Thankful

I have so many moments to be thankful for...

• Noah greeting me at the door when I arrive home. The door from the house to the garage is open and he is standing there with a giant smile on his face.
• Riley sticking to me like a magnet. When I go upstairs, she follows me. When I go downstairs, she follows me. When I sit down, she sits on my lap.
• Dean having dinner on the table when I arrive home from work.
• Reading in bed at night, while Noah reads a book right next to me.
• Numerous hugs from Riley on a daily basis, as well as lots of, "I love you," statements.
• A witty comment from Dean that makes me smile.
• Non-stop chatter from Noah about everything from books he is reading, to play by play of football video games.
• Riley's informative play by play of the activities that took place at school.
• Dean and I watching Big Bang Theory from our DVR library because we are too busy on Thursdays to watch it during prime time.

Annual kid pictures, 2013

My husband is a photographer by trade, so we made the decision to put his skills to use in regards to Noah and Riley's school picture this year. He set up professional photographer lights, a professional photographer's background and even incorporated professional photographer lingo in an effort to capture the perfect smile. 

Noah, Third Grade, 2013

Riley, Kindergarten, 2013

Happiness

Driving home from work, thinking about what to expect when I walk in the door is typical. I never know if my little ones, who are not so little anymore, will be grumpy, happy, silly, rambunctious, or tired. School is exhausting for a five year old and an eight year old.  Especially my five year old. If she stops for a moment, she will easily fall asleep.
Recently, I pulled the car into the garage, turned off the car and began gathering my numerous bags. Bags, purses, lunch boxes, and backpacks tend to follow me wherever I go. This particular day was no different. While I determined which bags could stay in the car until a bit later, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye.I glanced up to discover Noah jumping up and down; holding the door to the garage wide open. The grin on his face was a mile long and his eyes sparkled.
His energy and excitement made me forget about my bags, my to-do list and everything else I pondered on the drive home.
"Mom!" exclaimed Noah.
"Hold on, I can't hear you." I said, as I wiggled and maneuvered to unfold myself from the car.
"Mom! Guess what?" said Noah.
"I don't know. What?"
"I earned 100% on my spelling test." quipped Noah.
"Oh my goodness! Amazing! You really worked to improve your spelling test grade. Your hard work paid off."
Hugs and happiness were shared to celebrate Noah's grade. Needless to say, the bags stayed in the car. Sometimes I have to remember to enjoy the moment and leave the baggage behind.

Mistake, Mischief or Mayhem

I could not find my driver’s license one hour before leaving for the airport. Mistake, mischief or mayhem?

Sometimes $#&@ happens. During our California trip, we were not immune to accidents, mistakes … whatever you want to call it. However, we were lucky because everything that happened to us was fixable.

Mistake number one happened before we even left our house. I couldn't find my driver’s license one hour before leaving for the airport. My mantra in life happens to be, “Everything is fixable.” While running around my house, turning bags, drawers, and purses inside out, I was beginning to think this accident was not fixable. The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) is paid to keep people without valid identification, like me, off airplanes.

Dean had a plan, which became my plan, grab my marriage license, social security card and try to get past security with documentation that is legal and valid. You might be thinking I should have located my passport because that is appropriate identification. Unfortunately, my passport is expired. Additionally, my maiden name is on my passport. The last time I traveled with a passport was in the year 2000. So, needless to say, a passport was not an option.

Back to my plan, Dean’s plan, our plan … We would go to the airport and explain the situation If they didn't let me on the plane, then I would stay behind, obtain a new driver’s license and take a later flight to California. Dean would travel with the kids, by himself, on the original flights we booked. Everything is fixable, right? Yes, everything is fixable, but that didn't stop me from mentally beating myself up for losing my driver’s license right before the trip we have been looking forward to all summer.

Needless to say, everyone in the Leisgang family made it through TSA security. I worked hard to hold back tears when explaining my mishap to numerous people. I have a gut reaction to shed tears anytime I happen to be stressed. Sometimes the tears work in my favor. I think TSA officials could feel my stress and pain. TSA security examined my “legal” documents closely, but still needed photo identification. So, my school identification and Sam’s Club card passed for photo ID and we made it through security. Relief and genuine gratitude flooded my mind; followed by thoughts about what life lesson should I learn from this experience. I haven’t figured out the life lesson yet, but sometimes the best life lessons can’t be figured out until a bit of time has passed.

