I love it when my Dad visits, which he did last weekend. He's a big kid at heart but also an awesome father to my sister and I and grandfather to Murray.
Murray thinks the world of him - we all do, but in Murray's eyes he is nothing short of a hero. The feeling is mutual. Grandpa Doug took part in water fights (the rest of us watched), pretended to be a jungle gym, took Murray on long walks, played endless games of hide and seek, and woke up every morning to cuddle and watch PBS. The two of them read books and sang songs and played Memory. He set up a tent and told the ghost story of the "Blue Bear" and practiced casting with a new fishing pole.
The special relationship that the two of them share brings a flood of my own memories. My Dad and my sister and I have always enjoyed a special bond, (although we were equally close to our Mom. We have great parents.) Dad held my hand when I was in pain, counseled me through fights with my friends, scolded me when I was late for curfew, cried when I went to prom, took me hunting and fishing, and put together my bunk beds when I moved into the dorm. He was there when my Mom was sick and died, helped me through countless heartbreaks, walked me down the aisle, and welcomed Craig to our family. When Murray was born, he was so excited he could hardly speak.
The best thing? He still does all of those things for his adult children. When I'm sad, he lets me cry. When I'm mad, he lets me rage. He believes in me and gives me (too much) credit. He gently lets me know if I'm wrong. He adores my sister and I, and wants to help us when we're in need. He has the hands of a worker and the heart of a child; never questioning, always loving.
No family is perfect and ours certainly isn't. We all have our ups and downs and battles to face. But at least we have each other. Thanks, Dad.
-MM
For Posterity: Conversations With Murray
Since my camera refuses to sync with my computer and I'm feeling the need to record some things again, I'm posting more Murrayisms. Here we go:
Murray: Where did we get that? (referring to a dresser)
Me: From Grandma Kathy (clearly I meant our storage unit that houses her things)
Murray: Did she drop it?
Murray: Mama, you're SO BEAUTIFUL (I'm not making this up and I may have already blogged about this but it's my favorite)
Murray: Mom, could I have my own? (while sharing popcorn)
Me: Yes, I'll get you a bowl.
Murray: No, I mean stop eating it, please. (so much for sharing)
Murray: Please show me what time it is. (while looking at a clock)
Me: Well, this is the big hand and that means hours, and this is the little hand and that means minutes, and each number stand for five minutes, and then you count by fives so the number one means it's five after the hour and the number two means it's ten after the hour... (insert Charlie Brown's teacher)
Murray: Great, Mom, but what time are we going to Grandma Mary's house?
Craig: Murray, have a good day.
Murray: Dad, have fun at work and have a GREAT DAY. (agreed)
Murray: Dad, when are we going out west? (to see Grandpa Doug)
Craig: Not sure, but probably in a few weeks.
Murray: How many sleeps is that?
Murray: Mom, they won't let you work anymore because they can't give you money? (right on, son)
Murray: I love my Rudy and Nala and Grandma Mary and Grandpa Dennis and Grandpa Doug and Grandma Kathy in heaven and Maggie and Grandma Kate and Grandpa Jack and...well, I forgot who else.
Me: Well, all of those people love you too.
Murray: Do they?
Of course we do, dear boy. You are a gem.
P.S. Grandpa Doug is on his way.
-MM
Murray: Where did we get that? (referring to a dresser)
Me: From Grandma Kathy (clearly I meant our storage unit that houses her things)
Murray: Did she drop it?
Murray: Mama, you're SO BEAUTIFUL (I'm not making this up and I may have already blogged about this but it's my favorite)
Murray: Mom, could I have my own? (while sharing popcorn)
Me: Yes, I'll get you a bowl.
Murray: No, I mean stop eating it, please. (so much for sharing)
Murray: Please show me what time it is. (while looking at a clock)
Me: Well, this is the big hand and that means hours, and this is the little hand and that means minutes, and each number stand for five minutes, and then you count by fives so the number one means it's five after the hour and the number two means it's ten after the hour... (insert Charlie Brown's teacher)
Murray: Great, Mom, but what time are we going to Grandma Mary's house?
Craig: Murray, have a good day.
Murray: Dad, have fun at work and have a GREAT DAY. (agreed)
Murray: Dad, when are we going out west? (to see Grandpa Doug)
Craig: Not sure, but probably in a few weeks.
Murray: How many sleeps is that?
Murray: Mom, they won't let you work anymore because they can't give you money? (right on, son)
Murray: I love my Rudy and Nala and Grandma Mary and Grandpa Dennis and Grandpa Doug and Grandma Kathy in heaven and Maggie and Grandma Kate and Grandpa Jack and...well, I forgot who else.
