Video Moment - It's a Vivas Thing!

Feb 22 2015

Cousin Fun!

For those of you who have big families, I am sure you can understand how our family dynamics work when we all get together. The older generation are the grandparents. The next generation has us all as “Tio and Tia.” We are actually most of us cousins, but there are just too many of us. Then, all of the younger generation are simply cousins. That’s just how we roll.

There is always a lot of laughter when we are together and one never knows what to expect. We’ve raised our kids in this madness which can only make things crazier. Ah, the stories we could share…

Like the time one of the younger ones was conned into shaving her lips…

Or when two of them decided to sandwich another one; only the victim knew it was about to happen so moved at the last minute. And the two troublemakers had a head on collision…literally; resulting in a lot of blood, swelling, and attempt to cover it up…as if we wouldn’t notice the aftermath!

Bella Sandwich — Apparently they didn’t think we would notice anything different about her face….

Most recently, hubby took the DQ to go visit his parents for a few days. She was thrilled to be able to spend time with her favorite cousins.

Crazy Cousins — The one of her right is six months older…the one on the left is 2 years older.

photo 1 (4) — It’s the only way she’ll ever be taller than them!

In keeping with their usual antics, they decided to play a little game. So not long after she’d arrived, my sister-in-law sent me this photo.

Afraid to ask what had happened, she assured me that no one was hurt and sent me the following videos…which she took….in slow motion.

Not to be outdone by his younger brother, my nephew decided to try it too, if the DQ was still up for it. (Of course she was!) only he landed in the wall, which explains the first photo she sent.

We are planning a trip together in a few months.

Hopefully with ALL OF US!

Hopefully we will all survive!

I can hardly wait for it!

Jan 24 2015

Model Pranksters

So I came across a video this week and it really kinda got to me. It reminded me of the times we’ve gone with B-Boo to feed the homeless and pass out blankets. It never ceases to amaze me how no matter how down they are, they still rush to help each other and make sure the others are being taken care of as well.

They are the first to take care of each other. Instead of trying to get more, they offer what little they have. They are grateful for whatever they are given. They understand acts of kindness and love.

In the video, the well dressed guy is helped, while the homeless man is discarded; ignored. Which got me to thinking even more about people in general.

Who are we most like when it comes to showing kindness and compassion to others in our lives? Do we only show kindness to those who have it all together and ignore those in our lives who don’t?

Do we makes excuses for our own actions of meanness and indifference by convincing ourselves that those we treat this way somehow deserve it?

Even more, are we the one that has no problem showing mercy and grace to strangers who desperately need help, but then have no problem stepping on those in our own personal lives that need us more than ever?

Do we so easily discard those we claim to love like they are so undeserving of anything more from us?

I hope not!

I pray that I can be an example to those who surround me. That I can not become so wrapped up in my own life and my own needs, that I forget what love and compassion and kindness are all about. That I can look around and notice when there is a need and and act upon it…in the right way. I pray that I can stop making excuses for any mean thing that I do, and instead recognize it and stop myself, and do the right thing.

Do the right thing because it is what we are called to do.

I believe that we are called to be good, and true, and kind, and compassionate and to love others as we would want to be loved. I also know that sometimes, we are so caught up in ourselves that we forget.

Instead, we close our eyes to that which we don’t want to see and convince ourselves that our behavior is ok, when it really isn’t.

Meanness is never ok and love conquers all. Sometimes we just lose our focus and need a little reminder.

This is me, just being real.

Here’s the video.

May 22 2013

We’ll Miss You, Leah!

Tonight we said “See you later!” to a dear friend…no, family member, as she moved across the states. We like to tease her and make her cry and remind her how tough we are…that we are not criers like she is.

But the truth is, not knowing when we will see her again breaks my heart.

Leah has been there for our family through the past eight years. For me, it started out as a choir teacher who loved my kid. The moment I watched the Drama Queen run up to the stage and bounce into Leah’s arms as she kept singing without a beat….wow. Someone who got my kid!

