Meme

I write this post with great sadness in my heart.   My daughter's beloved Meme passed away on May 2nd.  She fought a brave and courageous battle with cancer for an amazing 28 years.    Her Memorial was this last weekend, which touched all our hearts, brought many tears and also some smiles with what a wonderful life she had.  

Meme and the girls,  Summer 2009

My girls lost an amazing Grandmother and I lost the joy of watching this relationship develop. Maddy's eyes would get big and filled with joy when she knew she would get to spend the afternoon with Meme. She treasured her Tea Parties with Meme.

Baby Makena, June 2009

And little Makena knew who Meme was from an early age.   I remember one holiday when Makena was just learning to walk, and made her way to Meme hoping to sit on her lap.   Meme brightened up and smiled big realizing Makena wanted only to be with her.



Our Wedding Day, Hanalei Bay, Kauai in 2003

How much we miss Meme, but how lucky we are to have such wonderful memories of our time with her.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Frye

 

Meme with Baby Madelyn on St. Patricks Day 2008

Expletives by a Four Year Old

Lately Ms. Maddy has had quite the little temper on her.   I know where she gets this fierce little temper from.   I had dreams of raising calm, quiet, well-minded little girls it was only really a dream.   Like the saying goes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.   

Madelyn has come up with some pretty interesting "expletives" lately for various reasons angry at her loving Mom and Dad.  I've started keeping track, as most times I'm trying to stifle my laughter.  Being told off by your 4 Year Old, with her angriest words is just funny.    It also usually involves growling, sticking out her tongue, and the best one - crossing her arms and giving me the 'Hmmmpphh' face with big pouty lips. 

Madelyn's repertoire of expletives:
Owie-Head
Ouchie Butt
Poop in your Belly 
PoopyHead
TrickyMomma  - Yes, that is right girl..and don't you forget it!

While I don't condone this behavior, at times I feel I just need to let it go.   Choose your battles, they say.  And honestly if the girl wants to be angry and call me a Owie-Head, so be it.    We are trying to eradicate the phrase 'poopyhead' out of our house.   I swear this is a 4/5 year old thing.   Everything is "poopy".   Maybe I should stick a bar of soap in her mouth, like my mom would threaten. 

Makena is still struggling with words, so for now she screams at ear crushing volumes which definitely gets your attention.    Makena is more of everything Madelyn is.   I like to say that Madelyn is training for Makena.    I have no doubt that Makena's future "expletives" will out do her Big Sister.

Other little gems from Ms. Maddy -
Upon noticing her underwear were a bit wet and asking her about that she said "I think I need a wiping lesson"
Overheard riding in the car, while she is looking at her Bible.  "Makena, be quiet.  I'm reading."   Hmm..really?  I didn't know she could read. 
At quiet time - "Mom, can I have three hours of quiet time?"   Yes, and a lesson on time after you get up.  :)
And most recently overheard  - "What kid? What is it? Need help? I'll help you. I'm a good helper. Mom doesn't know how. "

Three

Makena turned the big Three at the end of May.   It was a bit of a rough month, but we managed to pull off a fabulous Mickey Mouse themed party at the YMCA Adventure Zone.  1 hour of running around madness, followed by pizza and cupcakes.   She loved it.   

 Group pictures with the 2-5 year old set is not an easy task

Cupcakes were part of a friend's fundraiser, which worked out perfectly for this over-scheduled mom.
'Girl with the Cute Cakes' dropped these right off at the door of the Y, saving me even more hassle. Fantastic.

 
Peering over the table with Mickey Mouse Gift Bags and Cupcakes.  Hard to resist not digging right in. 

Watching Makena's cute face light up as the birthday candles were lit and we all started singing.  She loved it.  She got a shy smile and looked all around, as if to say "For ME??"   It made my momma heart burst.   The best part of being a parent is the unexpected moments of pure joy on your child's face.   To put it in perspective, Maddy still does not enjoy having being the center of attention for Birthdays.   So fantastically different to watch Makena bask in the spotlight.

Presents, the best part right? She wasted no time in ripping into these when we got home.  Happy Birthday, Makena.   I have no doubt the year will be filled with much adventure from you.