Love Note

A couple months ago Christian handed me an envelope that he had found taped to his locker.  It had been placed there the day before when he had stayed home from school.  Thinking it was an invitation to a party, I opened the decorated envelope and read the enclosed:

I said, "Oh, Christian!  This is your first love note!  How sweet; You have a secret admirer! And she's a poet." 

Christian was embarrassed and completely appalled.  He told me not to tell ANYONE about this note, especially DAD because he likes to tease.

Although Christian has never found out who his secret admirer is, someone at school wanted to know what the note was about and who it was from.  Christian told her, "It's none of your business!"

I think it was brave of this girl to write such a note even though she didn't reveal herself.  I remember writing notes to certain boys when I was young.  Oh, I could write stories about that.

In the Middle

Gabriel and Joseph were fighting over the same toy.  Jojo had brought the toy to the den and had gone outside to play.  While he was outside, Gaby decided to take it apart and play with it his way.  Jojo was not happy and wanted his toy back.  'Finders, keepers' doesn't fly with Jojo.

Gaby:  "You're so bossy, Jojo!"

Jojo: "That means I'm the boss."

Finally, the boys' friend, Jackson, intervened:

Jackson:  "I'm the middle child, too, Gabriel.  Just deal with it. You'll never get your way."

At least they didn't fight over pumpkins yesterday.

Twilight

This past weekend we went to Albuquerque to have a reunion with my brothers and our children. But mostly, we went to visit Grandma.

Since last May, Grandma has been in rehab twice.  The first time for breaking a vertebra in her upper back.  She was becoming more forgetful and was unable to recall whether she had fallen in the middle of the night as she made her way to the bathroom. She was in rehab for a couple weeks to develop upper body strength and to learn how to push herself to a standing position.

A couple weeks ago she broke her hip, had hip replacement surgery, and is now back at the rehab.  Only this time her body does not seem to want to cooperate.  She sits with her legs elevated with a wedge between them to prevent another broken bone should she turn her toes inward; Her bones are quite brittle.

She cheered up considerably with the visits from her great-grandchildren in between therapy sessions that would leave her exhausted.

Today, Grandma will be transferred to a transitional nursing/rehab facility for up to three months.  After that, Aunt Patsy says it's in God's hands.  She is taking it one day at a time.

It is good for the children to see our older family members go through the cycle of life.  It may scare them a little, as it did for sweet Simone.

But there have been some funny moments.  Like when Grandma misplaced a container with her urine that Aunt Patsy was supposed to take to the doctor's office this past summer.  She and I searched all over the house, and Grandma searched with us.  And then every five minutes she'd stop and ask, "Patsy, what are we looking for?" Aunt Patsy, who was exasperated, would explain all over again what happened.  "Oh, Patsy.  I'm so sorry!" Grandma would reply.  And then she'd search again with us until her memory inevitably failed.  Aunt Patsy told her, "I'm going to put you on 'America's Got Talent' because you have a talent for hiding things!"  We searched drawers, closets, hampers, all over the bathroom where Grandma had just been before she lost the container.  The only thing we forgot to do was to look above eye level.  A week later, Aunt Patsy found it hanging on the towel holder on the bathroom door. 

My favorite time with her was the early morning visit with Dad after Mass.  The kids went with Jaime and Sergio to the Balloon Fiesta, which gave us some quiet time.  She had just returned to her room and couldn't remember if she'd just had a bath or whether she had just eaten breakfast.  We brought her a sausage muffin, but she only ate a few bites.  She asked us every few minutes, "Why am I here?" Grandma doesn't remember falling, breaking her hip, or how long she has been at the rehab.   A couple months ago she seemed more aware of time, but now she is not so sure.  She is slowly fading before our eyes.

Later that morning we visited with Aunt Patsy at their house and the three of us reminisced, cried a little and laughed a lot.

A few months ago Grandma remarked, "Getting old isn't for sissies."  Loving Grandma, you're no sissy.

