Una vislumbre pequeña de mi vida:

The Kids Come to Stay at Grandma's House

2008-11-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

With Jason and Kathryn attending a conference together in California, we, the family and I, had four additional "little Kempsons" living in "Grandma and Grandpa's house" for five days, as we readily agreed to "adopted" our nephew Jaron and his three little sisters, Kirra, Kylin, and Kelci, all four of whom are expressive, active, and curious. Mom, the two Aunts, Lydia and Emily, and Uncle Jesse did most of the "nanny-ing," the playing with, instructing, feeding, entertaining, dressing, cleaning, explaining, etc, and whatever else was needed. I was here and there, having to work, but I was able to join in and enjoy the experience of caring and having some fun.

"Hats off" to Grandma (my mom), Emily, and Lydia! Because of them, who were the key initiators of most activities, the kids were able to be a part of and do some fun things....

Jaron, being "one of the guys," had fun goofing-around and "roughhousing" with Uncle Jesse and the two Abbott boys, Daniel and Jeremiah.

What a group! Are they to be trusted?

"Jaron just tackled Daniel" - Mom (watching the boys play foot ball in the backyard)

"Hut-hut-hike!"

Jaron, although the little guy of the group, can "pull his own weight" for sure.

Kelci hung-out with Aunt Emily up at the lake.

Throwing and "collecting" rocks.

The young archaeologist inspecting the pebbles,

and collecting rare specimen in her...bird feeder?

"Hmmmmm...interesting."

"Ummmmm...what did you say?" (I love the eyebrows!)

With additional help from Meredith, a good friend of Emily and Lydia's, they put on some creative skits.

In this photo we have Wendy Darling (Kylin), Peter Pan (Jaron), Captain Hook (Meredith), and Tinker Bell (Lydia).

(Other members in the cast of Peter Pan not present in this photo were Hook's trusted side-kick Smee (Lillianna), the lost boy (Kelci), and (Kirra).

The Big Hungry Bear would have been a hug success, but Aunt Emily couldn't convince Kirra to play the part of the Red Ripe Strawberry...so unfortunately, that showing was concealed.

"Snug as a bug in a rug," as the old saying goes.

Aunt Lydia knows how to make someone feel "right at home;" no more tears.

Baking "blue-baby" muffins with Aunt Lydia. What Fun!

Meet the bakers! Or, are these the butchers and the candle stick makers?

This is a funny photo,

I believe that Lillianna is still in character as Smee the goofy little pirate.

Always follow the recipe.

Here we have Kelci the little Monk with her lamp, or,...

...Kelci the little Hobbit, the priest, or the little Ewok.

Now she looks more like Dopey from Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

It's not easy to get up on a bench, being so little in stature....but...

...don't let your size determine your altitude....

....With perseverance and a little muscle, "elbow grease,"...

...you can do it in the end!

On Thursday, we went to a Corn Maze up north.

But you'll have to read about that adventure in my next post.

"Hello World!" from Baby Victoria!

2008-10-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

Also, while "A&Z" were here in the States on vacation, Jared and Becca gave birth to their first little one, and Amanda and Zeno were delighted to visit the new little Kempson family along with mom, dad, and me.

Victoria Elise Kempson, also known as "baby V" or "Tori," was born on September 11th, 2009.

Victoria - Victorious, victory, or Victorious Spirit
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

Elise - My God is an oath, or Consecrated One
"Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, that He may bestow upon you a blessing this day." Exodus 32:29

Victoria is a healthy and beautiful baby,

with attentive eyes that seem to take in everything and a head full of hair.

Uncle Zeno and Aunt Amanda are excited to hold "Baby V" for the first time!

Jared and Becca's daughter is, and has been, an amazing blessing from God.

The little Kempson family. Awwww....

(Becca, only 11 more to go...lol...just kidding)

Daddy and daughter. Jared is a Father!

A great big smooch from Aunt Amanda, Italian style :)

"Ciao zio Zeno!"

"I love my new neice," "What a precious baby"

Aunt Sarah and "Baby V" hanging out.

Grandma wants to hold baby Victoria too!

Victoria seems to put a smile on everyone's face.

Grandma talking with and telling Tori something; as Mom would say, "something or other."

