The good stuff

Olivia started piano lessons six months ago.

This was her first recital.

Her poise and courage is inspiring.

She did amazing.

Do you see how her feet dangle above the floor?

We are so proud.

This is the good stuff of life.

Field Day 2010

My brain, for some strange reason, had not fully wrapped itself around the fact that the kids' summer vacation was about to begin. Usually much earlier in the school year I am so amped and itching to get it started. But I think that because April was really May and May was really March my inner thermometer was all out of wack. I now know how menopausal women feel daily. I sympathize, I truly do.

When the opportunity arose to go and watch Field Day at the school, this fool wouldn't miss it. There is nothing like chirping birds, warm sunshine, gentle breezes rustling leaves, and the excited yells and laughs of school aged children, to set the heart in the mood for summer break. If all of that doesn't rev your motor, surely a little hula-hooping, gunny-sack racing and water balloon tossing MUST.

Summer, we welcome you! Bring it on. (Today is Kate's last day of school. The others will be out on Friday.)

Oh my goodness, our summer is going to be spectacular!

Bits of my weekend-Vol.11

First camping trip of the season

Bocce ball with grandpa & grandma

Kate

Olivia

Jo-Jo Bean being a dirt ball

Here's the thing about a big family:

we always seem to pick up extras.
Who could resist the fun that we have?

This is back home, at the lake.

Elli's first swim in the lake.

This boy should be selling something to someone.

How could you resist that smile?

Beware if you do join our gang....

I can not be held responsible for what may be done to you.

Oddly special

I have always known that I was odd.

My parents told me so from an early age.

Well, they may have used the word 'special', but I ain't no dummy. I am fully aware, as a parent myself now, what code words like 'special' really mean.

Sometimes I lull myself into believing that I am totally normal. What I am doing at any given time is pretty much lock, stock and barrel comparable to anyone else. But then someone kindly reminds me that indeed I am a bit different.

The nice ones don't intentionally call me out on my peculiarities. Instead they say things that highlight some activity or feeling that I possess as unique and different from the norm. You know like a compliment....of sorts.

Anyway, at one point in my parenthood it would have alarmed me to discover that I am odder than the average Jo. Not so much anymore. Have you done a quick glance over of this culture? Odd is the new conservative. Odd is the new 'old school'. Odd is in. At least in my house.

HeidiJoWhatDoYouKnow is odd. Or special, in parenting terms, and dang proud of it!

You know who you are

Anyone who does a job that they really love, knows that the rewards come in the work that you are doing. Not in praise and recognition, and most certainly not in monetary payment.

But once in a while, when our backs grow weary and our hearts feel burdened, it is especially nice to know that someone else notices the work that we do. Someone stands up and applauds our service, perhaps in the form of a well timed phone call, an encouraging card, or a simple 'thank you'.

To all of my fellow doing-what-I-love-and-loving-what-I-doers....I applaud you and recognize you. I appreciate your sacrifices. I am grateful for your daily commitment. Notoriety may not come in the form of awards and accolades. But it is most certainly felt in the hearts of those whose lives you are touching.

May you never doubt the impact that you have.

Another masterpiece in the kitchen

I am quite certain that I have mentioned time and time again that I am no Rachael Ray in the kitchen. I have also pointed out that I am not a Martha Stewart in the area of home decor and crafting. I am running out of afternoon television hosts to choose from, people.

I do, however, like to steal ideas from these women and pretend for a few minutes of my day that I have skills, especially when it sounds delicious and EASY. When I read a recipe of RR's with the quote, "I have taught children how to make this." I was all over that.

I will let my children's comments about the meal speak as my critique:

Kate's comment after hearing me say, "Oh good grief, this is a disaster!":
"Mom, this isn't a disaster! It looks delicious, but why did you put berries on the croutons!"

Andrew's request for seconds: "Mom! Can I please have some more of the berries and whipped cream....but please none of the bread sticks."

Nicholas simply pushed his plate away and asked for a bowl of cereal.

Obviously there were mixed emotions about the taste, but one thing was certain, it was definitely unidentifiable by all.

