Where I Knit My First Garment

 

About 17 years ago I taught myself how to crochet. I was amazed how quickly I picked it up and how much I loved it. But it seems it is in my blood. My grandmother (on my mother's side) crochets. She still does, in her 80's creating beautiful and intricate lace placemats and whole tablecloths. 

About 3 or 4 years ago I taught myself how to knit. The internet is really amzing. Everything I needed to know was right there. I love knitting. But I am lazy and generally hate following patterns (this was true of crocheting as well) so I have never knitted or crocheted more than scarves, blankets and the occasional hat (actually I have only crocheted hats).

So, here I am, working my first garment. This is yarn I had on hand, an acrylic that I got at the local craft store, leftover from a crochet project years ago. I *think* it is worsted weight. I am using size 8, 24 inch circular needles. I am so very lazy, I could care less about the specific sizing this time around since I figure it will fit the baby at some point. Didn't bother with a swatch. Lazy, remember? I could probably do with a slightly longer cable, but I don't have one and well, on top of being lazy I am also cheap frugal.

Check out the custom stitch markers ;)

 So far so good, I think...I hope. I was surprised how quickly I was able to work these first 10 rows.

Too Blessed to Count

Mara, born April 5.

One More Week

So many blessings I can count this week, but the best of all is just that, one more week.

One more week for my little girl to stay tucked up inside under my heart, one more week of feeling her stretch her limbs, one more week of seeing her on ultrasound, always with one arm right by her face. One more week, my body still a safe haven.

The Begining of Lent

A week ago I was in the hospital. I had contractions that needed several doses of medication to come to a stop and some abnormal blood work that prompted the doctors to want to monitor me closely. I spent three days there. Things improved and I was able to come home. It was SO good to be home.

But now I must be patient. I must be still. I must let my husband and children do many things for me. I must let friends and family help me. I want my baby girl to have as long as she can to develop. Other complications may still interfere and make outside safer than inside before she is full term. I have accepted that.

In the meantime, I must be still. It is frustrating. It is difficult. The truth is, I generally feel fine. Since leaving the hospital, contractions have been minimal. But I know, the moment I push myself just that little bit too far, even if it is going up and down the stairs just one time too many during the day, they will start again. I must die to myself, to my need to constantly move and do in this busy house and I must be still.

Lent has begun. We did not hide the Alleluia. I do not have the mantle letters spelling "Repent" out. I couldn't make our traditional pretzels yesterday. I have not printed out any calendars to help my little ones mark the days. I don't have any particular book or devotion ready to go. Does it matter?

My children have spent the last two weeks laying themselves down to serve me and each other. They know what Lent means. God has shown me how I must be still, how I must pray, how His grace is sufficient to carry me through every crisis and concern. God has whispered to my heart that the best way to prepare is to spend time in His word. So I will find a simple way to do this. All I really need is a bible and the prayer of the church. I have been humbled by my husband's tender love and care for me and our sweet girl. 

This is Lent. It is good.

Simply Waiting

Soon I will welcome a new daughter. This time my preparations have been marked by careful vigilance of my health with the awareness I may be holding her sooner than expected.

I find myself having to slow down and prepare in simple ways every day. A little load of baby laundry here, pulling out slings there, having a small bag ready with at least the essentials for the hospital.

And prayer. Lots of prayer. My sister reminds me almost every time I talk with her over the phone, she is praying. I know it, I feel it. Her prayers and many people dear to me. When I lose sight of that, I feel the anxiety.

The simplest preparation after all is prayer.

Small Steps Together: Contagious Joy

My almost 15 year old daughter has been teaching me about joy. Yes, teens can be sullen, moody and silent. She definitely has her moments. But the past few weeks she has resolved to be helpful and attentive to the needs of everyone in this house. But more than that, I have seen her embrace this resolution with JOY. When she comes home from being away for a day, she rushes to greet her 2 year old brother with JOY. Every day, in some small way, she is teaching me this wonderful way to carry on, when I'm tired, when I ache, when I just want to be left alone. I think of this beautiful teen in my house, resolved to bring her energy and JOY to all of us.

Daybook on the March for Life

Right now...I am attempting to post from my itouch. This will probably be shorter than usual.

