Happy Holidays and New Year

Japanese steakhouse dining is a longstanding tradition of ours. We decided to celebrate Mom's birthday in belated fashion on Christmas Eve while Mike was in town. Greg couldn't be with us to share it, however. He is hosting Christmastime with his new wife and her family in their new digs. Greg's absence was palpable but in our small family, we are thankful for each and every moment holding splashes of joy, warmth, love, laughter and levity. May all our family and friends be lucky to share in the same and more. Happy holidays and new year everyone. We hope it's one of the best!



Photography provided by the Greg's Family
Left: Melissa, Elizabeth, Greg

G-d's Coffee

G-d's Coffee

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life . Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee. When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups. Now consider this:

Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us." God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee!

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything; They just make the best of everything."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Welcome Maddox James!!

Congratulations to Jackie and Drue and everyone in their families! We're all so ecstatic! Yesterday, on December 20, Jackie and Drue gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Maddox James. He is an 8 lb bundle of love, 21.5 inches long, has his Aunt Marissa's hands and feet, and seems very unaccustomed to all the new space he now has to stretch outside his womb. He is absolutely adorable! Everyone in the family is beaming with total pride and joy. Please join us in welcoming him into the world!

Children are True Treasures

Photos by Dan Friedman

Aunt Nancy is very proud of her family and so are we. We know how blessed she feels and here, we want to show we share her joy in becoming a grandparent for the third time. In another half year or so, she will be a 4-time grandma. I think we can all agree that nothing is better than growing a family. Congratulations, Aunt Nancy!

Photos like these really capture the true essence of our human nature. Whether you are a family member or friend, you cannot deny the joy of holding a beautiful new baby, in its purest form, with a future full of promise in each yawn, stretch, smile, grunt and coo. This is the kind of connection that can leave us speechless but full of raw emotion - especially so for grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins. So we congratulate all of you for your good fortune. Your children and grandchildren give our family and lives meaning. Here is to many, many more blessed moments like those above and those below:

Below is a photo of Glenn and his scene-stealin' grandson, John Zacharias; it speaks volumes! This is a moment caught in time which also reminds us of our beloved Papa Si, (may he rest in peace) because Papa Si looked at his grandchildren with a special eye reserved for no one else. We've been told that the nature of the Grandparent-Grandchild relationship is inexplicable but full of every emotion you can ever think of, every dear meaning that ever exists, and every good intention you've ever thought of.

We love the way our beautiful, sweet cousin Michelle is looking at her cutie-pie cousin, John Zacharias. Like the other photos, it speaks volumes. It also reminded Mar of the first time she laid eyes on her cousins, Jackie, Jenn, Dan and Laura.

Special Moments at Greg & Elizabeth's Reception

Sharing a smile...

Sharing a laugh...

Warm smiles and hearty laughter are gifts unto themselves.

More Photos of Greg and Elizabeth's Ceremony

Mar Got Published!!!

Hi everyone. I just want to say that some good things come in small packages. One such package was in my mail today. I finally received my author's copy of what you see to your left...Volume 19 of the 2007 edition of The Harper Anthology, which holds MY VERY FIRST PUBLISHED PIECE...well, technically, it's my second, but comparatively speaking, the first was so small in content that it kind of doesn't count. And hey, y'all know I'm not a braggart. I am only boasting because this is a childhood-dream come true for me. In actuality, my modesty allows me to more enjoy the happenings and accomplishments of others over myself. But this happenstance is different. This is one achievement I am very proud of and unashamed to share. Unfortunately, there is no link I can paste for an online perusal. When more hardcopies for the public become available, I will snatch them up shamelessly for scrutiny. Gratefully yours, Mar;-)

What some of us wish for...

Isabella and Delaney

We know what our sweet niece Bella wants for Christmas, (her two front teeth! ;-) and now we ask, what is it you and your loved ones want for the holiday you celebrate in December? Is it world peace? The love of family and friends? A larger family and more friends? A life with less complexity? A life with less responsibility? Sleep???? Maybe just a life with more laughter! The universal desire for the health and welfare of our family members may not escape your thoughts. How about a chance to go back...or maybe a chance to move forward. How about to right a wrong? Make a connection? Disconnect? Maybe you just want the time to enjoy what you already have. Either way, this holiday season - no matter what you celebrate, there is the universal desire to love and be loved. And in the very real possibility that you will find that cheesy, we still unabashedly say that love is one of the greatest gifts to give and receive -- now or ever. A lot of people forget that around this time of year. On the other hand, many don't. Hey, if you've ever knocked on death's door and earned the chance to run away before it was answered, you get why love matters most. If you've ever had all the material things you can possibly have but still felt bereft of the language of love, you get why it matters most. If you've ever loved or been loved, you get it. That intangible doesn't cost a thing and yet it's reward is so intrinsically sweet. Striving for this intangible sometimes makes us realize how sweet life can be in all its extraordinary simplicity.

Like Nana Like Granddaughter

Just curious - and no, I'm not the last one to notice, how many see the resemblence between Jackie and Nana Kit?

The resemblence between our Nana Kit (may she rest in peace), and my cousin Jackie is nothing short of amazing. Apparently, Jacks got the stunning beauty gene. What beautiful brides.

