I want to share the incredible moments that I have experienced over the last several days, but I am simply too exhausted.
At the moment, DH and Murray are napping, and my dad and I are reading the paper. I have a lot to think about, so before my next post I will work on my thoughts and attempt to convey then coherently. Until then, be peaceful.
-M
My Plate is Full (and My Cup Runneth Over)
I woke up this morning in excruciating pain. My lower back was screaming at me as if I had personally offended it. I made it to my office, and promptly went down the hall to the chiropractor (thank goodness we share a building). Turns out my pelvis is out of whack (probably due to moving and lifting things by myself last night) which in turn causes muscle spasms and much pain. I will need a 2 more visits, and then he said we should have it cleared up. But, until Tuesday, he expects I will be hurting.
So, no big deal really. There are worse things. The timing is rotten, as this weekend is going to be a zoo. My dad is arriving at our home tonight. Tomorrow, Grandpa and Grandma will join us in Fargo for a small celebration in honor of our mom. Some of her colleagues put together a motorcycle rally for those who have passed during their time with ND BCI. Unbelievably, considering the type of work they do, there have only been four who have died since 1916, the first. The last three who expired during their tenure have all taken place in the last three years. Anyway, after the ceremony, Maggie, myself, and my dad will hop on a plane to Denver to visit Flynn and Pat. One of our cousins will meet us in Denver as well. This will be the highlight of my weekend. I am very excited to see Flynn.
When I land on Sunday, I will run home and get ready for the sad (part II) of the weekend. The prayer service for Evelyn (Craig's grandmother) is on Sunday evening with the funeral to take place on Monday morning. It will be difficult, to say the least.
My point of all of this is not to whine. In fact, I'm loving every minute of this crazy life. What amazes me is how so much can happen in an instant, or an hour, or a year. It's just as I said yesterday: we appreciate the good and find what good we can in the bad. I'm going to do just that. At least for today. One step at a time. . .
So, no big deal really. There are worse things. The timing is rotten, as this weekend is going to be a zoo. My dad is arriving at our home tonight. Tomorrow, Grandpa and Grandma will join us in Fargo for a small celebration in honor of our mom. Some of her colleagues put together a motorcycle rally for those who have passed during their time with ND BCI. Unbelievably, considering the type of work they do, there have only been four who have died since 1916, the first. The last three who expired during their tenure have all taken place in the last three years. Anyway, after the ceremony, Maggie, myself, and my dad will hop on a plane to Denver to visit Flynn and Pat. One of our cousins will meet us in Denver as well. This will be the highlight of my weekend. I am very excited to see Flynn.
When I land on Sunday, I will run home and get ready for the sad (part II) of the weekend. The prayer service for Evelyn (Craig's grandmother) is on Sunday evening with the funeral to take place on Monday morning. It will be difficult, to say the least.
My point of all of this is not to whine. In fact, I'm loving every minute of this crazy life. What amazes me is how so much can happen in an instant, or an hour, or a year. It's just as I said yesterday: we appreciate the good and find what good we can in the bad. I'm going to do just that. At least for today. One step at a time. . .
A Trip Down Memory Lane
I was just sorting through photos to find some of Evelyn and Murray together. I suddenly found myself cruising down memory lane. First, to November 3, 2007 - the day our lives changed forever (the loss of our beloved mom). Then, just 11 days later, November 14, 2007 when our little Murray entered the world and we transformed ourselves again. Oh, how those days were some of the most painful and the most joyous times all at once. It was and still is, a tumultuous time for us, but really, isn't that what living life is all about? Taking the good and appreciating it; taking the bad and finding the good. At least for today, that's what I will do.

Sad News
We had what I would call a rough-and-tumble -topsy-turvey - upside - down week.
Craig and I and Murray were swing-set shopping early Saturday morning when we received one of those phone calls that you dread getting: Craig's grandemother had suffered a massive stroke and had been taken via ambulance to Meritcare. Unsure of the prognosis, we left for the hospital. Sadly, Evelyn passed away late that morning. She was quite the lady and will be greatly missed by many.
It was very difficult to be cheerful on Sunday. We went out for lunch but our celebration of Father's Day was half-hearted. We were still in a state of shock and grieving as well. I ended up with an enormous headache so we took a long, much-needed family nap after our outing. It was early to bed for all of us, despite the snooze.
I still have a headache, although now it's more like a dull, nagging pain. This is day three and frankly, I'm quite tired of it. I did finally make it to work today, but not until almost 10:30. It's wearing me down!
I leave for Denver on Friday to finally see Flynn after her accident. She was supposed to have the halo cast removed last week, but the doctors decided that it must stay on for another month or so. This was very disappointing news, but we are still very excited to spend some time with her and learn about her "bubble", as she calls Craig Hospital.
I am off to visit the twins. More soon.
Craig and I and Murray were swing-set shopping early Saturday morning when we received one of those phone calls that you dread getting: Craig's grandemother had suffered a massive stroke and had been taken via ambulance to Meritcare. Unsure of the prognosis, we left for the hospital. Sadly, Evelyn passed away late that morning. She was quite the lady and will be greatly missed by many.
It was very difficult to be cheerful on Sunday. We went out for lunch but our celebration of Father's Day was half-hearted. We were still in a state of shock and grieving as well. I ended up with an enormous headache so we took a long, much-needed family nap after our outing. It was early to bed for all of us, despite the snooze.
I still have a headache, although now it's more like a dull, nagging pain. This is day three and frankly, I'm quite tired of it. I did finally make it to work today, but not until almost 10:30. It's wearing me down!