Grandpa is all smiles as well, he loves his new granddaughter.

This is a familiar picture; Dad has held many babies in the past.

Little Tori will be 2 months old on November 11th, and although she has only been apart of our lives for such a short period of time, it is hard to remember a life without our new niece, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter.

We Love You Jared, Becca, and Victoria!

There are Many Happenings Afoot in September, Especially when A&Z are Visiting!

2008-10-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

First of all, this post will most likely "fall-short" in its attempt to fully express and give an account of all that we did and felt together as a family during Amanda and Zeno's most resent visit to the States, especially in light that I didn't participate in all the events, activities, and tasks that took place during their time here. However, I'll do my best to hit all the "highlights." Most importantly, regardless of the event, activity, or task, and I speak on behalf of the entire family and especially for myself, I want to say that without a doubt we were all blessed, loved, encouraged, challenged, humored, and more, thanks to Amanda and Zeno (A&Z).

We love you two! Miss you! and we are Praying for you!

There were many fun-felt and special activities and events that took place without the presence of a camera (or, at least I didn't take any pictures at the time, and I haven't been able to get "my hands on" any photos); although not documented visually, I'd like to at least mention a few of them in passing. In addition, I would love to give a heart felt thanks of appreciation, that is long overdue, that indubitably goes to Gigi, Nana, Mom, and Dad, as well as to other family members, who gave of themselves and who took the initiative to make these experiences and memories possible. Thank you!

Many highlights during their visit involved dining and eating out. We "whined and dined" our much loved visitors from Milano at restaurants and in homes, at a number of locations, on a number of occasions, and with various individuals, as we took meals together in groups both large and small. These delicious and memorable meals were only made possible through the generosity of the grandparents and great-grandmas: Bravo, Maggiano's, Chinese, Panera Bread, Starbucks, Ice cream cakes, tea time, and more. In addition to meals, which is always a nice excuse for a get-together, we found other reasons to see one another in order to celebrate life and family.

Being the month of September, there were many birthdays to celebrate. Lillianna Joy turned two on September 17th, and Josh and Natasha hosted a birthday celebration at their house with homemade desserts, presents for the birthday girl, playtime and photos with the cousins, and with relatives attending from both sides of the family (Boyces, Kempsons, and Nelsons) which made for some good fellowship. Nana and Uncle Gary were thrown a joint-birthday-bash at Mom and Dad's with a great dinner, "hats off" to Mom and the girls. The bash, or picnic, was topped off with a warming bonfire, made primarily by Dad and Zeno. In closing, it was an enjoyable and filling result with Mom making the fixings, Lydia seeing to the ice cream cakes, Dad manning the grill, and of course, all the family being together.

Other things that took place and that others did with A&Z: running in the rain, long walks, going to church, a road trip to Maryland, going to the Creation Museum in Cincinnati for the day, cooking, movie nights, decoupaging, shopping, speed-scrabble, Trivia Pursuits at Jason's and Katheryn's, Uncle Pete and Uncle Gary visiting from California, playing games, and of course, visiting, visiting, and hanging out with friends and family.

Now for the photos. Enjoy!

Fixing Up the House:

Zeno was great help to Dad as they both set out to repaint and caulk portions of the house.

Dad aspiring to higher hights.

Dad smiles for a job well done.

Zeno hard at work (Emily as the photographer in the background).

I didn't realize that the Scarlet Pimpernele was there to help out. "Sink me! I'll have the Daydream lighten the load by carrying the needed supplies."

Working up an appetite.

"Don't paint me Zeno!"

As Pop-pop (Grandpa Nelson) would say, "Is Zeno normal?" (lol)

A Surprise Birthday Tea: Thanks to Amanda's initiative and planning, we were able to throw Emily a true surprise birthday-tea in honor of her turning nineteen years old. Together, along with the beloved sister whose life we desired to honor and celebrate, we dressed up in "olden-day-dresses," prepared, baked, and decorated,....and we, Lyd, Manda, and I, almost let the "cat out of the bag" on a number of occasions, but in the end we were able to "pull it off" and host two surprise guests unbeknownst to Emily, who was thoroughly excited to see Rosanna and Meredith. We sipped tea, jam-ed scones, chit-chatted, played games, and took photos. It was, as they would so properly say, (of course with a british accent) "an afternoon enjoyed by all."

