Treasures

I've been writing/rewriting this post since last Saturday night. It started out as a post about things I treasure. My feelings are a lot deeper on the subject and now my post has transformed to love, loss and the treasures left behind.

Last Saturday my Sil, Beth and I walked thru the home of her grandmother who passed away last year. Grandma Jeanne Maulhardt's exquisite home is now empty. I've known Grandma Jeanne since I was 14 years old. After my mom died, the Maulhardt family took in our family. We've celebrated holidays, blown out candles on birthdays, witnessed baptisms, danced at weddings and grieved at funerals; all together.

As we walked and looked around at the bare rooms all those feelings of love and loss flooded back. I thought about my moms empty house. My grandpa living in his and grandmas house alone. But mostly about families; families with heavy hearts and the treasures left behind.

Looking around what do you take? How do you choose? How does any one item describe the love and the loss?

Standing sweetly where my daughters sleep are a few treasures from very special grandmas.
These ladies sit day after day keeping a careful eye on my dreaming girls. Just as I imagine my dearly departed grandmothers do. These treasures are a gift to my girls. One of my most important jobs is to teach my children; to teach them where they came from and the legacy which they've inherited. My girls had grandmothers who loved and treasured them.

When looking closely at these treasures you may see a missing arm or a porcelain collar mostly broken off. Yet to me they are perfectly imperfect. As a matter of fact I love them more because of their imperfections. I want my girls to know you don't have to be perfect to be loved. I love them just as I love these treasures; with a long history, broken pieces here and there all of which make them absolutely beautiful and priceless.

Thank you sweet Grandmas. We all love and miss you and are eternally thankful for the treasures you left behind.

Transplants & Face plants

 

We decided to start this school year off with some extra excitement.

 

Karissa started school on September 5 at Rancho Rosal School here in Camarillo.  That lasted about 3 days when we got a call from a school we've waited all summer to get into, Mesa Union.  This past Monday, Karissa had her second first day of school and second - second grade teacher and class.

She loves her new school and we are beyond excited to have finally gotten in. 

 

Why the change? 

Mesa is basically a private public school with "old school" standards and will provide Karissa the academic learning environment she craves.  Thus far Matt and I are impressed with our experience.  Every morning the entire school lines up by class in the quad and recites the Pledge of Allegiance together.  Matt and I felt as if we'd stepped back in time and walked away grinning from ear to ear.

 

 

 

On Addison's first day of Pre-K she and her BFF, Addison, (that makes 2 of them) took over the "Home Center".  Both girls dressed up in hats, gloves, carried purses and smiled sweetly while making dinner, talking on the phone and feeding their babies.  Yes, they can both multi-task with ease.  I mostly chased Andrew and tried to prevent him from destroying the classroom. 

 

The next thing I knew the Addisons had ditched "being Mom" and were in the play yard swinging on the jungle gym.  The Addisons showed off their latest (literally latest) tricks.  They'd swing their legs out over the tire shred play surface below yelling, "Look at me Mom!".  The other Addison's Mom and I smiled, laughed and gave a few "Wows".  My Addi looked at me and said, "Mom, what if I let go?"  I quickly told her that was a bad idea as the ground was at least 4 feet down and she'd get hurt.  Just as I turned to chase down Andrew I heard a big thud.  There was Addi face down in the tire shred.  As I rushed to her there was a simultaneous "gasp" amongst the other mothers. 

 

Addi was fine, luckily.  She got the wind knocked out of her and was a bit shocked. 

After a few minutes it was decided she'd never attempt that again. 

 

There it is!  Our fantastic start to the 2012/2013 school year. 

 

My hopes for the girls this year. 

They will learn to be empathetic and show compassion towards their peers. 

Their thirst for knowledge will be quenched. 

I'm looking forward to a great school year.

 

 

First Day of School photo.  Karissa 2nd grade, Addi Pre-K. 

Karissa wants to be a teacher and Addi wants to be a surfer.

Moments

It is said the joy of motherhood comes in moments. A statement I've come to more clearly appreciate.

As our summer is winding to a close I have realized the best moments weren't captured on my camera or iPhone. The best moments were seen with my eyes and pounded into my soul like a tsunami. I let each moment in eagerly, holding my breath and asking the earth to standstill, while whispering 'Don't ever forget!'

Here are some recent moments I need to share;
tears of joy sliding down karissas cheeks while holding a week old baby bunny. The excitement that sent you soaring into a front hand spring after Auntie Nae Nae told you only once how to do it.

Andrew yelling for Ellie (Ayii) as we rounded the corner and down the hill to her house. Andrews connection to Ellie makes my heart sing.

An unplanned and perfect splits jump into the pool during swimming lessons, sending the audience roaring with laughter. Oh Addi! And how could I ever forget you throwing your fists in the air and yelling,"yes" when you met the height requirement for Space Mountain!

Kayley's mischievous smile when she's up to something. You always are so considerate of others-especially Karissa.

Some of my favorites came this past week and inspired this post.

Someone I love and adore sharing some special news. You know who you are. I'm so incredibly happy for you. I shed a tears of joy. (after you were out of the car.) It reminded me that God is good.

The sweetest boy I ever met, Ky Flynn, sat quietly in the back of my car listening to his sisters latest plot on how to convince her parents baby bunnies are a necessity! As we rode along he looked up and said, Bambi, fell asleep on me three times today. A smile of utter content and bliss spread across his face as he fell back in his seat and remained there all the way home. That moment will remain with me through the eternities.

Just today our god son, Anthony, came to visit. Andrew was playing coy and wouldn't hug anthony. I suggested a high five, then a fist bump. Andrew held out his fist and Anthony swooped him into his arms and gave him a huge hug. We laughed!

My days are chaotic, tough and incredibly busy. I don't want to let these moments go out with the tide.
'Don't forget' I whisper and warn.