One suggestion for Ms. Ray's magazine. Please specify the age of the children you taught to do these recipes. I am pretty sure I could keep up with a pre-school class.

Oh sweet Elli how can it be true?

Oh sweet Elli, say it isn't so!

Tell me that it has truly not been one year since I first beheld the face I have come to love so deeply? How can time have moved forward so quickly, does it not realize that I have so much to take in? I need the clock to stop, the hours to rewind. I am certain that I did not get nearly enough cuddles in this year. I am certain that there were kisses left to be had. I am certain that I could have coaxed more giggles out of you. I am certain that my arms did not hold you nearly enough!

Oh sweet Elli, how can it be?

I could not have known on the day that we first met, the love I would feel and the joy that would be made complete. I could not have known how you would fit into this life of mine and make sense of it all. I had let my heart begin to believe that I was run dry. I was at my limit. My loving had reached its capacity. I doubted the timing. I doubted the plan. I doubted Him.

I did not know if I was strong enough, rested enough, loving enough, to bring yet another baby home. I did not know if I was ready to answer the myriad of questions that would be asked about our family planning decisions. I did not know if I wanted to put aside the freedoms I had discovered on the other side of nursing and diapers. I just did not know what tomorrow would bring.

But He did.

As I sit here now and nuzzle the back of your neck, feeling the fine baby curls tickling my nose, and as I breath deeply of your scent, I feel shame for the thoughts that your conception brought out in me. I am saddened that I allowed my own weaknesses to bring despair to a moment of such joy.

Your chants of "mama-mama" bring a smile to lips, and joy to my heart. God knew, didn't He baby? He always knows. He knew whom I needed. I needed you. He had so much yet for me to learn through motherhood that only YOU could teach me. He knew I needed you.

And although those initial feelings came and went quickly, they were real. And God heard them, knew them. And as always He removed them as far as the east is from the west. He carried them, when I laid them down. And in return, I have found a greater love. A greater peace. A greater joy.

Happy Birthday Elizabeth!

WEATHER or not

our toes are thinkin' summer!

Bits of my weekend-Vol. 10

We had a fast, furious and fantastic weekend!

A little roller coaster riding. (And some ridiculously scary big ones too!)

A little bumper car action.

A little fly boating.

Carouseling.

Hot-air balloon riding.

Lego building.

Swimming.

And of course, NAPPING!

Zoo trip.

Meeting wild animals, that are cuter than they are scary.

And most importantly celebrating this girl's 6th BIRTHDAY!

Kate Loves, with a capital L, animals.

Here she is with her zoo purchase--two tigers, Ozzy and Easy.

And her birthday present from us, a dolphin Pillow Pet.

Ended our Sunday with a delicious dinner celebration!

Happy Mother's Day 2010!

"A mother's true reward will be in Heaven, but she can count her many blessings here on earth as she looks into the eyes of her children."---Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle (The Heart of Motherhood)

I could not more accurately put into my own words how I feel about being a mother. I realize that to some, I may spend a ridiculous amount of time with my kids. (If that is even possible.) I realize that many would consider me foolish for putting aside adult activity for that of a sand box, a bucket and a shovel. I realize that I am doing nothing to further my job marketability by coloring pictures instead of designing lesson plans. I realize that there are more exciting places to visit than a zoo or a park. I realize that I run the risk of losing myself in all of the childishness......for them.

And that thrills me to the very core. If I succeed in doing just that, then I will consider myself an accomplishment. Or more accurately, my Master's work in me, an accomplishment.

I can not think of a greater reward this side of heaven than spending my days in service to my family.

Happy Mother's Day!

To my mother, my mother through marriage, and all of those who carry this badge of honor.

And Katy-bug--you are forever my Mama's Day girl. Happy 6th Birthday baby doll! I love you to the moon and back!

this is how i will remember

when time has taken you from my lap and left only my heart to hold you,

when distance has replaced a late night chat on your bed with a telephone call,

when the opportunity for holding your hand and kissing your cheek

before you head out the door, vanishes because of age....

this is how i will remember you.

these are the still pictures that will wrap my heart in comfort and love.

these are the days that i will look back to and remember all of my life.