Spring Fun!

Chicago Wolves Game

Our family was invited to the Chicago Wolves game a couple weeks ago to celebrate a friend's birthday. The kids had fun decorating signs to hold up during the game. Truthfully...we spent a lot of time doing all sorts of things to keep them entertained but watching the game didn't really hold their attention. It was still a fun experience for them and they had a blast. 

 Lost Teeth
Jordan lost his two front teeth! He was so excited! He lost one after school and then the other in the car on his way home that very same day. It's hard to tell just how toothless he is, but he's got a pretty wide gap in the front there. It's super cute. There aren't really signs of the next teeth growing in yet so he'll be missing those teeth for a while!

 Dog Sitting
Last weekend, my parents dog sat for my sister's dog Xena. She's the white dog in the picture below. Danny is holding my parents' dog, Daisy. They've only had Daisy for a few weeks. The kids love her so much. It's sweet to watch them interact with her. She has quickly found a place in their hearts.

 Silly Fake Mustaches!
Jordan went to an 80's themed birthday party! He was one of only a few boys there. Here he is with his cousin, Alex, being silly. It cracks me up how these kids can't just smile...they have to get goofy. It's fun!

 Park! Park! Park!
It was finally warm enough for a trip to the park! Since this first time, we've been to a few other parks but this was my first trip to a park this spring with the kids. It's fun to see them run around outside again. It's just been too long of a winter!

I'm so excited that the weather is finally warming up. We've gone back and forth between warm and cool days but we've been in the 50's a few time sand that's awesome! We've even had some sunshine and that's the ultimate best. 

It's Time for a Come Back!

Back To Blogging
It's been a little over a year since I last posted anything here at From My Front Porch Looking In! With my new job, things have been busier than ever...and somewhat overwhelming lately as we try to manage all the things. What that also means is that I've been thinking even more about life and celebrating how awesome my life is. All this thinking has reminded me how much I loved sharing personal stories and revelations when I blogged here.

Life is truly amazing. It's this wonderful gift that we have been given to make the most of. I go to bed every night thankful for all the wonderful people in my life and all the great opportunities I have to be the best me, to help others, to make a contribution to this wildly spinning world. I wake up every morning thankful for another chance to make this new day better than the last. It's not always easy but I know I've got it better than a lot of people and for that I'm very thankful.

Capturing life through pictures and sharing stories for myself and with others is what I really love about blogging. I have a pretty great record of Jordan's first few years of life but not so much since Danny was born. Ugh, I can't go back in time but I can go back to blogging here going forward. It's so nice that this little space has been waiting for me. While I don't have much time for blogging but I do have some time blogging. And that will have to be enough. We always make time for what's important, right? And this is important. It doesn't mean I won't need a little nudge here and again, so if you don't see me here, feel free to nag me!

That Was Then
Yup, this picture was from 2008 and one of my first posts here when Jordan wasn't even 1 year old yet! Look at our little family! I remember those little slipper-type shoes he used to wear. We were at Chad's school for a roller-skating party and we pushed Jordan around in his stroller.

This Is Now

So...today! Today we set off for Frankfort, Illinois, a place none of us had ever been, to meet Jordan Lynch, former quarterback for the NIU Huskies. Chad and I met when we lived across the hall from each other in the residence halls at Northern Illinois University. It's crazy to think it's been almost 15 years since we first met there in the fall of 1999. Sheesh. Look at our family now? Jordan is 6 1/2 and Danny is 3 1/2. Our little guys are so much fun.

I have to say, it's good to be back! Sharing stories of my family is a great way of celebrating and it feels great. It seems like a blogging goal or commitment would make sense about now. I think I'll shoot for once a week. If I can at least get here once a week and share a reflection of the week, I think that would be great. Who knows, maybe it'll be more, but once a week sounds good for now. 

Take care and talk soon!

My Sports Hubby

In an effort to post something non-kid related I have a hubby-related post for you today!  He's a sports maniac, but I mean that in a nice way.  I love that he's so invested in the sports that he loves: football and basketball.  While he knows enough about other sports, too, he's the expert on football and basketball.

