Okay, they aren't going to be that fabulous this year, but if you want to get our Christmas cuties your mailbox, send your mailing address to:
heatherbean616@yahoo.com
Happy Holidays!
ETA:
Okay, instead of finishing the packing, I worked on the card all night, and, okay, they're pretty friggin' cute.
Also ETA:
If you email me to get a card, please note that I won't be sending any holiday cards to any crazies this year (at least ones I don't know) so let me know who the heck you are.
KThxbye.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Ah, memories...
Being in a club all by myself takes me back to 5th grade, when all the cool kids had one, so I made my own. :) It's okay, though. I know everyone does what they can, and I am still going to have my very own Bloggacchino meetings. Should be a hoot!
My annual Dirty Santa party (not dirty like that, dirty like, you steal people's gifts) was a hit again this year. I actually cooked things that didn't suck, and I think everyone had a good time. My house was PACKED. It was fun, chaotic, and we may have to rent a ballroom somewhere for next year. (And definitely get a nanny to come along). Pics of the party soon.
Tonight and tomorrow we are getting ready for our trip to MN and WI. Hopefully the flight will be boring, quiet, and not at all make me want to jump from the emergency doors. I can't wait to see our friends, and the KIDS. We're really excited, and my sources tell me that we may get to see real, actual SNOW. I haven't seen more than a couple of inches since 1993!
Kind of on this topic, I went out today looking for rain/snow/anything-but-cowboy boots for Charlie. ALL the boots were for girls. Pink, sparkles, glitter, plastic butterflies, Hannah Montana... craptackytasticness. I ended up finding a kinda unisex looking pair (like plain Uggs) and he loves them, but it was disappointing. Thank God for the internet. I didn't even bother looking for something NOT awful for Mallory.
I have decided to discontinue Musical Monday for a while. But I leave it with a tribute to one of the most magical people ever to have lived. Our lives only crossed for 6 months, and then he was gone, 28 years ago today. I wish he were still here.
My annual Dirty Santa party (not dirty like that, dirty like, you steal people's gifts) was a hit again this year. I actually cooked things that didn't suck, and I think everyone had a good time. My house was PACKED. It was fun, chaotic, and we may have to rent a ballroom somewhere for next year. (And definitely get a nanny to come along). Pics of the party soon.
Tonight and tomorrow we are getting ready for our trip to MN and WI. Hopefully the flight will be boring, quiet, and not at all make me want to jump from the emergency doors. I can't wait to see our friends, and the KIDS. We're really excited, and my sources tell me that we may get to see real, actual SNOW. I haven't seen more than a couple of inches since 1993!
Kind of on this topic, I went out today looking for rain/snow/anything-but-cowboy boots for Charlie. ALL the boots were for girls. Pink, sparkles, glitter, plastic butterflies, Hannah Montana... craptackytasticness. I ended up finding a kinda unisex looking pair (like plain Uggs) and he loves them, but it was disappointing. Thank God for the internet. I didn't even bother looking for something NOT awful for Mallory.
I have decided to discontinue Musical Monday for a while. But I leave it with a tribute to one of the most magical people ever to have lived. Our lives only crossed for 6 months, and then he was gone, 28 years ago today. I wish he were still here.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I Need Africa More than Africa Needs Me
Especially if you've been there...you know it's the truth.
I have started a club on MochaClub.org. My chosen cause is the education of Africa's children. There are many important causes to choose from. I am inspired by the many amazing, beautiful teachers in my life to choose this one. I have seen firsthand what education and good teachers can mean in a child's life. I thank them for leading me to this cause.
Can you imagine the change that will come from these children as they grow into adults? The future that we can help create? It's 7 bucks a month.
What is that?
2 mochas.
2 beers. (Thats like 500 calories!)
2 video rentals. (That will most likely suck)
1 appetizer. (Just your salad will do)
1 large combo meal. (Do the dollar menu)
1 movie ticket. (Make him pay)
1 lipstick. (Natural is in)
1 crap CD on Itunes. (You can borrow mine)
OR
1 person can eat for a month.
2 children can go to school for a term.
1 person can survive malaria.
1 person can have clean water for a year.
How many people can we get?
If I link our club here, and you link it there, and your cousin links it and then he joins and links it, and then his girlfriend shows her friends and they link it...The possiblities for these children are endless.
If you had been thinking about doing something, if you have been inspired and just didn't know what to do, then maybe this is your sign. If you have been reading this blog forever, or if you just came across it today, it doesn't matter.
This is our club, Bloggacchino, HERE.
Link it far and wide, people....FAR AND WIDE.