Now Jackie and Drue are only weeks away from becoming parents for the first time. For them, we wish them many, many more blessings as they (and the rest of the fam) eagerly wait for their good fortune to unfold.

A most beautiful bride she makes...

We feel the photo above is metaphorical. We can imagine Michael and Laura looking into their future as they look onto the tranquil waters together; and what a bright future that is.

Isn't Laura gorgeous? Like our other cousins, her maternal and paternal grandparents, (may they rest in peace), would be SO proud of her.

Father & Bride Dance to the Beat of their Hearts

Everyone in our family knows how much this moment means to Glenn and Laura. It's not just because it's the traditional "Father and Bride" dance. It's because of all the years laced between this moment and all the hope a daughter shares with her father in one of the most precious and joyous moments in their lives. It amounts to something that only the heart can express. It also just proves that good things really do happen to good people and that the best gifts in the world are the ones with no packages. We all love you both so very much. ;-) Congratulations!!!

It's all about JZ...

Even on his Aunt Laura's wedding day, JZ still knows how to work a room and command captain-like attention! He's so cute, he should be in commercials! Mommy Jessica and Daddy Danny are holding up well for new parents aren't they? Yeah to great DNA!!!

This photograph was provided by JZ's Mom and Dad on their family blog.

Several months after the wedding, John Zacharias is still holding our hearts captive - especially his most wonderful Grandma Nancy!! Isn't this a ridiciously BEAUTIFUL photo of Aunt Nancy and JZ?? LOVE them!!!

Our Beautiful Cuz, Laura Just Got Hitched!!!!

Sunbeams of warmth
Light a beautiful
Future together
They stand
United
Their souls strong
Alone
Or In unison
Pebbles in pathways
Are few
When these two
Dance to the beat of the universe

--- Marla S. Laurin c. December 3, 2007

Congratulations MR. and MRS. CURTIS!

May your spirits be blessed with the best and may you have a happy, healthy life together!

Introducing our new sister-in-law Elizabeth...

Alright...so Greg got married six months ago...but our new sis-in-law, Elizabeth, still deserves a warm welcome on our blog! Even though you live afar, we hope the other members of our family will one day get a chance to meet you!

Elizabeth's maid-of-honor in the violet-colored dress was her beautiful and talented daughter, Melissa who sung "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for them at their wedding. The other young lady in the picture wearing a lavender dress is Elizabeth's adorable, sweet niece, daughter to her brother whose name is Greg as well:-)

There are more photos they have which include Elizabeth's parents and her two dear sons, Matthew and Andrew, as well as Mom, Dad, Mike and some long time friends of Greg's, so connect with Greg if you want to see more. Greg's heart is huge and his capacity to love is long. He loves her kids as if they were from his own flesh and bone.

My Mom is My Hero

I just want to tell my Mom how proud I am of her for pushing on, day after day, with never-ending pain and what has inevitably become irreversible disability associated from the injuries she sustained from that traumatic fall over two years ago. If only that grate was secured...but it wasn't and in all the bad, I've searched for something positive to come from that (as if that was possible) and what comes to mind is this: What you are teaching me through your attitude and actions far surpass any lesson you could have through complacency. Role-model statements seems cliche, so I won't go there, but I will say this: When life is easy and breezy, it's hard to be heavy and humble. Resultantly, those good times are great but those are moments we are not likely to evolve very much. I believe, instead, like many others do, that in times of great challenge, our true character is revealed. In short, you have shown what true bravery means and you are my hero. It is during our most difficult moments where growth can be greatest. In good times and bad, you are distinctly responsible for teaching me life's most important lessons. Thanks, Mom. Thanks for being such a strong, phenomenal, female hero.

Welcome to the World, John Zacharias....

Please join us in welcoming to the world, Dan and Jessica's firstborn son John Zacharias ("JZ"). What a cutie-pie he is! No doubt a a future genius and sweetheart like his Mom and Dad. Anyway, we just want to say that we're absolutely thrilled for you and your families and we wish you many, many blessings on your beautiful new arrival. Congratulations to little man's grandmas and grandpas too! We love you all very much!

Nana Kit and Papa Si are Smiling...

I'll never forget the day I crept into my Aunt and Uncle's bedroom in Bensenville to watch my beautiful baby cousin, Jackie sleep soundly. I also remember thinking at that time that I finally got the sister I always wanted - even though by technicality, she was really my cousin. But I loved her like a sister anyway. As the years rolled by all too quickly, she grew from the adorable baby she was, to the bright and beautiful pregnant Mommy she is today. And while Jackie already has a wonderful sister named Becky, (new Mom extraordinaire;-) I still love her like a sister in my heart and I always will, time or distance notwithstanding. At any rate, we're thrilled for Jackie and Drue's good fortune. In fact, the photo to your left demonstrates the beauty of their bounty. Jacks and her husband, Drue are expecting this December and our other cousin Dan and his sweetheart-of-a-wife Jessica are too, albeit a bit before. Needless to say, our family is eagerly and joyously anticipating the arrival of their firstborns. Please join us in spirit by sharing in the joy of their good fortune. I am certain from heaven, your Nanas and Papas are very proud of you.

