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Saturday, September 28, 2013

a request please..

When you read and leave a comment on lilbit of my world,
unless you want to remain anonymous, can you please put
your name with your comment.
I often wonder who is leaving the comments.
Of course, I understand if you want to remain anonymous, that is fine.
Today, the other Riera family begins their trip 
home from Disney World.
I am so ready to see them all and to hear Bean's stories of the trip.
We, who have brought our children to Disney in 
the past, know the struggle to figure out the proper age
to bring them. I believe it has to depend on the child.
As for Bean and her "Pomas"
two and a half was a perfect age as they are both so
mature and good babies.
Yes, there is always that belief that they will not remember the trip
but does it really matter?
If they are there with their parents, the two people they love
the most in the world, and the time spent there is all about
them, If a week is spent with no nursery school,
no work to be done by either parent,
the bond made there is never too early.
As I watched the videos and pictures coming from 
Disney World, I know they will never regret the trip.
I am happy to say, they are heading home though
as I have missed them all so much!
( tried to download video of Baby boy dancing at Disney
but too long to add to blog, go see it on my
facebook wall as it is classic Riera!)

Friday, September 27, 2013

ADDENDUM: message from Abigail...

I did not expect the text I got last night,
The text that had me with the "Gro Cud"
(cajun for lump in throat, wanting to cry)
TEXTS FROM ABIGAIL:

I READ YOUR POST ON YOUR BLOG AND 
I REALLY LIKED IT!!
I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU CAME BACK TO 
TEACH OUR CONFIRMATION CLASS
BECAUSE HONESTLY BEFORE YOU 
WERE THERE I NEVER REALLY THOUGHT
ABOUT GOD, I PRAYED BUT IT WAS MORE
BECAUSE MY PARENTS TOLD ME TO
AND I NEVER REALLY TRIED TO 
UNDERSTAND WHAT I WAS SAYING,
BUT SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN TEACHING
US I'VE GROWN CLOSER TO GOD THAN
EVER AND I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THAT,
I DON'T EVEN LIKE TO THINK ABOUT HOW
AFTER CONFIRMATION WE WON'T SEE YOU
EVERY SUNDAY ANYMORE
ANYWAYS I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU
THANK YOU BECAUSE YOU REALLY DID
MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE!!!
(: LOVE YOU MRS. LILLY!!!       
I answer:
Oh my Honey! U making me cry! 
Best text I've gotten in a long time! Love u
and who knows, maybe you can be my
assistant next year!
She replies:
I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO DO THAT!!!
I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT
YOU REALLY HAVE IMPACTED MY LIFE
IN A POSITIVE WAY BECAUSE WITHOUT YOU
I MAY HAVE NEVER REALLY HAD A GOOD 
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND WANTED TO 
PRAY FOR ME NOT BECAUSE
SOMEONE TOLD ME TO PRAY! 
AND YOU ARE JUST ONE OF MY 
FAVORITE PEOPLE EVER(:
Oh sweets, I feel the same about you!

This is not a brag blog as I need to say that
none of this could happen without me praying
for the Big Man to give me the words to 
share with these children, His children.
Not only do I now know I will be teaching
for many more years because of Abigail's texts
but I also now have an assistant next year,
Look forward to more years together, 
dear Abigail!



Thursday, September 26, 2013

When the helicopter view becomes apparent

With Abigail's permission I share her story
Some of this may be a bit repetitive but necessary for
those who may not know the history of lilbit of my World
I teach religion to a group of the most awesome teenage girls.
Last year they were in their first year of confirmation preparation
and this year, after their second year is complete, they 
will confirm with me at their side.
Over the summer our DRE moved and
we now have a new leader. 
I was not sure if I was going to be able to teach this year
but after running in to a few of my girls
over the summer, them saying if I didn't come back 
they were not confirming was enough to make me believe
I need to be there. Our first class was Sunday.
Oh how I have missed these children!
As our lesson goes, Abigail shares that she and
another of my students were in a car accident
and although they were both okay, she thought of
my lesson about the "helicopter view" I spoke to them about last year.
She thought of how I explained to my little class my philosophy on
how we can't see what God can as he has the helicopter vies.
She is anxious to speak to me after class so we spend a little time
together. Seems as though although she was at fault, she did 
not get a ticket. She explained that as she sat in 
the car with her friend, she was afraid, afraid for more
than one reason. She was thankful that her friend was
with her as the other car peeps had become upset with
them for calling the police.
"They kept asking us to not call the police, to
let it go" There was much damage and she explained
that her daddy told her to do so they became 
even more angry. As she waited, she thought of just how
close a life could be taken, how I had explained the
helicopter view explaining that some things that happen
to us is not at all about us.
When the police gets there she realizes what she has
caught by cutting in front of this car is criminals!
There was a warrant for the arrest of both of them
for Murder! They also had firearms in their car and
were arrested at the scene. Abigail, although was
at fault did not get a ticket.
She just had to let me know that she thought of me,
of the stories I have taught her. Her grandmother
also told her that God used her to catch those criminals.
Just thinking of what could have happened gives me chills.
They could have used the weapons on my two gals!
"If I can touch just one child all I do is worth it"
It is a statement that is hear often.
To know that my teaching has lived in Abigail's heart and
mind has the helicopter view working on me also.
With Abigail's story I know, God has given me
reassurance that I did the right thing by returning to 
religion teaching.
Thanks, Abigail for sharing, for loving me!                                                                                                         

