My Mom's FamilyPapa, Mom, Uncle George, Aunt Ann, Grandma
All in Heaven
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Our Little Drummer Boy
My Third Grade class play, "Everywhere, Everywhere Christmas Tonight" was last Friday. I had Reed play the part of the Little Drummer Boy and he stole the show! I hid behind the Christmas Tree on the table to work the remote for the sound system...and instead of playing his drum (at first), Reed decided to go and get a kiss from Mommy! Thanks Misty for sending these precious pictures! And thanks, Reed, for all the sweet kisses you still give to Mommy!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
5 seconds
On Wednesday night Tod called. He was originally planning to come home on Friday afternoon, but told me he was going to come home Thursday instead. A bunch of friends were having a party in Coppell on Thursday night and he only had one class on Friday. He cleared the absence with his professor and wanted to let me know he was coming home a day early. I told him not to tell Kim, these little surprises mean the world to her.
So, at about 2:45 Thur. afternoon I got a text, “I’m on the road.” I smiled as I thought of Kim’s reaction to seeing him and said a little prayer for a safe trip. Tod headed westbound down I-20 and was making pretty good time. He was driving down the 2-lane freeway in east Texas, about an hour or so from Dallas, in the middle of a line of cars in the left lane that was passing an 18-wheeler on the right. Tunes jamming, cruising along at 75 MPH, looking forward to an evening with friends and a chance to relax for a couple weeks at home.
As the cars in the left lane passed the truck they moved back over, but the car directly in front of Tod moved over pretty quickly. Tod looked ahead and saw a car that looked stopped in his lane. He looked again and noticed that the car was actually coming toward him. He noticed police cars with lights flashing speeding down the eastbound lanes. There was an 18-wheeler beside him, cars behind him and a high speed chase bearing down on him. He cut the cruise control and slowed as much as he could, which was to about 60. The car was coming right at him. His mind raced, a flash, “I’m going to die”, another, “There’s nothing I can do”, thoughts of God and family, of the worst Christmas ever. All of this transpiring in about 5 seconds. Tod resigned himself to the inevitable and prayed. Seconds before a head-on collision, the car moved over onto the shoulder and whizzed by about 6 inches away from the little black Lancer. Tragedy averted. He was shaken up and wanted to talk to someone, but wouldn’t call home because that would ruin the surprise for mom (what a guy), so he called his Aunt Karen. He calmed down, missed his exit and spent an extra 20 minutes on the road, but he made it home in one piece. By the grace of God, he made it to our home instead of His home that day.
We hugged him after he told us, told him we loved him. (In fact tonight at Mass I noticed Kim’s hand reach for Tod’s hand as she whispered, “Thank God you are here.” Tod’s response was, “When would you have had my funeral, after Christmas?”) I hugged all my boys that day and told them each I love them. I sometimes forget how fragile life is and how difficult it is to live deliberately. I’m not waiting for the new year, I’m making my resolution now. Live deliberately.
So, at about 2:45 Thur. afternoon I got a text, “I’m on the road.” I smiled as I thought of Kim’s reaction to seeing him and said a little prayer for a safe trip. Tod headed westbound down I-20 and was making pretty good time. He was driving down the 2-lane freeway in east Texas, about an hour or so from Dallas, in the middle of a line of cars in the left lane that was passing an 18-wheeler on the right. Tunes jamming, cruising along at 75 MPH, looking forward to an evening with friends and a chance to relax for a couple weeks at home.
As the cars in the left lane passed the truck they moved back over, but the car directly in front of Tod moved over pretty quickly. Tod looked ahead and saw a car that looked stopped in his lane. He looked again and noticed that the car was actually coming toward him. He noticed police cars with lights flashing speeding down the eastbound lanes. There was an 18-wheeler beside him, cars behind him and a high speed chase bearing down on him. He cut the cruise control and slowed as much as he could, which was to about 60. The car was coming right at him. His mind raced, a flash, “I’m going to die”, another, “There’s nothing I can do”, thoughts of God and family, of the worst Christmas ever. All of this transpiring in about 5 seconds. Tod resigned himself to the inevitable and prayed. Seconds before a head-on collision, the car moved over onto the shoulder and whizzed by about 6 inches away from the little black Lancer. Tragedy averted. He was shaken up and wanted to talk to someone, but wouldn’t call home because that would ruin the surprise for mom (what a guy), so he called his Aunt Karen. He calmed down, missed his exit and spent an extra 20 minutes on the road, but he made it home in one piece. By the grace of God, he made it to our home instead of His home that day.
We hugged him after he told us, told him we loved him. (In fact tonight at Mass I noticed Kim’s hand reach for Tod’s hand as she whispered, “Thank God you are here.” Tod’s response was, “When would you have had my funeral, after Christmas?”) I hugged all my boys that day and told them each I love them. I sometimes forget how fragile life is and how difficult it is to live deliberately. I’m not waiting for the new year, I’m making my resolution now. Live deliberately.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Will You Marry Me?
21 years ago today I asked this beautiful woman to marry me. And to my surprise, she said "Yes." Of course, I did not remember this fact until she so lovingly pointed it out to me this evening. I think it was the suspenders that sealed the deal for me. Quite stylish. We were rushing around getting ready for her formal... we were meeting some other couples for drinks and were running a little late. But we stopped, I held her and asked her if she would spend the rest of her life with me. Seems like yesterday.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Breath of Heaven
Like so many others, I absolutely love this time of year. And we so enjoy all the things that everyone does… driving around looking at Christmas lights, putting up decorations, reading Christmas books to the boys every evening, baking sugar cookies for Santa, opening everyday’s window or box on their Advent calendars, opening Christmas cards and letters received….all of it warms my heart, and prompts me to focus on the real meaning of this beautiful Advent season.
I love the word Advent. More importantly, I love what it means (“Coming”) and the season even more. I ask myself almost everyday of Advent, “What are you doing to prepare for the coming of the Messiah?” (No need to mention what my answers are…I’m sure yours are better!) I love the way our church celebrates Advent. The first two out of four Sundays of Advent our church prepares us for Christ’s return to us, while the latter two Sundays prepare us for the birth of Christ. And it is in that most Holy Birth that I dwell most of this season. To me, the word “awe” comes from that night. Perhaps it is the mother in me, or the fact that I have been so blessed (although I wasn’t feeling that at 5+ centimeters dilation) to have been given the gift of experiencing childbirth, but I find myself in these days of advent thinking about Mary, mostly, but also about Joseph. I cannot even begin to imagine, riding on a donkey…while in labor. No comfy saddle to sit on, no warm blankets brought to you, no nurse, no ice chips when you are thirsty, no bed to sleep on between contractions, no epidural. I say that again, no epidural. They traveled EIGHTY-FIVE miles…laboring…on a donkey! I can just imagine Joseph’s elation as Bethlehem’s city lights could be seen. Home, finally. Mary must have been so ready to just get OFF the donkey and lie on something besides the hard, dirty ground.
Home, but no home.
Home, but no room.
Poor Joseph. He must have felt so incredibly frustrated as he tried so desperately to find a comfortable bed for his wife, and the Mother of God. When the inn keeper suggested the stable out back….again, I am thrown back to the “I can’t imagine.” A dirty stable, hay, the smell of animals, empty troughs, dusty, ….did I mention dirty? It had to be worse than Lady's kennel! I don’t know how Mary did it?!!! I couldn’t do it. I would have to vacuum first!! Not to mention...clean, yes, with BLEACH. And can’t you picture Joseph frantically trying to clean it up a little for her…and Him? You wonder…did Joseph help Mary in delivering Jesus? Was he scared? That alone, to me, is awe. She gives birth to the King of Kings in a dirty, cold stable…surrounded by ALL that she needs: the love of God and her sweet husband. Joseph wraps the Babe in swaddling clothes…NOT a pre-made swaddle blanket….and lays him in a manger…pillowed softly on fresh HAY. No crib, no plush, cozy blankets, no mattress, no 400count cotton sheets!
WOW.
I love Amy Grant’s words…
Be with me now, Be with me now…
Breath of Heaven, hold me together, be forever near me, Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, light in my darkness, pour over me your Holiness, For you are holy.
You know, we spend an amazing amount of time and money on the things of this dark world. This Most Holy Night reminds me that all I really need came to me 2008 years ago in stable in Bethlehem.
May the AWE of His Birth complete you.
I love the word Advent. More importantly, I love what it means (“Coming”) and the season even more. I ask myself almost everyday of Advent, “What are you doing to prepare for the coming of the Messiah?” (No need to mention what my answers are…I’m sure yours are better!) I love the way our church celebrates Advent. The first two out of four Sundays of Advent our church prepares us for Christ’s return to us, while the latter two Sundays prepare us for the birth of Christ. And it is in that most Holy Birth that I dwell most of this season. To me, the word “awe” comes from that night. Perhaps it is the mother in me, or the fact that I have been so blessed (although I wasn’t feeling that at 5+ centimeters dilation) to have been given the gift of experiencing childbirth, but I find myself in these days of advent thinking about Mary, mostly, but also about Joseph. I cannot even begin to imagine, riding on a donkey…while in labor. No comfy saddle to sit on, no warm blankets brought to you, no nurse, no ice chips when you are thirsty, no bed to sleep on between contractions, no epidural. I say that again, no epidural. They traveled EIGHTY-FIVE miles…laboring…on a donkey! I can just imagine Joseph’s elation as Bethlehem’s city lights could be seen. Home, finally. Mary must have been so ready to just get OFF the donkey and lie on something besides the hard, dirty ground.
Home, but no home.
Home, but no room.
Poor Joseph. He must have felt so incredibly frustrated as he tried so desperately to find a comfortable bed for his wife, and the Mother of God. When the inn keeper suggested the stable out back….again, I am thrown back to the “I can’t imagine.” A dirty stable, hay, the smell of animals, empty troughs, dusty, ….did I mention dirty? It had to be worse than Lady's kennel! I don’t know how Mary did it?!!! I couldn’t do it. I would have to vacuum first!! Not to mention...clean, yes, with BLEACH. And can’t you picture Joseph frantically trying to clean it up a little for her…and Him? You wonder…did Joseph help Mary in delivering Jesus? Was he scared? That alone, to me, is awe. She gives birth to the King of Kings in a dirty, cold stable…surrounded by ALL that she needs: the love of God and her sweet husband. Joseph wraps the Babe in swaddling clothes…NOT a pre-made swaddle blanket….and lays him in a manger…pillowed softly on fresh HAY. No crib, no plush, cozy blankets, no mattress, no 400count cotton sheets!
WOW.
I love Amy Grant’s words…
Be with me now, Be with me now…
Breath of Heaven, hold me together, be forever near me, Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, light in my darkness, pour over me your Holiness, For you are holy.
You know, we spend an amazing amount of time and money on the things of this dark world. This Most Holy Night reminds me that all I really need came to me 2008 years ago in stable in Bethlehem.
