After reading my post Milly, Monkey Toes sister called me and asked, "If mom is Milly, does that make me Silly?" HILARIOUS!! So yes, my sister-in-law is now known as Silly (sister in-law love you). This morning, Silly is going to be having major surgery. My sisters are coming over to watch the kids so I can be at the hospital. I may be posting a few times today.
I consider Silly to be one of my sisters. Just like Milly, Silly has stood by me, no matter what my relationship status with Monkey Toes has been in the past. She is beautiful on the inside and out. My favorite "feature" about Silly is her lovely smile (dimples included) and her contagious laugh. It comes from such an honest place and one can't help but smile when she starts to giggle. We have shared a plethora of laughter and good times, as well as shared in some struggles. She is always willing to help with the kids and often knows my needs before I discover them. She embraces a strong faith and relationship with Christ. Her journey has been inspiring to share in and watch. She is a true gem and I love that God has blessed me with this "third" sister - someone who has known me for 20 years and still likes to hang out with me. I love you Silly!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Reminiscing
This morning I woke up and it felt as though I were walking in cement shoes. The whole morning felt like we were moving in slow motion, despite all that the kids and I accomplished. We used up the last of our left-over taco ingredients and made quisadillas. We used our over-riped bananas for banana bread and all of our stale hot dog and hamburger buns for bread pudding. The left-over ham we added to scalloped potatoes. I feel so domesticated and thrifty!
Not having posted frequently last week, there are a few memories I want to record. One morning, Honey Bunches of Oats asked where Auntie B was. I said, "She left because you kids were driving her crazy!" He replied, "That's impossible. We're not even old enough to have our license, so we couldn't drive her anywhere." Then there was the morning when Auntie B was just standing and Sweet Pea came running towards her, slammed into her and then fell down. Sweet Pea stood up and yelled that Auntie B pushed her down. One afternoon Sweet Potato was playing a game on Wii and got so excited that he fell off of the couch. He quickly stood up and said, "I'm o.k."
On days like today when I'm tired and a little cranky, it helps to reminisce about fun and silly things my kids have done and said. Even today, Gummi Bear decided to dress Pumpkin up in an old Halloween costume. Pumpkin came out of her room dressed as a pirate - bandanna and all. I wanted to post a picture but the memory card in our camera is missing (grrr). Honey Bunches came up to me while I was cooking and wrapped his arms around my waist and said, "I love you Mom." Cucumber saw this and decided to follow suit. She came up to me, gave me a hug and said, "I love you the most Mamasita." Amazing how my crankiness dissolves through the grace granted to me by God through my children.
Not having posted frequently last week, there are a few memories I want to record. One morning, Honey Bunches of Oats asked where Auntie B was. I said, "She left because you kids were driving her crazy!" He replied, "That's impossible. We're not even old enough to have our license, so we couldn't drive her anywhere." Then there was the morning when Auntie B was just standing and Sweet Pea came running towards her, slammed into her and then fell down. Sweet Pea stood up and yelled that Auntie B pushed her down. One afternoon Sweet Potato was playing a game on Wii and got so excited that he fell off of the couch. He quickly stood up and said, "I'm o.k."
On days like today when I'm tired and a little cranky, it helps to reminisce about fun and silly things my kids have done and said. Even today, Gummi Bear decided to dress Pumpkin up in an old Halloween costume. Pumpkin came out of her room dressed as a pirate - bandanna and all. I wanted to post a picture but the memory card in our camera is missing (grrr). Honey Bunches came up to me while I was cooking and wrapped his arms around my waist and said, "I love you Mom." Cucumber saw this and decided to follow suit. She came up to me, gave me a hug and said, "I love you the most Mamasita." Amazing how my crankiness dissolves through the grace granted to me by God through my children.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Milly
Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my Mother-in-law's passing. As I posted earlier, we gathered for nine consecutive days to pray the Rosary for her, which concluded last night. The past week has been emotional, uplifting, challenging, and sacred. Tonight, as my children sleep, I am left with my thoughts and reflections of time spent with family and time spent in prayer.
