Several weeks ago, I spent some serious hours on my computer and scouring my office looking for Will's birthday party photos. I had all but given up. And cried. Not because the photos were going to take Pinterest by storm, but because the memories would only reside in my brain and nowhere else. It was such a spectacular morning and I feared there would never be documentation of that joy. It killed me. And then I decided to say one last prayer to St. Anthony. I sat at my desk, emptied the drawer I had looked in 1,000 times before in search of the camera card. Alas, after taking everything out, nada. Then, the papers I was holding in my hand slipped. A St. Gianna prayer card landed on … [Read more...]
A Teenager, Again: Happy 14th Will
Today, our oldest turns 14, and y'all know what that means. It's time for me to get sappy. But, I'm also painfully aware that what I write on this blog is now read, and approved, by said 14yo. His friends read this space sometimes, so I'll do my best to keep from embarrassing him. This one's for you, Will. --- Dear Will, I blinked and now you're 14. That really happened. It's crazy, because so many times in the last six months, I've caught myself seeing you in a different light. I'm watching you turn into a man. It frightens me and warms my heart, all in the same moment. Parenthood just kills your emotions sometimes. I'm trying to calm the "he's leaving in four years" … [Read more...]
7 Quick Takes: Hot glue, a radio gig & where’s that money tree?
No, I'm not losing my mind. Well, not technically. Fridays are usually reserved for 7 quick takes, but I'm doing them early because a certain teenager has a big birthday on Friday. And, something fun is happening on Thursday (see #2). But, I'm getting ahead of myself. - 1 - "Mom, you're going down." John Paul, talking smack before the NCAA tournament began. "Your bracket's busted. HAHA." John Paul, thanks big guy. After Iowa State lost in the first round I just couldn't bring myself to get excited about the big dance. The Mayor broke my heart. "She just chose teams who have cool school colors." Will, it's true. When I don't know who to pick, I first start with teams I detest, … [Read more...]
7 Quick Takes: The nicest stranger, the coolest game & being kind
- 1 - I'm skipping quotes of the week this week because, SPRING BREAK. We are all enjoying the slower pace, later mornings and freedom that comes with no schedule. It's divine. Can that be a quote? - 2 - The baseball was fabulous. The bathrooms, nosomuch. One of our first days of spring break, we loaded up the gang and headed to the Holy Land, also known as College Station, for a little Aggie baseball. They are on a winning run (unlike my poor Iowa State Cyclones in the NCAA tourney) and their record after Sunday's game was an impressive 21-0. It was a little chillier than what we hoped it would be, but the kids did amazing, namely Gianna. She was happy as a clam and flirted with all the … [Read more...]
7 Quick Takes: A Cardinal, bad puns and a round of applause
- 1 - This week's quotes of the week (QOTW) are a teeny bit light. Luke was home sick Monday and Tuesday, Clare Wednesday and Will Thursday and Friday. It's just a barrel of monkeys. Be jealous. "When Mom gets sick, that's bad." Clare, to the doctor. Yes, this is true. Will and I both have strep. Oh joy. We have drugs and the heavens are rejoicing. Luke: "What's it like outside?" Me: "Why?" Luke: "Because I need fresh air." "Mom, your brain doesn't work very good." Luke, you caught me. - 2 - It's possible I'm starting to panic. I looked at the calendar yesterday and realized in the next two months we have three birthdays, a graduation and a First Communion. Cue late … [Read more...]
