OK, it's about time I get back to my blog. Too much time has passed since my last entry! It has been quite normal around our house, nothing too earth-shattering has happened. I will reflect on the month of August in a general sense, and get up to speed on the current happenings at the Holen house.
I have decided that August is my second least-favorite month of the year (next to February). I dislike August for the same reason I dislike February...it feels like one big marathon to the end. The transition of the seasons is impending, I am tired of summer, tired of gardening, tired of my flowers, and tired of pretty much everything. In February, I am sick of winter, sick of the cold, sick of being cooped up, etc. I think this dislike of August started as a child, when I was always ready for school to begin at about the beginning of the month. I had to wait the entire month until I could get back into it. Now, as an adult, by the beginning of August I am ready for the kids to go back to school, I am sick of paying full-time daycare for three kids, and I have the entire month stretched out ahead of me like a North Dakota interstate. I usually am stressed and barely functional by mid-August, it seems. Many years, August is a difficult month at work, which usually initiates my downward spiral into the throes of worry, stress, anxiety, etc. It seems as though if things CAN go wrong in August, they DO go wrong. And there I am, awake every night until midnight, stressed, crabby, etc.
Soooo, I am more than happy to put August behind me. I would really like to change my thinking on this dreary month, since the weather is usually nice, and there is a lot to do. But, I will have to somehow shift my experience and my mindset first to accomplish an August that I actually enjoy.
But, here we are at the beginning of September, interestingly enough one of my favorite months (next to June and December). The kids have just returned to school, and Lilly has started preschool. This was a very difficult idea for me to grasp. My sweet, little baby. Baby of the babies. My little girl, my googey-head, my strong-willed, persnickety, lover of attention. How can it be? How can I be sending her off to school. Sure, I tell myself, it is only preschool. BUT, my experience has been that once they start school (even preschool), it is like someone hit the gas, and we are zooming through life. Measuring our days in terms of the school calendar (no school in two weeks, Christmas break is coming up, only 6 weeks until summer vacation). Before you know it, we are back at September, and I am sending my babies off to another level. So weird.
This being said, Lilly absolutely LOVED preschool, which makes it very hard to be mopey for too long, because she is simply joyful about the experience. Alex has begun fourth grade, and I am feeling really good about his year, too. He has a nice teacher, and he has done a lot of growing up over the summer, so I am thinking this will be his best year yet as far as his social and academic skills are concerned. Cameron has begun third grade, and I am certain he will have a great year. It maybe is a middle-child thing, but I have no concerns about this child. He is a smart boy, gets good grades, has lots of friends, is well-behaved, etc. I need to make sure sometimes, that I am giving him enough attention, because he requires very little.
I think that's about all for our lives today.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Reflections on "The Shack"
I just recently finished The Shack and actually re-read the middle portion slowly and carefully. This book can be interpreted as a touching story of the loss of a child, and a father's quest for setting things right. If interpreted this way, it is truly beautiful and redeeming, and very touching. Lots of tears were held back (yes, my mother's daughter) as I read the story. It can also be interpreted as a theological philosophy, a set of ideas and theories that could serve as the basis of one's faith. As I read the book, I realized that so many of these ideas and theories correlate with many of my own thoughts on my personal faith and "religion". As a Catholic, who chooses to remain Catholic, there are many rules, expectations, and doctrine that guides the faith of the people. I have decided long ago to pick and choose out of that basket, which I have always felt was a bit cowardly. For example, I do not believe in receiving credit for my monetary contributions to the church, I think that is corruption at its finest, that we are somehow judged based upon our financial support of the church. I believe a "plate" offering (money without an envelope) is the way to go. Or, I choose to support our Catholic school to my maximal financial potential, as opposed to the church itself. I have also struggled with the concept of confession, but have since decided (begrudgingly) that it is the most real way for me to stand face-to-face with my mistakes and shortcomings, and for me to feel true repentance for them. When I am in church, I rarely am focused on the scripture readings or the sermon, nor am I focused on the procedures of the Mass. I am focused on the presence of God, reflecting on his presence in my life during the week, and doing my best to express my thanks for all of the gifts I have been given. Oh, but this all sounds so righteous, doesn't it? Reading this book helped me to realize how much work I have to do, particularly in relating to other people who I live with and work with. The book helped me to see how wrong righteousness is, how the biggest wrong we can commit against each other is judgment. And how often do we judge? I can only speak for myself, but I participate in judgment on a daily, if not more frequent basis. How hard can it be to let go of judgment? Judgment makes me feel better, like a better person. It allows me to exert my goodness above someone else's wrongs. Oh, boy, do I have a lot of work to do!
