Cocoon of Chaos

Weekly Tidbits and Insights #11

1. This has been a tough week. A young teacher was murdered by a student in the next town over from us and the tragedy is real. It is not miles away, seen on t.v., but here, up close and personal. I've tried really hard to work through this in my mind and I'm just left feeling empty. My heart breaks for that teacher, her family, her students, the boy, and his family. I know he did something abhorrible; but, I can't shake the fact that he was 14. 14. What happened in his life, his head, his heart to make him do this? All week, I've been choking down a golf ball in my throat because I just can't wrap my head around it. And explaining it to my girls, for lack of better words, sucked. I have to be very careful, as one of my girls worries about EVERYTHING. And let's face it, seeing that her mum is an educator, telling her this is bound to cause some fear and anxiety. I wanted my girls to hear the story from me, not their peers. I, of course did not go into great detail, but just stated the basic facts. They sat in silence for awhile and Ava said, "Mummy, something sad had to happen to him. It just had to." Rather than fear ruling her mind, compassion fueled her thoughts. To say I was proud is a gross understatement. Lily asked if I was scared at all being a teacher and I answered her honestly. I would lie if it did not cross my mind, but it does not cloud my purpose. I go to work every single day for one thing: the children. Nothing will stop that, especially fear. A co-worker posted this blog post and it moved me. Please read it.

2. There are approximately 6 buckets of clean laundry sitting at my feet and an unused yoga mat staring at me while I write this. It is a big step for me to be doing this, and not that. Big step. Because, really, my soul needs this.

3. So grateful for this husband of mine. As I've written, he's been gone a heck of a lot lately and we're all struggling. Really struggling. So, he woke up at 2 a.m., drove to the nearest airport which was 2 hours away with only hope that he would get on an earlier flight. He did indeed. I kept it a big secret, pulled the girls out of school early, and he surprised them when they got home. I'm crying even typing about it. We have been through our share of crap, but nothing has been as hard as the last 8 weeks. We all miss each other, we are all trying our hardest to be the best we can be, and we all have our moments when the only thing we can do is sit and cry. It would be easy to let resentment, depression, and loneliness take over, but I'm determined to keep those at bay. If nothing else, these past 2 months has shown me how close we are as a unit. All 5 of us support each other, drive each other mad, but love each other with all of our hearts. Tonight, as Devin left for the airport once again, my little boy, lost it. Completely lost it watching Devin leave. My heart crumbled. And then, my girls leaned over and grabbed his hands and squeezed him tight. He continued to cry, but had his head on Lily's shoulder as Ava rubbed his back. It is so hard being a parent, never quite knowing if you're doing right, but I know I'm giving them one thing we all need: unconditional love. 

5. Every day at 12:30, this is my view. Oliver is allowed to play games on the iPad and I force myself to sit on the couch, rather than do chores. I don't want it to be lost time. Oliver props his feet up on my legs, turns on the iPad, and we have rather interesting conversations. I sit. I listen. I revel in this time. The day I found out I was pregnant with him, I was filled with doubt how I would be a mother to three. How I would divide my love between 3 people. But the thing is, it is not about dividing, it is about expanding. 

A busy weekend lies ahead, but a good busy. The air is changing, my heat is on, and the hats and mittens have been washed. May your weekend be filled with happy moments, both big and small. As always, thanks for reading. I really did not mean for this to be such an emotional post, thanks for listening.

Weekly Tidbits and Insights #10

1. What a crap week this has been, both in my house and the White House. The latter, I'm not going to talk about because I am so utterly disgusted and don't have the energy. In my tiny gray house, it has been a week of sickness and missing the mister. Pippa is so very sick. She has been prescribed bed rest until Monday. Those pesky lungs of her are going to be the death of me. In her true fashion, she's upset that she can't play soccer, can't go get her new promised sneakers, and can't go outside. Girl living in a bubble this weekend. I'm capitalizing on this time with her and soaking up cuddles and giggles whenever I can get them. 

2. I'm overwhelmed at how lucky I am to have the friends I do. I received so many thoughtful emails and I'm just so very grateful for this wonderful community we live in. It really and truly is a very special place. The kind words lifted my spirits and my heart is just so very full.

