Beckman / Thompson Crew does Pittsburgh!

No school for the boys on Friday so we headed to Pennsylvania with Andy to see the rest of the boys and celebrate his birthday. Covered a lot of ground - TopGolf, PNC Park and Heinz Field (no tours or home events while we were there), Piccolo Forno (highly recommend), ice cream, friendly games of Balderdash, Finn's soccer, Randyland, Immersive Van Gogh exhibit (not the boys' highlight of the trip), Arsenal Bowling (turkey - first time - for mw in the 10th), ice cream, Phipps Conservatory (beautiful, not the boys' highlight of the trip), Schenley Park, frisbee golf with post hole interviews (maybe the trip highlight), Cinderlands Warehouse for Andy's birthday (a highlight), Spin scooters, ice cream and more ice cream (definitely a highlight) - lots of steps. A weekend of laughter, minimal arguments, beautiful weather and time together (missed Hayden who had Luther soccer in Minneapolis). The boys and I also met Graham T's girlfriend, Izzie. Was great to have another female around for a bit of the time!

Andy's birthday is today and since he's not on social media, the lateness of my public wish will not be noticed. Still though a happy birthday to this guy. Love you and glad we all celebrated you yesterday. (Update - a highlight for all except Andy. - Graham has passed his dad’s height!!!! What a bday gift!)

And a final highlight - seeing my OB (in the airport), who delivered all three of the boys.

Piccolo Forno
April 22, 2022

Immersive Van Gogh - April 23, 2022
Phipps Conservatory - April 24, 2022

Randyland - April 23, 2022

Frisbee Golf in Schneley Park - April 24, 2022

Cinderlands Warehouse
April 24, 2022
Celebrating's Andy's 47th Birthday (04-25)

Phipps Conservatory
April 24, 2022

Happy birthday Andy! - April 24, 2022 (day early)

TopGolf, PNC Park, Heinz Field
April 22, 2022

Finn's Soccer - 3-1 victory
April 23, 2022

Dr. Jane Engeldinger delivered all three of my boys!
April 25, 2022

Seeing clearly

This is my October. Not a Halloween costume. My Lasik surgery was awesome and I count my blessings for the success since April 2004. It was only a matter of time until readers were my friend.

Moments

Settle in for sentimental, capture all the details, mom in this one...

In the midst of hustle and sports and school and work and arguing siblings and mom wanting things done, there are multiple moments that make me smile, melt my heart and think life is pretty darn good.

Tonight all three boys were home at the same time and we had almost 30 minutes at the dinner table. Seriously that alone made me happy. We did all miss Andy - each boy asked separately if he was going to join us for dinner. His busy season is in full swing and he worked until well past 9:00 tonight. In part that was from having spent Saturday and Sunday with us in Ames for Graham's state basketball tournament and we're very glad he choose the weekend over tonight.

Dinner was topped by talks of the future family dog, spring break and my birthday. The last two were good but let's focus on the family dog.

The boys excitement has grown exponentially since yesterday's car ride and me actually saying "I'm ready for this to come out of my mouth. I'm ready for us to get a dog." Let's be honest, my excitement is growing too. Fast. Sure, I'm scared of the time, the work, even the money. But I also remember the delight in having a dog, the happiness, the fun, the unconditional love. And I know how much the boys want this. So we're moving forward. Yep, here we are.

Tonight's focus was on names. Discussion. Lists online. Laughing at each other. Ruling out names. We ended up with a list of 11 on the white board. Max took charge which added to the fun. He wrote them down and then had us each vote for our four favorites. Color coded and all as can be seen in the photo. Much to my delight, Rolo is approved as a possibility. I'll let Max take his credit for coming up with it months ago. We go right along with Cleo, Athena is getting some attention. Max suggested we give Andy, Gamma and Gump two votes each so they could be involved. Love this kid. Once we have their votes, we'll narrow to four. He's keeping the white board under lock and key. Comparable to the Declaration of Independence he said. I'll take it.

What will we name Miss Spanish Water Dog?

Graham so badly wanted to mess up the white board. He was picking on Max and me for not wanting to erase the names that didn't have a single vote from one of the four of us. He said Max was trying to make it too perfect. Pierce jumped in with Graham and I simply smiled knowing everyone was playing the exact role I would expect.

Max decided he was the Dog name commissioner. Fees of $50 to get to vote, $75 for each vote and a $25 change fee. He's keeping the white board in his room so no one can change it. He and I had a great conversation over dinner clean-up about the responsibility and happiness of a dog. He said he's all in for caring, thinks Pierce won't do as much as he should and that Graham will be somewhere in the middle. Right on. Max is showing me in all kinds of ways just how he feels about this dog coming into our family and I am grateful that at 15 he wants one as much if not more than everyone else.

