Butterflies, Bows and Beauties

Thanks for the Memories

I'm still reeling from the death of not one, but two childhood icons. As a dancer, Michael Jackson's music had a tremendous influence on my life. As a girl, I couldn't help but notice how the beauty of Farrah Fawcett set the standard. Her poster graced the bedroom walls and lockers of nearly every boy I knew. Whether it was "Thriller" or an episode of "Charlie's Angels," one of those mega stars was bound to be on TV when I was growing up.

A generation later, my children learned who Michael Jackson was only through his death. Isabel made the remark, "his music will be forgotten now that he's gone." I promptly asked her if she knew who Elvis was. And she did. Case closed.

Olivia lightened things up by asking, "Mommy, why does Michael Jackson sing like a girl?" My answer to that question... "his voice is really high." I could tell by the look on my little skeptic's face, the jury was still out on MJ.  

By Sunday, Isabel noticed that Michael Jackson was still on TV. She said, "wow, he must be a really big deal mom if they (newscasters) are still talking about him." I thought to myself, "they" are just getting started. Case continued.

As someone who grew up in the 70's and 80's, I will forever remember dancing to the "King of Pop" and wanting to be as beautiful as the girl in the most famous poster of all time. I'm feeling a tad old these days, but thankful for the memories.

When Rudy Turns Two...

We've waited two years for this day...

Rudy's birthday. Not just any birthday... his SECOND birthday.

Why?

Because everyone always comforts us by saying, "he'll grow out of that when he's two." "He won't behave like that after the first two years." "He's a puppy until he's two."

David and I stared at the dog all weekend long just waiting for that magical transformation. The dog of our dreams would be here any moment.

To the people who kept saying "two years," "two years," I have one thing to say: I'm still waiting.

I pulled no less than three Barbie outfits out of Rudy's esophagus this weekend so he wouldn't get sick everywhere. I had to hide food in the microwave so he wouldn't eat it when I turned my back. And he still barks when I go upstairs because he forgets I'm home.

This is Rudy at age 2. I'm guessing this will be Rudy at ages 3, 4 and 5... Oh well! What he lacks in brain power, he makes up for -- with his big heart.

Happy birthday Rudy. We hope you enjoyed your "ice cube cake." And we hope you like your new toys better than Barbie clothes. 

Homemade Gifts

There's nothing like homemade gifts from the little ones. David got his fair share for Father's Day. Isabel crocheted him a pocket complete with holes. Olivia made him a kite-like drawing and a sculpture of unknown material. And Ella? She drew him a picture of faces -- which we now call the "skeletor" drawing. 

The best, by far, was the message inside of Isabel's card. It said, "Dear Dad, I love everything you do for me. I love you. Love, Isabel." So sweet. Then the P.S. went on to say, "Please don't get rid of the dog. Your crazy."

I'm not sure what practical use David will get out of his Father's Day gifts, but I do know one thing for sure -- they're keepers.

Happy Father's Day!!

Race for the Cure Day

Last year's sign had only "my mom" on it... tough enough for anyone to put in writing. I put it in a box for safe keeping. So when today's Race for the Cure came around, I pulled it out to remind myself how much things have changed in just one year.

My mother-in-law.

My cousin.

My friend.

All women who've fought or who are fighting a terrible disease. Today was a day to honor them, to spread awareness and to search for a cure for breast cancer.

I chose not to make a new sign this year, just added to my existing sign. I'm hoping there's no room for any other names next year.

Thanks to those of you who supported me in the race. And to the women on my sign, thanks for your dignity and grace.

 

Major Milestones

After all of her tears at the beginning of the school year, Olivia came home from her last day of kindergarten with those tears long behind her. I inspected her final report card from the year and it was nothing short of a major success. Olivia only missed one day of school all year long and put up a fight over it. Now, she's officially a first grader.

Olivia's teacher (pictured on the right) awarded her with the "Peacekeeper Award" at the end of the school year. I almost asked, "don't you mean the instigator award?" But then I decided better of it. At home, Olivia doesn't broker any agreements, especially when it comes to her sisters. Let's just put it this way -- she's no Switzerland. But we love her just the same.

As for Isabel... with second grade behind her, she isn't thinking about third grade. You can tell she's the oldest and that summer break means the world to her. A quick glance at her report card and I realized she's picked up one thing from her daddy... she's way above grade level in math. That's something that didn't come from me. And unlike her sister, Isabel stayed home at first sign of a sniffle.

