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.

Clean Up on Aisle E13

I woke up one morning to find Gaby in the kitchen "reading" the newspaper while drinking apple juice from a favorite snowman mug. I realized there was much that has happened over the past few months that I hadn't reported on. I've had time over these past few months to reflect on many things and feel blessed that I am now on a more even -- if that's the right description -- path. I don't feel so out of whack anymore and that is a good thing.

The last year has been quite surprising and upsetting, but ended up being so good.  We live in a suburb of Columbus, OH and the kids -- all of us -- are very happy.  Mike has a job he enjoys working for a company that values family, and he travels quite a bit.  After the last two awful experiences in his career, he feels lucky to have this job. He marvels at the number of employees who have been with this company 20, 30, or even 40 years in a part of the country where there are other jobs available.  However, going through the awfulness and despair of having to leave my parents yet again, 15 years later and with my own children who they miss terribly, was sad.

In June, right after my mom finished her radiation treatments, she and my dad drove with me and the kids to OH.  I was not looking forward to dropping off the boys at Nana and Papa's house in TN because I knew it would be sad, but no visible tears were shed.  My parents and I sorted through boxes while Mike travelled that week.  One night at dinner Mom reflected, "I didn't feel sad when we left the children because they were happy and I knew they were in good hands." That was the first time she shed tears through all her bravery and turmoil of the past months.  Some of you may read this and think I am a melodramatic soul, but I love my parents deeply.  Being so close to them these past few years was good.  Mothers want their children to know who they are, especially their experiences and lives before we knew them simply as 'Mom'.  We learn about our fathers through their actions, and if we're lucky, through the stories they share.

We live in a neighborhood that is filled with children who play OUTSIDE and who run from house to house (usually ours) to play. The boys have fun hunting for bugs, playing with their toys, and riding bikes.  We have all taken up bicycle riding as we live in a cycle friendly neighborhood.  We've also attached a bicycle seat for Jojo for longer rides. The boys have an idyllic life filled with much less T.V. and Wii, and much more healthy outdoor activities.  Maybe it's the summer climate here with more moderate temperatures that keeps kids outdoors.  Whatever it is, it's wonderful. 

The downside is dealing with some of the more "rough around the edges" kids -- the ones who demand food and drink and/or who don't clean up and/or who invite themselves to dinner and/or who wander in our house when the kids are all outside.  Mike has had talks with the kids and made it clear what our rules are when they are in our house, and the "Miss Manners" in me has been slavishly reminding kids of "please" and "thank you" or "ask first before taking". 

My wonderful mother-in-law got the ball rolling with Jojo's long overdue potty training this summer.  I think she is the Potty Whisperer because she also successfully trained Christian.  After eight years of diapers and boy messes and being in my 40s, I'm just about out of patience when it comes to dealing with the potty.  I think Gaby really wore me out!  We've not known of too many boys who marked their territory as Gaby did in the most unexpected places (toy boxes, for one).  While Jojo has some accidents, as he did on aisle E13 at the local Target, I know we are on our way to getting where he needs to be soon.

Christian and Gabriel started school last week!  Christian is in 2nd grade and Gaby is in kindergarten.  Gaby is on an alternating two-day per week and three-day per week schedule.  After his first day of kindergarten last week Gaby told me, "I made a fwend at school and his name is Weagan. I asked him if he would be my fwend fow-evah and evah and he said, 'yes.'"

Christian walks Gaby to his class now. This morning we walked to school and Gabriel told me that I did not need to walk him inside because his big brother could take him to his class.  Christian is a good big brother who watches out for Gaby. 

Here are a few things we've been up to this summer:

Celebrating Dad's 70th birthday in June! He was surprised, and all his kids and grandkids made it to Albuquerque.

Christian did not like being seen in the "baby seat" of the bicycle we rented in Indianapolis.

Christian tries on an Amish hat

Having lunch with Nana, Uncle Jimmy, and David in Tennessee

At the TN fair riding ponies with Papa

Celebrating Christian's 8th birthday with a special cake that Nana ordered

Simone is a "Grampa's Girl"

Christian with his new pet firebelly frogs called Jumpy and Climby

Every few days Christian finds crickets outside to feed his pets

Columbus & Other Adventures

American gothic turned on its head at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

A couple weekends ago I visited Mike in Columbus.  The boys stayed with my parents, so we had a very nice weekend.  We enjoyed all the samples of ice cream at Jeni's and it was hard for me to choose one exotic flavor, so I picked two (vanilla mixed with lilac).

One of the more charming neighborhoods to visit is German Village.  There were pubs, cobblestone streets, parks, and lots of walking areas.  I especially enjoyed The Book Loft and could have spent hours in the many little nooks, crannies, and corners viewing those wonderful books. 

The whole downtown area is great.  Here's the beginning of Short North.  The Ohio State University is located between Short North and Old North. What a huge campus! 

Mike surprised me with a fun evening at the Cloak and Dagger murder mystery dinner theatre. I felt better about the move after visiting the city and found that sense of peace that I was searching for. Below are some photos that Mike took of different places we'll visit in Ohio once we move.

Hocking Falls

The past month and a half has been a little tough:  My mom was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer and soon will begin treatment once the results of the tests are released.  She had a lumpectomy almost three weeks ago and is doing real well.  It seems the cancer only spread to one of 16 lymph nodes removed, and according to my brother's friend who is a pathologist and who reviewed the report from my mom's surgeon, it was an aggressive cancer. Mom is determined to get through the treatments (radiation and/or chemo) to help us when we move to Columbus this summer, so as to exactly when we'll move remains to be seen. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
 

Mom doesn't slow down!  She and Dad took care of the boys when I was gone and she even cleaned my house (much to my embarrassment). She never worries about the future; her strength and good attitude have always helped her through any bump in the road. And she has lots of friends who give her support and that makes a difference. 

Downtown Columbus the night of the Big Moon

When I left for Columbus my parents told me to have an open mind.  I've been sick with worry all this time with the move, Mike's traveling, and now Mom that I was upset about leaving. Sometimes we want things to stay the same, but nothing is static.

Cincinnati

Mike's co-worker always reminds him that everything is temporary.

Let nothing trouble you,

let nothing frighten you.

All things are passing;

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things.

He who possesses God lacks nothing:

God alone suffices.

St. Teresa of Avila