The boys had a soccer game this morning. We've never participated in the Saturday morning soccer thing before this year. Our philosophy with sports/activities for our kids has been to expose them to a variety of sports so that they have an idea of how it is played. If they enjoy something and want to learn more, then great. If they don't, then great. I must admit that it really isn't soccer but rather bunch ball. I smile often as I watch my boys play. Simon is more willing to get in the thick of things and attacks the ball but lacks the power. Garrison circles the ball while doing a sort of run/dance thing and only kicks it when it comes to him. The weather so far hasn't been bad and I haven't had any awkward conversations with crazy parents. Good stuff.
Today however, (don't ya just love the word however!) there was an event that occurred on the soccer field. Let me back up a bit. The boys forgot to take their water bottles. (This of course isn't shocking if you are my facebook friend and haven't blocked me. You are aware of my forgetful sons.) I forgot to remind them to take water bottles. I'm still getting used to this "activity thing". How much is my responsibility? How much is theirs? Anyway, at the start of the second quarter I asked Garrison if he would like a drink box from the car. YES! Play began and I headed off to the car to get a drink for my son. If you are wondering. . . hmm. . . she has two thirsty sons on the field. . . you are correct. Simon however doesn't like juice boxes. I brought one for him anyway just in case. Sometimes thirst wins.
I returned to my seat and Garrison caught my eye and yelled "Hey mom, guess what?" (Guess what drives me crazy--the boy says it all the time!) The ball was at the other end of the field and the three fullbacks and goalie were behind. "What" I replied. "Mom, guess what? The ball was down here and then guess what? It was kicked as hard as possible and then guess what? It hit me right here!" he yelled as he thrust his hips forward and pointed at his penis. By now all the parents on the sideline were listening to the conversation. Garrison had a very proud grin on his face. I'm not exactly sure what was on mine. I know I was smiling and shaking my head a little bit. I did hear the laughter around me as I asked if he was o.k. He assured me that he was without even uttering a "guess what". Another mom assured me that I could someday be a grandmother. When I brought him his drink box during the third quarter (he had to sit out) he let me know that after it happened. . ." you know mom. . . when the ball hit my weenie. . . the whole crowd went awwww".
He thought that was the coolest part. He loved hearing the crowd. I think he may be a little like me.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Volcano
I just like my kids.
On Sunday, I especially liked Simon. I had forgotten this until this morning. (I always know I like him. . . but sometimes it just washes over ya. . . know what I mean?)
See, on the way home from church the kids were retelling the stories they had heard in Children's Worship (Noel) and Carpenter's Workshop (Sunday School for Simon and Garrison). In the midst of recounting Joseph's life, Garrison said that they had drawn a picture of their families. He then continued with a giggle that Simon had drawn a huge volcano and that our family was running away from it so that we wouldn't get burned by hot lava. I burst out into laughter. What an appropriate way to be funny! Simon can struggle with being funny at inappropriate times, so this was genuinely funny. "Seriously?" I asked him. He had a huge grin on his face. I love it that he put us in some great action. We laughed and moved on with our day.
Then this morning, after I had long forgotten about the drawing, I ended up in the boys room in our church basement. We began our Bible Study this morning and Penny decided to be constipated. (At least that is the only thing that I can figure out!) I missed our entire video because I was with her. I saw pictures hanging up in the room and laughed again at my sweet boy. I'm so glad that he didn't have the volcano destroying his mama! We were indeed all running away so that we wouldn't get "burned up with hot lava".
Yesterday I behaved poorly and disciplined him in a shameful way at the bus stop. I'm all for disciplining, but I didn't realize that others were watching (I thought I was being discreet: um no!) As I walked back to our house with Penny I was stewing about his behavior and was then convicted that perhaps. . . I was the one who was in error. I prayed as I got home that I would be forgiven and then I apologized later to Simon. I was the volcano that erupted. Yuck!
So. . . I like him. I like the laughter he brings and I like what God is teaching me through him.