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

MY LILLIAN, how I love thee!

This post is once again about my namesake, Lillian.
She is the daughter of my niece, Minta (named after my mommy)
and her hubby, Duane. 
She is now in pre K having turned 4 in May.
Tonight her parents asked me if I could keep her for a few
hours while they go to her school open house.
After Mommee died, I told Minta that anytime she needed me
I wanted her to ask me.
"If you promise to ask, I promise to tell you no if I can't)
This philosophy has worked pretty good for all of us.
I love, love, love spending time with her and
the feeling, I do believe, is mutual.
I just have to share a little bit of this sweet child's sense of 
humor. After she eats my Fricasse' and
a homemade chocolate oatmeal cookie and a bag of popcorn.
After she plays in the tub and after we play 
"beauty shop" which is the only way she will let me
blow dry her hair it's time to play in Bean's room.
"Aunt Lil you be the baby"
"Okay" I reply "What will you be?"
"I will be your worst nightmare!" 
as she puts a dinosaur hat on her head.
Geeze, I love this child!

Mother Mary Comes to me...

If you have been a part of lilbit of my world since
the beginning, way back in 2009,
or if you know me well and personal,
you would know how much I love our dear Mary.
Even when I was a little girl, she was my favorite.
I often speak of her to my religion kiddies
and we discuss that in today's world,
if a young engaged woman, who had never slept with
her fiance' yet, saving herself for marriage,
made the statement that an angel came to her and said
she had been chosen, that she would birth a child,
a son who would be the son of God, given to the
world to show hope, show faith, show truth.
We discuss in today's world, what would the future husband think?
Yes, in today's world, if these things happened, 
I do believe a psychiatric evaluation would be necessary.
Whether you or I believe the Bible stories to be true
or just parables, is our own rights.
For me, it is where faith comes in.
I choose to believe that she bore God's only begotten son.
For that reason as well as I always believing her to be the most
beautiful woman, I love her.
So, here goes another Fancy Findings story.
One day, having been invited by Ms. Rita and Marlaine
to the back warehouse of FF, I spot this beautiful print.
I have never seen this print before nor have i ever
viewed one more beautiful than this one.
I wondered why it had never been put in the front of the
store as surely it would be snatched up quickly.
Marlaine explains she bought it at auction for herself
but realized that because her home is not yet remodeled
it would just sit in a closet for now.
I kept thinking of the print, it's beauty, it's colors,
the look of Mary and Joseph given to their beautiful child.
Finally, this week, I enquire about it again.
It is still in the warehouse, I ask to see it again.
Another woman in the store also asks to see it.
As we walk back there I can feel my heart rate getting faster.
"What if this woman wants this picture"
"I will cry if that picture goes to the home of anyone
but me"
I make my decision on that walk and say aloud,
"Marlaine, I am going to buy it today"
She is happy as she loves it and she also knows
that things that come to my house are loved,
not just purchased. I take it home because
if I had not, that other customer was. She says it
disappointingly to me. Oh Mary, Oh Holy Family
you are now mine.
(thanks HOBL, had to put it on your credit card :) )
For fifty dollars I take this quite large print,
framed and matted home.
I gently take it apart, again hoping someone stashed money
behind the print (no such luck)
I clean off the mildew of the glass, gently wipe away
all the spots I can and oil up the wooden frame.
At first, I thought I would decorate the frame but
decided to leave it in its found state.
I had planned on placing it above our bed.
Our bedroom does not have many things on the wall
and this would have been beautiful there.
It actually may make it there one day but for now,
I decide it needs to live on the wall
above my staircase. It will be seen by all who enter
here. I know this blog has been long and it honestly has
more I want to share but will wait until tomorrow...
For now....
...MOTHER MARY COMES TO ME,
SPEAKING WORDS OF WISDOM,
LET IT BE..."

