And that's what family is about...

I grew up in a very close-knit family. As kids, we shared everything between us... food, clothes, space. Now as adults, we are intimate with new things like traditions, dreams, secrets, and advice. Our extended families never have received the same amount of attention. While we've always cherished the moments spent with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, we grew up in families that were too big for "just-because" get-togethers. My mother had five siblings and my dad had seven; our gatherings were reserved for the holidays.

Unfortunately, that created some issues as a child. I never felt a special bond or connection to one cousin or another. I never favored one aunt or grandma over another. We were all just family, in my eyes. And then I married and moved to Minneapolis. I became the only one to not live within 30 miles of Cedar Rapids. We sure tried to come back as much as possible to visit, but our connections with our extended family solely relied on holiday traditions.

Then maturity set in a bit more, and I hit my aha! moment. Jarin and I began having children and we grasped the true value in being closer to our whole family. It was a battle, as one friend recently explained to me, between living up the life you have to live, or realizing that being close to your family is what it's all about. So we relocated again.

In recent years other changes have taken place. I've lost two of my last three living grandparents, and holiday traditions have become focused on the attempts to continue their traditions. I must say, that the Skala side has done a facinating job, thanks to the effort of my amazing aunts. Some day I hope to express my true appreciation to them for building this definition of family.

Without Grandma Pat around though, mom's side has created plenty of excuses for eliminating a Christmas celebration in the past two years. But, we put an end to that this year and had, for the first time, a "just-because" get-together with loads of food, family and fun. It was an amazing time, and proved to us all that 1.) holidays aren't the only reason to connect and that 2.) we really do need each other. After all, we are one big family. Enjoy the pictures!

Sweet Henley (cold and all) kept us all entertained!

AJ and Cade were pals for the day!

Everyone hanging out and enjoying the company.

Alayna was the big girl for the day!

The "kids" before saying good-bye.

The Purpose of Today

We're pretty practical people. We rarely rush toward the new fads. We purchase things as we need them. And, yes, I said need. Okay, so possibly there is a confusion between needs and wants amongst our family! That's probably what stirs the conversation of celebrating a holiday, like Valentine's Day. This weekend, Jarin and I spent some good time discussing whether or not we should "do anything" for V-Day. 

In the past we haven't. We don't give fancy gifts. Not for Valentine's Day or our anniversary. I actually remember when we started dating and requesting that I don't ever receive flowers as an apology, or on Valentine's Day. I didn't want roses because they are marked up to $100 per dozen or because his concious is telling him it's the right thing to do.

But then, as my point went on Saturday, what's wrong with having a reason to celebrate your love on a specific day? Sometimes our lives get so busy running kids to and from basketball, preschool, and daycare, picking up groceries, visiting family, putting in the hours at work, still trying to exercise, keeping up on laundry, scrubbing dishes, and wanting to catch the most recent American Idol clip... that we allow the importance of sending a card, writing a few special words in a love note, eating dinner just the two of you, or lighting a candle, slip to the wayside.

Isn't it quite possible that an anniversary or Valentine's day could be a practical way to force us out of the chaotic lifestyle and into a grateful moment to cherish your partner... even just for one day? I'm not asking for diamonds as a thank-you-for-being-you-gift on Feb 14th. But I do think that we should stop viewing it as an over-rated, commercialized holiday, and more of an opportunity to let those you love know how special they are.

So do your part today. Make sure that before you go to bed tonight, the most special people in your life know how much they mean to you. Can you do it without candy, flowers, or jewlery? I know you can. Prioritze, for just one day, and I guarantee you'll feel better about the idea of Valentine's Day.

Have fun with love today!

Dinner with a Princess

Food is a hot commodity around our house. Cade is already eating like a senior lineman, putting down a standard three packets of oatmeal each morning, and usually second helpings at dinner. Alayna on the other hand, works in slow motion.

Seriously, Jarin and I have battled her dinner hour (which often times exceeds an hour!!) She always finishes, but the process is a whirlwind. She's everywhere... up-down, in-out, big chair-little chair, spoon-fork, napkin-papertowel, cup-straw....It's exhausting!!

After about 15 minutes of this mad-house craziness last night, I thought I'd video record her to share a little of the humor! Here are a few snippets.... Rest assured, her knowledge of being recorded had no influence on her behavior. This is truly a snapshot of our nightly routine!

 

That was enough, she was bored! Here's her dancing all around kitchen with a bit of attitude...

 

I've had enough... I finally pull out the bribes! 

Holy Toledo!! She's finally done!

 

Gotta love those expressions, the wiggles, and the giggles. She sure makes our evenings entertaining!

A Double Dose of Birthday Wishes

We have two very special people in our lives who are celebrating a birthday today...

First, Happy Birthday to Uncle Blake! You've really made an impact on our little Caden ... he idolizes every move you make and will probably be driving a Harley before a car, thanks to you!

And then to Aunt Jacque... you always keep our time together exciting and fun! Thanks for making sure the kids and you have special smiles together! Can you believe you are 40!?!?! Oh, wait, was that a secret? ;-)

 

I guess, most importantly, thanks to Uncle Justin and Aunt Meggie for bringing these very special people into our lives! We love you!!

The Snow Prayer

As anticipated, the blizzard if 2011 came through the midwest and knocked through many neighborhoods and cities, piling on well over a foot and a half of snow here in Davenport. The drifts in our neighborhood were close to five foot in some places.

Backyard view as the snow started falling

As much as I'm not a fan of the winter season, there was something fun about the anticipation of the snowfall. I talked up a "snow day" to the kids and we even stocked up on Cheetos, powdered sugar donuts, and movies, just to ensure that we were ready if we had to stay home! Thank goodness everyone's school cancelled, or I may have had a few unhappy children.

And we did spend the day as promised... enjoying all the fun things I remember doing as a kid... sleeping in, playing board games, watching movies, and eating rotten junkfood!

We played outside in the snow (even if it was too cold)! However, we didn't last too long before Alayna told me her "cheeks are fweezing." Even daddy got to stay home, but between snowblowing and working, he didn't get to have as much fun as us!

2 hour process of snowblowing!!

drift behind our house that Cade tried climbing

the sidewalk felt like a fort to the kids!

Putting the kids to bed that night Caden wanted to say his own prayers.... "Dear Grandma Pat, please tell Father God to make this snow go away. Amen." By the photo below, you can see why he shared those prayers! 

one of the largest thoroughfares in Davenport...
4 lanes are down to only 2.5 because of the snow removal