I was away last weekend, on a road trip with some super fun friends. And then I came back and it was a whirlwind week as we are in the home stretch for this school year. Come on summer!
So it's another Thursday and I had nothing on my mind all week related to the prompt. Close. I didn't even know if I was reading it close - as in near, or close - as in shut the door.
And then in the final minutes of the link being open, the final 2 hours, I am making time.
Go.
While I was away this weekend, my kiddos missed me more than they usually do. They hugged me extra tight when they got home from their dad's house. And held on extra long when I tucked them in for bed. I don't know if it is a phase they're going through, or normal growing pains that come with split families or what.Not that I ever object to extra snuggles from my girls!!
Every morning this week, my 9 year old has asked me to snuggle with her in bed. "Mama, can you come in a few minutes before normal wake up, just to hold me close?" I can't turn her down. I know all too well that in a few short years she'll be all grown up. She won't want to cuddle with mom in the morning before school. I pray she'll always at least want to hug me, but I don't think she'll want every one of these morning cuddle sessions by the time she's 16.
So I will cherish the time now, while she's asking for extra time for mom to hold her close. And praying every single minute that it helps form our relationship solid enough that when she's grown, she'll want to come back and have a little extra mom time. That the physical closeness we create now will bind us together and she'll be as close, or closer, as I am with my mom. Sharing all our thoughts as friends when we're grown, and with great memories of when she was my little girl.
Stop.
PS .. one other perspective on close. I posted 2 weeks ago, on our GRATEFUL day, about our campaign in May to help raise awareness about NF. The generosity of friends and strangers has exceeded all expectations and we are so thankful. And as the month of May draws to a close, we are so close to $30,000! If you'd like to be a part, it's not too late. Just click this hyperlink. And it is never too late to spread the word. Because even though the fundraising campaign will come to an end, NF is still here. My friend Ethan is facing some extra tough challenges this summer with another surgery pending in August. So, if you would, pause and lift him, his family, and his doctors before The Lord today. And whenever you see #EndNF come across your timeline. And whenever it pops into your head. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Also Linking to Five Minute Friday.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
It's not Just About MY Journey (OneWord365 May Check In)
Time to reflect again. On where my journey has gone in May. As much as I am lousy about posting on time, I am still in the window, and reflecting each month on the journey this year has allowed me to see things I might not have - to notice effects of my word focus that I would likely miss when I do my end-of-year lookback. Because without pausing now to actually write them down, I am not sure I would even catch them. Lost in the other parts of my life.
May has been a WHIRLWIND. Birthdays and parties and SOL exams and baseball and end of school.
** SIDEBAR. SOLs are Standards of Learning exams, I think but in reality they're an attempt by the state of Virginia to see what our 3rd grade - and higher - children have learned, and they cause a LOT of stress. This is my 3rd grader's first year and she's so afraid of not following directions that this is what I got:
S: "mom, my teacher said we need to go to bed EARLY the night before the test."
(my thought: this is likely geared at the parents who let their kids stay up late... but my kids already go to bed at 7:30?!)
me: I think we will be ok sticking to 7:30, sweetie
S: MOM! MOM! no, I will get in SOOOOOOOO much trouble if I don't go to bed early. and I might not do well on the test. what if I fall asleep?!
me: ok, well what time do you think is appropriate, then?
S: 6:30. I think that will work.
me: (stunned silence) wellll, ok, if you think that is what you need?
**END SIDEBAR**
But as I look back at May, there's another journey we got to celebrate. One that has nothing to do with where I am, what I'm learning, where I am going. And it is just as important as all of those things.
My little brother graduated from college this month. It's been a long journey for him to get there. I am so proud of him. Graduating with honors. It is not my place to share his story. But it is totally my place to brag on his accomplishments! Recipient of the Bachelor of Arts degree, with a double major in History and Political & Governmental Affairs, CUM LAUDE. So here are a few pictures with the family: my kids, my folks, and the graduate.
Congratulations, Jeff! You worked hard for this - you put your heart into it - and it shows. I am so proud of what you have become and what you have accomplished. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of YOUR journey. I love you!
-------------
Linking up with the One Word 365 check ins over here.
May has been a WHIRLWIND. Birthdays and parties and SOL exams and baseball and end of school.
** SIDEBAR. SOLs are Standards of Learning exams, I think but in reality they're an attempt by the state of Virginia to see what our 3rd grade - and higher - children have learned, and they cause a LOT of stress. This is my 3rd grader's first year and she's so afraid of not following directions that this is what I got:
S: "mom, my teacher said we need to go to bed EARLY the night before the test."
