single parenthood

Back in December of 2005, I posted about Frank and Vida, my mom's parents. I talked about the kind and gentle grandfather that had passed away some 12 1/2 years ago. Yesterday we lost Vida. My 94 year old spunky, independent until her last day, grandma fell down her stairs backwards, and hit her head on a shelf. My aunt had just arrived an hour before to spend a few days with her and saw it happen. She did respond to her telling her she was fine but her chest and shoulder hurt. My aunt called the ambulance and when she went back to Grandma she was having a hard time breathing, one eye was full of blood and she started throwing up. She made it to the hospital 25 miles away, but couldn't keep up the fight. It was fast and to the point, very much like her personality. She never wanted to leave her home for assisted living, she never wanted to suffer, and we thank God for that tonight. But to know she was always there was so comforting. My heart bleeds tonight as I lost my last grandparent and I truly feel the last tie to my mother.

Then I start to realilze Grandma is happier today then she was yesterday when she woke up. She is home with my mom, grandpa and aunt Mary. Life in northern MN will never be the same. I will miss our talks to the most. All of the Great-children, where talking last night, about how she made the best strudel, potica, chocolate chip cookies, blueberry and raspberry pie of anyone they knew. She baked and cooked until the end.

GOD BLESS YOU, GRANDMA. You will remain in our hearts forever.......

We have had a wonderful time in my family during the last two weeks. My brother's basketball team, who has been very good this last year, went to the state tournament. Last Thursday, one of his players made a last second three point shot that won the game for his team. It put them into the state finals. On Saturday, the boys came through. They won the state tournament. I was so proud of the entire team.

One of the players, is a senior, and Kiran's former daycare brother. For the first three years Kiran went to Lyle's and Lyle is a father to one of the players. Nate is the greatest kid. He is happy all the time, always has a minute to pick up "little girl", give her a hug and chat with her. This happens even if there are older girls around or no one else. Kiran just loves the entire family. Let me also say that they loved her like a member of their family. I have been so lucky to have had two wonderful daycare providers......Kiran is so loved by many people.

I love Nate and part of me feels that we will never see this family again. Basketball is over, Nate will be graduating in a few months and they don't have any more boys. I feel a loss here and am not sure why. I AM PROUD OF THE STA Cadets. They did one heck of job and I have never seen a team work so well together. According to their coach, this might have been the first season in twenty years that he hasn't seen any no fighting or jealousy between the players.

My dad is feeling better, he even made it down for the first two games in state. I have two more days left with my kids until spring break. Since my two wild ones have moved I LOVE THIS GROUP again.

Kiran and I are taking a couple of nights and going to a water park in Duluth, MN. My nephew, niece, cousin and her two children are joining us. I am so looking forward to getting away and relaxing for a few days.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ST. THOMAS CADETS AGAIN. It was a wonderful ride. Thanks for the memories.

Mary

It was only 8 days ago and we didn't have a flake of snow on the ground. That has all changed in these parts. Last weekend we had 10-12 inches of fresh snow to play in. Then on Thursday we had 15 more inches and a lovely snow day on Friday. I just love snowdays.........

The unexpected three day weekend has been lovely. Friday we spent at home with all the snow coming down and then on Saturday we ventured out to my Brother's basketball game, Kiran played outside in the snow with my nieces, and we made cupcakes. Now doesn't all that sound so exciting. I have to say that my life may seem boring to most single people but I am loving every minute of it. Today Kiran is going to my brother's to slide and play in the snow so more.

During my ride home on Thursday, I did something to my back and it HURTS!!! I have had a hard time getting out of bed and walking around. Lord, this getting old is for the birds. I am hoping when I go to work tomorrow that everything will be better.

Hopefully pictures to follow this week....

Miss everyone,

Mary and Kiran

Last year at this time, I was so happy in all areas of my life. I had, what I thought was a wonderful man in my life. I reached this day with some amount a dread. I was back to the old ways of Valentine's Day, no special person to spend the day or evening with. That was until I realized I had the best in my house already.

