Far Away

We were at the grocery store today when J sneezed (I *really* hope he's not getting sick like his Mama). I told him to not touch his face, as he had boogies on it. As I grabbed a spare Kleenex in my pocket, I had this conversation with him.

Me: "We don't like boogies, do we buddy?"
J: "No Mama."
Me: "What do we say to boogies?"
J: "Go away, boogies."
Me: "Yeah, go far away boogies."
J: "Like Uncle D and Casey?"
Me: "Yeah buddy. Far away like Uncle D and Casey."

My Little Bro Got Married--Two Weeks Ago

My little brother and his bride.

Ever since I married my husband, I had hoped my brother would find someone special, too. (Although my mom wished it more than me!) He's always been the more adventurous one, as evidence by his two (yes, two) tours of the Peace Corps, his gallivants throughout Europe and North America. Me, I haven't set foot out of the country in quite a few years, and venturing on the plane two weeks ago for my little brother's wedding was the first time I've been in the sky since before kids! That's more than 6 years! Meanwhile, my brother's probably been on a plane six times just this year.

Anyway, he met the love of his life in a desolate country in Europe: Moldova. And Casey (his bride) is the sweetest, most compassionate, most loving person. I don't think Derek could've found a better match.

Since they're off yet again to new-found adventures, this time in Lebanon, they wanted to get married before they left. They tied the knot on Aug. 16 in a beautiful sunset ceremony in her parents' backyard.

It was simply magical. Very "them" as seen by their personal vows, the casual affair (my brother wore sandals and a hat) and the full moon the ceremony set under.

May the two of you grow together, say you love each other daily, and bask in the glow knowing that those you touch are affected by you. We love you.

Saying Good-bye

I think the Muppets said it the best:

Saying good-bye, going away
Seems like good-bye's such a hard thing to say.
Touching a hand, wondering why.

It's time for saying good-bye.

Saying good-bye, why is it sad?
Makes us remember the good times we've had.
Much more to say, foolish to try
It's time for saying good-bye.

Don't want to leave, but we both know
Sometimes it's better to go.
Somehow I know, we'll meet again.

Not sure quite where, and I don't know just when.
You're in my heart, so until then.
Wanna smile, wanna cry
Saying good-bye.

Uncle D and Casey left yesterday for their adventures in teaching in Lebanon. We knew this day was coming, but it still doesn't make it easier. Seems like we say good-bye to Uncle D quite often, but we know this is what they both want to do. And how can we deny that?

I've come to accept that they're at different stages in their lives: they're wanting to change the world, doing all they can. What an awesome feeling that must be. And to do it together, with each other's soul mates is a beautiful thing.

Whenever I say good-bye to my little brother, it hurts. He's my little brother. The one I used to scare the crap out of whenever he'd come home from school and I'd hide behind the door. The same kid who was forced to live in my shadow for so many years. And once he went off to college, he came out of his shell, exposing this caring, compassionate man who captures the hearts of all he encounters.

And now he and Casey are off to share that compassion for teaching those less fortunate. I have no doubt they will succeed. And they're doing it together. That makes me feel better.

But it still brings a lump to my throat. Because they're family. And not having them nearby hurts. I never thought there would be a day when I'd miss that pesky brother of mine. But seeing the man he's become, the uncle he is to my kids, the husband he is to my new sister-in-law, makes me proud. Proud to be his sister. And having someone there, beside him, to protect and love my little brother helps.

I just hope someday that they'll decide to stick around the United States for a bit. You know, for my kids. Oh, who am I kidding. I hope they can just to appease me. So until then, it's time for saying good-bye.

So happy together.

Getting Our Kicks

Riley started soccer last night, and as a proud parent (and former soccer player), I was beaming. She was a little hesitant, since there are boys and girls on the team (Sidenote: the coach thought looking at her name that she was a boy. And so it begins...). They did 1/2 hour of practice and another 1/2 hour of an unorganized game.

The coaches are great, and her team, the Sharks, seems to play well together. When they started the game, I laughed because Riley played defense, my old position. And I laughed even harder because she tended to stay back toward the goal, just like her Mom. She ran to the sidelines at one point, and I asked her if she's tired. "No, Mom, I'm just tired of running."

Then I realized I was turning into a soccer mom. I was yelling at her to go toward the ball. Even Jeremy started yelling, "Get the ball, I-ree." Yeah, I think I was the only parent demanding my child play. I need to remember that she's only 4. But I think this will be a great starting point for whatever she chooses to do. Just not cheerleading.

Doing stretches

Lining up to shoot.


Playing defense like her Mom.


Successful completion to first day.

Knock, Knock

We went on our first family vacation last week, heading off to Boston for my brother's wedding. I *think* it was Jeremy's first time in a hotel, if I can remember correctly. Riley was in one when my grandma passed away, but she was only 6 months old. Anyway, I think they were in the hotel too long because this was the scene at our house last week:

(Jeremy closes the door to the house after getting out of the garage. Riley walks up the stairs to open the door, but pauses. She knocks.)

The next thing I hear out of her mouth:
"Housekeeping."

So now both kids think it's funny to close doors, knock, and say, "Housekeeping." Now if only housekeeping would actually come to my house....

Welcome to the Craziness

So I've finally jumped on the bandwagon and started a blog. In an ideal world, I'd love to keep current with what's going on with my kids, life, and anything and everything, but we all know that's not going to happen. Just like I wanted to put photos of Riley's birth in a photo album (they're currently shoved in a box in our master bedroom closet...and she's almost 5).

I'm just hoping to keep some sort of record that my kids say funny things and that I have some sort of sanity left. So sit back, read away, and enjoy the life that we lead.

Oh yeah, above are pictures of the kids that drive me crazy, yet I love with all my heart. And they're the reasons for the title of my blog, for as insane as some days are, I keep telling people to remind me that someday I'll miss this chaos that's my life.