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Another couple to love..

Most things I own, has a story.
So does this chalk photograph of a couple I like to call:
CLYDE AND PRISCILLA FITZGERALD
Here is the story.
Fancy Findings, Fancy Findings, oh how I love me some
FANCY FINDING
A little consignment/second hand store here in Plaquemine, La.
where I now live and play.
One of my first places i found here a year and a half ago, 
was this treasure store.
I have become friends with the owners,
Rita, the Momma and Marlaine the daughter.
Now to the  story.
Often when I need old and cheap frames for a project
I am working on Fancy Findings is where I start.
I visit at least once a week to the point where
I am even allowed in the back storage areas to dig.
One on of my first encounters,
I found this picture dusty and in the corner.
I fell in love with it as it reminded me of my Dad's old
photography days when he had to hand paint photos
because colored film had not yet been invented.
I wanted it then and wondered how family could just give
away or sell such a beautiful picture.
If you know me, you know I am obsesses with connection
of your family and friends. In my eyes, to get rid of
such a photo is  blasphemy.
These people once belonged.
They belonged in a family, had a family, was loved in 
a family and yet, here they sat at FF.
Each visit with my "podna's". Rita and M,
I visited them, I named them, I enquired them.
Each time I went in, if they were not in their
usual place I became worried that maybe someone had 
taken them home. They never let me down, they just were
moved to a different place.
Many laughs with my friends surrounded my visits as
I called them by names,
Clyde and Priscilla Fitzgerald.
I explained how I most often have to bring old pictures home with 
me to love, have even scrapped a few families I didn't even know.
Yesterday, Marlaine and I, once again, discuss the lives
of Priscilla and Clyde.
"You have to take them home, this has been going on for a year,
10 dollars and they are yours"
Because I knew all the price tags they held over the last year,
I knew they were practically giving it to me.
I paid the 10 and took them  home.
I took apart the frame, cleaned it all and reconnected them.
Now I will probably, somehow, make up some kind of story
to explain why these strangers are hanging in my home.
Fact is, to me, they are no longer strangers, but family.
I thought of my Daddy a lot yestereday as I carefully took
apart the frame for cleaning. I hoped it would be
one of those stories where you buy something for almost nothing
only to find money behind a beloved pictures.
No score, nor any clues as to who they really are.
The photograph is colored with chalks, same as my Daddy used
to do. It is amazing that after all these years, it is still very
colorful, still in one piece. I put it back together and
admire my beautiful photograph.
I told you, everything that lives in my home has a story....


Monday, September 23, 2013

What do you have to loose?


i WOULD RATHER
LIVE MY LIFE BELIEVING
THER E IS A GOD AND DIE TO
FIND OUT THERE ISN’T 
THAN TO LIVE MY LIFE 
BELIEVING THERE ISN’T
A GOD AND TO DIE TO FIND
OUT THERE IS
-UNKNOWN

Back to religion time!
My girls and I were all so excited to see each other
again. I love my girls! 
This is the year they will confirm and I plan
on being there at their side.
Above, I share this writing with them again.
It is not the first time they have heard it as
I tend to use this quote often.
What made last night even more special?
There in our lesson is a story that explains my favorite quote
in a way the girls can get:

PASCHAL'S WAGER:
The Philosopher, Paschal, offers us a wager, which
took him to his knees before and after he wrote it.
The wager is this:
SUPPOSE THERE IS A LOTTERY, THE PRIZE A BILLION DOLLARS.
THERE ARE ONLY TWO TICKET LEFT,
A WINNING TICKET AND A LOOSING TICKET.
THE COST OF EACH TICKET IS ONE DOLLAR!
WOULD YOU SPEND THE DOLLAR ON THE FIFTY/FIFTY
CHANCE THAT YOU WILL WIN?
OF COURSE, IT'S JUST A DOLLAR. 
IF YOU DON'T BUY A TICKET, YOU GET NOTHING.
OUR WAGER WITH THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
IS THE SAME: HE EXISTS OR HE DOESN'T.
WE ARE ASKED TO BUY A TICKET:
TO BE A BELIEVER AND TO DO GOOD AND 
AVOID EVIL. 
IF THERE IS A GOD, YOU WIN THE ULTIMATE PRIZE-
HEAVEN!
TREASURE BEYOND COMPREHENSION.
IF THERE IS NO GOD, YOU AREN'T OUT MUCH.
YOU HAVE LIVED A GOOD LIFE,
CHANCES ARE YOU'VE AVOIDED PRISON,
MURDER, STD'S, AND ANY MANNER OF BAD THINGS
THAT WOULD HAVE BEFALLEN YOU HAD YOU 
BEEN BEFALLEN YOU HAD YOU BEEN IMMORAL.