In a little while...Need to put some real clothes on, drop teens at church, find something fun, maybe artsy to do with my little girls (and boy).

This week...we're in a comfortable pace right now. It's nice to be moving somewhat peacefully through the week, with no activities overwhelming us. I want to use this time to gather fortitude and grace. Soon I will need to be visiting doctors with more frequency and watching my health even more carefully. It still feels somewhat to think we'll be welcoming a new little girl soon...very soon.

Living the liturgy...Preparing for Candlemas, Johnny's original due date, a day that filled me with such hope as I faced those difficult days during that pregnancy. Still filled with great hope and joy.

I am praying...All those facing difficult circumstances during pregnancy and all women who have been mortally wounded by the lie of abortion.

I am thankful...I really want to start in on Ann's Multitude Mondays series. Can't link with the app I'm using. For today these 3 things:
Lilly playing basketball
Dave grocery shopping with me
Football with Johnny

On my Kindle...One Thousand Gifts. I also downloaded Democracy in America. Read bits of it in high school, just felt inspired to read it all. Also Light of the World. Have I mentioned how thrilling it is to be able to carry so many books around with my Kindle?

From the schoolroom...Little girls wrapping up a mini Viking study. On to knights and castles. I am always so motivated and inspired by Carmen. That girl just loves to learn, to really soak up knowledge and ponder it. We are going to use this time well. So grateful I have well planned weeks ahead.

Woohoo Packers!

Reflecting the Love of God

A conversation Lilly and I had the other day centered on who I would entrust the care of my children with should something tragic happen to me and Dave. It really was not morbid at all and led to a wonderful insight on my part. The question was, apart from family, how would I feel about the children being cared for by some of the families we are blessed to have as  part of our lives. The answer, which made me oh so happy, was pretty darn good. The answer really is so simple. These people I have let into my heart, into my life, love my children. I would not doubt for one moment that they would love and care for my children, that would continue to help them grow closer to God and win the race to Heaven. Truly, what more can I ask for.

I know. I would ask that they would know how grateful I am to have them in my life. I would ask that, by God's grace, they would see the love of God reflected in me for their dear children and that I too long to share the beatific vision with them. I would ask that whatever is lacking in me be filled with God's grace. And of course, I long for this within my family as well.

I want to live this year, my whole life, with this reflection ever present. Do I bring the Light of Christ, to everyone? All the time? May the Lord have mercy on me and help me to be ever more transparent.

More About the Middle Ages

I've updated the page on where we are in our Middle Ages Study. Its a work in progress and I hope I can add more links of resources and materials we're actually using. Mostly because I want to keep a good record of all this so I don't have to reinvent the wheel in a few years with my next crop of students.

New Year's Daybook

Right now...kids are getting dressed, breakfast cleaned up. We woke a little late this morning. One teen has yet to emerge. (Ah, here she is.)

In a little while...school, doctor, school, ballet. In that order.

This week...Celebrating the Epiphany with the sleepover at Abuela's house. My children refuse to celebrate it on the Sunday. Epiphany is on the 6th and that is that. This morning Elizabeth linked over to this and I think it makes a whole bunch of sense. I think it also marks the anniversary of my baptism. Basketball, Tae Kwon Do and 1 ballet class start up again. Sigh.

I am praying for...mothers who have to say goodbye to children.

I am thankful for...babies. My little babies and my teens and everyone in between. Sweet nephews and nieces. Dear friends' children I've grown to love.

Living the Liturgy...Lots this week, wow! Our focus will be on the Epiphany/Theophany of Our Lord. A favorite feast in our family, always marked with a big celebration at my parents. Hard to believe the Christmas season is coming to a close. It flew by this year. Well, technically don't I really have to Candlemas to take the tree down?

On the Kindle...One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. And lots of other good stuff. Free stuff. Lots and lots of great free stuff for the Kindle.

In the schoolroom...So pleased I've gotten a good amount laid out and planned for the next few months. I'm not done yet, but I'm bolstered by my progress so far.

Johnny...now he's 2! and if you ask him, he loves to tell you. And he loves to tell you his name...Johnny John Bom, a mish-mash of some of the nicknames we have for him. Did  I tell you he's 2? Yeah, every bit of 2, including now daily fits to figure out exactly what he wants for breakfast. How is it little boys come to love superheroes so easily? Johnny is already devoted to Batman and Spiderman.