Back to the original question, my lost driver’s license was a mistake. I was not intentionally inflicting mayhem on my family sixty minutes prior to leaving for the airport. Intentionally causing my family to freak out would be mean and cruel. My lost license was not mischief. My lost license was an honest mistake.

By the way, I did find my license when we returned to Wisconsin. It was inside an envelope from the bank, on the floor of my car, underneath a magazine. I wish I would have been thinking clearly when I searched my car. Then, I could have avoided all this drama, or at least some of it.

Loon Lake, 2013

Our attempt at a family picture while in the canoe.

Attempt #1, so...so...

Attempt #2, better

Cracks me up...

Kill Them With Kindness

A lazy summer morning provides an opportunity for Noah to engage me in watching Animal Planet’s Houston SPCA. This particular episode involved a cute dog that had been injured and left to die. Fortunately, the Houston SPCA came to save the day and transported the injured dog to a veterinary clinic. I am sure you are thinking this brief summary doesn’t sound too unusual for Houston SPCA’s story line; however, the story is about the conversation between Noah and me. The conversation went a bit like this…

“Mom, why did the dog get shot?” asks Noah.

“I am not sure. The vet doesn’t know why the dog was shot, but everyone is trying to help the dog recover from the injury.” I respond while reading my latest library book. Needless to say, I stopped watching because my book was calling my name, begging me to continue reading it. If you have watched one Houston SPCA, you have watched them all. Sometimes I wonder if Noah should be watching this show. He is eight and hopes and dreams about owning a dog someday soon. Does this show help or hinder his dream?

“I know how the dog was shot.” Noah responds confidently.

Slowly closing the book and placing it in my lap, I question, “You do?”

“Yes! The dog was probably running around near a shooting/gun range and accidently ran in front of a bullet.”

“Oh, I don’t think that is what happened.” This conversation is going to be serious, so I place my book on the table and process how to inform Noah that not all pet owners are responsible pet owners. “I think what happened to the dog involved a naughty owner. The owner probably was mad at the dog and shot it.” I did it. That explanation was not so hard. Nice people versus mean people in a nutshell…I think, I hope.

“No, the dog probably ran in front of a bullet while the owner was hunting.”

Rolling my eyes and breathing in deeply, I embark on my second attempt to inform Noah that all human beings are not kind, loving human beings. It is true, all humans are not kind. Noah has to understand and face this reality someday. Our conversation continued, more importantly the brief life lesson reminded me about the importance of treating all humans and animals with kindness and respect, regardless of inner feelings.

If I have a difficult professional relationship, kill them with kindness (figuratively speaking). If I have a challenging period of time with a friend, kill him/her with kindness. If I have a challenging period of time with a loved one, kill him/her with kindness. I have tried with every ounce of my being to encourage my children to be kind and respectful human beings to all individuals/animals. Noah has had some scary run-ins with more than one dog. At one point, he ran from every dog he met. Does that give him permission to be mean and vicious towards dogs? Absolutely not! More importantly, it has provided him an opportunity to learn how to handle his interaction with dogs. Our neighbors energetic Springer Spaniel has helped Noah overcome his fear. He knows he can shower the neighbor dog, Sophie, with love by throwing eight thousand tennis balls for retrieval.

“Good Sophie! You retrieve every tennis ball so well.” He is learning to be kind and overcome his inner fear of dogs.

On the other hand, when another neighbor walks by with her two little dogs, he compliments their owner for taking them on daily walks. His inner being tells him to stay far, far away because they have been known to break from their harnesses and bite. Yes! I said break from their harnesses. It actually happened and resulted in Noah getting nipped. Noah has some strong feelings about these two dogs; however, he has learned to be kind and stay far, far away when they are on their daily walk with their owner.

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Mother Teresa eloquently stated. The echoes of kindness are truly endless. Without kindness, Noah would still be running from all dogs. I can learn a bit from Noah because I can kill him with kindness while encouraging him to follow directions the first time they are given. A girl can dream, right?

Summer Sports

This group of 2nd and 3rd grade baseball players look extremely tough. Love it!

Riley and her U6 soccer team.

 

 

Noah's basketball team. I realize this was a winter sport; however,
it was necessary and important to inlcude with the sports photos.

Checking In

Kids ate breakfast, check!

