dry

dry.

The house, my hands, my desire to blog....

I have sat at the computer with intent and left with regret several times in the last weeks.

What I would have shared in a couple quick takes:
1. Paul's 94 year old Busia passed peacefully in her sleep after attending mass and celebrating the Polish Christmas eve dinner with her family.  Seriously I can not imagine a more beautiful way to pass.  I was grateful to be able to make the quick trip with my husband to celebrate her life.  Quick thanks to the family who made it possible for us to attend.

Rosie enjoying time with her pra-busia in October.  A memory & photo I cherish.

2.  Christmas was wonderful, full of family.  We finished our guest room in the nick of time.  A reveal that will have to wait for another day.

3. New Years Eve.  I quote my mom who said "most fun new years."  Pinterest style, I went to Party City and had balloons blown up to help us count down the hours.  In each balloon was a note.  Each hour, my alarm went off to summon the kids to pop a new balloon.

7pm - Make Caramel Apples
8pm - Make Soap Clouds
9pm - Play a Game
10pm - Watch a Movie
11pm - Sing Karaoke
12 pm - Make a Toast and Go to Bed!

The babies made it almost to 10pm and Rosie made it to celebrate midnight.  The evening was a blast.

4. The day after my mom left, I threw out my back.  I have never done this before and holy smokes...I do NOT recommend it.  I spent the first day in tears and with the help of my husband's ingenuity, was only able to lay down or get up using a table leaf as a back board.  I am slowing regaining movement and coming out from under almost a week of muscle relaxers and naproxin.

5. I hate hate hate HMOs.  Just for the record.

6. I am grateful for the women who have come forward and told me how much they appreciate or relate to my 30 days series.  Being completely honest in the blog world is a risk.  Especially for a foster mom.  My struggles have not ended, but I am strengthened with new resolve.  And each time someone thanks me for writing those posts, I am reminded to go back and read them.  Something I need to do regularly.

7. Did I miss the birthdays???  I forgot the birthdays!  Augie turned 3 and Catie turned 2!  We celebrated at a bounce house.  Best birthday ever for Augie, worst birthday ever for Catie.  Fortunately she enjoyed her cupcake.  I am amazed to look at my babies growing and think of how far we have come.

I am truly blessed to be mamma to these special little ones.  For as much as they challenge me, they are beautiful miraculous gifts straight from God.  He knew I needed them to purify me and bring me to my knees.  He knew they needed me, a mamma who would love them and do anything for them.  Happy Birthday to my babies.  I am grateful for you.

7 Quick Takes

1.  Angela Faddis.  For those without facebook, you can watch this interview that happened live yesterday on Life on the Rock (about 3.30 - 14.00). 



The song at the close of the interview had me in tears.  I really have no words.  Watch and pray.

2. It seems so trival to post much else after that, but in the way of keeping the world updated.


3. We survived two nights at the beach and camping with stiches.  I think finally I am ready to put an "L" sticker on our car.  We love "our beach".  The weather was perfect, the kids had a great time, no ER trips = success.  

 

 

4. Our well loved tent (of 10+ years) has officially gone in the trash. Not sure if we are purchasing a new tent or something say, a little more pop upish, but we will try to keep our beach on the annual agenda.

 

5. Another reason we love this beach....best crabs + seasoning ever!  I kept Augie busy with the hammer, which probably equalled a top restraunt pick for my two year old as well.  



lazy susans

 

6. In just 3 days my baby turns 5!  Princess party in the works for the weekend.  I think I am more excited than she is.  The actual birthday will be spent chewing lots of bubble gum, as her first age-sanctioned restriction is lifted. 

 

7. Well, I am 10 minutes passed the friday deadline and now publishing on Saturday.  Goodnight all. 

dying on facebook

The last several weeks I have watched as friends post updates and prayer requests for a woman, a young mother, dying of colon cancer.  Tonight, as I read updates and finally "like" the page, I can't help but contemplate the intimite moments shared across the world on social media. 

After years of waiting, you see your friend finally adopt, and then raise a beautiful child. 

Following a person from engagement through wedding, and maybe to a baby announcement.

Death.

Birth.

Life is all shared relatively publically with"friends"

Following the posts at "Support Angela Faddis" has been particularly moving.  I can hardly put into words what this precious family is facing in real life.  On facebook they look incredibly brave, incredibly trusting...and have incredible faith.  In real life, I am sure they are this...but how incredibly hard these moments are and how profoundly they are shared.

This precious family has over 4600 likes, which equals that plus more "friends" and strangers, praying for them.  Pleaes pray for the Faddis family as Angela nears heaven.