A Flurry of Fun

We had an incredible weekend! I took quite a few pictures, but am having trouble with my camera, as you will be able to tell. So, a lot of them didn't turn out well. Shoot!!

It all started Friday morning when Lizzie decided she wanted to be "Simba" for the day! This is what she looked like when we dropped her off at daycare. Quite the interesting look, huh? She also had on her pink glitter flip flops!

Then, on Friday afternoon we had our homecoming parade. Zach rode with the student council from his school. He had fun throwing candy and playing around with his friends. He is the one cheering with his arms in the air! Oh yea, he was feeling better!


After school, we packed our bags and the van and headed to Indiana. We went to the Indiana vs. Michigan State football game. Before the game though, we had to head to TIS like true alumni and purchase some IU "stuff." I have become one of the alumni that I used to make fun of when I worked there!

After the game, which Indiana lost, we tailgated with Aunt Molly, Uncle Chad and friends. The kids had fun running around, playing and getting hot and sticky! Here, Lizzie and her cousin Ben are taking a quick break.

This is Brian and Molly, his sister, playing around.

We stayed overnight with my dad and Karen and had a great time visiting with them. As usual, we spent a lot of time laughing.

On Sunday, we stopped by Molly and Chad's house on our way back to Illinois. We enjoyed some Pizza Express breadsticks, the kids ran and played, and we visited. It was a fun time. We had an unexpected visitor though. Molly was putting up the umbrella on their deck when she found this "friend" hanging out inside. Did I mention that I HATE bats. I think they are nothing more than flying rats!!

At the end of the visit, we tried to get the kids to pose for a quick pic. Wrong time of the day to ask for that. They just wanted to keep playing so this is the best we could get!


What great weekend. . . friends, family, IU football, and Simba!
We are truly blessed!

Spoke Too Soon

I spoke too soon when I said that all five Paragis were "upright." Zach has come down with the same bug his daddy had. He has been running a fever and achy all day. He spent most of the day, between Home Improvement episodes, doing this . . .


We have a new name for Lizzie. Princess Rat's Nest! Every night, she goes to sleep with brushed out dry hair.

Every morning, she wakes up with the biggest rat's nest I have ever seen. Check out this mess.


Thank goodness for detangler! Any suggestions on how to avoid this mess? We have tried putting hair in pony tails, curlers, etc.

We are praying Zach has a quick recovery. We are supposed to head to Indiana this weekend for a weekend full of friends, family and IU football!!!

All Five Upright!

Whenever someone at our house is ill, there is a lady at church who will jokingly ask, "How many Paragis are upright now?" I can say that I think we are all upright at the moment.

They showed our house again tonight, so we met Brian in town at O'Charley's for dinner. The kids LOVE those rolls. Then I met a friend for some shopping and Brian brought everyone home for homework and bed duty!

I am starting to get anxious about this house selling thing. I just want it to sell! To be quite frank, I am completely tired of keeping it clean enough to show!

A quick prayer request: A friend who teaches in our district recently (within the last two weeks) had a baby girl with "hypoplastic left heart syndrome." The baby is recovering from her first of at least three surgeries. Will you join me in prayer that her healing continues to go well, her heart rhythm becomes established and that she can come home soon? I know the family would appreciate it!

Good News!

Zach and I just returned from our trip to Peoria. His cardiologist said that his cardiac function is all NORMAL!! Not only that, but he continues to have no restrictions and we don't have to go back for two more years.

Zach has not had any allergy meds since last Friday and he is feeling much better. I am not a doctor, but me thinks we might be on to something here! I think we will stick with the raw honey for a while and see what happens.

Brian didn't get to make the trip with us because he came down with the flu yesterday! So, he and Jacob, who is still running a fever, hung out at home today. When we were in college, Brian was sick with the flu, and I went down to his room occasionally to make sure he had fluids, check on him, etc. He says that I was misleading him because I certainly don't do that anymore! That's ok, I tell him he doesn't write me as many love letters as he did then either! Then we usually giggle!

Sorry I don't have any pictures from today! I was too busy making sure I heard everything to think about taking pictures.