May the AWE of His Birth complete you.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Christmas Magic
I started putting up the Christmas stuff last weekend, finished this weekend. The outside lights were hung, but I couldn’t find the electrical cords I normally use, so off to the store. I went to Lowe’s (which I think is cleaner, brighter and friendlier than Home Depot) and picked up the necessities. While doing this I found a neat little toy. It’s a deal that you plug in between your lights and the outlet and it has a remote, so you can turn the lights on and off from inside the house. I looked at it and thought of all the times I walked outside in my pj’s in the freezing cold to turnoff the damn lights. Hmmm, 9 bucks, SOLD.
So, I get home and finish the outside lights, everything looks good. At halftime of the Cowboy game, we all pile in the car to run some errands. Grocery store, return videos, buy basketball shoes. As we drive home down our street it is dusk. I stop in front of the house and tell Reed to come up to the front seat. I tell him that we have magic Christmas lights this year and say “Abra Cadabra” as I push the button on my new little toy. The lights miraculously illuminate. Reed is astounded! He is smiling and looking on in disbelief. I recite the magic words again and the lights are extinguished. He looks at me like I am Merlin himself. I suggest that perhaps he can conjure up the magic too. He looks at the house, swings his arms around and says, “Agra Badagra” and the lights blaze. He is smiling and laughing in disbelief. And of course, he must test his magical powers, so he does it again and off they go. On. Off. On. Off. On. Not off. What happened? I told Reed that his magic must have worn out and that he would have to try again tomorrow. This seemed to satisfy him. I was very pleased with myself for this little Christmas magic.
This morning Kim left for school (in the dark, still) with Reed and she called me about 2 minutes after she was out the door. (I was sure she had forgotten something and I would have to make a detour by her school.) She was laughing and told me that as they were driving down the street Reed looked at the houses that still had their lights on, swung his arm and said, “Agra Badagra”.
So, I get home and finish the outside lights, everything looks good. At halftime of the Cowboy game, we all pile in the car to run some errands. Grocery store, return videos, buy basketball shoes. As we drive home down our street it is dusk. I stop in front of the house and tell Reed to come up to the front seat. I tell him that we have magic Christmas lights this year and say “Abra Cadabra” as I push the button on my new little toy. The lights miraculously illuminate. Reed is astounded! He is smiling and looking on in disbelief. I recite the magic words again and the lights are extinguished. He looks at me like I am Merlin himself. I suggest that perhaps he can conjure up the magic too. He looks at the house, swings his arms around and says, “Agra Badagra” and the lights blaze. He is smiling and laughing in disbelief. And of course, he must test his magical powers, so he does it again and off they go. On. Off. On. Off. On. Not off. What happened? I told Reed that his magic must have worn out and that he would have to try again tomorrow. This seemed to satisfy him. I was very pleased with myself for this little Christmas magic.
This morning Kim left for school (in the dark, still) with Reed and she called me about 2 minutes after she was out the door. (I was sure she had forgotten something and I would have to make a detour by her school.) She was laughing and told me that as they were driving down the street Reed looked at the houses that still had their lights on, swung his arm and said, “Agra Badagra”.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Who loves you?
A.J., Jake, Craig, Preston, AdamEighth grade Lip Sync at Mary Immaculate was quite a show! Craig and his buddies chose "Who loves you" by Frankie Valli and the Four Season! This year marks Mary Immaculates 50th anniversary...so their theme was fifties! Hopefully someone will YouTube it so you can see it live!! Boy, did we find out that our #2 son has got the moves!
Who loves you pretty baby???? We do......and someone else too!!!! :)
Better Late than Never
Weekend in Seattle!
Great company, great view, and an overall great weekend!
Like father...like son!
Mike's Dad, Paul, Mike, John, Steve, and Tod-o
Three generations!Tuesday, December 2, 2008
DOG FOR SALE!
Photo by: David LeaserLet me just say this, David Leaser is a saint. This would be what our day was like while trying to include LADY in our family photo! Believe it or not, and I know Karen has NO trouble believing, we have never had our family portrait taken. And, since Tod is now going on 19, we figured it was time! I had this clever idea that we should include Lady...after all, she is part of the family. Mike even agreed. Well, notice the stance she has. Can you say TWO HUNDRED dollars of obedience class??? That is correct. Would she sit? No. Would she just stand still? No. Did we have treats to bribe her? Yes. And, were we covered in dog hair? Yes. David not only dropped his entire family agenda to come out and shoot our picture, but he was so patient with us, and our 95lb PUPPY! If you are looking for an amazing photographer...who captures moments and "looks" so well...he is your man! This picture is proof! We can't wait to see the others! Don't worry...we gave up on including Lady!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sisters, sorority sisters, that's made Delta Zeta made us!
Today, sixteen years later....thanks to Facebook....Laurie, Wendy, and I met for lunch ! What a blast! It was so good to visit and try to "catch up!" Wendy was my very closest friend from 9th grade on....and I met Laurie when all three of us pledged Delta Zeta back in the fall of 1984 at UTA! Wendy and Laurie were "Little Sisters" to Sigma Phi Epsilon and Wendy's big brother (who I constantly told her...you need to introduce me to him...) was MIKE! Needless to say, she finally did introduce me to him and well, the rest is 20+ years in marriage history! Laurie was once married to a Sig Ep, too, and we often got together...way back then! Mike will never forget being down in Houston visiting Mike, Laurie, and Kelsey, (Bryce wasn't even born yet)...we went out to Papasitos for dinner...Mike goes to the bar (um...you're surprised right???) and witnesses one of the greatest moments in World Series History....Kirk Gibson's homerun against the A's!
Wendy and Laurie...thanks for being persistent! I had such a great time catching up today! You both look amazing....and are as fun to be around as you were then! God has blessed me abundantly with great friends! I look forward to doing again soon!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving
Thanks for…
Kimmy Ann - her empathy, support, determination, sarcasm, cleanliness, strength, vulnerability, passion for teaching, love for her friends and her boys.
Tod – his clearheadedness, “old soul”, focus on school, goal-setting, comfortableness in his own skin, love for his mom and care for his brothers.
Craig – his compassion, faith, sense of humor, servants heart, adaptability and care for younger siblings and friends.
Cole – his energy, joie de vivre, love for sports, never-met-a-stranger attitude and joyful spirit.
Reed – his smile-y disposition, love for learning, snuggleness, devotion to his brothers and great hugs.
Mom & Dad – their faith, balance, music, guidance, inspiration and example.
Siblings – their joy, sarcasm, family values, friendship, support and memories.
Friends – David, Stan, and Jeff. Three men that are shining examples of Christian living. Men that set the bar so high that I will spend my entire life trying to reach it. And will be happy to even get close. Their love for family, community and God is truly inspiring to me. I love you guys.
I am thankful for Kim’s family and the fun we have. I am thankful for my job, that I enjoy it and am able to grow in it, for our family’s health, for having nephews, nieces and Lauren (next best thing to a daughter), for UCLA weekends, for coaching soccer and baseball and basketball, for 20 years of marriage, for my sons teachers and how they help develop our boys, for a God that gave His Son for us, for the Eucharist, for quiet nights reading a book after everyone is asleep, for a life that is truly blessed. I am thankful that we take the time to appreciate what really matters in our lives. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Kimmy Ann - her empathy, support, determination, sarcasm, cleanliness, strength, vulnerability, passion for teaching, love for her friends and her boys.
Tod – his clearheadedness, “old soul”, focus on school, goal-setting, comfortableness in his own skin, love for his mom and care for his brothers.
Craig – his compassion, faith, sense of humor, servants heart, adaptability and care for younger siblings and friends.
Cole – his energy, joie de vivre, love for sports, never-met-a-stranger attitude and joyful spirit.
Reed – his smile-y disposition, love for learning, snuggleness, devotion to his brothers and great hugs.
Mom & Dad – their faith, balance, music, guidance, inspiration and example.
Siblings – their joy, sarcasm, family values, friendship, support and memories.
Friends – David, Stan, and Jeff. Three men that are shining examples of Christian living. Men that set the bar so high that I will spend my entire life trying to reach it. And will be happy to even get close. Their love for family, community and God is truly inspiring to me. I love you guys.
I am thankful for Kim’s family and the fun we have. I am thankful for my job, that I enjoy it and am able to grow in it, for our family’s health, for having nephews, nieces and Lauren (next best thing to a daughter), for UCLA weekends, for coaching soccer and baseball and basketball, for 20 years of marriage, for my sons teachers and how they help develop our boys, for a God that gave His Son for us, for the Eucharist, for quiet nights reading a book after everyone is asleep, for a life that is truly blessed. I am thankful that we take the time to appreciate what really matters in our lives. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
PERFECT!
GPA 4.0
That is correct! Tod finised his first quarter of college with straight A's! I'm so excited I can hardly type!!
Tod, tears are rolling down my cheeks as I post this! I can not begin to effectively express in words how proud your Dad and I are!
What an incredible start!
Dental school or medical school...here he comes!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Our little Indian!
Our little Indian, Cole
Xavier, Cole, and Andreas
Finally, mom could attend an event!! 
Mrs. Wunderlick's First Grade!
Cole and Mrs. Wunderlick
Today the first grade at Mary Immaculate Catholic School celebrated the First Thanksgiving. One class dressed as Pilgrims and two of the first grade classes came as Indians! Finally I was able to attend an event at my children's school! I got to paint the faces of 1B which was a blast! After we got the kiddos ready we headed to the cafeteria for a Thanksgiving Feast with the Pilgrims! We all had a great time!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Toots!
Photo by: Aunt KrissyOur nephew, Colin, or as we affectionately call him "Toots!"
He is such a sweet little angel in this picture! We are begging my brother, Brad, and his wife, Dawn, to start a blog. Mainly because you could catch the FUNNIEST kid stories around! Like, Dawn getting up a 2am to some clatter in the kitchen...only to find Ethan (Colin's partner in crime and younger brother) literally standing on the bar tossing donuts to the dog! Yes, he climbed up the bar stools, got into the cabinet...and thought the dog needed a treat. It was topped the next night...climbed again the bar stools...and then proceeded to climb the cabinets (once open) to the ridiculous ones that are so high up that only an adult on a ladder could reach...to find the spices. He not only decorate the kitchen, but his hair and entire body with paprika!!!! At 3am of course! Everyday there is something funny going on at their house! They could win on America's Funniest Home Videos!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
My Shining Star
I was scrolling through some pictures this morning and happened upon these two which struck a wave of emotion for me. These pictures are a year or so old and were taken at Cedar Creek Lake where we have spent many of days hanging out with our great friends the McCarvers. We haven't been down there since, and truly miss going...life just gets so busy and our weekends are filled with so many games, practices, etc. We hope and pray everyday that the lakehouse does not sell so we can make it down to hang out time and time again this coming spring and summer!
