Where did the weekend go?
Friday night: bonfire and friends.
Saturday night: mexican dinner and friends.
Sunday night: scrapbooking and friends.
Yep. I've turned into quite the social butterfly.
Seriously, though, I think this weekend has been jam-packed with everything that keeps us busy and makes life fun... of course, the twist in all that everything was a sick kid that reminded me that moms really are needed every now and then.
And by the way, may I interrupt this moment to say how refreshing it is to finally have a child old enough to actually throw up in the toilet without you having to witness the catastrophe on the living room carpet? In fact, old enough to throw up in the toilet, clean any mess up (including themselves), and then tell you about it? I'm sorry, but that was a moment worth mentioning and remembering for me.
Anyhoo, the sickness was short-lived and the weekend continued without anymore drama.
A drama-free weekend.
And did I mention time with friends?
Even the cat has been relaxed.
Spring Break is over. The kids head back to school tomorrow and I add yet another class to my already overloaded brain. My husband casually mentioned yesterday that we are indeed having company for Easter dinner (the Easter dinner that I didn't know I was fixing) and I've been biting my tongue ever since.
So many things I could say.
So many things that I think.
So many things that really don't matter.
What does matter?
Well, the youngest just gave me my mother's day present. Why now? Because she just finished it and is absolutely, positively just like her mother when it comes to keeping a surprise. It can't be done. So she walked up to me smiling and handed me a freshly-completed scrapbook full of memories and handwritten love. I was choking back tears before I hit the third page. Good grief, what did I do to deserve her?
This is going to be one weekend that I hate to see end.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
School Makes Me Cry; Chocolate Makes It Better
Pardon me while I get all sappy and sentimental here.
There are days I just really get to missing what use to be.
Some mornings find me homesick and in tears.
That's just the way it is.
Back home, there are a group of women and a few men waking up and preparing to head to one of the greatest places on earth, at least in my opinion. It's a place where my kids spent their elementary years and I poured my heart and soul into; I guess that's why it will always be a part of me. It's a place I miss very, very much.
Yes, it's just a building. I know that.
But, oh, it's the stories behind that building.
That's what makes it great.
The first year on the first day, the ringing of hammers could still be heard throughout the basement of a small church. My chalkboards consisted of three small, different-sized boards put together on the same wall. My class of six (I think) made up the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. I can still picture those concrete walls, our meager playground, and a whole lot of hope.
Years went by and the foundation for a new building was poured. We wrote scriptures on paper and strategically placed them before that first load of concrete ever went into place. Day by day we watched walls go up, swept away drywall dust, and dreamed of what our new classrooms would look like. My last year there was our first year in the new building. We were so proud, so thankful, so humbled at what the Lord had done.
And that's where my friends are today.
Walking those beautiful halls.
Gathering in a beautiful classroom.
Offering up a beautiful prayer.
Praying for kids, praying for families, praying for patience.
Teaching is an amazing thing.
Friendships are forever.
Remembering makes me cry.
But it's a good cry. My kids are who they are because of those early years. Not only did they witness the foundation of a building going in, but they also received a solid foundation in learning. They are excellent readers and writers, they geniunely care for their fellow classmates, and they know the anguish of living with a teacher.
(That last part was a joke... kind of).
And so life goes on. We never know the twists and turns that are ahead. We never know when we might unexpectedly come across a dead-end. All we can know is that there is ONE who does know the way, if only we have enough sense to let Him lead.
In the meantime, I suppose we should just enjoy the ride (even when that ride refuses to upload pictures). I'll take that as a hint and move on my merry way. Much love to all my LWCA friends (and fond memories of Mrs. Earleen).
For the rest of you, tell a teacher thank you today.
And give her lots of chocolate.
There are days I just really get to missing what use to be.
Some mornings find me homesick and in tears.
That's just the way it is.
Back home, there are a group of women and a few men waking up and preparing to head to one of the greatest places on earth, at least in my opinion. It's a place where my kids spent their elementary years and I poured my heart and soul into; I guess that's why it will always be a part of me. It's a place I miss very, very much.
