Thursday I had a babysitter lined up, but mom and dad called and wanted to come visit; and although we LOVE our babysitter, when grandparents ask - you cannot refuse - plus that eliminates the cost of a babysitter! :o) I had a PF Chang's gift certificate that I had been saving back and this felt like a good time to use it because Ty's work is so stressful right now as well as the fact that he is stressed about his dad's illness. I met Kelsey V. for lunch at Sway's Bistro (YUMMY and I highly recommend it) and then I headed to MMO and picked Richard up from his last day there. We headed to the house and DD was already there - we played and had a wonderful time and then I headed to Madison. I parked next to Ty's car so when he walked out and saw me he was in total shock - he asked what was going on and I told him that I was there to kidnap him and take him to supper! We had a really great time and it was wonderful to have time just the two of us. We REALLY appreciate mom and dad coming out and spending the day with Richard. He always loves playing with y'all.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
I surprised my hunny!!!
Thursday I had a babysitter lined up, but mom and dad called and wanted to come visit; and although we LOVE our babysitter, when grandparents ask - you cannot refuse - plus that eliminates the cost of a babysitter! :o) I had a PF Chang's gift certificate that I had been saving back and this felt like a good time to use it because Ty's work is so stressful right now as well as the fact that he is stressed about his dad's illness. I met Kelsey V. for lunch at Sway's Bistro (YUMMY and I highly recommend it) and then I headed to MMO and picked Richard up from his last day there. We headed to the house and DD was already there - we played and had a wonderful time and then I headed to Madison. I parked next to Ty's car so when he walked out and saw me he was in total shock - he asked what was going on and I told him that I was there to kidnap him and take him to supper! We had a really great time and it was wonderful to have time just the two of us. We REALLY appreciate mom and dad coming out and spending the day with Richard. He always loves playing with y'all.
Wednesday Movies and Earning his admission - JUST KIDDING!!!
We love Wednesdays. Most Wednesdays of the summer we have headed out to the movie theater to watch the weekly special; we can each go and get a kids snack pack of popcorn, candy, and a drink for six dollars! After that, we join Ty for lunch at Pizza Inn because they are running a special on Wednesdays during the summer and it is 20% off - PLUS they have a game room!! Richard loves getting to eat with his daddy and then play games afterwards. Usually he falls asleep on the way home so I just tuck him in and he gets a great afternoon nap. The past two weeks, Kozy, Kate, Claire, Cindy, and Emma have been there as well - even more fun!!Yesterday after working out at the Y, it was fairly cool when we got home so I decided to tackle the garage - it is TOTALLY out of control!!! Richard played on his riding toys and with balls for most of the time that I was working but then he announced that he wanted to help because "he was a good helper" - even though he totally messed up all the grit and dirt that I had neatly swept in a pile - he decided that the small broom just would not do so he confiscated the big one from me - guess it would have worked better if I had turned it over for him!! LOL After cooling off with a Popsicle he came inside and after a quick lunch he promptly fell asleep with "Mr. Bear" (from MMO).
Baton Rouge weekend visit...
Last weekend we headed to Baton Rouge to visit Ty's folks. These are just a couple of pictures that I took Sunday after church...I love him by the stained glass - I have a wedding pic in front of it so I will have to see if I can find it and post it with these. Also, Poppa and PatPat did a little "redecorating" - they have a Richard wall in their hallway now...it has a growth chart for him and also they have framed some pictures that he has colored for them - oh no - if I'd known people would have seen it I would have tried harder with my drawing! LOL Oh well, he LOVES it!!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Fireworks and other summer pleasures...
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One fun first this summer, is that we FINALLY caught the ice cream truck man. You see, we have heard him in the neighborhood MANY times before but by the time we hear him and run outside he has already turned the corner and is vanishing out of sight....but, we finally caught him! YES, I am sure that we payed way too much for our summer treats, but hey everyone has to make a living and I'm sure that not as many folks are buying this year due to pinching pennies. Richard's eyes were wide with delight as he looked at the side of the truck and realized he could pick a picture of any of those icecreams or treats and the man would give it to him for his dollar! PRICELESS - glad he enjoyed it, but let me assure you that on my next trip to the grocery store I quickly bought and entire box of those popsicles for what two from the ice cream man would cost (although these are MUCH smaller)! Ahhh...the joys of summer... I didn't grow up in a family that shot fireworks, but I definitely married into one! Ty always has fireworks for the occasion - you should have seen my surprise 30th bday party that he threw - anway...he shot fireworks for us while we watched safely from the bed of the truck while Richard enjoyed one of his favorite snacks: muffins like PatPat's!
