Tres Hermanas

 I have six bio sisters; but these are especially close to my heart. Big Sis Kimberly (left) and little sis Natalie (or Nat). It was really sweet spending time together in Miami and even more so that the girls got to spend time with their Tias and to see how sisters interact. 

 I cried when it was time to say goodbye to them and when the girls asked me what was making me sad I told them that they didn't yet understand the treasures a sibling is and I encouraged them to always stay near to one another when they are adults. Only time will tell where the Coughlin sister's paths will take them but I hope it won't not too far from each other. I don't carry many regrets in life but not living near my sisters is one thing I wish could change.

(the photo was taken by Havana at Hollywood Boardwalk, Florida)

Two Sisters

Sisters. They don't always get along. Truth be told, they fight and compete with each other more than I care to admit. But times like this, when we are snowed in at a tiny cabin in Tahoe and they make the best of their time playing with each other. I pray that as they get older, they grow closer to each other and realize the precious gifts they have in each other.

Operation Luvey and Ellie Return to Normal

Luvey and Ellie are a part of our family and have been since Amara was six and nine weeks old. I am not exaggerating when I say they go everywhere with Amara; to school; to the doctor; to camp; next to her head at night; in the car and of course, on each trip we have made. That giraffe and elephant pair have been to Hawaii, Argentina, New York, Florida and on two road trips (Arizona and Yellowstone) as well as to Canada, Mexico, Georgia, So-Cal, weddings, camping....everyplace Amara has gone, Luvey and Ellie are right besides her.

With one exception.....

Last Spring, I took them to get "plastic surgery" as they were falling apart. It was hard enough for Amara to separate from them for a couple of weeks. But imagine the shock when they returned completely different. I am not sure what possessed the doll maker to remake them with different colors, adding old parts to new parts. Even Havana was devastated, bursting into tears the day they came back home. I felt like I had completely failed as a mom and I felt a huge sense of loss as well.

Months went by and Amara sort of got used to them. Sortof.....until one day I found a real doll repair person and with much coaxing off they went again. I was told it would be a week. Well that turned into two weeks, which turned into a month and finally three months later (with so many tears spilled), Luvey and Ellie came home for good. This time, as their old, real selves. They still look well loved but they were much cleaner than prior and their repairs complete. The entire family sighed a huge breath of relief when Luvey and Ellie made it back, safe and sound. It turned out that while Amara may be their mama, they belong to all of us just as equally. We are so glad they are home for good. 

Above is a photo of them soon after they got home. Amara had a winter concert at school and asked me to put them in my purse so they could watch! Ah, life's back to normal!

Festival of Lights

This Hanukkah, our family continued the tradition of lighting the menorah with our cousins, Ben, Theo, Jenny and David. This year, Aunt Judy and Uncle Tim joined us, making the tradition all the more special.

 It's a sweet tradition, and while we were preparing for the meal, I found myself feeling most thankful that my children were making more Hanukkah memories with their cousins. Together, we shared a satisfying meal of latkes (complete with Aunt Judy's homemade applesauce) and matzo ball soup. We ended the meal with presents and gelt, of course.

 This year, Hanukkah also brought some unexpected darkness into our festivities. Just before we were ready to gathering at the table, I received a life changing phone call from my mother; my own cousin, Larry, whom I shared my childhood Hanukkah's with, passed away suddenly. Larry made his transition, on Hanukkah Sabbath. The evening afterwards was bittersweet; one the hand, I was most grateful for being with our California family, making cherished, meaningful memories. On the other hand, my entire being was trying to make sense of one of life's most difficult realities. Mostly, I was reminded of the nature of human life; that it can change in a minute but that like the candles that miraculously burned, we never know what to expect and that perhaps staying open to our truths and trusting in the Divine Order of life, in both the light and the dark, is the best course.