My Dear Moms~
I would like to take a moment to thank all of you for your loyalty and support these past six months as the Mom Chronicles has been launched. It has been a great blessing in my life and one I look forward to watching grow and evolve. I hope all of you will take the time to read the holiday edition of the Mom Chronicles running in this week's Hastings Star Gazette. A very humbling column to write, I hope it provides some of you out there in the same unfortunate circumstances some insight and peace.
I hope that all of you have a wonderful and joyous and so very blessed holiday and new year. May the greatest gifts in your life not be what lie under the tree but in what surrounds you.
A very Merry Christmas!
Amy, The Chronicle Mom
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Mom Chronicles Holiday Edition
The Mom Chronicles: Gratitude and Generosity
Merry Christmas. All the anticipation, the preparation, the hustle and bustle. It's all finally about to be over as the anticipated event, Christmas, is finally here. If you are like me, my Chronicle Moms, the arrival of the holiday comes with mixed feelings; relief to have survived and sadness that this season is soon to be over. As hectic and stressful as it can get, especially as a mom, with all the cooking and baking and shopping and wrapping, and holiday programs and parties, seeing it come to an end is somewhat a sad sort of thing. After all, as crazy as this season can get, there is absolutely nothing like it. The lights. The hope. The joy. The anticipation. The generosity. Oh, the generosity. For whatever reason, this is the season that truly brings out the best in people. What does not inspire others to give the rest of the year, seems to at Christmas time, and if ever a time to see what our fellow man is made of, now would be it. And so it is with great sadness that I welcome the holiday, and bid it farewell at the same time.
There are few times when I sit to write this column that I really struggle with what to say. This is one of those rare times but not because of not knowing what to say, but because of what it is I am going to share. You see, this Chronicle Mom is also human. That means capable of feeling things like embarassment, guilt and shame. And as I struggle to share what it is I am going to share, I know that I do it because in doing this column I have made a commitment to all of you, to be open and honest, and not to simply share that which is easy. And the fact of the matter is that I know that my sharing holds the potential of being a great gift to some of you. And for that, I write you this column, wrapped with the ribbon of my heart and hope that it can be the gift that perhaps you are in need of this holiday season.
Generosity. This is a subject I touched on in the opening lines of this column, and what this holiday addition of the Mom Chronicles is all about. Generosity, and also humility. This year, like for so many of you, this mom found herself in quite a predicament. Here I am, basically the sole provider for my kids, newly unemployed, living on short term disability while seeking treatment for depression issues that run deep, with out help paying for child care and basic needs such as food and rent, and with a three year old who has suddenly learned what it is to believe in Santa Clause. You see as many people have been busy crossing people off of their Christmas shopping lists, I have been shuffling funds just trying to figure out how to pay rent and daycare and all the other daily necessities of my children. It was no wonder then, as the weeks turned to days and the countdown to December 25th seemed to gain speed, I was forced with a very difficult decision to make. While I full heartedly believe that Christmas is about giving and not receiving, the all important Santa and gift concept to a young child is one that can't simply go unnoticed. And while it was suggested to me to simply celebrate the holiday at a later date when I could swing it, I knew this was not something as a mom I was neither willing, or able to do. And so last week I made the very difficult drive down to Hastings Family Service. Several "One last things" that unexpectedly came up and sucked up any hope of having any funds for gifts for my kids sort of pushed me to this decision. I would not be the one, after all, who would explain to my son on Christmas morning, that Santa did not make it to our house this year. And so I made the call, and went in and got our names on the list.
This is the part of the story I am most ashamed for. You see, as I was greeted by the kind folks at Hastings Family Service, I felt shame, embarassment. I hoped like mad that none of them would recognize me from my picture next to my column, for certainly no one could know that this Chronicle Mom had let her kids down so deeply as to have to resort to relying on others to bring them Christmas this year. So I kept my face to the ground, kept a low profile as I thought "Please no one notice me, please no one notice me." Until it dawned on me, how wrong was I. As I watched other moms come in behind me, if they were feeling the same way they certainly were not showing it. Shame on me, I thought. Shame on me. And what was funny, not funny but ironic, was that I did not look down on those other moms as I did myself. I did not look at the other moms signing their kids up and think, "Gee, what a loser. Can't provide your kids with gifts? What kind of a mom are you?" No. Quite contrary. Instead what I thought as I watched the other moms was "How great are you? How selfless? Your kids are so lucky!"
You see, who was I to be above needing such help? How great of an image must I have felt I needed to hold to feel such shame in asking for help? For the first time this mom who has never associated herself with having an elevated sense of self got it smacked in her face.