Lydia is in charge of making the tea...

...Amanda is in charge of making the whipped cream.

What a lovely spread, we used Gigi's (Grandma Kempson) tea cups, new and old. What fun!

A big-loving-birthday-Abbraccio! (hug)

for the birthday girl from her beloved older sister!

Sorelle per sempre!

Ché benedizione dal dio!

(Sisters for ever! What a blessing from God!)

The sisters in their newly acquired aprons. We LOVE them Grandma!

"Rosanna!?!?! I had no idea!"

(Surprises are such fun!...good job Amanda!)

The ladies sipping, jam-ing, and chit-chatting...how lovely!

A birthday kiss was given by all! We love you Em!

What did they put in that tea? What silly girls!

Gorgeous, beutiful, breathtaking....

the sweetness of the scones and jam is shinning through, and through.

I love these pictures of Emily.

What a photogenic and beautiful young lady.

Happy Birthday Emily! Hope you had a blast!

"These are a few of our favorite things....":
Mom and Dad treated us to a matinée at the Beef&Boards Dinnier Theater.

It was a lot of fun! We saw The Sound of Music.

Joshua Peduto, the boy who played the role of Friedrich (center),

playes on Jesse's soccer team.

Dad and his girls! (Emily, Amanda, Dad, Mom, Lydia, and Sarah)

The girls, what fun!

Tea Next Door:

Mom and the four sisters were cordially invited to a tea party at the Johnson's house (our next door neighbor and good friends of the family)

Mrs. Harrison, Mr. Johnson, and Mrs. Johnson were all present.

They prepared a nice meal out on their patio.

Smile Sarah, Emily, Mom and Lydia!

Biking the Hope Ride Trails:
Being adventurous, with Zeno and Amanda having participated in the event last year, a few of us drove down to Hope, Indiana, to do the Hope Ride

Upon arrival we picked up our packets.

We were given a t-shirt, mug, map, and other bits of information.

We decided to be a little more daring and do the 32 miles route.

Right before taking off we took a group picture.

"On you marks! Get set! Peddle!"

Emily and Lydia riding by fram lands of corn and soybeans.

Zeno taking the lead!

Manda enjoying the country ride and fresh air!

I'll follow Dad!

Yeah Mom! What fun!

There were some hang-up, as Lydia's bike decided to be difficult.

But with help we were underway.

Having lunch with friends from College Park Church.

We were rewarded with root bear floats at the end of the race.

All hands in! Great Riding Everyone!

Lillianna Joy, an Older Sister! Jared, a Father!

2008-09-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yes it's true, in the span of the last two months (or less) the Kempson family has been blessed (yet again) with two beautiful babies! Mom and Dad, now grandparents of seven nieces and nephews, and myself and the rest of my siblings, aunts and uncles for the seventh time around! In the running, there are six precious girls, and one boy! However, although surrounded by girls, with three younger sisters and now three girl cousins, Jaron is still a Kempson boy through-in-through, as I am told by both parents that he is quite the athlete and really enjoys being around the guys...and in my own opinion, he can be quite the little gentleman.

Friday morning, before we went to visit Margie and her parents at the hospital, Grandma, Jesse, Mom, and I went out to breakfast at LePeep.

The birth of a baby, be it a son or daughter, a niece or nephew, a grandchild, or a great-grandchild, it never "gets old." In fact, many of you who have experienced one of the above would undoubtedly agree that each birth and baby brings with it a new sense of joy, excitement, and gratefulness. It is a true feeling of awe, as you hold them for the first time and admire their tiny hands and feet. I believe that each baby is living evidence of a God creator, in much of the same way a gorgeous sunset or impressive mountain peak, waterfall, or other awe inspiring naturalistic landscape would. Each is a miracle, a small glimpse of how powerful and loving our Heavenly Father is, has been, and will be. Holding a baby always makes me wonder about that child's future, how they will experience both the "highs" and the "lows" of life. Especially as an aunt, it becomes my heart's desire and prayer that they too come to know their awesome creator as their own Heavenly Father through obedience to and trust in their Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well." (Psalms 139:13-14)

Enough with my babblings and "preaching," although genuine and true, and on to the news!...

