Other Happenings in 2014

It helps to do this, you know? It helps to look back and be grateful for all the things we were able to do in spite of my disease. It's nice to be reminded that I'm advancing in knowledge, raising my kids in a thoughtful way, and keeping family traditions alive.

Don't ask me how this happened, but I now have a kindergartner. Here he is with my mom, who was helping me out that day, probably for health reasons. . . Oh! Back to positivity. I really enjoy our walks to school together. Leepo was SO ready to be in the classroom and he loves his teacher and classmates. He is now a voracious reader and we're so proud of him. 

We're kind of closing in on purchasing needed furniture items, but we've developed such a strong habit of visiting furniture outlets and resale shops that we just can't quit looking. That's not to mention the many enduring friendships we've made over the years talking to furniture-enthusiasts and sellers. Our week is not complete unless we're sitting in some teak chair, catching up with our friends, and convincing others that lamp/coffee table/side-chair is in need of a good home. 

On the topic of traditions, I've been going to the St. Charles Scarecrow fest since I was 9 years old! I've been able to take my kids and it's so sweet to see them experience the simple wonders I enjoyed as a child. Here's Homegirl (previously known as Beanie) with a large gourd she referred to as "Snakey."

2014 was a good year for having guests stay with us, even for weeks at a time. Some people say they stink like fish after a few days, but we honestly love our guests and miss them when they leave. Admittedly, the best are the ones who cook, clean, and paint our house while they're here. Ahem. ;)

MSI in the background

The kids are more into science these days and that makes my heart leap with joy. We got membership to the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) and I marvel at what a treasure that place is. In the summer, we walk from the MSI to the local beach and we're so grateful we live near the great city of Chicago.

Because I never know what each week will bring (stupid colon), I've gotten better at seizing any and all opportunities to do field-trips with the kids. Doing so has made me more purposeful and the results are fantastic. In the last picture, you see my son learning about squid and how they're used for research in the fascinating realm of biofilms. Since that time, he's said that he wants to be a scientist, maybe even an astronaut. I love this age for the intellectual curiosity it brings and the fun to be had with it.

You guys, when I'm not in the bathroom, I'm a pretty interactive and great mom. :)

ABIHM 2014

Here come more memories from 2014. They serve to remind me that in spite of my disease, there have been triumphs and tender mercies.

Going to San Diego for the American Board of Integrative & Holistic Medicine was a milestone moment for me. For starters, I was very grateful to have been nudged in this direction by my friend, Sonia, and to gain board certified after a period of studying like a maniac.

While there, I felt a sense of peace and homecoming. I met many other like-minded individuals and started feeling hopeful about incorporating what I was learning into my own practice and personal health journey.

This was the scenery. This is the food I ate. Everything about the conference was centered on wellness and, even though I was there alone, I didn't worry about flaring during my time there. That feeling is something I want to recreate for myself and others.

BORICUA 2014

I forgot to mention we went to Puerto Rico this year. We hope to go every year if my colon cooperates. This trip was almost ruined by yet another flare, but I managed to survive the plane ride and I'm convinced it was la isla that turned it around for me (I didn't need to take prednisone). 

We had the most pleasant memories in Luquillo. Our apartment complex had a little fence that opened right up to the beach and our kids practically rolled out of bed and into the warm, clear waters of the Caribbean. We dedicated one day to visiting my grandfather in the mountainous region and by the time we got back it was early evening. We thought for sure the kids would be tired and want to go inside, but instead they insisted on taking a dip in the ocean. We told them we didn't have swimwear handy and that didn't matter. They pulled off their clothes and their shiny little bums bobbed in the waves. I will never forget that heart-warming image of freedom and bliss.

We also made it out to Old San Juan. I hadn't been there since I was a kid and the Spanish scenery was very beautiful. I also recall finding the very best bakery for quesitos next to the road for El Yunque (I must have had a lot of confidence in the island's healing powers to challenge my gut with these bread and cheese pastries). Finally, Tim and I were able to enjoy artisanal Puerto Rican food at Terruño.

The island, I'm telling you, it keeps calling us.

Pure Michigan

Hello there, sorry it's been 5 months since I've posted but. . . y'know.

It feels strange to type about this when it's snowing outside, but this summer trip does feel like it was just yesterday. It was good for the soul, too. We had wanted to have a family vacation and mini-road trip, but my disease was so volatile it kept getting pushed back. While I wish I could say I was in remission when we went to Michigan, the truth is I was coming out of a flare and if I recall correctly I was also on some prednisone. We pushed ahead anyway because Michigan had come to represent taking a hold of our life together and dang it if we were going to let disease ruin it. --That's a job for kids, instead!

The only thing I wanted to do on this trip was go up these dunes and look over Sleeping Bear. A certain 5 year old boy kept complaining about sand in his shoes and things were over before they even started. What.ever.

At least we got some amazing views along the way. It was green, green, green for as far as the eye can see. Coming from Illinois, this would be described as mountainous in my book. :)

Oh my goodness, the little farmer-owned shops along the way were the best. Michigan strawberries just burst in your mouth and cherries were in season when we arrived, which was a splendid thing as well. I can still taste the tart cherry juice we picked up on the side of the road, Heavenly.

Traverse City was a larger than expected, but still very quaint town. The views along the lake(s) were out of a picture book. On our last day we stopped at a French restaurant and got to speak with the locals. As expected they were totally lovable. Next time I'd like to take a pontoon boat around and visit all the lakeside establishments. Maybe by then my gut will welcome some ice cream. . .

Out and About

The kiddos in a field of wild chamomile, on the Mississippi.

We've made a resolution to get out there and do more stuff with and without the kiddos. We have a bunch of fun things planned for the summer months and I'm really looking forward to it.

One thing I realized is that mothers need to be very organized and pro-active about planning activities for kids. While I think it's important to have unstructured playtime, there is also a lot of value in taking advantage of educational programs and activities nearby. There were several options available through our local park district, but of course the good and cheap stuff went quickly. Now I know that early May is the time to start signing up for activities. 

The buddy-system is always good for keeping commitments, so I invited my friend Mimi over and we went through our calendars to make play-dates for our kids. Our goal is to enjoy as many activities as possible, for the lowest cost, and to save on transportation by car-pooling. We'd also like to spend more time in the city, Chicago.

A goal that Tim and I share is to do more road-trips. Now I must confess something, we got a minivan. Egads, what has happened to us?! Here's the deal, though. I see it more as a party wagon. -I'm Latino, we travel in packs and this vehicle is fulfilling my destiny, OK? Anyway, we went on a maiden voyage with our new ride (named Donatello because it's green and looks like a ninja turtle) over Memorial weekend and it was glorious.

We went to a town called Nauvoo (IL) on the Mississippi, though we stayed in Keokuk, Iowa. It was perfect for my boy, Leepo. They put on demonstrations of how things were made in the mid-1800s, with the actors dressed in period clothes. We learned how bricks, wagon wheels, ironwork, ropes, bread, clothing, and candles were made. As for souvenirs, we were given our own brick with an impression of the town name, a ring forged from an iron nail, ginger cookies, and Leepo got to keep the rope he made himself.

Let's lasso everything in sight. 

More important, we survived our 4 hour car ride and managed to have a bit of fun during it. This is what helped:

Stay tuned to see what adventures lie ahead!