But the real reason for the emotion was the grip that Reed has on Mike, and the gentle hand that Mike has on Reed. Just the picture of his hand (which, I must admit, I AM a "hand" girl) is such a reflection of who he is. He is the most gentle man I know. I love the father he is to the boys and I know there is no better. Having his hand, or hold, is such a safe place to be. He is patient, eager to listen, so incredibly quick witted, and has such a soft way of responding to stress or storms that should fall into his path along the way. He has such a tender way of sanding out the rough spots. His work ethic at work goes unmatched, as does his loyalty. I love the peace that he is.
And then, there is the second picture. A completely different wave of emotion! He still has that look that I fell in love with so many years ago. I could list and list the my favorite "looks!" Ball cap on backwards, the baby blue I-Teens sleeveless shirt, Sig-Ep flag football jersey days...etc!!
The difference now....twenty one years later....a few pounds, a few boys, maybe a few gray hairs, but mostly, a million more reasons to love you even more.
Ily
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Boys? What boys?
A glimpse of Heaven for Mike!
Thanks, Sydney, for coming over to spend time with us!
Open Sesame!
This is a standard scene at our dinner table. Lasagna...come on...who does not like lasagna! Reed that's who! Just for the record, Reed does eat chicken nuggets, cereal, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pizza, and "noot nacks" (fruit snacks) ! We need prayers people!Saturday, November 15, 2008
Name That Tune
I post this as Mike, Tod, Mike's Dad, Dick, and Mike's brothers, Paul, John, and Steve sit at the UCLA vs. Washington football game. Yes, that is correct, they are in Washington. Their love for the Bruins stems from Mike's Dad's days at UCLA. (check that out...two possessive words in a row!) Mike's Dad rode Crew for the Bruins! I can pretty much say that ALL of them, wish they had chosen UCLA instead of UTA. They love their Bruins! Their blood runs blue and gold. Our children ALL have UCLA gear. They know the fight song, the stats, and what NFL or NBA players have come from UCLA. My point...their loyalty.I, too, am loyal. Loyal to the team that I had the privilege of watching for a few seasons sitting near the 50 yard line at five and six years old! No, my parents were not wealthy season ticket holders but rather.....well, here is how the story goes....
My father loved sports...especially baseball, wrestling, and football (not in that order). He played all the mentioned sports in high school (where he earned the nick name that he so loves reminding us of..."As thousands cheer.") and went on to punt for Lafayette College. He was good. He even made it into a September 1956 (I think that year is right) issue of Sports Illustrated. Furthermore, he was invited to come "try-out" for an NFL team, but as dad told us back then playing for the NFL was nothing...not a big deal and no real money in it, etc....and he had already committed to serve in the Army. Well, years later takes us to living in Maryland...but dad worked in D.C. He wanted to go see the Redskin games but couldn't pay the season ticket price...so he tried out for the Washington Redskin marching band and made it! Yep, my dad played the tune you are listening to every time those SKINS scored...years and years ago. I searched my albums and failed to find the picture of my dad in his Redskin band uniform...thinking maybe my brother, Brad, has it...if so, scan it and email it to me, Brad, and I will post it. So cool that my fourth grade nephew, Alex, Brad's oldest son, now plays that very trumpet that my father marched with at RFK stadium. Alex, I sure hope you have practiced this tune! I have a feeling you'll be playing it often!
So, tonight, I will (like Mike and his siblings are doing now) pull for my Washington Redskins!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Where you are
I am so fortunate to absolutely love the people I work with. So many people go to work each day, do the job they do well, chat a little with the people they work with, and then return home. Few have actual relationships with the people they work with. Perhaps it is just me in my goofiness, but I have developed some of the closest friendships with people I work with over the past twenty years teaching. Many days, they are the reason I go to work! Today was really unique though. Everyday I spend my "take me away" hour, a.k.a. lunch, back in the baby room with Brittney, Jessica, Amy, Alyssa, Jesse, sometimes Michelle, and six adorable little ones. It is crowded, sometimes crazy, but altogether one of the best hours of my day.....especially today.
I came into the baby room today loaded with my yummy Olive Garden salad and a stack of papers to grade. After getting things situated, I looked across the room and sitting next to Brittney was her mom. Her mom had come to see Sydney, Brittney's 6 month old beautiful first born baby girl, and to sit and eat with Brittney. I caught myself just staring. The staring that kinda takes your breath away. You know, one of those "could be" embarrassing SNAP out of it stares...almost unaware that I was lost in thought. An overwhelming sense of jealously hit my heart...actually it was more like envy. How I wish my mom could show up to work just to visit me! And how much I miss just sitting and chatting with her! Uh, it was awful and wonderful at the same time. Only awful because it reminded me of what I don't have anymore, which prompted me to think about why I don't have it anymore...and let's just trust me on this one...it's not a short happy list! Thankfully the beauty of the time took the majority of my thoughts to the wonderful side. How beautiful it is and was to witness and be in the presence of a mother and daughter closeness. It took me down memory lane...what mom would have on (always jeans, a sweat shirt, and sneakers (footies not socks)) , what we would be eating if she came to eat with me (pb&j on jewish rye, ruffles, and a few green olives), and then remembering the times she and I would chat for hours (usually on the phone) about everything...and yes, just ask any of my siblings, I mean everything. I truly miss all of her.
More than ever I want to express how lucky you are if you still have your mom with you today. Hug them, love on them, listen, spend time with them, and God please, touch them often. The emptiness that remains when they are gone at times brings you to your knees.
Brittney, I thank you and your mom, for allowing me to be a part of your lunch today. You both brought back a flood of happy memories for me. And, you reminded me of what the reunion will be like when I join my mom in Heaven.
Mom, I know where you are. My heart is holding you everyday.
I love you,
Kimmy
I came into the baby room today loaded with my yummy Olive Garden salad and a stack of papers to grade. After getting things situated, I looked across the room and sitting next to Brittney was her mom. Her mom had come to see Sydney, Brittney's 6 month old beautiful first born baby girl, and to sit and eat with Brittney. I caught myself just staring. The staring that kinda takes your breath away. You know, one of those "could be" embarrassing SNAP out of it stares...almost unaware that I was lost in thought. An overwhelming sense of jealously hit my heart...actually it was more like envy. How I wish my mom could show up to work just to visit me! And how much I miss just sitting and chatting with her! Uh, it was awful and wonderful at the same time. Only awful because it reminded me of what I don't have anymore, which prompted me to think about why I don't have it anymore...and let's just trust me on this one...it's not a short happy list! Thankfully the beauty of the time took the majority of my thoughts to the wonderful side. How beautiful it is and was to witness and be in the presence of a mother and daughter closeness. It took me down memory lane...what mom would have on (always jeans, a sweat shirt, and sneakers (footies not socks)) , what we would be eating if she came to eat with me (pb&j on jewish rye, ruffles, and a few green olives), and then remembering the times she and I would chat for hours (usually on the phone) about everything...and yes, just ask any of my siblings, I mean everything. I truly miss all of her.
More than ever I want to express how lucky you are if you still have your mom with you today. Hug them, love on them, listen, spend time with them, and God please, touch them often. The emptiness that remains when they are gone at times brings you to your knees.
Brittney, I thank you and your mom, for allowing me to be a part of your lunch today. You both brought back a flood of happy memories for me. And, you reminded me of what the reunion will be like when I join my mom in Heaven.
Mom, I know where you are. My heart is holding you everyday.
I love you,
Kimmy
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Infestation
Last night I was sitting on the floor rubbing Lady’s belly. Kim was on the computer, Craig and Cole were playing baseball outside and Reed was playing with his cars. A nice, quiet, peaceful Friday evening at home. Then I looked down and noticed something on Lady’s belly. There were little black spots, um wait… those look like, yes, fleas! It went something like this:
“Hey Kim, come look at this.”
“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! INFESTATION!!!”
And the whirlwind commenced. Lady and her kennel were in the garage before I could stand up. Kim was on her cell and the house phone simultaneously, calling anyone and everyone who might have pertinent information on flea removal. She called an emergency management meeting. (That’s Kim and me talking in the kitchen). A plan was formulated to commence at 0800 Saturday morning.
0800 – Remove all possible flea infested matter from the house and burn it. (I was able to get this revised to washing it and it actually started about 0700 because Kim couldn't sleep thinking about the fleas.)
0830 – Stage family for supply retrieval at Petsmart.
0900 – Purchase Advantix (flea medicine) and Zodiac Indoor Insect Spray at Petsmart, proceed to Pete & Mac’s for rendezvous with Michelle to administer initial Advantix treatment.
0945 – Return to base for thorough cleaning and house spraying.
1030 – Proceed to YMCA for final soccer game. (It was a tie, our first non-win of the season. I think I was distracted by the flea extraction operation.)
1200 – Proceed to Lowe’s for Sevin-5 dust for yard coverage. (Plus 15 minute recon mission in power tool section.)
1230 - Begin outdoor flea eradication.
1400 – Complete washing of infested matter.
1530 – Final cleaning of garage and kennel.
And thus it ended, less than 12 hours after the first signs of fleas the operation is complete. It’s success has yet to be determined, but be assured, we will not surrender. It was an intense day, full of highs and lows, advances and retreats, but as the dust settles in the backyard and the carpet dries, we feel we have fought the good fight.
“Hey Kim, come look at this.”
“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! INFESTATION!!!”
And the whirlwind commenced. Lady and her kennel were in the garage before I could stand up. Kim was on her cell and the house phone simultaneously, calling anyone and everyone who might have pertinent information on flea removal. She called an emergency management meeting. (That’s Kim and me talking in the kitchen). A plan was formulated to commence at 0800 Saturday morning.
0800 – Remove all possible flea infested matter from the house and burn it. (I was able to get this revised to washing it and it actually started about 0700 because Kim couldn't sleep thinking about the fleas.)
0830 – Stage family for supply retrieval at Petsmart.
0900 – Purchase Advantix (flea medicine) and Zodiac Indoor Insect Spray at Petsmart, proceed to Pete & Mac’s for rendezvous with Michelle to administer initial Advantix treatment.
0945 – Return to base for thorough cleaning and house spraying.
1030 – Proceed to YMCA for final soccer game. (It was a tie, our first non-win of the season. I think I was distracted by the flea extraction operation.)
1200 – Proceed to Lowe’s for Sevin-5 dust for yard coverage. (Plus 15 minute recon mission in power tool section.)
1230 - Begin outdoor flea eradication.
1400 – Complete washing of infested matter.
1530 – Final cleaning of garage and kennel.
And thus it ended, less than 12 hours after the first signs of fleas the operation is complete. It’s success has yet to be determined, but be assured, we will not surrender. It was an intense day, full of highs and lows, advances and retreats, but as the dust settles in the backyard and the carpet dries, we feel we have fought the good fight.