On Sunday, I especially liked Simon. I had forgotten this until this morning. (I always know I like him. . . but sometimes it just washes over ya. . . know what I mean?)
See, on the way home from church the kids were retelling the stories they had heard in Children's Worship (Noel) and Carpenter's Workshop (Sunday School for Simon and Garrison). In the midst of recounting Joseph's life, Garrison said that they had drawn a picture of their families. He then continued with a giggle that Simon had drawn a huge volcano and that our family was running away from it so that we wouldn't get burned by hot lava. I burst out into laughter. What an appropriate way to be funny! Simon can struggle with being funny at inappropriate times, so this was genuinely funny. "Seriously?" I asked him. He had a huge grin on his face. I love it that he put us in some great action. We laughed and moved on with our day.
Then this morning, after I had long forgotten about the drawing, I ended up in the boys room in our church basement. We began our Bible Study this morning and Penny decided to be constipated. (At least that is the only thing that I can figure out!) I missed our entire video because I was with her. I saw pictures hanging up in the room and laughed again at my sweet boy. I'm so glad that he didn't have the volcano destroying his mama! We were indeed all running away so that we wouldn't get "burned up with hot lava".
Yesterday I behaved poorly and disciplined him in a shameful way at the bus stop. I'm all for disciplining, but I didn't realize that others were watching (I thought I was being discreet: um no!) As I walked back to our house with Penny I was stewing about his behavior and was then convicted that perhaps. . . I was the one who was in error. I prayed as I got home that I would be forgiven and then I apologized later to Simon. I was the volcano that erupted. Yuck!
So. . . I like him. I like the laughter he brings and I like what God is teaching me through him.
Friday, September 21, 2012
First Day of School (belated)
So. . . here are the first day of school pics. Thankfully, my children haven't changed that much in the past four weeks. :) Enjoy!
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| Garrison |
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| Simon |
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| Oh how I love my first graders! |
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| Kindergarten!!! |
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| Mama duck and her ducklings |
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| Hi Papa duck! |
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| Garrison passes his baton to his new teacher: Loushe (sp?) Zhang |
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| Meet Noel's teacher: Loushe (sp?) Zhang |
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| Simon passes his baton to his new teacher. . . wait for it. . . Loushe (sp) Zhang! |
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| A week later they were able to ride the bus. Love these kids! |
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| Rock-n-roll bus 49 |
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| This is not the first day of school, but it does melt my heart. . . so I included it. |
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Honored
Last night the phone rang at 1:00 a.m.
Those are not the kind of phone calls that we like to get. . . most of the time things are bad. The only time I like getting middle of the night phone calls is when we are getting news of a new niece or nephew. (Hopefully we'll be getting one of those around Thanksgiving: Yeah for Kevin and Gretchen!) More likely though with a late night phone call is either bad news or a crank phone call. Last night was bad news.
A friend needed me. I was instantly awake and up out of bed. Her husband had been taken to the hospital and could I please come over. OF COURSE.
As I drove back home in the wee hours of the morning I was overcome with gratitude. I must say that I saw last night as an honor. I am so thankful that she felt like she could call me. I am so thankful that I was able to pray for her and her family in the middle of the night. I'm so thankful that her husband is doing well this morning (Praise God!). I'm thankful that I have friends. I have friends that I can call in the middle of the night for help. I know that I have MANY friends that I could call in the middle of the night for help. I bless God that He has given that to our family. So friends, if you need me. . . please call. It will be an honor.
Those are not the kind of phone calls that we like to get. . . most of the time things are bad. The only time I like getting middle of the night phone calls is when we are getting news of a new niece or nephew. (Hopefully we'll be getting one of those around Thanksgiving: Yeah for Kevin and Gretchen!) More likely though with a late night phone call is either bad news or a crank phone call. Last night was bad news.
A friend needed me. I was instantly awake and up out of bed. Her husband had been taken to the hospital and could I please come over. OF COURSE.
