To Everything There Is A Season...

I’m feeling stuck somewhere between extreme sadness, wanting to burst into an uncontrollable sob and heart-melting happiness that is a result of “just being” with my babies as they do their thing.  It’s a numb feeling that sometimes overcomes me and then a simple, “here’s the pan (plan)..” from Marley that makes me stop and FEEL again.  Our lives, and everyone else’s, keep whizzing by….and it hurts me that we have to “keep living” as Trav’s brother sits in a hospital room, losing his fight against brain cancer…but what else are we to do?  Our kids are bringing us joy in a time when we otherwise wouldn’t have much to smile about. 

But we do, despite all that is going on, have so much to be happy for!  Our little miss had her 1^st day of Cub Club at Blessed Trinity today.  We’ve talked about it over the course of the last week, and we talked about her new school A LOT this weekend.  And last night, she was so excited for her BIG DAY!  I packed her a cute little lunch and set out her outfit.  Where does the time go????  She makes my heart so happy!

Today we dropped Roni off at Robin’s (side note:  my sister nicknamed Jax when he was little.  Jax-a-roni.  And then it was shortened to Roni.  For the past 8 months or so, it’s pretty much how Marley and Travis refer to him…and sometimes me.  Just goes to prove it doesn’t matter what you name your kid…they’ll get a nickname one way or another).  Marley waved good-bye to her brother and we drove to Blessed Trinity.  Did the normal check-in, paperwork, all that jazz.  Got her stuff situated in her “locker”. 

As we headed in the room and I said good-bye, she kind of hung by my side…nervous little thing.  I’m sitting here worrying about her as I type this, but I know she will have a good day!  They were going down to the art room to tie dye shirts and then outside for some fun on the playground!  4:30pm cannot come soon enough…so excited to go scoop up my little miss and hear all about her fun day!  I can't help but think of how fast time is moving.  This seems like yesterday...

And it just goes to show…life really does go on.  Amidst all the sadness and heartbreak, life continues.  Our kids keep growing and infusing our lives with unconditional love.  Thank God for them.  They are the bright lights in our otherwise dreary place right now. 

Wishing you all a fabulous week and fingers crossed we get some sunshine!  I need it!!

XO!

Stevie

Oy vey!

My hubby and I are planning a trip to Florida in October.  Like a trip for the whole family.  Kids and all.  We’re driving.  From Minnesota.  To Florida.  Sounds amazing, huh?  Yea, I didn’t think so…

But really, we are going to take the kids to Florida in October.  However, my kids have been cling-ons lately.  Like glued to my legs, directly underfoot at all times, screaming “mama” at the top of their lungs…nut jobs.  Every time I sit down by myself, say, to enjoy a cup of morning coffee for 3 minutes (preferably while it’s still “morning” and the coffee is still hot), I have kids crawling all over me…yelling in my ear, licking my face, asking me for this or that…all while my hubby sits on the other couch in peace, watching sports, not realizing the chaos that is going on in my lap, on my couch. 

Which brings me to last night.  I told Marley that mama is going to Florida alone.  Well, maybe I’ll bring Trav.  But alone would be nice too!  I suppose it doesn’t matter either way because I’m going to lose my mind before October anyway…

And such is life with kids.  Funny how you can simultaneously revel at their awesomeness and want to lock their awesomeness in a closet so you can drink a glass of wine in silence.  (throws hands in air…)

Well, this turned out to be little more than a pointless vent session.  Apologies, my friends!  My hubby is working out of town until Friday this week and then I’m spending the weekend in Faribault with the kids so that he can make some more substantial progress on our basement remodel.  Looks like I have the next 5 days or so alone with my little nut jobs.  I’m going to suck it up and make the best of it!  Or rather, I’ll look forward to a weekend of wine drinking and hanging out with my sister…and perhaps her nut jobs will keep my nut jobs occupied!  Now, there’s a plan!!!

Happy Week to you all!  XO!      

Happy Mother's Day!

I am your mommy.  And you are my BABIES.  And I will love you and fight for you and live and die for you….forever and ever and ever.  Blessed.  That is what I am.  I could never in a million years have imagined my heart so full of love for these 2 tiny bodies of sweetness. 

This is it folks.  Right here.  These days.  This is what life is all about.  And it’s a good life, indeed!

Happy Mama’s Day to all of you!

Weekends should be longer...yes?!

Funny how we can worry and worry and worry about our kids so much and then they totally surprise you and you’re left wondering why you wasted all that time worrying…

Marley marched in to the Cub Club room for her test run on Friday.  She walked right in, lovey in hand, and sat down at a table where 5 other kids her age were working on art projects.  The director asked me for my phone number, confirmed whether or not Marley has food allergies, and said, “Don’t worry, she’ll be so busy she won’t even realize you’re gone.”  And Marley never looked back at me.  No goodbye smooch, no hesitating to be left there alone, nothing….she just sat down and started making friends.  It was the first time I really felt it…felt her growing away from me a bit.  And felt a sadness that we had gotten here so fast. 

Little Miss has quite the obsession with Spider-Man these days.  And that hair.  Oh.  What will I do with it??

When I picked her up, she was sitting at a teeny little lunch table with about 8 other kids.  They were all laughing and talking and Marley ran to me when she saw me.  Then we walked back to the cubby where she had left all her stuff and the director told me about her time there that morning.  She said Marley pushed her lovey aside about 5 minutes after I left.  She described her as very social…said she made friends instantly, was not shy to talk to the other kids and ask questions and participate in circle time.  Then she said, “She’s ready for this.”  Yep, I knew it.  And I was proud of my little baby girl for being such a good person…

Now that the test run is out of the way and we feel confident that it is the right move for her, we’re left with sorting out the details.  Much easier than the worrying part!  Ahhhh!

On Saturday I took the kids to my cousin’s baby shower in Faribault while Travis worked.  It was so fun to see all my mom’s sisters and a few of my cousins that I only run into once a year (if that)!  My grandma had not met Jax yet…so I snapped a photo of the little man trying to smooch her on the cheek.  Two of my mom’s sisters and my grandma mentioned something about Jax’s mouth/lips resembling my grandpa…and that made me happy!  He was a handsome man and if my little Jaxie has some of his features I’ll consider that a blessing!!

Grandma Mahagnoul and Jax!

 

I got my baby fix on Sunday!  Yipee!  The whole fam drove down to Zak and Sam’s house to visit baby Blakely!  Of course, the kids are too little to really get into “meeting” their new cousin….but that’s alright!  I was quite content to hold her for 2 hours.  She was snuggled up so perfectly on my tummy.  Makes me want another one.  Right.  Now!  But wait, I will….we have to get Marley a little closer to kindergarten before we can fully embark on that adventure!  For now, I’ll soak up all the cuddles with Miss Blakely.  She’s perfect!!

Life with 3.....la vida loca!  Give me another year or so and I'll be ready to do it again!  Because who wouldn't want another one of those 2 I already have.  Come on cuteness!!