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Before I go any further, I wanted to thank my dear friend, Pea, who last week honored me with a new award! Thank you so much, Pea!
True, it seems kind of a humorous award name if you know me very well...I'm a bit shy in person, so schmoozing is the last thing I would probably use to describe myself!
But then I read the meaning behind this award...
It’s an award for those who have the natural ability “to effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don’t limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship.”
Reading this definition make me feel humbled and honored! (Especially, coming from Pea, who personifies this to me!)
Blogging to me has surpassed the original purpose to practice my writing while keeping friends and family updated...it has become a source of encouragement and friendship for me, and I thank all of you who have enriched my life in this past year!
I'm going to think on this one, and come back to bestow the "schmoozes" to a few others! :)
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I'm hoping you all enjoyed this last weekend of July. The last weekend! I absolutely cannot believe how swiftly this summer is flying by. I know people say that every year, but this summer is careening like a rocket through time, and I wish it would slow it's pace just a bit to a nice, lazy stroll.
But despite it's high speed, God's been able to not just teach me recently through the more painful parenting moments, but also in the slightly less-painful, yet foreign ones.
Saturday was a day of bravery for my oldest. And in a roundabout way, for me, too.
By evening, she had tackled a series of "firsts", ending with a visit the amusement park with her daddy and sister, where she graduated from riding those "big kid" rides...you know, those rides where everyone is screaming and even this mommy will not set foot on.
And I get just as nervous from the ground looking up, so all I can say is, I was glad I wasn't there to watch her on all of them or my fingernails would pretty much be history.
(This one might look tame, but I hear it went quite fast!)
But first, let me back track...
In the morning, my husband was working so I took the girls to a community center carnival. There was a rock climbing setup there, and I was surprised at not only my eight year old's bravery to try it, but my own to allow her with no hesitation. I am the ultimate nervous mommy (and it doesn't help that she broke her arm jumping off a mere 3-ft slide at age four!)
but something clicked in me this weekend, to relax those apron strings just a bit and let her try her wings.
And she conquered that mountain and reached the top!!!
And let me back track just one more time...
Just before this, we had dropped off some books at the library...
where I actually did my first act of bravery as a mommy.
I had awakened this morning with a pulled muscle in my hip, so when we reached the library, we parked almost right in front of the door. I told her she could take the books in all by herself...a first! When she picked her jaw up off the car floor, she excitedly took the books as her younger sister and I watched her like eagles, and she went inside. A moment later, she emerged...a beaming smile of pride upon her face.
This was a huge milestone for us... up until this weekend, she was officially still my very little girl, under my wing of protection, who isn't even allowed to cross the street alone. This weekend, she is still very much under my wing...but I loosened a few feathers just a tad and gave her a bit of wiggle room.
I grew up with very protective parents...so it comes by me naturally.
And yes, protective is good.
But as someone who has this natural bent, I have to continually remind myself that they actually belong to the Lord- He is their true Protector.
Yes, as a parent, I have to pray for wisdom and use it...ask for His guidance and listen...but I have to also relax my hold just a bit...year by year...day by day.
This may be one of the biggest challenges of parenting there can be.
But when I remember how much God loves my children, it becomes just a bit easier.
Then I can start to learn to rest in the fact that they belong to Him.
And that He is ultimately the One who loves, protects and guides them- through the valleys, over the mountains...each and every step of the way.
The four of us stopped at the hospital after gulping down supper, and before heading a to Bible study, for a most important date...to meet the newest member of the extended family!
You might remember, there are twelve in my husband's family, but still, very few offspring from the clan...and what kids there are now teens or preteens...expect for ours. So a baby is big doin's!
And as almost all of you know, my husband's brother, P. , and his wife began adoption procedures last year for an adorable little African American girl- two years old. And several months before she came to live with them, they found out that they were expecting a baby the old fashioned way...which was a complete surprise to them, to us, and even to the doctors!
And now he's here. And I have to say, I am completely in love...
He is in my husband's arms in this picture, but this was after I held him for as long as I possibly could.
In fact, as I had walked over to peer at the little bundle in my brother in law's arms, he handed him right over to me!
You would think an experienced mommy like myself would be just fine, but honestly...I just don't remember my babies being so tiny!
My arms tensed as I took the precious bundle and went to find a chair....quickly!
He slept the whole time, once in awhile scrunching up his face or trying to open his eyes...but mostly he was a tiny little bundle who was so much like a perfect little doll baby, not unlike the dolls my girls carried with them to the hospital room that evening.