Hey, Let's Talk About J

After weeks of regular school for Gabriel and Christian, it is time to focus on 'homeschooling', if that's what you consider what we do all day, Joseph.  The Sesame Street "J" song was a favorite of Christian's when he was little, so I thought Joseph might be inspired to practice writing those J's today. 

He's not.

We shall try again later. 

Who Are You?

We moved to Dallas over the summer and life has been busy.  Jeanne, my sister-in-law, found us a house to rent in their neighborhood.  Ironically, the former tenants relocated to Ohio while we were relocating to Texas.

I am pleased with the new school Gabriel and Christian are attending, and we live in a neighborhood filled with children.  Their cousins, Daniela and Anthony, also attend the same school, although each of the kids is in a different grade.

We celebrated Christian's 9th birthday last month.  He asked, "Mom, will you be sad next year when I turn 10?"  Of course I will, I tell him.  But you're turning into a mature, sweet boy. 

Christian is an old soul, wise beyond his years.  He has a sensitivity that surprises me.  He just realized that he has been interested in science since he was young -- he is curious, inquisitive, and orderly.  "I've always been interested in bugs and different things, but I just discovered that I have always liked science."

As we talked way into the beyond-his-bedtime hour, we pondered what science means. In broad terms, I told him that he's interested in creation --- space, the earth, animals, the human body -- and all that God created for us. And even then there is so much more learn, and how wonderful it would be to be a scientist.

Recently, Christian's class took a survey of their personal interests.  Once the surveys are complete at the school, there will be enrichment clusters for the children to choose from based on their interests, hobbies, or possible career choices.  Christian said he chose three areas of interest, with science being his number once choice: science, writing, and music.  His teacher has a deep interest in science, as well, and yesterday Christian's principal told him that he's going to enjoy learning in Miss M's class this year because "she loves science."   

Christian also noticed some interesting posters hanging on a wall outside of a sixth grade classroom yesterday, and he approached the teacher and asked him if he taught science, too.  They had a short conversation outside while he was waiting to be picked up.  His goal to get into Mr. D's sixth grade class. 

Earlier in the evening, after I had put the kids to bed and while Christian was still up reading, I "snuck" outside to have a quick cigarette that Angie had left for me.  I still enjoy having the occasional cigarette, but Christian caught me. "Are you smoking, Mom?" No! Go back to bed.  I said this with a straight face while hiding the cigarette at my side.  "Isn't that a cigarette you're hiding?"

So I resolved to tell him that I was lying, that I had been caught off guard.  No one likes to hear his parents lie.  And what kind of example was I giving?  I was doing something awful that I preach against, yet I had to be honest.

Christian came into the kitchen.  "Uh, Mom, you don't have to worry about smoking. I know you like to smoke with your friends sometimes, but you need to tell Angie to just quit.  You can do it, Mom!"  It's not my place, Christian.  She's an adult like me and besides, she plans on quitting one day. 

Christian, I said, I should never have lied to you.  "Don't worry, Mom.  I just like to check on you to make sure you're okay."  We talked a little more about my dishonesty and then we talked about science after I was tucked into my own bed reading. 

I know who you are: you're wise enough to know that Mom makes mistakes and the world does not fall apart.  You know you can tell me anything and that we'll talk about everything.  That's who you are.  You are my angel.

It's All OK

Even if things get heavy we'll all float on
Alright already we'll all float on
Don't you worry we'll all float on
All float on

Yup, I, too, run my mouth off sometimes.  Then I re-think, edit, re-think, and once I get over it, I delete then re-write. We're more than our words.

Wild Rumpus

The past couple months have been busy ones.  In that time, I took a freelance reporting job and covered the city council and school board beats, and it lasted until the newspaper was merged with another publication. It was a wonderful experience with a few bumps along the way. 