Leave comments and let me know you've joined and linked, or started your own club!
Use your blog, your Facebook, your Myspace, your mouth, and your phone. We have such an opportunity here. As a blogger, it is yours to take now.
Whaddya say, blogbuds??? Unite for Africa!
I have started a club on MochaClub.org. My chosen cause is the education of Africa's children. There are many important causes to choose from. I am inspired by the many amazing, beautiful teachers in my life to choose this one. I have seen firsthand what education and good teachers can mean in a child's life. I thank them for leading me to this cause.
Can you imagine the change that will come from these children as they grow into adults? The future that we can help create? It's 7 bucks a month.
What is that?
2 mochas.
2 beers. (Thats like 500 calories!)
2 video rentals. (That will most likely suck)
1 appetizer. (Just your salad will do)
1 large combo meal. (Do the dollar menu)
1 movie ticket. (Make him pay)
1 lipstick. (Natural is in)
1 crap CD on Itunes. (You can borrow mine)
OR
1 person can eat for a month.
2 children can go to school for a term.
1 person can survive malaria.
1 person can have clean water for a year.
How many people can we get?
If I link our club here, and you link it there, and your cousin links it and then he joins and links it, and then his girlfriend shows her friends and they link it...The possiblities for these children are endless.
If you had been thinking about doing something, if you have been inspired and just didn't know what to do, then maybe this is your sign. If you have been reading this blog forever, or if you just came across it today, it doesn't matter.
This is our club, Bloggacchino, HERE.
Link it far and wide, people....FAR AND WIDE.
Leave comments and let me know you've joined and linked, or started your own club!
Use your blog, your Facebook, your Myspace, your mouth, and your phone. We have such an opportunity here. As a blogger, it is yours to take now.
Whaddya say, blogbuds??? Unite for Africa!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Peas in a Pod
Look at these two...
Seriously cuteness from the Chuckster lately. Here are some nuggets:
"Mom, I don't need presents, I just need my family!"
(Ha. I can see me reminding him he said that on Christmas morning!)
"It was a accident!"
(Since he learned that word, everything is an accident.)
"We can't leave our baby here! We neeeeeed our baby!"
(I was dropping Mal off at Nana's so C and I could go shopping together. I thought he would appreciate it, but nope.)
"Mama, you calling Santa?"
(Nervous, because he had just gotten in a bit of trouble)
"You're my best gull (girl) I have!"
(To me, of course.)
"We goin on a airpwane to Minalapalous?"
(Yes, we ARE! In ONE WEEK! Anyone wanna hit the Mall? I can't wait!)
Seriously cuteness from the Chuckster lately. Here are some nuggets:
"Mom, I don't need presents, I just need my family!"
(Ha. I can see me reminding him he said that on Christmas morning!)
"It was a accident!"
(Since he learned that word, everything is an accident.)
"We can't leave our baby here! We neeeeeed our baby!"
(I was dropping Mal off at Nana's so C and I could go shopping together. I thought he would appreciate it, but nope.)
"Mama, you calling Santa?"
(Nervous, because he had just gotten in a bit of trouble)
"You're my best gull (girl) I have!"
(To me, of course.)
"We goin on a airpwane to Minalapalous?"
(Yes, we ARE! In ONE WEEK! Anyone wanna hit the Mall? I can't wait!)
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Mother Letters
I just came across the most amazing gift.
What a husband, who came up with this idea. I read some of the letters. I wrote a letter. You should, too.
Write to your mother, to a birth mother, to a future mother, to all mothers, to yourself if you want to!
Waiting mothers, mothers of 8 kids, we all have plenty to say.
The Mother Letter Blog.
Also, anyone who writes a letter will recieve copies of all the letters.
It's a gift for all of us.
I hesitated to post my letter here. I have actually been staring at this page for 20 minutes. I don't mean to bog down my blog with laments and heartache. I know I had a bad night recently, but I try to be honest here, and if I have two sad blogs in a month, then so be it. You can always choose not to read it if you have had enough of weepy 'lil me.
Dear Mother,
I am the mother of our son. The beautiful boy that you and your husband somehow found the strength to let go of. To send him far, far away, and face the reality that you may never see his sweet face again. What kind of courage does that take? How big of a heart?
What does it feel like, to not be able to put food in your child’s mouth when he is hungry? I can’t imagine. I can’t imagine having the strength of lions. The guts to walk through fire like you have done.
