Sometimes Being Sad is Okay.

It's "our" last day of preschool..

Today is going to suck... just sayin.

I've been trying to make the best of today. Counting our blessings and what not. But you know what? Today is just going to be sad. I am happy for the amazing three years Em had with her beyond amazing team at Drum Rock, but my heart hurts to think today will be the last time she interacts with them. The last time I drop her off and see Libby's beautiful smile waiting to take Em inside. The last time Ms. Lisa will have Em in her class and the last time I will sit in line as #25 waiting to pick up Em, and the last time she is with all her friends . 

I've decided to just be sad today.   


I don't have the energy to suck it up.

Sometimes being sad is okay.

Time To Say Thanks..

Alarm buzzing at the crack of dawn.
Day beginning , coffee brewing.
Kids still sleeping, that won't due, too much happening.
It's Culmination Day!
Costumes, pointe shoes, Sophia your Character shoes!!!!!
Seriously no toothpaste? Dads up he can run!
Nothing for lunches, they have a long day, pick up something on the way.
Leaving late, mom is stressed, kids are fine, no concept of time.
Warm up class has begun, two ballerinas just five minutes late.

Back on the road to the bakery I go.
Strawberry cheesecake for a dear old dad.
Back at home, not looking too good.
Vacuum and dust let the gerbil out.
Bathroom is clean laundry is switched.
Baby is bathed and mama is too!
All before noon...  

First show is over, wonder how my girls did.
A short rest for them then show number two.
Tickets are bought, and flowers to buy. 
Will tonight ever come!

Sharing his day, he mows the lawn.
Never complaining, he carries on.
Our joys are his, he cares for us first.
He seems to go unnoticed. His just gets thing done 
I'll be the first to admit.
That sometimes we forget all that he did.

 I know it's not easy, taking care of us all.
At times we're demanding and not fun at all.
But today is your day, so I say to you.
Happy Father's Day, Peter.
Thank you, for all that you do.

My 1000th Post! A Full Moon, Friday The 13th, And My Baby Graduated Preschool!

WHAT A  DAY!!!! I've been out here in Blog Land for just over five years now. I love it! This blog is my heart. I write about my family , my passions, and my sunshine. I've made friends that I may never meet in person but have joined souls with. I love you and I love your children... you all know who you are.

I laughed with you and cried with you and vented with you.

So, how befitting that my 1000th post would fall on today. One of the biggest days of my five years here!

  
Emilia Faith has graduated from Preschool! 

She wore her cap (her way) tassel in the middle. She wore her prettiest dress. And brand new sandals.

She sang all the songs and danced along.  

After there was Italian ice!

This is her warning look. She has absolutely no intentions on sharing her treat.

And if you get too close , she will go for the throat! (Sigh) Yeah we're working on that choke hold.

She received her diploma from the best teacher EVER! 

And we are so thankful for Anastasia. The best friend EVER!  

Tonight we will eat cake. This was definitely a cake worthy accomplishment!

Love you all who continue to follow my blog and love my girl. So glad I have you all to share this with. You understand how huge this day is! 

Can You Do TBT On A Blog?

I don't know if it's a "bloggy" thing or not. But this is Andrew exactly 5 years ago. My last preschool graduate. 

How cute is he!

Tomorrow is Miss Em's turn! And yes, this is will be a cake eating celebration.

We just went out an bought her new sandals to wear tomorrow. She was so bad in the store we out in about 3 minutes flat. She does not enjoy shopping. That was the fastest shoe purchase in history!!

When Busy Gets The Best Of You

This time of year brings with it the sweet sounds of summer, the longing for the beach, the smell of the grill, and anxiety and stress that can kill a horse!

I long for quiet days in my garden. I enjoy pulling weeds and getting dirty, washing my feet with the hose and cooling off with a cold iced tea. I love nights on the deck watching the sun set and listening to the birds settling in for the night.

But for the next two weeks that won't be happening. We all have our times where we are too busy to even think straight and this is mine. 