Now that "our" football season is done (the Bears lost in the playoffs the weekend before last), he's moved onto watching the Bulls.  I hear about all the players for the Bulls, but it seems like more and more I've heard him talking about Kyle Korver.  Kyle Korver is new to the Bulls this year but seems to be one of their go-to shooters.  Chad tells me all about how they get him open, get him the ball and how effective he is at making the shots when he needs to.  When I watch, I notice him running around like crazy trying to get open to get a pass and make that shot, but it's fun to watch.

If you haven't heard of Kyle Korver before there's one more thing to point out about him...and apparently, he's not so happy that people make this connection with him...but I have to talk about it.  He looks like Ashton Kutcher!  Not so important when it comes to his impact as a player, but for this Ashton Kutcher fan it's definitely worthy of being pointed out.  I, personally, think it's cool that we have a Bulls player who looks like Ashton.  What do you think?

This picture (thanks to TMZ) might not be the best picture to compare the two of them and if you're so keen you can type in Korver and Kutcher and you'll get more images of how closely the two resemble each other.

Like I said, I love that he's into sports.  I think it's great that he has something in his life that he is so invested in.  I have my books...mounds and mounds of books, which can be found all over the house, as Chad so nicely pointed out the other day.  What are you into?  What consumes you?  What could you not live without (apart from your family...)?

My Sweet Peanut!

I got a call from the doctor this morning to tell me that they have an opening for me to be induced tomorrow morning! I can't believe it and I am so excited! We have been waiting and anticipating this new little baby and now we finally get to meet him or her!

It took a little while for it to sink in that this new baby will really be here and our family will never be the same. We had lunch out today and then saw Toy Story 3 and all I could think about was that it was the last time we would be spending time together just the three of us! It's crazy.

I love Jordan so much, it's amazing how much more I love him every day (even when I'm cranky or impatient and he's in 3-year-old-tantrum mode...). It has been so much fun watching him grow up and experiencing life with him. I know our relationship will change but I love knowing how great he is and that our next baby will be just as special. I'm overwhelmed just thinking about how much more love is going to be in our lives!

Jordan is going to make such a great big brother. He's just a sweet kiddo and he loves babies. We have talked so much about the baby coming and how things might be different and how he'll have to help us. I kept looking over at him during the movie...just a little kid with a big bag of popcorn in his lap, munching away. He was glued to the screen. It didn't help my state of emotions that the movie was about when Andy is all grown up and going away to college. When I reached over and hugged him and said, "I love you, Jordan," he looked up, wrapped one arm around my neck and said, "I love you, Mom." At one point, I thought he might fall asleep...and then Chad came back from the concession stand with Mello Yello (because he forgot about not getting caffeine - apparently his brain cells have been sucked away along with mine because we never give Jordan pop or caffeine and I can't drink caffeine...but that's okay.) Jordan took a few sips but was still very zoned in to the movie...until the very end when all of a sudden he was sitting up straight on the edge of his seat bouncing, bouncing, bouncing...and the seat was going squeak, squeak, squeak. Chad and I just had to look at each other and laugh. You gotta love that kid!

This post is a "Cheers!" to Jordan and the great big brother that he is going to be. Since I couldn't video tape him in the movie theater...here's a little glimpse of him at his soccer camp this week. He's one of the youngest in the class and still getting used to the idea of playing a game...it's just so cute to watch him and the other kids in the camp and the ball, yeah, don't forget the ball...there's no way you can't smile at this! He's the adorable one in the orange shorts and striped shirt!!!

Olympic Musings

Sheesh, it's been forever and ever and ever since I last posted! Sorry blog followers! I've just been super busy lately and blogging has been a low priority. Not that I don't love my blog!

I can't believe it's already almost the end of February. Have you noticed the sun more and more? I say that as we are in the middle of a winter storm watch, but it has been sunnier lately. It means March is right around the corner and that means spring!