Josh and Natasha, my older brother and sister-in-law, had their second little girl on Friday, August 8th, 2008. Although a C-Section was planned for the Monday following, little Margaret Marie decided to surprise their parents and relatives by coming early. Her birthday will be very easy to remember, as she was born on the eighth month of the year, the eighth day of the month, and in the year of 2008 (08/08/08). Margaret, or "Margie" as she is most often called, and her older sister Lilly are both beautiful and healthy young ladies and the pride and joy of Josh and Tash. We are all hoping that Margie's hair will be red like her dad. Grandma, my mom, thinks that she will perhaps have strawberry-blond hair like her aunt Lydia....we will see. Who's to say? She might end up having bouncy-blond-curls like Lilly.

(Above) Aunt Sarah with Margie...look how peaceful she looks, she must like Aunt Sarah best! (Smile)

(Left)"Grandma (or Gigi, Great grandma)loves to hold me, and I'm rather content as well"

(Above Left)"Uncle Jesse and Me...it looks like I'm telling him something important, and he's a good listener"

(Above Right) "I love my Grandma!"

(Above Left)"This is my daddy and my Uncle Jesse"

(Above Right)Josh is a proud and happy father.

Margaret means Pearl

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8

Marie means Exalted of God

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4

If you want to read about Jared and Becca's little girl...you'll have to read my next blog post.

First Day of Work at Trader Joe's

2008-09-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

As a new crew member at Trader Joe's, my response to the captain's orders is "Aye Aye sir!" (and rightly so, for this is the true and proper response for all reliable and respectable crew members). As clarification for all you landlubbers, or "land lovers," this isn't just a simple "yes," but more accurately translates to say, "Yes, I understand and I will obey!"). With this in mind, and much to my contentment as I am typically an "early bird," I began my very first day of work at 6:00 AM. Wanting to leave around 5:30'ish, my alarm clock sounded at 4:30 AM, plenty of time to wash-up, dress in the newly acquired but traditional floral Trader Joe's t-shirt, and to eat a nourishing and relaxing breakfast of my favorite, warm oatmeal with the fixings. Mom was also up, putting together a lunch for Dad and doing this and that, so I didn't eat alone.

Upon arrival, I jumped right in, helping the crew re-stock, or re-shelve, the refrigerated produce. First, however, I was properly equipped with the standard "tools of the trade," as Damien, a "full-timer" and my "trainer" for the day, found me a utility knife and sheath, gloves, and a pen.

After unpacking and re-shelving some frozen broccoli, mixed veggies, and fruits, I was assigned to the "cheese" section (of course with some indirect help from other members of the crew who where near by, either having been assigned cheese or a near by product like bread or fresh produce). I quickly discovered that we, Trader Joe's, offers a large variety of cheeses, of all shapes and sizes, textures, flavors, countries, and different dairy sources: Blue, Havarti, Brie, Cantal, Comté, Port Salut, Saint-André, Feta, Dubliner, Mozzarella, Mozzarella di Bufala, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Provolone, Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Romano, Parmesan, lactose free, goat's milk, and much, much more, of different origins and names (some I have never heard of, and many of them I cannot pronounce). It was fun! My work involved more than just re-shelving these different cheeses, but I will not bog you down with too much detail.

The morning went by quickly, but it was enjoyed as throughout each task assigned to me I met new crew members, and from them learned new "tricks-of-the-trade" as well as some of the "ins-and-outs" of the store. With only five minutes before opening, 9:00 AM, I was assigned the task of blowing up and tying strings to balloons. As an "old pro," having blown up and tied many balloons during his twelve years of T. Joe's experience, Damien demonstrated the task with a few quick and fluid motions. I on the other hand....(smile). Of course I was able to accomplish the task quite successfully, but as far as quickly and fluidly...let's just say I never thought I would be told that with time and practice I would be a much better balloon blower and tier (smile).