Now to get Andy and my parents to vote so we can narrow down these dog names!

I can't not mention Pierce and my short conversation tonight while on the computer together. "It would be so fun to have a dog beside us right now. Petting her. She's going to love our family."

Pierce added to my night as we snuggled at bedtime. He told me he's afraid he's not going to know how to do his taxes and will some day be homeless. What? He said he feels like he won't know how to buy a house or do his taxes or the important things. I assured him he'll learn. He asked how I knew and I told him mom and dad, reading, college, and the bank helped me learn and that he'd have the same help. I wanted to just pull him and tell him to never worry about anything like this even though I know it's a natural thing (and maybe that he hears a lot about taxes right now!) He went on to tell me "maybe I'll just always live in your house." I told him I'll have to make sure to have a big house but that I think he can live on his own. "Maybe I can live in the Nueske." Perhaps you can Pierce. And this led to "Do you think Andy and you will ever get married?" Pause.....

"I care a lot about Andy. I don't know if we will or if Andy wants to get married again or if I do. We're happy together. I know that."

"I hope you do."

"I love him a lot and I know he cares a lot for all of us."

"We care about him, too." Silence for a bit. "I love you, mom."

P.S. Back to my birthday and spring break. The boys are so hoping Andy and the boys go with us. Since we don't know all the details yet, I haven't changed my verbiage from "I hope it works" to "yep, we're going to make it happen." Excited to tell them! And as for my birthday, I love that this morning when Pierce and I were talking about it he was so excited that he said he needed to text his brothers and Andy. More moments to warm my heart.

Ahhhhh

Graham has been patiently - honestly he's done a good job - waiting for a bigger bed and a frame of his choice (plus a nightstand in the end). Thanks to a little saving, patience and Article, he has it. One of my favorite parts - we spent quality time picking it out, laughing and putting it together. Only one board almost beat us!!

His content sleep and his thank you before bed says it all...

Birthday Wish

Tucked Max in to bed tonight in our usual manner.

"Happy birthday early, mom."

"You're the first one to wish me a happy birthday."

Huge smiles from both of us.

Turning 42

Dinner at Blackstone

Pierce has been holding (and knowing) the gift from my parents for a month!

No doubt - I had a great birthday and welcome turning 42 and starting this next trip around the sun! I went to bed with love in my heart and woke to birthday phone calls and text messages making me feel the same. 

Graham was my first message of the day which warmed my heart immensely. I volunteered in Pierce's classroom. I worked out. And all day I treasured gifts and words of love.

The highlights of the day came from 4:45 on with the boys. The boys reminded me last night and tonight that it was my pick for dinner. I smiled deep inside as each of them told me that separately and meant it. What a treat! The great part is they were excited about my choice as they've experienced the mac and cheese but have never been. Dinner at Blackstone was fantastic and included the lighting of cheese for Saganaki (you'll have to find Max's Instagram account to see it). Pierce loved the fact that my mom left my birthday gift with him - to hide and to be the only one who knew what was inside! The boys sang happy birthday to me in the van - unprompted - as we drove to miniature golf. Birthday or not, Max did not let me win. I cheered the boys on in a few games of NHL foosball type play. We may have laughed just a bit during golf and the foosball. We ended with red velvet cake from the Bread Garden thanks to a friend. Yum! Graham put the candles in it in the shape of 42. I was floored when the boys sang to me AGAIN. And they sounded way better than I sound. 

We could not have had more fun together and they were so good to each other and to me. What blessings.

When I tucked Pierce in tonight, I said "thank you for making my birthday special. I had a lot of fun tonight." As his eyes closed, without hesitation he said, "so did I." Yeah, melted my heart.

And then when I rubbed Graham's back - I'd be happy to do that until I'm 72 - and told him good night and thank you, he simply said, "Happy birthday." Heart melt #2.

So the third boy must have gotten the memo, too. When I walked out of Max's room, "I love you, too, mom. Glad you had a good day."

Yep, 42 is going to be okay. I am very blessed.

Blackstone

Miniature Golf - Max didn't even let me win!

Concentration to light the candles in a 4-2 thanks to G!

I'm a lucky girl!

Taste of Iowa City

10 years of Taste of Iowa City - I believe all of them with Dana Simcox and Damian Simcox. We've had extreme heat, rain, usually nine of us, often a stroller, our favorite stops, and enough time to sit on a bench or blanket. This year there were four of us for the fun and a speed round. We represented well and hit four key spots - The Den, Pancheros, Graze and Zmariks. Thank you Iowa City Downtown District and University of Iowa.

That's the ball game

And the season.

