(43-218) Why Lyndzi?

The other day I told you that I had "VERY Big News."  I shared that my daughter, Lyndzi, my cousin, Jackie and I are going to be taking a trip to New York to celebrate my 44th birthday.  I mentioned that I decided to take one of my kids with me and that Lyndzi seemed like the perfect choice; but I didn't say why.  Since that post, I've spoken with a number of my friends and although everyone is very glad that I'm bringing Lyndzi; they all seem to want to know how I made my choice. They all want to know; why Lyndzi? 

When I first considered asking one of my children to come to New York with me; I thought about who would enjoy the trip the most; and hands down the answer was Lyndzi.  Although all three of my kids can be picky eaters; Lyndzi is the most adventurous diner.  Lyndzi enjoys trying different foods, where with Nicky and Kelsie, it can be like pulling teeth to get them to try something new.  Since I was planning to eat in China town as well go out for Italian food; Lyndzi seemed like the logical choice because I knew that she would enjoy these meals more than Nicky and Kelsie would; and the same may be said for "Mamma Mia."  All three of my kids like musicals, and both Lyndzi and Kelsie adore ABBA, but I think that Lyndzi is at an age where she'll really be able to appreciate the show, more than Kelsie would; and I didn't think that "Mamma Mia" was up Nicky's alley.  Then there's the whole patience thang.  Lyndzi is extraordinarily complacent, patient and considerate; and honestly,the same may be said for Nicky.  Whereas Kelsie is seven. Nicky and Lyndzi are usually very shy, so Kelsie always appears to be the friendliest of the three.  She's also naturally outgoing and a great conversationalist; but patience and consideration are two traits that my youngest daughter needs to work on.  Lyndzi on the other hand, will sit and draw for hours on end; and she finds it very easy to entertain herself.  Lastly, but certainly not least; I really relish the idea of introducing everyone to my little ray of sunshine.   Lyndzi is such a joy to be around and her positivity is contagious; therefore, she is a gift that I would love to share.

It was very difficult for me to only invite one of my children on this momentous trip; but I assured them that they will each have an opportunity to travel with me at some point.  I was very proud of all of my kids and the way that they handled my decision to take Lyndzi with me.  Lyndzi didn't gloat or act overly excited; and Nicky and Kelsie didn't question my choice or make me feel guilty about it.  Are these some special kids or what? 

With each passing day, I get increasingly excited about our trip; which I've had to extend by a couple of days, by the way.  I am so delighted that Lyndzi AND Jackie will be joining me on my return to New York; and I can't wait to revisit my past with them; and celebrate my future.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-180) The Toddler Laws Of Property

If you've ever read "The Bumpy Ride" before; I'm sure this title seems untimely.  If you're new to The Ride; I'll explain that it's been quite some time, since I've personally had a toddler.  My son, Nicky is now 11 1/2, my daughter, Lyndzi is nine and my youngest; Kelsie, is seven.  But when Kelsie was two, I bought her a t-shirt with "The Toddler Laws Of Property" on it, and I've kept it all this time; because I wanted to use what was written on it for a scrapbook page; ONE DAY.

Sure; I could have written down what was on the shirt, and then gotten rid of it; but this is me that we're talking about, and I don't always do things the easy way.  I'll be honest, I'm not even sure where the shirt was.  I thought I had it on the top shelf of Kelsie's closet; yes, yes, I'm going to stick with that.  It WAS on the top shelf of Kelsie's closet; so what it was doing downstairs, and wet at that; I have no idea; but that's where and how I found it this morning.

I re-read the shirt; and it gave me the same chuckle that it did, years ago when I first saw it.  If you've never seen this shirt, and you have a toddler, have had a toddler or ever met a toddler; I think it will give you a smile too:

The Toddler Laws Of Property
1.  If I like it, it's mine
2.  If it's in my hand, it's mine
3.  If I had it a little while ago, it's mine
4.  If it looks just like mine, it's mine
5.  If I think it's mine, it's mine!

I loved when my children were babies, so small and new; and as they grew into toddlers, I cherished those moments too.  Everything was a discovery, what foods tasted like or why different things worked the way they did; including themselves.  Each of my children were so different from each other; which is why I never would have bought this shirt for Nicky or Lyndzi; but for Kelsie, it was perfect. With each child I learned more about individuality, patience and flexibility. Oh I loved having young children; but, there is definitely something to be said for the blessing of communication.  As your children get older they are able to tell you when something is hurting them or they don't feel well.  You are able to talk with them about their happiness and their sorrow; and you are able to merge your relationship to where not only are you parenting them; but you're enjoying each others company.