Notice the fake baby in my daughter's arms...fake baby, real baby...kinda' hard to tell!
My little girls were chomping at the bit to hold him! Here they were, begging for a turn...notice my look of complete sincerity and sympathy...hee hee...
Finally, they each got a turn, "half-holding" him...
It was enough to satisfy them a bit. And I can tell you, his mommy was brave and trusting to even allow that, because I know how every muscle in my body would have tightened if the same scene went on with my babies at 23 hours old! But she just smiled and laughed, probably because she saw me hovering over them protectively as I quickly snapped this picture...either that, or she was just enjoying her medication. :)
I could have held that baby all night and stared at him...especially gleeful that I didn't have to be the one up every night for the next few months this time...
But we had to leave for our Bible study. As we handed him back to his proud papa, I snapped this last picture.
You can tell he is a typical daddy on the second day...just a little bit blurry-eyed. But trust me, he was beaming through the whole visit... A daddy- of two!- at last.
Extended family news:
Welcome, Baby Sammy!
My sister in law had gone in Tuesday to the hospital, to be induced early the next morning. After an entire day, she was finally delivered by c-section at around 7:40 Wednesday evening, to a healthy baby boy!
Congratulations to my husband's brother and his wife! There was a time when they thought such a blessing would never be there's...
(For more of their story, including their recent adoption, you can go here.)
So far, mother and baby are doing just great. Unfortunately, though, the girls and I just made a trip to the hospital late this morning, all a tingle with anticipation...stopping at the store for a balloon, and with our gifts in tow...only to find the sleeping mommy completely out...no hubby, and baby stashed away in the nursery.
We discreetly went out and walked around the hospital for a half an hour, returning to ask the nurse about our seeing her. She went in, then came back, reporting that she had not slept well last night and wanted to remain dead the world a bit longer.
Imagine...being tired after having a baby, which just happened to be a c-section after all-day labor. Craziness. ;)
However...you can imagine our disappointment after all our getting ready and driving out there, gifts in hand.
Plus, there's that whole thing about not having a picture of our new nephew\cousin to post yet!
We'll probably be going again with my husband after dinner- (calling first, of course) and this time you can be sure, come rain or shine, we are not leaving until we see that little guy's cute little cheeks and congratulate the exhausted new mama.
All of this strolling down the maternity hall, though, brought back such memories. Both of my girls were born in that ward...my last one just five years ago.
Each experience was completely different, however, and some time I will probably post their stories.
In the meantime, while I'm waiting to post a picture of the new addition, allow me to share a piece of my own memories, which came floating back to me this week...
(Just twenty minutes old, her big sister, not quite three, helps welcome her into the world.)
Blessings!
Thank you all so much for your sweet replies and words of wisdom. They have meant so much to me, and I realize just how much this thing called blogging can be used of God as a source of encouragement to one another. I had tears in my eyes reading each and every one.
Yesterday, my daughter and I were able to talk about this off and on throughout the day. I asked many questions. And I was hopefully able to impart some of my own wisdom here and there. But though she just wasn't completely sure where her thoughts had originated, God began opening my own eyes about some fault of our own, and it was both startling and humbling.
I suddenly began to have flashes of memory of where husband and I had wrongly conveyed negative thoughts, perhaps planting seeds of doubt into her young mind about the value of our family.
Things we might have said, tongue in cheek, not realizing that she was overhearing and absorbing...
Like, "Oh, I guess we're just too boring for them now..." referring to another family.
Even the use of the word "cool" coming from my husband's lips, along this very line.
As God began to gently bring these things to my memory, it all began to make a little more sense to me. During the course of the day, I apologized to my daughter for unknowingly portraying our family- ourselves- in a less than positive light. I told her we were, indeed, just as wonderful as other families...and from now on, we would make our words measure up to that fact.
When my husband came home from work, we talked about this whole thing. He knew how upset I had been the night before, and when I started bringing up the examples I had been shown, he immediately and humbly agreed...we had been partly to blame.
So our homework as a couple and has parents is to start speaking more positively about ourselves...start speaking the truth about us...God's truth.
We learned a tremendously valuable lesson throughout this.
It is so easy for parents to be speaking to one another, assuming that children aren't listening but in their own little world at the time...when in actuality, they are more than likely absorbing more than we can possible realize. They pick up subtle nuances and attitudes without us even knowing.
I remember being able to do the same as a child...but how quickly we forget!
The reason I have chosen to be so completely transparent in all of this is because, perhaps there is a lesson someone else out there can learn from our own mistakes...without enduring some of the hurt that we encountered this week.
