Week 2

This was an extremely emotional week for me.  Two overriding themes:  

1. Me trying hopelessly and in vain to emotionally prepare myself for C4's birthday.  It's not news that I struggle in this area, but this one was a 

STRUH-GLE!  

2.  Marissa...you'll meet her in a second.

Monday, Jan. 9th

I have serious issues with cups and leaving them in the car.

This sweet girl's story gripped our hearts.  On Monday, I saw a prayer request on Facebook and from there we followed closely, prayed, and supported when we were able, even though we didn't personally know the family before this day.

Marissa, 8, was in an in-home accident on Sunday afternoon, which resulted in her brain being deprived of oxygen for an unknown length of time.  I'm not sure why I was so moved by the story- maybe because she's from town?  Or connected to our church?  But I think mostly because of her age and circumstances, it could have easily been our story.  Regardless, it was a privilege to be a part of it and to be touched my her little life.

The story changed me.  The family was so courageous and generous to let 'all of us' be a part of their most vulnerable, desperate, heartbreaking days.  I'm also grateful for the opportunity for the extended DiSalvatore family to read the daily updates and be involved.  Both Marissa's mom and dad kept a rock-solid faith throughout the entire ordeal and their story and testimony reached thousands and thousands.  I've never witnessed such an unwavering faith.

Tuesday, Jan. 10th

Lisa texted me this gem.  It was fuel to my crying fire as I finished up his birthday book and did my best to brace myself for his 18th birthday.

 Renna got my phone.

Wednesday, Jan. 11th
Happy big 40th to my man!  Isn't he handsome?!!

Because it was a Wednesday and we were going to be in several places for the evening, lunch seemed like the best time for the eight of us to get some time together.  C4 readily agreed to get out of school early and meet us at Five Guys, one of Daddy's faves.

He gave a little speech at the end.  I reached for my phone to take a video and thought, "No, leave the phone.  Just be here now, in the moment and take it in."  Then as soon as he was done I was desperately wishing I had it on video!!!  Oh, the struggle.  Anyway, it went a little something like this:

Daddy:  When a man turns 40, he takes a look at his life, where he is, and what he accomplished so far.  When I think back to to when I was 20 and all the goals I had and what I wanted my life to look like, this is not how I would've pictured it.  But instead, I have you guys.
[nervous laughter]
C4:  Nice consolation prize. [laughter / sarcastic comments]
Maddy:  Slow clap, Dad.  [laughter]
Daddy:  No, no.  What I mean is, even though this is not what I imagined, this is way better than anything I could have imagined.  I had an idea of what I wanted my life to be, but what God had for me was even better.  Being married to your mom and the six of you are my greatest treasures and my greatest joy in life.  If I live the whole rest of my life and never do anything else, you guys are enough.

My little FB tribute; every word true:  Happy, happy 40th to my man! Colombo's an incredible husband, father, provider, leader, brother, son, friend, boss, coach. He has accomplished so much in his first 40: 20 years of marriage, 6 children, 15 years of successful business, 22 years of serving Christ. But his biggest accomplishments come in the day-to-day. The way he helps around the house, the way he shows grace to his children, the way he loves me the way I am. Every morning he bends his knee and humbles himself before God. He seeks to honor Him is every decision. He continually puts his own desires aside in order to maintain our family goals. He is honest, respectable, helpful, generous. He loves routine, but still manages to satiate my need for adventure and surprise! Happy birthday, Love.

It's so nice when it's mild enough to be outside without a coat in the middle of January.

 C4 had a game and I thought it was nice for his parents to see him on his 40th.

C4 got a penalty which rarely happens.  Thank goodness for little brothers who whack the glass of penalty box to heckle you and then run away!

 Thursday, Jan. 12th

Friday, Jan. 13th

A mostly quiet day around the house preparing for small group kick-off. 

Saturday, Jan. 14th

I was busy working on something for the next day, so Colombo offered to make me lunch.  Well, done, Babe!

LOTS of hockey this day!  C4's team won.

Check this out!  C4's goal in the second period.  The first picture is mine, and then the professional hired photographer generously emailed me the following three once he realized he was my son.

The kids help sell 50/50 raffle tickets in between periods.

 Then Fan-Man.

 Then a "Coaches Game", in which Colombo and Jonathan played on opposing teams, each wearing one of Nathanael's jerseys.  He even dug out this from the back of his closet.  The kids were relentless!!!

 It was fun to watch Jon just toy with everyone.  He was good to keep it reserved and mostly just make amazing assists.  His puck control was unreal.

 I LOVE this shot of the two bros facing off.

 I found a few 'memories'- Meg's wedding 10 years ago and "Lost in Vegas".

 After a week of crying out to God for mercy; after a roller-coaster of medical updates, this:

 I wept for their deep loss.  Here is just one beautiful example of their steadfast faith, strength, and courage.

Sunday, Jan. 15th

Happy Birthday, C4!!!!   (will post separately)

 I was teaching a hair and makeup tutorial at the studio at 1:00.  My heart was so heavy.  I glanced down at my phone at the exact time.

 Her "Toy Story" reference slayed me, probably because my kids love that movie so much.

 We went to dinner for C's bday and bumped into his birthday buddy!!!

Last little story:
I ordered Renna a Christmas outfit to wear to a few things through December, including Christmas day.  The second time she wore it was to Christmas Adam at Ninny's.  On Christmas Eve I discovered it wasn't in her bag and I wanted it for Christmas Day, so I called Ninny.  No luck.  Called Andrea and Katie to check their bags.  Triple checked all my kids' bags (p.s. JUST how I wanted to spend my time on the 24th before having 40 people over dinner!).  At some point, I decided it was 'lost' and, though irritating, let it go and moved on.

Ninny couldn't let it go.  She was so stumped- it HAD to be somewhere.  She and Papa went through the house multiple times.  They went through the trash- not just the Christmas wrapping trash- but the food garbage THREE times.  For a couple weeks she would ask if I'd come across it.  It just stumped her.  That...and who killed Jon Benet Ramsey.  She had her top two questions ready for heaven!!!  What happened to Renna's christmas shirt?????

Well, three weeks later, Renna bounded down the stairs with it, announcing indignantly, "MOM!  It was on Da-fannel's bed da ho time!!!!"  Yup!  Apparently it had indeed come home with Nathanael and at some point he came across it and put it on his top bunk.  It's still a mystery why he would a) not mention it or b) throw it in the laundry chute when he knew the whole DiSalvatore extended family was wondering and looking for the previous three weeks!  [eye roll]  At least it will still fit her next year!