Family: 50 Years!

For the last couple of months, I have been planning my parents' 50th anniversary party. I've been consumed by it, really. I can't help but want to make it as special as I can when I think about their story and my own life as a child. Although not perfect, we had and still have a special bond in our family that is obviously to the credit of my parents. So today, as I wrap up final plans for the ceremony and reception on Saturday, I think its appropriate to reflect on something I am eternally grateful for....

Mom and Dad were originally married by the Justice Of The Peace. I have made a couple of assumptions as to why there wasn't a wedding. I'm pretty sure Dad's folks did not approve and it may have been a money issue as well. Either way, they "ran off" to get married and have been together ever since. They are renewing their vows this Saturday with their friends and family at the church that they have attended for the last 30 years.

We didn't grow up with a ton of money. We were average, middle class. I'm pretty sure when I was very young, it was pretty tight financially even. That was when all four of us lived at home. It was a pretty small house and yet I don't remember thinking we were deprived of anything. I just remember that I always felt loved by my parents and my siblings. I feel almost guilty sometimes, because my childhood was so happy. I know that isn't something that everyone had and I don't take it for granted.

While preparing for the anniversary party, we went through a ton of old pictures and decided to display them on the tables at the reception. It was hilarious. And emotional. Some pictures of my Dad just cracked me up. Shaggy, dark hair very different from the short white hair he has today. And Mom's "frosted" hair...so 70's! Of course we saw pictures of people who were not in our family anymore due to divorce. Those were kind of sad because we truly miss them! Then you would run across the occasional picture that brought you to tears. Grandparents that have passed on. Me, very pregnant with one of our babies that didn't make it. My nephew Russell, whose death a year ago is still too fresh to even know how to deal with sometimes. I can't believe what we have been through together. Growing up. Laughing. Arguing. Moving out. Getting married. Having children. Losing children.

My family is, and will always be, one of the greatest blessings in my life. We know we are all different. Not one of us four kids, or my parents, are exactly alike. And yet, we love each other more than I could ever put into words. That love, that relationship, is because of our amazing parents. We were always taught that you never hold a grudge, try not to get involved in other people's arguments and to love each other. If I can pass on a fraction of that to my kids, I will be happy.

Here's to love....and at least 50 more years of it!

Family: What A Great Day!

Today I had an amazing day! I felt so overwhelmingly happy and blessed that I teared up more than once! I know, I know. I am such a dork. I am so much like my Dad in that way. We can't keep our emotions hidden to save our lives. But seriously, when is the last time we had such a beautiful day? Probably not that long ago, but it certainly seems like forever!

My day began with a chuckle. Indira was so excited to wear flip flops to school that the world could have been crumbling around her and she wouldn't have known. I love seeing such simple things amuse my kids. Makes me strive to find the joy in the little things more often. Next, I went searching for my cell phone that I thought I had misplaced. Found it in my purse and saw a couple of hilarious text messages from friends I have recently reconnected with. Needless to say, it brought a smile to my face for the second time today.

When I walked outside to take Drew to preschool, I knew this day was just going to keep getting better. It was amazing this morning. Drew was happy that it was so nice out, too. Isn't it crazy how much the weather can affect us? And can you believe Indira had a half-day at school today? Wow...that was a blessing right there! Finally, one of those teacher in-service things landed on a pretty day!

While I wanted to take advantage of the weather, I really had some other things to do that had to be done. Ahh, the conflict. The responsible part of me wanted to put the kids outside at our house and be productive all day. The other part of me wanted to play outside, too! I thought it best to compromise. Let me take a couple of hours of play time and then finish some tasks that had to be done by next weekend. So there is was. The plan. We were playing for at least a couple hours. Drew walked out of the house after changing into play clothes and exclaimed, "Mom! My armpits are SLIMY!!!!" Yep, it was turning out to be a great day!

We decided to go to Westside park so we could take a walk by the river, AFTER we ate our Mickey D's on a blanket. For once, the kids didn't argue. I didn't have to yell at anyone. It was just this amazing, beautiful afternoon.

I couldn't help but think about the gifts that God gives us every day. As I sat there soaking up some much-needed vitamin D, I kept saying "Wow, God is good" over and over in my head. The funny thing is, He always is! We just don't choose to see it every day. Its pretty easy when its 82 degrees and sunny outside. But how often do I forget when its raining?

After an awesome day playing and some errands that had to be done, we finished the day with a treat. PJ met us and we all went to see the new Disney movie called "Earth." All I can say is "Wow." For a nature lover or animal lover, its amazing. Do you ever watch your kids and think, "YES! I think you might actually understand!" Tonight I had one of those moments. I am so happy to say that I don't think either of our kids take the gift of this creation for granted. They both love and are blown away sometimes at how amazing our world is.

That's all for now! Until next time....peace, love and sunshine!!!!

Family: Dipstick!

I'm sure I'll post a more thought provoking entry later this evening. (It seems that is when I really do my pondering!) But for now, here is a little story that may make you smile!

Don't you just crack up at those people who always seem to use the wrong words? Or mix their cliches? I do that. Often. I'll say something like "I feel like a hundred dollars" instead of a "million." Its hereditary, too. My Mom tried to quote Forrest Gump and said "Momma always said life is like a bowl of cherries" instead of "box of chocolates." Well, the proverbial apple doesn't fall far from the tree. (Ha! See...got that one right!) Indira said something silly with her Daddy in the car the other day. Once she caught herself she said, "I know, I'm a shit-stick." PJ was stunned. He started cracking up! He then said, "Indira, I have never called you a shit-stick!" She knew she had used the wrong word at this point and replied, "I mean...DIP-STICK!"

While I am not proud to admit that we sometimes call our children dip-sticks while joking around, I can honestly say that we do not call them shit-sticks. I don't really know where shit-stick came from. I don't know that I care...it was hilarious.

Until next time...peace and love....