Her Father's Daughter
Mood:  silly
Topic: Family and Friends

Children generally take after their parents and ours is no exception. Tony and I love music…as does Lauren. I love to read…as does Lauren. I enjoy going out to eat and to movies…as does Lauren. Tony likes to turn a profit…as, apparently, does Lauren. 

Tony loves a good deal. He loves it even more when he can make a profit from a good deal. Actually, that is his business - buying and selling surplus equipment. Generally he buys the items, but he has been known to dumpster dive. You know, when you look in other people’s trash to see if there is anything you could use, or better yet, sell! Why not? One man’s trash… 

Somehow though, I just didn’t see this one as a trait that would be taken up by our daughter. I’m sure Tony didn’t either so I knew I had to tell him about one particular deal made in our house Monday evening about which he would be mighty proud to hear.

I relayed to him how Lauren came into the room to ask me if Build-A-Bear would take payment in coin. “I can go to Build-A-Bear! I have $25. Most of it is coins, but $2 is dollar bills that I got from Grandma because I sold her a pencil sharpener” she explained. “Hey! I made my first money deal!” she added with great excitement.

Tony enjoyed the story, chuckled to himself, and said he wished he had heard it from Lauren. Then he gave me the version he had already heard from his mother. R had offered to buy a porcelain cat from Lauren for the fair price of $2. Lauren, a lover of anything cat related, did not want to part with her cat, so she insisted offered Grandma the used pencil sharpener instead.

Bum deal for Grandma, but nice tidy profit for Lauren ;-)

Interesting Similarities
Topic: Family and Friends

My mom was the only daughter of her mom. I am the only daughter of my mom. Lauren is my only daughter.

When my mom was a few months old, WWII started. When I was a few months old, Kennedy was assassinated. When Lauren was a few months old, terrorists flew into the Twin Towers.

 

Two Extremes, One Day
Mood:  hug me
Topic: Family and Friends

In City Slickers Billy Crystal's character asked Bruno Kirby's character which day was the best day of his life. Bruno answered that it was the day his father left his family, never to be heard from or seen again. Appalled that that would be a "best" day, Billy asked what was the worst day. The answer was the same day.

I have my own best and worst day and like Bruno's, they are the same day. It was seven years ago today. It was the best day because after a year and two miscarriages, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. It was also the worst day because just after 10pm, I said goodbye to my mother forever as her 7 year battle with breast cancer ended.

If only the two of you could have met in this lifetime...

There Are No Words
Mood:  sad
Topic: Family and Friends

There is nothing as heartwrenching as a funeral for a child.

Little Tommy was 3 and a 1/2 years old. He was a beautiful little boy, always ready with a smile and a greeting. He had a very adventurous spirit and, as Lauren reminds us, loved bugs. His mommy, so brave that she spoke during the service, mentioned what a privilege it was to have been blessed to have him in her life for the time that he was here. His father spoke of the Father's Day card Tommy had made for him listing all of the things he loved to do with his daddy. His grandparents spoke of his love of life and outgoingness.

The minister talked about many things, one of them being a man he had met that would always end his conversations with "I'm glad you passed my way". What a nice change from the typical "Nice meeting you." It seems to say so much more. It sounds like there was an exchange that took place, not just words that passed between two people, but an honest to goodness exchange.  That's how it was with Tommy. The minute he saw you, he was exchanging. He was telling you all about his day and asking about yours. He was engaging and engaged.

Tommy will be deeply missed by family and friends.

And Tommy, all of us in the neighborhood are glad you passed our way.

There's Nothing Like The Beach
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Family and Friends

It was the biennial trip to NC and once we were past the last minute glitches,  we were truly excited! It is always fun to see relatives we haven't seen for two years, especially if we do it at the beach! This year my cousin brought his wife's sister's daughter who is about Lauren's age and it turned out to be one of the best moves ever. Lauren and S hit it off right away and became inseparable for most of the rest of the trip. They both especially loved playing in the waves and, boy, were there waves this year!

A little side story on the waves - One day the kids were caught off-guard as a wave came up behind them and swept them off their feet. I got it on video!! I watch that thing over and over and roll on the floor laughing every time. Of course, it wasn't so funny to the kids, but we mananged to make light of it and kept the fear in check. As I helped Lauren dry off she commented with a smile and excitement in her voice, "That was scary. My head went under the water. Good thing I didn't faint!". It was priceless!

Back to the kids - what is it kids have that grown-ups do not? I have the hardest time meeting new people and trying to find some common ground, any common ground, to work from. I never feel comfortable with the process and don't think I ever will. But kids...they can make friends at the drop of a hat and not just any friends, best friends.  At one point, I think on the second day of the trip, S, while pretending to surf the waves, turned to Lauren, put her hand on Lauren's shoulder, and in all sincerity said, "If I die you can have my glow worm." To be inseparable and to offer up your prized possession after only two days? Is that friendship or what?! If I could have that with just one person in my lifetime, I would feel blessed.

Damn. Damn, Damn, Damn
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Family and Friends

One of womankinds worst fears has come to rest with one of my best friends. She found out yesterday that she has breast cancer. ..infiltrating ductal carcinoma. She doesn't have an actual tumor but there are cancer cells present which seems to indicate they have found it very early. Thank God! Her mother had it and her mother's mother had it and they both survived it for 20+ years. We're hoping and praying the same rings true for her.

You Can Call Me...
Mood:  silly
Topic: Family and Friends
Lauren and Tony have developed nicknames for each other, usually animal related. Most of the time he calls her little grasshopper and she calls him little fish. Since I was feeling a bit left out what with all the nicknames flying around, I asked Lauren what names we could use for each other. After just a moment's thought, far too little in my mind, she came up with two from which to pick. I have to say I was hoping for something with more feeling, more connectedness, more, well, special. Instead I could be either...silly nut or crazy cuckoo bird.

Worthwhile Pursuits
Mood:  special
Topic: Family and Friends

During dinner the other night Lauren, out of the blue, commented, "I'm hard to take care of, right? But it's worth it!"

You betcha baby! It's priceless! 

Ta Da!
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: Family and Friends

After a little bit of melting, we have our snow family!

 

Snow, Snow, And More Snow
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Family and Friends

When they said there would be more snow, they really meant it! Once all was said and done, we were left with approximately 25" of the stuff.  And still not one bit of good old fashioned snowman making snow!! Take a look...