life and ate 2 pieces. It was good!!

This past Sunday we spent time in Bethany's pool.
She's totally smokin' for having such a cool pool!
We had a blast!
I couldn't get over how unafraid Emmalee is!
I don't know if you know the story or not but to make it short ...
last September Nathan seriously almost drowned.
The poor guy was so scared getting into Bethany's pool.
But after a while he did great!

grief

2008-06-10T12:17:00.003-05:00

When my dad died I felt unbearable grief.
The end of an era ... the end of a physical person.
Memories are still available but no matter what "they" say that's not enough.
I wanted him back ... I still want him back.
On the day of his funeral I thought to myself I am not strong enough to ever do this again.

Today was the last day of school.
The end of an era ... the end of a physical building.
Keyanna is Shawn -- exact mannerisms, phrases, emotions.
Her thought was, "Oh well ... I'm going to miss school."
Nathan is Me -- exact mannerisms, phrases, emotions.
I had to carry him out because he was sobbing.
I want it back ...
I am not strong enough.

the stand

2008-06-06T11:09:00.002-05:00

You stood before creation
Forever within Your hand
You spoke all life into motion
My soul now to stand

You stood before my failure
And carried the cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
And what could I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I’ll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand

So I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered

All I am is Yours

Not to be dramatic and keep harping on the same thing
but ...
I did long recess duty at the school today.
I'm going to miss Highland Christian School.
Until then I'm going to try to stand.
With arms high and heart abandoned.
In awe of the One who gave it all.
My soul surrendered to the Lord.
Everything I am is Gods.
Even a new school.
Even my kids.
Especially my fear.
All I am is Yours.

Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength
an ever present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
through the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging."

the zoo

2008-06-05T17:22:00.002-05:00

Today Nathan's class went to Brookfield Zoo for the day.
It was a good day but VERY HOT!

After last night's insane rain/hail storm I was a little worried about mud
but it was fine.

This was Nate's favorite part -- petting the Stingrays.
We were in there for one hour!!
Finally we had to leave because the other child that was with us was too bored!!
Otherwise I think Nathan would have stayed forever.

Toward the end of the day I think Nathan and his friend had enough.
We had to take several water breaks and sit down breaks.

Here we are on the way out.
The boys were worn out but we made it back to the bus with minutes to spare.
A small thing to note:
When you park in the North lot at the zoo you have to climb a pretty substantial hill
to get back to your car/bus. We almost didn't make it!

PS - I'm not putting pictures of Nathan's friend b/c I don't know how his mom
would feel about that. We did take plenty with the two of them though.

PPS - I'm glad there is only one more function before school's out. It's tough doing these things knowing they won't be there next year!

PPPS - Just in case you're wondering -- They don't get out of school until Tuesday, June 10th.
They started late last fall and have to make up for it.

i'm super cool

2008-06-03T16:30:00.002-05:00

So -- some major life changes are about to happen at the Liptak house.
One of them is that the kids are changing schools in the fall.

No $ = No Private School.

I keep telling myself -- "Self, they'll be fine. It'll be okay. Seriously ... stop stressing."
Then I go to their great school for something and have to start all over again with the
"They'll be fine."

So today for some reason was particularly hard.
I've pretty much moped all day.
I even made Shawn do the whole, "They'll be fine." thing with me.
The difference between him and I though, is that he actually believes it.

So I assuaged my mother guilt today by going to McD's after school for ice cream.
Not to worry I only got coffee for myself. I'm low carb-ing it for a while.

So thinking nothing can cheer me I now bring you this story ...

I entered a contest that Regis & Kelly were hosting a while back
during their Staff Fitness Challenge.
I won!
(Well me and 499 other people.)
So a month or so ago they sent me a coupon in the mail to
redeem my free super cool (& way too expensive) shoes.
They had giant size so I was all set.

I forgot about the whole thing and on my porch today was a big box addressed to me.
After I got the kids from school I popped that baby open and inside were these snazzy sneakers.

They fit great which is sometimes a problem with me 'cause God supplied me with giant feet.
Then when preggo with Keyanna I went up a size and then another size with my Nathan pregnancy.
I'm not joking -- if I had anymore kids I'd have to get the Bozo shoes.
(but no worries!! no more kids for the liptaks!)
So I am super excited.
I walk with my momma (when time, weather, and no sickness) allows.
I can't wait to try these babies out!