Me: Well, all of those people love you too.
Murray: Do they?
Of course we do, dear boy. You are a gem.
P.S. Grandpa Doug is on his way.
-MM
All Talk and No Action: Abortion vs. Adoption
Note: This post may be offensive to some. I will not judge you, but I will not apologize for my thoughts.
I admit that I can be all talk and no action.
Several weeks ago I discussed joining my friend and fellow blogger and Mom friend, Roxane, on the sidewalk at the Red River Women's Clinic. I wanted to pray and reach out for the people that feel that pregnancy is an impossible situation. So many people would welcome a child into their loving arms, if only the men and women considering abortion would see that there is an alternative. My husband and I are blessed with adopted children in our lives. A friend of mine said recently, "Biology doesn't make you a parent". (Thanks, Kristine.) How very true.
At the last minute, I admitted to Roxane that I was terrified to accompany her on the sidewalk. So, I didn't go with her. I'm ashamed that I was too scared to join her plight, but when we discussed it (via writing) she was incredibly supportive. She understood that I wasn't ready, and encouraged my prayer and thoughts without a hint of judgement. What an awesome person God has blessed my life with. I'm grateful for her friendship.
I will always believe that abortion is wrong; the very thought of it makes me cringe. But right now, I'm praying that soon I'll be able to join Roxane on the sidewalk and have the courage to stand up for my convictions.
-MM
I admit that I can be all talk and no action.
Several weeks ago I discussed joining my friend and fellow blogger and Mom friend, Roxane, on the sidewalk at the Red River Women's Clinic. I wanted to pray and reach out for the people that feel that pregnancy is an impossible situation. So many people would welcome a child into their loving arms, if only the men and women considering abortion would see that there is an alternative. My husband and I are blessed with adopted children in our lives. A friend of mine said recently, "Biology doesn't make you a parent". (Thanks, Kristine.) How very true.
At the last minute, I admitted to Roxane that I was terrified to accompany her on the sidewalk. So, I didn't go with her. I'm ashamed that I was too scared to join her plight, but when we discussed it (via writing) she was incredibly supportive. She understood that I wasn't ready, and encouraged my prayer and thoughts without a hint of judgement. What an awesome person God has blessed my life with. I'm grateful for her friendship.
I will always believe that abortion is wrong; the very thought of it makes me cringe. But right now, I'm praying that soon I'll be able to join Roxane on the sidewalk and have the courage to stand up for my convictions.
-MM
Grocery Store Helpful Hints
Recently I've taken on the chore of grocery shopping. What was always Craig's task has now become mine - by choice - after all, why should he put in a long day and then come home only to run to Hornbacher's? It certainly isn't my favorite household job, but I have a new appreciation for marketing. Especially now that I'm addicted to cooking shows.
Some things I've learned:
1. The best time of day to shop is late morning. The shelves are stocked, the produce is fresh and there isn't a large crowd. This is useful knowledge since I tend to get shopping cart rage.
2. People at this time of day (say around 10 or 11 a.m.) are more inclined to commiserate. There's something endearing about discussing how to ripen fruit or the quality of meat at the butcher. No one is in a rush, we're all just taking our time perusing the aisles. So refreshing compared to the hustle and bustle of a five o'clock trip to the store.
3. The cashiers tend to be a bit more relaxed and chatty. I equate this to not having to deal with "happy hour" at the grocery store. I should note that I've never, not once, had a rude clerk at Hornbacher's (which is why we shop there).
4. The employees who bag your items and put them in your car really do appreciate a tip. Now if I could just get them to come over and put my groceries away.
5. It's best to make grocery shopping your one errand for the day. Otherwise, you could lose a whole chicken and a liter of Coke in your truck (but this has never happened to me).
I still dislike buying groceries, but in a month or so I'll wish I had the time to make the trip. Good thing Hornbacher's delivers.
-MM
Some things I've learned:
1. The best time of day to shop is late morning. The shelves are stocked, the produce is fresh and there isn't a large crowd. This is useful knowledge since I tend to get shopping cart rage.
2. People at this time of day (say around 10 or 11 a.m.) are more inclined to commiserate. There's something endearing about discussing how to ripen fruit or the quality of meat at the butcher. No one is in a rush, we're all just taking our time perusing the aisles. So refreshing compared to the hustle and bustle of a five o'clock trip to the store.
