If You're Outside, Beware of the Tic Tacs!

Maliana ~

The beginning of the week brought your first tick of the season (actually your first tick ever). My Facebook status sums it up perfectly and includes another one of my new favorite Mali-isms.
~ After playing outside last night, we found a tick on Mali's head. Her first ever. We got it off, no big deal. As she left for school with Daddy this morning she was a little hesitant saying, "Daddy, I don't want the tic tacs to get me!" ...So everyone, please remember to check yourselves each night. After all, it is Tic Tac season. 

Lao Lao had taken some time off work this week after getting back from their trip to Washington, so she came over again on Tuesday night and went for a walk (you on the bike) down the trail and to the playground with us. You were still concerned about the "tic tacs" getting you, but we all made it home in one piece.

you can't see it here, but you had a little compass
that you must have stopped to check fifty
times during our short little trek

working on climbing the ladder,
still a little nervous

water break

I lost count of how many times you made Lao
Lao go up and down the slide with you

It was so steamy by mid-week that it didn't take much to convince me to dig out the tiny baby pool from the garage for you to splash around in. Throw in a chocolate popsicle before dinner and you were one happy camper!

swim trunks and shades like Daddy

fill it up Mom!

ahhhhh!

And round two in the pool the next day too...it's been heating up this week!

uh oh! the snorkel gear is out...it's getting serious!

who needs Aruba?

locked and loaded

so lucky to have a fun neighbor like Roman
to come over and have a water
fight with you

Friday was finally here and may I just say...I love our weekly donut ritual!

Then we waited for Daddy to get home in the grass and looked up at the sky...for a few minutes at least. You are SO hard to get to sit still...my busy little bee!

Saturday morning we had your last recital for KCAP. It was Daddy and I (of course), but then you had an additional audience of Lao Lao, Memaw, Papaw, and Sammy. You were so thrilled to see everyone and couldn't wait until they arrived, asking again and again "Where's Lao Lao?"..."Where's Memaw and Papaw?" Once again, much to my surprise (and utter shock actually) you knew (nearly) the whole routine. It boggles the mind how you can be so anti-dance at practice, but then nail it at the recital. You're amazing to me. You were actually pretty nervous before we got there but once you got on stage it was all smiles and laughter, waving at me at various moments as you did your dance moves (I was just off to stage right with Mia and Lainey's moms). Your happiness was undeniable as you danced and jumped. In fact, that is one thing that several people said to me after the show, "She's just so happy!" We were so proud of you Pumpkin Butt!

checking yourself out in the mirror

Sammy even came to watch your performance!

us moms still had to get up on stage with you girls...not
as easy for us to hide this time, oh well!

your fan club

you and Sammy showing us where China
is on the map (of course, just after we
took this photo the map came off
the wall! oops!)

so glad that Lao Lao could come watch

Lao Lao snapped this picture...I love how
she captured your mischevious
little grin

Then Lao Lao brought a surprise and showed it to you after your recital...she finished your and Daddy's super hero capes! I think my Facebook post says it all.
~ Huge thank you to Carol Garrabrant who hand-made these capes so that Mali and her Daddy could become the newest dynamic duo to join the ranks of super heroes! I can't wait to see what kind of crime these two will fight together.

You were so excited about Lao Lao spending the night with you on Saturday that you insisted she drive you home from the recital that morning. We came home briefly, ate lunch, then headed off to a surprise for you ~ Iron Man was at Magic Mountain that afternoon! You were star struck. It was awesome!

you pointed out that he was much shorter in person...
so Lao Lao and I had to do some quick thinking
and explaining, but I think you bought it!

We headed to Easton later where we cashed in on a Mother's Day gift card (that Lao Lao had actually bought me last year) to get our nails done. It was your first manicure and first time seeing a pedicure done (mine and Lao Lao's). You were so curious and full of questions, but extremely well behaved for it all. Your nails turned out amazing and it became abundantly clear that you were definitely feeling like a fancy pants as we left. Ha.

green sparkley nails with smiley faces, flowers, and stripes!

obligatory photo booth fun

We had had such a good day together that I didn't even get my feelings hurt when you practically pushed me out the door (for my own night out) so you could begin your official sleepover with Lao Lao. When we got home the next morning, things had gone so well for you that you told me, "Mom, we had so much fun! We can do it again Mom, and then you can go on vacation!" Well...thanks kid. A huge affirmation of how much you adore Lao Lao, but as for me you basically were saying, "I'm totally fine with you leaving again and next time, let's make it longer!" Ha ha.

On Sunday, believe it or not, it was Daddy and my 12th wedding anniversary! Time really does fly. We didn't plan anything big but rather enjoyed a nice day at home doing a little gardening as a family and then having dinner with Memaw and Papaw. It was relaxing and perfect for us. Just spending time together is all we ever truly need. Not to mention seeing how much you enjoyed being our little garden helper was an added bonus.

"Daddy, can I help?"

Ggma's flowers are all planted...we can see them on the
porch when we leave every morning and come
home every night

And a picture of Memaw and Papaw after our dinner at Brio...celebrating their birthdays which sandwich our anniversary every year. Happy 68th guys!

Love,
Mama

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

Brutal Yet Beautiful Week

Maliana ~

With my staying home all week, Abby has gotten a lot more attention during the day (which she has loved). She also has loved helping me drop you off at school and the outings after school too. In the drive thru line at Mc Donald's I realized how close you've become with Abby when you got teary eyed when I told you that Abby would not be coming on our beach vacation this year. Lately you have changed so much and gotten so much more mature about having a dog, really helping in any way you can to care for her or just show her love. It's been awesome and I love raising a little dog lover. In fact, you told me this week that you want to be a veterinarian when you grow up. I love that you love animals as much as your dad and I do.

bike ride at Hoover

sisters sharing french fries

And speaking of growing up and really coming into your own identity...I think your five year old pictures show your personality right now perfectly. Here is how I posted them to Facebook:
~ So this is what happens when you give your kid free reign to express themselves in their five year old portraits...green converse, jeans, an I Love T Rex shirt coupled with what she calls her "skater shirt". She had more fun with these pictures than she ever has!