Yes, overall, we are a nice, happy family...but to pretend we never face trials, make mistakes or learn things the hard way, would be deceiving. All of us- even Christians-make mistakes, and if by being "real" will help others to know they aren't alone in daily struggles, than it is worth it.
I know some of your encouraging prayers were heard, since by the end of yesterday, she and I were having fun, laughing together over something or other...and I was able to get so past the hurt that I was actually able to joke (when she was wanting her "mommy")
"What? You want me sit over next to you? Do you think I'm cool enough? Tell me how cool I am, and maybe...." whereupon, she'd dissolve into giggles.
And one last, totally lighter note...hopefully, you all don't have an image of me as some nerdy old lady that doesn't know a current fashion if it bit her on...um, her big toe. I'm young (well, not really, but I can look 35 on a very good day)...I'm hip (Ok...just sort of...barely...) and if it wasn't for the fact that my husband might object, there'd be a poster of High School Musical in our bedroom. If that isn't cool, I'm not sure what is!
Unless, it's my collection of The Partridge Family records from when I was eight- like my daughter. And my parents were so not cool.
...probably wouldn't inflict as much hurt as the unintentional wound from your own flesh. At least that's what I'm thinking at the moment.
This was not the cheerful, upbeat little post that I planned. In fact, this is not like most of my posts at all. But this is from my heart tonight...and painfully honest... and it helps to sort out my feelings... so bear with me.
Sometimes, there are those days when you are nervous or moody or teetering on the edge of feeling sad and discouraged...so that it only takes one hurtful thing said to reduce you to a heap of tears.
And the hurt is made that much worse because it comes from the lips of your very own eight year old daughter.
I won't go into exactly what the hurtful things said were, but they were her private thoughts revealed, not wanting to hurt me at all. When she saw that she had (though I did try to hide it) she cried, deeply remorseful.
But then...so did I in private.
It was the kind of revealed feelings that one might expect your daughter to express to you if she was dangling from the throws of adolescence...thirteen...maybe twelve. But not eight. Definitely not eight.
Keep in mind that she didn't spew these things out of a spiteful heart...in fact, she was afraid to bear her thoughts to me. Which makes them more painful.
Though these were not her exact words, it was almost as if her true feelings were that she was the offspring of some strange, nerdy family...with nerdy parents and uncool mom who didn't "look" like other moms. A family who was so uncool, that their car broke down on the way to a wedding one time and didn't seem to have it all together like other families.
When I had time to get myself together from her remarks, I was- and am- bewildered.
There were a couple specific things that were mentioned tonight which were true...painfully true. But after feeling my spirit completely crushed for a good while, I began to think about all the kinds of families out there...single parent families, working families...and although many of these were good families, I began to think how blessed she was to have her particular family.
And I didn't look like other moms? I may be 44, but I have to say, there are times I think I look darn good for 44!
Oh, I have my bad days...um weeks...but I *try* to keep fit, wear make-up at least most of the time, and sometimes even wear semi-trendy clothes. (Although, I admit not quite as much as I'd like, because my wardrobe money tends to go to the kids for their own clothes, toys and school books...hmmm...)
I see wonderful moms out there of all shapes and sizes, and can't help but think that their children probably still consider them truly beautiful. Especially their eight year olds.
Maybe not so much their twelve year olds.
But more than likely, their eight year olds.
Now, keep in mind, my little girl loves me like crazy. Hence her tears, when she realized her statements were hurting me. And bless her heart, she kept telling me afterwards that she loved me. But nevertheless, they were her true eight year old opinions and thoughts...and that's what hurts this mommy the most. She didn't throw out words to intentionally hurt me out of anger....but honesty.
I've heard of those first hurts inflicted on parents from their children...I just didn't think they would be coming so soon. There's almost nothing that can hurt your feelings worse than your own child thinking less than wonderful thoughts about you.
I thought the embarrassment she might feel would come later on...but for now, they would think that the sun rose and set with me.
(At least my five year old still does.)
And if she thought these things now, what about five years from now? Was all hope lost?
However, as I was in the midst of the pain, sitting alone on the sofa after hearing these hurtful words at bedtime, I was reminded once again that it is not the opinion of a human that is the measuring stick of worth...but of who I am in Christ. He knows my shortcomings and sins, but still, He not only loves me, but is proud of me because of who I am in Christ.
As I sat on the sofa, I prayed...and I prayed that if there is something about me that conveys a lacking in confidence (which I'm sure there is) that God begins to heal that in me, not only for my sake, but for the model I want to portray to my daughters about being a woman.