Oh, how I love this Philosopher,
I could not have explained my favorite quote better than 
this small story has.
Believe.... you have nothing to loose,
except Heaven, of course!

Sunday, September 22, 2013

So beautifully written, for all us Mothers of Addicts


My sister Rosie shared this with me this morning.
Her own baby boy shared it with her as
he is also an addict in recovery.
I teared when I read it, even after 9 years
that BB has been sober, it never goes away,
the fear, the pain that comes with addiction.
I share it here, now for all those parents suffering
still and want to let you all know,
there is HOPE always, always hope.
Thanks, Rosie and Miki!



I am the Mother of an Addict -D. Wilkins

I am the Mother of an Addict
This is not like being the mother of. a child with cancer, diabetes, or aids
This is not like being the mother of a child who is serving with honor in a foreign land
This is not like being the mother of a child who lives no more and is mourned by all
I am the Mother of an Addict
There are no marathons or fund raisers for this disease, no sweet girls selling cookies
There are no flags flying, or bumper stickers to proudly acknowledge my child's deeds
There are only tears and silent screams, dread of what the next knock or phone call brings
I am the Mother of an Addict
I see my child and I am not glad, for though I ache to save my child, with relief I let them go
I see my child with fear and suspicion, as I hear all they say and I can but endlessly hope
I see my child and wonder will I ever know them again, hold them again, see them again
I am the Mother of an Addict
They say it is not my fault, that I did nothing wrong, there's little I can do
They say it is not my child's fault, just a disease of disgrace, with no pity, no cure
They say be strong, but my life stands still and my friends and relatives move on
I am the Mother of an Addict
I watch the rest of my family suffer with sorrow and pain through the addiction
I watch the evening news and cringe as another mothers addict child is arrested and called scum
I watch a young man beg for change, for food and know he could be my own
I am the Mother of an Addict
I remember the smiles and look at pictures of my sweet little child
I remember the hugs, and kisses, the scrapped knees, the soccer games
I remember their plans, their goals, their hopes and dreams
I am the Mother of an Addict
I look for child to come home, to call, and so I do not sleep
I look for my child to find the strength to battle this terrible disease
I look for solace, for help, for a cure and I grasp at what straws of promise I can
I am the Mother of an Addict
And I hope, in endless hope for future free from drugs
And I hope in restless sleep of a way out of this nightmare
And I hope, and I pray, and I cry, and I plead, but forever I love my child.
237

Saturday, September 21, 2013

We All Have Them....

The Worst Thing I Ever Accidentally Did To My Kid': Parents Confess Their Biggest Fails

I accidentally used his washcloth to wipe icy hot off my fingers right before he went to wash his face. Of COURSE it got in his eyes. -- gwennyrah
Left my 6mo sitting on the kitchen counter. As in, I was holding her there and then just left her and WALKED AWAY. -- MomCheri
I gave my kid rancid milk one time. He drank half like a champ and then stopped. I tasted to show him it was ok. It was NOT OK. :( -- Josh
I gave my kid rancid milk one time. He drank half like a champ and then stopped. I tasted to show him it was ok. It was NOT OK. :( -- Josh
Kid asks for apple juice & I accidentally pour him apple cider VINEGAR. He says it tastes weird & I'm ANNOYED at him. #dadfail -- Aaron