Right now I have a pain on the side of my head caused by the Miss Teen RI Pageant. On the other side of my head is an extreme throbbing brought on by endless hours of rehearsals my girls are going through for their ballet culmination. 

Driving and cleaning and cooking and filling out forms that can't be filled out because we don't have the proper things needed, fund raising and deadlines and costumes and toe tape and don't forget the freaking false eyelashes! Exams and projects and field trips, teacher gifts!!! 

My front lawn is knee high and the back is covered in clover. I cringe when I pull up to my house because this is not how it should look. But unless we mow the lawn at midnight it will have to wait a few more days.

I love the summer and the slower pace, but the hoops we need to jump through to get to that blessed time may kill me this year.

Busy has overwhelmed me and I feel inadequate and  hostile! My mood is ... Sybil like. Let's just say you never know which personality will come shining through. 

I am feeling the need to take a time out. I'm beyond deep breathing, or simple relaxation tricks to help me. I think I need to pull out the big guns. 

Fingers crossed I don't go postal before June 20th because on  June 21st you will find me happy and content, knee deep in my garden. 

A Bittersweet Accomplishment

For the past five years I've been plugging away at this blog in the efforts to relay a message. 

A message of hope to anyone who may stumble upon us and be drifting in the same boat we were in when we found out Em would be born with Down syndrome. 

A message of encouragement. You and your family will be okay.

A message of  Community. You are not alone. There are more of us out here who went through the same feelings and emotions that you are going through. Reach out to us! 

I've shared all of Emilia's accomplishments here. Everything from sitting up, to walking, to her first words.

Today I share one that seemed so far away when she was born I thought it would never get here. 

On Friday my "baby" will be graduating  preschool. In the blink of an eye it's over. A huge part of her life is ending and  another adventure with Em is on the horizon... KINDERGARTEN!

My girl did it! And did it well!

She learned to count, and definitely knows the letter "E" . She can sing and climb and paint and read me stories. She can draw. She has made friends and touched the lives of everyone she has come in contact with at her AMAZING school. No one there will ever forget who Emmie was, and we will never forget them. They loved her like she was theirs and for that I am eternally thankful. 

Tears are flowing now as I type this and on Friday I'll be an ugly mess,but my heart is bursting for my girl! 

How I wish the world could see our kids for what they are, and what they bring with them. They are treasures and miracles. Many words describe my Em, but burden is not and never will be one of them.

She is the joy we didn't realize was missing from our lives.

Be back on Friday with pictures of the Emmie's graduation!

Foot Photo Bomb

No idea how that foot is Emmie's but it is. 

#simplyamused
#thoughtiwouldsharetheweirdness

So How Did That Spring Clean Up Go? And What Else Are We Up To?

A quick and to the point spring cleaning update. 

The yard is clean...

 the squirrel is still floating belly up in the pool!

And some more little creatures have decided to we're safe to live with. We have a turtle dove family set up shop in my window box. 

 So cute! Except this is my sons bedroom window and soon the temp in his room will reach about 685 degrees. This is the window that the AC goes in. So my feathered friends may have to relocate so my son has a chance of making it through the summer heat. 

We celebrated Easter and my mom's 80th birthday!!

 That awesome family photo where no one (except Bella) is paying any attention to the guy taking the picture.

The Mother Daughter brunch held each each by St Peter School was a beautiful day as usual. One of our favorites.

There was a Prom! Olivia's Junior Prom! 

 What a gorgeous bunch of fabulous girls they are!!

Emilia has been enjoying the outdoors. After being cooped up all winter this wild fairy is ready to run and jump and chase, and demolish whatever she can . She is adorable but for some reason whenever I see her, "I came in like a wreaking ball" starts playing in my head.

 I admit I did not ask the important questions, like where the handcuffs came from or why my baby girl was in them. Sometimes it best not knowing.

