Let's go fly a kite...

This past Sunday was my going away party - from Zach and Max. :o( 

Steve and Bev were wonderful, and I couldn't have asked for a better "send off" than they provided. With that said, it was still rough. I had bought gifts for the boys, as they'd done for me. After dinner, the boys opened their presents: 2 dvds. The first one, Happy Together - Veggietales, and the second,  Mary Poppins. I also had a special gift for Zachary: my stuffed dog, Frisco. He was a present from Bradley when we were dating, and anytime he's gone out of town or out of the country, I'm not ashamed to say I've snuggled with Frisco to keep the blues away. So, I told Zach that anytime he missed me, he could hug Frisco tight and know that I was thinking about him too. For those who don't know, Bunny is a BIG part of Zach's life. She has been his stuffed friend for his lifetime, and when I explained Frisco to him, he commented,"maybe Frisco can take care of me when I can't find Bunny"...that meant a lot. Frisco is by no means a replacement for Bunny, but it's felt really good to see Zach carrying the both of them around, wherever he goes.

Then it was time for my gift. I had prepared myself for the latest Iron Man toy, as I knew Zachary and Max were picking out my present, but Beverly had steered them in a more "girly" direction, thankfully. ;o)  I opened a small gift box to find a charm bracelet. I'm not a big jewelry person, and have never really been into charm bracelets, necklaces, etc., but, I'm a changed woman. {Well, to some extent.} It's amazing how when the gift is given by two little people you adore more than air, it's the best gift you ever hoped to receive. Dangling from the beautiful silver chain were 3 simple charms, and I love each one of them. Zach explained each one, as I'll do now, almost in his words.

The pizza is to make you think of Max.

Because he likes pizza so much.

The kitty is for me because I love your kitties.

And cats make me think of you.

Then the heart was prompted by Bev, with one

side bearing the name "Zach."

And the other side inscribed with "Max."

I am so thankful I will get to carry my boys with me, and although I'm not usually sentimental about things, this is one gift I hold dear to me heart already. Next to my wedding ring, it's the most precious piece of jewelry I own. As if that wasn't enough, Steve and Bev had constructed a fun and beautiful video of the boys. Yes, the tears were flowing, along with a painful smile and laughter. Anytime I miss my babies, I'll be able to watch the video while wearing my bracelet, and maybe they'll provide some comfort. All in all, it was a decently happy occasion, and this family will never know the depth of my gratitude for not only allowing me into their lives, but for giving me a precious piece of their hearts. My heart is bigger and better for having know them, and I thank God for bringing us together.

Mary Poppins was a favorite in my childhood, but it has a much greater meaning, now, in my adult life. Although I'm not Mary Poppins, and my story isn't the same, I've always loved what she stood for: fantastical structure. She provided rules and safety for Jane and Michael, while ensuring fun, and instilling a positive outlook on life. That's been my greatest desire as a mother, but as I've not had that privilege, I have been blessed to share this with Zach and Max. When I gave them the dvd, I made a movie date with them, and they accepted. Tuesday we popped some popcorn, shut the curtains, made a couple of forts, and settled in for our show. Zach was wanting to know when Mary Poppins was going to make her appearance, and once she did, he was glued to the screen. It was precious getting to watch them take in the experience. As Mary Poppins hung the mirror she'd pulled from her magical carpet bag, Zach turned to me and said, "next to you, Mary Poppins is the 2nd best nanny in the world!" I, of course, burst into laughter, but was extremely honored to not only be nominated for "world's best nanny," but to have beat out Mary Poppins! 

Movie forts for grand debut of Mary Poppins.

Max, after his umbrella number had ended.

Zach with Bunny and Frisco.

I had not realized how many songs from this movie I'd held onto over the years, but several times during the show, Zach exclaimed, "hey, you've sung that one to us before!" Max begged for an umbrella, and danced with Bert, Mary Poppins, and the rest of the gang. Then the final number came - my favorite: Let's go fly a kite. I've forever treasured the moment when Mr. Banks finally realized that his family was more important than money and status. When he finally crafted a kite to share with his children... there are no words. When we went to see Saving Mr. Banks, the tears streamed down my cheeks during the scene when this tune was performed. There were so many emotions revealed by the characters and creators, and personally for me, the beauty of an adult delighting in walking into a child's world is priceless. I couldn't help thinking about Zach and Max. Their parents have allowed me to build a kite for these boys, and I've enjoyed every moment we've been able to fly it together. Although the wind has changed directions, I'll hold onto our kite until the end of time.