I was chatting with my sister this week (which is a daily thing - thank you, Lord, for unlimited long distance) and we were discussing that we really did not mind being the only chick in our houses. She has two boys (three counting hubbie) and I have four (five counting hubbie). And while I have a pang of envy when I see tea parties, dresses, prom shopping and wedding dress shopping, we have decided that we are going to take the "glass half full" response - and selfishly enjoy being the only Princess in the house.
So, in no particular order of importance- here is WHY I love being the only woman...
-I am the only one that requires a manicure and pedicure.
-I don't have to wrestle and can watch TV while they tear each other apart on the family room floor. (seriously, I cannot watch them wrestle. It makes me nervous).
-I am admired and wooed by five men. The twins write me love notes while they are at school. Jeffrey loves on me every day. Don't even ask how much love I get from Andrew (it is obscene). Actually, the four little men make Jeff feel badly sometimes!
-I will eventually perfect the art of being Mother of the Groom. I promise, future daughter-in-loves that I will wear whatever color you wish and I will adore your babies.
-The mention of any hormonal issues causes any boy near me to scatter and leave me alone. I am the only one that requires tampons. One of us around here with that issue is PLENTY.
-My boys all feel very protective of me and I find that very sweet. In the fiercest gun fights around here, someone will shout loudly - "You CAN'T shoot MAMA - we DON'T SHOOT GIRLS!"
-I can do all my boys hair for church in about 30 seconds. They line up at the sink - a splash of water - and poof, they are ready.
-There is no clothing drama. They wear jeans and t-shirts eveyday and are thrilled with it. They each have one pair of tennis shoes. (During the summer, they add a pair of flip flops).
It is good to be the queen!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
from pee on the carpet to Education (a giant leap)
So, let's move from potty training (still slow and no sucess to report) to education. For those of you who don't know, the more children I have had, the more my thoughts on education have changed. Each child and each school is SO DIFFERENT. We decided that we would prayerfully consider each child, each year. This year, I have one in public school, two in private school and one whom I am homeschooling. So, you cannot say that I am an education snob. LOL I love them all and they each have their pros and cons.
Which leads me to - what makes the decision for YOU? Email me if you have time. I really would love to hear. I find the whole process of choosing a school very emotional since it is dealing with whom I love most - my little (and not so little) ones.
Here are my current frustrations:
1) with homeschooling - It is hard. damn hard. But, it is also wonderful. When we are on, we are cranking. I have laid on the sofa and read beautiful literature with my son. We have spent tons of time together. Oh, wait, I was going to talk about frustrations - must focus! Which is a frustration with homeschooling - staying focused. Jeffrey and I both love to have a good time, and we are easily distracted. We stay up too late at night, and I don't force him to get up in the mornings. The lack of other kids to hang out with can be tough (more for me - not him) because he would hang with me all day. I have a love/hate relationship with lesson plans. I love them because they keep us on track and hate them because I have to take time to do them. I always have this sense that we could be doing MORE - doing it BETTER (and we probably could). There is a high level of what I call "mommy guilt." So that is my frustration with homeschooling.
2) Public School. I LOVE public school. They have welcomed Andrew with open arms and have been fantastic. Again, leave it to me to be positive first. It is a skill, I assure you. What is frustrating to me is that WHY can't there be Jesus, the Bible and religion in public school? Ok, so intellectulally I know WHY, but I still hate it. It is frustrating to me that because Andrew has Down Syndrome, he does not currently have a place in private school! The services at public school are FREE, well, paid by my tax dollars, but still do not require an additional out-pouring of cash.
3) Private School. I love private school because they do teach the Bible, pray with the kids, have chapel, etc. etc. There is Jesus during the day - and He is welcome at school and is at the center of Christmas and Easter. The parents are more "like us" in their belief system. My frustration is that private schools can and do exclude (at their own discresion) those who do not meet its "criteria." I have heard the arguement of funding, staffing, blah blah blah, but if the desire to educate the whole family was truly there, a way could be made.
Consider this...School A - this school will gladly welcome ANY child - regardless of disability or ability. A team meets with the parents and supports are put in place for the child to be educated, cared for, and dare I say, loved. Then there is school B. "B" has an admisison program and process, and B excludes those that they do not want to spend their time and money to educate.
IF I asked you which school sounds more like the one that Christ would be at the center of - which one would YOU answer?
And, that, my friends, is my current frustration.
Which leads me to - what makes the decision for YOU? Email me if you have time. I really would love to hear. I find the whole process of choosing a school very emotional since it is dealing with whom I love most - my little (and not so little) ones.