THIS MORNING AS I SIT AND READ MY COMPUTER STORIES,
ONE TOPIC CATCHES MY INTEREST....
ACCIDENTS WE CAUSED OUR CHILDREN.
WE PROBABLY ALL HAVE SOME IF WE THINK BACK.
FOR SOME OF US, IT WAS YESTERDAY, OTHERS IT WAS
WAY BACK AS OUR KIDDIES ARE NOW GROWN.
IT IS THOSE THINGS WE WOULD LOVE TO FORGET ABOUT.
HERE ARE A FEW OF MY OWN...
1) When Baby Boy was about 6 months old, while bathing
him he slipped out my hands and I hit his head on the toilet.
He cried.... a lot and yet, still not more than me.
2) Gypsy baby was a hefty little one....
I was washing the dishes as she cried at my legs,
I came to pick her up with wet hands by pulling
her up by the arms, one hand slipped and I landed up
dislocating her elbow causing her to have a few more
incidents of "Nurse Maids elbow" which was very painful
to put back in place.
3) Baby boy, at 5 was hurt playing football with an older
neighborhood child. I took him to the hospital and although
he complained of much pain, they told me he was fine.
That Sunday was Mothers day, I forced him to play
in the game room at the mall throwing basketballs
as he cried that he was in pain. I really thought he was being
dramatic as he had a way of being back then.
I almost died on the Monday when the radiologist called
to say his collar bone was broken and had been misdiagnosed.
Oh that one was bad, bad!
4) While putting Gypsy baby in her car seat, trying to tuck
in all her rolls in her legs, I accidentally touched the hot metal to 
her inner thigh causing a blister. When I took her to the doctor,
the doctor, doing his job, questioned my extensively on how it happened
deciding whether or not he needed to report it as child abuse.
I AM SURE THERE ARE MORE, I ACTUALLY KNOW THERE
ARE MORE BECAUSE THESE ARE THE KINDS OF THINGS 
THAT JUST DO NOT LEAVE US TO BECOME A FORGOTTEN
MEMORY. THEN THERE WAS THE ONE HOBL CAUSED
ON THE MORNING OF HIS 5TH BDAY PARTY.
HOBL ALWAYS PLAYED ROUGHLY WITH BB AND
I ALWAYS FUSSED. ON THIS MORNING HE PINCHED HIS
NOSE SO HARD THAT HE CAUSED HIS NOSE TO BRUISE.
OH DID POOR HOBL GET FUSSED FOR THAT ONE!
IF YOU EVER SEE OUR HOME VIDEOS FROM BB'S 
5TH BDAY YOU MAY NOTICE HIS NOSE BEING BLUE.
IT IS NOT CAKE ICING, BELIEVE ME.
Yes, we all have our own list of stories to tell
and yet, it did not make us bad parents, it made us human parents.








Friday, September 20, 2013

Big Days for the other Riera's

There is nothing more exciting for a Momma of grown children
better than hearing those very children are doing so well as adults.
The other Riera family, in the midst of planning to build a home
are also leaving today to go to Disney!
Bean has been so excited, each morning we have to watch
Utube videos of Disney and she will ask,
"I'ma go on dere?"
"Ima sit wit my daddy and my Mommy"
"I'm not going to be scared"
"it's not real, Mumsie?"
Just a few things we hear each morning.
I am so pumped for them, wish I was going.
The fact that they are going with good friends of theirs
will make the trip even better for them.
I can't wait to hear all her stories when she gets back as she
is a great story teller.
As for my gypsy baby,
I love when I hear excitement
in her voice. She is not one to get excited much,
alot like her Daddy but last night, she is so very pumped
because she was told that she has earned herself a promotion
at her new job at the La Berge Casino steak house.
It seems that a few days ago, she was thrown into a situation
where she had to work an area that she never has worked before.
Her first reaction was she didn't want to do it 
but her manager told her to just do the best you can and
it would pay off for her.
She did just that with a good attitude.
What she did not know was their big global manager
happened to be visiting and assured her other boss
that this girl was ready to be promoted.
She is now going to be training for a front waiter 
which is a big deal in the casino world.
I hear he pride in her voice, I know she is proud of herself.
There is nothing a Mommy loves more than knowing
her children are doing well and happy,
no matter what their age is.
I am a lucky Momma, ya!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

What does a child need to know????



As I stroll through my facebook friends,
I see this posted by Joni  and it not only says it all
but it chokes me up.
Many times as my children were growing up,
I was vocal about how I wanted my children to remain children
for as long as I could, that school placed so much work
on their little lives and there was no time to play.
I had them play outside, use their imagination as much as I could.
I now watch as Baby Boy and Kd do the same with their own Bean.
I too, love reading, making "awts and cwafts" with Bean.
This sums up all we a young child needs to know.
Enjoy, even if it is lengthy, read it through its entirety.
it is GREAT!
Thanks, Joni for sharing this!