Since Friday was my last day off this week, I decided to allow you to ditch school and take a zoo day with me after speech. Audrey Ayi came over and we all headed to see our grand old Columbus Zoo! It was a gorgeous day and the zoo was crowded, but not too crowded. I was pleasantly surprised to watch you maturing yet another way while there as we went from exhibit to exhibit and you wanted me to read each sign to you. You were so much more into learning about each animal and reptile...once again, more evidence that you are truly growing up.

cotton candy Dippin Dots!

you and Audrey's subtle way of telling me you
were ready for lunch

more pictures to cheer up Aunt Lori...
"Panty Brigade ~ zoo version"

even Colo the gorilla joined our
Panty Brigade

 

We got home and you immediately went outside to play with our neighbors. It was finally hot enough for bathing suits and a water fight...dare I say, "Summer is here!?" So glad that we live next door to some really good kids. You've all had your ups and downs (e.g. learning the merits of sharing, etc) but especially lately you have really enjoyed spending time together and developing real friendships. It's neat to see.

cookie picnic

getting more ammunition

poor Bubby doesn't stand a chance against you girls...
"run Bubby! run!"

trying to warm up

having fun with your spy voice changer

once again...the girls are ganging up on Bubby

Later that same day (man, was our day full), we picked up your preschool graduation pics...how cute are you?!?

And while I was trying to get you to stay inside, resting, and finishing dinner (while you listened to your friends playing outside ~ I know, I'm brutally cruel), I must have appeared exasperated with your constant requests to go outside. So, this is what I heard...
"Mom, even when you're frustrated, I still love you. And even when you fart too."
(Well, thank you darlin' ~ same to you!) Ha.

once we finally let you play outside with the kids...
I have to share this picture with you from
that night, just to show what a
goofball your daddy is

Saturday Daddy went on a golf outing so we had another girls' day. Dance class went well and then as soon as we got home, Lao Lao came over and we all took a walk (well, you rode your bike) on the trail. She had brought over Uncle Forge's new puppy Iroh, who is just the cutest little thing. It was a gorgeous sunny and breezy day, perfect for time on our lovely nature trail.

Lao Lao and Iroh

love our trail



finally got one where he's looking at the camera

Sunday morning breakfast with Dad at, where else? Gena's!

sitting at the bar at Gena's

Sunday afternoon we headed to Wai Gong's to remember and celebrate Ggma's life. It was a private memorial service that we put together on our own. Your Aunt Lindsey and I (with the much appreciated help of Lao Lao) put together a DVD slideshow of photos from Ggma's life, we all brought covered dishes, Uncle Mike said a prayer, and we had lots and lots of family pictures displayed everywhere. It was very casual. Nothing fancy. Ggma didn't want anything big. She didn't even want us to do anything with her ashes. That was Ggma. Never wanting to be a burden to anyone...but always lending a hand to anyone else in need. It was tough for all of us at certain moments throughout the day, but we all made it through with the help of one another. I bet Ggma would have been so happy to see us supporting each other and spending time together. If there was anything that made Ggma light up, it was family. She never expected anything in return, but gave her all to those she loved. I'd like to think that knowing we came together in remembrance of her in such a loving way would have both taken her breath away and made her smile.

Losing Ggma and having time off this week to put together the DVD has left me with a lot of time to remember and think. I edited one of my favorite pictures (of myself with Ggma) below, adding one of my favorite inspirational quotes.

"Tell me. What is it you plan to do with your one
wild and precious life?" ~ Mary Oliver

With that quote floating around in my head, I realized it could mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. What stands out the most to me right now though is to never let an opportunity go by when you can tell someone how you feel about them. Say what you mean. Tell those you love that you love them. Don't wait. When you get that nagging little whisper in your ear, or an overwhelming sudden urge to reach out and be kind...follow your instinct. My friend calls those "God whispers". She just may be onto something. Whatever they are...follow where they may lead. I think that at least part of what causes us so much pain in life, when we lose someone we dearly love, are those times when we could have really spoken from the heart and told (or showed) someone how much we loved them...but instead we chose to remain silent. Losing Ggma is painful, but I am so glad that I rarely passed up an opportunity to tell her I loved her, to tell her how much she meant to me. For her 80th birthday, I jotted down my memories of her from childhood, things that had an impact on me and stayed with me through the years. I wrote everything on a piece of paper and ended up reading it to her at the kitchen table at Wai Gong's house a little over 8 years ago now. It's in very brief note form and I had to expand on each item as we talked. I remember looking at her as I read this list and seeing tears glistening in her eyes. This past week, Memaw Lisa told me that she had found that piece of paper with Ggma's "important" paperwork at her house, with my name scrawled on the front and the year (2005) in her beautiful script. It is the only memento that came to my mind that I wanted. A tangible way to remember those moments with her at the kitchen table when I felt I was able to really make her understand the legacy she was leaving behind, how much of a positive impact she had had on me. It made me feel good to do that for her, to show her that she left a lasting imprint on my life. That she always will.

Love,
Mama

P.S.
Of course...while the day was somber, it still had many moments of fun. Just like Ggma would have wanted.

Wai Gong was brave...eating your stinky summer funk
filled feet...ewww!

xoxo
mama