tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43270827617824658622024-03-13T22:27:47.446-05:00M_Snapshots: scrapbooking the important moments of our life"There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child."
-- Henry Ward BeecherALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.comBlogger617125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-1368347222113007932014-10-22T22:09:00.000-05:002014-10-22T22:09:00.065-05:00Norovirus Epedmeic 2014<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It all starts with a call from the school... stating - a significant number of students were absent from school, or sent home early due to being ill at school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh - fun - crap! It's business planning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">That's the first thought as a working parent in the midst of "cannot miss time at work". It's honest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Instead of leaving anything to chance - I do the next thing a working parent does. Contact fellow parent and develop a backup plan. Contact said backup support and ensure they are free, willing and able to help...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a href="http://posttrib.suntimes.com/news/lake/30350879-418/norovirus-blamed-for-schererville-school-absences.html">http://posttrib.suntimes.com/news/lake/30350879-418/norovirus-blamed-for-schererville-school-absences.html</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The headcount absences have varied depending on the source, but round numbers seem to fall in and around this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Wednesday - 129</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thursday - 250</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Friday - 169</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">That's of 464 students.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Over half of J's class was out on Thursday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thankfully, J did not seem to be subjected to it. I think this is the one positive to his still sucking his thumb when tired, because his is crazy good about keeping his hands clean. First thing he does upon getting in the car from school, martial arts, etc - grabs a Wet One.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And like that... We say a prayer of thanks, and move on with life. </span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-61533364911311959402014-10-07T22:22:00.000-05:002014-10-07T22:22:00.259-05:00Is Heaven for Real?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, those wonderful TV commericals...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Right after our first visit to Crossroads, J saw a commerical for the movie "Is Heaven for Real?". He immediately began requesting to watch it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">At first, I kind of blew it off - not sure I wanted to go there with him just yet. Of course it is for real. That's where Great Grandparents and our dogs have gone. They live at a prime age. No arthritis pain or memory loss - just everyone at their prime - living joyfully.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But he kept asking. Sometimes totally out of the blue. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, being the bookworm I am, let's read the book, so I could get a feel for what it says before sharing with him. Only, the book had some pretty negative reviews that I really did not want to share with J at his tender age.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Option 2 - the movie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I reached out to my friends on Facebook, and got back wide-spread, resounding - share with J. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So this weekend, we did. And we were entranced.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I liked it backed up what we've taught him. It reinforced Heaven is indeed for real. That children have had the opportunity to see him, and still be here on Earth is confusing, and honestly - I think a tad over his head - since he hasn't asked a lot of questions. I'm expecting the first to be - Why? Why that child and not me?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And I won't lie, I question that as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But I'm glad to see God still opens doors to reinforce Faith of the Masses. We have to believe in what we can't see. It's an amazing thing.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-49720031395689227162014-10-06T20:55:00.000-05:002014-10-06T20:55:00.580-05:00Small blessings - Sleep<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monkey hates to sleep. HATES it. NEEDS it. And still hates it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He also hates to get up in the morning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So early bedtimes are a must in my world. Whether he wants them or not...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Currently, I am going into my slam busy time at work. Thankfully, I am less slammed this year than I have been in past years at this time, but slammed nonetheless. So a tired boy on Sunday = an early bedtime.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As we wound down & crawled in for our bedtime snuggles... J's eyes spotted the neighbor girls outside playing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Granted it was 6:35, an hour before any normal best case bedtime. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh my... I thought we were going to lose our mind. He waited a few minutes, and looked again - thankfully the 5 year old next door was not visible. So he only saw the two 4 year olds from across the street. To which he replied... They were lucky they didn't have school in the morning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And with the *knowledge* of the 5 year not being seen, therefore must have also been called in for bedtime, J was peacefully and blissfully asleep by 7:05pm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">When I woke him up this morning at 6:15, he did not have to be drug out of bed. He hopped out ready to start the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And that is such a sweet blessing to start my 12 consecutive day work week, I'm just going to be thankful for small blessings.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-12668885716308683262014-10-03T21:50:00.000-05:002014-10-03T21:50:00.131-05:00Sunshine on a rough day...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week, I received a phone call from J's teacher.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">During a water break of his martial arts, I asked him... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">What would you say, if I told you Miss B called me today?</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><enter -="" fear="" look="" of=""></enter></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">Um... I'd say - I was bad today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">His utter and complete honesty was made my next reveal more heartwarming than I can possibly capture into words.