Yes, it's just a building. I know that.
But, oh, it's the stories behind that building.
That's what makes it great.
The first year on the first day, the ringing of hammers could still be heard throughout the basement of a small church. My chalkboards consisted of three small, different-sized boards put together on the same wall. My class of six (I think) made up the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. I can still picture those concrete walls, our meager playground, and a whole lot of hope.
Years went by and the foundation for a new building was poured. We wrote scriptures on paper and strategically placed them before that first load of concrete ever went into place. Day by day we watched walls go up, swept away drywall dust, and dreamed of what our new classrooms would look like. My last year there was our first year in the new building. We were so proud, so thankful, so humbled at what the Lord had done.
And that's where my friends are today.
Walking those beautiful halls.
Gathering in a beautiful classroom.
Offering up a beautiful prayer.
Praying for kids, praying for families, praying for patience.
Teaching is an amazing thing.
Friendships are forever.
Remembering makes me cry.
But it's a good cry. My kids are who they are because of those early years. Not only did they witness the foundation of a building going in, but they also received a solid foundation in learning. They are excellent readers and writers, they geniunely care for their fellow classmates, and they know the anguish of living with a teacher.
(That last part was a joke... kind of).
And so life goes on. We never know the twists and turns that are ahead. We never know when we might unexpectedly come across a dead-end. All we can know is that there is ONE who does know the way, if only we have enough sense to let Him lead.
In the meantime, I suppose we should just enjoy the ride (even when that ride refuses to upload pictures). I'll take that as a hint and move on my merry way. Much love to all my LWCA friends (and fond memories of Mrs. Earleen).
For the rest of you, tell a teacher thank you today.
And give her lots of chocolate.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
We Are Amazing
This was the middle's facebook status last night:
I tend to document this kind of stuff so I always have it on standby in case a certain kid forgets. That's just the kind of mom I am. Now I'm no dummy (ignoring the chuckling in the background). I know why we were amazing parents last night; so does my husband. We let a kid suffering from a particular form of techno-itis have an extra hour with his beloved DSi and wi-fi. At the other end of that connection was his beloved girlfriend. You better believe we are amazing parents.
As my girl would say, Whatever keeps the tears away, Mom.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Spring Break
The weather is hot.
The tourists are rampant.
The kids are bored.
Welcome Spring Break.
My husband spent the day driving his grandma around. Instead of driving Miss Daisy, it's driving Miss Grace. You should hear the stories he brought home. Just listening to him makes me miss my grandma all the more. What I would give to drive her to a doctor's appointment one more time.
The kids have spent their first day off glued to the computer with periodic breaks for fresh air in-between. They've managed to assemble a couple of bags of clothes destined for Goodwill to appease me and did a quick sweep of their bedroom floor to appease their father. Everybody's playing it cool because nobody wants to be stuck with extra chores their one week off from school.
Meanwhile, I've got a good dozen books I want to read and no time off for my own schoolwork. I'm definitely fighting the temptation to slack off this week, but then I would regret it later on. Sometimes it does indeed stink being a grown-up.
As for now, I can't keep my wedding band on because my fingers are swollen. Maybe it's a sign, my husband says. He better hope not. The man loves his dinner.
Good grief it's hot.
Spring Break?
Or Summer Break?
I think we skipped a season.
The tourists are rampant.
The kids are bored.
Welcome Spring Break.
My husband spent the day driving his grandma around. Instead of driving Miss Daisy, it's driving Miss Grace. You should hear the stories he brought home. Just listening to him makes me miss my grandma all the more. What I would give to drive her to a doctor's appointment one more time.
The kids have spent their first day off glued to the computer with periodic breaks for fresh air in-between. They've managed to assemble a couple of bags of clothes destined for Goodwill to appease me and did a quick sweep of their bedroom floor to appease their father. Everybody's playing it cool because nobody wants to be stuck with extra chores their one week off from school.