I have assembled some of my favorite quotes from the book, the ones that give me the ability to ponder, that make me stop and think. I plan to carry them with me in my planner and hope to find the faith to review them and allow them to help guide me toward being a better person.
“When all you can see is your pain, perhaps then you lose sight of me?”
“The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love.”
“Those who love me come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims, Democrats, Republicans and many who don’t vote or are not a part of any Sunday morning or religious institutions. I have followers who were murderers and many who were self-righteous. Some are bankers and bookies, Americans and Iraqis, Jews and Palestinians. I have no desire to make them Christian, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters.”
“Most roads don’t lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you.”
“Grace doesn’t depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace.”
“Faith does not grow in the house of certainty.”
“My love is a lot bigger than your stupidity.”
“Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don’t. If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all.”
“You demand your independence, but then complain that I actually love you enough to give it to you.”
“It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way.”
“But can you clean your face with the same mirror that shows you how dirty you are? There is no mercy or grace in rules, not even for one mistake.”
“Responsibilities and expectations are the basis of guilt and shame and judgment, and they provide the essential framework that promotes performance as the basis for identity and value.”
“Why would I have any expectation other than what I already know? That would be foolish. And beyond that, because I have no expectations, you never disappoint me.”
“This is not about shaming you. I don’t do humiliation, or guilt, or condemnation. They don’t produce one speck of wholeness or righteousness, and that is why they were nailed into Jesus on the cross.”
“Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of another person’s throat.”
“Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver, to release you from something that will eat you alive; that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly.”
“Forgiveness does not excuse anything.”
“You may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely.”
“This world is full of tears, but if you remember I promised that it would be Me who would wipe them from your eyes”
I think this is a book every person should read and experience. It is not a book for Catholics, or for Christians. It is a book for every person who believes in the existence of God. It is for those who are solid in their faith, and for those of us who are always searching for the answers. The book truly contains words to live by.
Deep post, I know, but I want to share these thoughts with anyone who is reading this, that you might seek out some reflection of your own. If we all seek to eliminate the actions we commit that are hurtful and evil, this world would be a better place.
I have assembled some of my favorite quotes from the book, the ones that give me the ability to ponder, that make me stop and think. I plan to carry them with me in my planner and hope to find the faith to review them and allow them to help guide me toward being a better person.
“When all you can see is your pain, perhaps then you lose sight of me?”
“The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love.”
“Those who love me come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims, Democrats, Republicans and many who don’t vote or are not a part of any Sunday morning or religious institutions. I have followers who were murderers and many who were self-righteous. Some are bankers and bookies, Americans and Iraqis, Jews and Palestinians. I have no desire to make them Christian, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters.”
“Most roads don’t lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you.”
“Grace doesn’t depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace.”
“Faith does not grow in the house of certainty.”
“My love is a lot bigger than your stupidity.”
“Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don’t. If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all.”
“You demand your independence, but then complain that I actually love you enough to give it to you.”
“It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way.”
“But can you clean your face with the same mirror that shows you how dirty you are? There is no mercy or grace in rules, not even for one mistake.”
“Responsibilities and expectations are the basis of guilt and shame and judgment, and they provide the essential framework that promotes performance as the basis for identity and value.”
“Why would I have any expectation other than what I already know? That would be foolish. And beyond that, because I have no expectations, you never disappoint me.”
“This is not about shaming you. I don’t do humiliation, or guilt, or condemnation. They don’t produce one speck of wholeness or righteousness, and that is why they were nailed into Jesus on the cross.”
“Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of another person’s throat.”
“Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver, to release you from something that will eat you alive; that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly.”
“Forgiveness does not excuse anything.”
“You may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely.”
“This world is full of tears, but if you remember I promised that it would be Me who would wipe them from your eyes”
I think this is a book every person should read and experience. It is not a book for Catholics, or for Christians. It is a book for every person who believes in the existence of God. It is for those who are solid in their faith, and for those of us who are always searching for the answers. The book truly contains words to live by.
Deep post, I know, but I want to share these thoughts with anyone who is reading this, that you might seek out some reflection of your own. If we all seek to eliminate the actions we commit that are hurtful and evil, this world would be a better place.
Monday, June 29, 2009
The days are just packed!
That is the title of a Calvin and Hobbs book, and it seems to be a fitting theme for the summer so far. There isn't much happening that is new, just the everyday busy-ness. The boys are enjoying summer baseball, and I am starting to hit the point where I wonder, "how many weeks of this are left?". There are only four, and I know how fast that will go, then there will be only a little more than a month left of summer.
