I took a road trip back home to South Dakota this past weekend. It was so nice to get away from the monotony of life's responsibilities. I guess that's why they call it a vacation. I saw lots of people that I haven't seen in awhile. One of the first questions I usually got was, "Do you have pictures of your kids?" That's when I realized, I really don't have many pictures of them on my phone. And, I mean, who keeps pictures in their wallet anymore (besides my mother)?

So guess what I did today...

*NOTICE: The ratio of pictures has been heavily weighted these days toward my 8 year old camera-loving daughter since my 20 year old son has an aversion to having his picture taken, not to mention, he is not as accessible as I would always like him to be!

Letting go.

 
I knew this day would come. I mean, I can't hold on to him forever. I knew he would turn into a young man one day. I just didn't think that day would come this quickly. My first born is 19, almost 20.

Jarod has always wanted to travel and experience the world. He has been saying for the last couple of years he wants to take a road trip, but he wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do. That would mean quitting his job--the only job he has ever had and that paid him well. That would also mean putting his Bible college studies on hold. He wrestled with this for quite some time, but finally came to realize that if he didn't do it now he would never do it. So the decision was made. He put his two weeks in at his job, he told his school that he was putting his studies on hold, and he got a dog. Yep, a dog, because he has been wanting one for awhile (unfortunately, his parents have not had this same desire) and he figured now would be a perfect time. The dog's name is Kota, as in Dakota. He is the sweetest dog I have ever met. He is totally attached to Jarod and cries and barks if he can't be by his side.

 

Jarod has been gone for a couple of days now on this journey. He doesn't know how long he'll be gone. Maybe 2 weeks...maybe 2 months. His travels will include South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, California, and Texas. I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous. I wish I would have done something like this when I was younger, before kids and marriage. That's okay. I can live vicariously through my children.

Even though I miss my son, I am excited for him. I know this will be an amazing, life-changing experience. He will meet new people, see new places, and find things out about himself that he doesn't already know.

It's hard for me, not being able to know exactly what he's doing. Or know that I can see him whenever I want to. Or call him and tell him to bring me home some Chocolae Haagen Dazs ice cream. He isn't even staying in hotels. Just sleeping under the stars in his camping gear. Oh Lord protect him. Make sure he is eating enough. And brushing his teeth. And washing out his underwear clothes, even if it is in a river.

I'm so proud of Jarod. He has turned out to be a fine, young man. He is a deep thinker. He is compassionate. He is gifted in music and art. He loves nature. He has a tender heart. He loves people. And most importantly, he loves God. What more could a mom possibly ask for. I'm so proud of him. I love you, son! See you when you get home.

Chicago Vacation

We had a great vacation in the windy city of Chicago. This is my first time visiting this amazing city and I loved it. And what made it extra special was my in-laws met up with us. Can I just say, I have the best in-laws! They are tons of fun to be around and are just darn good people.

As soon as we checked into the hotel I knew it was going to be a good vacation-simply because I liked the hotel. You see, I have this thing for hotels. They basically gross me out, and if they are not super clean and up to date then I have a hard time staying in them. This hotel was very modern and nice and had lots of amenities. But, of course, I still brought my own bedding and my super-duper-homemade-germ killer spray (aka vinegar and essential oils) which I use to douse everything upon immediate arrival of the room.

We woke up Sunday morning and I made a quick run to Trader Joe's. This was my first time in one of these stores and I am counting down the days (9 days) until we get one here in KC. Then all of us took the train to downtown. This was quite the experience trying to figure out which one to get on, which one to change over to and where to get off. I'm sure it was quite the site watching all 14 of us maneuver our way through the city.

You know, I thought I lived in a fairly big city. Whateva! KC ain't got nothin' on Chicago. There is so much to do and see in Chicago. And please forgive me for saying this, but I noticed right away that people are much more in shape here. There were so many bike riders, roller bladers, boat riders, walkers, etc. It made me wish I lived in a more walkable city.

We visited the Navy Pier, which is one of the city's biggest attractions. I loved seeing the beautiful lake. It was huge.  We got to take a fairy ride to cross the lake. We also rode rides in the carnival area and played a game of miniature golf. Maleah and Jarod had a great time. I think it made Jarod want to move to a bigger city.

Maleah and Uncle Charlie

Michaela, Mike's daughter, also flew in from Mississippi. We don't get to see her very often so it was nice that she was able to be with us. Maleah loves her big sis.

Maleah and Michaela

My bro-in-law, John, took us to eat at this AMAZING vegan/vegetarian restaurant in an area of the city called Lakeview. What a funky, artsy fun area. The food at this place was crazy good. It was funny watching the non-vegetarian family members try to order something off of the menu. I kept hearing, "What the heck is that?" and "I'm not eating that!" But everybody ended up really liking what they ordered. I thought it was so great that everyone ventured out and tried something new.

And, of course, if there's an Ikea in the city I'm going! I simply cannot understand why we don't have one. Maybe that's a good thing, though, because I would have to practice the art of restraining, something that doesn't come easy to me.

grubbin' at Ikea

Here we are saying our good-byes. I hated having to tell them good-bye. Once a year is just not enough time to spend with loved ones. But I am super grateful that we got to take this trip and am looking forward to doing it again.

me and Mom Grigsby

Rockin' it at the Hardbean

Jarod had a singing gig at the Hardbean Cafe this past Saturday. We had a great time. My mom and dad went too. It's hard to explain the feelings I get when I watch my son sing and perform. There is just something about that boy's music. I'm not kidding. The words and the sound are so anointed. So deep. So moving. I have been moved to tears plenty of times. My dad actually got up at one point to excuse himself to the bathroom to wipe the tears.