Mother's day was lovely. My kids and husband really put some effort into making my day special. And the cat is out of the bag...   I think they love me!

So there you have it. If you have been intrigued by the squirrel in the pool story, stay tuned. I'd like to have the pool ready to go this weekend.. Squirrel removal 101, should be good for a laugh or two.

Spring Cleaning Check List! Kaczmarzyk Style

I'm itching to get cleaning!!! I'm making a mental check list of everything that needs to be done to get ready for the warm weather.

So when the kids are home for spring break in a couple of weeks, we ALL will get busy!

1. Rake the leaves we forgot to in the fall

2. Make a natural concoction to kill every little stinkin clover that thinks it is going to take take up residence in my lawn. Not this year you hideous varment!

3.Paint!!! 

4.Remove the tree that has turned into a 50 foot bush in our front yard. (back story) When I was pregnant with Bella I decided to chop down a smallish maple tree that was stupidly placed in our front yard. The remaining stump sprouted many trunks and now looks like a confused half breed tree/bush... It needs to be taken out of it's and my misery.)

5.Fix all the door frames that are wounded from being slammed by woman, teens and tweens... and a feisty five year old.

6.Repair deck railings

7.Reclaim my sun room

8.Clean under the deck... might just send Peter in on that solo... that's where the hairy spiders live.

9. Remove the dead squirrel from the pool. I was hoping a hawk would spot it an do the honors for me but alas he is still hanging out and floating belly up.

10. RELAX  And sing to a bubble, while little birds make me some tea and cute non rabid mice rub my feet.

It all looks so good on paper! I'll update after spring break and give the results! 

Of course I have total confidence in my family. They never fail me! Plus the Commander in Chief will keep them all in line!

Humor Tinted With Insanity.. Or Is it the Other Way Around...

That blog title could be the story of my life. I guess many could claim it. Sometimes life rolls smoothly along and sometimes like for the past 45 years life  insists on playing a constant game of Dodge Ball. Only it keeps throwing hard ass balls when I'm not looking. Getting nailed has become so common  that I barely notice the sting anymore. Just another tuck n roll..

But you know everyone has their limits. Can I formally call a time out? Is that allowed in the game of life?

How about a cease fire so I can catch my breath?

Sometimes you get me in such a tither I can't see straight!  I act like a twitchie, touchie, moody, lunatic. You make me do things I would never, NEVER do under more lucid conditions.And although at these moments I must look rather humorous to  others .. I'm not laughing! Like, I'm not laughing when I get into the car and can't remember where I'm going or which kid I'm supposed to be picking up because my mind is dodging that ball aimed at my head. Or when I'm caught "talking" to you in public and get caught! Oh that's just great! See people think I'm talking to myself, they don't realize I'm addressing "LIFE"!



I choose to walk away from this stupid game. I refuse to play. So life, what are you going to do now?

I choose to not be hit anymore. I choose to be bigger than the ball that keeps slamming me and my family.

The next time you throw the ball I'm going to catch it and then I'm going to promptly hand it to Jesus .. then "life" you better run! Cause when Jesus aims  He doesn't miss!


He's playin' for me now!He is in charge of my "life"! And you need a lesson!

So while Jesus is playing Dodge Ball for me, I'm going to soak up the sun and read a book. Maybe even have some tea. Maybe even shower!  I refuse to lose the laughter and the joy that I still have.

Right after I cut Emmie some more cheese.She's like a little mouse! Nakie , eating cheese and watching Signing Time. Could not be cuter! Sorry no pic, cause she's nakie... come to think of it, she spends a lot of time without clothes lately.

It's so easy to get caught up in the drama of life. Everyone has it. You really can't hide from it.  My fault is I let the bad blind me from any good. I let it suck the happiness out of me. I refuse to take joy in anything when the bad stuff is overwhelming me. And that's wrong!!! There can be joy amidst difficult and even scary times. And it is hard to laugh when you're in a situation that looks pretty bleak. But what I need to constantly remind myself is .. Jesus has the ball! This game is a piece of cake for Him. And He wants me to win!