(my thought: this is likely geared at the parents who let their kids stay up late... but my kids already go to bed at 7:30?!)
me: I think we will be ok sticking to 7:30, sweetie
S: MOM! MOM! no, I will get in SOOOOOOOO much trouble if I don't go to bed early. and I might not do well on the test. what if I fall asleep?!
me: ok, well what time do you think is appropriate, then?
S: 6:30. I think that will work.
me: (stunned silence) wellll, ok, if you think that is what you need?
**END SIDEBAR**
But as I look back at May, there's another journey we got to celebrate. One that has nothing to do with where I am, what I'm learning, where I am going. And it is just as important as all of those things.
My little brother graduated from college this month. It's been a long journey for him to get there. I am so proud of him. Graduating with honors. It is not my place to share his story. But it is totally my place to brag on his accomplishments! Recipient of the Bachelor of Arts degree, with a double major in History and Political & Governmental Affairs, CUM LAUDE. So here are a few pictures with the family: my kids, my folks, and the graduate.
Congratulations, Jeff! You worked hard for this - you put your heart into it - and it shows. I am so proud of what you have become and what you have accomplished. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of YOUR journey. I love you!
Linking up with the One Word 365 check ins over here.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Break (Five Minute Friday)
Lisa-Jo gave us a break, a prompt free week. But a few lovely writers want to go anyway. so the prompt became break, and the link host moved for one week, and still I write on Thursday. Some things still happen as expected.
Go.
I could have used this break as a time to skip a week. Get the rest of the things done that I need to get done (like finish the Christmas cards <-- don't judge!) and finish the laundry. Pack for the trip tomorrow. Write the letters so overdue. But I was craving a break in my day. Overwhelmed at work with a new project and a 4 day weekend looming ahead in all its splendor. And still I needed to stop for a minute. Refocus my brain. Or think about something else. Perhaps inconsequential, but the refreshing mind break. So I can tackle this afternoon and get it all done. And then walk away tonight not having to get out 3 status reports in the middle of the night and being able to leave my laptop at home this weekend. Means no good pictures of the trip until I get back, but also means a break from email and the temptation to work because I have an extra minute without the kids asking for this or that. so, taking a break now to ensure I have a break this weekend - this is a worthwhile 5 minute pause indeed.
Stop.
THIS week, link up over here!
Go.
I could have used this break as a time to skip a week. Get the rest of the things done that I need to get done (like finish the Christmas cards <-- don't judge!) and finish the laundry. Pack for the trip tomorrow. Write the letters so overdue. But I was craving a break in my day. Overwhelmed at work with a new project and a 4 day weekend looming ahead in all its splendor. And still I needed to stop for a minute. Refocus my brain. Or think about something else. Perhaps inconsequential, but the refreshing mind break. So I can tackle this afternoon and get it all done. And then walk away tonight not having to get out 3 status reports in the middle of the night and being able to leave my laptop at home this weekend. Means no good pictures of the trip until I get back, but also means a break from email and the temptation to work because I have an extra minute without the kids asking for this or that. so, taking a break now to ensure I have a break this weekend - this is a worthwhile 5 minute pause indeed.
Stop.
THIS week, link up over here!
Friday, May 9, 2014
Grateful (Five Minute Friday)
Today, I want to take a minute (or 5) to share my gratitude for a special community of people. Some strangers, some friends, but all united with a common mission.
May is Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month. NF is a disease that affects roughly 1 in 3,000 people worldwide, and yet it's highly likely that you've never even heard of it. We're on a mission to change that. A community of people, brought together by a love of the Washington Nationals, has teamed up with Ian Desmond, Nationals' star shortstop.
For the basic rundown on what NF is, you can read this post. Get to Know NF (Thank you, Nationals 101!) To hear the story of how the project started, you can read more: The Nats Blog’s follow up post, a post from Patrick Reddington on Federal Baseball, and Matt’s Bats post as well. And District Sports page has added their EndNF post.
To join our team, follow this link and spread the word. Every bit helps. The first step to Ending NF is to know what it is.
We started with a goal of $10,000 in the month of May, and as of tonight we're over $18,000 with 24 days to go. There's some great perks available if you're a baseball fan or know someone who is. But even if you aren't, don't let that stop you.
NF isn't just "one of those things" for me. Ian Desmond talks about his friendship with Ethan. I had the privilege to meet Ethan and his family at Nats Park last summer and we've become friends.
It's personal for me. One of my dearest friends from college is now an NF advocate. Because it affects BOTH of her sweet children. Her kids are the same age as mine. And I see how they're fighting - every day. With faith and strength and courage. She's a mama warrior, and she's using her family's story to blaze a path. There's a lot of unknowns with NF as of today. The path to knowing is paved by people like you and me. We can talk about it. We can share information with others. We give what we can financially - for some it's a lot, for some it's a little, and for some it's not possible, but we can ALL give our time. We can ALL spread the word. We can ALL retweet a tweet for someone else to see - to share the information in a bigger circle. That's the first step. And YOU can be a part of that. Reminder: here's where you do it.