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">She did say the entire class had a rough day listening and following directions, but that she was calling because wanted to give you kudos for being the only one out of 24 kids to say "I'm sorry" for said obnoxiousness.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><and beaming="" he="" just="" like="" that="" was=""></and></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Later when he listened to the full voicemail, he was so happy. He was proud of being recognized for his manners, even after a rough day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm so happy he, 100% on his own, thought to be thoughtful and apologetic. I'm even happier his teacher knew to acknowledge that fact.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Small victories can be huge in the life of a 6 year old.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-40722862994151901112014-10-02T22:42:00.000-05:002014-10-02T22:42:00.074-05:00Lifetime Goals<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a parent, I've always wanted the *best* for J. What does that mean though? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I used to think it was about being successful in life equaled grades today and financial success tomorrow. It's quantitative. We can measure success on a standardized basis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Now, I'm leaning more toward this quote I read in a #DaveDaily</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">You'll never be happy if you chase money all your life. Find real joy through giving and serving others.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What is really wild about this, in listening to those Crossroads Church past sermons, I heard one on trusting God. <em>I could probably give more to the Church, if I truly trusted God would ensure I had enough. </em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm not thinking all crazy, but how many times have I given less than I could afford, preferring to save that money for a material possession that loses its appeal in a heartbeat? I don't want that for J. I think my quest to calm my wanton heart was sparked by a little boy who always asks for more toys, even though he has some not even opened yet at home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was eye opening for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My reaction initially was less than stellar parenting. When I trusted in God and asked for His guidance, and working with Mr. M - my reaction has mellowed. In response, I've noticed a real change in J as well. Last week, we were shopping for gifts for birthday parties he was attending. He without reservation, was completely okay with leaving his beloved toy section with gifts for his friends, and none for himself. He did so happily.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This week I was complimented on his manners. I shared that with him. I saw the joy it gave him. I hope I can keep instilling in him the real things that matter, and temper those worldly materialistic traps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Money does not buy happiness. It does not buy a hug or bedtime snuggle. It makes life easier, but if we truly trust in God to ensure we have enough - then it shouldn't be the measure we use to determine success. Maybe that needs to be looked at through the qualitative measures we can so easily and often overlook.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I pray that J finds success in life. Success that only living to honor God can bring. Then I will be assured J will not only find success, but happiness and peace as well.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-77275474905189442962014-09-30T21:04:00.000-05:002014-09-30T21:04:00.094-05:00Reaping what you sow...<a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A7-9&version=ESV">Galatians 6:7-9</a><span class="note"> ESV</span><br />
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've begun listening to sermons while I work. It's amazing what catches in your mind, as you work through other items. Probably a sign of attention deficit or some other inability to be totally focused disorder, but it works for me. It's how I process things that need to be chewed on rather than just acknowledged.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One item that has been gnawing at me, is people who feel they can act however they want, and have no repercussion. </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Never pick up the phone, but hold to consequence those who do not call</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Judge, but attack those who judge them</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hold grudges, but attack those with grudges</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've long since realized I am not perfect. I hold no moral high road. In the past year, as I've felt a strong calling to God, I've truly tried to become more moral. More loving. More modest in frivolous items.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've recently found myself praying for God to calm my wanton heart. I still want for the frivolous things, but I'm highlighting those wants in myself as being shallow and not in sync with my overall goals. Teach J to love, be loved. To accept responsibility for his actions. To act kindly. To think of others before himself. To be happy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">To realize he is blessed with enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We may not have everything, but we have enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today, as my brain gnaws on how to respond to a passive aggressive comment I recently received, this idea of reaping what you sow comes to mind. And with it, I'm seeing I need to work harder and better with J to overcome our resistance to be in contact with people who sow negativity. People who do not dial our number, but hold me in contempt for not dial her number. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If I want my phone to ring, I need to do a better job of ringing others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">God, today I ask you to not only calm my worries, but also to give me strength as I reach out in the spirit of love, that I may not encounter the expected negativity and snark, but be blessed with joy. Let my seeds of happiness plant, where now lies weeds of despair. Help me to speak in Your Honor and carry myself with Your Grace.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-39356213408744116132014-09-29T21:50:00.000-05:002014-09-29T21:50:00.351-05:00Catching a glimpse into his teenage years<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend was a busy one for us. Monkey had two birthday parties. First one was an old friend from FRA. It was so nice to get to see our old friends. Moms got to catch up, something that there never seems to be enough time for in day to day life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />Due to the first party, we attended Sunday Service, and again - J loved it. He came out singing "In the beginning, in the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth". On our walk to the car, he is bubbling over with JOY. Another couple overhears him as his excitedly tells me how during the Q&A section of his class, he got tell he knew God created Eve from the rib of Adam. The couple giggled at his excitement & said "He's got that one!" He is such a sponge, because in all honesty, it was a message I had just told him last week when he was asking me who were the first humans on earth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The second was for a new classmate. I was excited to get to meet new moms, and while J was over the moon having a great time - I have to be honest Mommy didn't really get to meet anyone beyond the new classmate's mom. She was super sweet, but having been in her shoes - I understand - her priority was hosting the party. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">On the flip side, by mommy having no one to chat with, she got to watch J without distraction. It was in this time, I caught a glimpse of him as he will hopefully be in his teen years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Happy, laughing, being the center of it all - and the object of a beautiful little girl's affection. Chloe was her name. And she sat behind J on the bleachers, wrapped her arms loosely around his shoulders and pulled him back so his head was resting on her stomach. Would be such a natural thing to witness, if he were 15, but at six and half it was heart-wrenching. I'm not ready to give up his innocence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Chloe's mom & I had a commiserating laugh over this siting later when I caught her & shared what I saw. Bless my heart was her response. I assured her - J still believes he has to be 30 to kiss a girl, but that we can discuss when he's 18. Truly - if I make it till he's 10, I'll be thrilled. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">More importantly, I want to keep the openness to communicate. Right now, in the dark as we are snuggling before bed after prayers, he will talk to me. I hope we always keep that. It's probably the number 1 reason I make a point to snuggle him every night possible. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One day, he will not want these snuggles. I hope - even then - he will talk to me as he does today.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-59094076570963702342014-09-25T23:09:00.000-05:002014-09-25T23:09:00.249-05:00and then I'm humbled, yet again.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning, as we were wrapping up reading he was simply to tired to complete last night with any chance at retaining information for his comprehension test today, I took a moment to ask J if he knew anything about report cards being published.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Hey Bud... Did Ms. B. mentioned she posted report cards?</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;"><em>No. How'd I do?</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Well, what would you say if I said something other than great.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;"><em>I'd be really sad.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /><em>Then I'm thrilled to tell you, you did great. You've worked really hard and you got a B in reading and As in everything else!</em><br />
<br />
Complete with a huge hug & kiss. He rejoiced in this excitement with a double fisted pull down of YES!!!<br />
<br />
Mr. M joined us at that point & reinforced how great J did. Even lightly treaded over knowing J struggles with reading - so if he gets all As next time - we will figure out a special reward. Not something to be decided today, but one we can discuss and jointly agree upon. <br />
<br />
Last year's reward for an A average on his spelling tests was his loft bed he got upon graduation. <br />
<br />
But his answer has stuck with me. He is such a dedicated and hard worker. I'm in awe of him so often, I realize I need to dial it back and let him motivate himself. He obviously gets it. At 1st grade, he gets schoolwork is important. He realizes, that we want him to be successful at it. He didn't want to do his reading last night or this morning, but when the alternative to doing it was going into class without me signing off on his reading sheet - he did it - happily. <br />
<br />
So many times I feel like I'm beating my head against a wall, but reality is - he is listening. He is learning. He is developing the sense of importance on things that are important to me. Recently he has started making a big deal about getting and hold the door open for me as we enter or exit a place. <br />
<br />
As with other things in my life, I need to cast my worries to the Lord in regards to parenting. Why I seem to think I can control anything on my own, is beyond me at this moment. I've proven time and again, we I am in charge, instead of letting God drive - everything is worse. Thankfully, He has the power to intervene and generally forces me back into his loving comfort before I can cause permanent damage.<br />
<br />
And today, I believe He was opening my eyes in regards to parenting J. <br />
<br />
<span class="crossverse"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a></span><br />Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.<span class="p"></span></span><br />ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-65233340602421282592014-09-24T21:11:00.000-05:002014-09-24T21:11:00.558-05:00It appears, I have an ego...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I learned yesterday, J gets grades (actual A, B, C, D type grades) in 1st grade. And he did well. Fantastic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Adv. Math - A</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Social Stud - A</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Science - A</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">English - A</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Reading - B</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Back in the day - this would be all O's with a S+. Those would be marks that I could do nothing but preen with the excellence of my son.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yet, I look at the B & I stress. How can I help him do better? Ugh, why didn't I know how to help him before? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My parents accepted Bs, my in-laws accepted Bs. Bs are respectable. Better than average. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />Why oh why is it stressing me out? It truly bugs me that I'm thinking anything other than how thankful I am he did so well.<br />
<br />
Then my sister-in-law was relating a story regarding my niece and said what I had not realized. <br />
<br />
"I needed to check my ego at the door. She was happy. I needed to stop myself."<br />
<br />
Ohmyword.<br />
<br />
That was it. I knew how I was feeling wasn't right. It's why I hadn't commented anything other than great job to J. I did not want him to pick up on my stress over his B. He is doing great. He is working really hard and still doing marital arts 4 days a week. He is doing great.<br />
<br />
It's my ego & insane desire for his life to be perfect that is the problem. He's happy. He's learning. These are things I need to rejoice in and celebrate. He's a smart kid, who applies himself. So if the school is truly doing right by him - he won't have straight As. Therefore, mommy needs to check her ego at the door.<br />