STRINGER JOB

A few times I took the kids with me on interviews.  One that stands out for me is the school drama team that was performing 'Legally Blonde: The Musical'. When we arrived, I expected to take some photos of the leads in costume (note to self: make sure you know how to operate your camera in dim light).  Instead, the lead female was in her bunny outfit with a pompom on the popo, which embarrassed, yet fascinated, the boys. The photos were a disaster and not used, by the way. But they enjoyed seeing the rehearsals for that production and for 'Fiddler on the Roof' at another high school.

CHRISTIAN'S FIRST HOLY COMMUNION, APRIL 29

Here's our beautiful son on this glorious day. It has been a special time because Christian is growing in faith, and I hope that it continues to grow.  There were many people who had a hand in Christian's formation through our church, which is a vibrant community.  I was especially impressed by all the converts who are involved in Catholic education. Utimately, Christian will decide if he continues on his journey, but I pray that he at least believes in God and knows that He exists.  You would think that would be simple, but not in our world filled with lies, cynicism, vagueness.  It's our responsibility as parents to at least teach him that much so that he has an option from which to choose in the future -- faith or not? religion or not?  It's his choice to believe, and God wants us to make that choice on our own. It's similar to the way we make our choice in a spouse: by freely giving of ourselves.  It's not mindless, but mindful.

My parents also came to celebrate. Having Mom and Dad here was so good!  We enjoyed many late night visits and laughs.  It was like a slumber party every night, even though at times I turned in early.  I don't know what I would do without them.

About two months ago, Christian made his First Confession.  Right around the time of Lent, six weeks before Easter, they had several priests come to the church to hear confessions.  Christian chose which one he wanted to see even before we got to church.  He wanted a "serious" priest -- one I wouldn't have chosen myself -- but he met with him anyway.  He wrote down a list of things to say and talk about, which always helps move the process along.  What does this teach Christian?  After all, he's only eight years old and what has he done wrong? It teaches him to start thinking of all the little things we may do to hurt others in small or big ways (our thoughts, our words, our misdeeds, etc.).  It's training for when the big sins really bite us down the road. And they will, "99 and 3/4 percent guaranteed (Dr. Seuss)." 

HOOPS

Christian and Gabriel played basketball for the first time.  They both really enjoyed playing, and it was surprising how much Gaby took to the game and that he has asked to play again next year.  I guess soccer is not for him.  Christian, on the other hand, loves all sports and still wants to try baseball and football (not crazy about football). Some of these photos are pretty terrible, and I wish I could blame the camera.

Gaby is #2

Christian is #4

GABRIEL'S FIRST LOST 'TOOT'

One day last month Gabriel was tired of his loose tooth not falling out.  He asked Mike to pull it out, and Mike, who is squeamish, wrapped a napkin around this little tooth, tugged and twisted, and pulled it out.  Gabriel, whose hands were holding onto the table island and counter, bravely held on.  And the the tooth fairy left him an I.O.U. under his pillow.

'ZOO-WEE-MAMA!'
(Diary of a Wimpy Kid)

A few weeks ago, Jojo and I went with Gaby's class to the zoo -- the wonderful, Jack Hanna zoo. Gaby, who is surprisingly shy at school and a completely different character at home, wanted me to go on the fieldtrip.  Jojo and I happily obliged.  His favorite, best friend in the whole world is Brandon, who is also in his class. 

"Pyooo-wee!" The petting zoo stinks.

SPRING BREAK

We went to Tennessee for spring break and, as always, had a memorable time with Nana and Papa.  One day we met Uncle Jimmy at the Knoxville Zoo.

This little chimp was interested in Jojo.  After staring at each other for a few minutes, the chimp turned to his side to do his business, and then turned back to Jojo.  This little primate has good manners!

At night, Papa would unwind with blues music and dancing with the boys.

Ice cream was in order at the best shop on main street -- yum! Nana gave them new haircuts, awesome shoes and clothes, and she spoiled me, too. I got a nice manicure/pedicure and highlights.

One of Jojo's favorite words is 'awesome'.

Soon Nana and Papa will be starting a huge construction project on a home they bought.  This is special because, first, they had the boys in mind when they found the property, and second, it's going to be their dream home.  It is located on a hill near a nature preserve, and there is a lookout deck near the house.  Here they are discussing the plans with Aunt Sharon in the backyard. Hopefully by Christmas it will be completed. 