He looks like you. He is so tall and has the longest eyelashes I have ever seen. He is dynamic, hilarious, and so full of love. He has started to understand a bit more of his story. This week, for the first time, he asked me why Mommy and Daddy had to come to ‘Opia to get him and bring him home. My mouth opened, but nothing came. How do you explain such tragedy to a wide eyed 2.6 year old, when he himself is the center of the tragedy? Such a blessing for us, having been brought to life by our son, but at a cost that haunts me daily.
I wonder how many times a day you think about him. I wonder if you still cry every day. I wonder if his older siblings miss playing with him. I wonder if they hope he will come back, magically return and make it all okay. I look at my wedding photo and realize that you were four months pregnant on that day. I had no idea.
I remember you crumbling to the floor like a hurt child when I gingerly and shamefully handed you the silver 5x7 framed photo of our baby boy. It seemed insulting, in a way. I wanted to run away from it all at that moment. I wasn’t brave enough for this, I thought.
The idiocy of that thought sent flames to my cheeks. Brave? Brave? You have the audacity to feel sorry for yourself? I had to find my balance, because I remembered that you expected more from me. I needed to show you that I was going to be a good mother, no, an incredible mother, because what choice did I have? What choice do any of us have?
I always remember that I could have easily been born you. You could have been born me. When we were born, we landed where we landed, and I don’t think I will ever understand it. There is no justice in what has happened. I try to believe that if our roles were reversed, that I would have been strong enough, too. To do what you have done. You brought him to me, to my family. He is adored. He laughs (but you can’t hear it). He sings songs (but not in his native tongue.) He gives hugs and kisses constantly (how I wish you could feel them).
We teach him about you. I tell him what I remember and what I wrote down. I know the day is coming when the questions will be more detailed, more intense. There will be pain, confusion, and tears. I am doing my best to keep my promise to you. We have so much joy in our lives because of him. Because of you.
I believe that one day, we will meet again. In this life, in another, somehow, somewhere. The connection that we have as mothers is unbreakable. We share the love of one child, one beating heart that means more to the two of us than to anyone else in this world. I am honored and humbled to share that love with you.
You wondered why we had not had any children before. Your hope was that he would grow up with lots of siblings. I assured you that he would have that, and you would be happy to know that our boy is now a big brother. A brother more in love with a baby sister than I ever thought possible. He makes her laugh. He soothes her. He helps feed her. You would be so proud.
One day, I will tell you all this. I will hold your hands and tell you the stories of this life you gave me, and him. We will laugh, and we will cry, and I will never, ever stop until that happens. I am keeping the promise, dear mother. You are my family, and I love you, from far, far, away.
Heather Beauchamp
Mother of 2
What a husband, who came up with this idea. I read some of the letters. I wrote a letter. You should, too.
Write to your mother, to a birth mother, to a future mother, to all mothers, to yourself if you want to!
Waiting mothers, mothers of 8 kids, we all have plenty to say.
The Mother Letter Blog.
Also, anyone who writes a letter will recieve copies of all the letters.
It's a gift for all of us.
I hesitated to post my letter here. I have actually been staring at this page for 20 minutes. I don't mean to bog down my blog with laments and heartache. I know I had a bad night recently, but I try to be honest here, and if I have two sad blogs in a month, then so be it. You can always choose not to read it if you have had enough of weepy 'lil me.
Dear Mother,
I am the mother of our son. The beautiful boy that you and your husband somehow found the strength to let go of. To send him far, far away, and face the reality that you may never see his sweet face again. What kind of courage does that take? How big of a heart?
What does it feel like, to not be able to put food in your child’s mouth when he is hungry? I can’t imagine. I can’t imagine having the strength of lions. The guts to walk through fire like you have done.
He looks like you. He is so tall and has the longest eyelashes I have ever seen. He is dynamic, hilarious, and so full of love. He has started to understand a bit more of his story. This week, for the first time, he asked me why Mommy and Daddy had to come to ‘Opia to get him and bring him home. My mouth opened, but nothing came. How do you explain such tragedy to a wide eyed 2.6 year old, when he himself is the center of the tragedy? Such a blessing for us, having been brought to life by our son, but at a cost that haunts me daily.
I wonder how many times a day you think about him. I wonder if you still cry every day. I wonder if his older siblings miss playing with him. I wonder if they hope he will come back, magically return and make it all okay. I look at my wedding photo and realize that you were four months pregnant on that day. I had no idea.
I remember you crumbling to the floor like a hurt child when I gingerly and shamefully handed you the silver 5x7 framed photo of our baby boy. It seemed insulting, in a way. I wanted to run away from it all at that moment. I wasn’t brave enough for this, I thought.
The idiocy of that thought sent flames to my cheeks. Brave? Brave? You have the audacity to feel sorry for yourself? I had to find my balance, because I remembered that you expected more from me. I needed to show you that I was going to be a good mother, no, an incredible mother, because what choice did I have? What choice do any of us have?