Meanwhile, I've got a good dozen books I want to read and no time off for my own schoolwork. I'm definitely fighting the temptation to slack off this week, but then I would regret it later on. Sometimes it does indeed stink being a grown-up.
As for now, I can't keep my wedding band on because my fingers are swollen. Maybe it's a sign, my husband says. He better hope not. The man loves his dinner.
Good grief it's hot.
Spring Break?
Or Summer Break?
I think we skipped a season.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Being A Girl
My tummy hurts and I think I might be seriously close to overdosing on Midol. I've apologized to my husband a gazillion times today for... well, I how no idea except for just being the way I am. I'm usually not like this. I have a serious problem with girls/women that take the whole monthly thing to the extreme (and come on, we all know some ladies use this as an excuse for everything). This has just been some day.
I cannot concentrate on anything. I'm staring at a paper I have to write about Russia and the Ottoman Empire and I'm thinking Russia? Where's Russia? I feel seriously out of touch with reality at the moment... and yet, I can still focus long enough to write this blog. Okay, okay. I know where Russia is; I just have no desire to write this stupid, stupid paper on European influence and blah, blah, blah. I would rather go take everything out of the kitchen cabinets and wash and dry them twice before I would want to write this assignment.
I'm such a fine role model for my children.
I've shut myself in my room so as not to scare any of them. My daughter had sympathy for me in that knowing way and was quick to supply me with a cup of hot tea, refusing to take no for an answer. The boys, whom I'm pretty sure don't pay much attention to my blog entries anyway, are most likely wrapped up too tight in their cyber worlds to notice I haven't been seen for a while. My husband accepted my last apology with a quick hug and has since made himself scarce. Poor, poor man. Even the cat is avoiding me.
And so goes my day in the life of a girl.
Surely tomorrow will be better.
Today had to have been some kind of a fluke, right?
P.S. I'll go ahead and apologize now to my dad, brother, and any other male figure who stumbled upon this sad, sad entry... just be glad you're not here. This probably wouldn't have been a good time to visit.
I think I just saw the cat nod his head in agreement.
Yep, I've had one Midol too many.
Time to break out the heating pad.
I cannot concentrate on anything. I'm staring at a paper I have to write about Russia and the Ottoman Empire and I'm thinking Russia? Where's Russia? I feel seriously out of touch with reality at the moment... and yet, I can still focus long enough to write this blog. Okay, okay. I know where Russia is; I just have no desire to write this stupid, stupid paper on European influence and blah, blah, blah. I would rather go take everything out of the kitchen cabinets and wash and dry them twice before I would want to write this assignment.
I'm such a fine role model for my children.
I've shut myself in my room so as not to scare any of them. My daughter had sympathy for me in that knowing way and was quick to supply me with a cup of hot tea, refusing to take no for an answer. The boys, whom I'm pretty sure don't pay much attention to my blog entries anyway, are most likely wrapped up too tight in their cyber worlds to notice I haven't been seen for a while. My husband accepted my last apology with a quick hug and has since made himself scarce. Poor, poor man. Even the cat is avoiding me.
And so goes my day in the life of a girl.
Surely tomorrow will be better.
Today had to have been some kind of a fluke, right?
P.S. I'll go ahead and apologize now to my dad, brother, and any other male figure who stumbled upon this sad, sad entry... just be glad you're not here. This probably wouldn't have been a good time to visit.
I think I just saw the cat nod his head in agreement.
Yep, I've had one Midol too many.
Time to break out the heating pad.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Saturdays Are Like That
Waking up on a Saturday morning always makes me wish my mom were near. It's spring break in our neck of the woods and everything is in full bloom. The road to our house alone is lined (in most places) with azaleas in bright pinks and pure whites and all I can think is, I wish my mom were here to see this.
The dusty, yellow pollen has finally died down thanks in part, I'm sure, to all the rain we had last week. My flower pots are overflowing with blooms and the bleeding hearts, ferns, and something-that-I-can't-remember-the-name-of are popping up around our little pond out back. I think my dad would really like all that.