<br />
<br /></span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-35911328522620346502014-09-22T20:25:00.000-05:002014-09-22T20:25:00.338-05:00Crossroads - visit 1<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been praying, craving, striving to find - a church that fits our family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm being picky. As called as I feel to God, I'm struggling with *needing* the Church. However, hearing things that come from Js mouth - things I've taught him or things he should, but doesn't know - I *know* I have to find that fit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">At the recommendation of a neighbor, I checked out a Christian Reform Church in our area. I love websites. I was able to get the basics on the children's program, the services AND check out the sermons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Seriously - listening to sermons online is the best thing ever. I can be picky without anyone thinking I'm flaky.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This past weekend, I bucked up & took the plunge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">J & I checked out the Church.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I came out thinking "Okay, I think this might actually work for me."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">J came out bubbling over with JOY. Absolute JOY. He could not tell me what he learned, the friend he made, and can he come during the week?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He loved it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He even asked me if I knew "God made light!"? He was astounded to learn that I not only knew that, but I knew Adam & Eve were the first humans on Earth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The shock & awe he has is contagious. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We made it a big event with meeting Daddy out for dinner after the service.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Mr. M is even catching Js joy, so we may be checking out a Sunday service (as opposed to the Saturday night one we attended) soon. Praying on this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thankful we as a family are seeking the path that fits us. Thankful God is opening our hearts. I pray that Mr. M & I will receive the Word and Calling with the innocence of our son's heart. The openness. The excitement.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-6629571021355945192014-09-20T14:10:00.000-05:002014-09-20T14:10:00.513-05:00His first *official* love note.<span class="hdg"><a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/6.htm">Do Not Worry</a></span><br />…<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/6-33.htm">33</a></span>"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/6-34.htm">34</a></span><span class="highl">"<strong>So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.</strong>"</span><br />
<span class="highl"></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've jokingly said - J how old do you have to be to kiss a girl?</span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Like the champ he is - 30.</span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">That's right Rockstar! </span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And then, he goes off to school. 1st grade. Going through his folder like it's any old ordinary night. Only it's not. It's a night of firsts.</span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">J got a love note.</span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">"I love you. Jake M. Kiss Kiss"</span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">from a girl named Jenna. He doesn't like her though. </span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Relief! - Joy!</span></em></span><br />
<span class="highl"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">I like Samantha (or Summer or whatever her name was).</span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">SCREECH!</span></em></span><br />
<span class="highl"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">And do I really have to be 30 before I kiss a girl, or can I just be 10?</span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I won't lie, I'm working on the Bible verse I opened with today in regards to this one. It's a struggle for me in wanting to keep him as innocent as possible for as long as possible. And yet, knowing how I felt when I learned a classmate had died in a horrific accident when I was a child. I still remember thinking - had she ever been kissed? I wanted so much to grow up. I think I spent most of my childhood wishing I was old enough to be on my own. I was going to be a success. I don't want that wishing for J. Because let's face it - children have it easy for the most part. Life at his age should be worry free. </span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I didn't have these words at my finger tips when we were talking... Instead I used his crutch of sucking his thumb at night (I know, I know - we have to break it) as my line of defense. </span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">How about this - we stick with 30, but we can possibly discuss at 18. </span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">What about 10?</span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hmm... I can tell you this... Until you stop sucking your thumb, there is nothing to discuss. And no matter what... I hope we can always snuggle and talk in the dark like this.</span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Then we possibly laughed at a few ideas to help him with stopping the thumb sucking. I told him, I honestly believe when he is ready he will kick it on his own. Right now, he is just unsure of how he will ever sleep again without it. Maybe this is a worry he will find, he turns over to God. </span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><br />
<span class="highl"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">#workingongrowingfaithinthefamily</span></span><br />
<span class="highl"></span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-52038390539961474112014-09-19T22:57:00.000-05:002014-09-19T22:57:00.411-05:00Love the child you are given:<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm reading Anna Whiston-Donaldson's "Rare Bird" book. It speaks of losing a child, Faith, healing, Redemption, parenting. It's her memoir. And she amazes me. Has since I read the lines: "<a href="http://aninchofgray.blogspot.com/2011/09/im-your-worst-nightmare.html" target="_blank"><em>I'm your worst nightmare...</em></a><em>or
