Lesson 1: Monkey see, Monkey do.
Okay, so it isn't a new lesson, but when Cade wants to do something Beckett always has to do the same. This is excellent with our new ventures in potty training. It also works well for behavior modification. But, when Cade had to dress up for a kindergarten interview, Beckett had to do the same. When we arrived at the school, the interviewer complimented us for being in church like attire. I think they look handsome, even if Cade is growing so much, he has almost outgrown all of his nice clothes!
Lesson 2: If you have an inkling, then research it, because it just might be true.
Since Beckett was little, he has struggled with ear infection after ear infection. Herein lied my first inkling that something should be done. Last September, I finally realized that I didn't need a doctor's order to take him to the ENT. I took him to the ENT to reassure myself that he had no permanent ear damage. Thankfully, he doesn't. But, visit after visit, they would tell me, "his ears aren't infected, they just have water in them."(inkling number 2).There is no way that water in a child's ear is ever comfortable. After a long delay, Beckett finally got tubes. To say we were thrilled, is an understatement. It was even worth the two almost skin breaking bites he gave me prior to placing him on the operating table! The poor child, even in two weeks time, is speaking much better than ever.
Lesson 3: Things are found much better when put in neat baskets!
Okay, so I have always been a clean freak, and somewhat organized. Although, my recent obsession has been organizing my house to a tee. Last month, I did a Target run and bought a few dozen baskets. With these baskets, I have organized my linen closet, my pantry, the boys' room, and my clothes closet. I have even labeled all the bins with chalkboard sticker paper. I must admit that Chad is super handy. So, instead of spending $1000+ on a professional closet organizer. His sweat and tears (okay so maybe no tears were truly involved), worked magic in our master bedroom closet.
Lesson 4: Just because you have time to do something, doesn't mean you should do it.
We got bunk beds for the boys. It is the highlight of their world. To us, it is a little like running fingernails down a chalkboard. The threats, punishments, and tears that are distributed each night are mind blowing, along with the early morning wakings and no-nap takings. But, it does make it all the worth while, when I can roll over in bed for 30 more minutes in the morning, because the boys are playing sweetly with their toys in their shared bedroom. That, is priceless.
To complete the makeover in their room, all we needed was a little paint. One afternoon, I got ambitious, took the boys to the paint shop, and proceeded to paint one of their walls with chalkboard paint. Halfway through I was done, mainly because I couldn't reach the top. So, for at least a week, it looked like someone splattered black paint all over their wall. Thank goodness, Chad also knows how to paint, and again came to my rescue. Maybe that is the real lesson...don't start projects if you can't finish them!
Lesson 5: Lunch time play dates are little gifts to tired moms!
As mentioned before, Cade has recently been invited to friend's houses after school. This. Is. Awesome. It truly is a gift when he is invited, or has a friend over for a couple hours to play. It gives me time to get things done, and gives Cade an opportunity outside of school to connect with his friends. And, he is SO HAPPY!
Lesson 6: Sometimes the harder thing, produces greater results.
This year is my first year in the MOPS program, and the first year on the leadership team. Initially, I joined to meet more people from my massively large church. The first semester proved to be new, challenging, and a growing experience. Many a night, I was tired and thought it might just be easier to stay home. Thankfully, I pressed through. As I have gotten more comfortable in my role, I have gained so many priceless blessings. To learn and grow with other women, is truly a gift. I am thankful that I have given the time to connect with some amazingly strong, vibrant women!
Lesson 7: Some places never change.
We celebrated Chad's birthday at the beginning of February, and my sister's birthday in the middle of the month. We were able to celebrate Chad turning 34 with some donuts, breakfast, and coffee with my dad in the village near their house.
To celebrate my sister's last year before heading into her 30s, we went to Clyde's, a long standing staple in my family with tons of good eats. Later in the day on the day of celebration, as I was organizing my closet, I came across an old journal. In that journal, dated February 15, 1997 (my sister's birthday), I had written about how we celebrated Melissa's birthday with lunch at Clydes! It was an amazing how 15 years, three extra guys, and six grandkids later, we would be celebrating her amazing life in same exact place! I guess some places are still special after all these years.
Lesson 8: Sundays are better spent with friends.
This past year, one of my dearest friends, started homeschooling her first grade daughter. I am super impressed with her ability to accomplish all she does throughout her day. We don't see them as much anymore, since they don't live right around the corner. But, since they still attend our church, we are guaranteed to see them weekly. So, to make our Sundays even better, this month,we finally got the schedules together and spent an afternoon eating, talking, and playing.
Lesson 9: The simplest ideas are sometimes the best ideas.
I am a huge fan of Pinterest for any crafty and/or food idea. Since, Cade doesn't have school on Mondays, I am always looking for ways to teach him at home. This past Monday, a Pinterest idea, using scrap paper and sight words, was a huge hit. Matchbox cars never get old in this house!
Lesson 10: Practice makes perfect!
Cade is in his second session of swim lessons. He goes weekly, and has now been moved up to the Advanced Beginner level(also known as AB1) because of his quick improvement in the sport. Since he LOVES star wars, we like to say he is our OBwan, a play off of AB1, now because of his concentration to the sport. He loves to swim, and loves his patient coaches even more! This is the view we have weekly...along with our zealous cheering section,which sometimes includes my parents! What a treat to have them be close to come see him in his element.