From balloons, I was pulled away by Damien yet again. With a "Sarah follow me!" and with a forward gesture of the arm and hand, we moved from the store front and cash registers to the back room, storage. I was assigned the task of spoils, as, with marker and hand scanner in hand, Damien demonstrated and explained the "spoils program" to me. The spoils were immediately picked up by a down-town food bank as it was loaded into a truck by two older gentlemen, who provided me with some assistance and friendly conversation. I also was able to meet one of the store's artists, Elizabeth, (of course, artist being only one of her many jobs, as all crew members are required to do a bit of everything...of course keeping in mind that many crew members, especially full-timers, have additional areas of "expertise" and/or jurisdiction), and a nice older aged woman of african decent, Johnnie, who is one of the crew members in charge of the demo station.

Not being knowledgeable and familiar with all of T. Joe's numerous products, weather it being its location and/or its availability, but eager and enthusiastic about assisting the customers, I was able to call on the expertise of other crew members throughout the store. Throughout the day I was able to interact with a number of crew members and customers, which I thought was both insightful and great fun. One great thing about T. Joe's I'm finding, among many things, is that the crew members are very friendly and also eager to help and assist others, both their customers and fellow employees. Elizabeth is one such member that I was able to learn from, as she kindly answered questions and led by example.

"Sarah follow me!," at Damien's lead I was assigned the task of re-shelving choclates and candies. Still getting aquanted with my trusty green utility knife, I opened, unpacked, re-shelved, re-organized, and collapssed cardboard boxes filled with sugary and sweet goodies like my Grandma Kempson's favorite Trader Joe's large milk chocolate bars (Grandma I thought about you today!), dark and milk chocoalte covered nuts and fruits, cookies and "dunkers," etc, as well as a new cereal bar. Of course, at the same time, as all crew members should and are encouraged to do, I was making consise but welcoming and friendly conversation with costumers who came my way. I assisted them in any way that I could, weather it was helping them locate root bear, wheat free waffles, pita bread, meatless meat ball (that is a new one for me too, they do exist though and T. Joe's does carry them...smile), peanut butter, etc.

Wouldn't you know it? I was also able to use my Spanish! The shorter version of the experience, but feel free to ask me in person about my first day; I noticed a man browsing with somewhat of an inquisative and somewhat lost expersion on his face. I asked him, "do you need any help finding something?" He replied, with accent and broken English, "I no speak English." My response, "¿puedo ayudarte encontrar algo?" (can I help you find something?), and his face expression changed, with a smile and a bit of surpsirse. We had a good little conversation in Spanish, and although I found myself feeling rather out of practice, as I am sure my grammar was both hesitant and lacking, he told me that he would be back if he had any questions. What he really was looking for was a job, to which I told him that I believed he would have to be able to speak a lot more English, as he would be interacting with the costomers a lot.

Other jobs, re-shelving and organizing some cereals, both old and new to the store, and of course, the task of bagging groceries. The later of the two jobs I didn't do much of at all today, but I know without a doubt that I will do plenty of bagging throughout my time at Trader Joe's. All in all, the day flew by, as it was very enjoyable and I was kept occupied throughout the seven hour shift. I truely believe, especially after today, that I'm going to enjoy working here. Come visit me anytime! For the rest of this week, being only a part-timer, I work Thursday, from 8AM - 3PM, and Saturday from 3PM - 10PM (the store however closses at 9PM).

PS - Sorry I didn't have someone snap a quick photo of me today, I'm sure Amanda and Zeno, and perhapes other family members will stop by during one of my shifts this week. Like myself, they really enjoy shopping at T. Joe's, and I'm sure they would be more than willing to take a photo....true evidence that crew members do actually work (smile), but we do enjoy our work!

The Start of a Blog...

2008-04-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

As the title suggests, this blog is “a small glimpse of my life.” Inspired by my older sister and brother-in-law, Amanda and Zeno Tutino, who live in Milano, Italy, and who keep the neatest blog (with posts and pictures in order to keep the family up-to-date and connected), I have decided to do the same. As far as being faithful in keeping this blog up-to-date, we will see, but I am excited! I hope you will enjoy reading about the trips, moments, adventures, tasks, thoughts, dreams, etc. All the "vislumbres pequeñas de mi vida,” that I trust will bring joy and a sense of connection. I pray that it will point toward our loving and merciful God, our Heavenly Father. After all, He is the giver of life and the reason that we live. Enjoy!