We are getting ready to head up north to Ed's aunt and uncle's cabin for the week. We are leaving on Thursday and will come home whenever we feel like it :-). We are both off from Friday the 3rd until Monday the 13th, so we have plenty of time to max and relax.
I have enjoyed working from home on Mondays, although it is a bit difficult to stay focused with all three kids at home. I have started putting in some hours on the weekends and/or during the week after the kids go to bed so that I don't have to be stuck at home the whole day on Mondays. It has been helpful, and it is nice to give the boys something to do away from home, even if it is something small, like going to a park for a picnic.
Not too much new to report...will post again later.
Robbie
We are getting ready to head up north to Ed's aunt and uncle's cabin for the week. We are leaving on Thursday and will come home whenever we feel like it :-). We are both off from Friday the 3rd until Monday the 13th, so we have plenty of time to max and relax.
I have enjoyed working from home on Mondays, although it is a bit difficult to stay focused with all three kids at home. I have started putting in some hours on the weekends and/or during the week after the kids go to bed so that I don't have to be stuck at home the whole day on Mondays. It has been helpful, and it is nice to give the boys something to do away from home, even if it is something small, like going to a park for a picnic.
Not too much new to report...will post again later.
Robbie
Monday, June 8, 2009
Another year wiser??
I have really neglected my poor blog, and all of you who are hanging on the site waiting for the next bit of exciting Holen news (I am totally joking, I realize our lives are blessedly boring!!!). There hasn't been much happening around here. We had our dance recital on the 17th of May, and I have thoroughly enjoyed not having commitments each weekend. We have been spending lots of time at home during the weekends, which is great because we are so busy during the week.
Poor Ed has been working about 55-60 hours each week for the past several weeks. It is hard on us both, he doesn't come home many nights until the kids are in bed, I don't get a chance to get out for a walk, and he is tired. So, the weekends are great for us to just lay low and gear up for another busy week.
The boys finished school on the 3rd, and I was so pleased with their report cards! Alex made a lot of progress from last trimester, more than I would have expected! I was so proud of him, and he was so proud of himself, which was such a good feeling! Cameron, once again, had just a stellar report card. It was great to end the year on a high note, and we are all so glad it is summer! I haven't always looked forward to summer vacation, but as the boys get older, the demands of school increase, and I am as ready for a break from it as they are!
I was off on the 4th and 5th, just in time for my birthday! I am such a birthday hog...I love, love, love June 5! It was, as it frequently is, a beautiful day outside. However, I spent a good portion of my day trying to figure out my new phone. Boy that can be frustrating! Ed came home from work early (he only worked 7 hours that day---I love that 4:00 was "early"). He had a princess cake and gifts for me! What a great guy, although he just fed the birthday beast! He gave me a gardening bag with new gardening tools, a Snuggie (which I am happily wearing right now), and a new iPod!!! I have been wanting a new iPod for the past 2 years! Mine was pretty old, and was getting to the point where it would only play music for about 15 minutes on a full battery. It was a great birthday, and I just love Ed for making it special for me. He is a keeper!
Then, I went to Watkins to the cemetery to see Mom's grave. It is kind of a morbid thing to do on my birthday, but it has become a tradition for me to go there on my birthday. Once I had kids of my own, I realized how special the day they were born is. Those three days were THE happiest days of my life. And I know, now, how she felt the day I was born. I feel it is a day that she and I should share. Generally, I go in the morning before work, but because I was off, I slept in (until the kids got up at 8), and didn't want to take the kids with me.
It still is very sad for me, and it always hits home being there. I never know if I should sit, stand, talk out loud, meditate, or what I should do. I just sat and listened to the birds and the traffic and thought about her. I wonder what my life would be like if she were here. It almost seems the more time that passes, the more frustrated I become. Maybe I am tired of it. I realize how cheated I have been, and that stinks! So many women my age have their moms there to help them with the kids, to answer questions about parenting, and to be one of the closest friends they have. I don't have that, and I don't like it at all. Maybe I am entering the "anger" phase of grief. Finally...after a short ten years, I have finally emerged from denial (???).
No, I know I have worked through my grief and have moved through various stages of grief. But every now and then it slaps me in the face, and is a cruel reminder that it is still there. I think it will always be there, lingering in the shadows, and will rear its head every once in awhile. In a way, though, I don't mind taking the time to feel sad, I know, then, that I have not forgotten about her, I haven't "moved on" so far that I don't feel sadness anymore. And, it helps me to feel close to her.