This past Friday afternoon I got the phone call from Hastings Family Service that our food and gifts were ready. When I went to pick them up I was overwhelmed. As I watched them carry towards me huge gift bags packed full of gifts for me and my kids, I was speechless. And then came the food. Seven bags of groceries, and a turkey. There was literally no room left in my car by the time I got done packing it all in. And the thing is, they have you write a thank you note right there on the spot for the family that sponsored you. I was somewhat taken a back. I could barely collect myself enough to understand all that was being given to us, let alone be able to pull my thoughts together enough to be able to give a meaningful thankyou, and yet I did my best. What do you say, afterall, to someone who extends such generosity? What do you say to someone, to the family, that has given your family the holiday they other wise would not have? How do you thank anyone for the look you caught on your childrens' faces when they came home to see the mountain of gifts under the tree? Thank you, quite frankly, does not feel remotely suffice.
My family was family UU. I share this not only to thank the family that so generously supported us, but to share with you other moms who also have a number or letters that were given to keep you anonymous in signing up for assistence, my famous montra that you are not alone. No one is above needing help or bad things happening. The shame that I felt in not being able to support my family that I can assure you so many of you also felt, is not necessary. Do not punish yourselves with it. For you, you are great. You were willing to step outside yourself and your pride to give your kids something that they will never forget- a Christmas! A hope! A Belief in that something greater. And while it may have been hard or disheartening and perhaps you felt as if I did, those feelings should only be replaced with feelings of pride and humility. We are all human. We all need help sometime. And while the gifts under the tree were not bought by you, they are there BECAUSE of you. And do not be afraid to tell your children as I have mine that we are SO lucky. We are SO lucky that someone loved us SO MUCH to give us all of these great things. And perhaps one day, you will be able to return the favor and do the same for someone else.
Generosity. Gratitude. These are the two greatest themes I will walk away from this holiday season with. Yes we have talked about twinkle lights and trees and snowflakes and all that is this time of year, but none of these things measure up to what it is to experience the generosity and kindness of the human spirit that emerges this time of year. And I can only hope and encourage you to extend this generosity and giving the rest of the year.
Now, as for me and my family by the time this comes to press we will be settling in under the tree getting ready to open our gifts so generously given by some family out there that loved us enough to give. And while I wish I could capture that moment and send it out to all of you, instead I will hold it close to my heart and I will forgive myself for feeling so proud, and with my children give thanks for a greater good. And we will be thinking of those of you other Chronicle families out there doing the same.
From my family to yours, I wish you a truly blessed and joyful Christmas.
Merry Christmas. All the anticipation, the preparation, the hustle and bustle. It's all finally about to be over as the anticipated event, Christmas, is finally here. If you are like me, my Chronicle Moms, the arrival of the holiday comes with mixed feelings; relief to have survived and sadness that this season is soon to be over. As hectic and stressful as it can get, especially as a mom, with all the cooking and baking and shopping and wrapping, and holiday programs and parties, seeing it come to an end is somewhat a sad sort of thing. After all, as crazy as this season can get, there is absolutely nothing like it. The lights. The hope. The joy. The anticipation. The generosity. Oh, the generosity. For whatever reason, this is the season that truly brings out the best in people. What does not inspire others to give the rest of the year, seems to at Christmas time, and if ever a time to see what our fellow man is made of, now would be it. And so it is with great sadness that I welcome the holiday, and bid it farewell at the same time.
There are few times when I sit to write this column that I really struggle with what to say. This is one of those rare times but not because of not knowing what to say, but because of what it is I am going to share. You see, this Chronicle Mom is also human. That means capable of feeling things like embarassment, guilt and shame. And as I struggle to share what it is I am going to share, I know that I do it because in doing this column I have made a commitment to all of you, to be open and honest, and not to simply share that which is easy. And the fact of the matter is that I know that my sharing holds the potential of being a great gift to some of you. And for that, I write you this column, wrapped with the ribbon of my heart and hope that it can be the gift that perhaps you are in need of this holiday season.
Generosity. This is a subject I touched on in the opening lines of this column, and what this holiday addition of the Mom Chronicles is all about. Generosity, and also humility. This year, like for so many of you, this mom found herself in quite a predicament. Here I am, basically the sole provider for my kids, newly unemployed, living on short term disability while seeking treatment for depression issues that run deep, with out help paying for child care and basic needs such as food and rent, and with a three year old who has suddenly learned what it is to believe in Santa Clause. You see as many people have been busy crossing people off of their Christmas shopping lists, I have been shuffling funds just trying to figure out how to pay rent and daycare and all the other daily necessities of my children. It was no wonder then, as the weeks turned to days and the countdown to December 25th seemed to gain speed, I was forced with a very difficult decision to make. While I full heartedly believe that Christmas is about giving and not receiving, the all important Santa and gift concept to a young child is one that can't simply go unnoticed. And while it was suggested to me to simply celebrate the holiday at a later date when I could swing it, I knew this was not something as a mom I was neither willing, or able to do. And so last week I made the very difficult drive down to Hastings Family Service. Several "One last things" that unexpectedly came up and sucked up any hope of having any funds for gifts for my kids sort of pushed me to this decision. I would not be the one, after all, who would explain to my son on Christmas morning, that Santa did not make it to our house this year. And so I made the call, and went in and got our names on the list.
