Grandpa Jeff is in Town

Grandpa Jeff had a few meetings in Dallas so he came down a day early to spend some time with us and meet William.  He got in on Sunday afternoon about lunch time and after some lunch and a little football he and Mike took the big kids to the sports store.Then it was time to come home and head to the park for some JLBBA (Jeff Laschen Baseball Academy).  Thomas had a blast and just as he was getting tired, Elin got attacked by fire ants.  They had crawled into the wagon and as she sat to get a drink of water they started to bite her.  We got the ants off her as quickly as possible and and a few bites later, she was ant free and we were headed home.  Fire ants are a new bad thing around here….their bites feel like a quick needle poke and then they get blisters and really itchy.  We have been luck to avoid them for the most part and hope to continue this trend.

When we got home we had 2 very tired kiddos on our hands.  We got them in and out of the shower and then Grandpa read them a few books before Elin went to bed.  Then Thomas got to go in the backyard again and play with Grandpa and have dinner with us before he went to bed.  It was a fast few hours but we got lots of things jammed in with Grandpa. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Tuesday night Elin was already asleep by the time Grandpa got home from his work dinner.  Thomas was exhausted too so he and Grandpa did a few animal calls on his iPad and then a couple books and then it was bedtime.  It was a quick trip for Grandpa, but we will see him in a few more days when we head to Minnesota.

The help is here…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When everything started to spiral and William’s birth was coming early our Mom’s, the Grandma’s mobilized and were on their way to Texas.  They both got in on Sunday the 20th and then my mom left the 28th shortly after William go home and Kathy left the 2nd of August.  My mom then came back the 6th of August (her original ticket for his August 15th due date) and was here until the 22nd.  It was the most help I have ever had after having a baby and it was so so needed.  I don’t know how Mike or I would have done it without them.  There was so much help, running around, laundry, cleaning, taking care of the kids….without these two coming down we for sure would have been left hanging and not knowing how to piece everything together.  A huge thank you to them for all of their help! 

Time with Grandma Kathy

Nana Kathy was with us for the first 2 weeks after William was born.  She got a lot of playtime in with the kiddos, celebrated her birthday with us, and kept us all company.  Not to mention helping me around the house with cleaning and cooking which was so needed and helpful.  She also watched Thomas and Elin when I had to take William into his checkup 2 days after he was discharged from the hospital, which happened to be on his 2 week birthday.  While we were gone, Nana and the kiddos went on a lizard hunt.  This was the kids favorite thing to do with Nana for the next few days. 

Nana Banana

Mike’s Nana Banana passed away on Wednesday at the age of 88.  I asked him if he wanted to write anything and he said not right now, so I will do my best.  His Nana, who got the name Nana Banana long ago from his brother Pat was a kind, soft spoken woman who was always in the best of moods.  As I told Mike, I am so grateful that I got to know her and that Thomas and Elin got to meet her, and she to meet them.  Her great grandbabies were her pride and joy and she loved telling people about them, showing off their pictures, and seeing us when we were in town.

 

It has been a rough week for all of us and although we knew she was not going to be with us much longer, still the sadness that comes with her passing is immense.  Rest in peace sweet Nana Banana, we love you and will miss you very much. 

Thomas on Friday asked if he could paint a picture so he could send it to Nana Banana in Heaven.  He also sang her a beautiful song about how much he was going to miss her.  Although he is only 4 he still knows and sees that Mike and I are very sad. 

 

 

 

 

Mary Torpey Robertson
Age 88; born Oct 6, 1925 in Detroit, MI to John and Margaret Torpey, passed away June 4, 2014. Mary was raised in Washington D.C. and proud graduate of St. Cecelia’s Academy for Girls. Living in D.C., she worked several Presidential Inaugural Balls. In 1960, Mary & Jimmy moved to MN with the Twins organization where she became a member of the ODT’s and Gypsy Travelers. Mary’s devotion to family and friends meant an open door for those in need of a fantastic meal and great company. She was exceptionally kind and compassionate and loved by all who had the great fortune to know her. She will be dearly missed. Her remarkable smile which lit up the room, will now light up the Kingdom of Heaven. Preceded in death by parents; husband Jimmy; sisters Betty and Maggie. Survived by children, Michael, Kathy (Jeff) Laschen, Joie (Dan) Leonard, Jaime (Lamont) Roth, Larry; grandchildren, Patrick (Lara) Laschen, Mike (Stacey) Laschen, Katie (Don) Quinn, Maureen Laschen, Adam Leonard, Amy Leonard, Richie Roth, Maggie Roth, Jimmy Roth; great-grandchildren, Thomas and Elin Laschen; sister Rita Brennan; brother-in-law Eddie Fanning; sister-in-law Betty (Mamie) Robertson; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Walker Elder Suites in Edina, especially Mohan.
Visitation at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, W.50th St at Hwy 100, Monday June 9, 4-7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, June 10, 11 AM with visitation one hour prior at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Edina, Valley View Rd at Gleason Rd.
Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Catholic Charities