Anyway...this is supposed to be about my birthday!!! Thanks to all for your birthday wishes (I know I forced you to begrudgingly attend to me on or around my birthday, but oh, well...)! I am happy to be another year older, although I have a sneaking suspicion that in a few years, I won't be so excited for my birthday...
Gonna hit the sack...Good night!
Poor Ed has been working about 55-60 hours each week for the past several weeks. It is hard on us both, he doesn't come home many nights until the kids are in bed, I don't get a chance to get out for a walk, and he is tired. So, the weekends are great for us to just lay low and gear up for another busy week.
The boys finished school on the 3rd, and I was so pleased with their report cards! Alex made a lot of progress from last trimester, more than I would have expected! I was so proud of him, and he was so proud of himself, which was such a good feeling! Cameron, once again, had just a stellar report card. It was great to end the year on a high note, and we are all so glad it is summer! I haven't always looked forward to summer vacation, but as the boys get older, the demands of school increase, and I am as ready for a break from it as they are!
I was off on the 4th and 5th, just in time for my birthday! I am such a birthday hog...I love, love, love June 5! It was, as it frequently is, a beautiful day outside. However, I spent a good portion of my day trying to figure out my new phone. Boy that can be frustrating! Ed came home from work early (he only worked 7 hours that day---I love that 4:00 was "early"). He had a princess cake and gifts for me! What a great guy, although he just fed the birthday beast! He gave me a gardening bag with new gardening tools, a Snuggie (which I am happily wearing right now), and a new iPod!!! I have been wanting a new iPod for the past 2 years! Mine was pretty old, and was getting to the point where it would only play music for about 15 minutes on a full battery. It was a great birthday, and I just love Ed for making it special for me. He is a keeper!
Then, I went to Watkins to the cemetery to see Mom's grave. It is kind of a morbid thing to do on my birthday, but it has become a tradition for me to go there on my birthday. Once I had kids of my own, I realized how special the day they were born is. Those three days were THE happiest days of my life. And I know, now, how she felt the day I was born. I feel it is a day that she and I should share. Generally, I go in the morning before work, but because I was off, I slept in (until the kids got up at 8), and didn't want to take the kids with me.
It still is very sad for me, and it always hits home being there. I never know if I should sit, stand, talk out loud, meditate, or what I should do. I just sat and listened to the birds and the traffic and thought about her. I wonder what my life would be like if she were here. It almost seems the more time that passes, the more frustrated I become. Maybe I am tired of it. I realize how cheated I have been, and that stinks! So many women my age have their moms there to help them with the kids, to answer questions about parenting, and to be one of the closest friends they have. I don't have that, and I don't like it at all. Maybe I am entering the "anger" phase of grief. Finally...after a short ten years, I have finally emerged from denial (???).
No, I know I have worked through my grief and have moved through various stages of grief. But every now and then it slaps me in the face, and is a cruel reminder that it is still there. I think it will always be there, lingering in the shadows, and will rear its head every once in awhile. In a way, though, I don't mind taking the time to feel sad, I know, then, that I have not forgotten about her, I haven't "moved on" so far that I don't feel sadness anymore. And, it helps me to feel close to her.
Anyway...this is supposed to be about my birthday!!! Thanks to all for your birthday wishes (I know I forced you to begrudgingly attend to me on or around my birthday, but oh, well...)! I am happy to be another year older, although I have a sneaking suspicion that in a few years, I won't be so excited for my birthday...
Gonna hit the sack...Good night!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Control...what a beautiful thing
I seem to go in these spurts where my whole life feels like it is coming apart at the seams, I am moving from one fire to the next, not thinking about what I do next or what I did before. I am truly "in the moment" (Oprah would be so proud). I attribute it to the fact that there is just so much to attend to at every moment of the day. I love to live like this, it keeps me focused, it keeps me from "thinking" about things like...missing the kids when I am at work; will I ever be able to retire?; hmmm, I think we are just about out of groceries, etc. But, after so long, I begin to lose it. I feel like I have lost control in every area of my life. The ONLY thing to do is take it back. That is what I have done (plus having a little help with the calendar) this week.
On Monday, I spend 6+ hours doing paperwork. I have been so busy at work, and when you "live in the moment" (I am becoming an annoying "quote-user"), paperwork takes a big backseat because there is not a free minute to do it. Well, before I know it, my stack is huge! When I have a free half-hour, my stack is so big that I think I'll never make a dent in just 30 minutes...sooo, I'll just check my e-mail. I finally got the paperwork beast under control, and boy does it feel good!
On to the house...before Cameron's first communion, I had this place spotless. Well, I didn't really lift a finger since. So, because I have a wonderful husband who wouldn't let me lift a finger on Mothers' Day, I cleaned it Monday night. He and the kids tried...they really tried...to get the house clean on Mothers' Day, but I've got some pretty high standards that they just couldn't meet. But, I was so appreciative of their efforts! It is nice to be TOLD to lay on the couch and watch a movie. An aside...you know, after almost 12 years of marriage, 3 kids, countless stresses and ups and downs, I realize how lucky I am that we have reached this point, where we understand each other completely. He's a good guy, and I am lucky to have him! Anyway, long story short, I got the house in order too.
Then, the exercise. I have finally fallen into a nice routine of running about 3-4 times per week for almost 2 miles. I think the exercise is what is helping me to re-focus, tie up the loose ends, and finally come out of the fog. BUT, I have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints, and I am torn between working through it or resting. If I rest, will I lose my motivation? Will I fall back into the fog? I could try something low-impact, like biking (which I love), but I don't usually feel as worked as I do when I run. Any advice? I recently bought new shoes (Asics...I thought they were good, but I don't know if they are made specifically for running). I was going to try some arch supports. I think I am pronating my feet, putting stress on the muscles of my medial calf.
I am looking forward to the weekend, our dance recital!!!! Some years, by this time, I have just felt glad to get it over with. This year, though, I am so excited. I think this is our best year yet. Don't get me wrong, I will be breathing a sigh of relief on Sunday evening, when it is all over, but I just can't wait for the performance. I also have a meeting Thursday night, "book club" (aptly put in quotes because we often talk about everything but the book) Friday night, dance rehearsal Saturday, a birthday party for my nephew Nathan on Saturday, and the recital Sunday. So, busy, busy, busy. But next week....nothing. No meetings, no nothin.
The countdown is on...to MY BIRTHDAY!!! I am very excited for my birthday. For those who don't know, I love my birthday LIKE A KID! Because people know this, I usually get lots of attention on my special day, which, when you love your birthday like a kid, that's really what you want! I will be 34, and I am feeling pretty good about it. 33 was, all in all, a pretty good year. I am beginning to feel a little more on my feet, more confident, more competent, and just happier in general.
Anaway, such a busy post. I'm feeling great...feeling like I am finally getting some control over my life and hoping I can keep it for awhile.
On Monday, I spend 6+ hours doing paperwork. I have been so busy at work, and when you "live in the moment" (I am becoming an annoying "quote-user"), paperwork takes a big backseat because there is not a free minute to do it. Well, before I know it, my stack is huge! When I have a free half-hour, my stack is so big that I think I'll never make a dent in just 30 minutes...sooo, I'll just check my e-mail. I finally got the paperwork beast under control, and boy does it feel good!
On to the house...before Cameron's first communion, I had this place spotless. Well, I didn't really lift a finger since. So, because I have a wonderful husband who wouldn't let me lift a finger on Mothers' Day, I cleaned it Monday night. He and the kids tried...they really tried...to get the house clean on Mothers' Day, but I've got some pretty high standards that they just couldn't meet. But, I was so appreciative of their efforts! It is nice to be TOLD to lay on the couch and watch a movie. An aside...you know, after almost 12 years of marriage, 3 kids, countless stresses and ups and downs, I realize how lucky I am that we have reached this point, where we understand each other completely. He's a good guy, and I am lucky to have him! Anyway, long story short, I got the house in order too.
Then, the exercise. I have finally fallen into a nice routine of running about 3-4 times per week for almost 2 miles. I think the exercise is what is helping me to re-focus, tie up the loose ends, and finally come out of the fog. BUT, I have developed a pretty bad case of shin splints, and I am torn between working through it or resting. If I rest, will I lose my motivation? Will I fall back into the fog? I could try something low-impact, like biking (which I love), but I don't usually feel as worked as I do when I run. Any advice? I recently bought new shoes (Asics...I thought they were good, but I don't know if they are made specifically for running). I was going to try some arch supports. I think I am pronating my feet, putting stress on the muscles of my medial calf.
I am looking forward to the weekend, our dance recital!!!! Some years, by this time, I have just felt glad to get it over with. This year, though, I am so excited. I think this is our best year yet. Don't get me wrong, I will be breathing a sigh of relief on Sunday evening, when it is all over, but I just can't wait for the performance. I also have a meeting Thursday night, "book club" (aptly put in quotes because we often talk about everything but the book) Friday night, dance rehearsal Saturday, a birthday party for my nephew Nathan on Saturday, and the recital Sunday. So, busy, busy, busy. But next week....nothing. No meetings, no nothin.
The countdown is on...to MY BIRTHDAY!!! I am very excited for my birthday. For those who don't know, I love my birthday LIKE A KID! Because people know this, I usually get lots of attention on my special day, which, when you love your birthday like a kid, that's really what you want! I will be 34, and I am feeling pretty good about it. 33 was, all in all, a pretty good year. I am beginning to feel a little more on my feet, more confident, more competent, and just happier in general.
Anaway, such a busy post. I'm feeling great...feeling like I am finally getting some control over my life and hoping I can keep it for awhile.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Wow...
It has been quite some time since I last posted, I'm sure everyone has been anxiously awaiting the next exciting entry of mine where I rant on and on about how busy I am. Well, this one will be a little different, but not much. I will re-cap the past 3 weeks, as they have been very, very eventful.
First of all, the most shocking and difficult news we have had in a long time, Ed's brother-in-law was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in April. He sustained a head injury and is continuing to recover at Regions hospital. It has been three weeks, and thankfully, it appears as though he will make a full recovery! It was very tense the first few days, as he was sedated, on a ventilator, etc, but he has made tremendous progress in the past two weeks with his therapy and it looks as though he will be going home in another week or two. In comparison to this, all of the busy-ness and activity of our lives here really seems so minor. We are all so grateful for his recovery thus far, and continue to hope and pray for that complete and full recovery.
During the week that he was most critically ill, we also did not have any daycare. Our daycare provider had viral pneumonia. Our backup daycare is Ed's mom, who was unavailable because she was in the cities. It involved a bit of juggling of our work schedules to take care of Lilly while the boys were in school. Thankfully, Honey (my aunt) was able to watch Lilly for us on Thursday and Friday that week. Thank you so much, Honey!!!
So, when last week rolled around (April27), I was very much looking forward to a week where things are back to normal. Well...didn't happen.
On Wednesday morning, I was up early to go for a run/walk to the end of our road and back, when I saw I had a voicemail. I had 2 messages, one at 2 am, and one at 5:30 am. Being the calm, rational person I am, I immediately jumped to the conclusion that someone was dead, because why else would anyone call me at 2 am. However, the person calling was a parent from school who I barely know. I checked the message, and it was instructions to activate our phone tree. Being on the Home and School board at St. Boniface, it is my responsibility to contact about 12 families if there is ever an emergency that would impact the school. We needed to activate the phone tree because of a suspected case of Swine Flu, letting parents know that school would be closed that day. Now, if you live in MN, you are well-aware of this as the media from all of the local TV stations set up camp here in town for a few days. The suspected case was at the Middle School, but St. Boniface elected to close because St. B shares facilities with the Middle School. So, there was no school W, TH, or F that week.
That is crazy enough, but our Boni-Ball, a fundraiser that we on the H&S board have been planning since the beginning of the year was scheduled for Friday, May 1, and Cameron's First Communion was scheduled for Sunday, May 3. I have known for the past 9 months that this particular weekend was going to be very busy, and I could not wait to put those events behind me. Well, now, there was discussion that both events may be cancelled because of the Swine Flu. So for 2 straight evenings, it seems as though I was constantly on the phone, trying to inform my families for the phone tree, discussing our options if we cancel the Boni-Ball, etc. In the end, both events went as planned.
So, Friday, May 1, I took the day off of work to set up for the Boni-Ball, worked until 1am, got up Saturday morning to clean up, and then get the house ready for Cameron's First Communion. It was busy, busy, busy, but everything went off without a hitch! Monday was a great day, as I was relieved to have those hurdles behind me!
This week was much more typical, but I wouldn't say it was calm. Between the level of busy-ness at work (which is a great thing, don't get me wrong), the need to more carefully manage the therapist's schedules because they are getting so full, the Monday night meeting I had, the Thursday night Happy Hour, etc., it was crazy, but at least there was no major drama (with the exception of Ed's car breaking down at work and having to shell out $250 to fix it...).
I am finally home, on a Saturday. The first Saturday since the beginning of March that I have been able to be home all day. We have had dance practice every Saturday, but there is no practice this week. Next week, we have practice on Saturday morning, and our recital is on Sunday. I am SO excited for the recital, I think this is our best year so far in terms of our readiness for the performance. We even have costumes this year! It really is a beautiful thing, watching these girls with all of their challenges up on stage performing. And even more precious, to me, is seeing the joy on the faces of their parents! It makes all of the effort and the Saturdays away worth every minute! If you are able to be there to watch, it is at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School at 1 pm on Sunday, May 17.
