Memorial Day

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the judgement that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all. " (Meg Cabot)

I learned a lot of things when my sister had children. I learned what it meant to love someone more than yourself and to want the world for someone. I know it's not the same as a mother's love, but an aunt's love can be pretty crazy too :)

Those babies have changed how I see the world. I cannot imagine the pain of the mothers who buried their young sons here during the Civil War. I couldn't ever stand at the grave of one of my nieces or nephews. It would probably kill me.

I don't know how they did it.

I dedicate my memorial day not just to the soldiers who gave that last full measure of devotion, but to their devastated mothers (and aunts), who endured the pain of their loss for the rest of their lives. Those women were braver than I could ever be.

Lolee

What's up, house cat?

I have one more week of work left. 

And my clients have graciously agreed to turn up the crazy, in honor of my leaving. 

I have gotten the following questions from them over the last weeks:

1. Do you think the world is about to end?

2. Have you ever had an STD?

3. Do I really need a high school diploma?

They've also danced at their doors, literally singing the words "please never come back" and told me that 2011 was "just the engine starting" before the really bad weather of 2012. 

I am not at the place where I am feeling sentimental about leaving yet. 

Right now, I can still hardly wait to go. 

I am ready to get out of here and have an amazing summer and get a new job and be home again. 

Lolee

I couldn't stay away

I need to stop neglecting this blog. It's going to be; after all, a national treasure, once I get elected to office. 

Life has been insane lately. 

I am moving soon. Not soon enough. 

I cannot wait to get out of here. 

It's too hot. My job is evil. I'm bored.

It's time for new challenges and a festive summer with my four favorite people:) 

Lori Ann

p.s.- I am completely addicted to ADELE music. If you haven't heard any, I totally need to recommend "Someone like You". It gives me the chills. 

Kurtofsky

Did you see tonight's episode, Eri??? 

Did you see it??? 

ha ha ha...maybe not this season, but next season it's going to happen!!!

Lor

Terry Ann

Every year for Mother's day I write some sappy and sentimental tribute to my mother. Most years, I think she doesn't read it.

Probably because that's not the person that she is.

My mother; while not being an unloving person, is certainly never one for sappy displays of emotion.

Therefore, this year, I am going to give her the kind of tribute that she can appreciate.

A strange one.

Here are the TEN random THINGS about Terry Ann Hinsdale!

10. She is the oldest of 9. I think she's spent most of her life as a mother, in some respect. Her youngest sister was only 4 when my brother was born. I have recently realized that we aren't so much my mother's four children, as much as her 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th siblings:)

9. She says the smell of baby powder reminds her of her mom. The scent of 'intrique' perfume reminds me of her. I hope my kids remember me smelling like 'sweet cinnamon pumpkin'.

8. Getting to see her as a grandmother has been a revelation for me. I am the youngest and we were all born so close together that we grew up together. I never saw my mom with a baby until Jack-Jack was born. She's crazy about those babies:)

7. She doesn't like to talk about or plan for food. In her ideal world, no one would eat.

6. She's the reason I started reading. Well, it was a combination of her taking away our TV and then leaving VC Andrews novels in the attic. I think I read "Flowers in the Attic" at the age of 9. It was traumatizing!

5. If my life, my personality, my opinions, beliefs and goals were a giant quilt, my mother would be stitched into every line and corner.

4. I just this year realized that my mom has really good taste in music.  I grew up thinking it was my dad; with his Led Zellpin and Mozart and blues and rock. My mom introduced me to Elvis, and Cher, and all the best oldies. She has different taste than my dad, but just as good.

3. I don't remember ever seeing her cry. I don't know how she created me. I think I cry; on average, a few times a week. I especially like crying at work, where it makes everyone uncomfortable. I use the social awkwardness to my advantage:)

2. I don't see her in myself or my siblings. But I see so much of her in my sisters kids.

1. Like she always said to me growing up, my mom is brilliant. I've never met anyone half as charismatic.  In another lifetime she most likely was a dictator or a puppet master politician's wife:)

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY, TERRY!

Lori Ann

Oh thus be it ever...

My mom called me last night at 11:30 pm.

I was half asleep and surprised to see  her number pop up, as she doesn't call me a lot, much less late at night. 

(Unless she has been watching murder mysteries and decides there might be a serial killer in Reidsville)

Anyway, she called to inform me that she and my dad were breaking out the crystal glasses and the sparkly water, and toasting the death of Osama. 

Normally I frown upon late night death to terrorists toasting celebrations, but I decided that I'll let this one slide. 

God Bless the USA! 

Lolee

On the day that you were born..

To my niece Katherine, upon leaving your terrible two's behind forever. 

Katy, I remember the day you were born. (I was in class)

I remember the first time I saw you  (in the car seat on top of the armoir)

I remember your first word (I tried to make it "Aunt")

It was "Jack", in case you forgot (because you've always loved your brother)

You are the 4th child (And the tie creator)

The baby (and you will always be)

And no one was ever better suited to the role (You wear your title with pride)

You play the part of adoring younger sister (Even if the others kids sometimes forget you)

And mamma's baby to perfection (She lets you run wild!)

You are angelic in one moment (giving kisses and sweet smiles)

And a whirling dervish in the next (Remotes, water, destruction galore!)

You give Jack-Jack someone to hug (he's loved your from day 1)

James someone to conspire with (against the Elly-Jack alliance)

And Elly someone to boss (she was born to be an older sister..like your mom)

You give your Mom someone to spoil (Like nothing I've ever seen!)

And your dad someone to call "the rat" (he tried lizard with Elly and it didn't take off)

In some ways, I 've missed you the most (you keep everything lively and fun)

I've missed your Paul Newman blue eyes (you've got the best eyes of them all)

And your feathery hair (it's like doll's hair! It's beautiful)

Your desire to be part of everything (sweet when they include you, heartbreaking when they don't)

And your sweet, loving heart (You are the sweetest thing ever)

Heavenly Father sent you to us (because He knew we were ready for our 'baby' to arrive)

We are so lucky (LUCKY)

He knew we wouldn't be complete (nothing would be the same)

Without our Katy- Cat. (Rat. Ratty. Kat Rat. Deal Breaker)

I love you, Katherine Danielle Monroe!

Here's to 3 amazing years, and many more to come!!!

Aunt Lolee