I first met my mother in-law (whom I will refer to as Milly [mother in-law love you]) 20 years ago. Monkey Toes brought me to his house after school and Milly had just returned home from work. She had the most beautiful hair - long, thick and black, all pulled back. She actually didn't say much to me that day, but we did exchange pleasantries. It did not take long before Milly was treating me like family. I was always being invited over for meals and included in family functions. Even during mine and Monkey's break-ups, Milly continued to befriend me. I soon realized, that no matter what relationship state Monkey and I were in, Milly would always be my friend.
I have countless stories of how Milly touched my life, inspired me, blessed me with kindness and thoughtfulness. The one, however, that I treasure the most happened just a little over one year ago. It was the day my dad passed away and Milly came to our home. Overcome with emotion, I sat down on the couch and Milly followed me. In her fragile state, she wrapped her arms around my shoulders and held me. No words were spoken. She just let me cry. Less than two weeks later, Milly entered Hospice.
I had the honor of being with Milly's family as she took her final breath. She battled cancer for six years. It may have taken her body, but it never took away her graciousness, her sense of humor, her faith, nor her dignity. She remained, and always will remain, one of the most beautiful people I have known.
Although I miss her, I do find healing and hope in a faith that we shared. I am comforted by the stories that are recalled among her children, her family and friends. I find comfort in knowing that she knew each of her grandchildren and loved them dearly. I am comforted in that her faith and family were the two most important things in her life, and that we will continue that legacy. Milly will forever remain in our hearts.
I first met my mother in-law (whom I will refer to as Milly [mother in-law love you]) 20 years ago. Monkey Toes brought me to his house after school and Milly had just returned home from work. She had the most beautiful hair - long, thick and black, all pulled back. She actually didn't say much to me that day, but we did exchange pleasantries. It did not take long before Milly was treating me like family. I was always being invited over for meals and included in family functions. Even during mine and Monkey's break-ups, Milly continued to befriend me. I soon realized, that no matter what relationship state Monkey and I were in, Milly would always be my friend.
I have countless stories of how Milly touched my life, inspired me, blessed me with kindness and thoughtfulness. The one, however, that I treasure the most happened just a little over one year ago. It was the day my dad passed away and Milly came to our home. Overcome with emotion, I sat down on the couch and Milly followed me. In her fragile state, she wrapped her arms around my shoulders and held me. No words were spoken. She just let me cry. Less than two weeks later, Milly entered Hospice.
I had the honor of being with Milly's family as she took her final breath. She battled cancer for six years. It may have taken her body, but it never took away her graciousness, her sense of humor, her faith, nor her dignity. She remained, and always will remain, one of the most beautiful people I have known.
Although I miss her, I do find healing and hope in a faith that we shared. I am comforted by the stories that are recalled among her children, her family and friends. I find comfort in knowing that she knew each of her grandchildren and loved them dearly. I am comforted in that her faith and family were the two most important things in her life, and that we will continue that legacy. Milly will forever remain in our hearts.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Announcing the Arrival of. . .
Yesterday, Monkey Toes' sister and brother-in-law officially adopted their 5 year old son, Peanut Butter (lovingly named because I love peanut butter and the kid is so darn cute that I just want to bite his cheeks). It was an amazing procedure to watch. The actual time spent in court was short, but the experience was powerful. Tears were flowing, people were clapping, the joy was contagious. The bright smiles on Peanut Butter and his mom and dad's faces was heart felt. To witness the joining of these individuals was a true testament to life and the real beauty of the masterpiece we call family.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Atonement
I was up late last night, visiting with Monkey Toes' aunt and cousin who are here from out west. They will be staying with us for a few days. The kids also went to bed late and so I had the hope of maybe sleeping a little longer this morning than normal. I was awoken to a small, sweet little voice crying, "help. Help please. Help me." I walked out of my bedroom and found Sweet Pea in the bathroom. She had tried to wash her hands and didn't dry them well enough, so her little hands kept slipping off the door knob. She had a big grin on her face when I opened the door. So my day has begun in full swing.