But I also pray that my daughter's eyes are opened to see me with new appreciation...yes, even admiration.
Because, though I am so far from being the perfect parent, I know that she actually blessed with a loving mom who continually gives of herself to her on a daily basis.
We may seem currently like a "dumb family" in her eyes, but we are a Christian family who loves the Lord...sometimes falls short, but always strives to please Him.
I may not be blonde or perky nor always wear this season's latest trends on the walkway...but my appearance seldom scares anyone when I venture out in public and, more importantly, I hold Christ-like values in esteem.
But maybe, instead of her attitude about us growing worse, maybe with God's help, it will only get better.
Maybe, by the time she's twelve, and her heart is crushed by a friend who has betrayed her or a boy who won't even look at her...I will fix her her favorite sandwich and tell her she's beautiful, not really seeing her broken out complexion nor her gangly legs...and maybe...just maybe...
she'll suddenly think I'm the coolest mom around.
Thank you all so much for playing along in my very first give-away! This was so much fun!
I'm late posting this, since the girls and I ran to a little craft class over at Michael's this morning to make these guys...
Aren't they just the cutest? They even have little jingle bells inside. This was our first time doing a craft over there and the girls just loved it.
But...after we got home and had lunch, I quickly got all the names ready, mixing them all up into the bowl.
My oldest, Sweetie-girl, reached in...
...and picked out a name... (she was very excited!)
and proudly read the name....
And the winner is...
(drum roll, please...)
Gail from More than a Song!!!
Congratulations, Gail! E-mail me and let me know which of the two prizes you choose!
Thank you to each of you again for participating...it was so much fun that I just know I'll be doing another give-away in the near future!
For now, I am off to do some dishes and then get caught up again with some of your posts...
But one more tidbit of news in the extended family front...
Do you remember my telling you about my husband's brother and his wife who adopted (or is in the process of adoption, but she is living with them now) a beautiful African American little girl who just turned two...and that after the starting the process of adoption, found out they were pregnant after not thinking it could happen? You can read a little more about it here.
Well, my sister in law, J, is scheduled for delivery this coming Wednesday! I can't believe the time is actually here! Please keep her and the baby boy in your thoughts and prayers- and hopefully I will be posting pictures about this time next week!
Oh, and there is a possibility that I may be watching this new little nephew a few days a week this fall...I'll keep you posted!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone...
Blessings!
I'm not sure many of you caught my little edited statement on my last post about it being my 200th...I can hardly believe it, myself, since it feels like I just posted 100 things about me just yesterday!
But in my brief mention, I promised a little book giveaway in my next post! So, here it is!
I am giving away your choice of either three Love Inspired books (Christian romance) or the novel, The Remember Box by Patricia Sprinkle.
The Remember Box is story about an orphaned eleven year old who comes to stay with her aunt and uncle and cousins in 1949, just as they move to a new community in the south, where her uncle will be pastoring a new church. But with growing unrest, things begin to unravel in the small town and her uncle's voice of reason goes unheeded. If you enjoy a well-written Christian read with a tiny bit of grit and lots of meaning, you will probably enjoy this one.
Or, if you'd prefer, I will send the winner a three-book bundle of Love Inspired books, perfect for those times you just want a little light reading while stretched out by the pool!
Just tell me in your reply that you're interested, and you are entered! If you mention my contest and link me, you get your name entered twice! I will be putting all the names into a hat and having one of my girls pick on at random on Saturday, the 28th! If you are the winner, you get your prize pick!
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This week we are having rain, rain and more rain. In the middle of July! We're supposed to have at least five more days of it before the end is in sight. I wish I could send some of it to those of you who need it! It feels kind of cozy right now, but I'm by next week I'll be more than ready for summer sun again!
I have several memes I'm over due for and hope to do them very soon! But for now, the laundry is calling my name...
I'll leave you with this picture my husband took of Lil Cherub as she talked with me long distance from her tent. She had just found the picture of us I had tucked into her backpack...
Be still, my mommy heart...
Thank you to all who stopped by and said hello during my four days of solitude...it certainly helped ease any loneliness in-between my furious cleaning and organizing!
*Edited to add...I almost forgot! This is my 200th post! Be sure to tune in to my next post for a little book giveaway!!!
Just to clarify it all...my husband's twelve (yes, twelve!) siblings have always gone camping each year to the same place on the Oregon coast since they were all kids. Now the spouses and kids go along.
