Mother's Day (and then some)

Maliana ~

Facebook post to start the week:
Dreary weather in Cbus today...but then I picked up Mali who had drawn our family under a sunny blue sky. Totally brightened my day (even though she made sure to point out, "Mom, I made you fat. Just a little bit." Ha. )

L to R - tree, Daddy, me, you, and Abby

The next night before bedtime you made a hospital with legos, then took the stuffed mouse that Ggma had bought you and brought it to bed with you. A little later, you asked me, "Are angels real?" and then, "Are they invisible?" We talked about it and it seemed difficult for you to grasp that something can invisible and still be real. I tried to compare it to the wind. We can't see the wind, but we can feel it. Angels are kind of like that. I think you started to understand. Bottom line though...we miss Ggma.

This week, we have had a houseguest too. Iroh, Uncle Forge's puppy, was here to stay with us while Forge and Lao Lao were in Washington state. All I have to say is ~ Oh. My. Lord! I have never seen a more hyper dog. He has the sweetest heart and the sharpest teeth and an even stronger affinity for unpredictably random jumping. It's been tough, but we're doing ok. You asked me why he barks so much and I told you that is how he talks, that a lot of dogs will bark as protection, letting their owners know when someone is in their house that shouldn't be. They are like guard dogs. You thought about it for a minute and said, "or tigers and bears...?" Hmmm...sure. If a tiger or bear shows up at our house, in the middle of the city, we'll be alerted and protected by Iroh. Yep. We can go with that. Ha.

sure he looks calm here...but he was
distracted by the neighbors for
a millisecond

By Friday, it was time for your school's annual "Muffins with Mom". Just as I was leaving for work to attend, the hugest rainstorm began and torrents of rain nearly swept me off the freeway. I am a fairly good driver, but I was starting to get a little nervous. I finally made it to your school, soaking wet but just in time. It was very sweet and seeing the look on your face and your excitement in getting to do something special with me, your friends and their moms (or grandmas) makes it all worth it. I love having the flexibility of a job where I can do these kinds of things. You are where my priorities lie right now.

we look like giants with those little muffins

our table ~ you, Naiyssa, Chase, and Mekhi

On Saturday morning we went to Ggma's condo and met some of the family to go through things and see if there were any sentimental items that we wanted. The house seemed so small without Ggma's presence there and I felt so awkward, like an intruder or scavenger going through everything. Mostly I took pictures of things with my phone, grabbed a few items for Aunt Lindsey, and one pretty, long silver necklace for myself. I've never had to experience something like this before, so it all seemed surreal. Once again, you were so patient while we all took our time with everything. The night before, I had caught myself standing like Ggma used to while I watched Iroh play in the living room. My feet were shoulder width apart, hands clasped in front of me and fingers gripped together, hips just slightly pushed forward and comfortably resting square on my legs. Daddy even made the comment, "I've never seen you standing like that before". It made me think that Ggma may have been there with us. That made me feel good.

you were the "star" of Ggma's kitchen

the napkin rings that she would always
get down for you to play
with on visits
(several of which have reglued legs thanks to you)

the kitchen table that we usually ended up sitting at
because you would insist you were hungry and
Ggma would offer up anything she had to
make sure you could eat

Saturday night we went to see Aunt Lori, Allie, Markie, Blake, Mark, and even Uncle Mark from Austin was in town too! (Yes, there were THREE Marks there...and yes, it was a bit confusing. Ha.) Anyway, it was great to see everyone, talk, laugh, and just generally be silly. It was a late night. After all, we were trying to pack everything we could into a short visit since Uncle Mark went back to Austin the next day. You were a trooper though, tolerating all of our crazy adult antics. You also came to adore Aunt Lori even more as she gave you a "magic" glass to drink out of and allowed you to play with her miniature (and breakable) stuff from her china cabinet. That combo meant that she had a little shadow the rest of the evening.

toasting Aunt Lori with the "magic" glass

you and your Great Uncle Mark

 

growing old is mandatory...clearly
growing up is optional

 

more Panty Brigade pictures after we left...
silly Blake, Mark and Allie!

Sunday morning we all slept until 10am, then you were so excited to present me with my Mother's Day presents. I LOVE them! You have been thrilled about surprising me, ready to burst for the last two weeks, but you kept the secrets and reminded me of that just after I opened my gifts, saying "Mom, I kept all the secrets!" After presents and lots of kisses and hugs, we all headed to breakfast at Gena's in our pajamas and slippers (well, just you on that one). But, being able to go to breakfast without having to get all dressed up make a big show of it = a HUGE Mother's Day win in my book.

presenting me with my presents

2 crafts from school, a beautiful charm necklace
from you and Daddy, and a super cute
custom photo mug from you
and Lao Lao ~ all so
thoughtful!

you told us this was a tornado (with what looks like people
and a flower in it)...Daddy interpreted this to possibly
mean, "our lives may be like a tornado
sometimes, but..."

you open the card and it shows our whole family under
blue skies and two sunshines and candy, which
again Daddy interpreted to mean, "in the
end it all turns out with blue skies,
two sunshines, and candy!"

hand print flowers from school, my favorite!

I think Daddy's interpretations are pretty funny...and possibly accurate. Ha ha.

You rounded the night at dinner with Memaw, Papaw and Daddy. I wasn't feeling very well so I stayed home and rested. You had a ball and as usual, loved spending time with everyone, giddy as all get out when you got home. Makes me happier when I see how happy you are...love your silliness.

Lao Lao and Uncle Forge picked up Iroh and Max (the kitty cat) just before bedtime and as we waited for them, this little gem happened...(below is from my Facebook status):
~ sitting quietly at the kitchen table today, I hear Mali come in to put her fork in the sink. As soon as I hear her little footsteps behind me...
Me: "Hey Mali...what are you doing?"
Mali: "How did you know I was in here?"
Me: "I have eyes in the back of my head. All mommies do."
Mali: (very quietly) "Ohhh..."
Score another one for Mommy :)

Ahh, kids. So much fun to mess with *wink*.
Love,
Mama