Happy 60th Birthday to my Mom

You can collect statues of marble or stone,

You can download fifty new apps on your phone,

You can go through life, but you can’t go alone,

And you only get one mom.

You can play many sports or climb mountains galore,

Visit hundreds of restaurants, shop in countless stores,

You can go in and out of a thousand doors,

But you only get one mom.

You can pursue many hobbies, have ideas, and dream,

You can pour a million cups of coffee with cream,

You can thank your lucky stars that she’s on your team,

That one and only mom.

As I travel through life, the days fly by in a hurry,

But I walk with sure steps, hold my head up, & don’t worry

Because I have been blessed backed by any judge or jury,

That I have the BEST MOM.

Happy 60^th birthday, Mom.  I love you.  Love, Karen Lynn

A Boy and A Prayer

I've been told of the "mommy problem,"  

it happens without invitation.

The days pass swiftly from dawn to dusk,
as we travel from station to station.

It goes by so quickly, they all say.  

And they are right in what they preach.

From tiny to tall, to big boy from small, 

it's already beyond my reach.

We have sentences where once there were sounds,

where there was walking, now sprints, leaps, and bounds.

Laughing and jokes--(we're comedians, folks)
he amazes, he inspires, he astounds.

Each night as we cuddle before bed,

after bath, books, and kisses on the head,

we ask God to please bless those we love,

those with us and those with Him above.
And one night during the usual listing,
of grandmas and grandpas and cousins,
aunts and uncles, babies and pets,
and friends that we know by the dozen,
Jackie mentioned another young boy,
someone we'd just met that morning,
the kid who had stood next to Jackie,
and hit him square in the face without warning.

Several tears and tissues later,
when frustration gave way to laughter,
Jackie was back to his usual self,
But I was still fuming long after.
And though I like to think I'm his teacher,

it was I who had something to learn.
He was trying to tell me he knew to forgive
so we love and be loved in return.  

Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Originally Posted by mustloveleftovers 3/14/13
Nontraditional Irish Blessing
For best results, read aloud using your best Irish accent. 
(Irish accents can easily slip into Pirate accent,
so be careful, eh laddies?)

May the road to the liquor store rise to meet you,
May the babysitter not back out,
May the sun shine warm upon your pasty white face,
As you enjoy every cold glass of stout.

May the luck o' the Irish be with you,
May the Leprechaun give you a wink,
May it certainly not be your wee ones,
When someone asks, "What is that stink?"

May your journey's end of the rainbow,
Award you a large pot of gold,
And so now you can pay for that face lift,
Get the first available appointment, you're old.

If you can still count, count your blessings,
And imagine kissing the Blarney stone,
Then be happy to pass the Whiskey, lads,
Cause that means you're not drinking alone.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Sister, Sister!

To my dear sister Christy,

I have known you for your entire life, 

born when I was just two and a half,
and from that November day, 33 years ago,
each day since you've been making me laugh.
We shared a bedroom, toys, and our dreams,
and though we didn't always want to be giving,
we went through so many things together,
without you, I just wouldn't call it living.
You know all there is to know about me,
having been there for each different phase,
and the memories I have that include you,
fill up every one of my calendar days.
Though we always knew we were different,
those unique traits set us apart,
and it's like we've always been connected,
you're an established piece of my heart.
You are the best sister anyone could ask for,
my best friend, a guardian, my idol,
and if I wrote down my life as a story,
your name would be right in the title.
My love for you goes without saying,
but it's more in my style to be heard,
so though I don't always get to tell you,
I hope you listen to my every word.

I shake my head because even though YOU are the one celebrating the birthday today, how come I'M the one who feels like the recipient of a gift? 

You may be the banker, but having you as my sister makes me filthy stinkin' rich in love, laughter, and has me living beyond my means in extreme happiness.  I don't know what I did to deserve a sister like you, but I thank God for it every. single. day. 

In my 35 years (and *ahem* that's a lot of years), no one has been able to reach me in quite the way you do.  You have known when to say nothing, and you've known when to speak up.  Your sweet and undying support helped build the foundation on which I stand every day that I'm alive. 

When you surprised me and flew out to see me just a few days after Jackie was born, you helped me get through those overwhelming, scary, first-time-mom moments, and you've come through for me every time I've needed you, always putting my comfort above your own.
 
Like two parallel lines, we stick together.  You are the exclamation point in my expression, the caramel on my Starbucks, my bridge over troubled water, and an ever present glowing reminder that I am so very blessed in life just to have you as my sister.  You make me smile and I thank you for your love and friendship.   

I love you beyond measure, Christabelle!  Happy happy birthday to you, sis!