I don't know how many games I watched or how many games each boy played or how many miles we traveled. I do know

• the season started with practices in January (maybe before)
• games began in April
• each boy played a tournament in DSM
• Max's team played with heart and got 2nd place out of 64 at State
• Graham's team came back from two losses to win three in a row at State
• Pierce loved an overnight tournament for 7U State and feeling like his brothers
• I stopped scrubbing uniforms
• we had a couple MVPs
• home runs hit by Max and Pierce
• multiple doubles in one tournament for Graham
• many concession stand stops
• coolers packed and unpacked, packed and unpacked
• water jugs filled are too many to count
• Gatorage and Powerade was drank by the case
• I had wind burn and sunburn, used my umbrella, handwarmers and sunscreen
• bought two new stadium bleacher seats
• ice packs administered
• Advil was consumed
• I some days dreaded the game or practice and other days couldn't curb my excitement
• shared an iMessage channel with three friends
• took many photos I may never organize
• cheered too loud
• I missed games and plays that made me sad
• my parents drove far more miles than I did to support the boys
• I saw Pierce grow from disliking practice and the season to wanting to know when tryouts are and falling asleep in his uniform a week after his last game
• Max's arm strengthened, his confidence blossomed, he improved on throwing out a runner, tagging a guy at home, jumping and diving for passed balls
• Graham stayed true to his all in passion at catcher and pitcher
• I beemed with pride

and today, we had our last game of the season. 

Thanks for the ball games Max - MB, 31, Hound Dog (12U Trojans Gold), Graham - GB, G-Dog, Graham-Bo, G-Salty (10U Eagles) and Pierce - P, PMeister (7U Trojans Green).

Here's to a few days of missing the sport, probably questioning our sanity in about February and being ready to cheer again in April 2017!

June 19 - 7U Trojans Gold
Global State Tournament, Des Moines, IA

1June 24 - 10U Eagles
10U AAA State Tournament, Des Moines, IA

July 3 - 12U Trojans Gold
12U AA State Tournament, Des Moines, IA
(Yes, even without cleats he is taller than me)

May 11

Graham and my annual May tradition. I love that he is always ready to go. Garden planting done except lettuce. Be nice bunnies!

Movie night

I took Max to see Ant-Man tonight. I haven't been to a Super Hero movie in some time. I loved the movie and even better was going with Max. We laughed and cringed at nearly all the same parts. He loved the individual time, a 7:00 showing and seeing a PG-13 movie in the theatre. I'm ready for the next one. Pretty sure I can get the same date.

Garden planting

The garden at our house is Graham and my thing. It is small. That does not matter. We love it. Every year it is ours.  And most years the planting happens on Mother's Day. This year is no different.

This afternoon we planted spinach, lettuce, basil, banana peppers and tomatoes (Roma, cherry, grape and Big Boy). 

Together we will nurture it and love whatever it produces.

Run fast

I rarely write about a fitness activity but some times, a post is necessary. Like when I feel extremely proud of my efforts.

Following a VERY poor round of golf (hey, it was my second this week but honestly, I have no idea when the last time is that I played an a full round not as best ball) with Mitch and Andy, we stopped by the Thompsons. Running clothes in the van with the intention to run, I mentioned it was National Running Day. There really is a day marking everything. Anyway.... Mitch said, "why don't you run home from here?" Best idea that man has ever had regarding running. A little thought and perhaps the taunting of the craziness from Andy and Mitch, and off I went at 9:06 with my headlamp on (thanks to Amy).

4.4 miles later I was home having run it in 33:39 minutes - hills included - averaging 7:34 minutes per mile. I could not possibly have run any harder and doubtful any further. My text to Mitch upon arrival included the following observation "Me, the pavement, 4 deer, 2 raccoons, 1 biker, 2 runners, 1 walker, a thousand bugs, a headlight and the dark. Will either pass out, drink or eat every ounce of protein in site." I feel great and very accomplished.

A shout to Amanda for staying longer at our house with the boys.

Target's got me. AGAIN.

I need to go to Target today. Okay, "need" is a stretch but I have the day off and I have a dozen things I need. And then as I'm on the computer, I stumble across this article  I don't need two dozen things when I go. I have a return and then the dozen things.  I'm sure I'll come away that many and this article confirms my suspicion will be a reality soon. It always happens this way. Always. Except that I don't shop on Friday morning. I know MANY of you understand what I'm saying. 