As I drove back home in the wee hours of the morning I was overcome with gratitude. I must say that I saw last night as an honor. I am so thankful that she felt like she could call me. I am so thankful that I was able to pray for her and her family in the middle of the night. I'm so thankful that her husband is doing well this morning (Praise God!). I'm thankful that I have friends. I have friends that I can call in the middle of the night for help. I know that I have MANY friends that I could call in the middle of the night for help. I bless God that He has given that to our family. So friends, if you need me. . . please call. It will be an honor.
Monday, September 17, 2012
A brand new service
Sunday morning church service changed for us yesterday. It won't last forever, just 16 more years. Garrison and Simon graduated out of children's worship (which happens during the sermon part of the service) and into Carpenter's Workshop (which happens after the church service). Suddenly, things are different in the pew. Noel left during the offering and Gary and I found ourselves managing/wrangling/quieting/encouraging two fidgety boys. :)
I must say they handled themselves better than I thought they would. Our church did decide to throw another wrench into the mix. Communion.
I forgot that we were having communion and my boys have never seen it because they have always been in the church basement while it is happening. I had planned on sitting down with them and explaining things, but instead Gary and I found ourselves whispering to our offspring about what was about to happen. I got a little teary eyed as I shared with Garrison (Gary was on Simon) about the bread and wine. It is such an amazing thing to participate in. The boys walked up with us to receive the elements, but they didn't take it yet. Our church leaves that decision up to the parents as to when their children can begin to receive communion.
So Garrison and Simon joined us on our walk up front and then we returned to our seats with the elements. We waited to take them until everyone had been served. Garrison carefully examined them. I spilled my juice on my pants (awesome!). It took on new meaning for me as I remembered watching my parents partake of communion and now my sons were watching me. It is another responsibility as parents--passing on to the next generation--the worship and adoration and fear and amazement and love of God.
Yup. Sundays are certainly new for us again. Now I need to wait for that first bodily function from one of them during the service. Good times.
I must say they handled themselves better than I thought they would. Our church did decide to throw another wrench into the mix. Communion.
I forgot that we were having communion and my boys have never seen it because they have always been in the church basement while it is happening. I had planned on sitting down with them and explaining things, but instead Gary and I found ourselves whispering to our offspring about what was about to happen. I got a little teary eyed as I shared with Garrison (Gary was on Simon) about the bread and wine. It is such an amazing thing to participate in. The boys walked up with us to receive the elements, but they didn't take it yet. Our church leaves that decision up to the parents as to when their children can begin to receive communion.
So Garrison and Simon joined us on our walk up front and then we returned to our seats with the elements. We waited to take them until everyone had been served. Garrison carefully examined them. I spilled my juice on my pants (awesome!). It took on new meaning for me as I remembered watching my parents partake of communion and now my sons were watching me. It is another responsibility as parents--passing on to the next generation--the worship and adoration and fear and amazement and love of God.
Yup. Sundays are certainly new for us again. Now I need to wait for that first bodily function from one of them during the service. Good times.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Garrison's start
We have had a great start to the school year. Yes, things can be challenging when your teacher only speaks in Mandarin. Yes, it can cause some interesting situations because three siblings are together in a class of ten. Yes, Penny is a bit lost and a tad naughty in the mornings without her siblings around. Yes, the kids have been tired.
BUT we are loving the program. The kids are eager to go go school. They do lots of activities with other classes. They speak Mandarin at home. It has been a great fit for our family.
Garrison however, has had some trouble adjusting to the "sides" of school. He left his lunchbox at school on the first day. The first day!! He saw a treasure and set his lunch bag down to that he could examine it. The next week he left it on the bus. This week he didn't come home on the bus. He had heard Gary and I talking about how our friend Lisa was going to pick him and Simon up for soccer practice on Tuesday night. Somehow it resonated in his brain that he was to wait at school on Monday for his ride. Thankfully the school secretary took him home. The funniest part to me was that he was so excited that he got to ride in a corvette. She drives a Jetta. :). So we are waiting for the next Garrison moment. I'm sure that Simon and Noel will have their share too as we get into the business of school. Noel has already lost her bus pass.