As I looked out the front window this evening I found that we had another problem, in the oak tree. Does anyone know anything about getting rid of this infestation?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Mourning in America
I am a little disappointed this morning. I feel that my country and my city have each done something foolish. As you can tell by the banner above, we were supporting John McCain and I believe that electing Barack Obama as president is foolish. What I cannot understand is how a guy who promises to raise taxes on the wealthy received 50% of the vote for those making over $100,000; how a guy who sympathizes with the PLO receives 60% of the Jewish vote; how a guy who will “bankrupt” anyone who makes a coal-powered power plant wins Pennsylvania; how a guy who is pro-abortion wins ANY of the Catholic and evangelical Christian vote. I guess I don’t understand how people can disconnect their religious views from their voting. My faith has an impact on every aspect of my life. (Sometimes just making me feel guilty when I know I’ve done something wrong, but still… it has an impact). What I watch on TV, how I spend my time, the friends I have, how I spend my money, where I volunteer, all of this is impacted by my faith. I believe in the sanctity of life. Period. I believe marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman. Period. I can’t put that aside because of a charismatic “Hope” and “Change” mantra. Guess it’s time to buy a gun and pray, (I live in the middle of the country, so I “cling to guns and religion”).
My city, Irving, has passed beer/wine sales. I have lived in Irving for most of the last 30 years and am again, disappointed. The fabric of life in Irving has changed considerably in that time, most would say for the worse. The schools are not as good, the property values have not increased at expected levels, there are run down apartments and overcrowded rent houses(only 33% of the homes in Irving are owner-occupied). Now, this issue comes up at just about every election and is usually defeated by about a 60/40 margin. This time, it passed by 768 votes despite being oppposed by the mayor and city council. I contend that Irving has enough trouble without adding this to the mix. What positive affect will this have in Irving? Will there be less empty beer cans and bottles in the streets? Will there be less people sleeping on park benches? Will there be less drunk drivers? Or drunk walkers? Will there be less loitering around convenience stores? Hmmmm. I think not. It is probable that these things get worse, but they certainly won’t get better. Is that quality of life issue worth 1 cent per dollar on beer/wine sales? Not to me, and anyone who knows me knows that I do like to drink! I guess I was hoping some of the “old” Irving was still around, I think it has slipped away. Bummer.
I told Kim we would move if Irving passed the beer/wine sales. I’m still thinking about that one, but it’s not off the table. Craig is ready to move to Australia, maybe we’ll go there...
My city, Irving, has passed beer/wine sales. I have lived in Irving for most of the last 30 years and am again, disappointed. The fabric of life in Irving has changed considerably in that time, most would say for the worse. The schools are not as good, the property values have not increased at expected levels, there are run down apartments and overcrowded rent houses(only 33% of the homes in Irving are owner-occupied). Now, this issue comes up at just about every election and is usually defeated by about a 60/40 margin. This time, it passed by 768 votes despite being oppposed by the mayor and city council. I contend that Irving has enough trouble without adding this to the mix. What positive affect will this have in Irving? Will there be less empty beer cans and bottles in the streets? Will there be less people sleeping on park benches? Will there be less drunk drivers? Or drunk walkers? Will there be less loitering around convenience stores? Hmmmm. I think not. It is probable that these things get worse, but they certainly won’t get better. Is that quality of life issue worth 1 cent per dollar on beer/wine sales? Not to me, and anyone who knows me knows that I do like to drink! I guess I was hoping some of the “old” Irving was still around, I think it has slipped away. Bummer.
I told Kim we would move if Irving passed the beer/wine sales. I’m still thinking about that one, but it’s not off the table. Craig is ready to move to Australia, maybe we’ll go there...
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Friends
One of my most favorite stories from the Bible is about Samuel. If you are not familiar (and want to bear with the teacher in me) with the story it began with Elkannah, Penninah, and Hannah. Penninah and Hannah were wives of Elkannah (yes, two, sinful Bible times). Penninah and Elkannah had children, but God had not blessed Elkannah and Hannah with children. Hannah wanted nothing more than to be blessed with a son, and after suffering from Penninah’s unkind words regarding her inability to conceive she stole away to the Temple to go and pray. There she kneeled in prayer, sobbing, to God with her hurts, burdens, praises, and wants. Noticing that a woman was in the Temple, seemingly muttering words not understandable, Eli, the high priest, approaches Hannah and attempts to at first kick her “drunk” little self out of the Temple. Upon realizing she was not drunk, just sorrowfully humbling herself before God (which during those times was unheard of from a woman in the Temple alone), he tells her to go and that “God will answer her prayers.” God infact did, as Samuel, which means “asked of God” arrived nine months later. Hannah promised God that if she was so blessed to be given a son, she would return him to the Temple to learn to serve God. So at a very young age, Hannah and Elkannah take Samuel to the Temple and leave him there with Eli where he begins his work for the Lord. While there, Samuel serves God with a servant’s heart…doing all the small but important “pittle-y” jobs. In comes my favorite part…while sleeping one night Samuel is awakened by someone calling him. Quickly and obediently he goes to Eli saying, “You called, what can I do for you?” Eli tells Samuel that he did not call for him. Well, this happens THREE other times. Until Eli realizes that it is GOD that is calling Samuel…and Eli hence tells Samuel, “Samuel, it is the Lord that is calling you…next time you hear the calling sit up and respond: God, it is I…I am here.”
I can not count the times that my Eli, a.k.a. my friends, have shook me into realizing that God was calling me, attempting to make me “see”, or moving me in some kind of way when I, like Samuel, was unable to know that it was God calling. I am so thankful that God has provided me with so many Eli’s…and perhaps the reason he has is because I so frequently step off His path…and I need many to push me back and straighten me out. For all of you that have touched my life, and my family’s lives, I thank you. More than ever this time of year reminds me of what is most important and what I am most thankful for. I have spent many posts expressing my love and thanks for Mike, my boys, and my family. God is so intelligent and knew exactly what I needed in them….and today I am being moved to thank all of my friends and our friends. Life would not be as full as it is… without you. Please know that you are being lifted up every night in our prayers of thanksgiving…. And in Amy Grant's words….”my life will always be richer, for the time I’ve spent here with you…”
I can not count the times that my Eli, a.k.a. my friends, have shook me into realizing that God was calling me, attempting to make me “see”, or moving me in some kind of way when I, like Samuel, was unable to know that it was God calling. I am so thankful that God has provided me with so many Eli’s…and perhaps the reason he has is because I so frequently step off His path…and I need many to push me back and straighten me out. For all of you that have touched my life, and my family’s lives, I thank you. More than ever this time of year reminds me of what is most important and what I am most thankful for. I have spent many posts expressing my love and thanks for Mike, my boys, and my family. God is so intelligent and knew exactly what I needed in them….and today I am being moved to thank all of my friends and our friends. Life would not be as full as it is… without you. Please know that you are being lifted up every night in our prayers of thanksgiving…. And in Amy Grant's words….”my life will always be richer, for the time I’ve spent here with you…”
Sunday, October 26, 2008
K-I-C-K em, Kick em, Tod, Kick em
Please add Tod to your prayer list! His first chance for a "look" from the LA Tech Bulldogs could happen sometime after November 1st! He is excited and in his words "ready."
Tod, we have complete confidence in you, and your leg! Carry all that Scott has shown you to the field and show them what your made of!
How 'bout them Dawgs!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Update
And then today happened...and nothing, right now, is feeling so good .
WARNING:
Testosterone = deafness, forgetfulness, inability to multitask, lack of motivation, defensiveness, complacency, lack of initiative, intolerant, ....
Out of control levels may lead to: selfishness, arguments, outbursts, blank stares, permanent memory loss, and a wife/daughter/sister/mother/teacher/friend thinking about driving around looking for a cliff....
Yes, I know, mom, tomorrow is a new day. Again, thank you, God.
WARNING:
Testosterone = deafness, forgetfulness, inability to multitask, lack of motivation, defensiveness, complacency, lack of initiative, intolerant, ....
Out of control levels may lead to: selfishness, arguments, outbursts, blank stares, permanent memory loss, and a wife/daughter/sister/mother/teacher/friend thinking about driving around looking for a cliff....
Yes, I know, mom, tomorrow is a new day. Again, thank you, God.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Feels so good
∙ Listening to Run by George Strait will always make me think of Tod. It will always be HIS going to college
song. Had no idea what the words were when I asked him for one of his favorite good message songs…he
picked “Run.”
Watching the talent and potential that he has when he kicks a football
Sporting a 3.9GPA as a freshman and already preparing for the D.A.T.
Seeing him “fly” after letting him go…
∙ Seeing Craig earn Merit badges
Aspiring to an EAGLE scout
Preparation for Confirmation
Choosing a Saint Confirmation name… how perfect... St. Francis for our animal lover
∙ Watching Cole’s skill strength on the baseball and soccer field
Witnessing his comfortableness in his own skin
Being a part of his desire to SOAK life in
∙ Watching Reed develop a serious LOVE for learning and school, even “homework”
Receiving his unconditional and healing “holds”…”hug” just doesn’t do them justice!
Sleeping nose to nose with a downy smelling blanket inbetween…
∙ Your hands, Mike. Strong, thick.
Watching your gentle ways with the boys and witnessing how it brings out the best in them…it is beautiful
Being on the receiving end of your touch…sometimes feelingless…as what you are capable of touching with
your eyes moves my heart in ways that can not affectively be put in words…
It all feels so good.
Thank you, God.
song. Had no idea what the words were when I asked him for one of his favorite good message songs…he
picked “Run.”
Watching the talent and potential that he has when he kicks a football
Sporting a 3.9GPA as a freshman and already preparing for the D.A.T.
Seeing him “fly” after letting him go…
∙ Seeing Craig earn Merit badges
Aspiring to an EAGLE scout
Preparation for Confirmation
Choosing a Saint Confirmation name… how perfect... St. Francis for our animal lover
∙ Watching Cole’s skill strength on the baseball and soccer field
Witnessing his comfortableness in his own skin
Being a part of his desire to SOAK life in
∙ Watching Reed develop a serious LOVE for learning and school, even “homework”
Receiving his unconditional and healing “holds”…”hug” just doesn’t do them justice!
Sleeping nose to nose with a downy smelling blanket inbetween…
∙ Your hands, Mike. Strong, thick.
Watching your gentle ways with the boys and witnessing how it brings out the best in them…it is beautiful
Being on the receiving end of your touch…sometimes feelingless…as what you are capable of touching with
your eyes moves my heart in ways that can not affectively be put in words…
It all feels so good.
Thank you, God.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
A Pfaffy kind of day
Be sure to scroll down and pause our music before playing the video!
Tod was in town this weekend for Homecoming. It was good to see him. When he is home he schedules kicking sessions with his coach. We had one Sunday morning at 9:00, so I took Cole, Reed and Tod out to Grapevine.
As is always the case when we are away from home, Reed announced he had to use the bathroom. Tod’s coach, Scott, said, just go over by that tree, there are no open restrooms around here. Reed had to go, so I did that, but I went back and told Scott I was reluctant to do it. We had done that about a week before at a park and thought nothing of it… until about 3 days later. I came out of the house when Kim pulled up with the kids. They all jumped out of the van and before I could say a word, Reed walked over to the big oak tree in our front yard, pulled down his drawers and “watered” the tree. I was dumbfounded. So this morning at Tod’s kicking lesson when I walked him over to the tree I kept saying, “This does not mean we pee in our yard, right Reed, right!?!”