Please excuse my chocolaty fingers.

 My word for 2011...Eucharisteo. Elizabeth explains very well why. The day she posted this, I had a similar post in draft. Ann's book is really a must read to start the new year.

Nearly Christmas Daybook

Right now...kids are getting breakfast. I woke very early and was able to do the Office and Morning Prayer right from my bed (thank you itouch). Johnny woke up soon after and I snuggled with him. As he pressed his little warm body next to me, all I could think was how he was worth every minute of illness I went through 2 years ago.

In a little while...more holiday baking begins! Lots planned for today. And a dinner with friends in the evening. The crockpot is my friend.

This week...Heh, Christmas! Christmas Eve will have at the early mass (Lilly is singing) and then dinner and celebration at my parent's house. We have SO much to celebrate this year. 

On December 11, my father had a mild heart attack. It was a shock and very frightening. But modern medicine is truly a miracle and he was home within a few days and better than ever. There is so much more I could tell you about it all, and maybe I will, but not here.

On December 19 my sister welcomed her third child, Martin Andres. He is adorable (of course). I miss her and her family more than ever.

Christmas morning is breakfast at Dave's cousin's house. 

We'll come home and open presents and have a quiet dinner at home.

Sunday we celebrate Johnny's 2nd birthday! I can hardly believe it. We will also possibly be at the beginnings of a blizzard in our area.

There's more fun and celebrations next week too. But I'll tell you about them next week.

I am grateful for...my father, my sister and little Martin, my dear children, friends who support me in prayer, good health for everyone in my family, my husband...oh I could go on and on. I think reading this book, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are is affecting me in the best way possible. Its available for Kindle instantly, right now. And so is Elizabeth's book, Small Steps for Catholic Moms. I'll tell you a secret. I have a print copy. Its dear to me, but I'm getting the Kindle copy too. Seems to me that a daily devotional is a near perfect format for the Kindle. It always know right where you left off and I can add my own thoughts as notes and almost create myself a little e-journal. Oh, I'm grateful for Elizabeth and Ann too :)

Praying for...this would be nearly identical to the list above.

Living the Liturgy...I love love love how my parish decorates for Christmas. Every year it takes my breath away when I walk in. Lilly will be soloing a verse of Silent Night in Spanish tomorrow night. I'm sure I will be a weepy mess. This is one of my father's favorites. Just typing this right now, I'm overcome with emotion. Deep breath. God is good.

From the kitchen...cookies, cookies, cookies. I always feel spoiled this time of year. I'm not responsible for any major holiday cooking. Even dinner for our friends tonight is a casual affair and they're bringing dessert. So I get to have fun and be creative. Here's the list:

Lemon Orange Anise biscotti and Almond biscotti  (both these recipes use canola oil and mostly egg whites, so they are heart healthy)

Meringues and cocoa meringues (again, heart healthy)

Lemon Ricotta cookies (Lilly baked these, oh my, are they ever delicious)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies (I changed up the recipe, made the dough all chocolate and used the candy cane kisses instead)

Decorated sugar cookies

Candied cranberries

Alfajores (a Peruvian cookie, a special request from Dave's cousin)

and depending on how things go today I also feel like making some kind of gingersnap. We'll see.

Around the house...not too bad, if I pretend not to see all the laundry that needs to be done. I feel like I'm in a constant battle to keep "stuff" from accumulating in piles all over the house. In a few days we'll be adding in all new "stuff". Oh well.

Johnny...loves Batman. And basketball. He is all boy. He's learned to say me and mine in the past few weeks. And "I poop".

I'm finding it hard to believe that I'll be updating about another baby in a few months. For now, everything is going great. I'm feeling good, if not suddenly much bigger and everything medically is normal. We like normal.

Happy Feast!

Chaplet of the Immaculate Conception

Sign of the Cross

V. O God, come to my aid;

R. O Lord make haste to help me in my time of need.

First Group of Beads: I thank thee, O eternal Father, For having by Thy Almighty power preserved Mary, most holy, Thy blessed daughter, from the stain of original sin.

On the large bead pray one Our Father.