Written by a Pre-School Teacher – It says it all!
I was on a parenting bulletin board recently and read a post by a mother who was worried that her 4 1/2 year old did not know enough. “What should a 4 year old know?” she asked.
Most of the answers left me not only saddened but pretty soundly annoyed. One mom posted a laundry list of all of the things her son knew. Counting to 100, planets, how to write his first and last name, and on and on. Others chimed in with how much more their children already knew, some who were only three. A few posted URL’s to lists of what each age should know. The fewest yet said that each child develops at his own pace and not to worry.
It bothered me greatly to see these mothers responding to a worried mom by adding to her concern, with lists of all the things their children could do that hers couldn’t. We are such a competitive culture that even our pre-schoolers have become trophies and bragging rights. Childhood shouldn’t be a race.
So here, I offer my list of what a 4 year old should know.
She should know that she is loved wholly and unconditionally, all of the time.
He should know that he is safe and he should know how to keep himself safe in public, with others, and in varied situations. He should know that he can trust his instincts about people and that he never has to do something that doesn’t feel right, no matter who is asking. He should know his personal rights and that his family will back them up.
She should know how to laugh, act silly, be goofy and use her imagination. She should know that it is always okay to paint the sky orange and give cats 6 legs.
He should know his own interests and be encouraged to follow them. If he could care less about learning his numbers, his parents should realize he’ll learn them accidentally soon enough and let him immerse himself instead in rocket ships, drawing, dinosaurs or playing in the mud.
She should know that the world is magical and that so is she. She should know that she’s wonderful, brilliant, creative, compassionate and marvellous. She should know that it’s just as worthy to spend the day outside making daisy chains, mud pies and fairy houses as it is to practice phonics. Scratch that– way more worthy.
But more important, here’s what parents need to know.
That every child learns to walk, talk, read and do algebra at his own pace and that it will have no bearing on how well he walks, talks, reads or does algebra.
That the single biggest predictor of high academic achievement and high ACT scores is reading to children. Not flash cards, not workbooks, not fancy preschools, not blinking toys or computers, but mom or dad taking the time every day or night (or both!) to sit and read them wonderful books.
That being the smartest or most accomplished kid in class has never had any bearing on being the happiest. We are so caught up in trying to give our children “advantages” that we’re giving them lives as multi-tasked and stressful as ours. One of the biggest advantages we can give our children is a simple, carefree childhood.
That our children deserve to be surrounded by books, nature, art supplies and the freedom to explore them. Most of us could get rid of 90% of our children’s toys and they wouldn’t be missed, but some things are important– building toys like lego and blocks, creative toys like all types of art materials (good stuff), musical instruments (real ones and multicultural ones), dress up clothes and books, books, books. (Incidentally, much of this can be picked up quite cheaply at thrift shops.) They need to have the freedom to explore with these things too– to play with scoops of dried beans in the high chair (supervised, of course), to knead bread and make messes, to use paint and play dough and glitter at the kitchen table while we make supper even though it gets everywhere, to have a spot in the yard where it’s absolutely fine to dig up all the grass and make a mud pit.
That our children need more of us. We have become so good at saying that we need to take care of ourselves that some of us have used it as an excuse to have the rest of the world take care of our kids. Yes, we all need undisturbed baths, time with friends, sanity breaks and an occasional life outside of parenthood. But we live in a time when parenting magazines recommend trying to commit to 10 minutes a day with each child and scheduling one Saturday a month as family day. That’s not okay! Our children don’t need Nintendos, computers, after school activities, ballet lessons, play groups and soccer practice nearly as much as they need US. They need fathers who sit and listen to their days, mothers who join in and make crafts with them, parents who take the time to read them stories and act like idiots with them. They need us to take walks with them and not mind the .1 MPH pace of a toddler on a spring night. They deserve to help us make supper even though it takes twice as long and makes it twice as much work. They deserve to know that they’re a priority for us and that we truly love to be with them.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

I am late....