We are praising God that today went well and praying for quick relief for Brian and Jacob! Thank you for all your prayers!

Are You Kidding Me?

Jacob visited our room at least four times last night. His ear hurt and he couldn't sleep. So, this morning, he and I headed off to Convenient Care. Sure enough, he has an inner ear infection! All I could think was, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!? What a week for doctor and pharmacy visits. The good news is that they prescribed him an antibiotic and that should help clear it up and maybe we will actually get to sleep tonight! Mommy and daddy Paragi are getting a little crabby due to sleep deprivation!

When we told him that I was taking him to the doctor, he was very upset that he didn't get to go to church. That made us happy because with Jacob you never know what he is thinking and most Sundays, getting up for church is not on the top of his list. Then, he mentioned that he wouldn't get his donut (which he gets every Sunday at church) and I figured that was all he was concerned about. I stopped and bought him a donut and then he went on to say that he was going to miss his classes and he liked them! So, it isn't all about the donut - yea!!!!

"Go Big Red Dinner"

Tonight, we are watching the IU vs. Ball State football game. We decided to have a "Go Big Red Dinner" while we watched the game. We had red hot potato chips, hot wings, twizzlers, red gummis, strawberries, raspberries, apples, Big Red soda, and pepperoni. Yep, a good ol' smorgasboard of red snack foods- most of which have no redeeming nutritional value! The kids thought it was a lot of fun and we did sneak in some cheese and crackers even though they weren't red!


Lizzie thought that if she got right up next to the tv, they might actually hear her yelling "Go IU!"


Gotta go. . . the second half is starting!!

Our Wake Up Call

I really do not like it when the phone rings before 6 a.m. ! It sends a chill down my back. Well, this morning it rang at 4:00 a.m.! Brian groggily answered it as I shot straight up! When he started talking I realized it was someone we knew and not a crank call. Therefore, my anxiety goes up even more!! Then I hear the words "twenty to thirty minutes" and "dark green 318i BMW" and I realize it is the alarm company calling about work. They wanted to know how long it will take him to get there and what he is driving.



When he arrived at the store, there was an entire "squadron" (his word) of police there and someone was in the back of one of the cars. Oops, this was not a false alarm. Someone went through the back door in the alley and started grabbing things. The police had found him before Brian arrived.



Brian finally got home sometime around 5:30 - which was after his alarm was to go off. I have a feeling he is going to be one tired person today since he has to work! And me? Well, I didn't sleep while he was gone, but I feel the couch and a nap calling me!

News from the Lab

Well, Jacob went in for his annual "rheumatology" check-up. The doctor said that he had much better flexibility in his hips. He said his hamstrings might be a little tight, but nothing to worry about right now. The lab called today to say that his bloodwork was all within normal limits!! Yippee!! We are supposed to continue with the anti-inflammatory meds to keep the arthritis from flaring up. The doctor said that all those hours spent running, jumping, biking and swimming have really done the job in keeping his joints loose.

As usual, Jacob had a funny one-liner. The doctor told him he was going to have to give a urine sample. When I explained that meant he was going to have to pee in a cup, he said, "Better make it a big jar instead. I really gotta pee!!" I think that made the doctor's day. He was still laughing when he left the room.

Good think Jacob likes doing these things. . .


I also found out the results from Zach's EKG and chest x-ray. The EKG was normal and the x-ray did not show any fluid in the lungs and his heart was not enlarged. All good news. So, what is making him feel yucky and why does his heart race sometimes? Well, we are exploring that. But, before they will look at him here, we have to visit Peoria and get clearance from the Cardiologist. So, Monday afternoon, we will make the trip to Peoria. If I am completely honest with myself, I am a little nervous. I just don't like seeing Zach seem so run down and lethargic. So, if you shoot up a prayer for Zach, would you send one up for me as well. I would greatly appreciate it.

Lizzie has a new favorite hobby - doing my hair. The problem is that she wants to do it all the time which means I have to sit still. That is just not always possible. The other day I told her to do daddy's hair. She leaned close to me, cupped her hands around her mouth and whispered "Daddy doesn't have hair!" After I quite giggling, I told her I thought he had enough. Brian was a good sport and let her "do" his hair. I think he looks good in pink barrettes. What about you?