Until spring officially makes its way into our lives once again, Chad and I are enjoying the Winter Olympics. Chad explained to me that no dude likes or ever admits (if they do) to watching the opening ceremony because it's so parade-y and girly. I watched until I fell asleep...they were cool this year but I do like the closing ceremonies much better because I feel like I know the athletes more.

Kathy posted this week about watching the Olympics and I figured I would post my own Olympics memories. I have always loved watching the Olympics, my family always watched when I was a kid. When the torch was on it's tour before the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta I went to see it when it made a stop at the train station in Lake Forest. That was super cool. I remember watching with my dad and my sister.

We've met a few Olympians but I can't find any pictures! I think they may be on my old computer. But here are the people we have met: Jenny Finch (gold medal-winner for softball), Magic Johnson (gold medal-winner in basketball), and Michael Phelps (million time over gold-medal-winner). Chad also took Jordan to meet Mark Spitz who held the record for winning in swimming before Phelps broke his record.

I have to say meeting Jenny Finch was pretty cool. We've met lots of athletes but she had her gold medal with her and let me hold it. I barely held back tears because I was so moved. There is something profound about holding a golf medal. Amazing. Sorry I have no pictures...maybe I can dig some up. I hope to post again soon!

Bears Lose

Last week, Chad and I went to the Bears game with our friends Chris and Nikki while Jacquie babysat for us! My parents, our regular babysitters, have been out of town for about a week and won't be back for another week yet. I miss them but it's nice to know we have other family and friends there to help us when we need it!

Since we were making the trip into the city, I asked Chad - like I always do - if we could go to Ed Debevic's. I love that place!!! I have a slight obsession with it. It's always more fun with friends so I was excited when Chris and Nikki wanted to go. Here we are in all our Bears gear! I had about 4 layers on!

Chris and Nikki sporting their Ed's hats!

We've been to the new stadium two or three times but this was my first time going up to the columns. How sweet is the background of this picture? Can you see the orb above me? There was another one in the same place but over Chad. It got cut out when I cropped the picture but it was very cool. I love old places that have spirits...at least, that's what I believe.
Chris and Chad before the game. We were on our way to the pro shop and stopped to see the players warming up.

Unfortunately, the Bears lost the game. The had lots of chances and it was close in the end but we didn't win. I am going to admit that I kind of snoozed my way through the 4th quarter...maybe some of the 3rd quarter. It was cold but I was tired. It was a late night for us!

More Gokey Goodness

After all our Halloween trick-or-treating fun Chad and I jumped in the car and headed up to Milwaukee for the Milwaukee Bucks season home opener where Danny Gokey sang the national anthem and then performed at halftime.

There was a silent auction with lots of Gokey signed stuff and some other signed sports items. These were the coolest thing by far: the actual real-live glasses the Danny wore when he performed PYT on American Idol this season, and signed. How awesome are these things? We're not sure how much they went for but the bids started at $200. All proceeds, of course, went to the Sophia's Heart Foundation.

Here we are in our seats...we were a little worried because there weren't many people there (see the empty seats behind us?) but it filled up quite a bit by the time the game started.
Here's Danny, sounding awesome as usual!
Is it bad to admit that we didn't stay for the whole game? We left after halftime. It was the perfect kind of basketball game for me. I like going, and if it's exciting I love staying to watch, but we were watching the Bucks versus the Pistons and I definitely didn't have a clue as to who was who so leaving after halftime was great.

Johnny Knox

Tuesday night we went to go meet Johnny Knox up at Gurnee Mills. We were really excited to see him because he is doing great for our Bears this year! Unfortunately, he wasn't really officially taking pictures, bummer.

Chad and Jordan (looking at) Johnny Knox.

Our Whirlwind Saturday

We had a wild Saturday this last weekend!  We started off with gymnastics.  It was the first class of the new session and Jordan is now in the transitional class which means he gets to go into the big gym!  He had to do an obstacle course and did a really great job!  I was so proud of him.  