I am late, should not still be here in Plaquemine
on the day my oldest sister,  Mone is having an angiogram
and yet, she is in good hands as her two children and
some of the sisters are already there.
Wanted to take just a small minute
to ask for prayers for her as the cardiologist is
sure there is some blockages around that heart of hers.
Our Mone has been through so much,
breast cancer times two,
two ariticial knees that got infected and caused
her to be hospitalized for 6 months after
removing the knee hardware and being replaced
after the infection was cleared.
She has had two rounds of chemotherapy and almost
bled out after the last angiogram she had.
I know she must be afraid but you won't ever here
her complain. Just not that type.
She can drive you crazy but you won't hear her complain.
Last night it was C's idea for us sisters to all say the rosary
on our "Mommy rosary" at the same time for our Mone.
If you have a minute today, say a few prayers for her.
We are not ready to loose another of our troops so soon
after loosing the Mommy.
Thanks in advance!
 Mone and her grandbaby, Lillian when she was born
 C, Mommy, Mone and Hugh at Mommy's Manor Xmas party
 The mother daughter tea this year with her Minta and Lillian
 Mone back in the day.... many moons ago
 a sister picture during her last chemotherapy treatments
 Mone last month for my birthday
Oh our Mone, such a beauty, one photo my Daddy took

Monday, September 16, 2013

Quilts filled with love.

My sister, C, she is known as a wonderful businesswoman.
One of the very few women who is President of a company.
She has self-taught herself the business and without a college
degree, landed herself a President job.
What people may not know about her is that in her leisure time,
which is far and few between,
she crochets beautiful quilts for those she loves.
My Godmother, Our Aunt Nan TATA
tried to teach all us nieces how to crochet, she was an expert.
The only one who really paid attention, who
mastered my Nannie's talent was sister C.
If you ever have the privilege of seeing my sister relaxing
you can bet it will be with crochet needle in her hand.
If you own a quilt handmade by C, you are blessed, you 
are loved. Such is the case with My BB.
C is his own Nannie and on his second Christmas she
crocheted this most beautiful quilt. 
I can't tell the hours BB  played on this quilt,
having his little farm animals and pretending it was the farm.
It was picked up for many years and when Bean came along,
I took it back out and placed it on her bed at Mumsie's house.
One day I watched as she too took all her little figures and
pretended like her daddy, that this farm was lived in.
Made my heart happy, had to share that with sister C.
Since this time, she has made many a quilts.
She has made them for her own children, for our great nieces
and nephews.
She made a beautiful yellow one for our Mommy and
it makes us all happy to know that where our Mommy's
body resides, in the cemetery once again with our Daddy,
it is this very quilt that she is wrapped in.
 As special as that one was,
 none has been more special than the one she has
made in the last year. 
This one had many smiles and tears poured upon it.
The quilt that she worked on as we cared for 
our dying mother, the quilt she was working on many days
that we spoke and texted.
The recipient of this special quilt was her own soon to be,
daughter in law, Amanda.
There is no gift given on that day that could
be more filled with love, an acceptance that Amanda is no
longer just her son's girlfriend but her own daughter now.
I was privileged to be standing by her baby boy, Arthur
who is marrying this beautiful girl.
I watched him as he saw her unwrap this beautiful blanket.
No one smiled bigger, no one clapped louder than him.
It  was evident how much he loves his Mommy,
how proud he is of her talent,
how special he knows this quilt is to his wife, his marriage.
If you are privileged to have a beautiful quilt handcrafted
by my sis, you are special, you are loved,
just as sister C is special and loved.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

A PARTY TO SPEAK OF

 This little boy is soon to be a married man.
Married to the woman we have all grown to love, 
Amanda. Two good families coming together to be one.
 The shower was so beautiful!
When she made that Kaylee her Maid Of Honor,
(the two of them below)
She knew what she was doing as Kaylee dotes on the bride,
and pulls out the best parties.
I only hope when it is her turn to walk down the aisle as
a bride, that her maid of honor, her wedding party does
for her all she has done for the brides she has stood by.
She is an awesome host, the best host!
 There is so much in my head that I want to say,
so much jumbled up here, full of emotion which makes it
hard to write a blog that is orderly and says just what I want.
My sister C, she raised two boys.
Arthur, her oldest was not the easiest because
of his wonderfully unique personality, he could
not have been given a better Mommy.
She went with his strides of this child and molded
him into the best man, who is one of the most
caring of all our offsprings. Amanda is a lucky lady.
A hard worker, who at his age, has began his own company
and it is thriving.
Everything he touches is turned to gold.