Here are my current frustrations:
1) with homeschooling - It is hard. damn hard. But, it is also wonderful. When we are on, we are cranking. I have laid on the sofa and read beautiful literature with my son. We have spent tons of time together. Oh, wait, I was going to talk about frustrations - must focus! Which is a frustration with homeschooling - staying focused. Jeffrey and I both love to have a good time, and we are easily distracted. We stay up too late at night, and I don't force him to get up in the mornings. The lack of other kids to hang out with can be tough (more for me - not him) because he would hang with me all day. I have a love/hate relationship with lesson plans. I love them because they keep us on track and hate them because I have to take time to do them. I always have this sense that we could be doing MORE - doing it BETTER (and we probably could). There is a high level of what I call "mommy guilt." So that is my frustration with homeschooling.
2) Public School. I LOVE public school. They have welcomed Andrew with open arms and have been fantastic. Again, leave it to me to be positive first. It is a skill, I assure you. What is frustrating to me is that WHY can't there be Jesus, the Bible and religion in public school? Ok, so intellectulally I know WHY, but I still hate it. It is frustrating to me that because Andrew has Down Syndrome, he does not currently have a place in private school! The services at public school are FREE, well, paid by my tax dollars, but still do not require an additional out-pouring of cash.
3) Private School. I love private school because they do teach the Bible, pray with the kids, have chapel, etc. etc. There is Jesus during the day - and He is welcome at school and is at the center of Christmas and Easter. The parents are more "like us" in their belief system. My frustration is that private schools can and do exclude (at their own discresion) those who do not meet its "criteria." I have heard the arguement of funding, staffing, blah blah blah, but if the desire to educate the whole family was truly there, a way could be made.
Consider this...School A - this school will gladly welcome ANY child - regardless of disability or ability. A team meets with the parents and supports are put in place for the child to be educated, cared for, and dare I say, loved. Then there is school B. "B" has an admisison program and process, and B excludes those that they do not want to spend their time and money to educate.
IF I asked you which school sounds more like the one that Christ would be at the center of - which one would YOU answer?
And, that, my friends, is my current frustration.
Monday, February 23, 2009
pee on the carpet & other misc things
Not a very pretty title - but a story of the day. We cleaned up our first round of pee on the carpet after school today. But I have to say, Andrew's butt in big boy pants is very cute. Jeff mentioned that it would save us a fortune to get this show on the road. So, between the two of us, we are motivated at the moment. I'll keep you posted on the progress.
The healthy thing is back in full swing. "Back??" you ask...when did it go away? umm, that would be over the weekend. Our frig emptied out and we had not made it to the store, so we fell back on chick-fila for lunch and, ok, I'll admit it, dinner too. But, we are back on the protein, fruit and veggie wagon today, so at least we got back on!
I had a great day. A friend needs a formal dress, so I bailed on the homeschool thing - left Jeffrey with a pile of work to do on his own (he only called me three times!) and went shopping. It was a blast. I have not taken a few hours off like that in a long time and it felt great! We haven't found a dress yet, so hopefully we'll hit the shops again this weekend.
So, that is about it. Had a Heart & Home show this weekend and that was a blast. Jeff took Blake to Monster Truck JAM! LOL - will have to post some pictures. My relatives are calling us white trash - between our trailer (umm, that would be a CAMPER) and Monster JAM - and our kid peeing on the carpet, maybe we are trash!
The healthy thing is back in full swing. "Back??" you ask...when did it go away? umm, that would be over the weekend. Our frig emptied out and we had not made it to the store, so we fell back on chick-fila for lunch and, ok, I'll admit it, dinner too. But, we are back on the protein, fruit and veggie wagon today, so at least we got back on!
I had a great day. A friend needs a formal dress, so I bailed on the homeschool thing - left Jeffrey with a pile of work to do on his own (he only called me three times!) and went shopping. It was a blast. I have not taken a few hours off like that in a long time and it felt great! We haven't found a dress yet, so hopefully we'll hit the shops again this weekend.
So, that is about it. Had a Heart & Home show this weekend and that was a blast. Jeff took Blake to Monster Truck JAM! LOL - will have to post some pictures. My relatives are calling us white trash - between our trailer (umm, that would be a CAMPER) and Monster JAM - and our kid peeing on the carpet, maybe we are trash!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Potty Training Boot Camp
Bust our the carpet cleaner and the bribery M&M's. I'm going to have to break down and potty train Andrew. The little turkey totally pooped and peed on the pot for his teacher last year. We have yet to see this occur in our house. Both his teacher this year and I have been putting it off and putting it off, and I am feeling like if we don't do it soon, we are missing a window of opportunity.
It is a frustrating thing with Down Syndrome - knowing what he understands and when. But, then I think - what do you say to anyone who does not know him? And, basically I always say, "he understands everything you say - even if he cannot talk back to you about it."