On the four small beads pray four Hail Marys, adding each time:

Blessed be the pure, most holy, and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Second Group of Beads: I thank Thee, O Eternal Son, for having by Thy wisdom preserved Mary, most holy, Thy blessed mother, from the stain of original sin.

On the large bead pray one Our Father.

On the four small beads pray four Hail Marys, adding each time:

Blessed be the pure, most holy, and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Third Group of Beads: I thank Thee, O Holy Spirit Eternal, for having by Thy love preserved Mary, most holy, Thy Blessed Spouse, from the stain of original sin.

On the large bead pray one Our Father.

On the four small beads pray four Hail Marys, adding each time:

Blessed be the pure, most holy, and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Conclude with:

Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Composed by St. Berchmans, S.J. to obtain the grace never to commit any sin against the virtue of purity.

Thanksgiving

...is a day early in our house.

Ultrasound shows a very healthy, measuring perfect for dates little...girl! And all is looking very good for me right now.

For whatever reason we were all very sure it was boy, so even in this house with 6 girls, we were actually surprised. Imagine that!

Have a wonderful holiday!

Halfway

Is it possible I am really halfway through this pregnancy? The calendar and that little wheel thing at the midwife's office say it's true. I still have trouble wrapping my mind around it. I look down and I see a growing bump and I still struggle to embrace the fact that, yes indeed, a new precious life is growing.

When I realized I was pregnant this time, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Just months before I had struggled with an intense longing for another child. Some days I though I was going crazy, it was all I could think about. I struggled because, rationally, another pregnancy was probably not the best thing to long for. After all, many complications meant that I couldn't even carry John to full term and the memory of the fear and anxiety as I realized my liver just could not have me be pregnant a day longer and John would be a preemie were all still very fresh in my mind. Nevertheless, I struggled with letting go of my desire.I needed to live in the present moment where I knew God's grace was sufficient.

I decided to offer up that longing for various intentions and resolved to get my body healthy. I had started Tae Kwon Do already, but threw myself into it with greater vigor. I carefully watched my diet. When summer came I resolved to swim laps every few days. Slowly my body changed. Muscles tightened and toned. I was stronger, healthier and I felt it. I was happy because, just as I hope and work to be as healthy as possible during pregnancy, I knew God was asking me to be just as disciplined without a pregnancy. I knew I was called to be the healthiest mother I could be to my children.

And then there was that positive test. Oh my. My friends, don't get me wrong. I was happy. But it was (and still is to a certain extent) overshadowed by a tremendous amount of fear. The fear has left me feeling somewhat detached from this precious baby and there are days when that fills me with great sadness. It is a struggle. As Advent approached, I thought about the St. Andrew chaplet. I prayed it last year, longing and hoping for another child. God always answers prayers, doesn't He? And this time he saw fit to give me exactly what I asked him for. I know, I KNOW, there is so much for me to learn from that alone. This year I'll pray the chaplet again, but with a far different intention. This year I will pray for His peace to surpass my understanding, the things I know in my head "could go wrong". I will pray with humility and gratitude for His generosity.

Tomorrow I'll see my baby on ultrasound. I will learn if it is a boy or a girl. I'm so very worried there will be something wrong. It's irrational. Not where God wants me at all. I thought perhaps to wait until tomorrow before sharing these thoughts. But it seemed better to share them tonight, as I sit halfway between joy and fear.

Thanksgiving Daybook

Right now...I'm pretty sure the little girls are playing Alice in Wonderland. Carmen, my struggling reader with a profound love of books, took it upon herself to read the book. She did not want my help. I know there are some words she's not getting and others she guesses at, but based on her retelling to me as she goes, she's completely understanding the story and loves it. Thus, the acting out of Alice in Wonderland (with much embellishment and rewriting) in my basement. I'm counting it as very productive school work this morning.

A little later...I'll head out the door for football and the first round of ballet. A very busy schedule and some things out my control have kept us away for 3 weeks (!) and I realize how much I miss it, or really the excellent company :)

This week...the one week with a lull in the sports schedule. I can hardly believe it. Thanksgiving at my sister's house. It is going to be wonderful. My contributions:

Apple almond yam cakes

Green salad of mixed greens with pecans, dried cranberries (or pomegranate, haven't made up my mind yet) and ricotta salata (because I'm not all that fond of feta, but I wanted a salty bite to the salad) with blueberry pomegranate vinagrette.