PS. Better watch out, Laura and Mike, you're next!

Getting Published

Since Mar was a kid, she dreamt of writing something worthy enough to be published someday; and after all this time, that day has arrived. Sure, she had some extremely small poem published that she wrote several years ago, but in her eyes, it didn't really count. Anyway, she just got word that it's going to print some time around Thanksgiving. Small potatoes or otherwise, it's pretty exciting stuff for us and we just wanted to share our joy. If you're interested in reading the piece once it's published, let us know, and we'll get you a copy (pro bono of course), or direct you to a online resource for easy access.

Facades

Facades
C. Marla S. Laurin, November 12, 2007

Facades are pretty
Strong not wilting
Below its surface
We're too busy
Shoving and stuffing
Feelings resulting
From stressors
You rise
To the occasion
Tearing you asunder
Because you’re busy
Toiling the thunder
From a web
You spun a facade
To cover ways
Others would find
Revolting
Or just unappealing
Albeit revealing
The part-time disguise
Wears thin
The protection
From those who exploit
Every imperfection
Flaws can be pretty
Strong while wilting
Away the mask
Covering
The Beautiful mess
Inside our minds
That are strong
Not wilting
Ever foreboding
---Facades Written by Marla S. Laurin, November 12, 2007

The Beauty of Simplicity

Serenity by Ching Qu Lam

Serenity is yours.
When chaos looms seek the sweet
surrender of simplicity.
Gaze above at the glass sky,
feel each blade of green
beneath your feet,
listen to the sound of faith
like a reed flute playing
inside your chest.
Breathe.
Stand in witness of
your true nature.
Remember the compassion
of the lover's eyes,
the calm wisdom of
the elder's voice.
Go within. Be at rest without.
Fall to your knees in gratitude.
You have all you need.
Turn from the riot of distraction.
Let it roll over and beyond you.
Serenity is yours.
It lives always within your reach.

- Ching Qu Lam

Family Videos are Works-in-Progress

There is a family video I am trying to post here, (obviously with little success because it's still not here;-) but when it does happen, it can be considered as just one of many works-in-progress because our family continues to expand with new marriages, baby births, and also because Mar just lacks the time and technology for expeditiously adding more photographs to what has become one very long video. We hope to have more time in the coming year for making new photographic videos so that they are more all-inclusive by including (if these parties are amenable): relatives of mine on the Laurin side; Dina's immediate/extended family; Greg's new wife Elizabeth and her family; Laura's soon to be husband, Michael J. Curtis, Jr., the birth of Dan and Jessica's firstborn, and of course, the birth of Jackie and Drue's firstborn, etc...and so on. So settle in for this long 20-minute work-in-progress and enjoy!

Mar's Ma in Kismet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNpoek8J3_Y

This video was taken by my Papa Si who, at the time, worked with equipment that couldn't record sound. So my Uncle Glenn adapted this with a very befitting and beautiful version by Bond from their Born album. At the end of the video, Glenn included some classic black and white photographs of Ma throught the years which I grow to appreciate more and more with each new day. How talented the fellas in my family are. Humongous thanks and love to Glenn for sharing this which helps to keep the memories of Ma dancing alive.

Life Sacrifice

For Mom and Dad; written in honor of the innumerable sacrifices you make every day for the people you love:

Life Sacrifice
C. Marla S. Lauirn, December 2005
Fallen flowers don't
Fade away the
Beauty retained
Gives amazing strength
Its purpose clear
Shed no tears
The year fell away
Like a beautiful
Flower leaving you
Stronger than you were
Before Seedlings lay
At your feet
In sweet surprise
Await the day
When we'll grow wise
Beneath the Earth
Our roots combine
Earnestly you breathe
Life sublime
Into mine
Strong roots anchor
Seedlings to spare my
Beautiful flower
No matter cost
No matter how dour
Your life for mine
In every hour
Your roots
For mine
In every gesture
Your heavy breath
For my every hour
Your life sacrificed
For my flower

---Life Sacrifice Written by Marla S. Laurin, December 2005

MRSA, Metal Shards and Other Misadventures

We are still reeling from last week's medical emergencies and as we all look at it, a comedy of errors of sorts associated with my first clinical rotation. With optimistic eye, we are hopeful things will shake out just fine. On that note, here is how one such instance really did: Fortunately, Dina's MRSA-filled wound has been responsive to the Sulfa meds. But just as she was starting to heal up from that, she woke up in terror with copious tears and an inabilty to withstand light, (a.k.a. photophobia). In short order, we got her in to see the world's best opthalmologist in the world - who also happens to be a quintessential mensch to boot, and he essentially removed a shard of metal which was found embedded in her cornea. If you're wondering how it happened, all I can say is - not in the way you would think. After returning home with a bag full of every protective eye covering goggle there is for Dina, Dina jocularly informed me it wasn't a workplace injury. How so? I said. As it would turn out, the shard was in her HAIR (from WORK) so when she showered and tussled her mane upon its conclusion, it "fell" into her eye. So there you have it. Semantics 101 in the MarlaDina household!