If I could have one wish, at least at this moment, is that all of my family could be here at the same time. How crazy would that be? My parents could have our room, my brother and wife Katie's room, nieces and husband and baby and baby-to-be could camp out in the boys' room. Shoot, I'd even let my husband take the couch. Anything, if only they could all be here.
I promise I didn't wake up gloomy. The sunshine is streaming in through the windows, the fireplace is going just long enough to knock the chill out of the air... it is certain to be a beautiful day. I'm on my way to meet a friend for coffee and laughs and conversation, and all the kids are still happily sleeping away their Saturday morning. I just sat down and found myself missing my mom.
Saturdays are like that.
The thing is, she'll most likely be thinking the same thing.
Great minds think alike.
We'll both snap out of it, though.
Saturdays come every week.
But all those Saturdays eventually bring summer.
Can't wait to see you, Mom.
Sure do love and miss you.
Thanks for making me, well... me.
The dusty, yellow pollen has finally died down thanks in part, I'm sure, to all the rain we had last week. My flower pots are overflowing with blooms and the bleeding hearts, ferns, and something-that-I-can't-remember-the-name-of are popping up around our little pond out back. I think my dad would really like all that.
If I could have one wish, at least at this moment, is that all of my family could be here at the same time. How crazy would that be? My parents could have our room, my brother and wife Katie's room, nieces and husband and baby and baby-to-be could camp out in the boys' room. Shoot, I'd even let my husband take the couch. Anything, if only they could all be here.
I promise I didn't wake up gloomy. The sunshine is streaming in through the windows, the fireplace is going just long enough to knock the chill out of the air... it is certain to be a beautiful day. I'm on my way to meet a friend for coffee and laughs and conversation, and all the kids are still happily sleeping away their Saturday morning. I just sat down and found myself missing my mom.
Saturdays are like that.
The thing is, she'll most likely be thinking the same thing.
Great minds think alike.
We'll both snap out of it, though.
Saturdays come every week.
But all those Saturdays eventually bring summer.
Can't wait to see you, Mom.
Sure do love and miss you.
Thanks for making me, well... me.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Tony's Journey: Volume Five
I figured it was about time to post an update about my brother. I know from the comments and emails I've received that people are interested in this journey of his. If you're new to the trip, backtrack here to get up to speed on his story and progress.
And I wouldn't be a good sister if I didn't dig through the photo albums to find little kid pictures of him to share.
At any rate, here's an update in his words.
March 17, 2011
March 21, 2011
Thanks to all who have been thinking of him. I would ask for an update for today, but the computer and I aren't getting along very well as of this moment. I know when to cut my losses and move on with life. In this case, I'm going to move on with another cup of coffee. Until next time, here's hoping Kentucky brings it home this weekend (that would be basketball for all you what-the-heck-is-the-Final Four-people).
And I wouldn't be a good sister if I didn't dig through the photo albums to find little kid pictures of him to share.
At any rate, here's an update in his words.
March 17, 2011
Sis, in 5 days I only lost 1 pound, I was so frustrated. Until I got my book out (the one that tells me the do's and don'ts) And of course right there in front of me it says, YOU MUST HAVE PLENTY OF PROTEIN OR YOUR WEIGHT LOSS WILL STALL, A...ND YOU WILL NOT LOSE ANY WEIGHT. I have also learned that when you don't intake protein your body begans to eat it's self, and what it is eatting is the muscle not the fat. That is why I would hurt all over. I learn things the hard way,but at least I have learned not to do that again.
March 21, 2011
Thanks to all who have been thinking of him. I would ask for an update for today, but the computer and I aren't getting along very well as of this moment. I know when to cut my losses and move on with life. In this case, I'm going to move on with another cup of coffee. Until next time, here's hoping Kentucky brings it home this weekend (that would be basketball for all you what-the-heck-is-the-Final Four-people).
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