Part of Tod’s practice today was me simulating a snap, Scott holding and Tod kicking. Giving him a little live action practice. Cole lined up like a defensive end. I snapped a couple and he just watched. Then, I toss the ball to Scott, as he makes the catch, Cole takes off out of a 3-point stance. Straight at the hold. Tod has taken his steps and catches a glimpse of Cole out of the corner of his eye as he is starting his kick. He tries to hold up a little (so he doesn't blow Cole's head off), but connects pretty cleanly while slipping and falling on his butt. Cole’s right arm is extended and he blocks the kick! He runs around like T.O. after a touchdown doing his little dance. I was cracking up. Scott shook his head and said,” I’ve never seen anything like that.” You could tell Cole’s arm hurt by the way he was holding it, but he was beaming. As we walked back to pick up the kicked balls, I told Scott that Craig has decided he wants to try punting and if he sticks with it for a couple months on his own, we may start up lessons for him. He said that would be great, then added, “I don’t even want to start with Cole, he’s going to be a linebacker or something.” “He’ll be the one to say, ‘I don’t want to be a p@#$y little kicker’.” I had to laugh because I think he’s right.
When we got home Tod was getting ready to leave and Kim came home from Wal-Mart with new socks and underwear for everyone. She made a crack about my grandpa underwear. (Good old whitey tighties or skivvies). Cole laughed and brought them in to where I was. “Dad, look at your grandpa underwear.” (Now think about what new underwear looks like.) Cole looked at them and looked me and back at the briefs…”Your privates aren’t that big.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him about genetics.
Never a dull moment.
Tod was in town this weekend for Homecoming. It was good to see him. When he is home he schedules kicking sessions with his coach. We had one Sunday morning at 9:00, so I took Cole, Reed and Tod out to Grapevine.
As is always the case when we are away from home, Reed announced he had to use the bathroom. Tod’s coach, Scott, said, just go over by that tree, there are no open restrooms around here. Reed had to go, so I did that, but I went back and told Scott I was reluctant to do it. We had done that about a week before at a park and thought nothing of it… until about 3 days later. I came out of the house when Kim pulled up with the kids. They all jumped out of the van and before I could say a word, Reed walked over to the big oak tree in our front yard, pulled down his drawers and “watered” the tree. I was dumbfounded. So this morning at Tod’s kicking lesson when I walked him over to the tree I kept saying, “This does not mean we pee in our yard, right Reed, right!?!”
Part of Tod’s practice today was me simulating a snap, Scott holding and Tod kicking. Giving him a little live action practice. Cole lined up like a defensive end. I snapped a couple and he just watched. Then, I toss the ball to Scott, as he makes the catch, Cole takes off out of a 3-point stance. Straight at the hold. Tod has taken his steps and catches a glimpse of Cole out of the corner of his eye as he is starting his kick. He tries to hold up a little (so he doesn't blow Cole's head off), but connects pretty cleanly while slipping and falling on his butt. Cole’s right arm is extended and he blocks the kick! He runs around like T.O. after a touchdown doing his little dance. I was cracking up. Scott shook his head and said,” I’ve never seen anything like that.” You could tell Cole’s arm hurt by the way he was holding it, but he was beaming. As we walked back to pick up the kicked balls, I told Scott that Craig has decided he wants to try punting and if he sticks with it for a couple months on his own, we may start up lessons for him. He said that would be great, then added, “I don’t even want to start with Cole, he’s going to be a linebacker or something.” “He’ll be the one to say, ‘I don’t want to be a p@#$y little kicker’.” I had to laugh because I think he’s right.
When we got home Tod was getting ready to leave and Kim came home from Wal-Mart with new socks and underwear for everyone. She made a crack about my grandpa underwear. (Good old whitey tighties or skivvies). Cole laughed and brought them in to where I was. “Dad, look at your grandpa underwear.” (Now think about what new underwear looks like.) Cole looked at them and looked me and back at the briefs…”Your privates aren’t that big.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him about genetics.
Never a dull moment.
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Enemy
Can you even believe this? One of my friends at work, Liz, absolutely loves usc like we love the UCLA BRUINS!! She enjoys texting me scores of games and often asks about our "boys"...like, "What's up with your boys?" Silly me to think she is asking about Tod, Craig, Cole and Reed. I look puzzled in response and then glance up to just see the sparkle and twinkle in her eye...oh how she loves to rub it in! Well, she also has "kidnapped" my baby boy from his class...dressed him in her attire...and sat him in her "throne" for a picture! Well, it was so cute of Reed I couldn't resist and had to post this. Now John, sit down and take a deep breath. AND...know that when Ms. Lizz said, "Go on back to class, Reed" his response was "Not wearing this!!!!!!" That's our boy!And Lizz...let's not EVER forget.....13-9!
Go Bruins!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Brother Stuff
Two of my brothers and I are pretty goofy. (My other brother is the oldest and has successfully transitioned into adulthood, leaving us behind. My sister is still on the fence.) We see each other at least every 2 weeks, and during UCLA football season almost every week. We live within about 15 miles of each other, yet our main mode of communication is Facebook. Yes, the social networking site designed for people half our age. And, the saddest part about our communication is that it consists almost entirely of movie quotes. Often times one of us can write one word from a movie and the others know exactly what he’s talking about.
“Cheater”
“FOR-EV-ER”
“Automobiiiiiiile”
“FRA-GIL-E”
It really is fun. But the most fun we have together is our yearly trip to a UCLA football game. This year we'll be joined by my dad and my son, Tod in Seattle. 3 generations of Pfaff's. In the past, the four brothers have gone to Alabama, Texas, OU, Notre Dame, Michigan, usc, and the Rose Bowl among others. Some of the best venues in college football. About half the time we take our clubs and play a round of golf. I have noticed though, that every one is getting better. We drink Canadian Club and smoke cigars. We talk about politics, religion and ethics, business, family, sports and life. We slip back into the conversations from the previous year as if it was later in the same evening, not a year later. We support each other, challenge each other and make each other laugh. We celebrate the fact that we have almost 80 years of marriage between the 5 siblings (with our original spouses!). We thank our wives for letting us steal away for a weekend every year. We raise a toast to our parents for teaching us about God and family. We reminisce about growing up in Los Alamitos. We talk about MCI Tooling. We regale each other with the latest feats of our sons and daughters (just sons for me) and marvel that we are all so lucky.
I think what makes each one better is that we truly appreciate the time we get to spend with each other. We don’t worry about the little stuff any more, we just enjoy the time together. We see our kids growing up and ourselves going gray. We realize that we are truly blessed to have loving wives, beautiful, healthy children and brothers we love. I love you guys. (And you too Katy!)
“Cheater”
“FOR-EV-ER”
“Automobiiiiiiile”
“FRA-GIL-E”
It really is fun. But the most fun we have together is our yearly trip to a UCLA football game. This year we'll be joined by my dad and my son, Tod in Seattle. 3 generations of Pfaff's. In the past, the four brothers have gone to Alabama, Texas, OU, Notre Dame, Michigan, usc, and the Rose Bowl among others. Some of the best venues in college football. About half the time we take our clubs and play a round of golf. I have noticed though, that every one is getting better. We drink Canadian Club and smoke cigars. We talk about politics, religion and ethics, business, family, sports and life. We slip back into the conversations from the previous year as if it was later in the same evening, not a year later. We support each other, challenge each other and make each other laugh. We celebrate the fact that we have almost 80 years of marriage between the 5 siblings (with our original spouses!). We thank our wives for letting us steal away for a weekend every year. We raise a toast to our parents for teaching us about God and family. We reminisce about growing up in Los Alamitos. We talk about MCI Tooling. We regale each other with the latest feats of our sons and daughters (just sons for me) and marvel that we are all so lucky.
I think what makes each one better is that we truly appreciate the time we get to spend with each other. We don’t worry about the little stuff any more, we just enjoy the time together. We see our kids growing up and ourselves going gray. We realize that we are truly blessed to have loving wives, beautiful, healthy children and brothers we love. I love you guys. (And you too Katy!)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Vegas Baby
I just got back from two days in Las Vegas. Gotta say, I’m not a fan of Sin City. I went to a glass show, which was great. Relevant information in the seminars, useful products in the exhibit hall, networking with industry peers, dinner with great business partners, all in all a very productive 48 hours. Plus, I came home a hero because I had a little foam football for Reed, 32 pens for Craig and 3 coozies for Cole. Yep, our 6-year-old LOVES coozies. Luckily, he’s still using them for Sprite and Dr. Pepper, but if you know him, you can understand my apprehension about his appreciation for them. I can almost hear him thinking, “I’ll have the coldest beer in middle school!”
As I wandered around before the show the first day I stopped by a Sports Book. (A room with about 50 big screen TV’s and odds on every sporting event in the country.) This is pretty much the only part of the typical Vegas stuff that appeals to me. If I could have found a meaningful game that was taking place while I was in town, I would have bet on it. (The Cowboys are still the favorite to win the Super Bowl. I guess they realize the loss to the Skins was a fluke.) I didn’t want to bet on something, win thousands of dollars and have to back to Vegas to collect it, what a hassle.
I think one of the reasons I don’t like Vegas is because I was there on 9/11/01. That alone is not enough to make me not like it, but it gave me an understanding of the city. I was in my hotel room getting ready for a trade show when Kim called. I turned on the TV and watched in horror with the rest of the nation as the towers fell. When it was time to go to the show, I walked through the casino and it was business as usual. Slots, poker, whatever. People watching a little on the TV’s, then going back to their gambling. I stared and thought, “Do you people not realize that our world just changed forever?” I was disappointed, disillusioned, disgusted. (Think Jackie Childs from Seinfeld.) It left a lasting negative impression on me.
The other reason I don’t really care for Vegas is that just about everything there is to do can get you in big trouble. Sure they have good food and lots of shows, but the trinity of Vegas is gambling, booze and scantily-clad women. Not that I have anything against those things, it’s just that when you add them up, BIG TROUBLE. So, I retired to my room early in the evening after a very small amount of two out of the three vices. I’ll let you figure out which two…
As I wandered around before the show the first day I stopped by a Sports Book. (A room with about 50 big screen TV’s and odds on every sporting event in the country.) This is pretty much the only part of the typical Vegas stuff that appeals to me. If I could have found a meaningful game that was taking place while I was in town, I would have bet on it. (The Cowboys are still the favorite to win the Super Bowl. I guess they realize the loss to the Skins was a fluke.) I didn’t want to bet on something, win thousands of dollars and have to back to Vegas to collect it, what a hassle.
