Tag-Archive for » family «

Jan
20

In keeping with my apparent theme …

As you may recall, last year – around this time – I decided to join an exercise group.  For however-many months I lumbered through pilates, nearly broke my neck attempting yoga poses, and was otherwise every degree of pitiful.  Caycee was one of the regulars.  We would finish a particularly grueling something-or-other and I’d be cursing the wretched fates that would cause such pain and misery, while Caycee exclaimed something along the lines of,  “That was awesome!”  In other words, where I was the rain cloud, Caycee was the ray of sunshine. 

For this reason alone, Caycee is deserving of a little something.  But there’s more …

I recently found out Caycee and her family have started the adoption process for a little girl in Ethiopia.  Now I have many friends who have adopted – and each journey to a little someone is nothing short of a miracle.  But this story especially touched my heart… 

Addie is working to bring her little sister home and, once that’s done, continue to bless Africa.  There are several ways you can help:  1) donate bottle caps; 2) donate your own bottle cap magnets; 3) purchase a bottle cap magnet (when available). 

I think you’ll find Addie’s Art for Africa is an exciting opportunity for us all.  After all, little hands have a miraculous way of doing great things … 

{Click pic to learn more about Addie's Art for Africa}

Jan
11

This last weekend was one of grandparents.  My mom and I are the only family members in town for my maternal grandmother; whereas my paternal grandparents boast several children and a few grandchildren.  This means I am notoriously pathetic in visiting my grandma and grandpa on my dad’s side.  It’s not right, but there it is. 

So, my mom and I set out to visit… 

I am happy to report that my grandma is happy as a clam.  The woman who has lived her whole life governed by others, finally has something all her own.  Mainly, bingo.  Seeing her happy, made my heart happy as well.  It also made me realize I want to be like her when I’m old – happy and cheery, making friends, having fun, and not at all focused on my age or ailments. 

I imagine this means I better start working on it now. 

We also visited my grampa, who now resides in a nursing home.  Walking the cold hallways reminded me of high school, and the days I walked those very halls.  You see, for one fleeting moment I considered the medical profession.  One day at the nursing home and I was fairly certain that was not the route for me. 

While there I learned more about the human body than I’d care to recall – was followed around by a lady with dementia who wanted to touch the “pretty lady” – and lost one of my charges in the tub.  That’s correct.  I did … well, we, actually.  My partner in crime and I set out to give this little old lady a bath.  We sat her down and strapped her in, pushed the button which carried her up – swiveled her legs over the side – and pushed the button again to carry her down. 

Piece of cake, we thought.  With our good fortune, we decided to add bubbles.  I squirted a few in, nothing.  So I added another squirt.  And another.  Still, nothing, so I squirted for all I was worth.  When that didn’t work, we gave up and turned on the jets. 

You know what’s coming, don’t you – that’s right, bubbles.  Lots and lots of bubbles.  Bubbles that seemed to multiply like rabbits.  Oh my!  said the girl.  GASP!  said I.   We’ve got to do something, said the girl.  Shovel, said I.  Which we did, but we couldn’t keep up.  Before long, our little old lady completely disappeared from sight!   We’ve lost her, said the girl!  Shovel faster! said I. 

Finally, the jets were silenced, the room was filled with suds, and we could once again see our charge.  Much to our surprise we found her laughing and clapping.  To us it was a nightmare; to her, a bright spot. 

I fear we too often forget the importance of one’s spirit.  We see broken bodies, but a broken spirit is far worse.  We should do everything within our power – in our own lives and those of others – to to keep our spirits alive.   

And finally, a helpful hint.  If you’re planning to meet your grandmother for brunch at “the home” … and must leave your small church body during the final song … do not – I repeat – do not walk down the center aisle.  Because try as you may to look small and invisible, you’ll glance to the left and see someone you know.  Since you don’t have time to chat, you wave.  You look to the right, same thing.  Before you know it, you’re gliding your way down a walkway, blowing kisses and elbow-elbow-wrist-wrist-wrist-ing your way out of church.  The side aisle my friends, it’s the only way to go.

Nov
25

mom_birthday

Today’s your day!  Put on your party shoes and celebrate like you mean it …

love you

Nov
17

Happy 1st birthday sweet baby boy …

micah_birthday

Your auntie and nana wish we could be there to kiss your face … and laugh … and clap … and sing!  We’d wear silly hats, eat yummy cake, and open presents!  We’d take a ton of pictures!!!

But, alas, a whole ocean separates us …

So instead, we must send our loves on wings.  And pray a new year, full of the grandest of adventures, awaits!

Sep
02

I would just like to take this moment to say I have the cutest nephew in all the land.  It’s true.  He is.  The cutest.  In all the land.    Before bathtime and bedtime, he Skyped nana and auntie.  We chatted about the day, sang goofy songs, played peek-a-boo.  He lounged back, and smiled that crooked smile, kinda like he was saying, “Yeah, that’s my family.  They’re crazy, but I love ‘em.”  Good thing, because we certainly love him.  All we have to do is take one look at that face – and despite the ocean between us – we know, we’re the luckiest …

micah