Kitchen is cleaned up, check!

Next chore on my list for the day is …

“Hey, look! It is a cardinal.” Dean says, interrupting my train of thought.

I respond, while moving to the kitchen window, “Where?”

“No, look out the slider. The cardinal is on one of the deck chairs.” States Dean.

Shuffling over to the slider, I am completely surprised by what I see. “Oh my goodness! I don’t think I have ever had the opportunity to see a cardinal. It is so red. Beautiful!” I respond.

Both Dean and I watch the cardinal as it looks in every direction, including through the slider door into the house. I am in awe of the bold red feathers, the stunning beauty of this bird. Additionally, I am stunned by the bird’s curiosity about what is going on inside our house.

Dean quietly states, “When I see a unique bird like that, I feel like it is your mom checking in on us.”

Tears begin forming in my eyes, “Really?” I am speechless. The cardinal, my mom, checking in on us? “We are doing well, Mom. Thanks for checking.”

And, the cardinal is off, as quick as it arrived; leaving me emotionally raw. We miss you, Mom.

Strawberry Picking at Glendale Farms, Clintonville, WI

My kids loved picking strawberries. Noah probably picked 10 pounds of berries. He picked berries, ate berries and picked some more. Riley picked a few berries, but lost interest in the berry picking process quickly. She was more interested in carrying the orange flag up and down the aisle of the strawberry patch. I don’t think an official strawberry farmer would call the soil between rows of strawberry plants an aisle, but visually, the word aisle works for me. Forgive me for my lack of knowledge when it comes to strawberry patch vocabulary. Anyways, the work with strawberries continues at home. Twenty pounds of strawberries equates to lots of strawberry jam, strawberry desserts and strawberry smoothies. Yum!

Emily, Bonnie, Riley, Alissa, Hunter, & Bria picking berries.

 

Glendale Farms, Clintonville, Wisconsin



Noah beginning the process of picking 10 pounds of berries.

Emily was the only other person who overheard the kid yelling, "Stop throwing strawberries at me."

Noah and Hunter debating whether to eat the berries of place them on the flat.

The tractor ride is one of the best parts about strawberry picking at Glendale Farms.

Success! Although, I think Riley is still debating if the trip was successful.

 

Modern day phone technology in the middle of the strawberry patch.

Stop Throwing Strawberries

“Stop throwing strawberries at me!”

You don’t hear that every day; however, I was fortunate enough to witness this odd statement of frustration while picking strawberries over the weekend. Luckily, my children were not throwing strawberries at each other. This statement of frustration and rage prompted my brain to visualize the many frustrating moments my children have with each other.

“That was my seat on the couch!” squeals Riley.

“You got up, so now it is my seat.” States a very smug Noah. Another moment in time where my kids are purposely throwing strawberries to irritate each other, as well as everybody within ear shot.

 

“I was playing with that toy.”  Yells Noah.

“I had the pink puppy dog first. You took it while I was in the bathroom.” Cries Riley. Mind you, the pink puppy had been neglected for weeks on end. If I am willing to accept the reality of the situation, Riley was making the choice to figuratively throw some strawberries at Noah.

 

Why do siblings love to taunt each other relentlessly? It causes anger and tears, as well as a massive amount of frustration for parents. My brother and I are terribly guilty of taunting each other. In my perfect world, I remember my brother taunted me, and I was a perfect angel. I know that is not true because I am guilty of irritating my brother on purpose. I just wasn't very good at it.

As kids, do we learn problem solving skills by overcoming these moments of frustration? Do we gain a “thick skin” so when strangers throw strawberries we are protected emotionally? I don’t have the answers, but realize Dean and I are not the only parents who struggle through these frustrating and pointless sibling conflicts. Hopefully my kids are stronger emotionally, socially and physically because they have each other to sort out some of these problem solving skills.

Happy 8th birthday, Noah!

Dear Noah,

So many memories come to mind when I think of your birthday. I remember calling your dad at work and saying, “Come home immediately after work. I think I am having contractions.” Mind you, my phone call to your dad was 16 days too early.

Dean came home after work and found me wandering around the house, gathering items to throw in my hospital bag. I felt as if I was a dog chasing my tail. Every time I stopped to gather an item, I had a contraction. Needless to say, the pain erased my short term memory and I forgot what Item I was going to throw in my hospital bag. Plus, I was roaming the house wearing running shoes that were not tied. I was unable to reach around my belly to tie my shoes. I clearly remember sitting at the top of the stairs and watching Dean tie my shoes. All the while, he was saying, “I will get your bag. I will get your coat. Please go get in the car.”