Great Grandparents and Yardwork

On Thursday night Mike’s grandparents got into town.  Big Papa and Nana J had road tripped from the Chicago area to see their great grand kids and Big Papa (AKA Stiffy) wanted to help Mike with the yard.

The kids napped late on Thursday as Mike was out of town and they wanted to see him so they also got to wait up and greet Papa and Nana when they got here.  After watching the end of the disappointing Sioux hockey game we all headed to bed.  On Friday morning we were up and after breakfasts Big Papa and his little sidekick got started cutting down the misplaced tree in the back yard.  Papa was impressed with how hard a worker and focus Thomas stayed with the “work project.”  Then the kids, Papa and I started the dirt runs…we did 5 runs for dirt that day and by the end of the afternoon we had 2.5 yards of topsoil in our driveway.  Papa, Elin and I then ran to home depot for some peat moss and to check out their flower/shrub inventory.  Thomas chose to stay home and snuggle with his Nana.  Then came time for the guys to outline the area that we would be landscaping.  They chopped away and by nights end we were all covered in dirt from head to toe and tired.  It was time for dinner, the kids went to bed and then the “big kids” all relaxed.  Saturday morning we were all back at it again.  Mike picked up a rototiller and got started tilling the ground and adding in the dirt and soil.  I ran and got 1 more yard of dirt and then by lunchtime we were ready for shrubs and flower selection.  With how dirty everyone was we elected to do a car nap for Elin.  We all made it to Lowe’s for the first round of selecting and then Elin crashed in the car and Thomas again picked hanging out with his Nana and catching a quick show while Mike, Stiffy and I stopped at the nursery.  Then it was time to head home and get the plants arranged and in the ground.  Again by dinner time we were all exhausted and dirty.  We knew we had rain possibly coming on Sunday so we wanted to get everything in the ground just in case, lucky we did too as they all had a great drink while it rained until 3 Sunday afternoon. When the rain finally stopped  we snuck back outside and worked on the front yard a bit.  Mike and I have a master plan in the front yard, but it needs to wait a bit.  So with our extra help and a few extra flowers we got busy spiffing it up a little.  Mike trimmed the trees, we weeded, raked up the leaves and got things planted.  Then it was time for an early Easter dinner and Nana’s yummy Jack Daniels/Coke ham.  On Monday the yard work was all done and Mike had to return back to real work.  It was a chilly day here and so windy.  We bundled up and headed to the Arboretum, but by the time we got there it was far too cold to enjoy ourselves.  So we revamped our idea and headed toward the Perot Museum, only to be stopped in our plan by Elin falling asleep.  It was then time to head home and have a late lunch and chill. We met Mike out for dinner that night at Bob’s Steakhouse and all enjoyed a great meal and the kiddos did fantastic in a “fancy” restaurant.  It was then home for some before bed snuggles as Nana and Big Papa were heading home the next morning.     Thanks again Nana and Big Papa for all the help, fun and memories.  It was a great weekend and we couldn’t have done it without you both!

Grandpa and Grandma McConachie Come for a Visit

Grandma McConachie had spring break and decided to come spend it with us.  She came in on Saturday night after the kids went to sleep and when they woke up they were ready to play.   Grandma offered to babysit and Mike and I went on a super fancy date to the grocery store, a kid less trip that we haven’t done together in a long time!  After lunch while Elin napped and Mike and Thomas had alone time, my mom and I ran to the mall to get a few things.  Then it was home for more play, dinner and bed.  Monday started off normal, we were going to go somewhere but Thomas just wanted to play at home with Grandma.  So I ran a few errands and when we were just about to sit down for lunch we got a call that my sister in law was in labor….a few weeks early!  That kind of threw us all for a loop and the rest of Monday my Mom and I spent pacing waiting for any and all updates.  I swear all my woman parts ache when anyone I know is in labor…and we were all hopeful for a quick and easy delivery for her.  As with most babes, that sweet girl had her own plan and she arrived just after Midnight.  While my mom and I waited for word on her birth we watched TV and crafted getting ready for Thomas’ birthday party.  Tuesday and Wednesday we also stuck close to home.  We headed over to the park for some playtime and then home for afternoon crafting and naps.  Thomas wanted to “help” so he did his best to cut circles and help us out.  With my mom playing with the kids I was also able to get another big chunk of organizing done in my craft room.  I still have a long way to go, but every hour in there helps.  I can’t believe how much old graduate school, therapy/work and such stuff I still have and continue to weed through.  We also got the house in a bit more order as we knew that Grandpa was coming in on Wednesday night and we had some busy days planned ahead.  

On Thursday morning, Thomas could hardly wait to wake up and bust into wake up Grandpa, Elin wasn’t far behind.  After breakfast we headed down to the Perot Museum to see what we could see.  I forgot that every day but Monday’s are open to field trips and there were hundreds of 1st-4th graders running around, which made it a little tricky to see/do too much.  The kids still had fun and Grandpa and Grandma, more Grandpa, hung in there too.  After grabbing lunch we headed home and it was time for naps.  Then started the playhouse construction idea forming session.  Mike and I approached my parents and asked if they wanted to help make a playhouse as a joint present for the kids birthday.  It took a bit of convincing and ironing out the details but we finally had a master plan, and I knew it wouldn’t disappoint. 

The guys went to the store and picked up the first round of materials on Thursday night.  Grandma and I started Thomas’ cake and then got Elin to sleep.  The cake took much longer than anticipated with the littlest one waking up a few times and the HUMIDITY….UGH!!!  I seriously almost gave up but kept on and it turned out ok, Thomas liked it and it tasted good so I sucked up my pride and left it at that.   The guys all beat us to bed on Thursday and my mom and I stayed up constructing and cleaning until just after midnight. 

On Friday morning we were in party and construction mode.  We had a bunch to do and also the littles to play with.  While Grandma was at the grocery store she bumped into a few fire fighters and had them send a message to Thomas.  He was a little confused as to “how they knew it was his birthday?!”  It was a great idea on Grandma’s part and it started off the “party day.”  The party was a huge success and Thomas really enjoyed himself.  If you missed it you can check out pictures from the party here.

On Saturday and Sunday we got more done on the playhouse.  Grandma, Elin and I also snuck away to the nursery to get a few new flowers for our front pots and a couple more veggies we needed (pictures in the garden post here).  Then we spent the day outside as it was gorgeous and got lots of work done.  Before we knew it it was Sunday and time for Grandpa and Grandma to fly home, which is always bittersweet.  On their end this time it was softened as Grandma got to go and meet Miss Maggie on Monday.  Can’t wait for their next visit and project, wink wink!  Thanks for all the help and memories Mom/Grandma and Dad/Grandpa!  

Thomas’ Birthday Party

We had a small get together with some of Thomas’ neighborhood buddies on Friday night.  When all the kiddos arrived they were excited and quickly started picking up the “fire fighter” theme.  They were fighting fires inside and out and we decided it would be a good time to start our first game.  The game was a Pinterest idea for a burning building beanbag toss and it was a hit. While some of the boys played the game the others were happily digging in the sand box.  Then the pizza arrived and we got ready for dinner and the big finale of cake.  Again I tried to construct a fondant cake and found this year and the humidity to be a particular challenge.  It was not my best cake, but it was a valiant effort, and Thomas loved it, which is all that counts! This year while we all sang “Happy Birtlhday” to him he grinned from ear to ear.  He was so excited and Mike and I could tell that he really “got it” this year.  He happily blew out his candles at the end of the song and then it was time to dig in.  The fondant usually peels right off, this year it was a goopy mess, blah!  Once the boys and Elin had their sugar fixes it was time for some more fun outside and then a final game, cup knock down, before people started to head home.  It was also a lot of fun to have Grandpa and Grandma McConachie here for the party.  Grandma and I spent the week crafting and getting ready which was so helpful. 

Here’s a video of everyone singing happy birthday to Thomas.  Cannot say how much joy it brought Mike and I to watch him smile and enjoy his party!