Guest Post: Kayleigh Rinella

Hacking Alert: This particular post was composed, edited, and published by Kayleigh Rinella. There's no need for the police to get involved, though; this was made as an honor and tribute to my lovely parents on their fifth anniversary.

For five years, your days have been filled with joy and bliss;

the two of you became one with a couple of words and a kiss.

You are a groom and a bride,

and in each other, you willingly and graciously confide.

From comrades to husband and wife,

you have majorly impacted the other's life.

You've made your spouse scream and cry,

but on the other's side, you'll always stand by.

Through massive amounts of thick and thin,

you've always managed to pull a figurative win.

An endless love took flight,

all with one simple sight.

Happy Fifth Anniversary!

Love, Kayleigh

Where Does It Go?

When leaving the house for a date night,
or some other "red carpet" event,
But you're used to wearing garments that fit
somewhat more like a Coleman tent,
And you need to get into that dress--
the one you know is 3 sizes too tight,
So you grab your best friend Mr. Spanx
to at least try and put up a fight.
You pop a vein from holding your breath,
you can't squeeze in even one more ounce
You feel like a sausage, but your dress zips up!
(just barely, but yeah, it counts)
And you wonder as you step out the front door,
looking sharp for a night on the town,
Just where does it go, I can't feel my butt,
will I be able to sit down??

The dinner hour is looming,
and you can tell that the children are ready,
For the meal you've just spent 2 hours on,
homemade bread and baked spaghetti,
There are dishes in every gosh darn place,
but the house smells divine so no matter,
You're on your first bite when you close your eyes,
cause you just heard the sound of a shatter.
One place setting down--hey, no big deal,
then you spy from your peripheral vision,
Your toddler with red sauce, a meatball,
and a full head-on-bowl collision.
No worries, you think, just enjoy this meal,
as you pour some more sips of Merlot,
And you say to yourself, I just filled that glass up,
now seriously, where does it go?

Now it's time to clean up the tornado,
there are books, games, and toys everywhere,
Picking up stuff you didn't know that you owned,
And where it came from, right now you don't care.
Cootie is missing 6 legs and an eye,
Thomas the Train is out 4 traffic stops,
And Mr. Elephant that spits out those colorful balls,
Yep, I thought I just heard something POP.
I KNOW I've put this dang puzzle together
About three hundred eighty-nine times,
So SURE, what's 1 more-good thing life's not a bore
(See, Mommy can write nursery rhymes.)
Stray Potato Head parts by the back door,
SOS!, we need to find Elmo!
Lord, please send over an ENTIRE preschool class,
So they can all show me where does it go?

You're attempting a day of spring cleaning,
even though it's sometime in November,
Then--distraction, you find an old album,
the pictures you can scarcely remember.
The hospital room and the flowers,
shots of family and friends while they visit,
And the sweet little baby you held in your arms,
a feeling only described as exquisite,
You smile and wipe an unexpected tear,
in awe of the tiny one you're holding
Cause the pages whip by like a flip book,
with a story so quickly unfolding,
Love that grows stronger each passing day,
and the truth every mother comes to know
Hold on for the ride, cause we can't slow down time,
yet we still wonder, just where does it go?

Keep the Change

Pocket Change

As a little girl at nine years old,
I loved the candy store. 
With a handful of nickels for chores well done,
I'd fly right through that door.
You sometimes see change coming,
but it's unexpected too,
And when it's just right, ready or not,
a change will come to you.

Key Change
All of my life I've loved music,
and I knew that I needed to sing.
At church, at school, on car trips,
and our best friends' weddings.
You sometimes see change coming,
but it's unexpected too.
And when it's just right, ready or not,
a change will come to you.

Lane Change
Then ensued the teenage years, the dances, the makeup, and friends.
New freedoms, a license, and road trips that we never wanted to end.
You sometimes see change coming, but it's unexpected too,
And when it's just right, ready or not, a change will come to you.

Short Change
Through twists and turns and difficult choices, pain will meet your heart.
But debts of love are always repaid, giving more than you had to start.
You sometimes see change coming, but it's unexpected too,
And when it's just right, ready or not, a change will come to you.

Climate change
My soul would crave a new home--with new faces, sights, and sounds.
I went looking for the rest of my life, and that's exactly what I found.
You sometimes see change coming, but it's unexpected too,
And when it's just right, ready or not, a change will come to you.

Diaper Change
And the best things in life aren't things at all, but the small miracles that stir.
That awaken your eyes and provide understanding where you may not have been sure.
You sometimes see change coming, but it's unexpected too,
And when it's just right, ready or not, a change will come to you.