I'm so glad that I came across Kelsie's shirt today.  It reminded me of how far we've come and how much fun and love we've shared getting there.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-161) The Princess of Positivity

Today I had a very interesting series of text messages with my friend / soccer director; Big Mike.  I won't go into the whole story; NO I WON'T.  But I'll just say that he and I have been trying to book a location for our end of year tournament and it hasn't been going well.  We are sitting on pins and needles, waiting for our venue of choice to confirm our request; and unfortunately, we are running out of time.  Since I said I'm not going to tell the whole story, and I'm NOT; I'll jump ahead and tell you that I told Mike that just because the tournament was a priority to us, didn't mean that the woman we were waiting on saw it as a priority.  I told him that I thought we would get the booking because if the fields weren't available, then she would have told us already; and it's probably just taking a while so that she can work out all of the details.  Clearly I was the one drinking out of the half full glass today; because Mike thanked me for my positive outlook and decided to jump on my optimistic bandwagon.

I HAVE to think positively.  I want to put good energy out there, because I know from experience that you reap what you sow.  BUT, I wasn't ALWAYS positive; it was a way that I chose to be, a way that I convinced myself to be; and I've lead a much happier life ever since.

Now people often say that Lyndzi is my mini me.  Of all my kids, she is the one who resembles me the most; and whose character traits are MOST like mine.  She's klutzy, LIKE ME.  She can be shy, LIKE ME, She tries to be funny, LIKE ME; and she is one tough chick, LIKE ME.  Lyndzi has a very caring and sensitive heart; LIKE ME and she strives to make others happy, LIKE ME.  I could go on and on; REALLY, I could; but suffice it to say that the similarities are endless.  The one thing that I will say about Lyndzi, and the way that we differ, is that she has always been a ray of sunshine, she glows.  There is a warmth that Lyndzi exudes that is something that I didn't have at her age; (or now) and along with this warmth comes a positivity that she was born with.  I often refer to Lyndzi as Little Mary Sunshine; but I think that I will from now on refer to her as the Princess of POSITIVITY; after all, if I'm the Queen; wouldn't it stand to reason that she's the Princess?  And so, in honor of the Princess of POSITIVITY, I'm going to share another one of her brilliant works of art.   

The below drawing is Lyndzi's version of the "Junie B. Jones Is A Party Animal," book cover.  She drew it at school, which is why it's on looseleaf.  I'm sure that she never expected it to be featured in my blog today; but I thought it was SO good; that I had to share.  

What more can I say... I find her attention to detail remarkable, and I think that her expression of movement is exceptional for a nine year old. I am SO proud of Lyndzi for all that she is and all that she does. 

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING 

(43-146) Proof Of KARMA

This afternoon, Kelsie and I went to Fry's Marketplace to do some grocery shopping.  I knew that I had other errands to run (YES, MORE;) so I wanted to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible.  Kelsie eyed a short line and while we waited to approach the register, I took out my Fry's card and my credit card; so I'd be ready to go.  I'm not sure what it was that reminded me that I'd forgotten something; but I told Kelsie that I needed to grab a couple of candles, so we got off of the line.

Kelsie and I headed towards the candles, and along the way, I picked up a 10 pack of hangers for $1.25 (since they had the little hooks on them that I like; and I haven't found those easily lately.)  I put the 2 candles in my cart, and went over to the shampoo aisle because apparently when I thought I bought hair conditioner last night; I had actually gotten shampoo.  I decided to pass on the conditioner, because they only had a small bottle for more than I had even paid for the larger bottle.  AND THEN; all of a sudden, I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach; because I realized that my credit card was gone.

I had it in my hand as I walked away from the check out line; and now, it wasn't in my hand, nor my pocket, or my wallet, or my purse.  I looked in the general area where we had just been; but I didn't see it anywhere.  I tried not to panic, because I knew that wouldn't help resolve the situation.  I told myself that I could report the card as missing and dispute any charges that might have been made; but nonetheless, I went up to the customer service counter to see if anyone had turned it in.

My card was not turned in, so I went back to the check out line where I had last seen my card and I carefully looked through my purse; but the card could not be found.  I enlisted the aid of a clerk who was straightening up in the area; but nothing turned up.  I decided to retrace my steps just one more time; so Kelsie and I started walking back towards the hangers, and looked to make sure that I hadn't laid the card down when I picked the hangers up.  But no card.  We checked by the candle display and Kelsie looked in the box; but no card.  With that we walked over to the shampoo aisle, where I was sure it was not; since I hadn't picked anything up there; and there, lying on the floor, strip side up was my credit card.  Woosh!  What a sigh of relief for me!!  

