that I want to move?
Well, I do.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
What Dreams are Made Of
In my mom's culture, signs are prevalent as are old wives' tales. Have you ever heard of Evil Eye? Silly, I know.
Ultimately, though, our faith is in God alone. And I'm pretty sure HE sent me a sign in a dream this afternoon.
A few months ago, my mom approached me about helping find my grandfather's family. I worked at one time as a librarian in the local genealogy hub. So, I thought this would be easy and fun -- like solving a mystery.
Well, unfortunately, there's little to go on ... except this information shared by momma.
At 15 months, my grandfather's mother (my great-grandmother) died giving birth to a little girl, Maria Angelina. It was a choice between her or her baby girl, and she chose herself. Only six months later, the baby girl would pass away, too. My great-grandfather, being a single working dad now, sent my grandfather to live with family, particularly plenty of aunts. My grandfather returned to Mexico where he met and married another woman and had children with her. One day, they came back for my grandfather. Papaw was very ready to rejoin his family only he overheard his stepmother say she did not want him. So when his father later approached him about coming to live with him, my grandfather said no, that he wanted to stay with extended family. It was not until he was an adult that papaw reunited with his half-brothers and sisters. He never knew much of anything about his mother. On his birthday, Oct. 4 1989, one of the aunts who had helped raise him decided she would give him papers about his family she had held on to and kept from him for many years -- birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. My grandfather was never able to look at the information. He died the next day, Oct. 5, 1989, of a massive heart attack.
My grandmother would later put away the papers for safe keeping. Unfortunately, age has set in and a couple of moves later, and Grandma can't remember what she did with the papers. My aunt did find something behind a photograph.
Recently, she and my mom have taken up the challenge of finding my grandfather's family. Not sure why the urge to pursue now, but of course I want to help. I guess age and the realization of our own immortality drives us. For me, Millie's diabetes spurs me. What if she or another member of the family needed something medically? Or maybe there are cousins who need us?
So mom and I have been discussing, and I have begun researching. It's been on my mind.
But today, my Papaw paid me a visit.
I was having what used to be a typical dream for me as a sorority rush advisor -- a sorority recruitment dream. You know where you plan an event and you're not ready. Anyway, I was in a room full of sorority sisters and then I turned around, and all of a sudden I was outside with all of my family. I mean everyone. My mom kept saying an announcement would be made soon! I was for sure it was that my cousins were expecting again. All of a sudden, a bus headed over a hill toward us. I could tell by shadows, it was full of people. Immediately, I began sobbing. I turned over my shoulder. And there he was. My grandfather. He stood there silently looking out over the land. I walked over to him and hugged him so tight. He never said anything but hugged me back. Amazing how you can feel and smell and touch someone in a dream. I turned and told my family, "It's papaw's family." We all ran to the bus to meet them. Everyone, except papaw. I startled awake, crying. I cried trying to figure out what had just transcribed in my sleep. And once I composed myself, I called my mom to tell her.
She got the same out of my dream. My papaw had come to tell us he wants us to pursue our search for his mother's family, and he will guide us to them. Eventually, we will find someone. Mom thinks he did not come with us because he knows who they are already. He's in heaven, probably even with some of them. He knows who they are. I thought that was such a lovely sentiment.
Mom encouraged me to compose myself. She knows this is a "sign" God sent to let us know this is something that would certainly please my grandfather. And yes, I cried because of this revelation. But also because I have so very few dreams with my grandfather in them. I was so grateful to see and touch him.
What a precious gift!
Ultimately, though, our faith is in God alone. And I'm pretty sure HE sent me a sign in a dream this afternoon.
A few months ago, my mom approached me about helping find my grandfather's family. I worked at one time as a librarian in the local genealogy hub. So, I thought this would be easy and fun -- like solving a mystery.
Well, unfortunately, there's little to go on ... except this information shared by momma.
At 15 months, my grandfather's mother (my great-grandmother) died giving birth to a little girl, Maria Angelina. It was a choice between her or her baby girl, and she chose herself. Only six months later, the baby girl would pass away, too. My great-grandfather, being a single working dad now, sent my grandfather to live with family, particularly plenty of aunts. My grandfather returned to Mexico where he met and married another woman and had children with her. One day, they came back for my grandfather. Papaw was very ready to rejoin his family only he overheard his stepmother say she did not want him. So when his father later approached him about coming to live with him, my grandfather said no, that he wanted to stay with extended family. It was not until he was an adult that papaw reunited with his half-brothers and sisters. He never knew much of anything about his mother. On his birthday, Oct. 4 1989, one of the aunts who had helped raise him decided she would give him papers about his family she had held on to and kept from him for many years -- birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. My grandfather was never able to look at the information. He died the next day, Oct. 5, 1989, of a massive heart attack.
My grandmother would later put away the papers for safe keeping. Unfortunately, age has set in and a couple of moves later, and Grandma can't remember what she did with the papers. My aunt did find something behind a photograph.
Recently, she and my mom have taken up the challenge of finding my grandfather's family. Not sure why the urge to pursue now, but of course I want to help. I guess age and the realization of our own immortality drives us. For me, Millie's diabetes spurs me. What if she or another member of the family needed something medically? Or maybe there are cousins who need us?
So mom and I have been discussing, and I have begun researching. It's been on my mind.
But today, my Papaw paid me a visit.
I was having what used to be a typical dream for me as a sorority rush advisor -- a sorority recruitment dream. You know where you plan an event and you're not ready. Anyway, I was in a room full of sorority sisters and then I turned around, and all of a sudden I was outside with all of my family. I mean everyone. My mom kept saying an announcement would be made soon! I was for sure it was that my cousins were expecting again. All of a sudden, a bus headed over a hill toward us. I could tell by shadows, it was full of people. Immediately, I began sobbing. I turned over my shoulder. And there he was. My grandfather. He stood there silently looking out over the land. I walked over to him and hugged him so tight. He never said anything but hugged me back. Amazing how you can feel and smell and touch someone in a dream. I turned and told my family, "It's papaw's family." We all ran to the bus to meet them. Everyone, except papaw. I startled awake, crying. I cried trying to figure out what had just transcribed in my sleep. And once I composed myself, I called my mom to tell her.
She got the same out of my dream. My papaw had come to tell us he wants us to pursue our search for his mother's family, and he will guide us to them. Eventually, we will find someone. Mom thinks he did not come with us because he knows who they are already. He's in heaven, probably even with some of them. He knows who they are. I thought that was such a lovely sentiment.
Mom encouraged me to compose myself. She knows this is a "sign" God sent to let us know this is something that would certainly please my grandfather. And yes, I cried because of this revelation. But also because I have so very few dreams with my grandfather in them. I was so grateful to see and touch him.
What a precious gift!
The Lucky Swimsuit
Is nowhere to be found. My guess is it was tossed in the garbage. After swim, it goes in a plastic shopping bag in the laundry room. And Daddy must have mistaken it for a bag of garbage. It was yellow. It had a tutu. It was precious. And it was lucky!
I promised a replacement, so we returned to Old Navy. No yellows. Only Easter egg pink. We bought that one in the meantime.
But looky, looky what I've found here (WWW.JANIEANDJACK.COM)!
How convenient. New rules for advanced swimmers say that have to wear goggles and in some cases swim caps. Millie isn't advanced yet. Although, she did recently just graduate from preschool beginner. But these are too presh to pass up!
I promised a replacement, so we returned to Old Navy. No yellows. Only Easter egg pink. We bought that one in the meantime.
But looky, looky what I've found here (WWW.JANIEANDJACK.COM)!
How convenient. New rules for advanced swimmers say that have to wear goggles and in some cases swim caps. Millie isn't advanced yet. Although, she did recently just graduate from preschool beginner. But these are too presh to pass up!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Civilization Fair
On Friday, Eric, Millie and I had the opportunity to visit Brother's school for civilization fair. Each grade of lower school is assigned a civilization to study for six to nine weeks. In the curriculum, the students are immersed in the culture -- art, science, social studies, music, etc.
We thought Abe was performing. Turned out he didn't but did parade in his costume. PS3 studied Africa, so he wore a colorful tunic and cylindrical shaped hat he had decorated with shapes. So cute. His had trouble staying on. Even cuter!!!
(Funny aside: We hadn't received any notes about the performance other than there was going to be a fair. When I asked Abe if he was singing. He said, "No." When I asked if he needed anything for a costume. He told me he needed tights. Good thing I didn't listen!!!)
We watched the fair and were able to sit by the Parents Association president who helpfully narrated us through our first fair! It was very enjoyable. I think the vikings were our favorite, only because of Eric the Red!! Millie was very excited to read her daddy's name in the program. Afterward, we were able to visit Abe's classroom and see all the fun projects he had been working on. He and his classmates showed us the "savannah" they had been growing and all the fun artwork.
It was a another great event at that little school. We fall more and more in love each time we're there! When it was time to leave, Abe had the option of coming home with us. But guess what! He wanted to stay! Couldn't tear him away. And well, that's just comforting to a momma. Congrats on your first civilization fair, Abe!
Easy, Cheesy
Lucky me! On my day to volunteer at Millie's preschool I was copying some little leprechauns, when lo and behold one of the teachers walked in with the "recipe of the week" -- broccolli soup. On that particular day, it didn't sound so appealing because, well, it was HOT. Turns out, Mother Nature was only teasing us with warm weather. Today was a bit chilly. So thankfully, I had asked for the copy of the recipe. I think the note at the top of the recipe sealed the deal: "You can't 'goof' up this recipe!"
And I didn't!
Here it is:
Broccoli Cheese Soup
1 stick of butter
1 onion, chopped
1 cup of chicken broth (I used 99% fat free, no added MSG)
1/4 lb. Velveeta cheese (2%)
1 jar jalapeno Cheez Whiz (could not find jalapeno; so sad)
3 cans cream of mushroom soup (used the fat free)
1 cup of milk (2%; next time I'll try with our regular skim)
1 large bag of frozen chopped broccoli (steam in a bag, baby!)
Cook broccoli according to package directions. Saute onions in butter. Add broth and cheese and heat until blended. Add soup, milk and cooked broccoli. Simmer.
It made a pretty big pot. Next time, I might try olive oil instead of butter. But then again, it might be the butter that really sends this over the edge. The soup was so yummy! I boiled some boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them up and then poured the soup over it. I didn't do so well at counting the carb as I made, but there is some. Now I know what you're thinking -- Velveeta and Cheez Whiz -- this thing has to taste like plastic. But no, sir, it does not! Try it. Tastes good alone, will taste good over some brown rice, which may be a side to some turkey meatloaf tomorrow night.
Talk about the right place at the right time! Lucky little leprechauns!
And I didn't!
Here it is:
Broccoli Cheese Soup
1 stick of butter
1 onion, chopped
1 cup of chicken broth (I used 99% fat free, no added MSG)
1/4 lb. Velveeta cheese (2%)
1 jar jalapeno Cheez Whiz (could not find jalapeno; so sad)
3 cans cream of mushroom soup (used the fat free)
1 cup of milk (2%; next time I'll try with our regular skim)
1 large bag of frozen chopped broccoli (steam in a bag, baby!)
Cook broccoli according to package directions. Saute onions in butter. Add broth and cheese and heat until blended. Add soup, milk and cooked broccoli. Simmer.
It made a pretty big pot. Next time, I might try olive oil instead of butter. But then again, it might be the butter that really sends this over the edge. The soup was so yummy! I boiled some boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them up and then poured the soup over it. I didn't do so well at counting the carb as I made, but there is some. Now I know what you're thinking -- Velveeta and Cheez Whiz -- this thing has to taste like plastic. But no, sir, it does not! Try it. Tastes good alone, will taste good over some brown rice, which may be a side to some turkey meatloaf tomorrow night.
Talk about the right place at the right time! Lucky little leprechauns!
Krewe of Highland
Is it weird to want to cry at a parade? Today, I certainly wanted to. It was more of a celebratory urge. This time last year we were unknowingly in the midst of the beginning of our journey with type 1 diabetes. My little Millie was rather sick with UTI No. Who Knows. Yet, she wanted some kind of fun in what was probably one of the darkest times in her little life. She championed through the parade last year. By the end, she was crying and thirsty, ready for home.
This year was so different! She had been looking forward to the parade all week. And she had a blast, smiling, dancing around, waving for beads, sitting on her daddy's shoulders. The weather was beautiful -- sunny and clear -- a little cold but once you got to moving around for those throws, it was easy to get sweaty. The children loved seeing their librarian Doctor Spaghetti. She threw ... You guessed it! Spaghetti! Unfortunately, we didn't catch it. Wink, wink! Abe looked so tiny amid the crowd, but he waved his little hands like no other! On our way home, we ran into Little Pumpkin Grace and her mommy, daddy and brother! It was great to see friends. We love this little family friendly parade. Next year, we will either walk to it from our house or ride in with our own float! Maybe a JDRF float? Now that would be fun ... a bunch of diabetic children throwing healthy snacks!
All in all, a grand day honoring traditions, celebrating culture, spending time with family and praising victories. This one is hers!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Swelling
... with pride.
I mean I really admire them. Really, truly.
Amelia, well, her bravery, wisdom and sense of humor.
Abe his love, tenacity, spirit.
Excerpt from my devotional this evening ...
Scripture: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3)
Reading:
"To My Child"
from a "Gift from God: Meditations for New Mothers"
"When did I lose that self-delight? What happened to my awareness that every day I can do some things I have never been able to do before? What made me content to stop trying out yesterday's impossibilities to see if they could be done today? Does being grown up mean being content with 'what is' when we could be striving for 'what could be'? Inspire me, Child, to stretch my world as you stretch yours."
I mean I really admire them. Really, truly.
Amelia, well, her bravery, wisdom and sense of humor.
Abe his love, tenacity, spirit.
Excerpt from my devotional this evening ...
Scripture: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3)
Reading:
"To My Child"
from a "Gift from God: Meditations for New Mothers"
"When did I lose that self-delight? What happened to my awareness that every day I can do some things I have never been able to do before? What made me content to stop trying out yesterday's impossibilities to see if they could be done today? Does being grown up mean being content with 'what is' when we could be striving for 'what could be'? Inspire me, Child, to stretch my world as you stretch yours."
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