I've gone off and on, but last year was the first time both children went with their daddy without me.
And last year I loved it.
This year...not so much. Oh, it had it's relaxing moments, but I just couldn't get into it as much as I apparently needed to last time!
There was never a happier sight this time than my girls running upstairs Saturday night when they first got home to greet me! My oldest was a bit sun burned and my youngest had a forehead full of bug bites, but never had they looked better to me!
Sunday after church was spent mostly in the act of just plain relaxing with my family. At one point we all crashed on the queen size bed for a rest, since they were all still recovering from surf, sand and long hikes up coastal mountains ranges. (Interesting, how only my husband was the one to fall asleep during our little siesta...something about him having to carry the girls for half the hikes...)
But we all seemed so happy and contented just to rest together and cuddle a bit.
I was glad that, in spite of all their excitement and fun, they all missed me almost as much as I missed them.
But when I saw all their pictures, I was just a tiny bit jealous. So barring a strong desire for aloneness next year at this time, I will probably join them next time around.
Here's a sampling of their adventures...
Conquering a rock with one of their uncles and an aunt standing by.
To the surf? Or the sand?
I giggled when I saw my husband in this hat- where did that come from? But they're both sure cute!
So glad there was a rope railing! But how gorgeous...
And they even got a ride in a motorboat!
They said Saturday was the prettiest day there...and I can so believe it.
And if all this wasn't fun enough, they stopped by Seaside on their way home, known for it's carnival rides and bumper cars.
So needless to say, they all agreed their camping trip was a lot of fun.
And that is why I was completely floored when I asked my five year old what her very favorite thing was during their trip.
Without missing a beat, she sincerely answered,
"Coming home to you, Mommy."
Someone knows how to melt a mom's heart to honey.
Day 3
Do you remember that song? It was really running through my mind this afternoon...mainly because just when I thought I was almost through organizing, I found...a big box.
Now, before I talk about that, please don't worry...This morning I had a leisurely time going to yard sales and strolling through a couple stores, reading my book- and just now, even got a little HGTV fix in.
But this morning I decided to do a little more work on my closet.
And that's when I found a big box...
where apparently my husband had done a little organizing of his own a few months back.
Inside, was everything from lost snapshots of both girls as toddlers...old cards to each one of us, received throughout the years... even souvenirs from my single days!
How such a mishmash of various seasons of my life could be all smashed together in a huge cardboard box is beyond me...but it sure makes for an interesting mood to see it all housing together like that. Just too many disjointed memories to take all in!
As I started sorting them, I took advantage of my alone time, though, by not hurrying too much. Picking up the old cards and reading them... pouring over pictures of my children and seeing just how much they've grown and changed.
And vaguely recalling that "other life" I had before I met my husband.
Just like the song goes, I literally found "tickets torn in half..."
To be completely honest, I've always led a fairly quiet life...but it was kind of a nice reminder that there were a few little flames here and there before I met the one I was waiting for! (Did an old boyfriend and I really get our pictures taken in a photo booth like that? And shame on it for resting dangerously near a sweet anniversary card from my husband!)
And then my mood shifted and I was back even further in time- to age fourteen. Because if that weren't enough- afterwards, I found two old photo albums, stored near the vanity table. Do you remember my post just last week of visiting my half nephew and his family? I mentioned that trip to Disneyland we went together on with my parents thirty years ago (30 years-this month!) and I had posted a picture.
Well, guess where all the other pictures of that trip were? Care to go a few steps with me on my little memory lane? Hold onto your headdress...
That's my nephew, R. who was then eleven- and fourteen year old me (I know- do the math) and a real Native American posing with us - I believe- at Knotts Berry Farm.
I think my dad told me to pose, just as Tigger and my nephew, R., were sizing each other up.
And I saved the best for last...
ARRRRR!
On that note, Matie, I will bid you a fond farewell on my last complete day alone. But I'll be visiting more of you tonight and saying hello...it's my one chance to try and get caught up in bloggityville!
And I just realized that my next post is my 200th! I'm not quite sure what I'll be doing yet, but I'll think of something- after all, I do have some time on my hands!
Blessings!
Alone- Day 2
I loved hearing some of your feedback about time alone... Have a list...do those projects...but don't work too hard and relax a little, too. And I'm trying...I'm really trying.
You know, I was single for a while before marrying my husband, so these days alone are bringing back lots of memories. Well, not of dating, of course...but just the general feeling.