I think one of the reasons I don’t like Vegas is because I was there on 9/11/01. That alone is not enough to make me not like it, but it gave me an understanding of the city. I was in my hotel room getting ready for a trade show when Kim called. I turned on the TV and watched in horror with the rest of the nation as the towers fell. When it was time to go to the show, I walked through the casino and it was business as usual. Slots, poker, whatever. People watching a little on the TV’s, then going back to their gambling. I stared and thought, “Do you people not realize that our world just changed forever?” I was disappointed, disillusioned, disgusted. (Think Jackie Childs from Seinfeld.) It left a lasting negative impression on me.
The other reason I don’t really care for Vegas is that just about everything there is to do can get you in big trouble. Sure they have good food and lots of shows, but the trinity of Vegas is gambling, booze and scantily-clad women. Not that I have anything against those things, it’s just that when you add them up, BIG TROUBLE. So, I retired to my room early in the evening after a very small amount of two out of the three vices. I’ll let you figure out which two…
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
PART II
Marylou, or as my boys say Aunt Marylou, and as the public says Dr. Pfaffenberger, is only half way through the process of my very first root canal. You know it will be bad when the dentist says, "You can expect EXTREME pain for up to three days after the procedure." I was thinking...how bad can it be? I've had four children??? Well, let me say that at 2AM (after having taken ONE vicodin at 11:30pm because I had to be up at 5am to get ready for work) I sat straight up in bed in excrusiating pain...for me, IT WAS THAT BAD!! And I can now add an item on my HATE list that I posted about long ago.....I hate root canals. In fact, I hate teeth problems period. I absolutely dread going back...to do the above pictured part of my root canal! That is correct friends...she will shove that "filing" tool up and down that nerve space...Lord, help me! Next Friday. Just before Tod comes home for Jesuit's homecoming. He'll probably like me better on vicodin anyway, right? Why can I not have an experience like Mike...who fell asleep during the procedure and had no pain....or Karen...who said it is no worse than a bad filling...huh??? And why do I have to be the one who won't respond to numbing...took six shots the first time (when we put on the temp. crown) and 3 for the PART I of root canal!! No doubt it is my fear and inability to RELAX during this...instead I sit white knuckled and heart skipping all kinds of beats!!! Anyone want to go for PART II for me? I know Marylou would appreciate it! I am no doubt on her "high maintenance" patient list!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
No Sense
Reed loves school. He loves the idea of homework and consequently works on his coloring homework for Ms. Amy everyday. He wants a binder to keep his work in, a folder like Craig, a laptop like Tod (incidently, so do Tod’s parents), a backpack like Cole’s, and a lunch box or bag (depending on who he is being like that day) like Cole or Craig. Ms. Amy shares often about how serious he is about his work, how he takes special care and time on most of his work. He has many friends both boys and as he calls them “girl friends.” Like most kiddos, there are those friends he truly enjoys being around and those he would rather not have any contact with. Point is coming, I promise. There is one little guy in Reed’s class that he would rather NOT be in his class and unfortunately (we ARE working on this) Reed shows him almost everyday how intolerant he is of him. Well, while waiting in line for the restroom at school Reed was hit by this particular little guy, which I might add happens almost everyday. THIS time, Reed decides to smack this child right back. Ms. Amy, God bless her, is tenderly taking care of the other children in the restroom, making sure hands are washed, underwear is put back on correctly, paper towels are in the trash can, etc. and she does not witness the exchange between Reed and this little guy. Well, thankfully another teacher does and alerts Ms. Amy. Here is how it all went:
Ms. Amy: Reed, did you hit your friend?
Reed: Yes, I did. But he hit me first.
(Ms. Amy not surprised because this happens so frequently)
Ms. Amy: Little friend, did you hit Reed?
Friend: Yes.
(Ms. Amy disciplines Reed’s little friend and then turns to Reed)
Ms. Amy: Reed, what should we do when our friends hit us?
Reed: No answer
Ms. Amy: Should we hit our friends back or tell Ms. Amy?
Reed: (in a very resigned voice)
Tell Ms. Amy….but that makes no sense!
Yes, friends that is correct!! Our three year old is telling the teacher that the rules make no sense! He hit the snot out of the little guy…took care of that in one blow! Makes perfect sense, right? Mike says, “Thanks Mom!” I did take care of a little guy in 5th grade once for trying to kiss me…got me sent to the principal! I hit him too! So…they don’t LOOK like me…just ACT like me. We’re in trouble. And I am so proud.
Ms. Amy: Reed, did you hit your friend?
Reed: Yes, I did. But he hit me first.
(Ms. Amy not surprised because this happens so frequently)
Ms. Amy: Little friend, did you hit Reed?
Friend: Yes.
(Ms. Amy disciplines Reed’s little friend and then turns to Reed)
Ms. Amy: Reed, what should we do when our friends hit us?
Reed: No answer
Ms. Amy: Should we hit our friends back or tell Ms. Amy?
Reed: (in a very resigned voice)
Tell Ms. Amy….but that makes no sense!
Yes, friends that is correct!! Our three year old is telling the teacher that the rules make no sense! He hit the snot out of the little guy…took care of that in one blow! Makes perfect sense, right? Mike says, “Thanks Mom!” I did take care of a little guy in 5th grade once for trying to kiss me…got me sent to the principal! I hit him too! So…they don’t LOOK like me…just ACT like me. We’re in trouble. And I am so proud.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Update
Reed has slept without a binky for 2 nights in a row. That may not seem like a big deal since he’s 3 ½, but it is. The only problem is he grinds his teeth when he sleeps. They’ll be nubs by the time he’s 5, but the binky is gone…
Cole’s soccer team is as good as advertised. 2-0, scored 11 allowed 1 (we scored on ourselves). I think my concerns about the small field were warranted. Only 6 more games, hoping to pitch a shutout for the rest of the year…
Craig is really working hard on his school projects. I’ve been impressed that he is doing a little each night. He is also doing a good job with scouts. Looking forward to the campout next weekend…
Tod watched the Dodgers/Cubs last night instead of the La Tech game. He loves to watch baseball. A man after my own heart. He’s going on the annual Pfaff UCLA trip this year. I can’t wait for that…
Kim is back in the swing of school. Good thing she loves her co-workers and her kids. I talked to a parent of one of her kids and he told me she was the best teacher he had ever known. Counting all his teachers, all his sons teachers, all the teachers he has ever come in contact with. Her passion for teaching and her love for her students is evident to anyone who has ever been blessed to have a child in her class. Kim was honored by a local high school a couple years ago as an influential teacher based on a nomination from a graduating senior. Kim had taught her 7th grade math and was the best teacher she ever had. She has had students tell her that they learned to love math from her. Others come back every year at open house to give “Mrs. Pfaff” a hug and the parents tell her how much they miss her. I envy her passion…
Nothing much going on with me. Tons of stuff on the to-do list, not near enough “passion” to get it done. Maybe tomorrow…
Lady is in the doghouse. Kim decided we should leave her out of her kennel during the day. It worked fine the first day. The next day we had a partially chewed shin guard and a baseball glove that was missing the entire webbing. It was there when we left for work, but in Lady’s stomach when we returned. (And it was back on the floor that evening…NICE). Well, that was nothing compared to today. Kim came home to a nasty smell and found that there was dog #$%^ on the rug in the family room. No, wait, two piles! The rug was quickly thrown away and Lady was out back for the evening. Would this be a bad time to ask anyone if they want a dog?
Cole’s soccer team is as good as advertised. 2-0, scored 11 allowed 1 (we scored on ourselves). I think my concerns about the small field were warranted. Only 6 more games, hoping to pitch a shutout for the rest of the year…
Craig is really working hard on his school projects. I’ve been impressed that he is doing a little each night. He is also doing a good job with scouts. Looking forward to the campout next weekend…
Tod watched the Dodgers/Cubs last night instead of the La Tech game. He loves to watch baseball. A man after my own heart. He’s going on the annual Pfaff UCLA trip this year. I can’t wait for that…
Kim is back in the swing of school. Good thing she loves her co-workers and her kids. I talked to a parent of one of her kids and he told me she was the best teacher he had ever known. Counting all his teachers, all his sons teachers, all the teachers he has ever come in contact with. Her passion for teaching and her love for her students is evident to anyone who has ever been blessed to have a child in her class. Kim was honored by a local high school a couple years ago as an influential teacher based on a nomination from a graduating senior. Kim had taught her 7th grade math and was the best teacher she ever had. She has had students tell her that they learned to love math from her. Others come back every year at open house to give “Mrs. Pfaff” a hug and the parents tell her how much they miss her. I envy her passion…
Nothing much going on with me. Tons of stuff on the to-do list, not near enough “passion” to get it done. Maybe tomorrow…
Lady is in the doghouse. Kim decided we should leave her out of her kennel during the day. It worked fine the first day. The next day we had a partially chewed shin guard and a baseball glove that was missing the entire webbing. It was there when we left for work, but in Lady’s stomach when we returned. (And it was back on the floor that evening…NICE). Well, that was nothing compared to today. Kim came home to a nasty smell and found that there was dog #$%^ on the rug in the family room. No, wait, two piles! The rug was quickly thrown away and Lady was out back for the evening. Would this be a bad time to ask anyone if they want a dog?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
How Sweet It Is
What a perfect title for this post...and what a great song! This weekend was fast, packed, and purposeful for all. For Tod it began with a boring drive from Ruston to Arlington....yes, that's right...not home first....to go to a football game with Miles. Tod and Miles have been friends since birth! Miles's mom, Jamie, and I were sorority sisters in college and ended up being pregnant at the same time! Tod and Miles were born four days apart. Naturally we did and still do so much together. Miles is a senior this year at Oakridge and Tod is desperately trying to talk Miles into switching from "I'm going to Baylor" to "I'm going to Louisiana Tech!"
Anyway, Tod had a great time catching up with friends. He walked through our door at 12:45 to Mike, Craig and me (who were about asleep on the couch!) Laundry, duffel bag and all!! It must have felt so so good to "fit" on a bed again!
Anyway, Tod had a great time catching up with friends. He walked through our door at 12:45 to Mike, Craig and me (who were about asleep on the couch!) Laundry, duffel bag and all!! It must have felt so so good to "fit" on a bed again!
Saturday started really early...especially when you go to bed at 1:30am and the alarm goes off at 6:30am! Tod had to be on the field for a kicking lesson at 8am. I can not effectively put in words what Scott Blanton (Yes...feels good tonight saying...former WASHINGTON REDSKIN kicker!) has meant to Tod.
