Yesterday, Rafe said to me, "Are you going to get a job soon?" When he saw my look, he followed it up with, "...because I'm going to be at school all day now, are you going to get a job?"
Gabe...older, wiser brother...(or maybe, poor kid, has heard me complain enough!) "She DOES have a job! Cooking, doing laundry and cleaning are part of her job!" And then, a bit quieter, with a half grin, "Geeeeeeez, Rafe!"
Just cracked me up!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
summer days
My favorite days of summer (now few and far between with 4 busy kiddos) are the days when we all just get to hang out. No where to be. No where to go. No agenda. Everyone relaxed.
Unfortunately, it just really doesn't happen anymore. We might get a day here or there, but with nearly every week taken up with a camp for one of the kiddos, it just kind of throws off the schedule. Well, there's really no schedule. We did have several blissful years of "No School! Now it's Summer! Time to do NOTHING!" i.e. lovely routines of relaxing mornings, segueing into having time together doing a craft, picnic-ing in the park every day for lunch, home for nappies, up for playtime and a lemonade stand, wait for daddy to get home...bbq-ing and just sitting on the front porch watching and playing with the kids. Maybe a playdate here or there.
For years I would put up a "Summer Calendar" with something we were going to do every day. Maybe it was a special treat to make, or a craft to work on. We just lived for summer.
I guess we still -sort of- do. It's nice to have a break from homework and early mornings and being on the go-go-go. It just seems that the line is not so clear anymore between School time and Summer break. Last week was our first full week home of summer yet! First week out...traveled to graduations. Second week...traveled to Billings. Third week...my sister came home with her family, and we went to the mountains. Fourth week...went to our family reunion in Lewistown. Fifth week...traveled to Glasgow for my Aunt Helen's funeral...and last week...settled into being home and around each other and being "bored!" (The kiddos...NOT ME!) Now we have 2 1/2 weeks home before we go on vacation. Not quite enough time to really get into a summer routine. (BTW, we're filled up with camps, anyhow...) And when we get back...only 10 days until school starts.
Wah...makes me want to cry.
Because I guess even though it's not as much downtime as we used to have, I still would rather have Summer than School!
Unfortunately, it just really doesn't happen anymore. We might get a day here or there, but with nearly every week taken up with a camp for one of the kiddos, it just kind of throws off the schedule. Well, there's really no schedule. We did have several blissful years of "No School! Now it's Summer! Time to do NOTHING!" i.e. lovely routines of relaxing mornings, segueing into having time together doing a craft, picnic-ing in the park every day for lunch, home for nappies, up for playtime and a lemonade stand, wait for daddy to get home...bbq-ing and just sitting on the front porch watching and playing with the kids. Maybe a playdate here or there.
For years I would put up a "Summer Calendar" with something we were going to do every day. Maybe it was a special treat to make, or a craft to work on. We just lived for summer.
I guess we still -sort of- do. It's nice to have a break from homework and early mornings and being on the go-go-go. It just seems that the line is not so clear anymore between School time and Summer break. Last week was our first full week home of summer yet! First week out...traveled to graduations. Second week...traveled to Billings. Third week...my sister came home with her family, and we went to the mountains. Fourth week...went to our family reunion in Lewistown. Fifth week...traveled to Glasgow for my Aunt Helen's funeral...and last week...settled into being home and around each other and being "bored!" (The kiddos...NOT ME!) Now we have 2 1/2 weeks home before we go on vacation. Not quite enough time to really get into a summer routine. (BTW, we're filled up with camps, anyhow...) And when we get back...only 10 days until school starts.
Wah...makes me want to cry.
Because I guess even though it's not as much downtime as we used to have, I still would rather have Summer than School!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Day 2 of my Cleanse
Hubby and I decided to do a cleanse this week...
The original intent was to do a water fast yesterday...and move onto fruits and veggies for the rest of the week. Well...he was starving by last night, so he went onto fruits/veggies today...I was feeling so good, I decided to continue the water/tea fast through today...
Why did we do this, you might ask? I've always been a firm believer in taking a break from our need to eat...cleanse the body...reboot, so to speak. But...haven't done it since long, long ago. Well, actually, I had a 12 day fast imposed on me 4 years ago, for reasons I won't go into...I was emotionally drained, and things came to a head...and I just didn't touch a bite for 12 days. (I was surprised not to have had one "blood sugar" issue, because usually, I miss a feeding and I'm screaming "My blood sugar is dropping! AAACK!")