Change can creep in quietly, or can storm right through your door.
When you think you have all you could ever desire, then you suddenly realize there's more.
We may not always be asking, and our permission it doesn't require.
But through good times and bad, in all that we've had, we need change for life to transpire.

-Karen Rinella 2013

"Things always work out the way they are meant to be." 

I have been living by this motto for as long as I can remember.  Every choice, chance, meeting, and experience of my past has led me to my present.  And that's just what it is, a present.  And today, I am so happy to wish my beautiful, wise, and wonderful stepdaughter, Kayleigh, a very special and happy 13th birthday.  Kayleigh, I can't believe you're a teenager!  We have been through LOTS of changes together, and I will always be here for you, no matter what other changes and exciting things lay ahead for you!  I am so proud of you, Kayleigh, and will always be grateful for all of the ways in which you've blessed me! 

 

 

The Mystery in a Masterpiece

Little girl in your daughter's dance class. 
Brown eyes and angelic face. 
A confidence that upstages your darling.
A prodigy in lace. 
Sure she's cute, perfect smile,
her poise should be a crime. 
But does the instructor have to choose her to lead
every single time?

Young boy in a crowded arena
leaning forward on the cracked seat back.
In front of him, his idols glide,
he's hypnotized by the hungry pack.
Back and forth, ice shavings fly,
The thrill, the scores, the flight.
A future star athlete's dreams
any second will ignite.

The child who makes up stories.
The one who draws funny faces.
The kid who steals his lunch money
from the kid with the freckles and braces.
The child who cries at surprises.
The one who stutters when speaking.
The girl who quietly writes in her diary,
and the curious boy who's peaking.

A future president, a doctor
A world renown chef, a lawyer
A CEO, an artist
A business owner and employer.
No one knew as unproven novices
the champions they'd grow up to be.
But no matter how small or great their roles,
would we have treated them differently?

When nurturing our beloved children,
great minds are being inspired.
Small hopes become big dreams,
so may your patience never grow tired.
For you're swiftly creating the future--
what they'll attempt, how they'll believe.
Listen, awaken, and years from now,
we'll all live what they achieve.

-Karen Rinella 2013

Birthday Boy

Your love is like a melody
that rings sweetly in my ear,

Each note I know by memory
a song I love to hear,

The familiar tune, the heartfelt words
I could hum them all day long,

You've always been, you'll always be
my love and favorite song.

Happy Birthday to my husband,
my best friend,
my singing soul mate,
and my rock of ages.

I love you, Philly.
Love, Karen

August 9, 2013

 

 

 

Educational TV: A 1st Birthday Message

mustloveleftovers.com

The AMAZING RACE of time took off,
and just in this last year,
THREE'S COMPANY became a FULL HOUSE 
as we welcomed a new one with CHEERS!
BROTHERS AND SISTERS, now one of each 
in a MODERN FAMILY tree,
And our HAPPY DAYS are blessed with BIG LOVE
and 7TH HEAVENly GLEE.
We took on DIRTY JOBS and witnessed many
DAMAGES to our CASTLE.
But we learned to take it ONE DAY AT A TIME
and GET SMART with all the hassle.
Morning comes quickly, I hear THE VOICE,
and I know my "extended nap" is through.
Cause my ANGEL is up and the HOUSE is his turf
I'll soon be calling NYPD BLUE.
With no TOP CHEF nor THE NANNY
we realized HOME IMPROVEMENT can wait,
We're BREAKING BAD habits and teaching our kids
and we're trying so GIMME A BREAK.
Through LOST brain cells and KITCHEN NIGHTMARES,
over this PROJECT RUNWAY we made it across,
And ALL IN THE FAMILY found out the FACTS OF LIFE
(that MAMA is the one WHO'S THE BOSS!)
This AMERICAN DAD and this WONDER WOMAN
had their fair share of GROWING PAINS,
But thankfully, there were no ER trips,
and the LAW AND ORDER still remains.
It's hard to believe it's been a year
since the day our BOY MEETS WORLD,
And when his sister and I take him out for a trip, 
we're left with TWO BROKE GIRLS.
There are days I'm BEWITCHED and bewildered
cause 24 hours just simply won't do it
But THE CLOSER I get to bedtime,
30 ROCKs and he's out, nothing to it.
Don't CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM yet, FRIENDS
because the WONDER YEARS are just beginning,
And though sometimes the CHIPS will fall where they may,
most days it still feels like we're "winning."

Written with love,
Your Mama

Happy First Birthday

to our little Jack of Hearts.

Thank you for "educating" us

each and every day.

We love you, baby boy!