My little waterbug...
I am so glad that Richard seems to have inherited one of my all-time loves: the water....I loved to swim as a child,whether it was on the swim team or just for fun! Richard didn't take lessons again this year with his friends, but thankfully he is just as eager to spend time in the water. He LOVES to swim - whether it be in our TINY pool in the backyard or next door at the neighborhood pool (DEFINITELY his first choice). I am glad that Ty talked me into building on this lot, because it is so convenient in getting to the pool at a moment's notice...the only thing is sometimes it is hard to say NO we can't go today. I'm so thankful that I have the summertime to play with him and watch how he grows and progresses. I know I am biased but he is just too stinkin' cute...
July 4th 2009
We celebrated at mom and dad's this year. We slept in a bit; went swimming; and then headed to mom and dad's for the day. Richard had great fun and giggles having us each try on the patriotic hat, but even more so when he decided he wanted us to balance some of his favorite Toy Story friends on our heads/the hat....what grandparents will do for their grand kids - NEVER would mom have done this when I was growing up...that's OK though, Richard's laughter makes all forgiven!!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Family...
First I am going to start by giving credit to Mojito Maven for the following excerpt that she wrote...it has been rolling around in my head for the last few weeks. See for yourself and then I will comment on why it has struck such a cord with me...
losing family
by Mojito Maven on June 18, 2009
Recently, I have found myself thinking about this quote from Finding Forrester:
“Losing family obliges us to find our family. Not always the family that is our blood but the family that can become our blood. Should we have the wisdom to open our door to this new family we will find that the wishes we had for the father, who once guided us, for the brother, who once inspired us…”
For most, family brings a sense of comfort, joy, and love. But for others, family can mean resentment, bitterness, and hurt.
No family is perfect. Each has its own challenges and secrets. But above all the pain and sadness I do believe in forgiveness and healing.
I believe it in my heart of hearts, and right now, it is the only thing I know to be true.
My ramblings:
This has been a VERY difficult year beginning with New Year's - let me tell you - it was a HORRENDOUS way to ring in the new year. Yes there has been illness 1) my daddy's kidneys were worse and then God blessed him with a transplant and he is doing great 2) my father-in-law had a place removed from his leg that was cancerous and did spread to the lymph nodes in his leg but he came through radiation brilliantly...spots found on his shoulder later were biopsied and found to not be cancer...now, the cancer has returned - the prognosis does not look good at all; but through it all he has the most wonderful attitude that can only be described as peace from God through his unwavering belief and faith; even as he has now started aggressive treatment 3) I had to be taken to the ER this past Wednesday with the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced in my life...my blood pressure was WAY out of whack - catscan, IV, blood work, meds, and follow up visit with a physician and things are beginning to be a bit better: it seems to be running a bit too low now, but I am confident that we will get there.....all of those have been difficult but in a lot of ways they do not compare to a different pain that I am facing; my very closest friends already know that to say I have a "strained relationship" with my ONLY sibling would be putting it lightly...it would be more true to say that there is NO relationship - NOT by my choosing....for some reason he has decided to turn away and not have any kind of relationship with me, my husband, or my child AND he will not attempt to work it out or even tell me what the issue is... how do you handle that ..... I have struggled and struggled and maybe I shouldn't even post this, but I need to vent and I also welcome advice (if you truly mean it that way and you have personal experience with similar situations not just spouting from a book). YES, I pray about it. YES I know God can fix anything. The part I have the hardest time dealing with is the hurt...we were so incredibly close growing up and even through school...I hurt for not only myself but for my parents for his choice puts them in such an awkward position; I also hurt for the loss of getting to know my only two nieces and my child getting to know his cousins. My brain cannot wrap itself around what I possibly could have done to ever deserve being treated this way, BUT after a trip to the ER I have resolved to try my best to find a better way to cope rather than storing my hurt inside of me. Mojito Maven's words seem to be a salve - they talk of loss of family and so fitting "the brother that once inspired" but she goes on to talk about family that is not blood - I have always considered myself to be a friendly person and have a lot of acquaintance friends but rarely do I let someone all the way in (due to being burned - even within the last year), but I take courage from her words to know that I should reach out and develop friends that can stand in the place of family that chooses to not be there and that forgiveness and healing do exist...that is my continued prayer is to one day have healing with my brother for regardless of the pain he is causing me - he is still my one and only brother - the one who played with me as a child, wiped away my tears, encouraged me, stuck up for me in school, and always welcomed me in the darkest hours of my life....those times I will NOT let go of and choose to not forget! I am highly doubtful that his eyes will ever see this, but if they do: I love you - regardless....I just don't understand.....