And last but not least, cranberry cheesecake pie.

I'm pondering...what to get my children for Christmas. I want to have all the Christmas shopping done in the next 2 weeks (and I do mean ALL), so I need to get down to business, make decisions and start ordering.

In the schoolroom...took some time on Saturday and cleaned up. Looks great.

I am grateful...Maddy was able to celebrate her 16th birthday with her great-grandmother. She'll go back to Florida soon and we'll all miss her so much. 

I am praying...for my sister and my cousin, getting ready to greet new babies in December. My daughter's friend who's been coming to Mass with us. Elizabeth. My husband's intense work schedule, in December, of course.

Living the Liturgy...Advent, Advent and more Advent prep. I got a new set of purple lights that will compromise part of our decorations until the tree goes up the week before Christmas. Need to pull out the advent wreath, candles and the nativity sets. I would LOVE to have this, but I don't think that's not going to happen this year. I also would love to add this (and they have a little wood stable to go with it too) to the nativity sets. I love its simplicity. Finishing up how I want to work the Jesse Tree this year, much simplified. Need to pull out the now familiar basket(s) of books. Maddy and I saw the Playmobil advent calendar at Wegmans yesterday (though it was only $20 there) and she begged me to get it. We'll see. And of course all the saints and feasts! I love Advent!

In the kitchen...Um, should have started the beef stew before I sat down to post this. 

Johnny...when he says "chinese food" its the cutest thing I've ever heard. Also "football" and "basketball/". The little man seems to love sports.

Light a Candle

And keep in your prayers little Jedi's family. St. Jedidiah, pray for us!

O God, whose beloved Son did take little children into his arms and bless them: Give us grace, we beseech thee, to entrust this child Jedidiah to thy never-failing care and love, and bring us all to thy heavenly kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Foggy Morning Daybook

Right now...still attempting to wake teens. Found Johnny playing in the bathroom by the toilet when I thought he was downstairs with his sisters. I'm giving up on school this morning and tending to groceries and the house. Amazing how a busy weekend outside the home still takes its toll inside the home.

A little later...grocery store (argh, don't get me wrong, the weekend was lovely, but I do love getting the food shopping done on Saturday or Sunday, with Dave), ballet, maybe soccer. Basketball is coming in two weeks and we'll have a whole new rhythm to contend with.

Later this week...library, car repairs, maybe a soccer practice, co-op, Harry Potter premiere (Dave and the big kids) , Anna gets awarded her purple belt, one more celebration for Maddy (dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant), and the Feast of Christ the King (one of my favorites).

I'm pondering...How about this? I realized this week that just a few minutes of my time (as in less than 5) applying very simple makeup (a mineral pressed powder, tiny bit of concealer, a finishing powder and a little color on my lips) makes me look, well, better. And I like it. This is a big deal because I hate makeup. Hate. I NEVER wear it. But did I mention I now have a 16 year old? Yeah. (I got this, only the one marked Fair, at Target. Liked it because its talc free. Don't use the blush really, still think blush looks silly on me.

In the schoolroom...Slow and steady, we continue to work.

I am grateful...that my grandmother could be here for Maddy's 16th birthday and the chance meeting up with a friend at brunch yesterday who was actually in the room, helping me labor and deliver when she was born. 

Living the Liturgy...the Nativity Fast (Philip's Fast)  starts today (or is it technically last night?) for the Orthodox and Eastern Rite Catholics. Latin Rite celebrates Christ the King on Sunday. I'll share a handout sometime this week. I have several children baptized on this feast, so its extra special here. Eastern Rite and Orthodox celebrate the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple on Sunday. Lots to think, pray and feast on!

In the kitchen...honestly, I'm feeling so blah about cooking these days. I'm trying to satisfy myself with the knowledge that I'm cooking healthy meals every night and making use of planning. Honestly, I would love to get a little creative with more vegetarian fare (I have soooo many cookbooks to choose from) but Dave usually balks when I do what he calls "experimenting". Sigh. If it were up to me and Carmen we'd try all sorts of new and delicious fare. Kay is turning into a bit a foodie as well. Sitting through dinner with her proclaiming my praises is a treat.

