What an exciting morning. The kids were all smiles knowing that today was the day that their daddy would come to school and read a book. It was parent volunteer book reading month and when the kids learned that their daddy was on the calendar they just beamed. The book was selected the night before so all things were falling into place. I got the kids up, fed and dressed them for school. In the car ride the giggles began as well as the questions. Is daddy coming now? When is daddy coming? Where is daddy? Boy, they were endless but I couldn’t help but smile. I explained to them that daddy is scheduled for 10:00 am so that meant after the morning circle and morning snacks. They stayed quiet for just a moment and then the same questions came up. They were just too excited and wanted reassurance that he was definitely going to be apart of their morning at school. I was giggling too. I knew the kids would be attached to Asher from the moment he walked into the school.

It was almost time to head to school with Asher. I had butterflies in my belly just for knowing how the kids would react. Sadly, I wasn’t able to see it but from the moment he walked into the school to the moment he walked out, I could just picture the expressions and how it all went. My husband had a sweet smile on his face while walking in my direction. Book in hand and a smile on his face. Boy, did I love seeing this. I’m not sure I could describe the feeling I felt inside but let’s just say it was like waiting to hear the ice-cream truck bell on a hot summer day. Right at that moment when you were wiggling about on the tips of your toes because you couldn’t take it anymore you heard that sweet sound. Awe, your body relaxes and you run in the direction of the truck. That’s how I felt when I saw my sweet husband walk towards me with that smile. I knew it was the best reading ever.

I can’t wait to pick the kids up today so I can hear their version of how it all went. This is definitely something to look forward to. 

Today is bittersweet. The excitement started yesterday knowing that the kids would enjoy superhero day at school today. Then Isannah’s on and off again cough started to sound different and she was a little off when night time came. She didn’t have a good night so a doctor’s visit was in order. As I dressed Gio in his Spiderman costume this morning he was sad that Isannah wasn’t going to school with him and so was she. Once Gio and I got to school he noticed all the other costumes and turned to me and said Isannah is the real superwoman. He hugged me and said he would wait for Isannah. When I told him again she wouldn’t come he made a sad face but couldn’t control the happiness he felt for being in his super cool costume. Back at the house I have Isannah enjoying her superwoman powers as we wait to see the doctor. Fun will be had by all. I will make sure of it.

After superwoman(because she is not supergirl as she stated early on so there was no confusion) flew around the house for the 12th time, meaning over my arms as I helped her fly, my arms were about to fall off no matter how many times she said, “higher mommy higher” I couldn’t lift her any longer. As I was explaining that even superheroes needed a break the doctor called. The sound of the ring was truly music to my ears. The doctor was ready for us so we made our way partially flying to his office. After superwoman followed all of doctors instructions she was cleared for take off. It was nothing more than a stubborn cold that was causing a post nasal drip which made my sweet baby girls cough sound worse than it was. After Isannah showed the doctor her superwoman powers he gave her the clearance to go to school today. I made absolutely sure the doctor and the teacher were fine with the decision.

Isannah was beaming when we got to her school and I knew that Giovanni would be all smiles to see her. She was just in time for the superhero dance and outdoor play. Fun was definitely had by all. Way to go, superheroes!!  

The blinds are wide open, the windows slightly cracked and Italian megamix filling the speakers in our home when Isannah says, “mommy dance with me on this rug”. When your little girl asks you to bust a move, you do it no matter whose watching.

Today Isannah had a make up ballet class at a different location. She was a bit quiet but she listened attentively and followed her teacher perfectly. We all went to see Isannah as a family. Giovanni could see something was different for Isannah and kept asking to see if she was ok. Once class was over he waited for Isannah to come out of the classroom. She beamed from ear to ear when she saw him and went right up to him. He had his arms open ready to hug her and they hugged each other for what felt like a lifetime. It was the sweetest thing ever. Everyone stopped to stare and the expressions on their faces said it all. My heart beamed as I looked at Asher and then back at the kids. Another moment to pack away in this old heart of mine.

For the first time in a long time I can’t find the words. How can you describe the feeling of a warm tingling love that coats your heart in a way that brings you calm, peace, craziness, fear and showers you will blessings of purpose? How can I describe the feeling behind my eyes when I look at our two miracles and thank God for bringing us this far. Today is a special day for us. We were given two incredible gifts that will last a lifetime. I celebrate life today. Happy blessed 3rd birthday to the two that teach me every day about patience and unconditional love. Giovanni and Isannah Mia we love you. Happy birthday! 

Even though the ice rain was falling. The many street closures for tree pruning that took the kids and I 20 minutes longer to get to school. Along with the heavy clouds that darkened the morning and the slushy wetness created slippery madness outside, Giovanni and Isannah were able to brighten my day and keep a smile on my face for the rest of the morning.

Once we finally reached school, we began our routine of coats, hats, outdoor shoes off to prepare for indoor shoes on and school time. Lunch boxes and morning snacks put away and good byes were being said so that I could make my way back outside to the nastiness of the day. Just then Gio puts his face in my face and followed my every more. I finally asked him what he needed and he puckered up his lips and said, “a kiss mommy.” I let him plant the sweetest kiss smack on my lips. He began to beam from ear to ear and then threw himself into my arms while extending his for the biggest appreciative hug ever. I looked up at him just in time to hear him say thank you. He then turned away and entered the classroom. As that didn’t already have my insides tingling, Isannah gets her name train and before entering her classroom runs back over to me to give me the biggest hug she could give. She said that she also had to tell me something. I asked her what and she kissed my cheek and giggled while running into her classroom. I just felt all kinds of love, giddiness and warmth throughout my body and heart. It was definitely the lift that I needed to walk out of the school smiling and ready for the events of the day. It amazes me how the act of kindness can generate so quickly. What an amazing gift to share.

