Saturday while Cory was spending the late afternoon in one of the deer blinds waiting to see what might visit his newly planted apple orchard and I was cooking up one of our last family meals before the holidays ended and our daily work/daycare schedule started up again, the boys were getting their "sillies" out. We managed nearly an entire day home without turning the TV on so far and I was stretching it out to see how long they'd go before I needed the break of 30 minutes of Curious George or The Gruffalo.
What happened next was something that made my heart leap for joy. At least leap for hope of joy.
As a family we've been members at Church of the Highlands for going on 9 or 10 years now I think. Those of you close to us know it was the vehicle that probably the biggest influence in changing our lives. (And that's BIG). From Dinks to 40 with preschoolers faster than Earnhart and Gordon race around the oval at Talladega. And although I grew up Catholic, for me it was this place and the people we have connected through it that brought me to a relationship with God. It's not just the awesome messages given by Pastor Chris, but the place it has taken in our everyday lives. (Of course any of my co-workers will tell you I still have a ways to go, but improvement is better than nothing!)
While we attend Sunday services, the kids get to participate in their own activities in the Nursery-Duke's in The Fire Station and it's the PreSchool "Clubhouse" for Jack. I used to be on the Dream Team and work video back in the early days of the church but since the move to the Grants Mill campus and having the kids, it's not been feasible for me to get back yet to helping on Sundays. I've often wondered what really goes on for the kids, other than just playing and puzzles and the L'il K and Veggie Tales videos.
Well, apparently they sing too - at least in the Clubhouse, where there is a stage and chalkboard, and the kids sit in the "audience". I should have picked up on it, but it took some music to make it click for me.
As I'm cooking away in the kitchen, suddenly I hear Jack telling Duke to "get in the audience" as he climbs up on the fireplace his "stage". Then out of the mouths of babes I hear, well, you can hear it yourself...
For those of you that are wondering, it's Hillsong Kid's "One Way (Jesus)" and I knew I recognized it when Jack first started singing it but as soon as I figured it out, I was grabbing for my iTouch and iTunes and downloading it for the car.
And the feeling I had as I listened to them ask me to play it for the 10th time was...finally, I'm doing something RIGHT! They are ready for Worship time at Highlands!
note to viewers: The "dots" in Duke's pants are two flashlights they got for Christmas. I apologize for the graininess from the poor lighting. But Duke's moves near the middle are entirely worth watching the full 1:36, that kid has some flexible joints!!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas Traditions on The Ranch
I have been meaning to write several posts in the past few weeks, and those weeks FLEW by. I cannot believe that we are only days away from Christmas!
Now that the boys are getting a bit older and wiser, and because we were home for the holidays this year without any travel plans, I really focused this year on making sure we were creating some holiday traditions that would grow in our little family to be well remembered and cherished as the years pass. Cory and I are very conscious of creating our family "identity" these days and there is no better time than at the holidays when he is not traveling as much and everyone is in a pretty joyful mood to capture that spirit.
When I was growing up we had an advent calendar. It was a square piece of felt with a simple felt Christmas Tree and 25 pockets across the bottom. Each year Mom hung it in the kitchen and filled the pockets with the 25 little ornaments that had velcro on the back and each day leading up to Christmas we took turns picking out of the pocket (you never knew which one you'd get!) and attaching them to the tree. The last one though was always the same, Baby Jesus in the walnut shell. Last year my mother sent us a wall advent calendar. No tree, but 25 pockets to fill. I wish I had thought of just putting 25 ornaments and letting the boys put them on the tree, but I wasn't that brilliant so early in the year. Instead we have our own elf, well one that actually requires some imagination as ours is too shy to actually see (that Elf on the Shelf guy kind of freaks me out!). Our elf comes each night when we are sleeping and tucks away a new treat for that day. This year we've had the usual chocolate kisses, chocolate gold coins, PEZ, and even some of the cereal that the reindeer (Corn Pops) and elves (Lucky Charms) eat. Let me tell you, the prospect of a chocolate candy at 6am on a school day really jolts my kids out of bed. We've never been out of the house faster all year long!