3. My husband sent me a love letter via email this morning. A million times better than a flower delivery. I am one lucky lady.

4. When life gives you lemons, just turn on some Joan Jett. Oliver is the iPad master and picks Crimson and Clover and I Love Rock and Roll every single day. I've been trying so hard to get it on video, but this kid doesn't miss a trick. His head bangs to the beat, his feet stomp, and he gets revved up. No matter how shitty I am feeling, it brightens my day. So, thanks, JJ. (Funny side note: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts was Devin's first album. Love of rock runs in the genes, I suppose.)

5. My sappiness is really getting to an insane level. I was sobbing watching the new show, The Goldbergs the other night. It was all about the kids growing up and letting go and it just struck a chord with me. This is a big year for all my kiddos and I'm so excited for what lies ahead, but there is still some nostalgic yearning in my heart for simpler days. Yes, they were crazy, but they were indeed a hell of a lot less complicated.

6. Since the two younger Grants have been going to bed before 7, a miracle in itself, Bea and I have had the evenings to ourselves. It always involves finishing homework, but I will take it. This girl drives me to the brink, but also grounds me to the core. She knows how to push my buttons more than anyone and enjoys doing so, but I reminded myself that when these tweens push you away with such vigor, they are really needing you. So, the house looks like a damn tornado because my clean up time is spent with Bea at night. I'm really surprising myself that I've been good about letting it go, but how could I sacrifice such an opportunity with her because of a mess?

7. Can we discuss television for a second? It really sucks. We don't have cable and each night I attempt to find something to watch on my 10 channels, I'm left disappointed. Why is everything about torture, murder, and violence? I don't mean to sound like a prude or anything, but I just have no desire to watch that stuff. I want to laugh, not go to bed with my head full of fear. 

8. Saw this video and it inspired me to push on. Read this article and had belly aches from laughing. Came across the acoustic version of one of my very favorite songs, Let Go by Frou Frou.

 

The chorus resonates with me so very much. Letting go of the shit that holds us down, no matter how painful, how large, how small, how pretty, how ugly, in that heart wrenching process of releasing it all, beauty can indeed be found in that breakdown. 

9. In the many trips to CVS this week, I noticed M&Ms came out with a pretzel and mint variety. Umm...delicious. The pretzel ones would be fantastic mixed in with homemade, warm, buttery popcorn. Can you guess the dessert for movie night this week?!

10. I bought these sweatpants and oh my goodness, they are like wearing feathers on your legs. I am not a sweat wearing kind of gal, but our oil burner is very low and we are in the process of installing a new heating system, so I'm just gearing up for the chilly October nights. These are the only sweats I'd ever consider wearing outside my house...cute and ridiculously comfy. 

11. This weekend will consist of doing nothing but hanging out with the mister. This last trip was a long one and we all miss him like crazycakes. I told the girls I wish he was a jerk sometimes so I didn't miss him so much. I won the husband lottery, let me tell you. Oh, and it is rummage sale season, so I'll be searching for some treasures in old, musty church gyms missing my best thrifty companion, my Nana. I keep telling myself that with time, this ache for her company will go away, but I don't think it ever will. She would always find me the best vintage sweaters, so I'm bound and determined to carry on her legacy. 

Happy weekend. May yours be full of joy and contentment. Thanks for reading.

 

Weekly Tidbits and Insights #9

1. Snapped this photo last weekend of my brother and Oliver. Look at how similar their gait is..weird. I love my siblings a whole heck of a lot and am so happy my kiddos have such a great relationship with them. I was an only child for 19 years and I know I was just waiting for them. They are super people, really and truly.

2. Fall is here. I'm doing the happy dance. My hair no longer looks like I stuck my finger in a light socket, the humidity is gone, there is a lovely crisp to the air, and the colors of fall dot the ground. As much as I love the beach, I really love the fall. 

3. Headed up to New Hampshire this weekend to Storyland...about the only amusement park this mama (and one of my daughters) can handle. It is a quaint storybook place and the people watching is always fantastic. (Not quite as good as the county fairs, but close, those are next weekend!)