Remembering. . .

Zachary is such a healthy, athletic, crazy, full of life, fun kid that I sometimes forget about how he started life. He has always had excellent cardiac updates and only has to see the cardiologist every three years now. But, then something happens and it reminds me of his birth, open heart surgery and all the emotions associated with that time. Today was one of those days.

He has been complaining of shortness of breath. I kept saying that it was probably his newly diagnosed allergies. But, today he felt "funny' at school and his teacher emailed me. I decided that I should probably take him to the doctor. The nurse practitioner heard a murmur, which is not usual for him. So, after listening some more, she thought we should contact his cardiologist and run into the clinic for a chest x-ray and EKG. The nurse at the cardiologist's office was very helpful. She spoke to our favorite doctor and called us back and let us know that by the description of symptoms, he did not think that we needed to rush right over to Peoria and could keep our October appointment. But, they wanted the x-ray and EKG so they could take a look at what, if anything, is going on. And the good news for Zach. . .the doc said he could still participate in basketball practice this week!!

I can't believe how quickly my mind went back to St. Francis hospital and the hours spent watching Zach and praying that God would allow him to live. What a great reminder of the blessings I have in my life and true source of those blessings.

In ten short years, he has gone from this. . .



To this . . .

Praise God! And, boy do I feel guilty for complaining about his surly mood lately! :>

Lizzie, Where Are You?

As I was making dinner tonight, I realized that the house was eerily quiet. The boys were playing at friend's houses so it was just me and Lizzie. I was going to check on her when Jacob came running in with a bloody nose! By the time that was all taken care of, I decided I had better find Lizzie because she was still being way too quiet. I found her in the hall bathroom, on the counter, cleaning the sink with the pants she had just taken off! She was set to go. . . if you look closely you will see her can of Pringles and her cup of water! When I popped around the corner with the camera, she gave me the "Man, I am busted," look and started saying "I am sorry, Mommy!" before I could even open my mouth!! What a crazy girl!

Father of the Year?

Anybody who knows Brian knows that he is typically a pretty serious and down to earth kind of guy. At home, though, he gets goofy and the kids love it when that happens because you never know what he is going to say or do. We still giggle about the time he did the "Charlie Brown" on the coffee table to celebrate his fixing a computer problem! Yes, ON the table!!! Yesterday was one of those whimsical days around here. Check out this conversation:

Jacob (walking out of the office with much frustration in his voice): Lizzie keeps stealing my snacks!!!!

Brian (as serious as can be without missing a beat): Punch her

Jacob (with a look of utter disbelief): In the face?

Brian (serious again): No, the gut!

Jacob (getting excited): Ok! Hey, Lizzie come here I get to punch you!!!

Brian (realizing his mistake in thinking that Jacob would pick up on the sarcasm): No. . . just joking!!

Father of the year moment? I think not! But pretty funny anyway!

Another funny:

Jacob did not like that I asked him to clean up his mess in the living room because the realtor was coming over. As we walked back to his room with his arms full of his stuff, he stated, "Ummm Mom, I'm sure he has seen messy houses before!"

Which brings me to our meeting with the realtor. We opted to keep it on the market, lower the price a little, and offer a home warranty. So, hopefully, that will get some people coming through soon.

Happy Birthday, Brian!

Today was Brian's birthday! Poor guy, it was a fairly crazy day devoid of any celebration! We awoke to the remnants of Hurricane Ike. It rained and rained and rained!! The water was flowing over the road between our house and church. In our seven years of living in this house, we have never seen that happen! This picture was taken late in the afternoon after the water started receding!


When we got home, we found our sump pump was not working right. So, Brian and the boys put on their old "yucky" clothes and went down to check it out. It was an easy fix and now it is working better than it ever has!

So, what did the birthday boy do this afternoon? Watched football and napped (still in his "yucky" clothes)! And he was quite happy with doing that! Now he is well rested and ready to cheer on his Steelers tonight! By the way, we are planning a celebration at a later date when we won't have to "float" to town!