Fast forward to the hospital, Dean and I entered the hospital through the Emergency Room because every other entrance was under construction.

“Do you want a wheelchair? The doctor said you should get a wheelchair when you arrive at the hospital.” Asked Dean.

With confidence I responded, “No, I can walk.” My ‘I can do everything myself’ attitude came into question when I realized we had to walk miles and miles to get to the maternity wing.

The nurses admitted me to the hospital, your dad and I watched ESPN News all night long and you were born at 7:45am. Your birth was surreal.

Dean and I were thrilled and overwhelmed. You were 16 days early. I called Grandma Pat and Papa Roger. Grandma Pat was overjoyed and so was Papa Roger. We didn’t call anyone when we left for the hospital at midnight, so your birth was a surprise to everyone we called. Again, you were 16 days early. Who wouldn’t be surprised?

Grandma Pat said, “If you had called and told me you were going to the hospital, I would have stayed up all night worrying.”

Grandma Babe was concerned we were playing a joke. She even told Daddy Dean, “You don’t joke about these things. The baby is 16 days early.”

Your birth was not a joke. It was a beautiful surprise. Your competitive nature to accomplish everything well and first continues today. We love you! Happy 8^th birthday, Noah!

Love, Mom and Dad

 

Noah's First Communion

Happy Birthday, baby girl!

 

Who would not enjoy a week of birthday celebrations? As our family embarked on Riley’s birthday week, I realize celebrating for week might be the best way to go. First, we hosted Riley’s birthday party on Easter Sunday, since the entire family would be together.  The food, which Dean and I worked very hard to prepare, was appreciated by Riley; however, she had more important things on her mind. The purple princess cake was a priority. It was fancy enough for our little princess, as well as very tasty. Of course, in Riley fashion, she ate the frosting and left the cake on her plate. Who doesn’t love a little birthday frosting?

Finally, the presents… She was so excited for the presents. How do you teach a five year old to realize that birthday celebrations don’t always have to involve presents? Whenever someone spoke of her birthday, she rattled on about her birthday present list.

“I have a birthday list. Do you want to see it?” Riley would inquire, in a very matter-of-fact voice.

Of course, Dean and I would follow up Riley’s inquiry with, “Just because it is your birthday, does not require people give you a present.”

“I know, but I do have a birthday list.” Riley would innocently respond.

Yes, Riley’s logic is sound, but our original statement remains true. Just because it is your birthday, does not mean people are required to give you a present. Could you imagine Dean and I, as adults, sharing our personal birthday lists with friends and family? The unsolicited presentation of a birthday list would be weird, as well rude. Back to the original question, how do you teach a five year old to realize that birthday celebrations don’t always have to involve presents? Well, at five years old, her behavior comes across as very cute to everyone, so we have time to work on helping Riley understand the concept that birthdays don’t always require presents. Now, if she is 30 years old and presenting her birthday list to friends and family, I will be a bit concerned. Riley did appreciate the presents she received from friends and family, and has been playing with the toys all week, as well as dressing up in all her new clothes.

Of course, a birthday would not be complete without an opportunity to share treats at school. Riley helped bake birthday cupcakes for her classmates in 4K. In actuality, she dumped the ingredients into the mixer and moved the mixer knob; mixing all the ingredients together. I took on the responsibility of filling the cupcake pan with batter, as well as frosting all the cupcakes. The best part was presenting her classmates with the cupcakes and wearing a birthday crown at school.

The birthday week continued with a trip to Build-a-Bear with Riley’s Godmother, Emily. Riley returned home with a bunny, dressed in fancy girl clothes. Furthermore, she named her bunny, Frosting in Spring. Not Frosting, not Frosting Leisgang, but Frosting in Spring. Go figure, Riley has a mind of her own. She has spent the days following the Build-a-Bear experience dressing and re-dressing her bunny.

Finally, April 5^th, her actual birthday was very quiet. Everyone spent the evening at home. Noah was sleeping on the couch, trying to sleep away an unexpected illness. Riley continued to dress and re-dress her build-a-bunny. Finally, Dean and Riley wrapped up the evening to visit Riley’s birthday twin, Aunt Eileen.