This is the part of the story I am most ashamed for. You see, as I was greeted by the kind folks at Hastings Family Service, I felt shame, embarassment. I hoped like mad that none of them would recognize me from my picture next to my column, for certainly no one could know that this Chronicle Mom had let her kids down so deeply as to have to resort to relying on others to bring them Christmas this year. So I kept my face to the ground, kept a low profile as I thought "Please no one notice me, please no one notice me." Until it dawned on me, how wrong was I. As I watched other moms come in behind me, if they were feeling the same way they certainly were not showing it. Shame on me, I thought. Shame on me. And what was funny, not funny but ironic, was that I did not look down on those other moms as I did myself. I did not look at the other moms signing their kids up and think, "Gee, what a loser. Can't provide your kids with gifts? What kind of a mom are you?" No. Quite contrary. Instead what I thought as I watched the other moms was "How great are you? How selfless? Your kids are so lucky!"
You see, who was I to be above needing such help? How great of an image must I have felt I needed to hold to feel such shame in asking for help? For the first time this mom who has never associated herself with having an elevated sense of self got it smacked in her face.
This past Friday afternoon I got the phone call from Hastings Family Service that our food and gifts were ready. When I went to pick them up I was overwhelmed. As I watched them carry towards me huge gift bags packed full of gifts for me and my kids, I was speechless. And then came the food. Seven bags of groceries, and a turkey. There was literally no room left in my car by the time I got done packing it all in. And the thing is, they have you write a thank you note right there on the spot for the family that sponsored you. I was somewhat taken a back. I could barely collect myself enough to understand all that was being given to us, let alone be able to pull my thoughts together enough to be able to give a meaningful thankyou, and yet I did my best. What do you say, afterall, to someone who extends such generosity? What do you say to someone, to the family, that has given your family the holiday they other wise would not have? How do you thank anyone for the look you caught on your childrens' faces when they came home to see the mountain of gifts under the tree? Thank you, quite frankly, does not feel remotely suffice.
My family was family UU. I share this not only to thank the family that so generously supported us, but to share with you other moms who also have a number or letters that were given to keep you anonymous in signing up for assistence, my famous montra that you are not alone. No one is above needing help or bad things happening. The shame that I felt in not being able to support my family that I can assure you so many of you also felt, is not necessary. Do not punish yourselves with it. For you, you are great. You were willing to step outside yourself and your pride to give your kids something that they will never forget- a Christmas! A hope! A Belief in that something greater. And while it may have been hard or disheartening and perhaps you felt as if I did, those feelings should only be replaced with feelings of pride and humility. We are all human. We all need help sometime. And while the gifts under the tree were not bought by you, they are there BECAUSE of you. And do not be afraid to tell your children as I have mine that we are SO lucky. We are SO lucky that someone loved us SO MUCH to give us all of these great things. And perhaps one day, you will be able to return the favor and do the same for someone else.
Generosity. Gratitude. These are the two greatest themes I will walk away from this holiday season with. Yes we have talked about twinkle lights and trees and snowflakes and all that is this time of year, but none of these things measure up to what it is to experience the generosity and kindness of the human spirit that emerges this time of year. And I can only hope and encourage you to extend this generosity and giving the rest of the year.
Now, as for me and my family by the time this comes to press we will be settling in under the tree getting ready to open our gifts so generously given by some family out there that loved us enough to give. And while I wish I could capture that moment and send it out to all of you, instead I will hold it close to my heart and I will forgive myself for feeling so proud, and with my children give thanks for a greater good. And we will be thinking of those of you other Chronicle families out there doing the same.
From my family to yours, I wish you a truly blessed and joyful Christmas.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Message From Santa
Hey, Moms~
I have to share a super cool link with you!!! It is http://portablenorthpole.tv/
This is a website where you put in all of your kids info (name, age, eye and hair color, what they want for Christmas, what they have done good this year, where you live, etc) and it generates for free this amazing video message from Santa. It is so realistic. He has his naughty and nice book and the kids picture appears in it with their description and what they want for Christmas. My three year old LOVES it! It is SO cool. Do your kids a favor and make one for them. You will enjoy it, too!
Have a Super Merry Day!
Amy
I have to share a super cool link with you!!! It is http://portablenorthpole.tv/
This is a website where you put in all of your kids info (name, age, eye and hair color, what they want for Christmas, what they have done good this year, where you live, etc) and it generates for free this amazing video message from Santa. It is so realistic. He has his naughty and nice book and the kids picture appears in it with their description and what they want for Christmas. My three year old LOVES it! It is SO cool. Do your kids a favor and make one for them. You will enjoy it, too!