4. This week was the first week in 6 weeks that the mister was home all week. It was splendid. Sadly, it is short lived, but I'll take what I can get. I, of course, miss him terribly when he's gone, but I also miss his cooking. He made individual turkey meatloafs in the cupcake pans last night. We named them tuffins. Yes, we're dorks. 

5. Many of us love Junior Mints in this house and Oliver calls them "joy mints". Seriously. 

6. This video made me cry. This article made me think. Heard this song and I don't know why, I just love it. 

7. Driving in the car the other day and Flo rida's Whistle song came on and there was something that just made my skin crawl hearing my nine and seven year old sing along. (That something could be the innuendo that the whistling is really something entirely different in the song!) So, as much as I'm not too crazy about the whip cream breast shooting Katy Perry, I'll take her empowerment song, Roar, anyday over what I'm now referring to as the BJ song. And to be frank, that nine year old of mine is conquering some pretty big things day by day, so it makes it that much sweeter to hear her off key voice belting it out. Staying on this topic, I just love Sara Bareilles' song, Brave, we all need a little reminder and courage to be our true selves. 

 

8. Had jury duty this week and my, oh my, what an experience. This is not my first time serving, but it is my first time watching a woman bathe in her bra and underwear in the court bathroom sink while I was waiting for a stall. The only good that came out of that day was running into a former student of mine. This kid is one tough kid with a heavy past and when I first started working with him, countless people told me it was a waste of time, he was too far behind, and there was too much stacked against him. Well, I found out that they were wrong. He is now a  senior in high school, slated to graduate in June. My friends, there are not enough words to describe how I felt running into him. The courthouse was located by the housing projects he used to live in and I joked with Devin that running into him would be weird. Well, it wasn't weird, it was wonderful. Just to give you an idea, he was reading at the third grade level as a freshman in high school, he didn't care about school, and spent his time anywhere but where he should have been; but, there was a spark under that tough facade. I saw it the first day I worked with him and again the other day. That is what will carry him through life, I just know it. And, the hug he gave me when we were saying good-bye will carry me through. One of the many reasons I love my job is because as much as I help these kids, they help me. They show me true resilience in the face of adversity and inspire me to forge ahead. 

Happy weekend, my friends. I do hope it is filled with joy. As always, thanks for reading.

Weekly Tidbits and Insights #8

1. I had a very moving experience last Sunday at church. People were lighting candles for those missed and one member came to the microphone and began talking about her father, a well known English professor who  passed away 7 years ago. And then, she said his name. He was my mentor, my very favorite professor, and the only person who I really felt was as passionate about literature as I was. The tears began to fall for so many reasons. At coffee hour, I introduced myself and told his daughter how much he meant to me and well, we were both a hot mess of tears and laughter, because he was quite a character. The funny thing is this: for the past 6 months, I've really been soul searching on what to do with my life. I LOVE my current job, but there is a piece of my heart that is unfulfilled and that has to do with literature. This professor of mine would leave pamphlets of different graduate schools on my desk all of the time, persuading me to follow my dream of teaching literature in colleges. So, with these thoughts of maybe doing it reeling in my head for so many months and then hearing his name at church, I was overcome with emotion. He meant so very much to me and for a fraction of a second, I could hear his raspy voice telling me, "Life is too short, darling, do what you love." That was what he told me all of the time. And well, I'm not saying it was divine intervention, but let me tell you, the stars lined up for me that day. I made a deal with myself that as soon as I pay my student loans off, I will start researching. Life is indeed too short.

2. My current schedule gives me 30 minutes to myself every single day before I pick Oliver up at preschool. I've never had that kind of daily break with these kiddos and I'm telling you, it is wonderful. My treat is going to the thrift store every Friday and searching for treasures. Bliss I tell you, my friends.

3. Pillsbury has come out with a gluten free line of ready made dough, many thanks to my dear friend, Jill for posting on facebook. Yes, I'm sure they are loaded with crap, but you know what, for this gluten free chocolate chip cookie addict, it is nice to finally find a quick cookie that I can enjoy right out of the oven. An added bonus is I can make 5 or 15, so I don't go crazy eating all of them!  (See here for the options.)

