Scattered

We've been more than a little scattered lately. There has been lots going on this spring and many big events we've had recently. I'd like to post more details on them, but that will have to wait a while - I'm grabbing a few minutes while the kids sleep to to put out this quick message now :) So, here's what has us running around like crazy...

Big, big, big news - We're getting ready to move! We are working around the clock to get our house finished so we can put it on the market. We've found our dream house we plan on living in the rest of our lives...it has EVERYTHING we want and have asked for...perfect location, lots of room, some land, excellent school district.... So, we have to get our house done and up for sale, so we can put in an offer contingent on the sale of our house. We ask that everyone help us by asking the universe for help and cooperation with this big dream for our family!!

We celebrated Rae's birthday with Easter this year and it was wonderful! She is getting old enough to understand everything that goes along with the celebration and had tons of fun! Still working on the new caramel room in my mom's basement whenever we're there with a little time. We've attended a few big rank testings for karate...two black belts and a purple belt...all did excellent and were an honor to be invited by their senseis. We had another poker party with our students, that Jen won! My grandma moved from her house that she's lived in for over 55 years this past weekend. I was planning on helping, but ended up with the kids and spent most of the time trying to keep them out of the way of the other movers :) Our sister-in-law, Jen, is due with their second child in under 3 weeks...so, we're all in the excited, on-call mode for the big news. Our other sister-in-law, Pam is due with their first in about two months, and Jen is excited about going out to MN for the baby shower soon!

Thanks to all of you that have been helping and dealing with our scattered nature lately. Once this house thing calms down we'll be able to plan and organize a little better again ;)

Well, kids are waking up and we still have lots to do before Jen gets home from work...I'll get more details and pics out soon!!

Larissa Mae Zeise

Our friends, Zak & Carrie Zeise brought their first baby into the world!! Larissa was born Friday, April 10th...7 lbs 3 oz, 20 inches long, with a natural birth! Amazing and wonderful!

When Zak called me, he was filled with so much joy, it was unmistakable and brought me right back to the moments when my daughters were born...nothing like it, nothing even close. It was love, hope, joy, unity and peace so utterly encompassing...for me, my wife and our marriage, our new child, and all the family and friends close to us.

I could feel the same vibrations coming from Zak over the phone this weekend! What a wonderful time! Congratulations Zak and Carrie, and welcome to parenthood!! We can't wait to meet Larissa!!!

Gratitude - I am grateful for children, mine and all the others around the world. They are a true expression of love, hope & joy!

Getting Lots Done

The Lutsey family has been going like crazy in Omro! We've been knocking out all sorts of projects on the house the past couple of weeks...some really amazing stuff!! Jen took both girls up to the cottage for a few days last weekend and it sounds like they had unparalleled fun! Our sister, Jen, and her son Chase came up with them for a couple of days and Roy & Pauline were up for a day too! We're looking forward to celebrating Easter and Rae's 3rd birthday at our house with Jen's family on Saturday and in Green Bay with my family on Sunday. Weather is looking great for the rest of the week...yea!! (Pics coming soon of house projects and family...promise)

Side note - I discovered a new favorite wine, Sweet Bitch Merlot. It has the taste of a merlot, but is sweeter than a usual merlot...perfect combination for those of us not excited about the dry, dry wines!

Gratitude - I am grateful for the wonderful Spring weather we've been having. Life, rebirth, and renewal seem to fill every breath of fresh air. Rae and Jo can't get enough of outside play time!

Handrail

We installed a handrail last weekend. We mounted it low so both kids could reach it...they love it! They are both very excited about being able to use it up and down the stairs all on their own!! It was my first time doing a project like this. It turned out pretty nice. All the angles and lengths came out right on the money first time! Lots of little things and extra time than I first figured...but that's pretty normal for a first time project with me :) The rest of the trim work around the stairs is still a work in progress - that should be getting done this coming weekend.