He will tell you that poop goes in the potty. He wakes up dry from his nap. He will tell you the minute he poops so he can get cleaned up. He even does sound effects - "ooooohhhhh - GROOOOSSSSSS." And it it is ew, gross.
So, I am mentally gearing up for boot camp. I have decided to go hard-core and to the "potty-training-in-a-day" philosophy which basically says, stay home, drink lots (the kid - not the mom- although...), party every time there is success, clean it up when it doesn't. Jeff is taking the other boys camping in March and I think I am going to clear my calendar as well and get down to business. If I keep him home on Friday, we could have a full 72 hours to see what kind of success we could have.
So, the countdown is on. The potty books are coming out. The bribe candy and toys need to be bought. I'm going to rid my house of diapers. I hope.
It is a frustrating thing with Down Syndrome - knowing what he understands and when. But, then I think - what do you say to anyone who does not know him? And, basically I always say, "he understands everything you say - even if he cannot talk back to you about it."
He will tell you that poop goes in the potty. He wakes up dry from his nap. He will tell you the minute he poops so he can get cleaned up. He even does sound effects - "ooooohhhhh - GROOOOSSSSSS." And it it is ew, gross.
So, I am mentally gearing up for boot camp. I have decided to go hard-core and to the "potty-training-in-a-day" philosophy which basically says, stay home, drink lots (the kid - not the mom- although...), party every time there is success, clean it up when it doesn't. Jeff is taking the other boys camping in March and I think I am going to clear my calendar as well and get down to business. If I keep him home on Friday, we could have a full 72 hours to see what kind of success we could have.
So, the countdown is on. The potty books are coming out. The bribe candy and toys need to be bought. I'm going to rid my house of diapers. I hope.
Friday, February 20, 2009
We Lost
Jeff and I go to a Sunday School class for old married farts. Ok, so I don't think it is called Sunday School anymore - has new terminology now - Bible fellowship - fellowship class, whatever. I'll always call it Sunday School. But I digress. Also, I think we are the only old married farts in the class. Meaning we have been married longer than 10 years (going on 17 to be more exact). Maybe there are some that have been married longer, but I don't think so.
This year for Valentine's Day, it was the girls' turn to do "something special" for the guys. The guys then would email our fearless leader and teacher and he and his wife would pick "the winner." First of all, let me go on record to say, that (1) I am impressed by the amount of ladies that went out of their way to do something special and (2) I am even more impressed that their husbands actually wrote to tell about it.
So amongst the honorable mentions were some fun ones - new bikes and new hobbies being done together - love notes for 14 days, etc. The winner, however, totally blew us away. It was days of love notes - and then a jar of 365 love notes so he would have a reason each day that she loves him - dinner dates (one with kids - one without), renewed marriage vows and - and - and - and, seriously, this entry was SIX PAGES long.
I love that folk are willing to go the extra mile. I think it is cool and admirable.
But I have to admit, that kind of effort was not in me this year (and may never be). We don't even do cards. I am afraid that I am more like the story of the old couple that had been married forever. One day the wife said to the husband, "why don't you ever tell me that you love me?" The husband replies,"Didn't I tell you that I love you on our wedding day?" She replies, "well, yes." And he tells her, "well, if anything changes, I'll let you know." I'm afraid that I am that guy, well, that guy in a chick kind of way.
But, at the end of the evening, Jeff and I are both relieved that, for the moment, we don't need 365 notes. When at the end of the day, he is the only one I really want to hang out with, it is all good. We would probably forget to read the notes anyway. We gave each other a wink at dessert, and I told him, "dang, honey, we lost." He laughed and winked back. "No", he said with a smile. "No, we didn't." Some things you can't write about on your blog.
Maybe I'll try harder next year.
This year for Valentine's Day, it was the girls' turn to do "something special" for the guys. The guys then would email our fearless leader and teacher and he and his wife would pick "the winner." First of all, let me go on record to say, that (1) I am impressed by the amount of ladies that went out of their way to do something special and (2) I am even more impressed that their husbands actually wrote to tell about it.
So amongst the honorable mentions were some fun ones - new bikes and new hobbies being done together - love notes for 14 days, etc. The winner, however, totally blew us away. It was days of love notes - and then a jar of 365 love notes so he would have a reason each day that she loves him - dinner dates (one with kids - one without), renewed marriage vows and - and - and - and, seriously, this entry was SIX PAGES long.
I love that folk are willing to go the extra mile. I think it is cool and admirable.