Have a Super Merry Day!
Amy
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Happy Snow-Day!
Hello, Moms! Can you believe it? The first big snow of the year is finally here! I am thrilled! If you have no where to go you probably are, too! If you do, well, you probably aren't so thrilled.. I anticipate lots of excited kids tomorrow, as I am sure there is going to be a snow day. If only my kids were old enough.. It is a little too cold and windy to take them sledding in the new fallen snow. My son is loving it! My daughter on the other hand...well, she is less then thrilled. Won't look at it, touch it, sit in it. Wants nothing to do with it. I hope that changes or it is going to be a long winter!
I hope you and your families are enjoying it and the anticipation to Christmas. Now, it really IS beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
As for me, the kids are in bed, I am snuggled up in my pajamas with the lights on and watching the Golden girls out one eye, and the falling snow outside my padio window with the other.. Though warm, a part of me wants to go out in it and dance and make snow angels... Hmmm... I just may have to.
Have a great week!
Amy
I hope you and your families are enjoying it and the anticipation to Christmas. Now, it really IS beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
As for me, the kids are in bed, I am snuggled up in my pajamas with the lights on and watching the Golden girls out one eye, and the falling snow outside my padio window with the other.. Though warm, a part of me wants to go out in it and dance and make snow angels... Hmmm... I just may have to.
Have a great week!
Amy
When The Lights Go Out - Dec. 9th Column
The Mom Chronicles:When the lights Go Out
Warm winter wishes, my Chronicle moms. By the time this goes to press I anticipate we will have our first decent measurable snow on the ground. For most, that means winter is officially here and Christmas can go ahead and come. There is something about that blanket of white that gets us all in to the holiday spirit.
This column was inspired while on my way to a special service at church tonight. As usual we took the scenic route to check out our favorite holiday light displays. To our dismay for the fourth night in a row, when we drove by one of the biggest displays (and one of our favorites to date) on W 3rd street just west of Pine, the lights were dark. "Are they broken, Mommy?" Matthew asked. To which my reply was simply, "I don't know, bud." And while he dropped it there, it didn't escape my thoughts. What did happen?- I wondered. Why are the lights off? We enjoyed them for several nights, and suddenly I found myself wondering what caused them to go dark. Well, to my excitement, later as I embarked on the long walk home from church, just as I was in deep thought and silently cursing my husband for conveniently being over a half an hour away and not answering his phone when I was ready to be picked up and hense having to walk the almost two miles home, in the cold and dark alone, I saw light. THOSE lights. Our lights. The BIG lights. They were on.
And so after taking a moment to step back and enjoy them, I then wondered why they had been dark for so many times before.I felt some sense of relief, for I had worried that perhaps something happened to the owner and they were unable to turn them on, or perhaps that they had blown a circuit, or, or, or. And then it was simply, perhaps they were just away from home and need to humor us all and put the lights on a timer. (I will donate one if you need it!)
Ultimately, my thoughts returned to the subject of the lights going out. This stayed with the topic of holiday lights for only a moment, and quickly lead to thoughts of how this applies to all of us in life, especially in the holiday season. You see, what I was walking home from was a Service of Rememberance for folks who have lost loved ones and are remembering them this holiday season. I went for my lost baby. We were given the opportunity to replace ornaments on a tree with a special bow with our loved ones name on it, and then given the ornaments we replaced to take home. There were many people there that in this holiday season, the lights could certainly be dark. While I am working hard to give my children the most memorable holiday I can, the fact that this would have been my baby's first Christmas had it survived is not far from my mind. Other things that make the lights go out during the holidays? Stress. Loss. Loss of job. Loss of a life. Loss of home. Financial burdens. The inability to provide for ones family, or give their children their coveted Christmas gifts. Sickness, mental or physical. The unexpected or dreaded. It seems just about anything can flip the switch on the light and hope that lies in the holiday season. So what happens then when the lights do go out?
The first thing to do is diagnose what happened. What do you do when your holiday lights go out? Do you simply throw them out, or check to see if there is a loose bulb, or simply make sure they are plugged in? Your approach to that may be similar to how you approach your life when the lights go out. Do you take time to figure out what happened, to problem solve, or do you simply give up? We have all fallen victim to the dreaded strand of holiday lights that suddenly stop working or part of the strand goes dark. Are you someone who tries to fix them, or do you simply throw them out? And if you do throw them out do you consider it a loss or are you fairly indifferent? Perhaps a simple analogy but the same can be applied to how to handle these life things when they darken our days. When a strand of lights goes out, it happens for a reason. Perhaps they were defective, something came loose, there was an electic short, etc or perhaps they were just old. And when it happens we can be upset, frustrated, even sad but does that mean we never buy a strand of holiday lights again, or do we take a chance and buy more perhaps next time buying a box of the kind that won't go dark when a single bulb does? Based on the number of people I see stocking up on holiday lights in after Christmas sales, I would be willing to bet that we buy more, perhaps even in anticipation of the lights going out again.