3. The cashiers tend to be a bit more relaxed and chatty. I equate this to not having to deal with "happy hour" at the grocery store. I should note that I've never, not once, had a rude clerk at Hornbacher's (which is why we shop there).
4. The employees who bag your items and put them in your car really do appreciate a tip. Now if I could just get them to come over and put my groceries away.
5. It's best to make grocery shopping your one errand for the day. Otherwise, you could lose a whole chicken and a liter of Coke in your truck (but this has never happened to me).
I still dislike buying groceries, but in a month or so I'll wish I had the time to make the trip. Good thing Hornbacher's delivers.
-MM
It's Official
I'm officially a student again. I have never been more excited than I am now. Even for my math class.
It's so gratifying to know that this time, without a doubt, I will finally walk across that stage and accept my diploma.
I digress. I'm getting ahead of myself. It's going to be a long few years. My family will suffer, my home will suffer, but I'll make up for it, I swear I will.
There are four people who have motivated me to get the job done:
1. My Mom. While co-parenting with our Dad, and a separated family, she graduated from college at the age of 33 and had a successful career in law enforcement. She also managed to be the best mom.
2. My Dad, who, with two small girls, finished college, married my Mom. After that, he finished his Master's degree. My Dad is pretty neat.
3. My sister finished her degree even though we were in the midst of our Mom being sick and then dying. She also just received a promotion (again) and is thriving being a paralegal.
4. My high school friend, Amanda, graduated from college a while back. I was so impressed while following her journey. I think it's awesome that she had to courage and tenacity to finish her degree.
I don't necessarily do things "perfectly" or follow society "rules", but I do have the best family and friends. Thanks to you who have set an example.
-MM
It's so gratifying to know that this time, without a doubt, I will finally walk across that stage and accept my diploma.
I digress. I'm getting ahead of myself. It's going to be a long few years. My family will suffer, my home will suffer, but I'll make up for it, I swear I will.
There are four people who have motivated me to get the job done:
1. My Mom. While co-parenting with our Dad, and a separated family, she graduated from college at the age of 33 and had a successful career in law enforcement. She also managed to be the best mom.
2. My Dad, who, with two small girls, finished college, married my Mom. After that, he finished his Master's degree. My Dad is pretty neat.
3. My sister finished her degree even though we were in the midst of our Mom being sick and then dying. She also just received a promotion (again) and is thriving being a paralegal.
4. My high school friend, Amanda, graduated from college a while back. I was so impressed while following her journey. I think it's awesome that she had to courage and tenacity to finish her degree.
I don't necessarily do things "perfectly" or follow society "rules", but I do have the best family and friends. Thanks to you who have set an example.
-MM
Spoiled with A Chance of Changes
Note: Edited for error.
I have it pretty good these days. I admit, I'm spoiled.
Since the unfortunatefiring elimination of my position at work, I've had the time to be keep the house (fairly) clean and have dinner on the table when Craig gets home. I'm on top of laundry and my organization skills are really coming along, as well they should, since I don't have an 8-5 job.
I love this time in my life. It will be short-lived because - drum roll here - I will be a full-time student in a few short weeks (yeah, I know, again). I love having extra time with Murray without rushing around in the morning and scrambling to get out the door (now I just scramble eggs). I love that I have the time and energy to cook again. I love having the time to read and write. I love that every closet and drawer in our home is at least semi-organized. I love spending more time with the hounds and keeping them brushed and looking good. I love watching the Cosby Show in the morning and Oprah re-runs from in the afternoon while I fold laundry.
The month of August will again bring changes and add a new dimension to our lives. I wonder if I can be a good Mom, wife, and homemaker and a good student at the same time? I'll let you know in a month or two. Right now, I have clothes to put away and dinner to prepare.
-MM
I have it pretty good these days. I admit, I'm spoiled.
Since the unfortunate
I love this time in my life. It will be short-lived because - drum roll here - I will be a full-time student in a few short weeks (yeah, I know, again). I love having extra time with Murray without rushing around in the morning and scrambling to get out the door (now I just scramble eggs). I love that I have the time and energy to cook again. I love having the time to read and write. I love that every closet and drawer in our home is at least semi-organized. I love spending more time with the hounds and keeping them brushed and looking good. I love watching the Cosby Show in the morning and Oprah re-runs from in the afternoon while I fold laundry.
The month of August will again bring changes and add a new dimension to our lives. I wonder if I can be a good Mom, wife, and homemaker and a good student at the same time? I'll let you know in a month or two. Right now, I have clothes to put away and dinner to prepare.
-MM
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