But I have to admit, that kind of effort was not in me this year (and may never be). We don't even do cards. I am afraid that I am more like the story of the old couple that had been married forever. One day the wife said to the husband, "why don't you ever tell me that you love me?" The husband replies,"Didn't I tell you that I love you on our wedding day?" She replies, "well, yes." And he tells her, "well, if anything changes, I'll let you know." I'm afraid that I am that guy, well, that guy in a chick kind of way.
But, at the end of the evening, Jeff and I are both relieved that, for the moment, we don't need 365 notes. When at the end of the day, he is the only one I really want to hang out with, it is all good. We would probably forget to read the notes anyway. We gave each other a wink at dessert, and I told him, "dang, honey, we lost." He laughed and winked back. "No", he said with a smile. "No, we didn't." Some things you can't write about on your blog.
Maybe I'll try harder next year.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Molly DOES NOT NEED...
a new blog!
I am so excited about my blog "make-over!" I only wish I was as cute as it is! Danielle, from The Design Girl made me look great! Thanks so much, Danielle!
I LOVE a make-over - and a new start! Whether it is a new year, new month, new day, I always love to find a new hope. May we never get so bogged down in a current circumstance that we cannot look up to God to pull us out!
I am so inspired, I just might have to get a new haircut, a new outfit, a new SOMETHING to go with the Blog! LOL.
And, for all my facebook friends, I found the _______ Needs posts hilarious! The guys' post were espcecially funny. Seems the girls only need botox and new homes!
I am also very please that I can now watch last night's episode of LOST on the internet - so nighty-night!
I am so excited about my blog "make-over!" I only wish I was as cute as it is! Danielle, from The Design Girl made me look great! Thanks so much, Danielle!
I LOVE a make-over - and a new start! Whether it is a new year, new month, new day, I always love to find a new hope. May we never get so bogged down in a current circumstance that we cannot look up to God to pull us out!
I am so inspired, I just might have to get a new haircut, a new outfit, a new SOMETHING to go with the Blog! LOL.
And, for all my facebook friends, I found the _______ Needs posts hilarious! The guys' post were espcecially funny. Seems the girls only need botox and new homes!
I am also very please that I can now watch last night's episode of LOST on the internet - so nighty-night!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Molly Needs...
This is a fun activity for the narcissist in you all....
"Go to Google and write your name and the word ‘needs’, in quotes — as in “Sarah needs” - note the first 15 sensical sentences that come up.
1.Molly needs a new full time mom (who won't name her after animals)
2. Molly needs our prayers.
3. Molly needs new shoes.
4. Molly needs a new hairstyle.
5. Molly needs a catchy slogan for running for 3rd grade student council.
6. Molly needs a new home. (dog ad)
7. Molly needs a new job.
8. Molly needs a new family by the end of February (also a dog ad)
9. Molly needs help (more dog ads)
10. Molly needs a smack. (not a dog ad - but did not want to click on it)
11. Molly needs leg amputation (more dog sob stories)
12. Molly needs to be very afraid. (creepy)
13. a new home (more dog ads)
14. a new home (more dog ads)
15. a new home (more dog ads)
Ok, what Molly really needs is to go to bed and for people to stop naming their dog Molly!
"Go to Google and write your name and the word ‘needs’, in quotes — as in “Sarah needs” - note the first 15 sensical sentences that come up.
1.Molly needs a new full time mom (who won't name her after animals)
2. Molly needs our prayers.
3. Molly needs new shoes.
4. Molly needs a new hairstyle.
5. Molly needs a catchy slogan for running for 3rd grade student council.
6. Molly needs a new home. (dog ad)
7. Molly needs a new job.
8. Molly needs a new family by the end of February (also a dog ad)
9. Molly needs help (more dog ads)
10. Molly needs a smack. (not a dog ad - but did not want to click on it)
11. Molly needs leg amputation (more dog sob stories)
12. Molly needs to be very afraid. (creepy)
13. a new home (more dog ads)
14. a new home (more dog ads)
15. a new home (more dog ads)
Ok, what Molly really needs is to go to bed and for people to stop naming their dog Molly!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Day One - A Healthy Generation
So, if you have know me for any length of time, you know that a few years ago (after Andrew was born), I got inspired to journey through finally taking care of ME and I lost a lot of weight. It was (and is) great - although I hate to tell you that keeping it off is even harder than losing it in the first place. It is a struggle for me and God and I chat about it often. But, while I was mainly concerned at that time with my looks, I was also on a quest to be healthy - to be here for my kids - to be the mom that could actually run after the bike, catch the ball and not be so tired all the time. You know that mom - we are all that mom at times - even when we are fit - the one who says, "no, honey, mommmy is going to sit in the sun and read this magazine while you play."
As my kids get older, I have witness an alarming trend in the American family - my own included - that starts slowly and spirals out of control. For us, it goes like this.
