The Sky is Blue

It is Thanksgiving week and much to my surprise, three out of five of my children have the entire week off!!!!  Imagine my shock, as I go to the elementary school for the Pilgrim & Native American 1st grade feast to see the sign in the office saying "Enjoy your week off next week".  I think my exact words were...."Heaven help me!" as I fell into a faint on the floor. Mild exaggeration, but only mild. I knew one of my kids had off, the easy one, the independent one, the one who is helpful and sweet.  I didn't plan on a week of bickering, and wrestling, and corner time, I have to get a game plan together and quick.  This week is supposed to be all about gratitude, and love, and family. I am grateful for school, and teachers, and 6 hours of peace, oops did I just say that out loud.  Ok, I can do this.  I can be "play with me Mommy" for a week.  It doesn't come naturally, but I can do anything in small bursts.  I will break out the craft supplie...

I try to intentionally look at my circumstances through the "what is good about this?" lens.  Recently, my favorite household helper Rayna, who helps me weekly, and spreads joy in my household with the smell of fresh sheets, and lemon oil, and bleach, ahhhhhh....... had a personally family emergency and had to leave suddenly for El Salvador for an undetermined period of time.  When she first told me, I am happy to report, I felt concern first-- the personal panic didn't hit till later when I processed what her absence would mean for me. Work has been slow for me, so I thought, ok, God's timing is perfect, I needed the financial break, and she needed the off time, I can pick up the slack, and save money-- win, win.  I whined a bit, I will admit. My boys are sloppy, and I am not exactly a neatnic. The mess piles up fast, it takes constant maintenance. Somehow Rayna always works magic in one day and puts peace back in our happy home.  The good news is this.  Thro...

I often wonder about the path my life has taken.  God has blessed me with many sons, so the Rhodes name is not in danger, but really, not one daughter among this brood, sheesh-- what is up with that?? People always ask me, do you wish you had girls? After giving birth to three boys, why adopt another boy, why not a girl?  Interesting question. I guess I just figured God knew best.  If I was supposed to have girls he would have given them to me. They are really different creatures.  I don't get to spend a ton of time around little girls, but they are special.  I love the sweet knowing smiles, almost like they have little grown woman brains behind those little girl eyes. I love their soft hair, and love of all things shiny.  If I am honest with myself, I must admit, God knows me better than I know myself.  I have the temperament to be a good auntie to girls.  You know, the fun auntie that does crafts, and nails, and plays make up, and does facials...

My oldest boys William and Jack don't have a lot in common. They like different things. They approach  academics  differently. They have different social personalities. They are just different kids.  Given that they are close in age and only a grade apart in school, they have been compared a lot over the years.  Much of that comparing has been done by me, I regret some of that.  Due to a series of miracles the boys are in school together, enjoying an exceptional educational and athletic experience at Viewpoint school in Calabasas.  Though I am not sure they fully appreciate how awesome this time together is right now, I have every confidence that they will look back on this time playing side by side for the Patriots as some of the best times of their lives. I watch my husband and his brother banter back and forth over their memories of Calvert Hall, and see the best friends that they have become--- and I think, wow, what a gift siblings are. I will keep all...

It has been quite a while since I posted on here, but you know I have NOT slowed down. In fact I am racing full speed as always. I just haven't taken the time to reflect on all the good stuff. The moments are zipping past. Homecomings, and football games, first grade pride awards, and Halloween trick or treating, cuddles on the couch, and tiny feet jabbing me in the ribs when a little one sneaks into bed with us. This is the good stuff. My older sons are men, no denying it. Before I know it, they will have families of their own. The funny part is, I will likely have grandchildren and children that are not far apart in age, but hey, it is the life we chose. I will be like Kate Roberts on Days of Our Lives, a stylin' hip great grandma-- who is way invested in my kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. I won't be murdering and conniving on their behalf though, sorry boys-- we'll leave that for the soaps. I hope to always be a joy to you. Oh, and shiny, I always want to be sh...