What I came to discover is when we are not focused on food, but on something else that is filling our thoughts and emotional selves...food just doesn't matter. I screwed up and told myself that I must not eat in times of extreme emotional duress, having never experienced what I was experiencing...and found out that just wasn't true 3 months later when another crisis came along! (And I slowly gained back the 20 pounds I had lost telling myself "I deserved it." That crisis, however, didn't consume me as the first had.) Anyhow...my point is...I have enough extra weight on my body to gestate several very healthy babies should I want too. Living without food isn't going to kill me anytime soon.
Meanwhile, I feel good...not hungry...and it's actually enjoyable not to have to think about what I want/need/have to eat. I know it probably sounds weird. But I think I will continue with it tomorrow, as well...then ease back into eating with fruits and vegetables for the rest of the week. Then...continue on a mostly plant based diet for awhile. I'm not totally sure about the dairy thing quite yet...I love cheese way too much, I think, to give it up completely. Meat will always be an option for me, as well as fish.
I'm not an extremist, y'all! :-)
I am thinking about doing a 30 day juice fast the month of September.
Considering that is the month we break ground on the new kitchen and also the month my baby goes to school full time...I may be filling my face with french fries and full-fat lattes, instead...
But I think not! I AM going to get into a better place healthwise this summer...I AM, I AM!
The original intent was to do a water fast yesterday...and move onto fruits and veggies for the rest of the week. Well...he was starving by last night, so he went onto fruits/veggies today...I was feeling so good, I decided to continue the water/tea fast through today...
Why did we do this, you might ask? I've always been a firm believer in taking a break from our need to eat...cleanse the body...reboot, so to speak. But...haven't done it since long, long ago. Well, actually, I had a 12 day fast imposed on me 4 years ago, for reasons I won't go into...I was emotionally drained, and things came to a head...and I just didn't touch a bite for 12 days. (I was surprised not to have had one "blood sugar" issue, because usually, I miss a feeding and I'm screaming "My blood sugar is dropping! AAACK!")
What I came to discover is when we are not focused on food, but on something else that is filling our thoughts and emotional selves...food just doesn't matter. I screwed up and told myself that I must not eat in times of extreme emotional duress, having never experienced what I was experiencing...and found out that just wasn't true 3 months later when another crisis came along! (And I slowly gained back the 20 pounds I had lost telling myself "I deserved it." That crisis, however, didn't consume me as the first had.) Anyhow...my point is...I have enough extra weight on my body to gestate several very healthy babies should I want too. Living without food isn't going to kill me anytime soon.
Meanwhile, I feel good...not hungry...and it's actually enjoyable not to have to think about what I want/need/have to eat. I know it probably sounds weird. But I think I will continue with it tomorrow, as well...then ease back into eating with fruits and vegetables for the rest of the week. Then...continue on a mostly plant based diet for awhile. I'm not totally sure about the dairy thing quite yet...I love cheese way too much, I think, to give it up completely. Meat will always be an option for me, as well as fish.
I'm not an extremist, y'all! :-)
I am thinking about doing a 30 day juice fast the month of September.
Considering that is the month we break ground on the new kitchen and also the month my baby goes to school full time...I may be filling my face with french fries and full-fat lattes, instead...
But I think not! I AM going to get into a better place healthwise this summer...I AM, I AM!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Tender hearted me
I'm feeling very tender hearted today.
Actually, I have been for a bit over several days, now.
My lovely Aunt Helen passed away suddenly last Saturday, July 3rd. Though she was 83 years old, it's still difficult to say good-bye to someone so well loved, so generous, so kind...I know her children and grandchildren are grieving terribly. How fortunate for them to have had someone like that in their lives. For me, I had remembered always feeling special in her presence. Not a surprise then to find out that everyone that spoke at her vigil service and funeral shared the same sentiments! I The stories were wonderful. Seeing my cousins that I rarely see was precious to me, though it was a time of sadness. An amazing gift was having just reconnected with several of them in Southern California on our trip to Disney back in December. Aunt Helen, three of her children, and 3 of her grandchildren met us at Knott's berry farm. The young cousins connected instantaneously; it was a joy to witness! Aunt Helen was a trooper following us all around the park, determined to not miss out on seeing her grandkids and great neices and nephews making a connection. In fact, several times I turned to speak to her and noticed tears in her eyes...she was so genuinely thrilled for us all to be together. She really cherished family. I told my husband on the way home yesterday that it truly was amazing that we were able to make those connections several months ago...making showing up and grieving together on Thursday so much easier...I know she was looking at us, from wherever she is, smiling, seeing us all together. I think she might have smiled, too, at the funeral mass...Rafe is generally pretty active at church...behaving, but rarely sitting still! I really didn't have the energy, though, at this time, so I leaned over to him, and he heard the tears in my voice and saw them in my eyes. And I very sincerely asked if he would please, please be good, because I was saying goodbye to my very special Aunt. And you know what? He didn't move a muscle, except to be right near me the whole time. It was darling.)