A Week in Minnesota

The kiddos and I flew into Minnesota on Thursday night.  After a great flight, thanks to their DVD players, a few books, and a snack we were off and running to meet Grandma Nancy.  Once we met her, we got our luggage and then loaded up the truck and were off to Uncle Troy and Auntie Molly’s house.  The kiddos were really excited to be in Minnesota, so was I.  After saying our hellos and getting settled we all went to bed.  Friday we got up got ourselves in order and then headed to the mall to get a few things.  Then it was back to Troy and Molly’s while the kiddos napped I had crafting afternoon, getting ready for Molly’s baby shower. 

Friday night was dinner, chaos and the Olympics opening ceremony.  Grandpa Jim was flying in from Costa Rica and his flight was delayed which was a bummer.  Thomas tried his hardest to stay awake and go to the airport with Grandma, but right before it was time to leave he decided to stay and just go to bed.  He called Grandpa and left him a message and that was good enough.  On Saturday morning it was up and into wake Grandpa up.  We then had breakfast, got some more stuff done for the shower and then I was off to Lara’s bridal shower (Mike’s brother, Pat’s fiance).  The kiddos stayed with my parents and Uncle Troy and Auntie Molly.  Lara had a nice shower and got a lot of nice gifts.  When the shower was over we headed back to pack up the house and then it was off to a hotel for some swimming fun.  I am pretty sure Mike and I have half fish as children.  They could spend hours in a pool and are getting to be pretty good little swimmers!  Uncle Troy and Auntie Molly joined us and while the girls watched the guys took over in the pool.  We then had dinner and all of us were in bed early.The next morning we were up and in the pool early before heading back over to Troy and Molly’s house.  It was shower day for Baby Girl McConachie and I had a few final things to do in preparation.  Then we loaded the car up we headed over to Lindsay’s house and finished setting up before the other guests arrived.  Baby girl is already so loved and Molly got many wonderful gifts in her honor.  After the shower we went back to get our things at Troy and Molly’s and say our goodbyes there as we were headed to Mike’s parents house for the next few nights.  

Sunday night we had dinner at the Lashen’s and Uncle Don and Auntie’s Mo and Katie joined us.  On Monday morning we went over to an indoor play area in Woodbury where the kids were able to climb and run around for a few hours.  Kathy and I even got inside the play structure for some fun, seriously it was a blast and by the end I was tired too!  When then went back to the Laschen’s to rest and wait for Grandpa to get off work.  When Grandpa finished working we bundled up the kiddos and they got to go outside for some shoveling.  On Tuesday we went to Wild Rumpus bookstore and then had lunch over at Nana Banana’s house.  Then it was home for naps and resting before Grandpa got off of work.  On Wednesday we packed up and headed over to spend the day/night with the Erdalls.  Thomas and Elin had a blast playing with Ben and Hallie and Tiff and I were able to get some much needed catch up time.  For the last few years we have had only quick get togethers which always leave us feeling that it was too short a time together.  This time we were able to get the kiddos some great play time, dinner, and then our own time while the kiddos slept.  For dinner we were also joined by Nikki, Amelia and Addison.  

On Thursday morning the kiddos had breakfast and then it was off to school again for Ben and Hallie.  Thomas, Elin and I headed over for another play date at Nikki, Amelia and Addy’s house.  Then we picked up Nana Kathy and went back to get ready for our flight that night.  Elin and I snuck in a quick nap while Thomas and Nana watched a movie together.   Then it was dinner and off to the airport, we had a late flight scheduled.

At the airport our terminal was right across from the play space so the kiddos got to play while we waited.  It was perfect, after a short delay we boarded and we were ready to get going.  After a quick George for Elin she snuggled in and went to sleep.  Thomas wasn’t far behind her as they both were exhausted.  When we landed I was a little frazzled as I had a soundly sleeping boy and he was not waking up for anything, not even daddy.  The nice gentleman sitting next to me helped me carry some of our stuff and when we got to the area to get a cart, I realized I had left my purse on the plane.  So I went back upstairs hauling the kiddos and thankfully a cart the guy had bought for me.  They gave me my purse and I started the trek back to meet up with Mike.  My arms were exhausted by the time I got there and Thomas still hadn’t stirred.  Mike had the double stroller and we loaded the kiddos in and then it was time go get the bags and head to the car.  We were all excited to see Mike/Daddy and looking forward to a night in our own bed.    Another successful Minnesota trip in the books!