Birthday blessings

As I start another trip around the sun, I am grateful for the wishes I received in many directions (California to Maryland, all the way to Germany), from many mediums (phone, text, mail, drop-ins, Facebook), from many parts of my life (grade school, high school, college, friends of parents), from family and friends. I am blessed not only today but each and everyday. Church, Orange Leaf, games at home, pedicures with girlfriends, family dinner, basketball practice which included the family. A little bit of a lot of things and it all started with the boys and Mitch making a birthday sign and giving me 39 $1 bills and notes for dates with each boy accompanied by amazing handmade cards. Reminds me to take photos of those. My favorite gifts are always homemade and experiences. I'm looking forward to four dates and celebrating with each of them. I'm guessing I'll see a movie, bowl or play basketball and go to the Children's Museum. Those would be in age order - Max, Graham and Pierce. Mitch and I, a quiet night of dinner or something at home! And it ended with hugs and kisses at home. Yeah, I leave 38 with a smile and enter 39 with the same.

Heart melt

Yep, Max melted my heart when I tucked him into bed tonight.

"You are my best friend, mom."

Silence because I just wanted to take it in.

"Thanks. Even when you say you don't like me I suppose. Sometimes you probably just forget"

"Yeah. You'll always be my best friend." And he takes my hand and wraps it around his shoulder.

"You know, Max, sometimes you make me cry when you saw hurtful words. Other times, you make me cry because of the really nice things you say."

We are peaceful for the next five minutes and then I get up to go after a big hug.

"I love you. Always have. Always will." That was Max, not me.

"Love you, too."

And that would warm my heart any day but especially at the end of the day that started with Max and me in disagreement and both in tears. But tomorrow, I'll remember today for working through the tough moments and ending this way. Love him.

Friendships

I understand and respect that friendships take work. I'm willing to do the work for the right ones. There is though, one friendship that will never be. In fact, no matter how hard I work, not only will I not have a friendship, I question if I can even have a tolerance. Regardless of how many times I run (jog at best) the 12th Avenue hills and work at them, I will never feel a friendship in the making.

My legs hurt.

A day with Pierce and 20 years

Our day in Iowa City and on the UI campus. Perfect!

Today was Pierce and my day to do what we wanted and we agreed, spending time in Iowa City, on the campus of the University of Iowa was the "what."

Here's the run down - 

• Spence Labs to participate in a study
• Watch construction
• Shop at AKAR
• Watch construction
• Pick-up pottery at Fired-up
• Go to New Pioneer to wander and then pick out cookies and milk to take on our visit to Mitch
• Cookies and milk with Mitch at his office and a few stops to say hi to people Pierce knows.
• Watched Hancher construction
• Rode Cambus the long way to downtown - talked about our favorite places along the way, I answered questions, watched construction and saw the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile!
• Played on the Pentecrest
• Got drinks at The Den and looked at all the Hawkeye apparel
• Played in the Pedestrian Mall Fountain
• Played on the Ped Mall playground
• Ate at Noodles and Company
• Sat on the Pentecrest
• Rode the Cambus



Cookies and milk with dad at his office!

• Smiled, laughed and held hands - a LOT of each

FABULOUS DAY!

And to top it off, I was taken back to my official start to my University of Iowa journey almost exactly 20 years ago. In July 1993, I came for orientation to a campus covered in water from the flood of '93 and I fell in love. I'm thankful for all this place has given me, for what I've learned and that I now call this place home with my family.

Splish Splash in the Ped Mall Fountain!

Seriously, Pierce would ride the Cambus around campus all day, everyday.

Me and the big kid

Two days with my oldest. Lots of laughter. Games (highlight - Headbanz with Mitch). As much shopping as the boy can take. His baseball game watched uninterrupted. Sleeping in. A bike ride and wreck to go with it. Lunch and great conversation. Time on the University of Iowa campus. Fired Up Iowa City inc. creations. Stories with a friend over pizza. The movie Parental Guidance (learned a little about what to do and not to do).  We've kicked this summer off right. Now ready to see the other two tomorrow!

Mom in the middle

My boys and me!

My Mother's Day was spent at the ballpark. Yes, I would have loved our Red's brunch reservation to work and a peaceful day at home or maybe playing at the park. But as I remembered the hug from Graham early this morning, Max playing catch with me and Pierce asking me to hold his hand while he fell asleep tonight, I was reminded that it doesn't matter how or where I spend Mother's Day. It only matter's that I am blessed to be the mother to three boys, to honor my wonderful mother and to spend the day in the middle of all of them. Happy Mother's Day to all who are called mom by someone.

The one who has taught me so much about being a mother.

And thanks to the boys and Mitch for the most perfect gifts. Butterflies made from the kids' hand-prints with notes rolled inside for a special date with each of them. (Thanks for the work on these, Mitch!) Pierce requested a trip to Noodles and Company, Graham wants to go to "campis" (campus) and Max will do whatever I want. Max made me a coil pot at school; Graham wrote a card and the things he loves about me, what makes me smile, why he loves me and what he wants to tell me; and Pierce made a flower pot drawing and wrote about playing with me. Someone top the thought and love that went into those!

A perfect start to Mother's Day!