To my few friends that read this blog - thank you for allowing me to let that out and begin to release and let go of the pain in my heart....
losing family
by Mojito Maven on June 18, 2009
Recently, I have found myself thinking about this quote from Finding Forrester:
“Losing family obliges us to find our family. Not always the family that is our blood but the family that can become our blood. Should we have the wisdom to open our door to this new family we will find that the wishes we had for the father, who once guided us, for the brother, who once inspired us…”
For most, family brings a sense of comfort, joy, and love. But for others, family can mean resentment, bitterness, and hurt.
No family is perfect. Each has its own challenges and secrets. But above all the pain and sadness I do believe in forgiveness and healing.
I believe it in my heart of hearts, and right now, it is the only thing I know to be true.
My ramblings:
This has been a VERY difficult year beginning with New Year's - let me tell you - it was a HORRENDOUS way to ring in the new year. Yes there has been illness 1) my daddy's kidneys were worse and then God blessed him with a transplant and he is doing great 2) my father-in-law had a place removed from his leg that was cancerous and did spread to the lymph nodes in his leg but he came through radiation brilliantly...spots found on his shoulder later were biopsied and found to not be cancer...now, the cancer has returned - the prognosis does not look good at all; but through it all he has the most wonderful attitude that can only be described as peace from God through his unwavering belief and faith; even as he has now started aggressive treatment 3) I had to be taken to the ER this past Wednesday with the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced in my life...my blood pressure was WAY out of whack - catscan, IV, blood work, meds, and follow up visit with a physician and things are beginning to be a bit better: it seems to be running a bit too low now, but I am confident that we will get there.....all of those have been difficult but in a lot of ways they do not compare to a different pain that I am facing; my very closest friends already know that to say I have a "strained relationship" with my ONLY sibling would be putting it lightly...it would be more true to say that there is NO relationship - NOT by my choosing....for some reason he has decided to turn away and not have any kind of relationship with me, my husband, or my child AND he will not attempt to work it out or even tell me what the issue is... how do you handle that ..... I have struggled and struggled and maybe I shouldn't even post this, but I need to vent and I also welcome advice (if you truly mean it that way and you have personal experience with similar situations not just spouting from a book). YES, I pray about it. YES I know God can fix anything. The part I have the hardest time dealing with is the hurt...we were so incredibly close growing up and even through school...I hurt for not only myself but for my parents for his choice puts them in such an awkward position; I also hurt for the loss of getting to know my only two nieces and my child getting to know his cousins. My brain cannot wrap itself around what I possibly could have done to ever deserve being treated this way, BUT after a trip to the ER I have resolved to try my best to find a better way to cope rather than storing my hurt inside of me. Mojito Maven's words seem to be a salve - they talk of loss of family and so fitting "the brother that once inspired" but she goes on to talk about family that is not blood - I have always considered myself to be a friendly person and have a lot of acquaintance friends but rarely do I let someone all the way in (due to being burned - even within the last year), but I take courage from her words to know that I should reach out and develop friends that can stand in the place of family that chooses to not be there and that forgiveness and healing do exist...that is my continued prayer is to one day have healing with my brother for regardless of the pain he is causing me - he is still my one and only brother - the one who played with me as a child, wiped away my tears, encouraged me, stuck up for me in school, and always welcomed me in the darkest hours of my life....those times I will NOT let go of and choose to not forget! I am highly doubtful that his eyes will ever see this, but if they do: I love you - regardless....I just don't understand.....
To my few friends that read this blog - thank you for allowing me to let that out and begin to release and let go of the pain in my heart....
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