The highlight of Isabel's year was the second grade butterfly program. Isabel's class did a percussion performance and they were pretty impressive.

So it's hello to first grade for one daughter, hello to third grade for the other... major milestones in their lives and ours. We couldn't be more proud.

The Rock

Most people think this guy...

is the rock.

Not even close!

This guy...

is the TRUE rock. Armed with his tea and excessively large sunglasses, my father is the core of the family.

Today is his special day.

78-years young, my dad has many reasons to celebrate. I can think of 22... the best wife in all the world, plus 4 children, 16 grandchildren and 1 great-grand baby.

Happy birthday to Baba, the rock for 22 people and counting.

Jam-Packed Weekend

We're still recovering from a jam-packed weekend of activities. First, David took Isabel and Olivia to a Carolina Railhawks game Friday night. While they were learning about the skill of soccer, I was teaching Ella the art of shopping for a bargain. I lost track of time and there I was with a 3 year old out shopping at 10 o'clock at night. Nice. I wondered why I was getting a few of those "bad mommy" glances.

Then it was up and at 'em in the morning. We went to see Elmo in his live stage show, "Elmo Grows Up." Isabel is way too old for Elmo, so I took Olivia and Ella. Olivia was determined to come with us because she wanted "mommy time" -- even though she thinks Elmo is quote "a baby show."

Sometime after that, we managed to fit in a birthday party for 6 year olds. On our way, Olivia asked if if I had "constructions" to the party. I asked her, "directions?" She answered, "no, constructions." Then just before we arrived, we saw a peacock hanging out on the side of the road. Only in North Carolina. 

Sunday was filled up with a company picnic and Durham Bulls game at the DBAP. We took a family picture in the American Tobacco Historic District, right near the Lucky Strike tower. Everyone looked at the camera at the same time and smiled. It was a minor miracle.

Whew... I'm tired just thinking about it all.

All Work, No Play

I wasn't kidding about Elmo.

 

All work and no play... it's tough working in a newsroom :)

The Little Things

I have to admit... it wasn't perfect, but this day was pretty darned good.

I went to the gym in the wee hours of the morning. When I came home, Isabel and Olivia had breakfast made for me with a note that said:

To: Mommy

Love: Olivia & Isabel.

It was an English Muffin with just the right amount of butter -- my favorite. The girls were so proud of themselves.

Then, it was off to work. How cool is it that we have a newsroom puppy? Yes, a cute, cuddly puppy walks around our newsroom. I LOVE IT! We call him Cam, but that's not his "official" name. He's going to be named by our viewers next week!

Also today, American Idol's Anoop Desai came into the newsroom for a little visit. I got autographs for the girls. Isabel was thrilled even though she voted for Kris Allen at least a thousand times. In fact, she may have single-handedly caused the Idol upset.

You can't get this kinda day working at a bank. What's on tap for tomorrow? Elmo and the Cookie Monster.

The day ended with the best hug ever from Ellabee.

It's the little things that add up to a good day.

A Fighter

My nieces are amazing. They're strong, just like their mama.

Hannah, pictured on the right, is just 18-years old. Tonight, she's fighting serious complications from what appears to be lymphoma. Just 48 hours ago, we thought she had persistent pneumonia.

I don't think my sister will mind, but I'd like to share a note she posted on Facebook. It was written earlier this month when Hannah was in the hospital the first time, before anyone ever uttered the word "cancer."

This note is about a mother's love for her child.

Please pray for Hannah.

My Fighter

by Goksu

Monday, May 4, 2009 at 5:53pm

 

My daughter Hannah…
After spending many days and nights alone with Hannah, I’ve learned many things about her even after the honor of being her mom for 18 years.
I learned she is tough..through every IV poke and probe,
Through medicine that burned through her veins and made her sick to her stomach,
I learned she has a wonderful sense of humor even when there wasn’t much to smile about,
I learned she can be an adult, a kid, and an advocate for herself all at one time,
I learned she likes crossword puzzles and card games,
I learned that her idea of healing includes her friends, family, and laughter,
I learned that she’s not one to feel sorry for herself although there have been some very trying times,
I learned that she cares about her schoolwork even though she will have to wait to complete it,
I learned she’s a fighter with a spirit that inspires me,
Most of all I learned about the greatest love a heart can hold…that of a child,
If ever I were to feel numb or cold, all I would have to do is look in her big blue eyes,
To know my heart has truly felt the essence of warmth.
To my daughter, the spirited fire, I love you.