Celebrate your birthday for a day or week, which is better? I am not sure. However, if you ask Riley, she would respond that her birthday week was extremely special.

 

 

Egg-stravaganza

 

While Riley’s hands steadily turn her egg into a piece of art, Noah runs off and states, “I’m done.”

Noah and Riley have such opposite personalities. Noah is competitive. For instance, he had his hands on the hard boiled eggs before I had the colored dye ready. Then, he plopped one into the Easter egg dye before I even knew what was happening. Riley sensed my frustration because I couldn’t move as fast as Noah, and waited patiently for me to give her the go ahead.

Geez, I sound like my mother. I remember my mother, in her later years, commented on how I could zoom around the kitchen and prepare food so quickly. Typically, she made the choice to stay out of my way. Am I my mother, commenting on how quickly my children, namely Noah, move through activities?      

If I am like my mother, that is perfectly fine with me. She was the kindest, most compassionate individual. I digress…

Back to eggs, green finger tips and a tradition we have been sharing with Cousin Emily for seven years. The first time we gathered to color eggs was when Noah was ten months old. He sat on the table, in a onesie. Emily, Uncle Ray and I did most of the work, while Aunt Bonnie took pictures. Our little group evolved over the years and Riley joined the elite egg group. We went from using small paint brushes to color eggs, to independently plopping the eggs into the dye. Today, we had a chance to celebrate our last hurrah as elite eggers. Emily is off to college in the fall. Domi, an exchange student from Italy, colored eggs for the first time. We will continue our egg coloring tradition; however, it will look different next year. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

This one time, on the train ...

“The sun never sets here. I can’t sleep.”

“It is too hot here. Do you have air conditioning?”

In the middle of nowhere, “Why won’t my cell phone work?”

“Where is Mt. McKinley? Where are the animals?”

So many life lessons, I learned while working on the train. Well, not really, but I did work hard and learn a lot. I learned if people are grumps in their daily life, they are going to be grumpy on vacation. There were many times I walked up to chat with passengers on the train, only to walk away with an earful of complaints.

"My tour guide told me I would see a lot of animals. Where are the animals?" a passenger inquired.

"Keep looking out the window. They are out there. Unfortunately, a massive train doesn't sneak up on animals very easily. If you see something, let me know." I responded, while slowly making my way towards a more jovial passenger.

I learned to be polite and respectful, while reminding myself not to take their grumpiness personally. I can't change their outlook on life. It took awhile to figure out the nature of people. What I learned during the summer of 1998 and 1999, still applies today.

“Some people are like thorns. But you have to let them be thorns, because thorns can't turn into petals. The trick is not letting them prick you; never let a thorn prick you!”  -C. JoyBell C.

Life requires good navigational skills. Stay away from the thorns and seek out the beauty of the petals.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” - Socrates

The Birds & The Bees

“Molly is having a baby?” Questioned Noah.

“Yep!” I responded.

“How did the baby get inside Molly’s belly? “ Noah innocently inquired.

Oh boy…second grade and I am about to begin tackling the birds and bees conversation. How much do I share? How much do I hold back? Why now? It is eight-o-clock and time for bed. Can’t we read some stories and call it a day?

“Well, how babies get inside a mommy’s belly is complicated.” So far, so good…this conversation won’t be as difficult as I thought.

“I mean, does Molly just say she wants a baby in her belly and suddenly she has a baby in her belly?”

“Ummm, no.” Think, think, think. How am I going to explain this? When do they teach growth and development in school? Fifth grade? Fourth grade? Oh my, they teach growth and development in fourth grade. Noah is in second grade. How much do I tell him?

Gathering my scattered thoughts quickly, I respond with what I hope and pray is an appropriate response to Noah’s inquiry. “When a mommy and daddy are married and love each other, they talk about having a family. When they are ready to have a family, they say a prayer to God asking for help to have a baby. If they are healthy and lucky, they will be blessed with a baby.”

Fingers crossed, toes crossed, that my explanation is sufficient.

“Oh…. Is Molly going to have a boy or girl? What is she going to name her baby? Maybe she can name the baby Lucas or Jayson, if it is a boy?”

Like the snap of a finger, Noah moved on to the next question. Life as a seven year old is so sweet, so easy and so innocent.