A Child Of God

A little more than two years ago, the wife of one of Antonio's co-workers was killed in an auto accident that was caused by a drunk driver. It came as a shock to the small and close knit company, and to me as this was the first time I became accutely aware that death happens to all of us. There was a wonderful quote on the back of her funeral program by Marianne Williamson. I've fallen in love with the quote and I feel like there is a lot of fundamental, eternal truth within it. So here it is for all to ponder.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
-Marianne Williamson 1992-

I'm not ready for this

Today will be day number 5 that Gambit has refused to nap. He's currently in his room, knocking on the door and begging to be let out. I'm really not ready to be done with naptimes. I would gladly take a compromise though. I would trade naptimes if he would potty train, but unfortunately, that doesn't look like it's in our near future. Do I even continue trying to enforce quiet time? It doesn't end up being so quiet. Listening to him crying and whining in the bedroom isn't really condusive to a relaxing afternoon. And I already have one kid who's flying around in capes shooting all the bad guys (right now he's Zat-man....whoever that is) I might as well let the other one loose as well. This makes me so sad on a whole bunch of different levels. My baby is truly growing up and it makes me sad that there probably won't be another (though not sad enough to actually have more). Naptime was my break in the day of the chaos and craziness that invariably comes with having young children in the house. So selfishly, I'm sad that I don't get that 'me' time anymore. But really, did I ever truly have me time? Alas, the kids grow up and move on to different stages as much as I want to keep them small and cuddled in my lap. Such is life.

Hairy Harry

Ninja has been learning all about seeds and plants in preschool the past few weeks. He made a Hairy Harry that he is so proud of. Harry needed a little haircut since he was getting a bit shaggy.

Fishing

Papa and Daddy took the boys fishing on Saturday. They had a lot of fun, but they didn't catch any fish. Gambit has been talking about it non-stop and can't wait to go again. Mrs. Mom enjoyed a quiet house for 4 hours!

My bed has been taken over!

This is what happens every night between 11pm and 2am. A little troll comes in and takes over my pillow. He refuses to use his pillow, and basically shoves me out of the way. It's useless trying to negotiate with a 2 year old in the middle of the night.

Another reason to love the Northwest...

Antonio went out with his dad and his brothers on the snowmobiles. Even though we've been having wonderful sunny weather in the valley, there was enough snow out near Mt. St. Helens. They had a gorgeous day and good snow! I was bummed I didn't get to go out this time (there weren't enough sleds), but Antonio rarely has all of his brothers together at the same time so it was a great opportunity for them.

I Love the Northwest!

I may be a bit biased, but I think I live in the most beautiful area. We had some wonderful weather so Antonio and I took the boys on a little hike. They had so much fun exploring the wide world around them. It was great to look at nature through the eyes of a child again.

Easter Fun

I'm a little late getting these pictures up, but they are mostly for my mother who has requested some recent pics of the boys. We had a wonderful Easter this year. Antonio dutifully went to the store at 10pm on Saturday night to get some goodies for the Easter baskets because Mrs. Mom (once again) forgot about that part. My poor kids. But alas, the Easter Bunny did come and showered the boys with candy and gifts. Next year I will put in a request for NO candy as it has already become another annoying thing for Mrs. Mom to monitor.

Brother Love

Don't even ask what Ninja was doing. I have no idea! It did capture his nutso personality pretty well, though.

Jesus Shoes!

I just think Gambit is the most hilarious kid. Here are a few funny moments of the past few days.

Friday: Antonio and I took the boys to a basketball game and we went to his office beforehand. It was right about 5:00 and there were a lot of people in the lobby waiting for the elevator, including some clients of the firm. Suddenly Gambit started giggling and yelled, "Daddy, I farted!"

While putting his black church shoes on Gambit announces, "These are my Jesus shoes!"

Ninja: We're playing super heroes, Mom. I'm Sonic Batman.
Gambit: And I'm MOSES!

Man, this kid cracks me up.