Tonight I am grateful for Ian Desmond and the community of writers, fans, and friends who have joined forces to spread the word and make a difference. #EndNF.
------
linking up with another great community - the Five Minute Friday crowd. For the full story on how it works, read here. And to read this week's collection on GRATEFUL, follow this link.
May is Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month. NF is a disease that affects roughly 1 in 3,000 people worldwide, and yet it's highly likely that you've never even heard of it. We're on a mission to change that. A community of people, brought together by a love of the Washington Nationals, has teamed up with Ian Desmond, Nationals' star shortstop.
For the basic rundown on what NF is, you can read this post. Get to Know NF (Thank you, Nationals 101!) To hear the story of how the project started, you can read more: The Nats Blog’s follow up post, a post from Patrick Reddington on Federal Baseball, and Matt’s Bats post as well. And District Sports page has added their EndNF post.
To join our team, follow this link and spread the word. Every bit helps. The first step to Ending NF is to know what it is.
We started with a goal of $10,000 in the month of May, and as of tonight we're over $18,000 with 24 days to go. There's some great perks available if you're a baseball fan or know someone who is. But even if you aren't, don't let that stop you.
NF isn't just "one of those things" for me. Ian Desmond talks about his friendship with Ethan. I had the privilege to meet Ethan and his family at Nats Park last summer and we've become friends.
It's personal for me. One of my dearest friends from college is now an NF advocate. Because it affects BOTH of her sweet children. Her kids are the same age as mine. And I see how they're fighting - every day. With faith and strength and courage. She's a mama warrior, and she's using her family's story to blaze a path. There's a lot of unknowns with NF as of today. The path to knowing is paved by people like you and me. We can talk about it. We can share information with others. We give what we can financially - for some it's a lot, for some it's a little, and for some it's not possible, but we can ALL give our time. We can ALL spread the word. We can ALL retweet a tweet for someone else to see - to share the information in a bigger circle. That's the first step. And YOU can be a part of that. Reminder: here's where you do it.
Tonight I am grateful for Ian Desmond and the community of writers, fans, and friends who have joined forces to spread the word and make a difference. #EndNF.
------
linking up with another great community - the Five Minute Friday crowd. For the full story on how it works, read here. And to read this week's collection on GRATEFUL, follow this link.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Mess (Five Minute Friday)
MESS.
Most days my house is more a mess than not. But I can usually find what I need and the kids can too, and this is always a work in progress. Room to improve on the mess. Remove some chaos, find some order, finish mount washmore, and the like.
But my heart is thankfully no longer in the mess stage. At least not all the time. WHen everything was going on... when it was raw and new, when my ex left, and then I slowly unraveled the lies and the crazy mess that my life was becoming - with each new thing I learned my heart turned into a bigger mess. By the time I hit the bottom - the messiest place - it was like those days when I was a kid (and honestlly like my kids need even now) - when it just takes a big black trashbag and you need to purge and start again.
Black is important here. Kids can SEE in the white bags. They can see the scrap of paper with 2 marker lines that is their most precious creation of the last 30 seconds they colored, which may have been 3 days ago. Mommmmmyyyyyyy - how can you. throw. away. my. favoritest. art. EVER. Mean mommy, I am.
But that's exactly what they need. They can't even find their white paper to make a new creation because it is buried in the mess. That they won't let go of. And so it was with my heart. Buried in a pile of hurt and tears. Memories I wanted to keep and memories and moments I NEEDED to forget. To stop reliving every single day. The questions I needed to STOP ASKING. It was as if I was picking up the list on top of the pile. The why, where did I go wrong, how can I fix it questions. WHen what I really needed was to throw out that paper and start a new list. How do I get through today? What is good in today? What do I need to do next - for me, for the girls. What is the thing I need to do next. Not all the next things - not the long term plan. Just the next right thing. And so at the bottom of my mess, the Lord grabbed a giant black trash bag, helped me pile all that mess in there. And then He tied it up, carried it out to the curb. And handed me a set of colored pencils and a brand new sketch pad.
Stop.
To join us in Five Minute Friday:
1. Write your post. 5 raw minutes (no edits, typos welcome) on the word of the week
2. Link up here
3. Visit the one who linked before you and leave them some virtual sunshine.
Most days my house is more a mess than not. But I can usually find what I need and the kids can too, and this is always a work in progress. Room to improve on the mess. Remove some chaos, find some order, finish mount washmore, and the like.
