Today I became the mother of a teenager. My daughter turned 13. It snuck up on me, this growing up thing. I remember the day she turned 2. We were in Russia, she was a tiny, fragile little thing, weighing all of 19 pounds. There was no celebration, no party, no cake. In her orphanage, they were lucky to have a piece of bread and some soup. There were no presents--toys were few, and what was there was mostly broken.
I was new to the whole "mom" thing, but when they put Laura in my arms, the bond was immediate. It was as if I'd always known her, and always loved her. The big, yawning hole inside of me was instantly filled. And it's just gotten better from there. That little baby girl has grown into a beautiful young woman. She has brought joy to my life every day since she came into it. She has a smile that lights up a room. The sound of her laughter is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Well, except for the sound of her saying, "I love you Mom!"
Over the past 11 years, I've watched my daughter face many challenges. School has always been hard for her, but she gives it her best every day. Physical issues have made things difficult, but she doesn't quit. She swims like a fish, runs like the wind, and is aiming to be the female equivalent of Tiger Woods. She loves to cook and plans to be a chef one day. She loves ice cream, pasta, and the Yankees. She is kind, compassionate, and generous to a fault. She befriends everyone. She makes me proud to be her mom.
Today, like every year on her birthday, I think of the woman who gave her life 13 years ago. The woman who, without even realizing it, gave me the greatest gift possible. A woman who I've never met, but to whom I owe so very much. Thank you Lidya. Spaceeba!
I spent a good part of today in my kitchen, canning 48 pounds of tomatoes. I've never canned before. This started on a whim, when the woman at the organic farm I buy tomatoes and other produce from told me how she cans tomatoes. I thought, "what a great idea! I use so much tomatoes every year, it would be great!" So I've spent the last 2 weeks chasing down canning jars, and today was the big day. My friend Lorie and I turned my kitchen into a tomato factory! 7 hours. 48 pounds of tomatoes. 21 quart jars. 14 pint jars. Lots of laughter and fun. I now have 35 jars of whole tomatoes and diced tomatoes, ready to store for use over the winter when fresh Jersey tomatoes aren't available. In additon, I have a great feeling of acheivement!
Applesauce is next...we're picking a bushel full next weekend!
The scale was down 4.2 pounds this week. ONEderland is just 2.7 pounds away. My birthday is 4 weeks away. I'm thinking I can do this! I bought a few shirts at Kohl's today. Misses size XL. I like being in Misses sizes--SO much more selection. Plus they cost less. The coat I bought for Scotland just 4 months ago is huge on me now. And can I find a new all-weather coat at this time of year? NO! I have a fistful of Talbots coupons just waiting to be used, but I'm going to wait a few pounds. Tonite I asked my brother to get on the scale so we would know what he weighs. My goal is to weigh less than he does, and less than my Dad. Well, I weigh about 5 pounds less than my brother! Woohooo!! OK, so he's 7 inches taller.... Now I just have to catch Dad!
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