Last night, instead of asking myself what to fix everyone for dinner in order to have the minimal amount of whines coming from my picky five year old, I simply walked to the freezer, pulled out a Lean Cuisine, and threw it in the microwave. Single days relived! And of course, like any good single girl, I followed my microscopic Lean Cuisine with only 230 calories with a Nestle Crunch bar.
Such memories. So 20-something of me.
My family called me at 10:00 pm last night from the dark of their tent to say good-night. And although I could tell by their voices that they all missed me, they assured me that they were having lots of fun, though I was never quite clear on what all they actually did. But the important thing was that the girls and I gave good-night kisses over the phone...because otherwise their mommy wouldn't be able to sleep without those.
Today, unlike yesterday, I was all about work. My Little Ponies and their boring cousins- plain plastic horses- were being corralled right and left faster than you could say Hasbro!
Because yesterday I made a trip to the store and bought all these see-through drawers and boxes to make homes for Barbie and her friends, Polly Pocket, play dishes, and spare Duplos that had somehow sprinklered their way throughout the upstairs.
But why is it that these projects always last a little longer than you think? I still haven't tackled my (and hubby's) room but the day isn't over until the Lean Lady sings. (See above mentioned dinner.)
I have not exactly pampered myself yet, but my plan is to work the hardest today, and reward myself more tomorrow with extra leisure time. Once I get into work-mode, it's hard to stop...and once I get into relax-mode...well, I'm there for the duration. So today I thought I'd better strike while the iron is hot and there's actually ambition running through my veins!
However, I know I'll be sorry if I don't have some nice alone-time fun, too, this week.
Linda mentioned one of my favorite things, watching old movies...and Rosemarie (corrected-yesterday I called her Julia! I knew I'd do that sooner or later, since her blog is called "Growing with Julia"...oops!)mentioned a bubble bath...so for the sake of mommies everywhere, I am putting them on my to-do list tomorrow! That, and soaking up some rays with my book. Are you all feeling better now? Were you worried I'd squander my free time with work, work, work?
Never fear. After all, I can't let you all down. I'm thinking of it as my civic duty. Stay tuned!
Alone-Day 1
After a rocky start, a stressed out husband during his car-loading process (who let's just say had to do some major apologizing to his sweet wife) and lots of hugs and kisses, my family finally left this morning on their half-week camping trip on the coast.
I just spoke to them all only moments ago and everyone is doing just fine. (But they are a bit chilly over there, having come from our heat wave at home, so they are throwing on the sweatshirts!)
I'll be honest...for some reason, I am not quite feeling dizzy with excitement over having all this freedom like I was last year. But I have a feeling, I just need to get into the swing of it all.
I am trying to organize the upstairs, which has looked like something exploded up there. Too many toys and clutter everywhere! And what is it about those teeny-tiny little toy accessories that multiply as soon as your child qualifies for the toys "recommended for 3 and up?" I truly need a magnifier to recognize some of them, much less find a place to put them.
I'm not blaming my children completely for the clutter, since they simply have too many things and not a system to keep it organized. And truth told, I am not the queen of organization myself. (Which is why the master bedroom is on tomorrow's list...)
Hopefully, it will all look like a new place when they return!
But never fear, it's not all work. I am taking breaks.
After ten minutes or so, lost in a crowd of stuffed animals and unsorted Polly Pockets, I like to lie down on one of the kids' beds and crack open my latest book to see what's happening in Mitford. Then after...oh, say...a half an hour- or hour...(really, who's counting?) I finally wander back to my pile of assorted Barbie shoes and Little People and try to separate them. (Because really, those Little People just don't have the style, nor the feet, to pull off the look of a nice mauve pump.)
Once, I accidentally leaned down on a pile of toys and my eldest's Winnie the Pooh began singing "When I'm up, down, touch the ground..." She got that for her first birthday and it has simply never lost it's charm. I was surprised how nice it was to hear him again- so cute, so cheery...
Of course, I would never get so lonely as to purposely push that little guy's tummy, just to hear a friendly voice. No sirree...
And let's see...what else? Oh- I even added two whole sentences to the novel I'm writing!
Yes, I knew you'd all be proud. And it's not even 3 pm.
So, just wanted to check in with you. Seriously, please keep my family (and me!) in your prayers this week, if you would.
Meanwhile, I must go back to the big mess upstairs that I've made even bigger...and if I "accidentally" step on Pooh's tummy in the process, well, it's just not my fault.
Thank you all for your sweet comments about my little family reunion. I am so impressed that most of you followed it so well!
I wanted to simply share a few tidbits of news and pictures from this weekend...
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Guess what both girls got for my eight year old's birthday?