Our family is in the process of praying a 9 day Rosary. We are doing this in honor of Monkey Toes' mom who passed away on June 22, 2010. It is a cultural tradition in which the family gathers for 9 days leading up to the one year anniversary of the passing of their loved one. As we have been doing this, I have discovered that not everyone shares the belief, nor understands the importance, of praying for the dead. I don't think it is just a Catholic practice, as it is Biblical. 2 Maccabees 12 talks about praying for those who were killed in battle at that time. The bodies were discovered wearing tokens of idols. Judas and his army blessed the ways of the Lord - the righteous judge - praying that the sin of these men may be blotted out. The passage concludes with these words: "For if he (Judas) were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore he made atonement for the dead, so that they might be delivered from their sin." 1 Corinthians also talks about one body with many members. Just because a person has died, death does not remove them from the Body of Christ, but that they continue to serve the Body in very important ways - one in that they can pray unceasingly for us because they no longer have the distractions of this world. O.k. There is my catechetical lesson for the day.
I am cherishing this time spent with family, especially those whom we don't see very often. It has been a lovely reunion, as such, and I know that these days will pass too quickly. Today is a full day and will be one of great celebration. I will post about these experiences at a later date. As for now, I am thankful for this day, grateful for my family, and humbled at God's outpouring of grace and love.
Our family is in the process of praying a 9 day Rosary. We are doing this in honor of Monkey Toes' mom who passed away on June 22, 2010. It is a cultural tradition in which the family gathers for 9 days leading up to the one year anniversary of the passing of their loved one. As we have been doing this, I have discovered that not everyone shares the belief, nor understands the importance, of praying for the dead. I don't think it is just a Catholic practice, as it is Biblical. 2 Maccabees 12 talks about praying for those who were killed in battle at that time. The bodies were discovered wearing tokens of idols. Judas and his army blessed the ways of the Lord - the righteous judge - praying that the sin of these men may be blotted out. The passage concludes with these words: "For if he (Judas) were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore he made atonement for the dead, so that they might be delivered from their sin." 1 Corinthians also talks about one body with many members. Just because a person has died, death does not remove them from the Body of Christ, but that they continue to serve the Body in very important ways - one in that they can pray unceasingly for us because they no longer have the distractions of this world. O.k. There is my catechetical lesson for the day.
I am cherishing this time spent with family, especially those whom we don't see very often. It has been a lovely reunion, as such, and I know that these days will pass too quickly. Today is a full day and will be one of great celebration. I will post about these experiences at a later date. As for now, I am thankful for this day, grateful for my family, and humbled at God's outpouring of grace and love.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Small Town Living
Monkey Toes and I live in the town where I was raised. I wasn't born here, but my family moved here in 1982 - I had just completed third grade. Monkey Toes grew up in the next town over, also moving there when he was in third grade. I have fond memories of growing up in a small town. We knew our neighbors very well and watched out for one another. Going into almost any business, patrons were greeted by name. The community would pull together in tragic situations, showing love and support for those in need. We even had a curfew, timed by the 10:00 PM siren. When that went off, we needed to be off the streets and home. One of my best child-hood friends lived kitty-corner from our backyard and we would play together daily - almost all day - and often we would wind up spending the night at one another's home. I think our parents just got use to the idea of having an extra child around. So, as a young person, small town living was great.
I lived away from home for 10 years. Once Monkey Toes and I became engaged, we had both agreed that we would never move back to our hometowns. The things that we loved about them are also the things that we didn't like about them - having no anonymity, people (other than family) knowing our business, not having the conveniences of bigger cities, etc. We wanted to live close enough to be able to visit family with ease, but far enough away to live our own lives. God had a different plan for us, and I can honestly say, I'm glad we listened to Him and followed.