1) a resolution for healthy living
2) a crisis (sick kid, work stress, vacation - the crisis can be both good and bad) - and the resolution goes out the window. We affectionately call it "falling off the wagon."
3) the crisis passes, but a "mild" bad habit got aquired during the crisis.
For us, one time it might be a drive-thru for dinner. Next time it was pizza out of the freezer. Next time it was Ramen noodles.
And before we know it, we are driking juice boxes and eating cookies for breakfast.
If this has never been you, go read somewhere else. (kidding - kind of - I don't need judgement here - I need support).
So lately, thankfully,there has not been much of a crisis. And that is a good thing. But, my kids have allergies. They have asthma. They are addicted to sugary foods and carbs. My weight has started to ever so slowly started to creep up. My allergies have spiraled out of control - environmentally - and now I have food allergies. And enough is enough.
Being the research junkie that I am, I started to research allergies and asthma. God brought people in my life with experience and dropped some amazing books in my lap. As I have prayed over it, wrestled with it, and now, am finally submitting to it, we have made resolution to get healthy - not perfect - healthy.
I don't know what it looks like, but Jeff is a gem for this kind of thing and is grinding out the details with me. What will our kids' lunch-boxes look like without "fruit" roll-ups? (that incidentally turn their poop neon green (that can't be a good thing). What do our meals look like. And it spills over to our schedule. To eat healthy, it is easier to be at home. To be at home, means we aren't over-commited and over-tired - "driving thru" some heart-attack-in-a-sack just to be done with it. (please, don't hear judgement here - I would not know this if I have not lived it)
We called a "family meeting" on Saturday and talked to the kids about our bodies being temples - and God himself lives in our hearts - so shouldn't we take care of our bodies? They were on board as much as kids could be.
Today, however, after 24 hours of lean protein and veggies they have never seen, my children, I am sure, all think I am the spawn of Satan.
Lest you think I am making them gag down brussel sprouts in the first 24 hours, dinner last night was home-made Kung-Pao chicken with green bean. They ate the chicken and each gagged down a bean or two. Breakfast of bacon (wihtout all the junk in it) and eggs was met with mixed reviews. But lunch of grilled chicken, the option of a side soup or salad sent Brantley to my bed for full blown tears and cries of "why can't we just go to MacDonalds??" Andrew asked for a waffle at least 47 times today. By the time dinner time arrived, we were all exhausted and Jeffrey had starved himself all day. Great. We're off to a great start. But, as one of my favorites books, "The Courage to Start", says, at least we have started. And that is a large part of the battle.
But, they ate dinner - and the rise in everyone's blood sugar made for a happier crew for sure. Blake told me that I needed my own cooking show because I was a great cook (love that kid) and Brantley was pleased with a promise of a McDonald's treat on Friday after school if he stuck with us and ate healthy all week. Jeffrey did eat dinner and came back for more later in the evening. whew. We made it.
I don't want to be "that mom." you know, the crazy one. But if my kids can be healthy and my family can be healthy, I guess I will settle to be her. To become her. I might even decide to like her. As Jeff and I were making our salads for lunch, his came out bland (I got dibs on the leftover Kung Pao), and he made the statment that maybe a little sacrifice and self-denial is what God has for all of us -not in a punishing kind of way - but in a friendly kind of way. Like the girlfriend who is honest enough to tell you that your butt really doesn't look good in those jeans and that your child really is just being a brat. We need friends like that. I have friends like that (thank you, ladies). And God is my friend like that. He loves me, but is letting me know that the road may be difficult - and the journey long, but we are going to make it.
James 1:2 says,"when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." We are certainly entering a growing season.
and here's a shot of how I truly feel about it all...LOL
As my kids get older, I have witness an alarming trend in the American family - my own included - that starts slowly and spirals out of control. For us, it goes like this.
1) a resolution for healthy living
2) a crisis (sick kid, work stress, vacation - the crisis can be both good and bad) - and the resolution goes out the window. We affectionately call it "falling off the wagon."
3) the crisis passes, but a "mild" bad habit got aquired during the crisis.
For us, one time it might be a drive-thru for dinner. Next time it was pizza out of the freezer. Next time it was Ramen noodles.
And before we know it, we are driking juice boxes and eating cookies for breakfast.
If this has never been you, go read somewhere else. (kidding - kind of - I don't need judgement here - I need support).
So lately, thankfully,there has not been much of a crisis. And that is a good thing. But, my kids have allergies. They have asthma. They are addicted to sugary foods and carbs. My weight has started to ever so slowly started to creep up. My allergies have spiraled out of control - environmentally - and now I have food allergies. And enough is enough.