So what am I getting at here? I have see in my own life quite vivedly the past months how easily the lights go out. I have seen how I have allowed all the ways my life has gone dark to blacken my whole outlook. This holiday season, I am aware of where the dark areas remain in my life, and am seeking ways of bringing back the lights. I have examined where the problem areas lie and what caused them to begin with. I have decided which strands of darkness I am ok to let go of and accept as losses, and which ones I am fighting to salvage or bring back. Some of the dark areas I know how to fix, others are most obscure.And while it seems somewhat minimalizing to compare the darkness of life to the darkness of a strand of holiday lights, the analogy has taught me a lot. Of the things most important, it has taught me that things happen for a reason, even if I don't always know what the reason is. It has taught me that replacing lights doesn't mean the old ones never existed. It has taught me that the most important relationships in life are the ones that bring back the light, even if it is simply one tiny bulb at a time, and the relationships worth fighting for and working on the most are the ones that are going to be there when the next strand goes black. Finally, it has taught me to be patient. The process of diagnosing a problem and brainstorming a way to fix it and making those choices take time and patience. They don't always happen over night, and some times, what works for one strand isn't what works for another.
I hope that as we continue in the holiday season that if you find lights in your life going dark, that you are able to find ways to bring them back. I associate light with hope. Where there is light, there is hope. If you live in darkness, there is no hope. I hope if this holiday season finds you living in darkness, that you are able to find even one bulb that is bright, and when you do, let that light shine.
I hope you will continue to find hope and light this holiday season. Keep putting up those light displays. We are enjoying them! (PS- Way to Go, Chad! I am proud of you for yours!!)
Warm winter wishes, my Chronicle moms. By the time this goes to press I anticipate we will have our first decent measurable snow on the ground. For most, that means winter is officially here and Christmas can go ahead and come. There is something about that blanket of white that gets us all in to the holiday spirit.
This column was inspired while on my way to a special service at church tonight. As usual we took the scenic route to check out our favorite holiday light displays. To our dismay for the fourth night in a row, when we drove by one of the biggest displays (and one of our favorites to date) on W 3rd street just west of Pine, the lights were dark. "Are they broken, Mommy?" Matthew asked. To which my reply was simply, "I don't know, bud." And while he dropped it there, it didn't escape my thoughts. What did happen?- I wondered. Why are the lights off? We enjoyed them for several nights, and suddenly I found myself wondering what caused them to go dark. Well, to my excitement, later as I embarked on the long walk home from church, just as I was in deep thought and silently cursing my husband for conveniently being over a half an hour away and not answering his phone when I was ready to be picked up and hense having to walk the almost two miles home, in the cold and dark alone, I saw light. THOSE lights. Our lights. The BIG lights. They were on.
And so after taking a moment to step back and enjoy them, I then wondered why they had been dark for so many times before.I felt some sense of relief, for I had worried that perhaps something happened to the owner and they were unable to turn them on, or perhaps that they had blown a circuit, or, or, or. And then it was simply, perhaps they were just away from home and need to humor us all and put the lights on a timer. (I will donate one if you need it!)
Ultimately, my thoughts returned to the subject of the lights going out. This stayed with the topic of holiday lights for only a moment, and quickly lead to thoughts of how this applies to all of us in life, especially in the holiday season. You see, what I was walking home from was a Service of Rememberance for folks who have lost loved ones and are remembering them this holiday season. I went for my lost baby. We were given the opportunity to replace ornaments on a tree with a special bow with our loved ones name on it, and then given the ornaments we replaced to take home. There were many people there that in this holiday season, the lights could certainly be dark. While I am working hard to give my children the most memorable holiday I can, the fact that this would have been my baby's first Christmas had it survived is not far from my mind. Other things that make the lights go out during the holidays? Stress. Loss. Loss of job. Loss of a life. Loss of home. Financial burdens. The inability to provide for ones family, or give their children their coveted Christmas gifts. Sickness, mental or physical. The unexpected or dreaded. It seems just about anything can flip the switch on the light and hope that lies in the holiday season. So what happens then when the lights do go out?
The first thing to do is diagnose what happened. What do you do when your holiday lights go out? Do you simply throw them out, or check to see if there is a loose bulb, or simply make sure they are plugged in? Your approach to that may be similar to how you approach your life when the lights go out. Do you take time to figure out what happened, to problem solve, or do you simply give up? We have all fallen victim to the dreaded strand of holiday lights that suddenly stop working or part of the strand goes dark. Are you someone who tries to fix them, or do you simply throw them out? And if you do throw them out do you consider it a loss or are you fairly indifferent? Perhaps a simple analogy but the same can be applied to how to handle these life things when they darken our days. When a strand of lights goes out, it happens for a reason. Perhaps they were defective, something came loose, there was an electic short, etc or perhaps they were just old. And when it happens we can be upset, frustrated, even sad but does that mean we never buy a strand of holiday lights again, or do we take a chance and buy more perhaps next time buying a box of the kind that won't go dark when a single bulb does? Based on the number of people I see stocking up on holiday lights in after Christmas sales, I would be willing to bet that we buy more, perhaps even in anticipation of the lights going out again.
So what am I getting at here? I have see in my own life quite vivedly the past months how easily the lights go out. I have seen how I have allowed all the ways my life has gone dark to blacken my whole outlook. This holiday season, I am aware of where the dark areas remain in my life, and am seeking ways of bringing back the lights. I have examined where the problem areas lie and what caused them to begin with. I have decided which strands of darkness I am ok to let go of and accept as losses, and which ones I am fighting to salvage or bring back. Some of the dark areas I know how to fix, others are most obscure.And while it seems somewhat minimalizing to compare the darkness of life to the darkness of a strand of holiday lights, the analogy has taught me a lot. Of the things most important, it has taught me that things happen for a reason, even if I don't always know what the reason is. It has taught me that replacing lights doesn't mean the old ones never existed. It has taught me that the most important relationships in life are the ones that bring back the light, even if it is simply one tiny bulb at a time, and the relationships worth fighting for and working on the most are the ones that are going to be there when the next strand goes black. Finally, it has taught me to be patient. The process of diagnosing a problem and brainstorming a way to fix it and making those choices take time and patience. They don't always happen over night, and some times, what works for one strand isn't what works for another.
I hope that as we continue in the holiday season that if you find lights in your life going dark, that you are able to find ways to bring them back. I associate light with hope. Where there is light, there is hope. If you live in darkness, there is no hope. I hope if this holiday season finds you living in darkness, that you are able to find even one bulb that is bright, and when you do, let that light shine.
I hope you will continue to find hope and light this holiday season. Keep putting up those light displays. We are enjoying them! (PS- Way to Go, Chad! I am proud of you for yours!!)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tending to Our Young
Hi, Moms~
Whew. What a week! I am sorry I am just getting back here.. It has been one of THOSE weeks. I am sure you will hear about it in next week's column, but here is a preview. Kids got sick. Both of them. My daughter with Pneumonia and my son with a bad cold, made worse by his asthma. This has meant a small fortune in office and medication co-pays when I didn't have it. It meant I couldn't start the treatment program that I have waited over a month to get in to for my depression. It meant missing my own doctor appointment, teaching confirmation, and chiropractor appts for the pinched nerve in my neck that also happened this week. I have gotten approximately 8 hours of sleep total this week. I have eaten junk for food just to stay awake. I feel like a small cow. Then we had the Diet Coke Crisis, which was able to be averted when I finally got to Target, both kids in tow, as I ran out and can't function on no sleep with out it. Yes, I, the horrible mom I am, took my ailing children out in these temps, with wet hair after a bath none the less- to fulfill my own need for diet coke. Remember that thing about having to take care of yourself? Yes, that would be it. My husband will not be home until late in the weekend and even suggested not coming until next week. I told him not to dare be gone that long. Mom needs a break.
Fortunately I got deeply rewarded by my daughter tonight when, in feeling better, she crawled up on the couch and stood up behind me and put her head on my shoulder and "patted" my back with her little hands, as if to say "thanks, mom". It was so sweet. She is feeling better- finally- so thank Goodness for that!
This weekend I am hoping to be able to fulfil the promise to my son to get the "Ho-Ho tree". Also, the lighted holiday train is coming through Hastings, so of course we must go and do that! Hopefully things are finally going to turn around.. Now, if only the grass could be covered with the white stuff... That would be golden!
Have a great week, moms!
Hopeing you and yours are better then we've been!!
Amy
Whew. What a week! I am sorry I am just getting back here.. It has been one of THOSE weeks. I am sure you will hear about it in next week's column, but here is a preview. Kids got sick. Both of them. My daughter with Pneumonia and my son with a bad cold, made worse by his asthma. This has meant a small fortune in office and medication co-pays when I didn't have it. It meant I couldn't start the treatment program that I have waited over a month to get in to for my depression. It meant missing my own doctor appointment, teaching confirmation, and chiropractor appts for the pinched nerve in my neck that also happened this week. I have gotten approximately 8 hours of sleep total this week. I have eaten junk for food just to stay awake. I feel like a small cow. Then we had the Diet Coke Crisis, which was able to be averted when I finally got to Target, both kids in tow, as I ran out and can't function on no sleep with out it. Yes, I, the horrible mom I am, took my ailing children out in these temps, with wet hair after a bath none the less- to fulfill my own need for diet coke. Remember that thing about having to take care of yourself? Yes, that would be it. My husband will not be home until late in the weekend and even suggested not coming until next week. I told him not to dare be gone that long. Mom needs a break.
Fortunately I got deeply rewarded by my daughter tonight when, in feeling better, she crawled up on the couch and stood up behind me and put her head on my shoulder and "patted" my back with her little hands, as if to say "thanks, mom". It was so sweet. She is feeling better- finally- so thank Goodness for that!
This weekend I am hoping to be able to fulfil the promise to my son to get the "Ho-Ho tree". Also, the lighted holiday train is coming through Hastings, so of course we must go and do that! Hopefully things are finally going to turn around.. Now, if only the grass could be covered with the white stuff... That would be golden!
Have a great week, moms!
Hopeing you and yours are better then we've been!!
Amy
December 3rd Column
The Mom Chronicles: 1st Annual Lights and Display Contest
Welcome back from your turkey induced comas. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving with your families! Ours was wonderfully uneventful. We spent it with my mom's side of the family, where we ate lots, of course, and while the competitive and cheating side of the family played 500 (the card game), the rest of us lower key folks played a couple games of Skip-Bo. It's a game I learned to play as a young girl from my grandma, and still enjoy to this day. While there was no black-Friday shopping in the Peterson household due to lack of funds and not enough courage to take two little kids out in those kinds of crowds, we did spend time out driving around checking out the Christmas lights. My son especially enjoyed the Nativity scenes, as while to some of them he said,"Look mom! There is baby Jesus!", remembering the Baby Jesus doll he made at Sunday School, and to others he exclaimed, "Look ,Mommy! Baby Sam!" That made my heart smile, while at the same time drawing a tear.I am deeply proud that my son recognizes baby Jesus in the Manger, and chilled by the irony of his drawing comparison of our baby Sam that we lost and the baby Jesus. She does, after all, now live with Him.
The foremost has showed me that it is possible, to teach both the TRUE meaning of Christmas, while enjoing the secular versions as well. As a mother of young children who happened to have been a child once herself, I frequently wondered how to draw that balance. I do not want to raise greedy children, who just think of Santa Clause and loads of toys when Christmas is mentioned. No Instead I want them to have a deep knowledge of why we celebrate the holiday and what it means to our family as Christians. That means recognizing things like the Baby Jesus, Nativy scene and songs like "Silent Night", in additon to "Ho Ho" lights, blown up lawn ornaments, and "Santa Clause is coming to town". I hope as they get older, my kids will continue to recognize and remember these things and they will continue to be parts of our traditions. For me growing up, the Christmas Eve Service at church was just a large of an event as the gift opening itself. Perhaps this was because my grandfather is a pastor, or perhaps it was just our family's values, Whatever the case, I was raised with the abiliy to balance those deep rooted beliefs, with the belief and hope in Santa Clause, who represented someting so ironically similar. And while I don't feel that it is my place to tell you what to believe in and teach your kids this year, I do hope that whatever it is expands beyond what gits they receieve under the tree. It could be as simple as allowing your child to put a few dollars or loose change in to the bell ringer's kettles, or choosing a gift or two to donate to a charity, or even by adopting another family for Christmas. At the holiday season, your options are endless. On a tighter budget? Bake some cookies and deliver them to an elderly or sick neighbor, or when the snow flies (which will hopefully be soon), shovel for someone, or organize a carroling expedition Whatever you do, find ways to create your own holiday memories and traditions, that include things or meanings that run deeper than presents or toys or tangable things. I promise, it will leave you all feeling a little merrier, a little jollier, a little more bright.
Speaking of bright. Mom Chronicle Challenge! All our driving around looking at lights has inspired me to hold a Lights and Display Contest! Between now and December 20th I will be driving around Hastings checking out all the neighborhood lights and displays looking for the best dislays.My kids and I will choose the best single house, as well as the best overall neighborhood. Want to be considered? Send me an email at: amyellamatthew@gmail.com with the subject of "Lights and Display Contest". While I have been getting around town with the kids, if you have a special display, please send me your address so I can be sure not to miss is and check it out Each week in my column until then, I will include addresses of some I have enjoyed during the previous week. Happy lighting, and Good Luck!
Here are a few I have ejoyed this week (Take note- these are mostly on the West Side of 61, as they are closer to my house. I will check out the East side for next week.)
1.Neighborhood: The culvasac of Ridgewood Ct and Pleasant (a few blocks behind the Library).
2.Neigborhood: Homes on the east side of Tuttle Drive and Shannon Dr (Several day cares in this neighborhood.That equals lots of lights!)