4. It is International Book Week. We are in the slow process of redoing our office upstairs into a full fledged family library. I scored a free modernish red velvet chair, spray paint is bought for the desk, and the bookcases are filling up rather quickly. I just love books and it has been my dream to have our own little library in this tiny house of ours. Slow and steady wins the race!

5. Admire this artist from our town for his moving installation. Gun control and mental health reform need to be on the horizon, too many lives lost.  May be adding this to my holiday wish list. I've been researching similar social change businesses and am hoping to spend wisely this holiday season. And by that I mean, really be mindful of where my money is going. There are so many companies trying to make a difference by empowering people all over the world through craftsmanship.

6. The National Geographic 125th Anniversary Photo Edition arrived yesterday and I cannot put it down. There is one image that is particularly haunting of an 11 year old Afghani girl sitting next to her groom, who is 40 that just will not leave my head.  I'm also reading The Bookseller of Kabul right now and it is just deplorable the lives these girls live; the image in the magazine and the word on my book's pages are stirring up the drive to do something, even if it just means writing a check to support one girl going to school. It was so inspiring reading in National Geographic how many people were moved by images throughout the 125 years of publication to do something to make a difference. 

7. I am dying to go to see a new exhibit at the MFA, consisting of 12 women photographers from the Arab world illustrating women in their home country. This may be a date night/day in the near future.

8. Loving Jack Johnson's new album. Yes, it sounds similar to his others, but his lyrics are spot on. It transplants me to a nice, relaxed place...even with 3 kids screaming at the top of their lungs. For some reason, the video won't post but watch here. 

Happy weekend, my friends. 

 

 

Weekly Tidbits and Insights #7

1. What a week. Pretty sure I came as close as I ever have to a full blown freak out. Too many transitions, too much stress, and too many tears for this mama to handle. I did the only thing I could, I threw my hands up, waved the surrender flag, admitted defeat and ate crappy, unhealthy food. Oh, and popped a few Rescue Remedies. Yes, it really works. Things are looking up, but as we all know, this parenting gig is a whole messy bag of surprises. 

2. I received some lovely emails from some remarkable women that I'm honored to call my friends with words that broke my heart open with gratitude this week. I am a closet introvert who keeps things to myself, but I'm ever so grateful for these friends. And see, ladies, I told you I don't always have it together. xoxoxo

3. I'm not sure what is going on but the past few days have been hotter than the dickens. Seriously, Mother Nature, what the hell? I'm done with the sticky humidity, my bozo the clown hair, and sweaty, tired children. Bring on fall, would you please?! In opposition to this heat wave, I ordered  a new winter coat. So there.

4. Oliver started preschool this week and although he stomps on my heart by screaming and crying when I drop him off, he is having a blast. He just loves it. Tonight, he performed all his new songs while standing on the kitchen table with such gusto, I thought my heart was going to explode out of my chest. I do believe that is not the only time I will find him atop a table singing. Sigh.

5. We ventured back to church this past Sunday. It is a church without one prescribed dogma, but rather the belief in community. Funny how the things you need in life are really just waiting for you to find them.

6. I've committed to a weekend juice cleanse this weekend. I just feel I need it, both literally and figuratively. I need to rid my body of some serious toxins, both emotional and physical. I'm scared shitless, really, I am. I love food and get rather cranky without it. So, I may lock myself away in my room with a book for the weekend as to not traumatize my husband any further after this week. (see #1) Or, most likely, just book a manicure and pedicure.

7. I've signed on to be one of the Garden Stewards at my school's Children's Garden. Here is our new blog: http://coveschildrensgarden.blogspot.com. It is something I believe in whole-heartedly. I work and my kiddos go to school at such a special place that supports this outdoor classroom. I'm so very excited and have resorted to putting a timer on when I am on Pinterest. I get a bit carried away.

8. Can we talk for two seconds about how wonderful Pinterest is? Really, I could write a love letter all about Pinterest. My outfits, my food, my haircuts, my projects, my photos, my words, and so much more are inspired from something I saw on Pinterest. Although, I'm not sure why, but I've been inundated with feline pins. If nothing else, it is rather humorous, and god knows I needed a good laugh and a few glasses of wine this week.

8. Read this letter from E.B.White this week and it made me smile. Read this letter by a mother to her daughter and it made me laugh. Lastly, happened upon this website and it made me count my blessings.