Being the research junkie that I am, I started to research allergies and asthma. God brought people in my life with experience and dropped some amazing books in my lap. As I have prayed over it, wrestled with it, and now, am finally submitting to it, we have made resolution to get healthy - not perfect - healthy.
I don't know what it looks like, but Jeff is a gem for this kind of thing and is grinding out the details with me. What will our kids' lunch-boxes look like without "fruit" roll-ups? (that incidentally turn their poop neon green (that can't be a good thing). What do our meals look like. And it spills over to our schedule. To eat healthy, it is easier to be at home. To be at home, means we aren't over-commited and over-tired - "driving thru" some heart-attack-in-a-sack just to be done with it. (please, don't hear judgement here - I would not know this if I have not lived it)
We called a "family meeting" on Saturday and talked to the kids about our bodies being temples - and God himself lives in our hearts - so shouldn't we take care of our bodies? They were on board as much as kids could be.
Today, however, after 24 hours of lean protein and veggies they have never seen, my children, I am sure, all think I am the spawn of Satan.
Lest you think I am making them gag down brussel sprouts in the first 24 hours, dinner last night was home-made Kung-Pao chicken with green bean. They ate the chicken and each gagged down a bean or two. Breakfast of bacon (wihtout all the junk in it) and eggs was met with mixed reviews. But lunch of grilled chicken, the option of a side soup or salad sent Brantley to my bed for full blown tears and cries of "why can't we just go to MacDonalds??" Andrew asked for a waffle at least 47 times today. By the time dinner time arrived, we were all exhausted and Jeffrey had starved himself all day. Great. We're off to a great start. But, as one of my favorites books, "The Courage to Start", says, at least we have started. And that is a large part of the battle.
But, they ate dinner - and the rise in everyone's blood sugar made for a happier crew for sure. Blake told me that I needed my own cooking show because I was a great cook (love that kid) and Brantley was pleased with a promise of a McDonald's treat on Friday after school if he stuck with us and ate healthy all week. Jeffrey did eat dinner and came back for more later in the evening. whew. We made it.
I don't want to be "that mom." you know, the crazy one. But if my kids can be healthy and my family can be healthy, I guess I will settle to be her. To become her. I might even decide to like her. As Jeff and I were making our salads for lunch, his came out bland (I got dibs on the leftover Kung Pao), and he made the statment that maybe a little sacrifice and self-denial is what God has for all of us -not in a punishing kind of way - but in a friendly kind of way. Like the girlfriend who is honest enough to tell you that your butt really doesn't look good in those jeans and that your child really is just being a brat. We need friends like that. I have friends like that (thank you, ladies). And God is my friend like that. He loves me, but is letting me know that the road may be difficult - and the journey long, but we are going to make it.
James 1:2 says,"when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." We are certainly entering a growing season.
and here's a shot of how I truly feel about it all...LOL
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Love or Craziness - I'm really not sure.
So, we are not the most romantic couple when it comes to Valentine's Day. I got flowers on Friday - nice, but, honestly would have been happy without them. Correction, I would have been ticked had he NOT gotten them, but since he did, well, you get the picture. Poor men having to deal with hormonal women. They probably can't win. Friday was a sweet day, though.
Hold on and see if you can keep up! I started at 8 am at Andrew's school for Valentine's Field Day. The whole school was out in force for field games set to 80's love songs. They had to do some adapting for of the games (meant for 1st - 5th grade) - and Andrew is FOUR, and, oh yeah, still has Down Syndrome. But he boogied to the 80's beat, tossed hearts, did obstacle courses (since he can lift his leg over his head) and generally had a great time wearing himself out with his classmates for two hours.
Already clad in my red t-shirt, I stop by Blake & Brantley's shin-dig since I had mis-packed bags of Valentines (Andrew had Blake's and Blake had Andrew's). I found the mix-up irritating since we had done them early this year (Monday - seriously- they were done 4 days early) so to pack them in the wrong back-pack was generally frustrating. But, since we had done over 40 of the suckers, it was as good as it was going to get. So, back to the B's school for a drop-in visit. The boys were thrilled by the surprise visit. I was not the "party mom" so was not required to attend.