But my heart is thankfully no longer in the mess stage. At least not all the time. WHen everything was going on... when it was raw and new, when my ex left, and then I slowly unraveled the lies and the crazy mess that my life was becoming - with each new thing I learned my heart turned into a bigger mess. By the time I hit the bottom - the messiest place - it was like those days when I was a kid (and honestlly like my kids need even now) - when it just takes a big black trashbag and you need to purge and start again.
Black is important here. Kids can SEE in the white bags. They can see the scrap of paper with 2 marker lines that is their most precious creation of the last 30 seconds they colored, which may have been 3 days ago. Mommmmmyyyyyyy - how can you. throw. away. my. favoritest. art. EVER. Mean mommy, I am.
But that's exactly what they need. They can't even find their white paper to make a new creation because it is buried in the mess. That they won't let go of. And so it was with my heart. Buried in a pile of hurt and tears. Memories I wanted to keep and memories and moments I NEEDED to forget. To stop reliving every single day. The questions I needed to STOP ASKING. It was as if I was picking up the list on top of the pile. The why, where did I go wrong, how can I fix it questions. WHen what I really needed was to throw out that paper and start a new list. How do I get through today? What is good in today? What do I need to do next - for me, for the girls. What is the thing I need to do next. Not all the next things - not the long term plan. Just the next right thing. And so at the bottom of my mess, the Lord grabbed a giant black trash bag, helped me pile all that mess in there. And then He tied it up, carried it out to the curb. And handed me a set of colored pencils and a brand new sketch pad.
Stop.
To join us in Five Minute Friday:
1. Write your post. 5 raw minutes (no edits, typos welcome) on the word of the week
2. Link up here
3. Visit the one who linked before you and leave them some virtual sunshine.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Friend (Five Minute Friday)
Catching up again after a long week. With enough time to spare that I am not nervous the link will be gone when I get there. It's this (last) week's edition of Five Minute Friday. Late posters always welcome. Because that's what friends are for, right?!
1. find the word and write for 5 minutes. raw, unedited, typos welcome.
2. link up over here with the crew
3. The unbreakable rule: visit the link before yours and leave a little love on their post
FRIEND
I have been blessed with some amazing friends in my life. Some who have been here for only a time and some who have been here from the time they showed up (or we were thrown together) and have stayed on the scene. We don't always live in the same places, or the same time zones and we never get together as often as I would like. But these are the gals I go to immediately when I have a crisis. A question. A "you won't even believe what just happened" moment.
The first ones I called when I learned my marriage was over. The ones who held me, or listened to me cry it out or scream it out or whatever words I had to share for the entire several year long process where I tried to hold it together. The ones who helped me start over.
The ones who even now will stay up all night and we'll laugh and share stories. The ones who call when it's been too long and who never let it get REALLY too long in between. The gals who open their homes. Who embrace the crazy - every kind of crazy - and who love my kids like adopted aunts.
The ones who schemed with me about school spirit missions and the ones who asked me to pick orange m-n-ms out of their wedding party bowls. Every one of them is like a sister to me, and their friendship is something I'll forever be thankful for. From Seattle to Nashville; Delaware to DC; and every which way in between, you ladies are my core. My inner circle. My chosen family. And I love you.
Stop.
PS ... YES! I stuck to 5 minutes this week!!
1. find the word and write for 5 minutes. raw, unedited, typos welcome.
2. link up over here with the crew
3. The unbreakable rule: visit the link before yours and leave a little love on their post
FRIEND
I have been blessed with some amazing friends in my life. Some who have been here for only a time and some who have been here from the time they showed up (or we were thrown together) and have stayed on the scene. We don't always live in the same places, or the same time zones and we never get together as often as I would like. But these are the gals I go to immediately when I have a crisis. A question. A "you won't even believe what just happened" moment.
The first ones I called when I learned my marriage was over. The ones who held me, or listened to me cry it out or scream it out or whatever words I had to share for the entire several year long process where I tried to hold it together. The ones who helped me start over.
The ones who even now will stay up all night and we'll laugh and share stories. The ones who call when it's been too long and who never let it get REALLY too long in between. The gals who open their homes. Who embrace the crazy - every kind of crazy - and who love my kids like adopted aunts.
The ones who schemed with me about school spirit missions and the ones who asked me to pick orange m-n-ms out of their wedding party bowls. Every one of them is like a sister to me, and their friendship is something I'll forever be thankful for. From Seattle to Nashville; Delaware to DC; and every which way in between, you ladies are my core. My inner circle. My chosen family. And I love you.
Stop.
PS ... YES! I stuck to 5 minutes this week!!
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