BUT we are loving the program. The kids are eager to go go school. They do lots of activities with other classes. They speak Mandarin at home. It has been a great fit for our family.
Garrison however, has had some trouble adjusting to the "sides" of school. He left his lunchbox at school on the first day. The first day!! He saw a treasure and set his lunch bag down to that he could examine it. The next week he left it on the bus. This week he didn't come home on the bus. He had heard Gary and I talking about how our friend Lisa was going to pick him and Simon up for soccer practice on Tuesday night. Somehow it resonated in his brain that he was to wait at school on Monday for his ride. Thankfully the school secretary took him home. The funniest part to me was that he was so excited that he got to ride in a corvette. She drives a Jetta. :). So we are waiting for the next Garrison moment. I'm sure that Simon and Noel will have their share too as we get into the business of school. Noel has already lost her bus pass.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Where is my mind?
Penny is wearing an Easter dress today. She has worn it five times in the last week and a half. On Labor Day I cleaned out the clothes bins and found a bag with two Easter dresses in it. Last May I had gone shopping with a friend and had purchased matching dresses for Noel and Penny. I haven't ever done that, so it was fun, I thought I could get away with it for one year right?
So Monday I'm looking at the dresses and I see that Penny's dress is the wrong size! Instead of purchasing the size for next year, I bought the one a size too small!! It was a 12-18 month size. What is wrong with me? At the time she was wearing a size 2T and next spring she'll be in a size 3T!
So I called the store and surprise, they do not have one in a size 3T. Penny saw the dress and fell in love with it. It is short and I can zip it. She wears it outside, to church. . . Everywhere. She cries when I take it off at night and I have to hide it from her in order to wash it. I'm not stressed about it getting dirty and she dances all the time which is so very cute and entertaining. After all, I need to get as much wear as I can from it right?!? :)
So Monday I'm looking at the dresses and I see that Penny's dress is the wrong size! Instead of purchasing the size for next year, I bought the one a size too small!! It was a 12-18 month size. What is wrong with me? At the time she was wearing a size 2T and next spring she'll be in a size 3T!
So I called the store and surprise, they do not have one in a size 3T. Penny saw the dress and fell in love with it. It is short and I can zip it. She wears it outside, to church. . . Everywhere. She cries when I take it off at night and I have to hide it from her in order to wash it. I'm not stressed about it getting dirty and she dances all the time which is so very cute and entertaining. After all, I need to get as much wear as I can from it right?!? :)
Thursday, September 6, 2012
On my mind
I've had several things bumping around "on my mind" today. Things that kind of weigh in. . . perhaps weigh on a little bit.
Noel got on the bus this morning in tears. School is great, but the three older girls at the bus stop don't give her a glance. She finally got up the guts to go and say "hello" and one of the girls responded with "what?!?" Noel lost it. As a mama I want to intervene, yet I don't think it is my place this time. Some kids just aren't going to be friendly. Some older kids just don't want to talk with someone in kindergarten. I held her close and whispered that I hoped when she was nine she would be willing to talk with someone who is five. The bus came as her tears spilled over and I had to give her a little nudge to get on. Ah!! Why is it that when the heart breaks in one of my kids my heart breaks too? I prayed on the way home for her.
An adoptive mama sent her daughter to surgery yesterday to amputate her daughter's legs. I've been walking with this Christ following family as they traveled to China to adopt their daughter. I've read through various doctor's appointments. Yesterday was the big day and now Jael finally has a chance to walk with artificial legs. Of course this bumps around in my head because of my experience with artificial legs (my dad is an amputee), our adoption from China, and all the Olympic coverage of the runner from South Africa. I found myself checking her blog many times as this sweet mama that I'll meet in heaven posted pictures and updates. Praying for this family and sweetie pie Jael!