9. Bea is back in art class and well, it is the best medicine for her right now. Everyone needs an outlet and hers is in a pencil and a paintbrush. The past few weeks have been a struggle for my sweet girl and today as she waved good-bye to her art teacher, I saw her real smile. Not the "I'm really not okay, but I'm going to smile to fool you all smile," but the beaming, twinkle in her eye smile. I've missed it oh so much, my friends, and I will do whatever it takes to keep her smiling. And a note: I am very aware this a public sphere that I write in and am sensitive to my daughter's privacy. However, after discussing this so many times with her, and reading the statistics that over 40 million people suffer from anxiety disorders, I don't want her to be ashamed of her feelings and we agreed that talking about it, both together and in a larger audience is a good thing. Awareness never hurts, my friends. Just had to put that out there. 

10. Pippa is back on the soccer field and my goodness, she finds her fire in those cleats. She scored a goal this week and I still tear up when I think of her little toothless smile when that ball landed in the net. She, too, is full of surprises, that one. Pippa is a reserved child, but when she lets her guard down, her presence is known. She came up to me today at the park, gave me a hug, and said, "I hope you never change from the lovely lady that you are." On a week when I was feeling very un-lovely, this comment dumped a bucket of sunshine atop my head. Granted, there was a horrific woman at the park screaming at her children for getting dirty, but, hey, I'll take any kind of sweet comment from my little lady! 

Happy weekend and as always, thanks for reading. 

 

 

Weekly Tidbits and Insights #6

1. The above picture is of my nana, one stylish, strong, and sassy woman. It is her birthday today and if she wasn't taken too soon, we'd be laughing and celebrating over an army load of food. I miss her so very much. That kitchen she's working in is my kitchen now; yes, it has a ceiling, new floors, new cabinets, but one thing we did not change is her presence. Call me crazy, but in the silence of the dark mornings, while sipping my tea, I know she's still with me. I come from a long line of tough ladies and on my worst days, I think of their lives, their strength, and their resolve. So, Nana, here's to you, working hard in that kitchen in sassy boots. I do hope I do your memory some justice.

2. This has been a very tough week in the Grant abode. The mister has traveled every week for 4 weeks and well, it is getting to all of us. We have had lots of tears, lots of hugs, and lots of reassurance that we are lucky he always comes home safe and sound. But, it is hard, it is lonely, and it is exhausting....for all 5 of us.

3. I've never outright said this, but having a kid that struggles with anxiety sucks. It is heartbreaking to watch them in the thick of their own torturous minds. Everyday, this is a reality for us, but the beauty is, everyday there are breakthroughs. They may seem small to some, but they are huge for us. HUGE. A simple act for some kids, are enormous obstacles for our girl. Nothing is more offensive than people saying, "why can't she just get over it?" or "she's just too sensitive"; well, no sh** Sherlock, she's sensitive, but here is my response, "Yes, she may be, but she was put on this earth to feel more than you, than all of us, because no other human I know has the intense empathy and compassion that lies within my girl's soul." The other night, I kissed her good night and she said to me, "Thanks for never giving up on me." I never will, even when it is easier to rescue her, because I need her to know I believe in her with every ounce of my being, even when she does not believe in herself. Words cannot describe the pain of watching her in thick of it, but words also fall short when she pushes through and triumphs. 

4. Being back at work is both busy and wonderful. It is an amazing feeling when those "big" kids I worked with last year are still happy to give me a hug when I run into them in the hallway. I have the greatest job in the world, really and truly. 

5. I've abandoned this little space of mine because I've been writing beyond this cocoon. I stuck my neck out there and submitted a poem to a journal. I don't expect anything, it just felt good to get back in the saddle pencil again. A huge thanks to a very dear friend for the inspiration and first read. KP, I'm so very thankful you lugged those kiddos in the wagon of yours many moons ago to make peanut butter bird feeders. I'm a better mama and writer for it.

6. I hosted a tea party for an adorable young lady today and had a blast. Did I not mention my little side project, Gertie and Vel's Tea Parties? Life is so very busy, but I've decided to only make it busy with things I love. What we put into life, is exactly what we get out of it.

