Mother's Day

Today is a day to celebrate our moms.

Last night, I was thinking about how many people I am close to, are celebrating mother's day this year, for this first time as the mom.

Of course, there is Vix and Coen. He missed this holiday by a weekend last year, so this is it. Their first mother's day. We have always been close, but it amazes me every time I see him, that he is hers. My sister has a son. He is real. Last summer when I stayed with her for the summer, it was so easy to forget he was real- he would sleep. For hours. On me. It was like snuggles. Now, he laughs, talks, and says "mama" and "Dada". But, the whole thing is surreal. I wonder, sometimes if it is possible to love him too much.

But, also there is my best friend in the whole wide world. The girl, who, throughout high school NEVER wanted kids. Did not even think they were cute! Always snarled at the idea of marriage and family. Now, 10 years later, she is the first of our little group to have a baby. And it amazes me EVERY day how in love she is. People are right when they say babies change people... She has this compassion and love that is overflowing now, she had it before, but was more discrete with it.

But, then, there are the moms that are celebrating the 30+ years as a mother. My mommy. She drives me nuts, I think we all know that. We have been compared to an old married couple more than once. Yet, I call her every night just to say hi and see how her day went. She isn't filled with an overflow of advice, which is wonderful and annoying while growing up. Yet, so far in my life, she has helped me feel happy with the choices I have made and supports me whether they work out or not. My life's obstacles may be simplified in her eyes (she has a small obsession with me having kids someday), but knows better than to push the issue. She has a huge heart and so much love it is hard to let her irritate me for long. Good God, I hope that is how she feels about me.....

Happy Mother's Day.

What have I done?

For the past couple of days, my mind has been filled with the idea of, 'what have I done in the past 28 years'? Friday night Julie and I went to a birthday party (80) for a man we have known our entire lives. His daughter made a toast to him, and it listed all of his accomplishments. He is a veteran of the armed forces, father, grandfather, great-grandfather... All these things his children are so proud of him for....
It made me think.
Saturday, we went to visit my mom's uncle. One of my favorite relatives in the world. It may sound trivial, but he always knew which one each of us is. He didn't need to go through the whole list of names, it just came to him. That is not why I like him so much--- I have childhood days filled with Animal Stripes Gum, soda from the station store, and this random game we would play with pennies. Of course, the name element did help. Again, though.... We started talking with Herb about all he has done in his 93 years here. It made me feel scared that maybe when I am at that stage in life, people will only have quiet to share with me.
So, today I am going to do something I will remember. That Coen will talk about when I am old. That, if I have children, my own children will laugh about.... I am going to do it....
Okay. Maybe not today.

Wicked Witch of the West

Well...
It has happened. I was in Kansas for an interview for two positions at the school's my brother-in-law attended. As fine as they went, I was not overly keen about the positions.
Tuesday, I drove back to Minnesota. Somewhere in the middle of Iowa my voice mail gives me a jingle. What the hell? I had missed a call from a principal in Kansas City. I called him back and talked for a while- the obvious question, when I could I interview. I have used ALL of my personal days this year, which leaves June 4th as my first potential KS interview date. He suggests a phone interview the following day.
Sure.
Wednesday after school they call. Right when they said they would. There were three men on the other end. After 30 minutes they offered me a position at a 7/8 middle school. Which, I accepted. :-)

It has not really hit me yet....

I am going to see Coen more than once every three months....

I can go to dinner with Vicki....

I can go have drinks with Cat...

Is my life expanding beyond the black and white?