I began potty training Penny yesterday and once again, this last child of mine is doing things differently. We are in diapers again today and will be for awhile. Penny is her own book. I love this about her, but I need to do a little more thinking about this child before we venture into big girl panties again.
I'm on day 6 of no artificial sugar. Those who know me well just uttered a collective gasp! I love diet pop. Love it. Long for it. I love sugar free Cool Whip. I put Splenda in my yogurt every day. These past few days have certainly been a change. I'm giving myself a month without, and then I'll think about what I'd like to do next. I'll keep you posted. The caffeine withdrawal has been the biggest problem, especially the first two days. I've only had a few headaches since.
I've yet to figure out how to handle the "return from school". Things just seem to fall apart in our house when the boys get off of the bus. Gary gets home about 10 minutes after them. . . so within a few minutes our house is full of changes and the kids aren't handling it very well. I must admit that at times I don't handle their not handling it well either. I'm thinking we need to give it some time and get into some sort of a routine. It helps me to know that there is just going to be a little chaos, a little tears, a little silliness, a little acting out, and someone named Penny will either eat toothpaste or get into the cleaning supplies.
Add to that my friend Jane and her family who are serving God in Costa Rica experienced an earthquake yesterday. They have certainly had some big rocks (figuratively speaking) in their path since they left. I pray for them often and wish I could give them a hug or a meal with lots of meat. (They rarely eat any because it is so expensive.) I'll have to settle for more prayer and a donation to their fund.
Finally, I haven't been sleeping well and am a bit perplexed. If I am awoken in the night, then I'm up for awhile. It is the reason why Gary takes all the basic parenting issues in the night. I'll take the biggies thank you very much. For the past 4 or 5 nights, I've been awake for an hour and a half almost every night and at different times. Sometimes a child woke me up, but last night I was awake at 5:00. Well. . . I may as well just get up then. I did get caught up on my "reading through the Bible in a year" though. That feels great. Right now though. . . sorta tired. :) Perhaps when I begin drinking pop again. . . . a girl can only hope.
Noel got on the bus this morning in tears. School is great, but the three older girls at the bus stop don't give her a glance. She finally got up the guts to go and say "hello" and one of the girls responded with "what?!?" Noel lost it. As a mama I want to intervene, yet I don't think it is my place this time. Some kids just aren't going to be friendly. Some older kids just don't want to talk with someone in kindergarten. I held her close and whispered that I hoped when she was nine she would be willing to talk with someone who is five. The bus came as her tears spilled over and I had to give her a little nudge to get on. Ah!! Why is it that when the heart breaks in one of my kids my heart breaks too? I prayed on the way home for her.
An adoptive mama sent her daughter to surgery yesterday to amputate her daughter's legs. I've been walking with this Christ following family as they traveled to China to adopt their daughter. I've read through various doctor's appointments. Yesterday was the big day and now Jael finally has a chance to walk with artificial legs. Of course this bumps around in my head because of my experience with artificial legs (my dad is an amputee), our adoption from China, and all the Olympic coverage of the runner from South Africa. I found myself checking her blog many times as this sweet mama that I'll meet in heaven posted pictures and updates. Praying for this family and sweetie pie Jael!
I began potty training Penny yesterday and once again, this last child of mine is doing things differently. We are in diapers again today and will be for awhile. Penny is her own book. I love this about her, but I need to do a little more thinking about this child before we venture into big girl panties again.
I'm on day 6 of no artificial sugar. Those who know me well just uttered a collective gasp! I love diet pop. Love it. Long for it. I love sugar free Cool Whip. I put Splenda in my yogurt every day. These past few days have certainly been a change. I'm giving myself a month without, and then I'll think about what I'd like to do next. I'll keep you posted. The caffeine withdrawal has been the biggest problem, especially the first two days. I've only had a few headaches since.