Monday, May 18, I will officially be commitment-free. My term on the H&S board has ended, we have one final Boni-Ball meeting on May 14, and after the 17th, dance is over for another year. I am looking so forward to being home every night after work with no meetings, and I am looking forward to having Saturdays to be home again.
Here's to a nice quiet day at home today, and hopes for the next few weeks to be boring and dull!
First of all, the most shocking and difficult news we have had in a long time, Ed's brother-in-law was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in April. He sustained a head injury and is continuing to recover at Regions hospital. It has been three weeks, and thankfully, it appears as though he will make a full recovery! It was very tense the first few days, as he was sedated, on a ventilator, etc, but he has made tremendous progress in the past two weeks with his therapy and it looks as though he will be going home in another week or two. In comparison to this, all of the busy-ness and activity of our lives here really seems so minor. We are all so grateful for his recovery thus far, and continue to hope and pray for that complete and full recovery.
During the week that he was most critically ill, we also did not have any daycare. Our daycare provider had viral pneumonia. Our backup daycare is Ed's mom, who was unavailable because she was in the cities. It involved a bit of juggling of our work schedules to take care of Lilly while the boys were in school. Thankfully, Honey (my aunt) was able to watch Lilly for us on Thursday and Friday that week. Thank you so much, Honey!!!
So, when last week rolled around (April27), I was very much looking forward to a week where things are back to normal. Well...didn't happen.
On Wednesday morning, I was up early to go for a run/walk to the end of our road and back, when I saw I had a voicemail. I had 2 messages, one at 2 am, and one at 5:30 am. Being the calm, rational person I am, I immediately jumped to the conclusion that someone was dead, because why else would anyone call me at 2 am. However, the person calling was a parent from school who I barely know. I checked the message, and it was instructions to activate our phone tree. Being on the Home and School board at St. Boniface, it is my responsibility to contact about 12 families if there is ever an emergency that would impact the school. We needed to activate the phone tree because of a suspected case of Swine Flu, letting parents know that school would be closed that day. Now, if you live in MN, you are well-aware of this as the media from all of the local TV stations set up camp here in town for a few days. The suspected case was at the Middle School, but St. Boniface elected to close because St. B shares facilities with the Middle School. So, there was no school W, TH, or F that week.
That is crazy enough, but our Boni-Ball, a fundraiser that we on the H&S board have been planning since the beginning of the year was scheduled for Friday, May 1, and Cameron's First Communion was scheduled for Sunday, May 3. I have known for the past 9 months that this particular weekend was going to be very busy, and I could not wait to put those events behind me. Well, now, there was discussion that both events may be cancelled because of the Swine Flu. So for 2 straight evenings, it seems as though I was constantly on the phone, trying to inform my families for the phone tree, discussing our options if we cancel the Boni-Ball, etc. In the end, both events went as planned.
So, Friday, May 1, I took the day off of work to set up for the Boni-Ball, worked until 1am, got up Saturday morning to clean up, and then get the house ready for Cameron's First Communion. It was busy, busy, busy, but everything went off without a hitch! Monday was a great day, as I was relieved to have those hurdles behind me!
This week was much more typical, but I wouldn't say it was calm. Between the level of busy-ness at work (which is a great thing, don't get me wrong), the need to more carefully manage the therapist's schedules because they are getting so full, the Monday night meeting I had, the Thursday night Happy Hour, etc., it was crazy, but at least there was no major drama (with the exception of Ed's car breaking down at work and having to shell out $250 to fix it...).
I am finally home, on a Saturday. The first Saturday since the beginning of March that I have been able to be home all day. We have had dance practice every Saturday, but there is no practice this week. Next week, we have practice on Saturday morning, and our recital is on Sunday. I am SO excited for the recital, I think this is our best year so far in terms of our readiness for the performance. We even have costumes this year! It really is a beautiful thing, watching these girls with all of their challenges up on stage performing. And even more precious, to me, is seeing the joy on the faces of their parents! It makes all of the effort and the Saturdays away worth every minute! If you are able to be there to watch, it is at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School at 1 pm on Sunday, May 17.
Monday, May 18, I will officially be commitment-free. My term on the H&S board has ended, we have one final Boni-Ball meeting on May 14, and after the 17th, dance is over for another year. I am looking so forward to being home every night after work with no meetings, and I am looking forward to having Saturdays to be home again.
Here's to a nice quiet day at home today, and hopes for the next few weeks to be boring and dull!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Like sands through the hourglass
The intro to one of my all-time favorite shows, Days of Our Lives (which, incidentally, I no longer watch because it has really gotten bad....I've tried coming back to it a few times, but it never holds my attention for longer than a few weeks). My life feels like sands through the hourglass...one day flowing into the next, one week down, a weekend, another week, before I know it, a month has gone by. I just want to put on the brakes! I am, as always, very busy, and things are busy everywhere! Cameron has started up with karate for another six weeks, and that is on Tuesday nights at 6:00. Every other Tuesday, Alex has Boy Scouts at 6:30 or 7:00, and he has choir on Wednesday mornings. Not to mention being a mom who works, has to come home and make supper, help with homework, etc. I am trying not to complain, because this is the path I have chosen for myself, but I honestly need an extra hour or two in the day! Ed has been pretty busy with tax prep this year, although it is APRIL 16 (!!!!!) so it should be wrapping up (just a few odds and ends, yet), so he will--hopefully--provide some respite.
This is the first year that I am actually looking forward to summer vacation for the boys. I generally love the structure that school provides, I loved it when I was a kid, and still do. But it has been so demanding to try to stay on top of everything, to make sure the homework is not only done, but is done correctly, to do study guides when there are tests, to work on spelling words, and oh, don't forget the 20 minutes of reading every night. Our house feels like an army barrack, with every minute accounted for in the evening. Now that the weather is nice, the kids want to be outside, which is great, but it makes squeezing all of that stuff into the 2.5 hours we have in the evening before bed a bit tricky! I also never look forward to summer vacation because of the huge hit of full-time daycare for three kids (spendy, spendy, spendy). But, that money will be well worth it to not have to deal with the craziness of school!
Anyway, enough ranting! We have all been healthy and well during this spring, with the exception of one little cold virus that is making the rounds. Not sure if it is a cold or if it is allergies. We recently exhumed all of the totes from our crawl-space and converted the crawl space into a play area. It was a musty, dusty job, but so worth it to have a place for the kids to play. Our house is pretty small (about 1900 total square feet), and we don't have a play-room, so it is nice to have a little place for them (trust me, it is little).
I am getting ready for Cameron's first communion, which is on May 3. Hard to believe that our little guy is getting that big. I was pretty emotional during Alex's First Communion, so maybe this year it won't be so hard because I am now expecting it to be emotional. (I had a hard time with it because it was the first event for one of my children that really had nothing to do with me. He was there in his little suit, doing his thing, and I just sat back and watched--I wasn't prepared for that to hit me, but it did).
Well, that post was pretty boring, but there is nothing much to say. We are loving this weather--who doesn't??--and I am getting antsy to get out into the garden. I'm outta here...
This is the first year that I am actually looking forward to summer vacation for the boys. I generally love the structure that school provides, I loved it when I was a kid, and still do. But it has been so demanding to try to stay on top of everything, to make sure the homework is not only done, but is done correctly, to do study guides when there are tests, to work on spelling words, and oh, don't forget the 20 minutes of reading every night. Our house feels like an army barrack, with every minute accounted for in the evening. Now that the weather is nice, the kids want to be outside, which is great, but it makes squeezing all of that stuff into the 2.5 hours we have in the evening before bed a bit tricky! I also never look forward to summer vacation because of the huge hit of full-time daycare for three kids (spendy, spendy, spendy). But, that money will be well worth it to not have to deal with the craziness of school!
Anyway, enough ranting! We have all been healthy and well during this spring, with the exception of one little cold virus that is making the rounds. Not sure if it is a cold or if it is allergies. We recently exhumed all of the totes from our crawl-space and converted the crawl space into a play area. It was a musty, dusty job, but so worth it to have a place for the kids to play. Our house is pretty small (about 1900 total square feet), and we don't have a play-room, so it is nice to have a little place for them (trust me, it is little).
I am getting ready for Cameron's first communion, which is on May 3. Hard to believe that our little guy is getting that big. I was pretty emotional during Alex's First Communion, so maybe this year it won't be so hard because I am now expecting it to be emotional. (I had a hard time with it because it was the first event for one of my children that really had nothing to do with me. He was there in his little suit, doing his thing, and I just sat back and watched--I wasn't prepared for that to hit me, but it did).
Well, that post was pretty boring, but there is nothing much to say. We are loving this weather--who doesn't??--and I am getting antsy to get out into the garden. I'm outta here...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)