at least I know I’m living it right now."</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm having to read it in chunks. Remind myself this is not one of my no brainer easy reads. This book is feeding my calling towards God, finding my way to a church that fits with our family. One J can grow to love God, if I'm lucky somewhere close to how Anna's Jack did. I won't lie, there is fear there. Fear that if my wish comes true, God may have plans for J that I'm not sure I would survive. Having faith - trusting in God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>7</strong> Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today I was reading during my lunch, and I was struck by words I've heard before, or seen in general context - maybe even from Anna's blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"To loving well the child you are given, not the child you thought you would have."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It never struck me as it did today. I don't know if it is the soul searching I'm feeling or the trusting in God I feel so compelled to do lately, but wow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Love the child you are given.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Such powerful words when you really think about it. Putting into words what I've been learning over the past 6 years. (That first 1/2 of year was so easy)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm not sure what expectations I had for J before he was born. I so desperately wanted to be pregnant. Then I wanted to keep the pregnancy, loving that child I didn't even know yet. Then I just wanted to survive my c-section. I will never forget praying to God, while on the table waiting for Matt to join me so they could start, "Please just get me and the baby through this procedure and I will never ask for another child."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He did. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">J was such an easy baby. In fact, I would have touted he was just about perfect. I mean, how many mom's of boys can count on 1 hand the number of times they were nailed. (<em>Any boy mom knows what I mean</em>) He played while I worked from home. He napped like a champ. He was awesome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Then somewhere around 18 months - he developed his own personality. Terrible 2's. Horrible 3's. And at times, we had WT-Farfignughen 4s. 5's seemed to be better, but 6s... Wow - there have been some doozies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Learning to parent him through these stages has been probably one of the most challenging things for me. Finding the balance between reassuring him I loved him, even in moments of wanting to give up. He doesn't like to be told "no". And if that goodness knows what - summertime music truck doesn't stop soon - I just may shoot out its tires... I know saying "no" will result in a fight. Tears. Frustration. Yelling. <em>Possibly daddy (either in person, or my picking up the phone) stepping in to back me up.</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I still say "no". <strong>Love & Logic</strong> had a post one day that said "<strong>I love you enough to say no</strong>". Every time I say no, which is not every time, but probably more often than I say yes - I remind myself this is okay. Part of my loving the child I'm given, is loving him through these moments. Loving him through his need to be destructive, and talking him down off the edge. There are times I'm great at it. Other's well... Let's just say I've also patched a hole or two in my wall. J has had the opportunity to help with said patchwork, so he realizes the real consequence. I may have possibly left the hole for a while, as well, to serve as a reminder to him the damage his anger can cause. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In this process, I'm trusting in God that I'm loving this wonderful child I'm given. The one who feels so sorry, and is learning to stop before he starts - or at least reign it in. The one who can look on the bright side and change the topic to share a funny story with me - even if he is still smarting and muttering - "I hate you. You are the meanest mom ever!" I'm trusting he is learning lessons that will serve him in the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love him. I'm not a perfect mom. Thanks be to God, I have him, and can love him with all my heart. I hope I always remember to love him for him - not for who I want him to be. He is my little Bud, but he's not necessarily a mini-me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-84080984890570039222014-09-18T21:33:00.000-05:002014-09-18T21:33:00.115-05:00One foot in front of the other... <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I last posted here, I had every good intention of getting back into blogging. Back into the swing of the things in my life that were not tied with my survival.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've failed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Horribly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I wish, for J, I could explain why, but some things are better left unexplained. Explanations do not excuse my lack of recording his big moments. Not blogging on his first graduation or all the moments I've shared on FB, but not here. And I'm certain there are moments he won't forget, that I'm sure we all wish were forgotten. He has grown up so much in the past year. He is so much more knowing and serious. Watching him spiral out of control in one of my better moments, knowing the only way to fix this is to give into it - and yet - holding strong that these tears will pass & he will be okay, remind me how young he still is. I love that he still wants Mommy snuggles at night. I love that he can rock it out at a Garth concert between his dad & me. I love that he can roll the next day with all the maturity of a teenager. Yes, I may have sheltered the day with discouraging TV, a known trigger for his meltdowns. By celebrating a morning of housework with a lunch a Chilli's, his favorite place to eat. Enjoying the early fall weather with play time in the neighborhood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But at the end of the day, it's really - he's just a great kid. A kid that is still learning. One that is in the daily process of learning the consequences of his choices. Some he will like, some he will hate, and sometimes he will hate me. I'm learning to be okay with that. To realize there are moments I don't necessarily love being a mom, and that it is okay for me to feel that way. Sometimes I fail at hiding it. I hope I'm teaching J to be humble when I apologize to him later for losing my mind & yelling at him. I hope he hears me when I say, "It's okay for me to get frustrated with you - I'm human. It's not okay for me lose my cool in front of you. I'm sorry. I will try harder next time."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Lately I've felt pulled towards God. Felt pulled to trust in Him. He will lead the way, and quiet my soul. Moments of saying good-bye to our our beloved dog at age 13 when she started having seizures, and J looking at us so innocently and telling us it would be okay. In Heaven, Payton will get to run and play with Hannah again. Both would be healthy and happy, eating steak for dinner every day. They'd be waiting for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Mr. M & I looked at each other - where did you learn this Bud? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">From Mom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Wow. Maybe I'm doing a better job than I've thought recently.