That's right...and we finally put it up this weekend. Their daddy put their little slide in for awhile, so no, that didn't come with the pool. And what is that? One of my girls decided she liked the feet-rinsing tub even better? Wouldn't you know, after we spent all that money...
And then our dog, Mandy, wanted to join her....
Our weather has been summer perfect, lately! Sunny and in the 80's...and we are suppose to get just one day next week where it will reach 99...then back to the 80's...Ahhh.
I don't mean brag, when some of you are having those 108 temperatures! Yikes!
But because the Northwest here gets so many cloudy and rainy days, I'm sure you'll understand if I bask in this for awhile!
On a different note, I want to tell you all right here and now that I do not, nor never have had, a green thumb. Neither does my husband, really.
Every year, what is suppose to be a whole rose bush, we think, simply grows into just one, long stem....
and then blossoms....
A little lonely looking, but it sure is pretty.
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And speaking of a little lonely...guess what? Do you all remember when my family went on the big camping trip with my husband's relatives last summer...and I had a half a week to myself?
For those of you didn't know me one year ago, you can check out this post, entitled "A Mommy Vacation". (Hard to believe it has been a whole year ago!)
Last year, I remember feeling nearly giddy with excitement over several days completely and totally to myself. As a home school mom who is with my children, well... just about all the time, I do need an occasional break now and then!
But this year, it's a bit strange...I am already missing them just a bit, and they haven't even left yet!
Is it possible to feel a bit weepy and want to do a cartwheel at the same time?
But don't feel too sorry for me. I have some organizing plans galore, and even some plans for finally trying to get my novel finished. (The one I started writing a few years ago!) But just like last year, it's so tempting to make a big, fat list for myself and then fall short...so, maybe part of this time will be to just lay out in the sun with a good book. There...that's sounding more like a real mommy vacation. See that lady at the top of the post with her feet on the computer? That would be me...
Sound nice? Are you jealous yet? ;)
In the meantime, I'm wishing you all a good week...
and stay tuned for my post on my first day alone.
(OK...now I'm missing them again....sigh)
The day after July 4th, we had an incredible reunion with some very special family. But first, let me try to explain my family tree...
(If my nephew does indeed read this, he is smiling about now. He seems to think I just love explaining how so-in-so is related to so-in-so. So stop snickering, Mr...)
But I feel I just have to explain...give some background. But it's a little long, so maybe you should sit back and pour that extra cup of coffee...
My dad was first married at the age of 17- long before he married my mom. It was 1942, and they went on to have three girls (one who was sadly lost to what is now called SIDS). He and his first wife (who is still alive, in fact) were divorced and he later married my mom...
Enter, Me.
Meanwhile, one of my older half-sisters had two children- her son was born when I was three, and then a daughter a couple years later. That son, is technically my half-nephew, R.
Everybody with me so far? Good...
Through the years, as we kids got a little older, they would stay with us for a week at a time in the summers. And because my nephew was so close in age to me, we became a little like brother and sister during those visits, especially as far as I was concerned- since I didn't have any siblings to grow up with.
You would think he would have been the pesky younger brother type, always in my hair, but nothing could have been further from the truth. I always wished I had a sibling, so these visits were bright spots for me. I think I secretly wished he actually lived with our family- and I think my parents secretly wished the same thing.
He was extremely bright and mature for his age, so we'd have incredible times together playing Stratego, Monopoly, and Battleship for hours on end. He could always make me laugh...and sometimes, as the years passed, we'd even have serious discussions about the Lord.
My nephew had yet to accept Christ, he had the utmost respect for us and our beliefs. He wasn't raised in a Christian home, but willingly went to church with us whenever he was up for a visit.
My dad (his grandfather) was a male role model for him, and he, too, would have serious talks with him now and again.
R. didn't have a dad of his own in his life...and although my dad loved all of his daughters like crazy, he relished the idea of a grandson.
In 1977, R. went on a big road trip with us to Southern California, to see Disneyland and all the neighboring places...Sea World, Knotts Berry Farm, and a few relatives along the way.
He was 11, I was 14.
I can still remember it as if it all happened just last year. Waking up at 5 am on the morning we were to leave... (I think that would be one of the last times I was actually excited about getting up at 5. )
I don't think he and I ever really argued one single time during those ten days, smashed there together in the back seat amongst the suitcases and the ice chest.
As miles passed by our windows, we'd play Hangman, write in our little travel journals, or else just chat and be silly, snacking on ice cold nectarines we plucked out of the nearby chest.