Johnny...is working hard to break Aggie's record for being referred to as "the destroyer of worlds". My goodness, this little boy finds all sorts of crazy ways to get himself into trouble.

Sixteen

I started a Daybook entry on Monday and never finished. A huge part of what I was feeling and thinking about was my oldest child's sixteenth birthday. Today.

Oh how I love the young woman she has become. She is quiet and observant but strongly opinionated. She's quirky with a set of likes and dislikes all her own. Sixteen years ago I could not imagine how quickly time would fly. Its the only bittersweet thing about the day for me. Where did all those years go? Are we really so very close to her moving out into the world?

She was gone last weekend. She went on a trip, on her own, to New York City. A huge thank you again to my brother and sister-in-law for the wonderful time they showed her. She loved every minute of it. At home we missed her. When she got home. Johnny spent the better part of this week following Maddy around, asking her to do things with her, randomly hugging her legs. Oh sweet boy, I know just how you feel, only I remember my little girl following me around, asking me to read to her, hugging my legs.

But really, I am very happy today and forever grateful to God for the gift of this beautiful girl that started this great adventure of mother hood.

All Saints Daybook

Right now...breakfast is under way for all the little ones...excuse me while I start the coffee...done.

A little later...I must buy food. A combination of busy weekend and feeling ill from a cold means no grocery store happened this weekend. I'm still not feeling great because I'm quite sure I over did it this weekend, but we've stretched as far as we can. I can tell because two of my girls are eating left over sub rolls with creamed honey for breakfast.

Later this week...Not too much. Much is hinging on Carmen making the All-Star team because that will bring a whole new practice schedule. This past weekend was her last regular season game. They won!!!! Their first win. We drop Maddy at my parent's on Thursday and then early Friday morning, she's off to New York. She's so excited. I'm just a little anxious.

I'm pondering...the ridiculous things that are bringing me to tears lately. Seriously, the fresh tarragon I bought got thrown away, Carmen mentioning her wedding, Carmen playing soccer, Kay so crazy happy on her birthday, Maddy helping her little sister trick-or-treat...

In the schoolroom...Still mostly clean, though have you ever noticed if you clear a horizontal surface, it seems to just be begging for stuff to get stacked up on it. I'm looking forward to a much simpler week at home.

I am grateful...for the Youth Group at my parish. Our Youth Minister finds a great balance between cultivating a spiritual life and relationship with God and creating a fun, safe environment for kids to just be themselves. Friday was all about fun. They rented some laser tag equipment and set up the back parking lot with obstacles. There were fire pits, pizza, hot dogs and smores. My girls had a great time.

Living the Liturgy...All Saints and All Souls! How wonderful to be surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses!

I'm praying...for all the faithful departed in my family.

In the kitchen...we'll see what inspires me at the store today. I want to try something new this week.

Johnny...I'm pretty sure he's weaned himself :( His nursing had gotten to once a day and very short. A few nights ago at bedtime he asked to nurse. He did for about thirty seconds, stopped, looked up at me with an odd look and said, "I no nurse mama." And I think that was really it. He hasn't asked since then.

Joy's Birthday

Well, really it is Kay's birthday, but in our house we always think of pure joy when we say her name. From my desk, right now, there is a glorious sunrise. My kitchen is flooded with a warm orange glow. It seems just right that the sun would put on such a beautiful pink-orange display on Kay's birthday.

I didn't sleep well last night, which is funny because the same was true seven years ago as I paced my hospital room all night for her slow-to-start induction. But then in the morning, there she was. Plump and dark haired. I didn't know yet how much I would love that thick, crazy curly hair, even if she cries a little every time its brushed. My poor Kay, the price she pays for her amazing curls.

But like I said, she is pure joy. A big heart and a quick sense of humor. She brings us laughter every single day. Papa is a little sad today, Kay Kay, he wants you to stay just the way you are forever. I think, even if you "grow up" one day, you'll still be our joyful Kay Kay.

P.S. Thank you all for your sweet congratulations. I wasn't trying to be sneaky (honest!), but perhaps a little understated, but that is a subject for another post, coming soon.