Author Archives: Syra Ruehle

Summer Recap

The week before the Fourth of July, Mike and I vacationed in Fort Worth.  Esther, John Ben, and Misha had fun back in Texas with John Ben’s wonderful folks, and Jonah, Xenia, and Justin caught the bus at St. Peter’s Church up to Camp Raphael in Oklahoma.  Mike worked from our hotel while I wentContinue reading “Summer Recap”

Grandma Life

Best day ever.  Mike’s mom Coryn told me I looked like I was glowing.  I felt like I was glowing with the love, joy, and sheer happiness that holding my grandson brings me.  I’m so glad Esther, John Ben, and Misha were able to visit us this summer. Esther and John Ben planned to bringContinue reading “Grandma Life”

Holy Week Musings

I bought the airplane ticket, and my heart sank.  I knew that time was speeding up in the upcoming weeks, but I thought I would at least have more time with Basil in August, not the five days between when he comes home from his summer job at the Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania and whenContinue reading “Holy Week Musings”

Birth Story (It’s a boy!)

Esther has granted me the gift of reliving the experience of giving birth through her.  It’s so much easier as a grandmother, but the joy and the love and all the overwhelming feelings are just as wonderful as they were each of the six times I birthed my own children.  Tears and smiles come soContinue reading “Birth Story (It’s a boy!)”

Ohio Trip

I went out to Ohio for my spring break with nesting instincts at an all-time high.  I planned on setting up the baby room, cleaning the house from top to bottom, and filling their freezer with home-cooked freezer meals.  I also hoped that the baby might come early, but I’m back home now without seeingContinue reading “Ohio Trip”

More Basil Stories

After a long three-day weekend snot fest Mike and I escaped the sick kids and went out to lunch. Over pork belly tacos I told him, “I like hanging out with you.” He said, “Am I still your favorite even though I always see you hanging out with that young, good-looking guy?” I leaned inContinue reading “More Basil Stories”

Christmas Waltz Party

I whirled around the terracotta floors of my great room in Ed’s arms and enjoyed my evening of bliss.  Mike doesn’t dance, so when Esther asked me for a Christmas party with waltzing and formal wear, Ed was the first person I invited.  He looked dashing in his tuxedo, bow tie, cummerbund, knickerbockers, and knee-highContinue reading “Christmas Waltz Party”

Basil’s Shoes

Basil made me hyperventilate last week after our first adult Irish dance class on Tuesday.  I signed myself up for classes last December when I was having a bad day.  I told Kate, who answered the phone, “I’m an overweight, out-of-shape, middle-aged woman.” She replied, “Aren’t we all?” and I felt I had found myContinue reading “Basil’s Shoes”

Xenia is Staying!

Esther and John Ben stayed in Texas with his folks for a week before coming home on Christmas Eve, but first, they put Xenia on the connecting plane to Albuquerque.  The first week of having her home was great fun as the kids reestablished their place in the pack.  They all fought Xenia and eachContinue reading “Xenia is Staying!”