To this day, neither one of us has ever forgotten that trip- ingrained in our collective memory to be pulled out and enjoyed - even these 30 years later.
One day, when R. was about 19 or so, he came to visit my parents and I (I was still living at home at the time) and we all went out for pizza. He said he had some good news for us. Although my dad first had thought he was announcing his engagement or something, I knew right away.
He had accepted Christ, and he had been bursting to tell us.
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Fast forward another 20 years or so. My father has now passed away,
R. has seen many life and career changes along the way. But he now proudly serves as a Navy chaplain and is married to an incredible sweet and gracious young woman. They have three adorable children, ages 4 through 10.
And we don't see them all nearly enough.
His Navy career takes him all over the world, so the last time we all saw each other had been four years ago. They met my family at my mom's house- the same house where he'd stay those weeks in the summertime. (She's still like another grandma to him.)
At that time, we had never met one another's children, so it was a very special visit.
This Thursday, after four years, all of us converged on R's wife's parents' house, where they are staying on this visit from San Diego. Her parents graciously opened up their home to us, and her mother in particular embraced us as if we were her own relatives. My mom was able to come with us, and my dear half sister (not his mom, but his aunt) also had come up from northern California.
So...are you still with me? Um...sort of? Well, if so, you are doing better than most everyone I know- including the relatives themselves!
Other family from M.'s side were there also...M's sister and nieces....and those teen nieces were the sweetest girls, helping my tentative little swimmers in the pool.
We enjoyed an incredible barbecue feast, and lounged under a parade of table umbrellas. (Last count there were ten!) Although the yard was actually small, it felt like a virtual paradise, with their swimming pool, flowers, umbrellas...and most of all- hospitality. If we absolutely didn't need to get back for something that evening, I think we would have moved right in.
R.'s little girl and my littlest, who are only eight months apart, became instant friends on the spot and played together the whole entire time.
It was incredible to see how our children had all changed and grown in these four years.
I wish my dad was able to live to be a part of this reunion- I know he would have loved it.
But it sort of boggles my mind to know that R. and my little ones share the same grandfather. So then, my dad would be his kids' great-grandfather. Which means, my kids and his kids are second cousins and...
Well, I guess in the end, as fascinated as I am by genealogy and family trees, it doesn't really matter all that much. Not really. Because the meaning of family in the truest sense comes down to the love we have for one another. Many times that includes some shared memories, but mainly it consists of that feeling of kinship and love, which is rooted down deep in the heart.
In honor of our country's birthday, here are my red, white and blue girls taken four summers ago...
Happy 4th of JULY!!!
I will be away from my computer tomorrow for a family reunion, which I'll tell you all about when I come back- as well as catch up with all your posts!
Until then, have a safe and happy celebration and a wonderful week! God bless!
First of all, thank you to all who gave such sweet comments on my last post- I so appreciated each of them.
And so...follow me to a quaint little tea house where six little girls, one mom -and a very brave dad- converged to begin festivities...
The tea house was charming, and the best part was that we had an entire room to ourselves- aptly named, The Canterbury Room. This picture is a little dark, but you'll have to trust me- it was adorable!
Girls had their choice between many flavored teas- or for the less adventurous- which proved to include most- you could have apple juice or hot chocolate in your teacup.
Our waitress gave us a "tea bingo" game to play while waiting for our morsels and later she explained some simple tea party etiquette.
Too bad that we learned not to extend our pinkie while sipping our tea...I was hoping to get a good picture of Daddy in that pose!
But somehow, we all ended up speaking with British accents during our luncheon...I think I started it, and soon we had a room full of little girls chatting like the Queen Mum.
We also had a great time trying on hats and gloves and boas!
Later, it was time for presents. My daughter sat down in the little princess chair which had been occupied of teddy bears, and waited patiently...
And then, the girls gathered around and I was amazed at the amount of interest and concentration they each had watching her open each and every one!
They were rewarded at the end when the birthday girl distributed their party favor gifts, with little notebooks, tea boxes and of course, bubbles...
Everyone seemed to have a "smashing good time"...even our one invited male guest, Sir Daddy.
And the next day, her actual birthday, she got to open gifts from just us...complete with our now tradition of the birthday treasure hunt.
A very full weekend, to say the least, and I know I for one am still recovering!
I can hardly believe my first baby is eight...leaving early childhood behind and becoming such a sweet, caring young lady.
Happy 8th birthday, Sweetie-girl!
I'm going to think on this one, and come back to bestow the "schmoozes" to a few others! :)
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