Jacob got a tiny baby Moses in a basket today at church. Lizzie quickly claimed it as her own. It is a tiny little thing. This afternoon she went outside and was "baptizing" Moses in the puddles in the driveway! It was pretty cute! Here she is drying him off.


Some of you have asked about our house. It is still on the market. Luckily, the one we want is still on the market too. Brian meets with our realtor tomorrow. We are thinking about pulling it off and calling a contractor about making changes to this house. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Super Hoosier Strikes Again

We sent Zach's, AKA Super Hoosier, picture into the Big Ten Network's website. They posted it at: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/blogs/blogs.asp?topic_id=113

Check him out!

Apple Orchard

Yesterday after church, we went out for some yummy Mexican food and then headed to the local Apple Orchard. It was a fun time. The kids played, picked apples and played some more.

Lizzie thought it was fun to pick apples.


Brian was making fun of me for taking so many pictures so he "spontaneously posed" with a cheesy grin. I threatened to put it on here since he was making fun of me. So, here ya go. . .

You just HAVE to take a picture with the bus!!

And how do we know it was a successful trip? Jacob got filthy!

It really was a fun day. Next up. . . making applesauce!! They all say they can't wait to help. We'll see how they like cranking that food mill after the first batch!!

Super Hoosier

Zach is so excited that we get the Big Ten Network now! Our local cable company finally settled with the network and we will get to see MANY more Hoosier sports! Zach has been pumped up all day to watch IU football this evening. He put on our IU flag with his Indiana football jersey and rode up and down the street today! I told him that doing that in Illinois territory is a good way to get hurt!!

Check him out!

The kids had some friends over to play today. Then, the neighbor boys came over. We had quite the house full. Zach and his friend started a business making and selling bracelets. Here they are showing off the goods.

I am still amazed at how big of a mess three little bodies can make while playing "house!"

Gotta go get ready to watch the football game! GO HOOSIERS!!!!!

Ewww Gross!!

Lately, whenever Brian kisses me in front of the kids, Zach immediately buries his head and says "sick!" This morning, he walked out of the office, shaking his head while saying, "I will never kiss like that in front of my kids!" What a hoot. Then there is Jacob. He yells, "Ewww gross. That is disgusting," while running out of the room. Then Lizzie . . . her new thing of late is to say "You are getting married. You got married there," while pointing to our wedding picture. I think that she thinks that every time we kiss we are getting married. Then, of course, she goes on to tell her daddy that she wants to marry him too!

We certainly get a chuckle out of the kids. It is hard to believe that one of these days, Brian will give me a kiss and there will be silence because they will all be grown and kissing their own spouses! Ahhhhh!!!!! I feel a premature case of empty nest syndrome coming on. But that too shall pass after I eat dinner with these nuts!

Kids. . . drive ya nuts, but can't imagine life without them!

Playing In The Rain

It has been scorching hot this week. Since our schools aren't air conditioned, the boys and I have been coming home hot and exhausted. The pool has helped cool us off a little. Tonight, though, some much needed rain made its way into the area. The kids had a great time playing outside in the rain. They love doing that! I have to admit that the nice cool rain felt pretty good tonight!


Lizzie was frustrated that she couldn't take her shirt off too, but she still enjoyed herself.

Zach loves Legos! When he stops dribbling a ball through the house and it gets eerily quiet, we can usually find him in his room building something. Check out his latest creation . . .

TWO WHEELS!!!

This morning, we woke up to Jacob begging to try to ride without training wheels again. Flashes of yesterday went flying through my mind. Did I really want to try that again? Nope! But, Brian, being the glutton for punishment that he is, took the silly things off again! This time, Jacob just took off!! He is riding without training wheels and the entire neighborhood should know by now thanks to the cheers we all sent up!!

Check him out!

Then came the first "race" between Zach and Jake. Zach gave him a "seven second" lead.

And finally. . .the first braking injury and the first band-aid! There were no tears and begging for the training wheels back though, thank goodness.