A Missy Original...

I found this picture almost accidently under a stack of several of Missy's doodles and drawings that she leaves around randomly, looking almost trash-like. I usually take a quick peek at the papers before they make it to the recycling bin, and this is the gem I discovered the other day... When asked to tell me what was going on in the picture, she said something about it being a really windy day, an apple falling out of the tree and almost hitting the deer, and the other animal in the picture is a lion. Poor deer.

Another proud parenting moment...

I was dropping off the kids at school the other day, feeling a little sad that they are not so little anymore. We had a great morning--they all got ready when they were supposed to, no fighting, no tattling, no last-minute "I forgot to do my homework"...it was a miracle. They have really been enjoying the school year so far--Michael's assessment has been, "Mama, First Grade is WAY better than Kindergarten!"

So that morning, we picked up our little car-poolers, and as I pulled up to drop them off, they all just rushed to get out the door. Feeling slightly hurt, I said "Hey, isn't anyone going to give me a kiss?" The collective answer was, "NO."

By this time, 5th Grader Matthew was just about to get out and I said, "So Matthew, you can either give me a kiss here, OR I can come to your classroom and you can give me one there."

I got my kiss.

Out of the mouth of Missy...

Missy and I went to pick up a birthday cake for Matthew the other evening. Since it was later in the evening, it was pretty quiet there, and the lady behind the counter had her back to me. To get her attention, I leaned over the counter and said, "Excuse me..." Missy's head whipped around, she looked up at me and inquired VERY loudly: "MAMA, YOU FARTED??"

Missy's Quote of the Day...

Interaction I overheard today:

Apparently, Missy decided she needed to hit Matthew for some reason, so Matthew hit her back. I usually don't condone the "eye for an eye" concept, but in some cases, I stay out of it and let them work things out on their own...And truth be told, sometimes Missy needs a dose of her own medicine...

"Owww, Matthew! Don't hit me!"
"But you hit ME, Missy."
"Yeah, but you're not supposed to hit me back!"
"But you started it, Missy."
"Yes, but I hit you so you could practice NOT hitting me back..."

Typical Missy logic....

EARNING his Black Belt

Matthew is now a Black Belt...Seeing him tie that crisp new belt around his waist for the first time at the end of his exam was one of those moments I will have etched in my mind forever. A flood of images and emotions washed over me as I saw him remove his half brown/half black belt and replace it with his new black one....I remembered his very first lesson when he was only four, his excitement, his innocence and over the years some difficult times he had feeling apprehensive, nervous and discouraged. Physically, what he learned did not come easily or naturally, and every belt he earned was the result of diligent practice and never giving up. Sometimes I felt as though he was going to classes for me and that he just didn't want to complain...but I saw him evolve into really wanting to do it for himself, and truly enjoying each accomplishment with pride...His gentle spirit has always been apparent---quietly observing, taking things in around him, listening, learning and assimiliating with humility and grace. I am so proud of what he has accomplished physically, but I cannot express adequately in words the amount of pride I feel for the person that he is and for the "inner" black belt he has become.

A rare day...

I spent most of yesterday just "in the moment" and not trying to get anywhere by a certain time or with a laid out plan...It was wonderful. There are so few days that I have like this, that when I do, I feel so incredibly peaceful and relaxed. I got to hang out with my soul-sista, we had tea, snacked, contemplated our lives, laughed about absurd things, teased our kids, watched the dog sleep, cleaned out her fish tank (well ok...she cleaned---I napped), and then we let the kids have disgusting greasy food at Burger King and play at the playground...

In my younger days, a day like that would have sounded like a coma-inducing experience. But now, I can't wait for these days..

My Dear Friend...

Once in a great while, you meet someone and you feel as if you have known them your whole life. They are just so easy to be around, you want to bear your soul to them, and for some reason they just see the good in you...

This special soul was meant to be my friend. She touched my life and that of my family's within just a few moments. She loved, appreciated, and found the humor in my little Missy, when she can often be so misunderstood...Her family became part of ours immediately, and the bond I feel for them is difficult to explain given the short time I have known them...

There was a time when I felt a little isolated by judgement from many important people in my life...I experienced uncomfortable periods of silence, comments of confusion, and down right anger from some---as if I was the sole decision-maker and cause of my "circumstances".... But this wonderful sister of mine lifted me, supported me, comforted me, and defended me when others questioned and made assumptions.

The gratitude and overwhelming blessing I feel because of this woman is beyond words. And I hope that now...ESPECIALLY now...she can feel the love and support I want to give to her.

Sending you my deepest heartfelt prayers, friend...