We had a wonderful day. It started out this morning, with Kiran giving me her special project she made in school yesterday. It was 6 huge chocolate covered strawberries. Yes, she did keep them in the refrigerator. She then apologized for not making me a card. After I ate the first strawberry, she looked at me and said, "Mommy, is that going to cost you points?" Ok, the kid knows I am on Weight Watchers again. She was concerned that she was adding on to my day that I had planned out last night. Of course these points are free I told her.

The day at school was wild but fun. I really do love my class.

Then, this evening we spent over an hour just talking in her room, snuggling, and reading stories. She read me two books and read her 4. She is so proud of herself when she can read a book to me. It is so amazing watching her sound out words. I watch her and almost cry. Who needs a boyfriend? I am so happy with what I have.....


PS-Al Franken announced he is running for Paul Wellstone's senate seat. I wish him all the luck in the world. It is time to get Norm Coleman out of that chamber.

It only took me until now to get high speed internet. I have to say, life is much faster around these parts.......I am so happy I made the decision to finally have it installed. It also comes along with digital cable and many more channels for us to choose from. Ok, Kiran watches one, Disney both morning and night. I tend to watch a few, CSPAN, CNN, CSPANII, ESPN, Comedy Network, some local channels, and ok, I will admit, the SOAP Channel......

I think I mentioned that I had a new student enter my room the week before Winter Break. This child is HELL on wheels. Last week, he brought to school and almost naked picture of some woman and a condom. Yes, you heard me correctly, the kid is in second grade. It is so sad when I look at him and realize what his future has in store. He is a smart child who has been dealt a few terrible hands in his short 7 years. His birthmother no longer has rights to him, his aunt is in the process of adopting him and he told me that he spent the entire weekend standing in the corner. The sad thing is I believe him. I am at a point where I feel sorry for him but he is soooo disruptive in the classroom. There are so many children out there in these types of situations. Please keep all of our children in your prayers.

I have my second conference in Kindergarten on Thursday. Tonight Kiran brought home her mid-trimester report with no concerns in all areas. She is starting to read, if I have mentioned that, I am sorry. Let me add it is in no way because her mommy is a teacher, she finds it easier to read to my SIL or nieces. I guess she is looking at my critical eye.

It was great hearing from everyone.

Mary

Who is now on the fast end of life will be checking in more often, hopefully......

She may be from India but she sure loves everything about the snow. Wish me luck, tomorrow I am taking her skating for the first time. I haven't been on a pair of skates in 30 years.

She experienced her first teasing at school this week. On Thursday, she wanted to wear a bindi to school. It matched her outfit and she looks so cute with one on. It seems that ALL the boys made fun of it so she took it off and said it was the last time she would wear one. It made me sad that she is thinking that way but I am sure she will change her mind one of these days.

Sorry, I haven't been around much. Life is just so busy and then there is that other website.....

Hope all is well with everyone.

I am starting a new support group for all the parents out there addicted to their childs Webkinz site. This mom needs one. Whenever I get a free a few minutes, you can find me at the computer. Kiran gave me one for Christmas so I play on my own site know. I just love the games on there. So many are educational and it actually makes them responsible for spending and making money. Good lessons on saving and such. If you would like to join the group please email me.....

Today is the official last day of my vacation. I am really rested, have been sleeping until 9:00 every morning and playing on the da-- computer until 2:00 am every night. It has been fun being a stay at home with Kiran. I have had to bring her into school everyday and today I am going in to read a story to her class. She really likes having her mommy at school.

I was going to catch up on my reading over my break, no such luck. I haven't been in the mood to pick up a book for while. I do believe I go through this phase every year. I am hosting bookclub in a week, anyone have any good ideas on books that we could read?

This mom is ready to go back to work on Monday. I actually miss my little turkeys.