And Maleah sure loves seeing her big bro perform. You can see the adoration in her eyes towards him. It's precious.

(my hunky hubby)

(my dad and maleah)

Jarod has such a tender heart for people. A gentle spirit. And it definitely comes through in his music. I pray that the Lord will continue to use him to touch others through his music.

I am one proud (and grateful) mama!

Maleah's 7th Birthday

(artwork by Daddy)

My baby girl turned seven (sigh). It's so hard to believe. She is slowly phasing out of the little girl stage and into, well, I don't know, just older. I can tell she's getting older in the way she responds to things I have been doing forever, like pinching her tushy. I guess when you are seven it is no longer cool for your mother to do this. I get the ol' "MOM!" And when I kiss on her incredibly soft, mushy cheeks for too long I get, "MOM, that's enough!" Why does this type of behavior have to start so early?!

For her seventh birthday we had a Flower Power birthday party. So fun...so girly!


We had flower sandwiches...



and we played Pin the Petal on the Flower...



and we painted flower pots and planted flower seeds in them.




The girls had so much fun. And I was grateful for the perfect weather.


Maleah was truly blessed with the many gifts she received. I was impressed by how thoughtful and "crafty" the gifts were.

And I gotta give props to my awesome son, Jarod, who put up with 11 little girls running around so that he could fulfill his mom's request to take pictures. Jarod, you're the best!

Happy Birthday, my sweet Maleah!

St. Paddy's Day in Sioux Falls

We decided to go to Sioux Falls for Maleah's Spring Break and for a little get-a-way. This was my idea of course. Even though Mike and Jarod enjoy seeing my family in Sioux Falls, this is not one of their top picks of places for our family to vacation. It just doesn't hold the same sentimental values for them as it does for me since it's MY hometown. They felt the need (several times) to remind me that most people go South for Spring Break where it's warm. Whateva! I didn't care. We were headed to Sioux Falls.

The ride was really enjoyable. I love that my husband doesn't mind driving, and because of this I rarely have to, which means I get to kick back and read my favorite magazines and books...or sleep. I also love that Mike and Jarod and I always engage in great conversation while riding in the car. Maleah does pretty well too, as long as she has food and the portable DVD player.


We arrived late Friday afternoon. We pulled up to the hotel and when we got out I thought it was actually pretty nice out. 47 degrees...not bad for Sioux Falls...until the next day. I was excited to wake up Saturday morning and get out and about in my good ole hometown. I wanted to go shopping, eat lunch and go see the St. Patrick's Day Parade. I grew up going to this parade and was happy to be sharing this memory with my husband and kids. We ate our breakfast and got ready to head out. As soon as we stepped outside I was quickly reminded of the brutal winds that South Dakota gets. The temperature said 25, but with the windchill it felt like 9 degrees out. Yes, people, 9 degrees in the middle of March. MAN, it was cold!!! I didn't want this to get in the way of us having fun though.

After lunch and a little shopping we went to Sinful Things Desserts. The name says it all. OMG! This place has the best freakin' baked goods.

Maleah and I shared a piece of peanut butter chocolate cheesecake. Mike totally scored. He has been craving cheesecake and he LOVES Red Velvet Cake. So he was in heaven when he ate his Red Devil Cake layered with cheesecake. Jarod decided to abandon us and go hang out with his cousin so he didn't get to indulge.

(maleah took this picture of us)

Sinful Things Desserts is located right downtown on the street where the parade is held. I asked Maleah if she would like to stay seated at our lovely (and warm) little table nicely placed right next to the front window to where we could see the parade up close and personal. We wouldn't miss a thing and we would be warm. Yeah right! No such luck. She insisted we go outside. So we did. And we froze. The parade was every bit as good as I anticipated, but after 15 minutes we were all freezing, including Maleah, who informed me that she could no longer feel her toes. This is when I politely reminded her that she was the one that wanted to stand outside. We only stayed for about half of the parade but it was so much fun. It took me back a few years and put me in touch with my Irish heritage.




The other highlight of the trip was finding out that Sioux Falls FINALLY has an all natural, organic grocery store. Pomegranate Market. It was amazing. It had everything Whole Foods has except it is locally owned and the prices were MUCH better.


We ended up getting a few groceries and eating lunch at their salad bar, which was amazing.


I hate trying to find places to eat out when traveling because most places don't serve the types of food that our family likes to eat, so I was extremely grateful that this market was available to us. Seriously, I was like a kid in a candy store. Although, Jarod didn't partake in eating at the salad bar. We took him across the street to Taco Johns--he says he loves this place and doesn't get to eat it very often because we don't have one. He eats healthy for the most part but I'm still working him.

It was so good seeing family too. I got to see my new niece for the first time, but I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't get any pictures. Darnit!

All in all it was a good trip despite the cold. I really like Sioux Falls and find that I really miss it. I said several times that I could see us living in Sioux Falls but my husband (and son) says I'm crazy, it'll never happen and we have a great life in Kansas City. He's right, we do have a great life in KC and I am grateful for it. But that doesn't mean I can't daydream of all that Sioux Falls has to offer and the good memories that I have there.