From school #2, I head to homeschool group - now Valentine Event #3 for the day for me (and it is not even 11:00 am). Here, the kids have made Valentines and decorated batches and batches of heart cookies to take to a local nursing home. We had a chat with our 4th graders that they needed to stop calling it "the old people's home" - that they were "elderly" - but I don't know if this lesson stuck. What I do know is that my heart was full of love and admiration for my little man Jeffrey, who just turned 10. The old folks, I mean elderly, were all sitting in the lobby and a sitting room waiting for lunch. Our 4 little people very sweetly patted arms, handed out cookies, wished each one a Happy Valentine's Day - and even answered questions. I could see Jeffrey get uncomfortable at times - unsure of what to do - like when one of the ladies was so crippled in her back that she was literally bent over at the waist and her line of sight was knee level - and her arms near the ground. In fairness to Jeffrey, I wasn't quite sure what to do either, but I always assume that mental capacity is fine (and even if it isn't, who cares?), so I squatted, and handed her a cookie. Jeffrey followed suit, wished her a "Happy Valentine's" and tucked her card into her chair. He was treated to her sweet smile and thanks, and as I watched his face, I realized that he was learning a great lesson that day (and it did not include diagramming sentences or decimals). Because, as it always is with loving others, you think you are going to serve others and you walk away with the bigger gift. With smiles and waves we wandered out, and, whew, my Valentine Friday was half-way over.
I must scan the card that Brantley made for me. It says, "I love my mom, said Brantley. I love my mom and dad - said Brantley." It tickled me that he made me 3-4 cards - but I was even more tickled by the "said Brantley" tag line!
Jeff and I did manage a dinner date Friday night. It was quite by accident. We had a sitter because we were going to a dinner party. But two couples got sick ones in their families and one had a baby-sitter cancel, so we were left alone - but with a siiter - not at all a bad place to be! Dinner was nice (Bonefish) and we took the kids to a movie as a family "date" on Saturday.
I posted on FB that I am "unromantic" about Valentine's Day. I guess I was feeling unromantic at the moment, but I do love romance the rest of the year. But the day did remind me to love on others (the nursing home thing) so I guess its not such a bad holiday after-all!
Hold on and see if you can keep up! I started at 8 am at Andrew's school for Valentine's Field Day. The whole school was out in force for field games set to 80's love songs. They had to do some adapting for of the games (meant for 1st - 5th grade) - and Andrew is FOUR, and, oh yeah, still has Down Syndrome. But he boogied to the 80's beat, tossed hearts, did obstacle courses (since he can lift his leg over his head) and generally had a great time wearing himself out with his classmates for two hours.
Already clad in my red t-shirt, I stop by Blake & Brantley's shin-dig since I had mis-packed bags of Valentines (Andrew had Blake's and Blake had Andrew's). I found the mix-up irritating since we had done them early this year (Monday - seriously- they were done 4 days early) so to pack them in the wrong back-pack was generally frustrating. But, since we had done over 40 of the suckers, it was as good as it was going to get. So, back to the B's school for a drop-in visit. The boys were thrilled by the surprise visit. I was not the "party mom" so was not required to attend.
From school #2, I head to homeschool group - now Valentine Event #3 for the day for me (and it is not even 11:00 am). Here, the kids have made Valentines and decorated batches and batches of heart cookies to take to a local nursing home. We had a chat with our 4th graders that they needed to stop calling it "the old people's home" - that they were "elderly" - but I don't know if this lesson stuck. What I do know is that my heart was full of love and admiration for my little man Jeffrey, who just turned 10. The old folks, I mean elderly, were all sitting in the lobby and a sitting room waiting for lunch. Our 4 little people very sweetly patted arms, handed out cookies, wished each one a Happy Valentine's Day - and even answered questions. I could see Jeffrey get uncomfortable at times - unsure of what to do - like when one of the ladies was so crippled in her back that she was literally bent over at the waist and her line of sight was knee level - and her arms near the ground. In fairness to Jeffrey, I wasn't quite sure what to do either, but I always assume that mental capacity is fine (and even if it isn't, who cares?), so I squatted, and handed her a cookie. Jeffrey followed suit, wished her a "Happy Valentine's" and tucked her card into her chair. He was treated to her sweet smile and thanks, and as I watched his face, I realized that he was learning a great lesson that day (and it did not include diagramming sentences or decimals). Because, as it always is with loving others, you think you are going to serve others and you walk away with the bigger gift. With smiles and waves we wandered out, and, whew, my Valentine Friday was half-way over.
I must scan the card that Brantley made for me. It says, "I love my mom, said Brantley. I love my mom and dad - said Brantley." It tickled me that he made me 3-4 cards - but I was even more tickled by the "said Brantley" tag line!
Jeff and I did manage a dinner date Friday night. It was quite by accident. We had a sitter because we were going to a dinner party. But two couples got sick ones in their families and one had a baby-sitter cancel, so we were left alone - but with a siiter - not at all a bad place to be! Dinner was nice (Bonefish) and we took the kids to a movie as a family "date" on Saturday.