I always remember that I could have easily been born you. You could have been born me. When we were born, we landed where we landed, and I don’t think I will ever understand it. There is no justice in what has happened. I try to believe that if our roles were reversed, that I would have been strong enough, too. To do what you have done. You brought him to me, to my family. He is adored. He laughs (but you can’t hear it). He sings songs (but not in his native tongue.) He gives hugs and kisses constantly (how I wish you could feel them).
We teach him about you. I tell him what I remember and what I wrote down. I know the day is coming when the questions will be more detailed, more intense. There will be pain, confusion, and tears. I am doing my best to keep my promise to you. We have so much joy in our lives because of him. Because of you.
I believe that one day, we will meet again. In this life, in another, somehow, somewhere. The connection that we have as mothers is unbreakable. We share the love of one child, one beating heart that means more to the two of us than to anyone else in this world. I am honored and humbled to share that love with you.
You wondered why we had not had any children before. Your hope was that he would grow up with lots of siblings. I assured you that he would have that, and you would be happy to know that our boy is now a big brother. A brother more in love with a baby sister than I ever thought possible. He makes her laugh. He soothes her. He helps feed her. You would be so proud.
One day, I will tell you all this. I will hold your hands and tell you the stories of this life you gave me, and him. We will laugh, and we will cry, and I will never, ever stop until that happens. I am keeping the promise, dear mother. You are my family, and I love you, from far, far, away.
Heather Beauchamp
Mother of 2
Musical Monday!
Laura, I so hope you don't mind me stealing your blogness. No other day of the week sounded good! I love your picks, by the way.
For this week, I proudly introduce (most of you) to your new favorite band. (Ahem).
Another of Adam's gifts to me when we started dating, this band is just incredible.
I give to you...
Jump, Little Children.
Their biggest (and one of the most beautiful) songs, Cathedrals.
This is a fan video, so we definitely thank you, Jojo, for sharing your trip to NYC. Great pics! (It was the only thing on Youtube that was the right version of the song.)
Another beautiful, romantic ballad. Ah, love...
Apparently, Youtube really hates me. The only decent version I can get is a possibly drunk but not bad videographer's clip, live from Eddie's Attic. I am posting it anyway, because the song is just that good, and I can prove to you how amazing these guys are live. None of that fancy record producing magic. Look up the real version to get a better experience!
Two of our friends danced to this at their wedding. It was just lovely.
By the Way They Dance...
These guys are limitless. Between the band, they play the guitar, harmonica, mandolin, accordian, cello, bass, not to mention Jay's flawless and haunting voice...the live result is beautiful.
Not to mention, the guys themselves are, as well....
The guys in action, again: Dancing Virginia
One more, one more...if anyone is still here.
Mexico: (GREAT breakup song).
I know that's a lot of vids and you people have lives to live and all, but I hope you enjoyed these! They have a lot of music to listen to. I don't think I will ever understand why they never blew up. JLC has a huge fan base here in the south. They are currently "on break", doing solo stuff and having babies and such. Fingers crossed for a reunion!
For this week, I proudly introduce (most of you) to your new favorite band. (Ahem).
Another of Adam's gifts to me when we started dating, this band is just incredible.
I give to you...
Jump, Little Children.
Their biggest (and one of the most beautiful) songs, Cathedrals.
This is a fan video, so we definitely thank you, Jojo, for sharing your trip to NYC. Great pics! (It was the only thing on Youtube that was the right version of the song.)
Another beautiful, romantic ballad. Ah, love...
Apparently, Youtube really hates me. The only decent version I can get is a possibly drunk but not bad videographer's clip, live from Eddie's Attic. I am posting it anyway, because the song is just that good, and I can prove to you how amazing these guys are live. None of that fancy record producing magic. Look up the real version to get a better experience!
Two of our friends danced to this at their wedding. It was just lovely.
By the Way They Dance...
These guys are limitless. Between the band, they play the guitar, harmonica, mandolin, accordian, cello, bass, not to mention Jay's flawless and haunting voice...the live result is beautiful.
Not to mention, the guys themselves are, as well....
The guys in action, again: Dancing Virginia
One more, one more...if anyone is still here.
Mexico: (GREAT breakup song).
I know that's a lot of vids and you people have lives to live and all, but I hope you enjoyed these! They have a lot of music to listen to. I don't think I will ever understand why they never blew up. JLC has a huge fan base here in the south. They are currently "on break", doing solo stuff and having babies and such. Fingers crossed for a reunion!
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