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And I definitely need to get this boy into a church class because he absorbs the Word like a sponge. For that I am blessed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So here I am, stepping back on the saddle. Or keyboard. I'm not committing to grabbing every moment or even the big moments. I will not promise to come back & play catchup on the stuff I missed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm just going to commit to the time I fell pulled. I'm going to write, like I did today, what is in my heart yearning to be shared. J this is for you. I love you & your dad so much.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today, I realize how blessed & I am. Today I thank the Lord.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-38561222746741952732014-05-18T14:38:00.000-05:002014-05-18T14:38:00.203-05:00He won a sword. An actual sword.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last summer, we started J in a mixed martial arts class. We did it for discipline. We did it for exercise. We did it for strength training.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What we didn't know at the time was J would take to it much like a duck to water (so to speak). He loves it. And he's good at it. So when he was invited to train at a Combat Athlete level, and J wanted to do it... So of course, Mr. M & I agreed. He has worked so hard, between going to school full days, plus before & after school most days - then training for an hour 3 nights a week. On top of that, he likes to work out at home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our always lean boy, as become very strong. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">All that hard work paid off in full on May 3rd.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">J was invited by his coach to compete at the North American Grappling Association <a href="http://nagafighter.com/index.php?module=eventdetailpage/355#" target="_blank">NAGA</a> competition on May 3rd.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">At his coach's recommendation, we signed him up for both informal no-GI and formal GI competitions.</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And a medal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And a patch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Needless to say, he's pretty proud.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The whole Extreme Martial Arts team did awesome. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am honored to have been there to support him & his fellow teammates that day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Mommy love!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">ps - you can find J on page 3 pic 19 & page 7 pic 23 for the formal Championship pictures. </span><br />
<img height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvxtoEXAQ3Z8VFxQwXw1Hgor7mm4Se5htrK4ZxnN00Q52v63hmlr3ExC_Vwtjxpcr8L7gF314YBe3D17pJQLvQVLzILH3xKB9JNwimP5X4qHvwdjkW48JfoqDcVzEXKQhhujj44L9cQ4/s1600/NAGA_May_pic+2.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 378px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1058px;" width="72" />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">For you though, my precious son, I need to get back to documenting...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So I guess I will start where I left off in August.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Kindergarten. Oh boy have you loved this school year. You have grown so much. I love my little reader, and I love how much you love school. Math comes naturally to you, but spelling takes some work. You get mad at me when I give you memorization tips that you are not <u>learning</u> the words, but I'll be darned if you tell me how you aced your test because you recalled my little <strike>memorization</strike> learning tip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You have gotten into science, really learning about recycling and how important it is to the Earth. Your Spanish teacher asks me where you learned to speak like a Native. Of course, I have to defer all props back to her, as I cannot speak a lick of foreign language. You were even given the lead in a lunchtime performance for your class demonstrating your Spanish speaking skills. I'm so looking forward to the video at the end of the year, so I can see it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This has been a cool year with you. In some ways you've grown past the innocence and moved into a mature little fixer. In other ways, you are just a sweet-hearted little boy who likes to snuggle both his parents knowing he is safe & loved in that cocoon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sports this year... Oye - that I will save for another catch-up post. Along with Halloween, tooth fairy visits, and the like... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Love you Bud!</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-90765522638839634172013-08-26T21:02:00.000-05:002013-08-26T21:02:00.375-05:00Perfect Moments Coupled Together...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making everyday Moments happy Memories is what life is about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or at least it is what I want for Monkey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend, that is EXACTLY what we did. From kicking off the weekend grocery shopping while he inhaled McDonald's. Poor kiddo was starving! To soccer followed by fun kick off the season activities. To working on the pool (it’s still cloudy, but thankfully no longer green). To bike riding around the lake in our neighborhood. To laundry being juggled between all this fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ending the day with a 2.5 hour drive into the City for dinner with friends. The plan was for a play date followed by dinner, but after the crazy drive all this Mommy wanted to do was eat. While the elongated dinner was perfect for the kiddos and parents to catch up, it was also very tiring after such a long drive. By the time we left for home, it was way later than I had planned, and I was pretty crabby. J thankfully was happy for the more often than not these days, rare opportunity to watch a movie while I drove. Within minutes of our arriving at home, he was in bed asleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday we started off early, heading to the beach in New Buffalo, Michigan. All I can say is WOW! What a great day! Our neighbor invited several of the families in the neighborhood to spend the day on the beach with *the more, the merrier* belief. J, who has always idolized her oldest son, was over the moon spending the day with him. Since he has the capacity to see J as a kid brother (he actually likes), he was pretty awesome about letting J pal around with him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was also great for J & I, as we could go off & explore things, without having to be worried about our stuff coming up missing, since someone in our party was always around our groups’ stuff. We walked the rocks, until even Mr. Brave decided maybe that wasn’t such a great idea. Since Mommy had already gotten there, she was more than excited to turn back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, I am looking forward to maybe going back, if not this fall – next spring to do it with sneakers. I think I would have had more confidence about the rocks had I had on better shoes. As it was, I started