Happy weekend, my friends. We will be on the soccer fields. Oliver's team is the Dynamos...very fitting for this crazy boy of mine!

Weekly Tidbits and Insights #5

1. Had a last summer fling at Salem Willows with the kiddos, loads of cheesy fun. The best part was when Pippa asked, "are all these teenagers wearing shorts or are they underwear?" Yes, little teeny boppers, we all remember having that lovely young body, but I'm sorry, butts hanging out is never attractive. Just saying.

2. School started and it is really hard to believe I now have a fourth grader and second grader. My kids are nerds and just love going to school, so things are very happy around the Grant abode these days. We are a family who loves routines, apparently, because the fighting has lessened and peace is now upon us. 

3. The Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth came to speak at our district wide staff first day back and to say he was inspiring is a gross understatement. Education is in a funky place right now, but I am so grateful to be in the state I am in, but more importantly, the school I work in. I've worked in many different schools and I've never worked with such caring, compassionate, hard-working, and funny people. It feels so very good to be in the place--both literally and figuratively--I am in right now. I am beyond content.

4. We've been taking short walks after dinner lately and on one of them, Bea informed me she is a Buddhist. Let me tell you, this great feline hunter of ours is really testing her beliefs, then. In the past 3 weeks, we've had woodpeckers, sparrows, doves, 2 bats, 2 bunnies, 2 mice, and one vole. Let me not forget about the encounter with the skunk. Bathing this beast was something and my house has a lovely mild scent of skunk. 

5. Is anyone else tired of hearing about Miley Cyrus? I mean, really, enough. How about we discuss the impending war with Syria or the nuclear disaster in Japan? 

6. I'm ending here with the best news of this week: we FINALLY sold our house in Colorado. We moved out of it 9 years ago because I was lonely in Colorado and Devin was offered a job in Boston that was better for all of us. It has been nearly a decade of struggle, stress, faith, and an immense amount of patience that I did not think was humanly possible. I came  home from work with my 2 boys at the stoop smiling like crazy. I walked up and Oliver said, "we sold the house, Mummy". I dropped my stuff, jumped into Devin's arms, and felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders. One of the best moments, really and truly. 

7. Came across this website, which shows a project from Gabriele Galimberti, a photographer who traveled the world to take pictures of children and their toys. It was humbling, heart warming, and heart breaking at the same time. 

As always, thanks for reading and have a marvelous weekend. 

Weekly Tidbits and Insights #4

Oh, I'm just smitten with this record player. Found the above record at a thrift store the other day; it is a record Lucky Strike put out with Columbia Records, showcasing hits from the 1930s and 40s. I listen to it every single day, multiple times a day. 

Girls went back to school shopping (thank you, Mum!) Bea picked out Minnetonka Fringe Boots and Pippa chose these adorable super skinny jeans and this adorable peter pan collared shirt. It is just so awesome to watch them shop...I love to see their personalities shine through their style.

I found love at the grocery store this week. Ben and Jerry's Liz Lemon Greek Fro-yo is so, so good. Lemon, blueberry, with a hint of lavender. To boot, each purchase contributes to a non-profit organization that donates books to inner city kids. See, eating a pint a night is not emotional eating, it is a samaritan act. 

Well, Oliver's gun obsession has now moved to phones. He asks for my phone constantly, runs into a room and yells, "photo bomb!" and takes about a million pictures in 30 seconds. He told me he is saving his allowance for an iPhone...I couldn't make this sh** up, my friends.

The mister's traveling has picked up again, and well, I'm really wishing I didn't like the dude so much. I miss him like crazy when he's gone and when we face time, he makes me blush like I'm 18 again. I spent the day yesterday shredding old documents with very old pay stubs and I was just overcome with such pride for my guy. It has nothing to do with money, but rather he is a self-made man. He's worked his butt off to get where he is and I'm just so very proud to be his wife. 

I'm going to link an article here, but be warned it is a bit racy. Don't read it while waiting at gymnastics or with your kiddo reading over your shoulder. Although, I did see a woman reading Fifty Shades of Gray in the Y lobby the other day. Yikes. Anyhoo, I'm linking this article because I think it says alot about who we are as a culture, especially a culture of women. Ladies, we need ease up on ourselves and listen to our partners. The article is here. (And, DPG, don't get your hopes up.)