Small side note: So far the kids aren't traumatized about changing schools.
I figure that'll come in the fall.
So far, they're just enjoying the ice cream mommy guilt treats.

summer starts

2008-06-03T10:29:00.004-05:00

The beginning of the summer.
Time to turn on the sprinkler.

Keyanna was the first to go through.
I'm thinking that even though it was hot out it wasn't that hot.
They both said the water was cold.

Nathan was relunctant to go through the sprinkler.
But -- he did it.

If you look in the background you'll see a bucket filled with water.
This is their swimming pool. At one time they both were swimming in there.
They even had on goggles.
I was going to take pictures of that but I didn't want them to think it's odd to swim in a bucket.
Us Liptaks -- we go all out for summer fun!

aggie cat

2008-05-31T11:27:00.002-05:00

Meet Aggie Cat. She's our favorite little kitty.
I tried to bring her home a doggy playmate yesterday from the pet store --
but Shawn said NO!!!!!!
She was the cutest little dog with the name of Sadie.
I cried, I begged, I pleaded but he said NO!!!!!!!

Aggie Cat probably would have been sad.
She likes to be the queen.

mad money

2008-05-30T20:40:00.002-05:00

The movie Mad Money=Mad I wasted my Netflix on that!

It was acted okay but the story line was so hokey and immoral.

Basically these women stole with no regard for ethics or morals.
It's okay because they needed the money.
Bad Message!

It did have an interesting moment though when a character said,
"Wanting is the root of all needing stuff."

Keeping up with the Jones ... a dangerous thing.

taking a shower at 2:30 is awesome

2008-05-30T16:55:00.005-05:00

I take a shower everyday. It's part of my routine.
Sometimes I wish I was one of those people who's hair survives a day without a shower.
But I'm not.

Today though I didn't get in the shower until 2:30p.
After I dropped off the kids I came back and watched a movie (a review is coming).
So after I was a great slacker, I ran downstairs to get some work done.
Well, wouldn't you know it, my Lightroom 30 day trial had ended and I had to buy it.
They gave me a sweet deal if I upgraded to CS3 right then so I HAD to do it.

Big huge story short -- With CS3 none of my actions or brushes transferred automatically.
So that meant I had to get Shawn over here to fix everything.
Now it's 1pm and I haven't done ANY work. Total slacker day!

So now the point of my blog post.
Taking a shower at 2:30 is awesome.
Normally I'm rushing through my shower. My only thought while in the shower is getting out of the shower.
Today I had until 3p -- the time to get the kids.
I sang a little, thought about what I had to do, sang some more.

I like 2:30 showers.

My clients who are hoping for their pictures edited sometime before their kid is twenty may not like it so much though :(

update on drew

2008-05-30T11:27:00.001-05:00

He's come through surgery like a champ. Unfortunately the pain is the worst he's ever felt so he'll be staying in the hospital a little longer for pain management. He'll probably be home Saturday or Sunday.

end of an era

2008-05-29T15:53:00.002-05:00

Today Shawn and I went to his Skokie office to finish getting the desks out.
They had to be out by May 31st so no time like the present.

It took us 1 hour to get there in major traffic.
I'm so happy that Shawn doesn't have to drive that everyday anymore.
Plus, with the cost of gas ... YIKES!

So the office is empty -- our garage is full.
It was kinda sad just because of what the office meant.
But, now that I'm used to it, I like having him home.

If you know of anyone wanting some cool office furniture let us know!!

prayin' for drew

2008-05-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

My dad-in-law has had surgery on his knee.
He's going to be in the hospital for a couple of days.
Please join us in prayer that all goes well and that he's up and walking soon.

Drew you're our own personal bionic man!

milestone

2008-05-28T23:07:00.006-05:00

As many know my Nathan was born with Hypotonia.
Basically this means he had poor muscle control, etc.
He did therapy -- physical, occupational, & speech for 2.5 years early in his life.
When he completed the First Steps program they deemed him 12% behind his peers and said that he'd catch up by age 10. Even before that we shouldn't notice too much of a difference.

Sometimes we notice he's a little slower to be active. Not a big deal but something that does worry me from time to time.

This past weekend Shawn decided it was time to take off Nate's training wheels.
I was completely for it and more importantly so was Nathan.

Nate's milestone turned into a happy family affair!

~Daddy took off the training wheels~

~Keyanna found Dad's helmet in the garage~

Have I ever mention that Nate has a big noggin?~Dad stood by for moral support but Nathan got on that bike and took off like a pro!~~And off he goes -- Another milestone accomplished.~