Then yesterday, before we left Glasgow, we stopped in to see my 97 year old Grandmother. She is in pretty good shape, physically, but has quite severe dementia...which means it's been several years since she's recognized us. When we got there, she was napping on a sofa in the foyer...and had been for hours. Finally a nurse roused her. I knew she would be thrilled to see the kids, and sure enough...she was. I know it's always awkward for children to go into a nursing home and see older people in various states of physical and mental abilities, but the kiddos were really great. We had at least 5 rounds of big hugs. She was quite quiet and didn't say much, but hugged back. I tried to feed her a bit, but her appetite is really not there. That coupled with the new development of lethargy is not a great sign, and I think this...along with having just lost my Aunt...made me really weepy and sad. I was, however, given another precious gift...the time to be alone with her, hold her and cradle her for several minutes, then put her to bed for a nap and hold her hand for awhile. As I helped her lie down, I said, "I love you, Grandma, so much!" And she said, "I love you so much, too." This was incredibly sweet to me, because even though she didn't know me right then and there...love was exchanged...and that's such a miracle. And that's what I told the kids...what matters is that we were able to give her soo much love in a short amount of time. All that loving energy really matters...whether we think someone knows who we are or not.
I had a good, long sob as we left Glasgow. And on and off the whole way home. Just feeling tender hearted, ya know? Just melancholy. (Such a Jane Austen, English-y sounding word!) But it's true. It's a perfect word for me.
So today, when we went to church, and we sang a song that was sung at my Aunt's funeral, I started to cry...and then I met Henry at the Church Directory photo sign ups. (There are no coincidences!) He came in to sign up at the computer, and I assisted him. When I asked him how many were in his party, he said, "Just me. My wife passed away in October." And I said, "Well, I'm feeling pretty tender today because I just lost my Aunt, so I might cry." (smile**) And he started to tell me about her; that she was 87. That he had spent the last several months of her life next to her in a hospital room as she succombed to Cancer. That he really missed her. That he lives in the same house. That his daughter also went to Holy Spirit School. Normally, I might have sort of listened and nodded, and offered my smiles and condolences. But today, I was really present. And reached out for his hand. And listened intently. And offered him a hug. He squeezed me pretty hard, and said, "You must need a bit of this, too." And I said, "Absolutely!" Another friend made along the way.
This is one of the miracles of our existence: To be able to reach out to each other. In love. Helping one another on this journey. If only for a few moments in time. To fill another's cup with a bit of love and caring is one of life's precious gifts...whether it's for a stranger, or for your grandchildren, or for your neice.
Maybe that's another reason I'm a bit tender hearted...feeling my cup runneth over this weekend with all the love we so often take for granted day to day. It's a good reminder to stop and savor those moments.
Actually, I have been for a bit over several days, now.
My lovely Aunt Helen passed away suddenly last Saturday, July 3rd. Though she was 83 years old, it's still difficult to say good-bye to someone so well loved, so generous, so kind...I know her children and grandchildren are grieving terribly. How fortunate for them to have had someone like that in their lives. For me, I had remembered always feeling special in her presence. Not a surprise then to find out that everyone that spoke at her vigil service and funeral shared the same sentiments! I The stories were wonderful. Seeing my cousins that I rarely see was precious to me, though it was a time of sadness. An amazing gift was having just reconnected with several of them in Southern California on our trip to Disney back in December. Aunt Helen, three of her children, and 3 of her grandchildren met us at Knott's berry farm. The young cousins connected instantaneously; it was a joy to witness! Aunt Helen was a trooper following us all around the park, determined to not miss out on seeing her grandkids and great neices and nephews making a connection. In fact, several times I turned to speak to her and noticed tears in her eyes...she was so genuinely thrilled for us all to be together. She really cherished family. I told my husband on the way home yesterday that it truly was amazing that we were able to make those connections several months ago...making showing up and grieving together on Thursday so much easier...I know she was looking at us, from wherever she is, smiling, seeing us all together. I think she might have smiled, too, at the funeral mass...Rafe is generally pretty active at church...behaving, but rarely sitting still! I really didn't have the energy, though, at this time, so I leaned over to him, and he heard the tears in my voice and saw them in my eyes. And I very sincerely asked if he would please, please be good, because I was saying goodbye to my very special Aunt. And you know what? He didn't move a muscle, except to be right near me the whole time. It was darling.)