carrying my flip flops, in fear of them falling off my feet, or causing me to slip on the rocks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mother Nature deciding to wait until school started to FINALLY give us some warm weather, is a pretty rotten joke, but at least we’ve been able to make the most of it. </span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-82434997637636429262013-08-23T22:06:00.000-05:002013-08-23T22:06:00.522-05:00Jacob's Mistake<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's the second day of school & this was the title of an email I received from J's teacher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">His brand new teacher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2nd day of school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And of course, it takes the typical 2 centuries for Yahoo! to load an email here, as our reception is just so overwhelmingly not awesome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In that time I may have questioned, Show & Tell mishap, making girls cry on the playground declaring <strike>future</strike> marriage plans (yes, this happened last year) to another little girl, a (gasp) potty accident/incident.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh man...It's only the 2nd day... This is not a good sign for the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">FINALLY! Message loaded.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"I'm sorry, I failed to order Jacob his Subway sandwich for today's lunch. Instead of Subway, he enjoyed cereal and goldfish crackers. I apologize for my mistake, and will be sure to place his order next time."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh... That's it. My child, who would live on junk food - if permitted, got a junkier lunch than planned. Awesome. Relief. Joy even.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's the 2nd day, and we are not on the bad list for anything yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Even might have bought some leeway of sorts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Life is good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And J will be getting treated tonight for being a trooper at lunch!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We can just ignore the fact he was going to get treated anyway, as I planned to grocery shop tonight and still be home before 7, so yeah - he can think we have to go shopping to get his treat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sometimes *mistakes* are just hidden blessings.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-65720064047299341672013-08-22T21:19:00.000-05:002013-08-22T21:19:00.163-05:001st day of school - Big K<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's back to school time... My how he has grown. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1st day Young Scholar</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1st day Junior Kindergarten</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1st day Kindergarten</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Current dream when he grows up: Be a Karate Guy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>aka - a karate instructor from his Mixed Martial Arts</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2nd choice: Your job Mommy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>I do a lot with math, do you know what math is?</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Of course... It is numbers and all that adding and subtracting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">(Okay... I'm impressed...) <em>Why?</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You have Angry Birds to play with in your office.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Love it!!!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My wish for this year is for J to continue to dream big, grow leaps and bounds, and continue to amaze and dazzle me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">His??? Be in class with Ella.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sigh... I'd hoped the summer would quell this "I'm going to marry Ella" theme J seems to have started at the end of last year, but no.such.luck.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-39394086977648843152013-08-20T21:47:00.000-05:002013-08-20T21:47:00.240-05:001833 School<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the spirit of back to school this week, I found it pretty neat we stumbled into an impromptu visit inside a school from 1833.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">During it's prime, it educated children age 4 through 13, having desks of varying sizes to fit the student mix taught inside the one room classroom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Pot belly stove, with my former junior high science teacher and Lifeguard instructor. Between her sister, brother-in-law, husband and herself, the school is maintained. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">at the desks</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Cam's didn't want to sit with Mallz and J, so she took her picture outside.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the walk from grandma & grandpa's, J and Cam's traded toys... J ended up being pictured with Gizmo and Cam had Bumblebee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">J is so excited to have me upload these and get printed copies, so he can take them into his school and share with his class.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-46840726216715797212013-08-19T21:09:00.000-05:002013-08-19T21:09:00.271-05:00...It's the moments...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This summer has been just spectacular. As a family we have focused on us, nurturing bonds with laughter and love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This weekend, we spent at my parents - seeing my nieces & brother. It was 3 days, the last just spent with Grandma & Grandpa. J dazzled us again with his lack of fear while tubing. Wants faster, bumpier, read - scarier. He's looking forward to next summer already, as we told him - we'd have grandpa intentionally dump him off the tube, so he can learn what it feels like, safety of being in the water after being dumped, and how to get back on the tube in deep water. He is over the moon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Mommy's arms still hurt from hanging on for dear life yesterday. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Another big accomplishment was to fully become independent on two wheels. He's over the moon that he can take off and go with our 13 year old neighbor, who looks after J as a little brother. We are so blessed to have such awesome neighbors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But the best moments of this weekend happened so naturally and innocently...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Jacob, knowing nothing but love - giving it freely... He spontaneously walked up to both of my parents over the weekend and just planted kisses and hugs. It was so out of the blue, it caught both my parents by surprise and the delight it gave them was evident on their faces.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Those were the moments I'm holding closest to my heart from the weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And so thankful Matt & I have shown J how to show love so naturally and spontaneously.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-41975400790740287182013-07-30T20:19:00.000-05:002013-07-30T20:19:00.171-05:00Wrapping up July... How quickly this summer is flying... I'm so thankful for all the time we have spent together as a family. I have absolutely rejoiced in this summer of fun and family.<br />
