Much has taken place over the past month. The semester ended and the stress level increased and I had trouble remembering the pledge I made to myself to put family first. The rest would and will all take care of itself. Then, my sister called and asked if we would be interested in helping her celebrate her 40th birthday, and my nephew celebrate his 12th. What a beautiful way to remember that I need to leave school at school, as much as possible, and embrace family.
The weekend before leaving for Columbus, I made chocolate pudding. Syd was helping me whip it up and very surreptitiously snuck a finger-full of the delectable substance. I gasped and made a huge deal out of him sticking his finger in the bowl, which, of course, encouraged him all the more. The joys of childhood come in chocolate smeared faces and giggling over pudding.
My sister has three children, the youngest a few years older than Sydney. But this means I get lots of awesome hand-me-downs! Steve and Syd play in a Bob the Builder collapsible bulldozer that we got to bring home with us! Thanks, Aunt Dawn and Uncle Steve!!
Happy 40th Birthday, Dawn! I am so thankful to have you as a big sis - someone to whom I've looked for guidance whether explicitly or implicitly over the years.Happy 12th Birthday, Nate! You are growing in to a young man so quickly! What a joy for your Mom to have your birthday so near to celebrate, and what a connection the two of you will always enjoy!
Emily and Syd pose for the camera. Syd is anxiously awaiting the birthday cake!!
(No, she's not that tiny. It is the angle of the photo I snapped, and the fact that she was skidding in to place as the flash went off. Quick little whippersnapper!)
Family
And, on a side note, the embracing of family was a dear reminder that we all needed. My brother-in-law made the comment that the only time we seemed to get together as a family in the past 18 months was for a funeral. Life is far too short, and family is far too sweet. Fitting sentiments, too, as Valentine's Day was yesterday. The reminiscing that took place over a glass of wine and birthday cake was as sweet as any Valentine's chocolates I received. Family, to me, is any group of people who are dear to my heart. I have work family, home family, blood family. I just hope anyone who is in my family knows how deeply I care for them.
Emily and Syd pose for the camera. Syd is anxiously awaiting the birthday cake!!(No, she's not that tiny. It is the angle of the photo I snapped, and the fact that she was skidding in to place as the flash went off. Quick little whippersnapper!)
FamilyAnd, on a side note, the embracing of family was a dear reminder that we all needed. My brother-in-law made the comment that the only time we seemed to get together as a family in the past 18 months was for a funeral. Life is far too short, and family is far too sweet. Fitting sentiments, too, as Valentine's Day was yesterday. The reminiscing that took place over a glass of wine and birthday cake was as sweet as any Valentine's chocolates I received. Family, to me, is any group of people who are dear to my heart. I have work family, home family, blood family. I just hope anyone who is in my family knows how deeply I care for them.
Love your post and pictures, Dionne! We had such a good time with all of you- I didn't want it to end!! I love the book, bookmark, and cards you gave me, too. I think the book will be a lovely way to look back on the 40 years I've been on earth and the 40 to come. I'll be sure to share it with you when it's done.
ReplyDeleteI got to catch up on your past posts and was so excited when I read about YOUR book. I know you mentioned it to me when you were here but it didn't convey how hard you've worked and what a sacrifice it's been. I can't wait to read it!! Love to you and your boys!:) XOXOXO