I've yet to figure out how to handle the "return from school". Things just seem to fall apart in our house when the boys get off of the bus. Gary gets home about 10 minutes after them. . . so within a few minutes our house is full of changes and the kids aren't handling it very well. I must admit that at times I don't handle their not handling it well either. I'm thinking we need to give it some time and get into some sort of a routine. It helps me to know that there is just going to be a little chaos, a little tears, a little silliness, a little acting out, and someone named Penny will either eat toothpaste or get into the cleaning supplies.
Add to that my friend Jane and her family who are serving God in Costa Rica experienced an earthquake yesterday. They have certainly had some big rocks (figuratively speaking) in their path since they left. I pray for them often and wish I could give them a hug or a meal with lots of meat. (They rarely eat any because it is so expensive.) I'll have to settle for more prayer and a donation to their fund.
Finally, I haven't been sleeping well and am a bit perplexed. If I am awoken in the night, then I'm up for awhile. It is the reason why Gary takes all the basic parenting issues in the night. I'll take the biggies thank you very much. For the past 4 or 5 nights, I've been awake for an hour and a half almost every night and at different times. Sometimes a child woke me up, but last night I was awake at 5:00. Well. . . I may as well just get up then. I did get caught up on my "reading through the Bible in a year" though. That feels great. Right now though. . . sorta tired. :) Perhaps when I begin drinking pop again. . . . a girl can only hope.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Amazing day
So. . .
What if your mama called and offered you a day away because she thought you and Gary needed it?
What if you took her up on that offer and decided to surprise your sweetheart because it is fun and because you bombed on his birthday?
What if you did lots of research on-line looking for festivals, fairs, and other places of interest?
What if you remembered how much fun you used to have at Great America together?
What if you decided to go to Michigan Adventure?
What if you made all the plans and then some feel through?
What if you scrambled and put together new pieces that fit so great?
What if when you shared the surprise he looked at you in such a strange way. . . and asks if he'll have to do the water park? The answer is no.
What if you try out a new restaurant on the way and it is fabulous!
What if you don't have to pay for parking because one of his work cell sites is within walking distance and you celebrate saving ten bucks?
What if you only ride roller coasters. . . and one train ride to get to the other roller coasters?
What if you don't buy one thing inside the park the whole day?
What if you laugh and laugh and sweat a lot and then laugh about that?
What if you imagine taking your kids someday, but are so glad to just have this day together?
What if you only ride in either the very front seat or the very last seat the entire day on every coaster?
What if you enjoy a new restaurant on the way home that makes Chicago Deep Dish Pizza? Yummm!
What if you come home to every kid sleeping and your house all clean?
That my friends is a pretty cool day and it really happened to me. Yes indeed. I love my man. I love my mama. I love my kids so much that I wanted to be away from them for a day. Good stuff.
What if your mama called and offered you a day away because she thought you and Gary needed it?
What if you took her up on that offer and decided to surprise your sweetheart because it is fun and because you bombed on his birthday?
What if you did lots of research on-line looking for festivals, fairs, and other places of interest?
What if you remembered how much fun you used to have at Great America together?
What if you decided to go to Michigan Adventure?
What if you made all the plans and then some feel through?
What if you scrambled and put together new pieces that fit so great?
What if when you shared the surprise he looked at you in such a strange way. . . and asks if he'll have to do the water park? The answer is no.
What if you try out a new restaurant on the way and it is fabulous!
What if you don't have to pay for parking because one of his work cell sites is within walking distance and you celebrate saving ten bucks?
What if you only ride roller coasters. . . and one train ride to get to the other roller coasters?
What if you don't buy one thing inside the park the whole day?
What if you laugh and laugh and sweat a lot and then laugh about that?
What if you imagine taking your kids someday, but are so glad to just have this day together?
What if you only ride in either the very front seat or the very last seat the entire day on every coaster?
What if you enjoy a new restaurant on the way home that makes Chicago Deep Dish Pizza? Yummm!
What if you come home to every kid sleeping and your house all clean?
That my friends is a pretty cool day and it really happened to me. Yes indeed. I love my man. I love my mama. I love my kids so much that I wanted to be away from them for a day. Good stuff.
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