New Dwelling

Thanks to our awesome friends at Park Bench Digital, Wiggwam dwells in a new location now.  Join "Our Wiggwam" at our new blog home.

Weekend Visits

Our weekend was full of quick visits with people we love.

On Friday, Mark's cousin and her family were passing through town on their move back from their mission work in Tanzania, Africa.  We haven't seen them since Nora was born, and it was such a blessing to get some time with them.

2011:

Present:

It was neat to hear little Maddy speaking in Swahili and get to see her sweet little spirit.  She kept going over to Nora and kissing her on the forehead. Even though this is such a bittersweet transition for them, we are thrilled to have them closer now...and look forward to the kids playing together more often.

On Saturday, Eleanor and I met in Indy for some girl time.  These trips have become sort of an annual tradition when we both need to recharge.  I couldn't help but think how lucky we are to have such supportive husbands who encourage these trips away that nurture my soul.  But, to be fair, we knocked out a ton of discussions that they don't need to have now...so I think we all win, really.

Our friendship began over chocolate 11 years ago in the Italian countryside during our study abroad program. So, it seemed fitting that we scoped out "The Best Chocolate in Town" and enjoyed their gelato and bon bons (afterall, every mother should be able to say they've eaten a bon bon at some point in their lives).

Mostly we just explored the area and caught up on life...

It is such a gift to be able to fully share your heart with someone (without having to edit or leave out your deepest, darkest thoughts and feelings) and be completely understood, supported and celebrated.  

Reminiscing

I love the transition of seasons---savoring the last few weeks of summer fun with the crisp air that signals the comfort of Fall. The relaxation of vacations and visits combined with the return of routines and the hope of new beginnings.

As we settled back into our routines this morning, Owen was already missing Grammy and Grampa--recapping the highlights from our visit.

The kids enjoyed the trips to the park, reading books, playing outside and going to the zoo. And, even though they seem to have an uncanny knack for pushing buttons and testing the limits when there is an audience, sometimes that's ok. Sometimes it's even a good thing: to shake things up and bend rules once in awhile...making more room for all the love around us (and even a new appreciation for the routines that can otherwise become so mundane).

We finished reminiscing over breakfast, packed up the car and headed over to the Sitter's. For a few moments, it was quiet.  Then Owen chimed in, "I just love Grammy and Grampa".

Thanks again for coming to visit after all of your recent trips...and for helping out with the kids. They enjoyed every minute (and we did, too).

Bursting the Bubble

I have to admit that I am already over this election season.  Yes, I realize it is only mid-August.  But, all of this divisive banter is just too much for my harmony-seeking, people-pleasing ways. Maybe it was Pelotonia, or watching the Olympics, or planning our Communities of Practice theme for our upcoming annual conference. But, there has been such a hopeful air swirling around me, shaking things up...and I am just not willing to let that go.   

This time of transition at work has been like a magnifying glass, challenging us to take a closer at look at who we are and what we do. It is a path strewn with opinions, obstacles and struggles.  But, we have also experienced the exhilarating payoff of collaborative work towards positive progress.  And, so far, it has been worth every growing pain along the way.

Recently, I sat down to write an article for our quarterly newsletter, urging our organization to bridge the gap of professional specialties to affect positive change within our field of financial counseling.  As I was trying to solidify my thought process, I came across a fitting analogy of a bubble, barrier and bridge. 

The Bubble: committed but blinded to perspectives or experiences outside their own. 
The Barrier: focused on differences or reasons not to, instead of the potential. 

The Bridge: creates pathways to new partnerships through awareness and respect of different experiences.            

It perfectly describes the challenges our diverse membership currently faces. But, it is also easy to draw parallels to life. And, if we are self-reflective enough to take an honest look through that magnifying glass, we'll find ourselves, our relationships, our faith and our political views as well.  Despite our best efforts, how easy it is to become entrapped in our own little bubbles...unwilling or unable to bridge the gap to understanding.

The thing is, just like the bike ride to raise money for cancer, or team preparation for the Olympics, everyone has value...every voice...every idea.  It is rather foolish, and actually kind of dangerous, to think we can go it alone and that we don't need anyone else. We each have different strengths and gifts.  It is only when they are engaged through commitment to a common passion and purpose that can we make dynamic change around us. 

But, it starts with each of us.