I posted on FB that I am "unromantic" about Valentine's Day. I guess I was feeling unromantic at the moment, but I do love romance the rest of the year. But the day did remind me to love on others (the nursing home thing) so I guess its not such a bad holiday after-all!
Monday, February 02, 2009
Student of the Month!
So, to be perfectly honest, I was terrified of sending Andrew to school. I cried the entire day after I VISITED the class - terrified because he was so little. I did not know these people - they did not know me or Andrew. Would he obey for them? Would they understand what he was saying like Jeff and I do? But more than anything - would he be loved? Would he feel safe? Would he be able to "do" school???
So, Friday was as big a day for me and Jeff as it was for Andrew. He can do school. He can do it and do it well (at least for now, and that is all that matters). He got picked to be student of the month for his class. We got to go to a little award ceremony - where he was presented with a certificate and pin. Lots of families were there. Andrew clapped for himself - it was very sweet. The teacher writes a paragraph about the student.
Here is what she had to say...
"Since the first day of school, Andrew has been a star in our classroom. He is helpful to his friends and teachers and is always ready to have fun! Whenever we need a laugh, we turn to Andrew! He comes to school ready to learn and gives a smile from the minute he steps into the classroom with his waffles. A day without Andrew is honestly a boring day in PreK!"
yes, he does eat a waffle in the car EVERY morning on the way to school. If he has not finished it, he carries it in with him!
A shout out of thanks to his teachers and the school staff for having a warm and loving environment for my child. He LOVES going to school and feels like such a rock star there. As a mom, I am very very grateful. After being a part of private schools, home schooling, etc, I have been more than impressed with our local public school and the care and services they give. But that, is a subject for another blog! This one just celebrates Andrew. Way to go, sweet love!
So, Friday was as big a day for me and Jeff as it was for Andrew. He can do school. He can do it and do it well (at least for now, and that is all that matters). He got picked to be student of the month for his class. We got to go to a little award ceremony - where he was presented with a certificate and pin. Lots of families were there. Andrew clapped for himself - it was very sweet. The teacher writes a paragraph about the student.
Here is what she had to say...
"Since the first day of school, Andrew has been a star in our classroom. He is helpful to his friends and teachers and is always ready to have fun! Whenever we need a laugh, we turn to Andrew! He comes to school ready to learn and gives a smile from the minute he steps into the classroom with his waffles. A day without Andrew is honestly a boring day in PreK!"
yes, he does eat a waffle in the car EVERY morning on the way to school. If he has not finished it, he carries it in with him!
A shout out of thanks to his teachers and the school staff for having a warm and loving environment for my child. He LOVES going to school and feels like such a rock star there. As a mom, I am very very grateful. After being a part of private schools, home schooling, etc, I have been more than impressed with our local public school and the care and services they give. But that, is a subject for another blog! This one just celebrates Andrew. Way to go, sweet love!
Sunday, February 01, 2009
and so you just never know...
I doubt I will ever forget a few staggering moments in my life...
praying to receive Christ in my life
falling in love
saying "I do"
our first home
sitting across from the inferility doctor and him saying, "here is the card of a good adoption attorney OR you could try in-vitro"
It's a BOY
it's TWINS
It's a BOY. It's a BOY
"Jeff, I'm pregnant."
It's a BOY.
sitting in the pediatrician's office, "I'm going to tell you the truth. I think he has Down Syndrome."
Moments. Moments of joy. Moments of terror. Moments that take your breath away. The older I get, the more you come to know that you are only a moment away from some sort of BIG change (good or bad). And so the promises of God - that he holds our future and He is our Hope become more and more precious and more and more of a life-line.
In the last few weeks alone:
a friend had surgery for breast cancer
a neighbor lost their job
a husband is being deployed to Iraq
a friend's children had surgery
and the list goes on and on.
And so, if you just never know what the next moment brings, shouldn't you know the One who does?
praying to receive Christ in my life
falling in love
saying "I do"
our first home
sitting across from the inferility doctor and him saying, "here is the card of a good adoption attorney OR you could try in-vitro"
It's a BOY
it's TWINS
It's a BOY. It's a BOY
"Jeff, I'm pregnant."
It's a BOY.
sitting in the pediatrician's office, "I'm going to tell you the truth. I think he has Down Syndrome."
Moments. Moments of joy. Moments of terror. Moments that take your breath away. The older I get, the more you come to know that you are only a moment away from some sort of BIG change (good or bad). And so the promises of God - that he holds our future and He is our Hope become more and more precious and more and more of a life-line.
In the last few weeks alone:
a friend had surgery for breast cancer
a neighbor lost their job
a husband is being deployed to Iraq
a friend's children had surgery
and the list goes on and on.
And so, if you just never know what the next moment brings, shouldn't you know the One who does?
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