Sick

Okay.... I am sick. I have bronchitis and walking pneumonia. It STINKS!! I am on 4 prescriptions. I am exhausted... and yes I am complaining. There is something therapeutic about getting out my frustrations.

So far everyone else is healthy, thank goodness. Madeline is very confused by me being so tired and distant. Last night she climbed into my bed next to me, pulled up the covers and held my hand. It was so sweet. Riley even brought me his beloved blankie and draped it over me. This is a big deal since he keeps his blankie very close at hand at all times. James must have come in and felt my forehead a hundred times. I have the most loving children. I am one lucky Mama.


So... now back to bed.

Happy Friday!

Love

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.--1 Corinthinans 13:4-8a

Happy Valentine's Day!

May your day be filled with hugs, smooches and smiles!

Riley

I think I changed in an inexplicable way on March 9, 2004.

I realized that my view of my future and the true direction of my life may not match - and that is okay.

I love all of my children. Riley, from the first day, has been different.


Every aspect of his life is ..... unexpected.
Every turn, for him, is unique.
He has no golden tickets or free rides.

You must earn his love, trust and acceptance.
He does not give these out freely.
He listens to everything... even when playing - comprehending things way beyond his years.

He is acutely aware that his life is full of challenges.

He understands individuality.
He challenges.
He confronts.
He fights.


Without all of these -
*he wouldn't have survived being left
*he wouldn't be able to talk
*he wouldn't love his family fiercely
*he wouldn't ride his bike with feet on the handlebars.. wind on his face
*he wouldn't laugh from the heart

Riley is a champion.. He overcomes adversity. He faces life's challenges head-on. He is the strongest person I have ever met.

I am a better person, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and teacher because of the lessons Riley has taught me.

Dreams

Dreams come in all shapes and sizes.
Some are not measurable.
Some are an idea.
Some are a whisper in the ear.


Dreams are not promises but wishes of heart.
Some dreams are short, fleeting - truly no more than a tiny tug.
Other dreams are strong, fierce and full of yearning.


Embracing dreams with the body and soul can be the most rewarding of life's experiences and.... at times, the most powerful of disappointments.


Some times what feels like a dream lost is actually a bigger dream - yet to be imagined.


Dreams fulfilled open the windows to the heart.


Dream

Happy New Year!

It is the time of year to celebrate the New Year. This year is the year of the Rat! James is a Year of the Rat baby so this is his lucky year! We have already been celebrating for almost a week now. Couplets are hung. Lanterns are decorated. Red envelopes exchanged. We look forward to the many gifts and blessings this year will hold for us.

Mom

I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and
started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.

'Why?' my daughter asked.

'Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty, and probably has
germs, ' I replied.

At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked, 'Momma, how do
you know all this stuff, you are so smart.'

I was thinking quickly. 'All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mom Test. You have to know it,
or they don't let you be a Mom.'

We walked along in silence of or 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new
information. 'OH...I get it!' she beamed, 'So if you don't pass the test you have to be
The Dad.'

'Exactly' I replied back with a big smile on my face.