Now that we are raising children, there is no other place I would rather be than home. My entire family lives within 10 minutes of each other. It's not unusual for family to stop by any day of the week. We've even had the experience of being gone and coming home to find family with our coffee pot on, sitting around our kitchen table. I sincerely love this! My kids are growing up, knowing and loving their extended family. That, in itself, is worth any of the sacrifices we thought we were making by moving back here nine years ago. I like going for walks, or bike rides, and waving to almost every car that passes (because we know them). When my dad passed away, we were abundantly blessed with visitors, food and offers to babysit from people within the community. So, although the closest Starbucks is 35 miles away, a shared cup of coffee at my kitchen table with a family member or a neighbor is priceless. As one of my former bosses (and priest) told me a long time ago, "you can take the girl out of the small town, but you can't take the small town out of the girl." I'm content being who I am.
I lived away from home for 10 years. Once Monkey Toes and I became engaged, we had both agreed that we would never move back to our hometowns. The things that we loved about them are also the things that we didn't like about them - having no anonymity, people (other than family) knowing our business, not having the conveniences of bigger cities, etc. We wanted to live close enough to be able to visit family with ease, but far enough away to live our own lives. God had a different plan for us, and I can honestly say, I'm glad we listened to Him and followed.
Now that we are raising children, there is no other place I would rather be than home. My entire family lives within 10 minutes of each other. It's not unusual for family to stop by any day of the week. We've even had the experience of being gone and coming home to find family with our coffee pot on, sitting around our kitchen table. I sincerely love this! My kids are growing up, knowing and loving their extended family. That, in itself, is worth any of the sacrifices we thought we were making by moving back here nine years ago. I like going for walks, or bike rides, and waving to almost every car that passes (because we know them). When my dad passed away, we were abundantly blessed with visitors, food and offers to babysit from people within the community. So, although the closest Starbucks is 35 miles away, a shared cup of coffee at my kitchen table with a family member or a neighbor is priceless. As one of my former bosses (and priest) told me a long time ago, "you can take the girl out of the small town, but you can't take the small town out of the girl." I'm content being who I am.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Type A
I think I am a pretty typical Type A personality. I like things orderly and in their place. I am punctual. In certain situations, I don't like to delegate, because I find it less stressful to just do things myself. This personality type does not necessarily compliment the life that Monkey Toes and I have opened ourselves up to. Having a house full of children, I have had to challenge myself to adapt, and not always very successfully. I find myself more at ease and more able to enjoy life when my house is in order or a "mess" is cleaned up. I'm always a little envious of those who live by the phrase, "the mess isn't going anywhere, so you may as well enjoy your _____________" (family, weather, etc.). I tend to think, "yeah, the mess isn't going anywhere and that's precisely why I need to clean it up now." Don't misunderstand me, my house is far from perfect. As I type this, I have Raman Noodles stuck to my floor (I usually wait until they dry-up a little. They're easier to clean up that way) and a mountain of laundry to tackle. My hallway is lined with kids books (an obstacle course) and there are tiny pieces of paper that keep showing up from my children trying to make confetti. So in an attempt to take a little stress off of me and hopefully begin teaching my kids some responsibility, I have given them a chore chart to follow.
We all have everyday tasks that should be completed - make beds, dirty clothes in laundry basket, shoes in cubby, and outside toys put away each night before bed. Then on a rotation are dishes, sweeping, wiping the table, and taking out the garbage. On certain days will be tasks such as vacuuming and cleaning the bathrooms. Today is day #4 and I have to admit it is going well. Since we run the dishwasher before we go to bed, the designated child unloads it when he/she wakes up. The table gets wiped and the floor swept after each meal. The trash gets taken out in the evening. The chart keeps everyone organized and there (so far) has been no argument about who has to do what. This not only has been good for the kids, but it's a good lesson for me. I have to learn to let the kids do their chores without constantly looking over their shoulder. My way isn't the only way (gulp). Deep down I know that these are skills my children need to learn and truly they are doing a great job. So less stress for me means a happier mom who has more time to play with my kids and enjoy them.
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