If you looked under the magnifying glass, where would you find yourself? How can we break down the barriers and start building some bridges in their place? Let's start by discussing the real issues of government, sifting through the rubble to find the common ground beneath us. That also requires a rejection of the hateful labels, narrow-minded views and the assignments or assumptions of intentions.

Just think of the ways our marriages, friendships, work relationships, faith communities, classrooms, and yes, especially our government, could work together in peaceful and productive ways--if we took the time to cross over the bridge to deeper understanding, respect and tolerance.

Ashland

After Mark's bike ride, we headed up to Ashland to visit the Strine family.  We have missed our trips to the zoo, play dates and great conversations since they moved up north. Owen was telling anyone who would listen that we were going up to see Ella---several days in advance.

We didn't skip a beat! The kids picked right up and Kate and I were finally able to enjoy a Mark-a-rita together since neither of us were pregnant or nursing.

 It was so nice to just enjoy our time together, with no major plans.

The weather was so beautiful in the morning, so we decided to head over to The Blueberry Patch for their final weekend of picking.  It brought back memories of time with my Grandma Rose and my favorite childhood book, Blueberries for Sal.

The kids loved it, although I am sure more of the blueberries made it to their bellies instead of the buckets.  

When we were leaving, Owen said "I had so much fun. I've never been here before.  It was fabulous".

Thanks for having us, Strines! We always joke that it feels like we've known each other for so much longer, but it is just a sign of great friends.  We love you guys!

Pelotonia

This weekend, we cheered on Daddy in his third year of Pelotonia---a bike ride in Columbus that raises money for cancer research.  Over 6,000 riders came out this year and have raised over $10.5 million to date. Through generous sponsorships (like Huntington Bank), every.single.penny goes to researchers at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital. That's pretty incredible!

The weather was strangely cold and overcast, feeling much more like Fall than mid-August.  But, the kids and I wouldn't have missed it.  We found a spot around mile 17 to cheer for the riders and wait for Mark to pass by. 

The event is so much more than just a bike ride.  It is moving and emotional. And, it is one of those experiences that reminds you how small we are in the grand scheme of life. Yet, at the same time, how powerful we can be when we join forces with passion and purpose to make a difference in this world.

 

We are so proud of Daddy--for his commitment to this important event, for training, riding and raising money. 

But, especially for his amazing example of giving back to something more than ourselves. Afterall, our legacies are more than just what we believe or what we say.  It is what we do...who we are.  These little faces remind us of that daily.

We appreciate everyone's support and generous donations.  If you still interested in donating, it is not too late: click here.

Counting Blessings

I think it was the lack of sleep on vacation, getting back into our routine and staying up late to watch the Olympics---but we were all running on empty this week.  So, the late start to our day today (even though we were rushing around) was a nice change.

After Nora's physical therapy appointment, I ditched work and we headed for the park to have a picnic. We haven't had a quiet day like this in awhile with nowhere to be but with each other. My heart just felt so full.

It is hard to believe that August is upon us, which means Fall is just around the corner (yippee!). This summer has flown by---but it has been full of such important lessons and exciting milestones.

Like our little peanut starting to walk! We are so thrilled with her progress and hard work.

Even better is the excitement in her face and to see how proud she is of herself. She is already making up for lost time!

I had somehow forgotten how magical this phase is---when you realize that they really were watching and listening, absorbing everything like little sponges. She surprises us everyday with something new, like "bess eww" after a sneeze. I love how she says, "yesh pees" and "tank eww" or when she blows kisses to everyone.  Melts.my.heart.

And then there's my little man---so silly and sensitive and sweet. And, even though he's growing like a weed and is becoming so independent, I love that he still wants me to sing him songs...or hold his hand. The other night he told me that he was going to marry me when he grows up.  

Be.still.my.heart.

He is such a good big brother---so patient and loving. And, there is nothing quite like the sight of their impromtu games, hugs and kisses. I hope they never forget the importance of family---that fierce loyalty, friendship and love.

Today felt a lot like a slow exhale--settling back into our groove and just enjoying each other. Sometimes it is in these simple or ordinary moments that I am struck most with just how blessed we really are.

"Lift your eyes off the weeds.  

Collect your blessings.  

Catalog His kindnesses.  

Assemble your reasons for gratitude."

~Max Lucado on 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18