Here's Jordan amid the other gym-goers waiting to get his stamps! 
After gymnastics we loaded ourselves into the car and made our way to Rockford.  Jordan took a nap (thankfully!) and I read and took a nap myself while Chad drove. 

Our first stop in Rockford was Monkey Joe's.  Monkey Joes's is a cool place that had lots of jumpy things!  We even met Monkey Joe!
Right away Chad took Jordan down a giant slide...I kind of freaked out when I saw Jordan coming down so fast, but was relieved to see him pop up and say, "I did it!"

Now, after Monkey Joe's we had a little bit of time and the new extension of the Rockford Public Library was right there, so what did we do?  We went.  The funny thing to me was that Chad didn't even blink an eye, we just strolled right over.  I'm starting to think it's normal to visit public libraries wherever we go, but, really, I don't think people go places and stop in the library.  We're just cool like that.  

Our next stop in Rockford was our friend, Braylon's, birthday party.  Chad's friend Max's son turned 1 and we went to celebrate with him!

After the party we stopped at Grandma Sue's and Bubba's to see Keeton (Chad's cat) and then went with them to eat dinner at Pizza Ranch.  It was dudical.  

It was a wild Saturday!  We survived though and we had a great time!

Jordan's First Bulls Game!

Today we took Jordan to his first Bulls game!  My parents and Rob, Silvia, and Alex came with us.  Jordan had so much fun watching the pre-game stuff that he thought it was all done when the game started.  He kept saying, "All done," until he realized it wasn't all done and we weren't going home yet. 

Jordan fell asleep for a little bit until Chad woke him up to go meet Benny the Bull.  We were a little too late to get our picture taken with Benny but Jordan got to give him a high five:

After the game Jordan and Alex had fun looking at the people down below us.  We were in the 300 level which is pretty high up.  You could still see the whole court easily. 

Here are the Vincents!  The game was great, and was close at the end so it was exciting to watch.  You can see the smiles on our faces: Bulls win!
Here we are after the arena emptied out.
Gama and Papa
Chad and Jordan with the new Johnny "Red" Kerr statue. 

It's Baseball Season (next week)!

It was nice enough for Jordan and Chad to play outside this afternoon.  We got Jordan some baseball gear not too long ago.  He was having a blast hitting the balls off the tee!

Bulls Vs. Raptors

Yesterday, Chad called me at work to see if we could go to the Bulls game because he got tickets last minute from a friend from work.  He was all excited so we decided to go.  We stopped at Fudrucker's on the way for burgers and then drove into the city and seriously walked into our seats as they were announcing the starting lineup.  We did great!  Here's Chad with the Michael Jordan statue...even though it's hard to see. 

This is supposed to be a picture of the inflatable Benny but this is as close as I could get with our camera.
These are the drum squad...I can't remember their names...but we have seen them before and they are pretty cool.  
The hubby and me!
A random far away shot of the game...oh yeah, there was a game going on.  I always get caught up on all the other stuff going on.  

Adrian Peterson Fall Festival 2008

On Columbus Day, Chad was so excited to take us to Adrian Peterson's Fall Festival.  Adrian Peterson is a football player for the Chicago Bears.  We were able to meet tons of Bears, Jordan was able to play and eats lots of food.  I think my pictures are out of order, but they're all here!

Chad, Jordan, and Tommie Harris

Jordan playing in the mini-ball pit. Yes, we do let him play in germ-infested ball pits.    

Jordan and I riding the train.  Choo choo!

Kevin Jones, running bac.k

Jordan, me, and Matt Forte, our rookie running back. 

Matt Forte signing the ball Chad chose for all the players in the backfield to sign.

Me, Jordan, and Rashied Davis, a wide received... and one of my favorite players!

Roberto Garza, Jordan, and me. 

Chad, Jordan, and Desmond Clark.  

Me, Chad, Jordan, and Jason Beekman, an offensive lineman.

Jason McKie, the fullback for the Bears.

Garrett Wolfe!!!!  Another Vincent household favorite!

Adrian Peterson, this is the player who hosted the entire event to raise money for a charity he supports.