PROTESTING

Jojo and I attended a religious freedom rally to protest the conscience-violating HHS Obamacare mandate.  There were good turnouts around the country on March 23, including in Columbus.

Yep, Jojo's shirt says 'Double Trouble'.

WAX MUSEUM

Christian's class had a wax museum. They had to choose a famous person and give a speech about their subject.  Guess who Christian chose?

I will take the credit for the horribly constructed stovepipe hat.  I never got A's in art.

One of Christian's friends played Einstein -- he was a favorite with that crazy wig & 'stache!

Each of the kids had to include some articles to use as symbols and incorporate them in with their speech. Christian used a flag he made in Cub Scouts (to explain there were only 32 states at the time of Lincoln's election), a pen (to signify signing the Emancipation Proclamation), a rolled up Gettysburg Address, and a beautiful gold napkin (to wave around as he described Robert E. Lee's surrender).  I don't remember ever having to do public speaking in 2nd grade -- I, of course, love it!  Christian got high marks for his project and was proud of the work he did.  He also read a couple books on Lincoln and we looked up information on the internet.

ON THE MOVE AGAIN

We are in the middle of packing for our next move to Dallas. Mike got a transfer with his company, and it'll be so nice to live close to my brother Jaime, sis-in-law Jeanne, and their family! We are trying to get the kids into the same school as their cousins, as well. I'm truly looking forward to the move and the excitement of living in another new place.  Hopefully our gypsy years are coming to an end.  Gaby complains that he wants a "forever house", and we'd all like to set down some roots. 

The past year in Columbus went by fast, and it was a good time.  Not only did we avoid a typical OH winter this year, but I met some really great people through various groups I joined.  We are going to miss our neighbors and friends, especially Mr. Jim.  More on him coming soon.

A Bunch of Mallets in the Air

Listening to my brother-in-law's marimba composition made me think of how many things Jimmy is able to juggle at once -- and he makes it all look so easy.  I wish I could always remember to live in the moment.

Brotherly Banter

Upon opening his BK kids' meal crown:

Christian: "This will get my imagination going!"
Gabriel: "Imagination is king!"

They remind me of two other brothers I know.

World Spay Day 2012 Online Pet Photo Contest

World Spay Day 2012 Online Pet Photo Contest

We're trying to raise funds for the spay/neuter clinic that was only possible through Aunt Linda's tireless work to get it running. I should've done this much sooner as the contest ends on the 29th. Please take time to make a simple $5 donation, or more if it tickles your fancy, to assist with fewer euthanizations in Putnam County, TN. Thanks!

One Quiet Morning

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost
The Road Not Taken

Gaby's Big 6th Birthday

I finally located the pictures that were downloaded from my camera.

We celebrated Gabriel's birthday on the 2nd.  This year it was pretty easy to plan the party because he did it all, from the invitations to the Green Lantern cake.  We bowled, played bean bag toss, and had a pinata.  In between planned games, the boys "partied" downstairs to loud music and played with toys in their room.

Nana came from Tennessee as well.  His actual birthday fell during the week, so we had our first birthday cake that night.

We had a couple friends over on the day of his party.  We ended up with a huge cake that was made by mistake.  Instead of blue teeth, this year we ended up with green teeth (Gaby's favorite color). 

Gaby's classmate marveled, "Gaby, you don't act like this at school.  You're crazy!"  We were pleasantly pleased, yet puzzled, as to why he doesn't act this usual way at school. Gaby said, "Because at school I'm bored and I just want to stay home."

We encouraged Gaby to have the party at the skating rink, but he was more excited about having friends over.  I think this was the first time he's had a party at home, and he planned it well. 

This year we all got him Legos for his birthday.  We have about a gazillion sets in his room and he enjoys building things with them. 

Gaby baby, please don't grow up too fast my cuddly sweetheart.