Family - It's a Vivas Thing!

Aug 16 2010

Quotable Quote #12

Lunch was interesting after church today. When we all sit around at the table, one never knows what is going to come out of someone else's mouth next; especially when surrounded by teenagers. We were eating deer burgers for lunch. My mom makes the most incredible deer meat. Anyway, The Talented One's friend says she doesn't like them, so we told her they were regular hamburgers and went to eat them. She made a comment about them and before we knew it, hubby spouted out,

"Well, you're eating BAMBI!"

Yah…she kept eating it!

Minutes later, we were talking about a memorial service that we had recently gone to, which led to how we'd want our own memorial service to look like, which led to the way we'd like to…um…pass. I was talking to my kids, so I said,

"I'd like to die asleep in your daddy's arms."

To which one of the teenagers, quite shocked, asked,

"You'd like to die in your sugar daddy's arms?!"

Sometimes, all I can do is quietly shake my head and think to myself, "This to shall pass."

Aug 15 2010

Camp and Cuddles

The Drama Queen went to her first ever Bible Camp. It was out in the woods and without any family member for a whole week. We were a little nervous, especially considering her food allergies, but I've been up to the camp a few times and knew that they are a nut free facility…and that the chef would make sure to only feed her things that she is not allergic to…So…I managed convince her father that she'd be safe and away she went!

One of the things I love about this camp is that they post photos of your children doing various activities at camp. I got some great shots of the Smart One last year! Unfortunately, not so much the Drama Queen.

She's in the green in the background. She looks busy…I asked her if she had fun and she stated a big, "yeah!" She talked about the lake and the walks that were four miles long (That would be why she has the name, "Drama Queen"…it wasn't four miles.) She talked of snacks and the food…and some not so good food…ha ha. She absolutely loved it.

And finally, I found a picture that proved it just a little bit!

Dancing on a table…that's my girl! Whew…it's always good for a mom to see actual proof of her child having fun when she isn't there to share in on it!

The exhausted child came home on Friday and crashed…literally on top of me! B-boo was cracking up, she looked so funny! We had time for cuddles in the morning as she talked more about her day at camp…then went back to sleep. And more cuddles again this morning before she went off with her Daddy.

Ah…there's just nothing better for a girl than camp and cuddles to come home to!

Aug 12 2010

And finally…

It comes to an end. Or a beginning.

They are moving home. They are filled with joy because they are going home to their mother. Starting at a new school; a new beginning.

I want to feel that joy, but to be honest, my heart is breaking. As much as I look forward to putting my own family back together, I ache at the loss of those two precious children. When I come home from work; they will be gone. There will be no more fights to brush the teeth and comb the hair; no more arguing; no more appointments that take up so much of our time.

But there will also be no more laughing at the ridiculous things that he says and does. No more praying for dreams of dragonflies and butterflies. No more, “Aunt Hope, can we talk?” before she goes to bed. No more hugs. No more…

Instead, there will be time for those who have patiently waited for the past 18 months. Now, when they ask, I won’t have to put them off; but instead, I hope to put them first. I pray that we’ll make the most of our new time together. I hope to make each moment count.

As my heart breaks, is it possible to be filled with joy as we start a new beginning? I think so….and for today, I’ll find my joy within…just for the joy of it.

Aug 04 2010

New Seasons

It's funny how time flies. One day they are babies, and the next, they are all grown up; in the blink of an eye.

Friday was my nephew's end of kindergarten program. It was cute; sitting there watching him sing…and refuse to sing…and then sing again. And watching him get his little kindergarten certificate.

As I sat there, I was reminded of the last time I attended a kindergarten program. It was 1993, and my oldest son was graduating from kindergarten. He'll be graduating colleg in a little over a year.

I sat there and tried not to cry. I do that easily these days. We have so many changes going on. After a year and a half of living with us, my niece and nephew will be going home. After homeschooling for 16 years, my youngest will be entering school in a few weeks. After being home for so long, I am starting a new job.

Seasons change, and we must change with them. Sometimes it isn't easy, but we look for the joy in it all.

Jul 11 2010

My Kids

There is just nothing better than having children. Really. And a day spent with them is especially fun! We started off with the Smart One getting his long hair cut. What a shock! He looks older, and we can see his beautiful eyes again! He was at camp all week, so it was really nice to have him back and listen to him as he talked about his week; what he liked, what moved him, etc.

I spent this evening with B-boo at her dance pool party. We took along a couple of her friends and the Drama Queen. I got a kick out of watching them tumble in the grass. It brought back memories of when they used to compete together in gymnastics.

After, we went home and the Drama Queen put on a concert of us. My dearest friend was there to share it with me. It brought tears when she sang, "The Climb." When she was finished and her voice could sing no more, the Talented One lowered the lights and graced us with his music. I cannot tell you how much his music moves me. When he plays, a peace just comes over you. It is beautiful. Sitting there in silence while he played is about the best way to end a day. Even more, watching his younger brother sitting there beside him, just listening, while he plays, and his sister on the other side, again, sitting and listening.

I love how supportive my kids are of each other and their talents. We are so blessed with wonderful children!

Tomorrow I leave for camp and my blog will be shut down for a week. I love spending a week at camp with my favorite teens, but I also miss my family while I am gone.

I'll see them in a week though, for a much needed vacation with my older brother, all of my kids, and my parents.

It doesn't get much better than that, either!