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J has had endless adventures... Carnivals, waterparks, working around the house, working on riding a 2-wheeler, taking martial arts, working on reading on his own. Library visits. <br />
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We even managed to sneak in a couple jet ski adventures at grandma and grandpa's. Froze. But we snuck them in...<br />
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Early morning, then a day of lake play = one tired little boy... :)<br />
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Best.summer.ever!!!<br />
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Okay, it'd be better if it was a tad warmer...<br />
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But these memories are great for keeping me warm... ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-59923320450020383972013-07-01T20:51:00.000-05:002013-07-01T20:51:00.211-05:00Summer Mid-point<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cannot believe we are already half way through summer. J starts school again on August 22nd.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Okay, so maybe we are not to the mid-point just yet, but with the cold weather & the fast pace of the summer - I feel like we are there already.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1st tooth. 2nd tooth crooked it's so loose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Extreme Martial Arts started</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Soccer Fall Season - coming up</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Reading, doing spelling, etc... happening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Falling into a routine for summer - looking forward to fall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's crazy this is all going so quick.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />It's crazy we are still in the low 70's temp wise.<br />
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Coming up on the 4th, I hope it warms up - so Mr. M & J can fully enjoy the celebration. I will be working (close), but planning to do an early in early out schedule.<br />
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</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-28727929957467958592013-06-28T21:28:00.000-05:002013-06-28T21:28:00.149-05:00Dinner Prayer<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">J asked if he could make up the dinner prayer, instead of saying our standard "God is great. God is good..." prayer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Okay Bud. I will totally admit to being curious as to what he'd say.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thank God for mommy being with him. The sun. His grandparents. Toys. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hmm... What will he say???</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"God please protect people from those evil people who bombed innocent people."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hold the presses - what are you talking about?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thoughts flying through my head were of September 11th. How did he know? How was he absorbing this? Is he picking up from adult show Matt & I thought he was asleep when we watched on the living room TV by his bedroom...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"You know Mommy. From when I donated money to get the no uniform pass at school"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Wow... That was in April, and this is the first I've heard of what he was learning. I knew it was about the Syrian Genocide, but I had NO IDEA that he was learning what that meant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm still at a loss as to how to address this. In the moment, I addressed how thoughtful and sweet it was for J to choose to pray for the innocent people being hurt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But wow. Just... Wow...</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-75337239710117282682013-06-26T22:48:00.000-05:002013-06-26T22:48:00.398-05:00Extreme Martial Arts<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">J loves soccer, basketball, running, swimming, all fun active sports. T-ball - <em>not so much</em>, but hey - <strike>dad </strike>can't win them all... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This week we started J in <a href="http://www.1kick.net/" target="_blank">Extreme Martial Arts</a>. I'm amazed, excited, oh so excited for him. They put him through the paces on evaluating his basic agility and fitness skills. Sit-ups, push-ups, etc. The growth goals they set up for him, are amazing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">J...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">J LOVES IT!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Look at that fight stance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Huge thank you to Daddy & Grandma M for taking a day each week to join J at practice. And to Daddy for the pictures and details. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Daddy said J was all about getting in and not backing down or off. He was impressed at how quickly J picked up on the skills being taught and how he expected J to just get his rear handed to him, as he was the only newbie, but instead he held his own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This kiddo just keeps amazing me. If this helps him learn to focus, channel and learn appropriate use of his temper - I will be one happy camper.</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327082761782465862.post-31832902936209767612013-06-21T23:32:00.000-05:002013-06-21T23:32:00.569-05:00It's Summer!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">J is having such a blast this summer! I love that he is loving summer so much!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This week he spent a day with a friend, a day with daddy, two days with Grandma & Grandpa M, then delightfully joined Grandma & Grandpa P for a long weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes, Mommy is taking off to join them on the lake for a long weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In the words of my delightful little boy...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />"It's time to Jet Ski Grandpa!"<br />
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I totally agree.<br />
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Bring on sun, warmth, and summer fun!<br />
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summer 2010</div>
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</span>ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07079095055493281932noreply@blogger.com0