Siblings

The dictionary defines sibling simply as a brother or sister who shares at least one parent. But, we all know things are never that simple. Siblings are a more complicated dynamic than just parental connection.

If you think about it, your siblings are the ones that have known you the longest. They have seen you in every emotional state. They have been with you during your growth and transformation into an adult.

Even if you are vastly different people, know you each other. They know what upsets you, angers you, saddens you. And, you know the same about them.

My siblings have been on the top of my mind lately. Possibly because my sister’s birthday was last week and my brother’s is coming up in a couple months.

I don’t ever remember a time NOT being with them. Even with my brother, who lives thousands of miles away. We are hardly able to speak due to hectic schedules, and both of our aversions to the phone. I still feel connected to him. Just as much as I do to my sister who lives three blocks away.

As small children, we three were a tight unit. My brother and I were cohorts during active times. My sis and I were sounding boards for each other during downtime and daydreaming.

The dynamics changed as the years passed. Our relationship strained, as it naturally does. This allowed for each of us to develop into individuals, and start the paving of our own paths beyond our family.

From those ashes, however, new relationships grew. Stronger bonds developed.

My sister grew into a strong and resilient woman and mother. My brother grew to be a loving and hardworking father of four.

I know I frequently take them for granted…we are family after all. But, when it comes down to it, I know what a blessing I have that God chose these two to be my longest running relationships in life.

Where Do Babies Come From?

Holy Terror and Super-Wy are playing with the dog in the front room. I'm sitting at the computer, working on my novel.

Holy Terror comes and stands next to the desk. "Mom, mom. Where did you get Wyatt?"

My fingers freeze on the keyboard...uh, oh. This wouldn't be like telling the older kids. These two boys are...well, wild. Not only that, Holy Terror must drill to the tiniest element of something. I prepare for a LONG , DIFFICULT conversation.

"I made him, honey," I answer.

"In the garage, like daddy makes things?" he asks.

I snicker as both boys eye the outside, in the direction of the garage. "No, in my tummy." They both shift their gaze to my belly, eyes wide.

"Did you get the parts from the store?" Holy Terror asks.

"No, I grew you in my tummy all on my own," I say.

Both boys look at me as if I were a superhero...the awe twinkles in their eyes. Then Holy Terror knits his brow in thought.

Here we go...time for the interrogation.

After a moment of silence he looks at me, a little upset. "Why didn't you make me out of paper?"

Of all the weird, oddball things that he's ever said...

What does a mother say to this? I had to think fast, or the day was going to be...tense.

"I didn't want the rain to make you soggy."

To my surprise, he nods in appreciation of the scientific reasoning. Then he goes off to play with the dog and Super-Wy.

Just Hangin' Around

Family and friends can be hectic and crazy...but one thing they are is, well, fun. It'd be boring without them. We've had a busy couple of weeks with our friends and family (hence the lack of blog time). I thought I'd post the memories.

Of course there was a lot of just hangin' out (and no, our family doesn't just relax in parking lots...most of this section is from 4th of July):

Ash and friends/family brought home a bounty of crayfish so, of course, we had to invite everyone and celebrate. It was also my brother-in-laws b-day so we got a double celebration out of the evening:

Some handled their drink better then others...this little guy needed a ride home.








Ash and the kids were also busy with fishing and gardening:

There was some battles that had to be conquered:


(The Heat)


(The playground)


(Big brothers)
(And the stuffed animals of the wild)

There was time to be goofy:





Then there's always the times I force them to pose for me:
There's the latest and greatest....aren't they cute?!

Holy Terror Catches His 1st Fish!!!

Whoo-hoo! My Holy Terror caught his first fish. You should've seen the way he walked in, strutting like a proud little rooster.

He strolls in and like any good fisherman son states to me, hands emphasizing the excitement of the moment, "I caught a striper!"

It was an exciting day for him and Daddy Fisherman. We blasted the photos on our Facebook and Daddy printed it out to hang at Sweeney's.

Go ahead and take a look at the up-and-coming Fisherman Boy catching his first fish...uh, I mean striper. (We'll change his nickname when the Holy Terror phase is over.)

Now Daddy wants to get Holy Terror into archery....uh oh.

Summertime Is Here...Along with Boredom

Summertime is here.

The last few weeks of school, the two older kids thought of nothing but that last day of class before summertime. Of course, not much thought had transpired in their head to what will happen after the last day except…freedom.

Now, how many days since June 10? The kids are already…you guessed it, bored.

The bickering has started, the whining of “nothing to do” is here, and the morning grumpiness due to late nights as arrived. Their freedom has turned into the ultimate blah-hum-bug for the house.

But, I can’t help smiling.

This is the nature of the beast. I’ve lived it for years and year now with them. They’re so used to others regimenting their daily life; now that their “freedom” has arrived they don’t know what to do. It’s a part of growing up, this learning to schedule your daily activities beyond the weekend burst.

Many parents are tempted to fill days of activities for their kids, to keep them busy throughout the summer. That’s one way to do it, it’s not a bad thing and for younger children it’s a must. But for me with the older kids, I keep the planned activities sparse for a reason.

I want to watch and let my teenage kids work it out. My only involvement is in the advisement and guidance. I’ll give them ideas if they ask, I’ll approve their suggestions once there voiced, and I’ll give boundaries to chosen activities…or adventures as I like to call them in the house (adds a little panache to it…don’t you think?)

So now we’re at the bored stage and what do you know…they are starting to plan the next day and the next week on their own. They’re thinking up walking trips, bus rides, movies they want to see. I didn’t have to even give suggestions yet.

It’s nice watching them near the next phase towards adulthood.

Happy Daddy's Day!!!

Today is Father's Day, or known as Daddy's Day in our household.

To celebrate our favorite dad the kids and I worked on a Daddy's Day poster, we got him a fishing backback that he'd been wanting, and I created a video highlighting the best dad in the world...Ash.

Ash is one of the most dedicated father's I've ever met. The kids are always comfortable talking, playing, and just hanging out with him. He's an amazing cook, mechanic, and repairman.

He's the most active person I've ever met and I don't think he ever sits longer than 5 minutes. His energy levels and attention to detail help keep the lawn and garden's looking fabulous, the cars always clean, and is the main reason the garage is obsessively organized.

Most importantly though he's a great friend, husband, and father. So if you want to meet the greatest dad, click on the slideshow below.

Billy Has Graduated 8th Grade!!!

February 15, 1995…that is when our whole world shifted. William Joseph Norris was born that day at 12:20 pm and his blue-gray eyes looked up calmly, ready to take on the world.

And yesterday, he conquered his first big milestone…Middle School.

BILLY ROCKS!!!!

I was so proud hearing his name being called and then watching him take the certificate, shake all their hands, and walk the aisle back to his seat.

Here are some more pictures of the day…isn’t he so cute? (I mean handsome)

This is Billy with his friend Andrew.
This is the reception afterwards. A lot of parents and family showed up which was cool. They served punch and cookies (yum!).

Redwood Middle School faculty and organizers did such a great job setting this up and really made it a special event. But the real superstars were the kids who became high schoolers and of course, Billy who is our own superstar.