I immediately thanked God, and instead of attributing my luck to a Christmas miracle; I told Kelsie that I thought that I had found the card because of Karma.  I told her that you get back what you put out in this world and since I'm always trying to work towards, (say it with me;) "The GREATER GOOD," this time I was benefiting from my contribution.  I also told Kelsie that we may have been fortunate because of all of the things that Luis finds and returns; when possible. Either which way, I do believe that it was proof of karma.

If someone asked you to describe "The Bumpy Ride," it would be my fervent hope, that (amongst other things;) you would mention it's focus on the "GREATER GOOD;" and suggested means to achieve it. Being a big (say it with me) "HUGE" proponent of working towards "The greater good;" I am a total believer in karma; and today I got myself a wonderful helping of it.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING                                                 

                                  

(43-131) Good Things Come...

If there is one thing that has been proven to me time and time again; it's that GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT.  This is a concept that seems to allude the instant gratification generations and I must say that I think that we're doing children a great injustice if we give them everything that they want, the minute that they want it; and if we don't teach them that sometimes waiting for something makes us appreciate it even more once we get it.  Ahh, and there's another quality that many of more recent generations seem to be short on... APPRECIATION.  I encounter a lot of people who have high expectations; but typically, of things that they are going to be given and not of things that they need or want to accomplish.  I believe that in raising children so that they may grow up to be hard working, responsible and appreciative. It's important to teach them that patience is a virtue and that it will serve them well; and to instill the notion that working for something makes it that much more gratifying once you get it.

In my own personal life experiences; I waited for the right man to come along; and then, once he did; I had to wait until I could be with him again since we lived in different countries.  I remember waking up each morning that we were apart, and announcing to my roommates how many days it would be until I went back to Puerto Vallarta. I'd get up and shout "45,"or "31" or "26," etc. etc. until FINALLY, the day came that I got to go back to see him.  I waited for our fiance visa to be approved, and then once it was; I had to wait for the actual paperwork to arrive so that Luis could go for an interview in Ciudad Juarez and physically collect the visa that would allow him to come to the U.S.  Once we were married; we waited to have children until we felt that we had a good, solid marriage.  We both wanted children sooner than we had them; but with the agreement that we were building a strong foundation for our family; WE WAITED.  Thankfully, once we agreed that the time was right to start our family, we barely waited at all. 
I can say that I'm waiting to fulfill my dream. I'm plugging away at becoming a professional writer, but it's certainly something that's not being handed to me; or happening over night.  I'm waiting for the results of the "Glamour"  essay contest; and I'll continue to do so ever so patiently, because that's all I can do for now.  SO, my point is, that I practice what I preach.  Being patient isn't fun; but it's often necessary.

"Ask Hershey," was a post I wrote about Nicky's desire to win a spot as a Student Council representative for his class.  During this post, I explained that Nicky was trying to memorize his speech and he was getting very frustrated; so much so, that he considered withdrawing from the election.  After talking with Nicky about his fear, and assuring him that quitters never win; our dog Hershey convinced him to give it a try.  (And if you've never read "The Bumpy Ride " before; YES, you read that last sentence right.) 
Nicky gave his speech and tied for third place, but sadly there were only 2 positions available.  Nicky was told that if either of the reps couldn't fulfill their obligation to Student Council, then he would be given the opportunity instead.  I told Nicky that I had a feeling that he would be on Student Council within a few months; and on Friday I was proven right.  Nicky informed me that his teacher told him that he was going to be the new Student Council rep as they were replacing one.  I congratulated Nicky and reminded him of our conversation.  I said see, "Quitters never?"  And he said "Win." And I explained that had he given up and not given his speech; this never would have been possible.  I reminded him that I had told him that I believed he's have a position if he was just patient; and indeed that's exactly what happened.  Nicky is the kind of kid who would have been thrilled to have won in the first place; and would have worked hard, because that's what's expected of him; but I think the fact that he had to wait even longer for it to happen, will make him value his position that much more.

Unbeknownst to me, Luis had also been speaking with Nicky about patience recently; but for something altogether different.  Nicky had wanted to use a gift card to buy a game for the Wii; but he found out that the game was twice as much as he had.  We both encouraged Nicky to wait to see if the game would go on sale or wait for the holidays, and  although it was difficult for him to wait for what he wanted; he really had no choice and so he did so.   Well, tonight Luis and I were driving to the market and as I looked through the Target circular; I found the game that Nicky wanted, on sale for $29.99 instead of the usual $50 price.  I called Nicky to make sure that this was the game that he'd been waiting for and in fact, it was.  Right after dinner I took Nicky to Target  and with a $10 assist from Luis and I; Nicky was able to purchase the game that he'd been waiting for.

Nicky and I discussed the fact that twice this weekend he'd experienced the reward of patience; and he said that he thinks that sometimes when you have to wait for something; you appreciate it more once you get it; and I couldn't agree more.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING