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