Monday Musings

I have been neglecting my blog lately. For my readers (in the single digits, anyway!), I apologize. Life has gotten busy.

Last week I subbed in Luca's class for 3 days while his teacher was away with her husband at a conference.  I was there Monday- Wednesday. On Wednesday morning, Luca got up, came into my room and said "Is Mrs. Chicilo back yet or do you have to be my teacher again?"  Feelings a little hurt, I told him I would be there for one more day. His response? "Oh, okay. But she'll be back tomorrow? I miss Mrs. Chicilo."  At least I know he loves his teacher and is secure andcomfortable with her.  I am supposed to be going in tomorrow to be a volunteer mom so I'm curious to see how it will be from the other side of the desk.

I got a call this morning at about 6 that one of my mamas is in early labour. So, I'm sitting sipping a caramel macchiato and waiting for the call that she is in active labour. She is also a doula, so she'll know best when to call. I'm a little nervous "doula-ing" for a doula, but she chose me, so she must be confident in my abilities to comfort and guide her through labour.  She has chosen to have a  birth with midwives at a birth centre. This will be my first experience at an out of hospital birth, so I'm excited and nervous about the unknown. (For those of you that are queasy about not being in the hospital, don't worry, it is literally only a few blocks from the Foothills and the hospital is aware that there is a birth going on and will be prepared to send an ambulance if needed. And midwives are highly trained medical professionals that ONLY do this, so their experience and expertise are similar to that of an OB).

I am FINISHED Christmas shopping for everyone except Chris. NO idea what to get him and he's no help. His reply? "Nothing." What do I do with that??  Anyway, I start shopping in September, watch for sales and buy a few things at a time. Some things I have ordered, some I have gone and picked up from the store. I write a list and make sure that I have ideas for everyone before I go with their gift in mind.  I have 3 gifts that I am making- one is nearly done and the other two are a work in progress.  I'm excited to start wrapping, which is almost my favorite part! I do love trying to come up with thoughtful, unique and meaningful gifts for people though.  I try to stay away from gift cards because, while I really don't mind getting them, I feel like I've not put any thought into the gift I'm giving. I love to see people's reactions when the realize that I've thought about something just for them or listened and took note of something they've mentioned they want or need.  Christmas is about giving and I really do love to give! (Gift giving is one of my love languages. If you haven't read the book, you should! I have the children's one on my bedside table but haven't read it yet.)

Speaking of giving, the boys and I are going to be putting together shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I remember doing this many years as a kid and I loved shopping for the items that other kids might like to get. Last Thursday at MOPS, we had a few ladies speak about their experiences actually going with Samaritan's Purse and handing the boxes out to children in need in Costa Rica. The photos they shared and the stories they told just made my heart ache for those families that have nothing compared to us. I want my children to know now, at a young age, that they are beyond lucky to be so comfortable. To have food whenever they want it. To have a roof over their heads, a warm bed and a flushing toilet. To have more toys than any little boys need.  I want them to put some thought into sending items to other children that would otherwise get nothing.

OCC has a Veggie Tales video geared for kids to explain the campaign and the need. I'll be showing it to my boys this week and then we'll be going to buy items for the boxes. I'll try to remember to take pictures of them with their items and boxes and post them!

Happy Monday!