Memory

Margueritte Rebecca Chester Muse Childers

1926-2008

I haven't post in nearly a week, no make that two. It's not for a lack effort, but each time I try, the words just haven't been there. At 82, my grandmother past away the Friday before last. She went fast and I hope with a great deal of peace. It was an extraordinary event to see a family that has struggled, gather near to support her in her journey and to support one another as well. But my heart aches for each of them even now.

I feel mixed with guilt at times. An extraordinary woman, a link to my family heritage and past, and I let her slip by, never knowing her true story. But I have peace in that our souls are connected and will meet again one day.

And is it odd that in death, I am reminded of life? The need to love more, to forgive often, to hate less. It has become clear to me that life has a mission: to be prayerful daily, intentional in your actions, and purposeful in your words and deeds.

Post Halloween Costume Presentation

This costume is really only complete if you could hear the sound

effects that go along with it.

... & Found

Yep, that's right, you heard it hear first. Millie has come home. Thanks to some great neighbors leaving messages of various sightings around our area, Millie was retrieved tonight. Poor dear is SO skinny! She looks a little shell shocked but you can tell she's relieved to be home. Thanks for all the prayers of concern.

LOST

I'm feeling guilty for every time I've ever said anything harsh or mean about Millie (my one and only female sidekick companion in this crazy house). Seems she's ran away from us. But what's even sadder is that Aiden and I just realized this tonight. Not when she didn't sass me first thing this morning for new food or didn't rub all over me last night for some attention. That means she's been gone more than a day now. How did I not realize this? Without a Trace will tell you the first 24 hours are the most crucial. Is that the same in the case of missing kitties? First thing tomorrow, we're putting up signs and I'll probably call the shelter or SPCA (that's different than the environmental health which rate restaurants Manda...).

Oh, my heart aches. I feel awful thinking that she's out there by herself. Alone.

This is for you Millie. I'm sorry for ignoring you. Please come back home!!

Little Millie back in the day

What she looks like today. (No, it's not your eyes, it's out of focus.)

I Don't Have to Make This Stuff Up

The Scene: Aiden's Bath

Preface: This week Aiden's class began assigning dates for each student to bring a book to share before lunch time with the class. One of his playmates brought a book of the human body, including things such as muscles and the brain.

Tuesday night as I was putting away Aiden's clothes, Jamie called me from the bath to inform me that Aiden had a question for me. As I entered the bathroom, Aiden was sitting perpendicular in the tub with his back against the wall of the tub and his feet propped up on ledge.

Aiden then ask Mom, is this thing between my legs my brain?

Silence.

You all know what I'm thinking right now and it's tempting. But there is also this little bitty voice in the back of my head is saying Whatever you tell him will be repeated tomorrow for an entire class of 4 year olds...

I took the high road, as my husband sat outside the bathroom laughing like you have never seen.

I tell you, if ever I had wished to remember the video on my cell, this would have been the time. Honestly, I don't think I've ever repeated the word testicles more times in my whole life!

Of course the conversation didn't stop there. I had to explain their purpose (more than once!), why girls don't have them, if they 'hook up' in order to have babies - that is his word NOT mine! Oh, and there was the entire conversation whether the Incredible Hulk has them or not, and why couldn't I see them... Life will never be the same.