Category Archives: family

Perspective

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A few days ago we took my two youngest to the children’s hospital in our city. We were there to find out more information about their recently discovered blood disorder and how it will impact their lives. In the days leading up to the appointment I was having a bit of a pity party for myself, silently saying  “Why us again?”

When I was in my twenties I had a warped sense of protection. I felt that if I knew someone who went through something my family would not go through it. I know someone who lost a child therefore we will not. I know someone who got a divorce therefore we will not. I know someone who lost their home therefore we won’t.

Now that I am in my thirties, I realize life doesn’t work that way.

I knew someone who had heart surgery. Well my husband needed it too.

I know someone who had a miscarriage. Well I had one too.

I knew someone who had a stroke. Well my husband had one too.

Our children’s appointment was on a Wednesday at noon. After parking our car, we found our way to the patient waiting room.

We found ourselves sitting in the Blood Disorders and Cancer waiting room.

It was there where I decided to stop sulking and just be thankful.

I saw kids of all ages and races who were ill. Some were wearing masks, some were in the isolation room, some were crying, and some were listless while being craddled by their parents.

These parents had surely asked “Why us? Why my child?”

As I watched my two smiling kids play in the room I felt incredibly blessed and ridiculously lucky.

We will be back to see more doctors and we will continue to worry for a long time.

But for now, my kids are happy, healthy, and home with me.

And that’s all that matters.

Right back atya

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Eight years ago I convinced my sister to train for and compete in a triathlon.The race consisted of a half mile swim, a 25 mile bike ride, and a 6 mile run.

On race day we were excited yet nervous.

Due to my age group beginning before hers, I finished the race ahead of Kelly. I walked into the crowd and found an opening roughly 50 feet from the finish.

When I saw my sister I began cheering for her, “Go Kelly! You Got it. You’re Almost There!”

As Kelly ran passed me she looked straight at me and gave me the finger.

Yes, she did.

Sisterly love lets you get away with a lot.

Every year or so my sisters and I try and have a Sisters Weekend. We meet up in a city, go the spa, and enjoy shopping and eating out.

Last week I spoke to Kelly on the phone and she mentioned scheduling a sisters weekend.

Awesome. I’m getting a facial, a pedicure, and a massage.

She also mentioned she wanted to get in shape and she needed a goal in order to do this. Kelly decided that training for a half marathon would be her focus.

Yes, great idea. It will definitely get you in shape.

“And I want you and Amanda to run it with me for our sisters weekend.”

Huh. That’s not such a great idea now.

Replace the facial with sunburn, replace the pedicure with blisters, replace the massage with leg cramps.

Awesome.

Reluctantly I agreed.

Our half marathon is in 14 weeks.

Monday I went for my first run. Now normally I don’t run. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’d stick around to fight in a dark alley rather than try and run. Running is painful and I am bad at it. But I’m in this to finish it and to support Kelly.

So the kids got on their bikes, Derek pushed Caroline in the jogging stroller, and I shuffled along running and walking.

Well, Kelly, after completing those first two miles of training, I have a message for you:

Right back atya little sis!

 

 

Weekend Bloggy Reading

Dress Like a Cow = Free Meal

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Friday (tomorrow!) July 8th is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A

If you and your loved ones dress like a cow your meals are FREE!

(Chick-fil A has a downloadable cow costume on their website.)

Partial costume = free entree          Full costume = free meal

Two years ago we dressed up in a Star Wars theme and ate for free. You do not need to have a theme to your costumes  but it added an element of fun. Here are our construction paper and reversed t-shirt ensembles from two years ago:Fortunately I translate baby faces and can tell you what she was thinking

Dammit lady – I don’t even eat solid foods yet and you have dressed me like this. Why must you do this? I will be beyond embarrassed. What if my friends see me? This family is a mess. I cannot wait till I go to college.

Hurry! Get a costume and have an “udderly” good time!

The Gift of Mowing?

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My 9 year old mowed the lawn as a gift to me.

When he “completed” the job, I mowed the lawn again.

I received several “work coupons” for Mother’s Day. I decided to turn one in this weekend since our lawn was looking quite neglected.

As I watched him cut the grass, I realized he must have a method to his madness but it completely eluded me.

I believe the path he followed was something like this….

Next time, I should probably be more specific with my contractor.

1. Please cut all of the grass. This is not an art project.

2. The neighbors like straight property lines. They’re kind of finicky that way.

Can’t wait to see the results of my “cook a meal” coupon.

Father’s Day Printable

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Father’s Day printables are flying around blogland but I decided to create my own.

Alex and Andrew filled out their “All About My Dad” forms and will give them to Derek on Father’s Day along with a story they are writing.

I wrote down Andrew’s answers for him.

If you’d like a copy of the Father’s Day printable please visit my etsy shop.

Thank you.

How are you celebrating those special dads in your life?

Todays Creative Blog http://www.thethriftyhome.com Katie's Nesting Spot The Shabby Nest

Lost Tooth

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Right before Andrew turned 6 he discovered he had a loose tooth.

He was obsessed with everyone else in his class losing their teeth. Everyday he would come home with an update and his desperation was clear.

“Nicholas has lost two teeth.”…..”Everett has a loose tooth and he already lost one.”…….. “Mavi lost a tooth last week and she’s only 5. I’m almost 6 and haven’t lost one.”

Roughly five times a day we would receive updates on his loose tooth.

“Still wiggly” ….”not out yet”……. “I can move it with my tongue”

I was ready to yank the tooth out but he refused all offers of help. Even when he stubbornly went to school with a kleenex stuck to his bleeding tooth he still refused assistance.

The morning after the kleenex incident Andrew came running downstairs. “I lost my tooth! I lost my tooth!”

Where is it?

“I don’t know?”

We searched his bed high and low and never discovered the tooth. We determined he must have swallowed it while sleeping. When told the tooth was gone, a look of horror came over Andrew’s face. You could see the wheels turning in his head, “I have waited almost 6 years to lose a tooth, earn some cash, and now I’ve lost it all.”

So…he wrote a note, with some help, to the tooth fairy. He put it under his pillow and prayed for her sympathy.

Turns out the tooth fairy provides generously despite the lack of a tooth. He found $2 and a new book under his pillow the next morning.

14

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14 years ago today I said, “I do.”

I was pretty naive at 23 and thought I got a wonderful husband on that rainy May day.

What I didn’t realize is how much more I got.

I got someone willing to hold me when I cry.

I got someone who gets my humor (even if it’s the same joke ten years later).

I got someone who will stand by my side.

I got someone who always does the right thing (sometimes a little difficult for this pedal to the metal gal).

I got someone who challenges me in the pool and out.

I got someone who can take my vision and turn it into reality.

I got someone is who my computer genius (who stays remarkably calm when telling me “it’s control z” for the tenth time).

I got someone who loves me in the morning and at night.

I got someone who is an amazing father.

I got my best friend.

Thank you for helping me create our family.

Derek, I love you forever and ever…no matter what!