I would like to share my giddiness and my hearts sunshine with all of you so that your day will be filled with brightness and cheer. 

Today was the day to remove the ornaments and lights from our Christmas tree, Jingle so I began while the kids were napping. I had just removed the bottom section when Giovanni woke up. As we walked down the stairs he gasped for air. I immediately turned to him to see if he was ok. He stood staring at Jingle then turned to me and said, “Jingle is sad.” I explained to him that it was time to say good bye to Jingle and that he was happy to be going to see his friends. Boy, did he make the sweetest face ever while explaining how much he loved Jingle and how he should stay here in our home. I tried to talk to him and make him understand that Jingle did an amazing job bringing such beauty to our home for Christmas but he just stood and stared. Giovanni asked if he could help but every time he put away an ornament he would ask Jingle if he was ok.

Gio would look at Jingle and have a conversation. You ok, Jingle? It’s ok, Jingle. It doesn’t hurt don’t worry. Then he would touch Jingles branch as to almost hug it. It was the sweetest kindest expression. The ornaments and lights were about done when he announced once again that he loved Jingle SOOOO much and he should stay here. He wasn’t ready to say goodbye and frankly neither was I. Jingle was the best tree we’ve had and he was as beautiful as the day we saw him. This tree brought such warmth and inspiration to our home. It was hard to see her bare again. Finally, Asher lifted Jingle and carried him out. When Giovanni and Isannah saw what was happening they became very sad. They repeated that Jingle wasn’t ready and he needed to stay here. Giovanni began crying while repeating Jingle, Jingle, Jingle over and over again. He went to a corner in the kitchen sat down and just cried. The word Jingle was repeated a number of times and every once in a while he would say he loved Jingle. It was the sweetest yet saddest thing. He paced around the room crying Jingle for about 15 minutes. I let him express himself as I swept all the last remains of Jingle until I found one little branch. I went to Giovanni and asked him if he wanted to hold a piece of Jingle with him. He said yes and the tears slowly stopped.

Things were getting back to normal for Giovanni and Isannah until I saw him look in the direction of where Jingle once stood and he became sad again. I was able to meet his eyes with mine and give him and every thing is ok look. He didn’t cry even though I knew he wanted to only returned to listen to daddy read a book. It was a learning experience for us all. A love so innocent and true. Ah, the joys of Jingle. 

The morning after Christmas while Giovanni, Isannah and I walked downstairs Giovanni smiled with excitement. He paused on the steps so he could take the picture in front of him in. The Christmas tree lights were on and the train tracks along with the trains that Santa brought him the day before were still set up all around the living room floor. He looked up at me and yelled “it’s still here.” My heart filled with pure joy as I told him, yes it’s still here. Santa left it for you. He turned to me and asked, “we keep it?” I couldn’t help but scoop him up into my arms, squeeze him as tight as I could without crushing him and kissing his cute smiling cheeks. Of course, I told him. These are your Christmas gifts from Santa. He made the most interesting face followed by smiles and laughter. This little sweet boy thought those gifts were for a day and once Christmas was over the gifts would return. The pure innocence, joy and appreciation on Isannah and Giovanni’s face made tears stream down my face. I couldn’t believe how excited they both were. It was Christmas all over again. Isannah walked over to her horse castle and looked over at me to ask if she could play with it. I nodded and smiled and she began beaming. The trains turned on. The horses klipped and klopped along the castle ramps and the room was filled with the joys of Christmas all over again. This was the best Christmas ever. The joy of giving, the love and spirit of the holidays live in our hearts every day and fill our homes with life.

May the joy, warmth and love of the holidays fill your home. May each of you feel as though you are a child again with the excitement of Santa in your heart and the twinkle of happiness in your eyes. Let us remember the beauty of Christmas and all that it holds.

Waking up in the dark to a tiny voice crying your name is like a confusing dream. You try to get out of bed but some strong force holds you down so you struggle and embarrassingly win. You zombie walk to the trail of that voice, eyes still closed to find a stuffed animal on the floor and that tiny voice SCREAM I dropped my elephant, PICK IT UP. I had no idea what was going on. I pick up the elephant hand it to Isa and she latches on my arm like zombies are after her. I pick her up to hear is Nonna downstairs. Really? No, it’s not even 6 go back to bed. Too late, she was already in my arms and we were stumbling down the stairs. I’m still trying to shake being yelled out about an elephant this morning. Sigh…yawn!

Today I needed an innocently sweet heart to bring light and love into my life. I found it in Giovanni. As I was getting his sister ready for her last ballet class. Giovanni turned to Isa and said, “that’s a beautiful skirt. You look beautiful, Isa.” My heart so delicate in state that the kindness that poured from his mouth and shown in his eyes hugged my heart like a huge band aid. He was so proud of her in class today. We both were. It was parents observation and we were both able to watch Isannah perform in her classroom. Giovanni stayed silently on my lap. With all the things going on and as much as he wanted to join, he stayed strong and just sat. He smiled at his sister and my eyes filled with tears. What an emotionally proud day.