Leah brought out the best in her. DQ is such a free spirit and Leah got that. She worked with her and taught her so much about singing. I had so much fun teaching children’s choir with her even though I can’t carry a tune…but together, we had some fun years!

Throw Bboo in the mix and we had even more fun!

But the best was just knowing she was there putting a dent in my couch on Sunday afternoons. Or knowing any of us could call or text and she’d be there; whether it was to sit next to one of us in the hospital or take one out for a movie or shopping spree….or well…whatever was needed.

Sunday was the last time the DQ and Leah sang together before Leah went home to be with her *real* family. Three services…and by the last one, she could barely hang on. Fitting…but hard to watch.

We love you, Leah…and we’ll miss you terribly.

As we say goodbye….

Where they started…..

Sep 25 2010

Teenagers!

More than a few times this month, I’ve had others tell me how they just don’t understand teenagers; aren’t comfortable around them; don’t know what to say to them; and how they just can’t relate to them.

I think they’re great! I had a chance to get to know more of them this week at my work; Loved it!

This weekend we had some fun teen time! Friday night was spent at the homecoming game watching B-boo perform at half-time. Then it was food. I’m sure I got several looks as I walked in with a group of them. And then we had fun playing hearts until I just couldn’t stay awake another minute!

But, what people may not know about *my* group of teens is how awesome they really are! You see, their purpose for spending the weekend at my house? It was to give up their Saturday so they could come help clean up my back yard. And it’s a HUGE back yard.

We had fun raking leaves, trimming rose bushes, digging up stray palms and using a chain saw! Oh..and breaking the chain saw. Which led to the following video!

They were trying to break off the dead branch without a chain saw! Hubby did get it going again, but not before the above incident! LOL

After several hours of work, I finally asked them to pose for a group picture. And I got this:

The first was too dark, because they were in the shade.

So I asked them to pose in the light. Notice the three on the right doing what I asked; but the other three..not so much.
So I ask them again, to pose. The three on the right….still posing.

B-Boo & Twin are goofing off & causing problems.

Notice the girl on the left…she’s getting irritated!
And the next thing you know….

WHACK! This was the best picture I could get.

Teen on left looks triumphant…three on the right are still posing…

And I gave up on B-boo and the Twin!
BTW-My back yard looks beautiful! Thank you!

Aug 29 2010

Lost Get Found

Music is strong in our family. I’m really not that musical myself, although I did play the clarinet for 8 years and was pretty good at it. I love to sing and goof off, but I’m not real sure anyone would love to listen to me sing! Hubby plays the guitar. As a matter of fact, he’s been known to serenade me. When we first started dating, he came to my work with a guitar, blanket and the hood of his car! He brought me out, sat me on the car and proceeded to play and sing to me. My boss wanted to know why one of his *girls* was being serenaded in the parking lot!

My oldest son also plays the guitar. I have fond memories of he and his friends sitting on my roof, playing their guitars and singing. (Ok, and playing spoons, but that’s another blog!)

You’ve often heard of me talk about the Talented One. He is a musical genius in my humble opinion. I know I’m his mother and so there is a different swelling of pride, but when we were in Sedona last week, he gave us a mini concert the morning before we left. The resort had a grand piano, so he played. I swelled, thinking, “That’s MY son!” He plays so beautifully. There was a lady sitting on the couch in the room; tears streaming down her face. God has indeed, blessed my son with a gift.

The Smart One has even been picking up the piano. His teacher at school asked him to join percussion this year at school so that he can play in the jazz band next year.

B-boo is more like me….not really musical, but enjoys listening! And being a part of whatever children’s production we are a part of. She’s great at organizing, setting up, keep the ball rolling, etc. Great at taking pictures. She doesn’t think she’s musically talented, but she is on the dance team.

Our latest project was the Drama Queen and Punky. They’ve been having fun recording, “The Lost Get Found,” by Brit Nicole. Today, they sang it in church. I thought I’d share it with you. I love that Punky spends so much time teaching my child and that they have so much fun together. Thank you, Punky!