As I watched him yesterday, having come to the shower later in
the day, it is still that little boy in his smile.
I am brought back to the memory a few years ago when
our Arthur was in a motor cross biking accident and
ruptured his spleen.
That morning, when C called to say he was at 
Lady of the Sea ICU I freaked.
There was a hurricane in the gulf and all I could think of
was that if this spleen continued to bleed, he could
die. I knew he needed a pediatric specialist as 
LOS as great as they are, could not  handle
the problem he was having if things went poorly.
I went to the hospital and shared my fears with
Arthurs parents and the ICU nurse who agreed that
he should be transferred. Later that day he was 
transferred to Children's Hospital and thankfully he 
did fine with his healing. Mommy and I, the Saturday
drove to New Orleans to see my sweet nephew and
all he wanted was his hair washed as it was still full
of mud I lovingly got all those things I needed to wash his
hair in his bed as he was on complete bed rest.
As I placed my hands in that head filled with thick 
beautiful hair, I remember getting choked up,
thanking the Big Man for the opportunity to be
his aunt for a longer time. If you ask Arthur about
that time, he may tell you the best part of it was
when his Aunt Lil washed his hair. 
A special moment we shared that still lives in both
our hearts.
Or course there are many memories of this little
boy that lives inside of me:
 "Aunt Lil, I want some Juiey"
It's what I was awakened to many nights that he slept at
my house. Having two children who almost always slept through
the night, this little boy did not.
I knew when he was coming sleep I wasn't gunna sleep much.
He needed his "juicy" many times during every night.
It didn't take me long to realize I needed to put a cup of juice
on my bedside to make it easier to sleep with this child.
He also taught me the difference between chocolate chips and
a poo poo diaper.
One day while giving him chocolate cookies I kept having to
wash his hands because they seemed to have melted chips
each time I checked on him.
After a while I realized he was putting his hand in his
diaper that was full of poop....
It is one of my favorite stories to tell about him 
and he loves it too.
He and his little brother, who is now taller than him
have grown up to be the best of friends.
It makes me happy to see the two of them together,
and their girls, Amanda and Kaylee, thankfully are very 
close as these boys will continue their lives together.
My sister C, I know when she sees her two boys together,
she must swell with pride, she and TEd have raised two
fine young men. I am so proud to be their Aunt Lil.
Just a small tad of all going through my head this morning,
I know I did the party and the people I speak of here,
not enough justice but I think I at least have shown the special
man our Arthur has become and just how much he is loved
by many but most especially by his Mommy.

Friday, September 13, 2013

funnies this morning


 The older I get, we get, the less funny these are.
No, but really, these are FUNNY!
Lindsey gave them to me a few months ago and
right away could relate.
Enjoy your Friday!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

SPEAK TO ME...

SPEAK TO ME, DEAR TRUNK...
It called my name, all afternoon, as I viewed the antiques available
at the show, I kept going back to it.
The price tag on the last day of the show was marked down
from 125 to 75 dollars.
The owner could tell I wanted it so she shares that
she really does not want to drag it back with her so
if I wanted it it was mine for 60 dollars, no tax.
Still I walked away.
 Right before the show closed, the owners hubby was filling
it with things he was packing and I had to have it.
Sixty dollars cash and I took this beauty home.
As I told the vendor, this piece of treasure will not only
be in my home but it will live there, it will be loved, it 
will be treasured, it will be used.
You see, when I opened the top of the trunk, saw the beautiful
vintage pattern of the paper, saw the sticker of the animals that had been
placed on the top, I knew that some little child had loved
this trunk, I envision her to have been a girl.
 The iron work above is so darn beautiful all I did was oil it up
as I did for the whole outside of the trunk.
The inside I only covered with two thick coats of Modge Podge
to stop it from tearing as it is pretty dry and flaky in there.
I didn't want to change not one little thing of this once
loved trunk.
Now, what I would do, if this beautiful thing could talk to me.
Who were you, little child, who put the sticker on this
beautiful vintage paper? What was this used for,
did it travel on waterways as a suitcase to a child,
or was it merely a toy box back in its day?
I want to know and yet I know that the only story
it will tell me is the ones made up in my mind, my heart.
Soon it will house toys for our very own sweet little girl,
Bean as she too seems to have a liking to the trunk,
especially the sticker on the inside.
Speak to me.....
I wish you could,
SPEAK TO ME
addendum:
This very morning, as I found myself just finishing this post,
did i also find myself in one of those
coincidental events.
My friend Jane who owns a local antique store 
called me to come and look at an old suitcase she 
was shopping around for me.
The suitcase would not do but my eyes scan the place
and by her desk I eye a trunk very similar to mines.
The shock when I opened it to find the same, and I mean same,
inside paper of vintage blue papers and a sticker on
the top, not animals as mine is but of a young boy,
the trim around the sticker is the same as the one
that lives at my home.
When things like this happen, I am just a tad bit
excited!
 These last two pictures are the one I found today.
How i wish I had space for this!