Perhaps the LONG version of this story needs to be posted by Mike sometime...family and close friends KNOW...my post on Tod's senior year of high school football would cause many of you great concern and perhaps even frighten people. Anyway, Scott has given Tod what Mike and I were not able to, and certainly what his high school coach should have....belief not only in himself but in his ability. Tod is amazingly talented...especially when you consider that he had NEVER even been on a field OR kicked a football until his sophomore year. We were lead to Scott, who thankfully took Tod on, and it has been the best experience. Scott's way truly moves Tod. Those of you who have played competitive sports know just what I mean. One of his first quotes to Tod was, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." And for Tod, not having had (yet) to work that hard to get as far as he already had, it was exactly what he needed to hear for the future. Scott is quiet, strong, and confident. He is skilled, observant, very patient, and fun. He has established a win-win relationship with Tod that has lifted him (and the football) to places we were not able to. John Wooden, former UCLA basketball coach and almost a "god" in this house, once said, "Some believe that sports build character. I believe sports reveal character." With the hand that Tod was dealt in high school, I am expotentially proud of the character that was revealed. He stood so tall and was the man. Well, Scott once told us, "I am surprised he has stayed in it with what he has been dealt." Again, Tod, that is a reflection of your character and resiliance.
Scott, we can not thank you enough for what you have done with and shown Tod. You are a big reason he is still in the game!!
And finally came Sunday morning!
Poor Tod...there was no "alone" time this weekend! He was surrounded, tackled, begged to play everything, and constantly held! Tod, know that we miss you so much already! I hope it feels so good to be "re-stocked", "buzzed" (the hair, that is), and "downy-ed!!" We are counting the days until you're home again....seventeen more days!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Overcast
Ever have one of those days that no matter how brightly the sun shines, it’s overcast in your head and heart? No matter how FULL and BLESSED your cup is, it still seems so empty and cursed. And despite your unmatched determination to change your forecast, you still come up rainy. Today has been one of those days for me. And you know, it never can be just that for me…an Eeyore-kind-of-day. Instead, I spend (and have spent today) an insurmountable amount of time trying to put my finger on why today is so gloomy. Is my aching tooth? Perhaps the tiff Tod and I had over the phone about directions home (imagine! I learned I ask too many questions!!)? Or maybe the discipline sheet Craig was given for “excessive talking?” Was it the CHECK ENGINE warning light on AGAIN in the van…after all, it’s only been 6K miles since the new transmission was put in? Better, was it finding out that Cole had told us, and his Aunt Karen, that he had gone a week with “no warnings” when truly he had received 1 to 2 warnings EVERYDAY last week? (Of course, Aunt Karen had already sent a congratulations card and gift ~ and just a side note here…going a WEEK without any warnings for talking (or as he sees it “I was just helping so-and-so”) for Cole is MONUMENTOUS, just ask Mrs. Arrington!! Who knows? My brain doesn't...but I do know who does know....my heart does, and it feels heavy and cloudy today.
Monday, September 22, 2008
T.G.I.F.
I truly laugh at myself tonight...counting days, hours, minutes....giddy about Friday!! What happens Friday you ask?
Tod comes home!!
I get butterflies thinking about it... I am so excited! Crazy sounding isn't it? I can't wait to be wrapped in his arms...I miss his touch, his way, his belly laugh, cuddling up next to him at 2 in the afternoon to wake him for the day, and his radiant smile! Already I'm going through a list of favorites to have around...as mom always did for us when we came home from school...favorite meals to fix, drinks, snacks, etc. I know the time will pass so quickly...but I will, I promise God, savor and be ever so thankful for each minute of having him here, again. Ahhhhh, it sounds so good. How long til summer?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Youth Sports
I coach soccer…and baseball… and basketball (in descending order of effectiveness.) I have been doing this on and off for about 25 years. (Scot Brown and I helped Gary Willis coach Shane’s Arlington Optimist baseball team when we were in college.) This weekend marked the start on Cole’s 2nd season of U6 soccer at the Y. At the coaches meeting I found out that they reduced the # of players on the field from 8 to 5 and also reduced the field size. When we showed up for the game I was a little upset, the field was about 20 yards long. My kids could score from the opposite goal. I started thinking, “They’ll play bunch ball.” “They won’t keep their spacing and positioning.” “They will forget how to pass.” The field was so small they weren’t even going to call offsides, for crying out loud! How are these kids supposed to learn how to play the game correctly!?! We work hard at practice to help these little guys and girls learn the right way to play. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not a win-at-all-costs type of coach. I truly believe and practice the mantra that the #1 rule of youth sports is to have fun. If they are having fun, learning the game and listening to their coaches, everything else will take care of itself.
But I also feel that learning the game is important. They need to be able to pass with either foot, stay in position and do a throw-in with both feet on the ground. I actually had a couple parents saying it was a waste of time playing on a field this small. Then I saw one of my players who hardly moved in the first quarter go hard after the ball in the fourth, I saw everybody raise their hand to be goalie just so they could wear the cool colored jersey, I saw Cole pull his shirt over his head and do the “airplane” after he scored, I saw our team line up and slap hands and say good game to the other team and I saw them more excited about the Gatorade and Cheez-Its than they were for the game.
If they can only pass with one foot and they jump in the air every time they throw it in, but they want to stay on the field for 30 minutes after practice is over and they help their teammates up after a hard play and they want to keep playing together because they’re having fun, I guess I can live with a small field.
But I also feel that learning the game is important. They need to be able to pass with either foot, stay in position and do a throw-in with both feet on the ground. I actually had a couple parents saying it was a waste of time playing on a field this small. Then I saw one of my players who hardly moved in the first quarter go hard after the ball in the fourth, I saw everybody raise their hand to be goalie just so they could wear the cool colored jersey, I saw Cole pull his shirt over his head and do the “airplane” after he scored, I saw our team line up and slap hands and say good game to the other team and I saw them more excited about the Gatorade and Cheez-Its than they were for the game.
If they can only pass with one foot and they jump in the air every time they throw it in, but they want to stay on the field for 30 minutes after practice is over and they help their teammates up after a hard play and they want to keep playing together because they’re having fun, I guess I can live with a small field.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Batter Up!
Photos by Aunt Krissy
Tod leaving for college has affected all of us. Interestingly, each one of us has found, or is working on finding, our unique way of coping with this new stage in the Pfaff household life. I never imagined that Reed, our baby, would truly suffer as I have, hurting and longing for his “Tod-o.” Reed’s teacher, Ms. Amy, is amazing and so tender about giving Reed an abundance of TLC while at school, and truly taking a partnership role in aiding us in helping Reed adjust. There are days that she often hears, “My Tod is gone”,…and in his perspective I think he thinks he’s gone forever. I am so grateful for her tender ways of handling his “broken” heart at times.
Cole has been affected the least but the most positively in that he just looks forward to the next time we are going out to see Tod and can’t WAIT for him to start kicking footballs for Louisiana Tech! We attended Jesuit’s football game last night and Cole felt 18 himself as he shook hands with some of Tod’s 08 classmates who stayed local for college. He is “keeping up” with the guys for Tod while he’s away. He told Tod on the cell phone who he spoke to…calling them all by just their last name…hilarious!
And then, there’s my Craig-o. I cry just typing as I THINK about him. He is, like Tod, so strong yet has always had an unmatched and amazing amount of compassion and empathy. He is tender-hearted and huge hearted all at once. He is quiet about his feelings, and often sits back to just listen. Without a doubt he will be as gifted as his dad in his passion for listening…something I need to do so much more of. When asked, “How is Craig handling Tod being gone?” both Mike and I are quick to answer…he’s doing okay. Truly the excitement of getting his own room overshadowed the emptiness that no doubt has now settled in. But that is the biggest blessing about Craig and truly one of his many strengths…his ability to just go with the flow…very flexible and accommodating…always. He has slipped into this “biggest” brother role with ease and in a way that not only makes us proud but I know it would and will make Tod proud. While on a walk the other night Mike told both Cole and Reed that they had to hold one of our hands …Craig’s, mom’s, or dad’s because we were on a busy street….both Cole and Reed ran to Craig…one on each hand. Mike and I quietly walked behind, tearing up,…with the imagine of Craig holding on to each of his brothers….just as Tod had proudly held on to him many years ago. He, like both Mike and I who had “saint-like” examples and huge footsteps to follow in when Paul and Karen left home, has stepped up to the plate ready….ready for any kind of pitch that life will throw him. God is responsible for his readiness. We are just blessed to be part of the team. We are so proud of you and love you beyond words, Craig, and know that God has amazing plans for you. “ Knock it out of the park!!!”
Thursday, September 11, 2008
September 11, 2008
Patriotic Day
We honored those whose lives were lost seven years ago today, those who lost love ones, those men and women who serve our great country, and for those who lead and will lead our country.
Who has time to read?
It really amazes me how much I can accomplish in an afternoon. And why me? Why do I have this unmatched, inhuman desire to plow through things and get stuff done ~ like, off my list permanently. And, why is it that Mike, or any other male (besides Chris and David), can’t or quite frankly don’t WANT to accomplish the same amount of stuff? While driving to pick up my two boys from Mary Immaculate I am calling parents of students whose behavior warranted a parent phone call. I pick up my boys and begin the vocabulary review/reading homework while driving home. Upon arriving and assigning stuff for each to carry in (especially if I have grocery shopped on the way home….I hate it!), I let Lady out, change clothes, direct the boys with our “getting home, getting ready for the next day routine of chores”, and begin the “sit down and concentrate” homework help. Meanwhile, Reed has either used the restroom on the floor of the bathroom (yesterday, because a gecko ran across his feet) or Lady has thrown up something she shouldn’t have eaten. Quickly I get laundry started and I am usually answering comprehension questions while scrubbing the bathroom floor...or wood floor...whichever has been “hit” by Reed or Lady. Still working on homework I wonder what in the world will I fix for dinner???? I long for a plate of veggies and fruit, or Mike’s grilled chicken….but know that I would only be cooking for TWO and there are FIVE of us here that need nutrition. I hate the dinner thing. My guys live on pizza, cereal, nuggets, pizza, cereal, nuggets, and pizza. AHH! Sadly, the figuring out of the dinner usually gets left behind. I attempt to control the amount of paper work… which I must say I am failing at. The STACK of to do’s in the pile of paperwork saved in the kitchen is the size of the Dallas Yellow Pages book! I hate it and truthfully just want to SHRED the entire stack despite it’s importance. I crack myself up…and yet get driven CRAZY…like real people crazy…by my piles of “to do’s.” This needs to go to the dry cleaners, this needs to go to the alteration lady, this needs to go to storage, I need to call and get this refilled, sign up for soccer, get the stuff for “Feed the Hungry” at our boys school, and THE LIST (thanks Allyson!) grows and grows!! So much so that I want to SHRED it too! You know, I can hear someone advising…slow down, take some time for yourself, just leave it for tomorrow…really? Come on, you and I both know THAT flat out does not work. Am I alone in this world??? No, no. Rest assured some of my closest friends travel in this boat with me everyday! In fact the captain of this vessel was for many years (and can still be…. :) ) the “boss” of me…but certainly my second lifeline behind Mickey, Karen! We are on a FANTASTIC VOYAGE aren’t we? Just thought I’d blog about what I do…while Mike reads.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Reading
I really like to read. Kim, not so much. I tend to go in spurts though. Long periods where I sit and veg out watching reruns of Seinfeld and Scrubs, then I’ll pick up a book and start ripping through them like there’s no tomorrow. I am in a book ripping period. I’ve read books on religion, business and politics in the last month. I just finished one and am looking for my next. I browsed the shelves in my den, couldn’t find anything that I felt called to read. There are 3-4 that I want to read, but now doesn’t seem right or them, you know? I can look at a book, know I want to read it but also know that I am not in the frame of mind for it. I am sure most readers are like that.