My failing is not in His plans for me. He wants me to be happy, right where I am, and He is begging me to remember that at any moment something wonderful could happen.

So I will wait patiently for my future something wonderful while enjoying my gifts of the present. And keeping humor close at hand. Laughter is the best medicine for staying sane in the midst of insane situations.
 
 

 Now how could I not at least crack a smile , when I look at these two!


 

Following Emmie's Lead into Spring!

The sound of birds chirping is so typical.. I've got Emmie singing this morning! 

Don't ask me what, she makes it up as she goes along.

And what  screams spring more than blue toes!

Aren't they lovely! Complements of big sister Bella!

Flippies and sundresses are right around the corner! I can feel it !

And I had to add this,picture. It has nothing to do with spring, but it's Emmie reading a book as the teacher and showing the class the pictures! Too cute!

Yes, that 's a Christmas book, LOL

Keep thinking warm thoughts!

A TMI Post

Emmie has no idea how to throw up.

How's that for a hook sentence. Sorry for the  bluntness and probably unwanted visual, but I'm shocked! I thought that disgusting act was instinctual. 

Em is clueless. 

So I guess you all figured out Miss Em was sick recently. In the wee hours of Sunday morning it attacked. Thankfully 5 hours later it was gone and no one else has gotten it (knock on wood)

But My heart broke as I realized Em really was in the dark about how to vomit (sorry)

On a lighter note, my van is dead again.  Still waiting for someone to yell April Fools!!!!!

So far April has been a freaking blast.

On an even lighter note Emmie has been counting up a storm today.

4,5 4,5 4 5, 7

She is also showing her "spirited" side.

She was mad at me today because I wouldn't give her something that she wanted to eat, so she took the spoon I was using and threw it in the garbage... while she was there i guess she spotted something she couldn't resist. I felt something hit me in the back of my legs (with some force, may I add)   Turning to see what it was I was slightly grossed out and very upset to see a yukky wet pull up at my feet.

An the face of a little stinker staring at me from the garbage. 

Can't wait to see what April 2nd brings...

Remember, if anyone asks , we're just a nice normal family.

Well spring has supposedly sprung. The March Lion is heading out and the gentle lamb is moving in. So long winter of 2014... you were horrendous!


Thought I'd play a little "Catch up with the Kaczmarzyk's " today.

Mom and Dad are holding down the fort as the minions repeatedly try to take over. Their leader seems to be the smallest yet most ferocious of them all.

Just kidding ! She's really kinda cute!

They follow her lead and seem to give her whatever she wants out of loyalty..

 They will do anything to make her smile.

Because when Emmie ain't happy , no one is happy

 Or it could be they're all just afraid of her.

The two oldest of the minions spend a lot of time in what seems to be a very bi polar relationship. We often hear laughter to the point of hysteria, which can suddenly and quite unexpectedly switch to the sound of two cats fighting to the death.  One I believe is named idiot and the other is moron... but the names also seem to be interchangeable.

They also spend an obscene amount of time dancing, which they say keeps them sane... I beg to differ. I think they are completely crazy, but lovely.

The middle minion girl, is trained in high tech flipping moves which she practices non stop... everywhere. She has used these moves to escape the wrath of the older minions many times. She seems to be the instigator and has mastered that trait.  

The one boy minion is the gentlest and the one we approach without fear. He just seems to want food and is lulled into complete submission by Sponge Bob.  

As long as the fridge is stocked the car is gassed up and ready to drive them wherever, at any time, and Barny and Friends is always available they say we can stay and live here in  peace with them. I think that is a fair and generous offer.


And of course there are those special and rare moments when all the kids are together, a cease fire is declared and mom and dad are invited in to just relish the moment.

Our motto, memorized by all, and recited daily... 

"Remember, if anyone asks , we're just a nice normal family."

Seriously, though... I cherish these days!