I leave for Denver on Friday to finally see Flynn after her accident. She was supposed to have the halo cast removed last week, but the doctors decided that it must stay on for another month or so. This was very disappointing news, but we are still very excited to spend some time with her and learn about her "bubble", as she calls Craig Hospital.
I am off to visit the twins. More soon.
What The?
Lately it seems that I don't have very many readers; which is fine, because writing is my therapy and my passion. I'm okay if there isn't interest in the comings and goings that are my life. But today I logged on and to my great excitement I had a new comment! I was thrilled until I read it. You can find it under my last post (Miscellaneous). If you read the comment, you'll understand the title of today's post.
Murray and I and some friends went to Midwest Kid's Fest today. We entered the teddy bear parade and although both Pooh Bear and Blue were missing, I found a cheap elephant for him to hold in his wagon. It was a fun day, although hot. Murray loved the goats, the puppet show and his hot dog. Other than that, he didn't have a great time. Oh, he did have fun with the the pre-k games that my co-worker's church set up. BRILLIANT!
I'm off to wake Murray up from a brief nap. I'm taking him to the twins house with me. I may be crazy, but I'm looking forward to it. I'll let you know how it goes. . .
Murray and I and some friends went to Midwest Kid's Fest today. We entered the teddy bear parade and although both Pooh Bear and Blue were missing, I found a cheap elephant for him to hold in his wagon. It was a fun day, although hot. Murray loved the goats, the puppet show and his hot dog. Other than that, he didn't have a great time. Oh, he did have fun with the the pre-k games that my co-worker's church set up. BRILLIANT!
I'm off to wake Murray up from a brief nap. I'm taking him to the twins house with me. I may be crazy, but I'm looking forward to it. I'll let you know how it goes. . .
Miscellaneous Things
Do you ever wonder why things happen? I was thinking today about all of the things in life (and not just my life) and began to question. Some things are simple, others are a bit more complex.
Yesterday we received a phone call that several members of ND BCI are having a motorcycle rally for their fallen agents. They plan to leave headquarters and visit the families (there are 3 as of late) of those deceased. We are all honored, to say the least. I will not disclose the location or time, because we need some privacy during this tribute to my mom and her late colleagues. We are touched; thrilled that our mom, daughter, sister, and friend will be recognized.
On another note: the "terrible twos" have hit hard and fast, and early. At 19 mos., Murray has learned to test our patience. We're still learning that when we say no; we have to follow through, no matter what. For example, after our morning routine (the last chore is feeding and watering the dogs outside) Mr. Terrible decided that it was time to play. Normally when I tell him to get in the car he does without protest. Today was a completely different story. He plopped himself in the grass and screamed his pretty big (yes, I meant to use the word big) head off. Craig and I do not put up with tantrums. We either ignore it, or deal with it using our philosophy of discipline. Anyway, once I had him in the car seat, he slapped me several times. After 3 firm no's and holding his arms down, and stating, "we don't hit", he got a swat on the behind. He cried for about 2 seconds, realized that he was in the wrong and then gave me a kiss.
I will be interested to hear comments on this post. I know that there are many good parents who do not believe in spanking. We don't make a habit of it and most importantly, (Rox - how is my punctuation? ) We don't threaten. Either do it or don't, is our rule. We give 2 choices - from eating to playing; playing to being generally pissed off, etc. One of my favorites that always works is this: "Murray, we are going to change your diaper". Murray: "No no no no". At this point, I will tell him that he can walk to the changing table, or I will help him walk. Works about 90% of the time. Toddlers love to be independent.
I'm off to bed, We have Midwest Kid's Fest tomorrow and I'm so excited. We are going to begin the day with the Teddy Bear Parade. Pooh Bear (puh - bear!) is the honorary guest.
God bless and thanks for reading . . .
Marie
Yesterday we received a phone call that several members of ND BCI are having a motorcycle rally for their fallen agents. They plan to leave headquarters and visit the families (there are 3 as of late) of those deceased. We are all honored, to say the least. I will not disclose the location or time, because we need some privacy during this tribute to my mom and her late colleagues. We are touched; thrilled that our mom, daughter, sister, and friend will be recognized.
On another note: the "terrible twos" have hit hard and fast, and early. At 19 mos., Murray has learned to test our patience. We're still learning that when we say no; we have to follow through, no matter what. For example, after our morning routine (the last chore is feeding and watering the dogs outside) Mr. Terrible decided that it was time to play. Normally when I tell him to get in the car he does without protest. Today was a completely different story. He plopped himself in the grass and screamed his pretty big (yes, I meant to use the word big) head off. Craig and I do not put up with tantrums. We either ignore it, or deal with it using our philosophy of discipline. Anyway, once I had him in the car seat, he slapped me several times. After 3 firm no's and holding his arms down, and stating, "we don't hit", he got a swat on the behind. He cried for about 2 seconds, realized that he was in the wrong and then gave me a kiss.
I will be interested to hear comments on this post. I know that there are many good parents who do not believe in spanking. We don't make a habit of it and most importantly, (Rox - how is my punctuation? ) We don't threaten. Either do it or don't, is our rule. We give 2 choices - from eating to playing; playing to being generally pissed off, etc. One of my favorites that always works is this: "Murray, we are going to change your diaper". Murray: "No no no no". At this point, I will tell him that he can walk to the changing table, or I will help him walk. Works about 90% of the time. Toddlers love to be independent.
I'm off to bed, We have Midwest Kid's Fest tomorrow and I'm so excited. We are going to begin the day with the Teddy Bear Parade. Pooh Bear (puh - bear!) is the honorary guest.
God bless and thanks for reading . . .
Marie
Labels:
Parenting,
Things to Think About,
thoughts,
toddlerhood
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