I went to Barnes and Noble and browsed, same thing happened. Lots of prospects, nothing jumped out at me. Now I can feel the literary fire starting to fade. I need help. If anyone can recommend a good book, I’d appreciate it. Only a few stipulations, not a fan of romance novels and can do without the vampires (sorry Kricky). Thanks in advance for the help.
I went to Barnes and Noble and browsed, same thing happened. Lots of prospects, nothing jumped out at me. Now I can feel the literary fire starting to fade. I need help. If anyone can recommend a good book, I’d appreciate it. Only a few stipulations, not a fan of romance novels and can do without the vampires (sorry Kricky). Thanks in advance for the help.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Bye Tod-o
We returned late Sunday evening from Ruston, Louisiana…Home of the Bulldogs. FIVE people, ONE car, no fridge, no microwave, no laptop or printer, no sheets or towels, and no Tod-o. Not only was our load lighter, but our hearts were emptier too. I truly struggle to find the adequate words that describe my experience this weekend. I know one thing for sure….it hurt then, is still hurting tonight, and it slams you to your knees. My conversations with God have varied…desperation, anger, elation, and most importantly, “Hold me up!” The physical ache just takes your breath away. Never before have I had that overwhelming desire to just jump out of the van and run to him…just for one more hug and hold.
This was my last image as we pulled ever so slowly out of the parking lot in front of Tod’s dorm. No further words are even necessary.
Thank you, all of you, who have read this and prayed for our #1. He is who he is because you are who you are…and you ALL have had an important impact on his life, directly or indirectly. We are grateful be sure.
Tod-o, you know I ache in missing you. May I just leave you with a quote from the book that Mr. & Mrs. Moore gave you at graduation:
It takes courage to think alone, to resist alone, to stand alone-
Especially when the crowd seems so safe, so right.
You HAVE shown us time and time again that courage. You have the tools, the intelligence, the support, the God-given gifts…. NOW is your time!
I love you,
Mom
This was my last image as we pulled ever so slowly out of the parking lot in front of Tod’s dorm. No further words are even necessary.
Thank you, all of you, who have read this and prayed for our #1. He is who he is because you are who you are…and you ALL have had an important impact on his life, directly or indirectly. We are grateful be sure.
Tod-o, you know I ache in missing you. May I just leave you with a quote from the book that Mr. & Mrs. Moore gave you at graduation:
It takes courage to think alone, to resist alone, to stand alone-
Especially when the crowd seems so safe, so right.
You HAVE shown us time and time again that courage. You have the tools, the intelligence, the support, the God-given gifts…. NOW is your time!
I love you,
Mom
Friday, August 29, 2008
Road Trip
We’re leaving early tomorrow morning for Ruston, Louisiana. Home of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. 6 people, 2 cars, a fridge and microwave, laptop and printer, sheets and towels, hopes and dreams, apprehension and ambition. That’s quite a carload.
No more “Is he ready?” thoughts, it’s sink or swim time and I’m pretty confident we have ourselves a figurative Michael Phelps. The world will open up for him on Monday when we drive away. He’s only 4 ½ hours down I-20, but he’s in his own world. He will be pushed intellectually, challenged spiritually and he will meet people with views and ideas that he never imagined. He will hold tight to some beliefs and happily bid others farewell. He will argue passionately, spend hours in deep thought and laugh until he cries. He will eat ramen noodles, stay up too late, skip classes and pull all-nighters. He will meet people that will be his friends for life, perhaps even his soul-mate. He will kick footballs, lift weights and run. He will pick up new hobbies and see new places. This is an amazing time for him.
If you read this, please take a moment to say a prayer for Tod and his future. Thank you.
No more “Is he ready?” thoughts, it’s sink or swim time and I’m pretty confident we have ourselves a figurative Michael Phelps. The world will open up for him on Monday when we drive away. He’s only 4 ½ hours down I-20, but he’s in his own world. He will be pushed intellectually, challenged spiritually and he will meet people with views and ideas that he never imagined. He will hold tight to some beliefs and happily bid others farewell. He will argue passionately, spend hours in deep thought and laugh until he cries. He will eat ramen noodles, stay up too late, skip classes and pull all-nighters. He will meet people that will be his friends for life, perhaps even his soul-mate. He will kick footballs, lift weights and run. He will pick up new hobbies and see new places. This is an amazing time for him.
If you read this, please take a moment to say a prayer for Tod and his future. Thank you.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Olympics
We are an Olympic family. Not because we have superhuman strength or endurance, but because we love to sit around and watch people that do! When we were watching the opening ceremonies, Tod recalled the Ali moment of lighting the flame. I told him that was Atlanta ’96 and he said, “No way! I was 6 then, I wouldn’t remember that. It had to be the Salt Lake Olympics.” Of course, Google proved me right and Tod started to realize how long he had been watching Olympic games.
I saw the Miracle on Ice, the amazing Edwin Moses, Eric Heiden, Kerri Strug, and Michael Phelps, but my favorite Olympic moments happen right in my own living room.
Tod used to stand up on a step stool, put a children’s rosary over his head and make us sing the national anthem. He also would sit on the linoleum and grab the doorframe to launch himself luge-style across the kitchen and inevitably into the refrigerator. And I still have friends who say, “Co-Ca-Lell-A, proud sponsor of the BA-LINK-ITS.” Even now he actually comes out of his room for hours at a time and sits with the family to watch the Olympics.
Craig has become a connoisseur of beach volleyball and women’s gymnastics. Did I mention he’s 13 and going into 8th grade this year? He loves to play basketball, so that is in the Top 3 as well. It’s a far cry from his days of speed skating across the wood floors in his socks.
Cole is 6 now and enjoying the wide world of sports. He can’t get enough of water polo. When I told him his Papa Dick used to play, he was truly amazed. He found out Papa Dick rode crew as well and was equally impressed. Cole wants to watch table tennis, discus, fencing, wrestling, ANYTHING that pits one person against another in competition. He has caught the bug.
I saw the Miracle on Ice, the amazing Edwin Moses, Eric Heiden, Kerri Strug, and Michael Phelps, but my favorite Olympic moments happen right in my own living room.
Tod used to stand up on a step stool, put a children’s rosary over his head and make us sing the national anthem. He also would sit on the linoleum and grab the doorframe to launch himself luge-style across the kitchen and inevitably into the refrigerator. And I still have friends who say, “Co-Ca-Lell-A, proud sponsor of the BA-LINK-ITS.” Even now he actually comes out of his room for hours at a time and sits with the family to watch the Olympics.
Craig has become a connoisseur of beach volleyball and women’s gymnastics. Did I mention he’s 13 and going into 8th grade this year? He loves to play basketball, so that is in the Top 3 as well. It’s a far cry from his days of speed skating across the wood floors in his socks.
Cole is 6 now and enjoying the wide world of sports. He can’t get enough of water polo. When I told him his Papa Dick used to play, he was truly amazed. He found out Papa Dick rode crew as well and was equally impressed. Cole wants to watch table tennis, discus, fencing, wrestling, ANYTHING that pits one person against another in competition. He has caught the bug.
Reed is only 3, but the other night had his own Olympic moment. A US gymnast was vaulting. Reed pulled the binky out of his mouth and said, “ I like her privates” and returned the binky to the mouth. Kim looked down and quietly said, “What did you say?”. Binky out, “I like her privates”. “Why?” came the motherly reply. “They move when she runs” and the binky was reinstalled, only the dimples visible. Tod gave Kim a high five. “Looks like you’re 4 for 4, mom.”. Yes, the Olympics brings out the best in all of us.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Mary & Mom
Today is a holy day. As Catholics, we celebrate the Assumption of Mary on August 15th. This is the day that we celebrate her corporeal entrance into heaven, and her leaving our earth. Mary, for me, is my go-to woman. She IS the perfect mother, the most holy of all women in the Bible, and someone I dream of being like. Almost every motherhood experience I have gone through, both the difficult and the fun, has in some way caused me to reflect back to her. When I have had enough of Cole’s questions in ten minutes of him being up I wonder….did Jesus ask Mary this many questions? Did she EVER want to say, “Jesus, just don’t talk…mommy needs a break.” And what about the “losing it” times…like when I returned (after having cleaned to near perfection) to the boys bathroom the other day to make sure I emptied the trash can and some kind of liquid was swirling around the bottom???? Oh my gosh, that would be Reed using the restroom in the trash can because he didn’t want to take the time to lift the toilet seat! Okay, Mary…did Jesus ever do that?? And what would your tone be in addressing Reed? Well, you can rest assured that she would NOT have spoken to Reed the way I did! She is awe-inspiring. As the college departure day approaches, August 30th, I think of how she must of felt when Jesus left to begin his teachings at such a young age. It brings me strength yet reminds me of how weak I am and how strong she was/is. As a mother, I can not even begin to imagine what it must have been like to watch her son suffer the way Jesus did. I love that our church celebrates her and recognizes God’s divinity in choosing Mary for Jesus. I love her and the way that I feel so nourished by her.
Mary is not the only reason why I love August 15th. Two other incredible things are celebrated on this day. In Merchantville, New Jersey, in 1931, my grandparents (on my mother’s side), Thurston and Edna, were married! They are still a “go-to” couple for me. Before losing my grandfather in 1988, they gave us 57 years of experiencing what a real covenant marital relationship was like. Their love for one another and God was so evident. I am so blessed to have had such strong examples in my life. On my grandparent’s fifth wedding anniversary, they gave birth to their second child, but first girl, my mom. Today is my Mom’s birthday. She would have been 72 years old. I can hear her cringing from heaven. She didn’t really like aging, yet she was the first to make jokes and find fun in the process. She had many names in her aging process. My nephew, Van, affectionately named her “66” as she approached that age which she considered a term of endearment. In fact, her name then changed every year as she grew a year older. My niece, Brittany, coined the term “gray matter” and in fun called her that! She loved it! She truly loved her children, grandchildren, the checkers at the grocery store, the little ladies who worked at Hallmark….the list goes on. She KNEW these people too. I still to this day walk in to a grocery store and can giggle as I think about doing it with her and hearing the ladies working say, “Hi Gail, how are you?” I wish I could physically celebrate with her today. I can still feel her hand hold…she had strong as iron, yet long slender delicate hands. Sometimes I can still smell her! As I type and cry in missing her, she is saying from heaven, “Kimmy, this is ridiculous, get up and go clean something or cook for the week and freeze it.” I just want to hold her again and talk for a long time with her. Tonight at mass, the Catholic community will honor Mary. And I will celebrate the two most special women in my life, Mary and Mom.
Happy Birthday Mom!
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