3.Neighborhood: W3rd st between State street, also between Pine and River on West 3rd ***A couple of these are the greatest homes right now, too!**
4. West 8th street along Hwy 55
5. Homes starting a S. Park Drive and Hackberry, and continuing along S. Park Drive
6.Home near W14th and Pine
7. Homes along Oak and W 16th, as well as W19t to W20th
8. Several Homes along W 18th St starting at Hwy 61
9. Homes along W33rd and Lester
10. W 31st and Hwy Knoll
Hope you will take time to check these neighborhoods out. Let me know your favorites! No lights of your own? Maybe driving around to see these will inspire you! Have a great week!
Welcome back from your turkey induced comas. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving with your families! Ours was wonderfully uneventful. We spent it with my mom's side of the family, where we ate lots, of course, and while the competitive and cheating side of the family played 500 (the card game), the rest of us lower key folks played a couple games of Skip-Bo. It's a game I learned to play as a young girl from my grandma, and still enjoy to this day. While there was no black-Friday shopping in the Peterson household due to lack of funds and not enough courage to take two little kids out in those kinds of crowds, we did spend time out driving around checking out the Christmas lights. My son especially enjoyed the Nativity scenes, as while to some of them he said,"Look mom! There is baby Jesus!", remembering the Baby Jesus doll he made at Sunday School, and to others he exclaimed, "Look ,Mommy! Baby Sam!" That made my heart smile, while at the same time drawing a tear.I am deeply proud that my son recognizes baby Jesus in the Manger, and chilled by the irony of his drawing comparison of our baby Sam that we lost and the baby Jesus. She does, after all, now live with Him.
The foremost has showed me that it is possible, to teach both the TRUE meaning of Christmas, while enjoing the secular versions as well. As a mother of young children who happened to have been a child once herself, I frequently wondered how to draw that balance. I do not want to raise greedy children, who just think of Santa Clause and loads of toys when Christmas is mentioned. No Instead I want them to have a deep knowledge of why we celebrate the holiday and what it means to our family as Christians. That means recognizing things like the Baby Jesus, Nativy scene and songs like "Silent Night", in additon to "Ho Ho" lights, blown up lawn ornaments, and "Santa Clause is coming to town". I hope as they get older, my kids will continue to recognize and remember these things and they will continue to be parts of our traditions. For me growing up, the Christmas Eve Service at church was just a large of an event as the gift opening itself. Perhaps this was because my grandfather is a pastor, or perhaps it was just our family's values, Whatever the case, I was raised with the abiliy to balance those deep rooted beliefs, with the belief and hope in Santa Clause, who represented someting so ironically similar. And while I don't feel that it is my place to tell you what to believe in and teach your kids this year, I do hope that whatever it is expands beyond what gits they receieve under the tree. It could be as simple as allowing your child to put a few dollars or loose change in to the bell ringer's kettles, or choosing a gift or two to donate to a charity, or even by adopting another family for Christmas. At the holiday season, your options are endless. On a tighter budget? Bake some cookies and deliver them to an elderly or sick neighbor, or when the snow flies (which will hopefully be soon), shovel for someone, or organize a carroling expedition Whatever you do, find ways to create your own holiday memories and traditions, that include things or meanings that run deeper than presents or toys or tangable things. I promise, it will leave you all feeling a little merrier, a little jollier, a little more bright.
Speaking of bright. Mom Chronicle Challenge! All our driving around looking at lights has inspired me to hold a Lights and Display Contest! Between now and December 20th I will be driving around Hastings checking out all the neighborhood lights and displays looking for the best dislays.My kids and I will choose the best single house, as well as the best overall neighborhood. Want to be considered? Send me an email at: amyellamatthew@gmail.com with the subject of "Lights and Display Contest". While I have been getting around town with the kids, if you have a special display, please send me your address so I can be sure not to miss is and check it out Each week in my column until then, I will include addresses of some I have enjoyed during the previous week. Happy lighting, and Good Luck!
Here are a few I have ejoyed this week (Take note- these are mostly on the West Side of 61, as they are closer to my house. I will check out the East side for next week.)
1.Neighborhood: The culvasac of Ridgewood Ct and Pleasant (a few blocks behind the Library).
2.Neigborhood: Homes on the east side of Tuttle Drive and Shannon Dr (Several day cares in this neighborhood.That equals lots of lights!)
3.Neighborhood: W3rd st between State street, also between Pine and River on West 3rd ***A couple of these are the greatest homes right now, too!**
4. West 8th street along Hwy 55
5. Homes starting a S. Park Drive and Hackberry, and continuing along S. Park Drive
6.Home near W14th and Pine
7. Homes along Oak and W 16th, as well as W19t to W20th
8. Several Homes along W 18th St starting at Hwy 61
9. Homes along W33rd and Lester
10. W 31st and Hwy Knoll
Hope you will take time to check these neighborhoods out. Let me know your favorites! No lights of your own? Maybe driving around to see these will inspire you! Have a great week!
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