Be still, my heart. Two of my favorites in one room singing one of my favorite songs. They collaborated on Johnson's new album. See here.

 

And, lastly, there are not enough words to adequately express the bravery of the school bookkeeper in Georgia, Antoinette Tuff, who talked down an armed gunman. I can barely talk about it without crying because in all my years working in schools, mostly urban ones with some tough kids, there is one thing I know: show some love, some respect, and some decency and things change. Call me a hippie or an idealist, whatever you'd like, but I speak from experience: love works, my friends.

As always, thanks for reading and make the most of your weekend!

 

 

 

 

Weekly Tidbits and Insights #3

1. Spending a week with 21 people in a single house is a million times better than I thought it would be, really and truly. This family of mine is one special group of people. I always knew I was a pretty lucky person growing up, but now being the grown up and watching the next generation of kids, confirms just how much this family supports and loves one another.

2. Speaking of the next generation. I've shed a few tears this trip because my cousins, who are much younger than myself, are growing up much too fast. There have been talks of colleges, career plans, and future dreams and well, my heart swells with pride.  They are a great group of kids and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for all of them.

3. The Outer Banks is gorgeous. The sand is like velvet on your feet, the dunes magestic, and the ocean a constant source of humility. I just love it here.

4. Seeing wild horses on the beach is a million times more magical than I imagined.

5. It was a LONG hike down here (19 hours total in the car) but worth every second of that drive. My kiddos have been such troopers and are loving the time spent with family. Words cannot adequately describe my appreciation, pride, and faith in my kiddos. They've made me a very, very proud mama.

6. Vacation is lovely, ending it stinks. Although, I do believe we will each take a bit more than sand in our pockets home with us.  

7. And lastly, this trip, more than ever, reminded me that my nana and my papa, who laid the foundation for this group, were two amazing individuals. I've heard so many new stories this week of both of them and I am just so eternally grateful I had both of them in my life. 

Weekly Tidbits and Insights #2

1. Highlight of my week was visiting with my great aunt, who looks so very much like her sister, my deceased Nana. It has been almost 11 years, but seeing my aunt, especiallly interacting with my kiddos was a bit more overwhelming than I anticipated and my heart ached for just one more day with my nana. But overwhelming in a beautiful way, too, because I treasure the relationship I have with my great aunt. 

2. Nothing says romance like Mr. Potato Head body parts hidden (scattered is probably a better word) in your bed by a certain three year old.

3. One thing I never thought I'd do: scrape cat medicine off the kitchen ceiling. Not one child in this house has any idea how it got from the syringe to the ceiling. They are all good liars, these little monsters of mine. I do believe the culprit is the same one who thought it would be funny to relocate Mr. Potato Head to our bed.

4. Took our old dog for a walk the other day and the cat decided she wanted to join. Yes, we looked certifiably insane walking the dog, the cat bouncing alongside of us, with the three kids. A few heads definitetly turned. 

5. As I type, we are wrapping ourselves up for a weeks vacation in the Outer Banks with 23 of my family members...in one house. Yes, I'm scared, but not scared of sharing the house with so many of my relatives, but rather the 12 hour car ride we have ahead of us...with three kids. Godspeed to us, my friends. We are being renegades and driving through the night so I make it without losing my marbles. I am so very lucky to have a family that loves each other for who they are, without drama, without hurt, and centered in the fact that family boils down to 2 things: support and love. I am just giddy about this trip.

6.  Had a massage, which was okay, but the best part: she handed me a frozen York Peppermint Patty and let me tell you, best thing ever. I may be late to this frozen chocolate minty goodness, but holy bovine, my new favorite.

7. Took a Hot Yoga class and although I was scared I would not make it (I HATE the heat), it was the most rewarding class yet. Yay to pushing myself and extra deoderant! (Wish the gentleman next me used a bit more of the latter!)

8. I am super tired of hearing about how Kate's (y'know the princess) body weight. It really sickens me...can we please leave them alone. I mean, really, I'm quite certain there are many other things we can fill our time talking about. 

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends. Hopefully, I come out sane on the other side of this car ride.