Then yesterday, before we left Glasgow, we stopped in to see my 97 year old Grandmother. She is in pretty good shape, physically, but has quite severe dementia...which means it's been several years since she's recognized us. When we got there, she was napping on a sofa in the foyer...and had been for hours. Finally a nurse roused her. I knew she would be thrilled to see the kids, and sure enough...she was. I know it's always awkward for children to go into a nursing home and see older people in various states of physical and mental abilities, but the kiddos were really great. We had at least 5 rounds of big hugs. She was quite quiet and didn't say much, but hugged back. I tried to feed her a bit, but her appetite is really not there. That coupled with the new development of lethargy is not a great sign, and I think this...along with having just lost my Aunt...made me really weepy and sad. I was, however, given another precious gift...the time to be alone with her, hold her and cradle her for several minutes, then put her to bed for a nap and hold her hand for awhile. As I helped her lie down, I said, "I love you, Grandma, so much!" And she said, "I love you so much, too." This was incredibly sweet to me, because even though she didn't know me right then and there...love was exchanged...and that's such a miracle. And that's what I told the kids...what matters is that we were able to give her soo much love in a short amount of time. All that loving energy really matters...whether we think someone knows who we are or not.
I had a good, long sob as we left Glasgow. And on and off the whole way home. Just feeling tender hearted, ya know? Just melancholy. (Such a Jane Austen, English-y sounding word!) But it's true. It's a perfect word for me.
So today, when we went to church, and we sang a song that was sung at my Aunt's funeral, I started to cry...and then I met Henry at the Church Directory photo sign ups. (There are no coincidences!) He came in to sign up at the computer, and I assisted him. When I asked him how many were in his party, he said, "Just me. My wife passed away in October." And I said, "Well, I'm feeling pretty tender today because I just lost my Aunt, so I might cry." (smile**) And he started to tell me about her; that she was 87. That he had spent the last several months of her life next to her in a hospital room as she succombed to Cancer. That he really missed her. That he lives in the same house. That his daughter also went to Holy Spirit School. Normally, I might have sort of listened and nodded, and offered my smiles and condolences. But today, I was really present. And reached out for his hand. And listened intently. And offered him a hug. He squeezed me pretty hard, and said, "You must need a bit of this, too." And I said, "Absolutely!" Another friend made along the way.
This is one of the miracles of our existence: To be able to reach out to each other. In love. Helping one another on this journey. If only for a few moments in time. To fill another's cup with a bit of love and caring is one of life's precious gifts...whether it's for a stranger, or for your grandchildren, or for your neice.
Maybe that's another reason I'm a bit tender hearted...feeling my cup runneth over this weekend with all the love we so often take for granted day to day. It's a good reminder to stop and savor those moments.
are you KIDDING ME? eek! yikes! omg! no way!
What I'm referring to is the fact that I am AGAIN sitting here, writing, disgusted that it's been so long since I've written! What's it going to take, exactly, for me to do this more often than once every 6 months?! I have no idea...and tho I will try my best to not dwell on all of the fun things that could've been written down here, I am sad I've taken so long. I need to get the blog more in my face...can I make it my homepage? I need to figure it out...
Anyhow, somewhere along the way I thought I'd change the name of the blog. I've been pondering it for awhile now...(sort of like the tattoo I really, really want, but am struggling with choosing)...and here it is...
3 chicks..3 chucks...
which, btw, I think could be a really cute name for a store, or a restaurant, etc...
I wanted something catchy...something that says who we are...
3 chicks (myself and the 2 girls)
3 chucks (my 3 boys...I sometimes call them "chuck" for a nickname..."Whatcha doin', Chuck?" Most of the time it's "lovey" but that wouldn't have sounded nearly as cute...plus I call them all "lovey!")
So there you have it! I'm fairly certain there won't be anymore chicks or chucks being added to the bunch, but you never know. I rest easily knowing I can change the name of the blog with a few clicks on the keypad...
gotta be a bit more sure about the tattoo! ;)
Anyhow, somewhere along the way I thought I'd change the name of the blog. I've been pondering it for awhile now...(sort of like the tattoo I really, really want, but am struggling with choosing)...and here it is...
3 chicks..3 chucks...
which, btw, I think could be a really cute name for a store, or a restaurant, etc...
I wanted something catchy...something that says who we are...
3 chicks (myself and the 2 girls)
3 chucks (my 3 boys...I sometimes call them "chuck" for a nickname..."Whatcha doin', Chuck?" Most of the time it's "lovey" but that wouldn't have sounded nearly as cute...plus I call them all "lovey!")
So there you have it! I'm fairly certain there won't be anymore chicks or chucks being added to the bunch, but you never know. I rest easily knowing I can change the name of the blog with a few clicks on the keypad...
gotta be a bit more sure about the tattoo! ;)
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