RIP Max the cat

Sad day in our house today...our beloved cat Max died. He was 14 years old. We got Max the first year we were married...he was a great cat and we will miss him! XOXO

Yum......

Nate and Aidan went down to the cottage overnight so I had a night home by myself. Paula invited me to dinner and a movie and we had a great time - the restaurant was sooooo good - I highly recommend:

Butterfly Sushi Bar & Thai
1421 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60642

Then we saw Sex & The City2

Fashion was fabulous...Big and Aidan both appear (love them both!) ...storyline a little crazy...definately a chick flick...

Overall a fun night out - thanks Paula!

My heart hurts today…

Have you heard me say it before? I.HATE.CANCER. I really, truly do. This evil disease that brings so much pain to so many…not only the person who has it, but those that are around them as well. Today my heart aches…it aches for a little 7 year old boy named Vincent…it aches for his mom and dad who already lost one child at 6 months old…and for his sweet little sister Sofi who clearly adores her big brother…

I started following the CarePages updates on Vincent after learning of his diagnosis – his mom goes to the same MOPS group that I went to for the past 2 years. Vincent was diagnosed with cancer a little over a year ago…after lots of ups and downs he was in remission – he got his miracle! I saw his mom a few months ago at a baby shower and everyone was so happy and congratulating her – what an amazing miracle! But now, already, the cancer is back and with a vengeance. Vincent’s mom tries to sound positive and strong in her posts, but it isn’t looking good for Vincent. I am amazed at the strength and faith Jennifer has – how is that possible? Something so out of your own control that is taking away your child. I just can’t imagine.

"Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalms 27:14

The above verse makes me think of the fight against cancer. So much of this battle is spent waiting…waiting for signs/symptoms between treatments…waiting for the next treatment…waiting for side effects…waiting for positive results…waiting for bad news…

I can’t imagine going through cancer as an adult, like my dad. I also can’t imagine being the mom of a child with cancer and feeling so helpless. My heart aches today…I hope that my dad and Jennifer’s hearts are strengthened. Please keep them both in your prayers.

Swimming before Memorial Day...

Aidan and I are really enjoying early summer here in Chicago! Aidan loves swimming in Aga's pool - his lessons every Saturday with daddy have really paid off. He can swim under water without holding his nose and loves to wear his goggles...it's going to be a fun summer!

Another day at the lake....

Only in Chicago do you go from wearing sweatshirts to bathing suits in a matter of days...today was GORGEOUS...sunny and 88 degrees! We spent the day down at Montrose Harbor where Nate, Aidan and Uncle Kevin got to fish and Kate and I hung out in the sun and enjoyed watching the amazing boats that went by...all in all a wonderful day!

Nate's b-day

Nathan's birthday was this past weekend and Aidan had fun celebrating all week! He didn't understand why it wasn't HIS birthday again...but by the end he enjoyed it. We had a BBQ on Sunday and I didn't pull out the camera so I don't have any pics of Nate!

Aidan started preparing for Nate's birthday on Thursday- I took him shopping and told him he could pick out a present for daddy...he picked out a slip and slide - which actually I think Nate was happy about!

I told Aidan to hide it until daddy's birthday so he put it under his bed. The second Nate walked in the door Aidan ran and got the gift to give to him - 2 days before his birthday. It was very cute. On Friday we worked on a card for him - he was very proud of his creation. Like any 3 year old he LOVES stickers as you can see below:







I asked him what he wanted me to write in the card and he started listing all the things he likes that daddy does - it was very sweet!

Positive vibes...

Sending positive vibes and lots of prayers for my dad...not the best news at the doc yesterday, but my dad is one of the strongest men I know and I know he will do all he can to fight - love you pops!

I. HATE. CANCER.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the moms out there Happy Mother’s Day!

I am especially thinking of a dear friend today who is spending a mother’s day without her mom. Her mom was an amazing woman who loved her family more than anything. I have many wonderful memories spent at their house with a mom who often treated me like one of her own when I was there. Miss you Cathy!

Mom
I thank you for all your love and support over the years – especially the past 3 years. Aidan has enjoyed the time he gets to spend with you each week and he will cherish that bond forever! I know you don’t love driving into the city every week but that you do it because you love me and him. You have taught us both so much. You are the best mom I could ask for. Love you!


"Nana”
Thank you so much for you wisdom - I have learned a lot from you as well. You have always treated me as part of the family and for that I am grateful. I am also thankful for you raising the man my husband has become. He is a wonderful husband, father and friend, and I know that is in part because of how he was raised. Aidan loves spending time with his Nana!

Video 32

Video 32, originally uploaded by kgayeski.

Video from Kite Fest 2010

videos...

Kite Fest

Yesterday we met some friends and family at the Kite Fest at Montrose Beach. It was a great day - very windy and warm. There were some really cool kites and so many people!

Our friends Sherri, Joel and Dario joined us as well - Aidan and Dario had fun playing "chase." Both boys especially loved the octopus kite and took off running regularly to go see it - then it was time for the daddy's to chase Aidan and Dario!

This is Aidan's kite that his "nana" gave him - Aidan loved it!

Little chef...

Aidan loves to help me in the kitchen these days. The other morning we had fun making muffins together - he was so proud of his creations!