The real fun of it though is their imaginations coming out. Jack regularly goes to the fireplace (that's where the elf comes into the house, just like Santa) and tells the elf thank you, and occaissionally gives him suggestions on what might be a good treat for the next day. And on a few occaissions when he hasn't particularly liked what the elf brought on a particular day, it's served as a learning lesson of how to be appreciative to receive something at all. We even had a morning that the elf "forgot!" - the stinker was at a Christmas party the night before and was headed to our house very late (or early) the next day and since Mommy and Daddy were already up and having breakfast he didn't want to come in since he's so shy. So Mommy told everyone to go back up to their room with Daddy while she turned off all the lights and put the dogs in the garage for 5 minutes while he snuck in. WHEW! That is one smart elf!
I'm really excited for Saturday however, because we've been talking and looking at our nativity quite a bit and why there is a crib with no baby in it. Pocket #25 will hold our Baby Jesus for the boys to lay in the manger.
And speaking of the true meaning of Christmas, we have been talking non stop about Christmas being the celebration of Jesus' birthday and that all the excitement is really for that big event. A wonderful friend of mine from church, Mallory Carrington (who's dad was a former Packer by the way), gave me a fabulous way to tie in Santa's gift and Jesus' Birthday. Each child receives 3 gifts from Santa, just as Jesus received 3 gifts from the wisemen. I know some people don't participate in the Santa tradition at all as the topic was recently very eloquently discussed by one of my favorite bloggers Mom-101, but for us, we enjoy watching the kids believe in something they can't see just for the innocence and hope it creates in their heart. Isn't that the basis for faith? And I believe that someday as long as we continue to do our daily devotions and create a heart for Christ in our kids, they will not be confused but understand that there shouldn't be separation between the life they live between Sundays.
We've been doing all the other fun stuff, singing Christmas carols in the car - I LOVE my children for liking the Rat Pack over the regular versions, spotting Santa all over town (Duke is not so big a fan this year), the Polar Express train, ABC Family Christmas specials and even a great new one sent in by Grandma - a Christmas countdown! They sent one home the first of the month from school, a picture of Santa Claus with the instructions to paste a cotton ball to his beard for each day to count down to Christmas. The boys liked what Grandma sent to them better...and they don't look nearly as pretty four days before Christmas.
Now that the boys are getting a bit older and wiser, and because we were home for the holidays this year without any travel plans, I really focused this year on making sure we were creating some holiday traditions that would grow in our little family to be well remembered and cherished as the years pass. Cory and I are very conscious of creating our family "identity" these days and there is no better time than at the holidays when he is not traveling as much and everyone is in a pretty joyful mood to capture that spirit.
The real fun of it though is their imaginations coming out. Jack regularly goes to the fireplace (that's where the elf comes into the house, just like Santa) and tells the elf thank you, and occaissionally gives him suggestions on what might be a good treat for the next day. And on a few occaissions when he hasn't particularly liked what the elf brought on a particular day, it's served as a learning lesson of how to be appreciative to receive something at all. We even had a morning that the elf "forgot!" - the stinker was at a Christmas party the night before and was headed to our house very late (or early) the next day and since Mommy and Daddy were already up and having breakfast he didn't want to come in since he's so shy. So Mommy told everyone to go back up to their room with Daddy while she turned off all the lights and put the dogs in the garage for 5 minutes while he snuck in. WHEW! That is one smart elf!
I'm really excited for Saturday however, because we've been talking and looking at our nativity quite a bit and why there is a crib with no baby in it. Pocket #25 will hold our Baby Jesus for the boys to lay in the manger.
And speaking of the true meaning of Christmas, we have been talking non stop about Christmas being the celebration of Jesus' birthday and that all the excitement is really for that big event. A wonderful friend of mine from church, Mallory Carrington (who's dad was a former Packer by the way), gave me a fabulous way to tie in Santa's gift and Jesus' Birthday. Each child receives 3 gifts from Santa, just as Jesus received 3 gifts from the wisemen. I know some people don't participate in the Santa tradition at all as the topic was recently very eloquently discussed by one of my favorite bloggers Mom-101, but for us, we enjoy watching the kids believe in something they can't see just for the innocence and hope it creates in their heart. Isn't that the basis for faith? And I believe that someday as long as we continue to do our daily devotions and create a heart for Christ in our kids, they will not be confused but understand that there shouldn't be separation between the life they live between Sundays.
We've been doing all the other fun stuff, singing Christmas carols in the car - I LOVE my children for liking the Rat Pack over the regular versions, spotting Santa all over town (Duke is not so big a fan this year), the Polar Express train, ABC Family Christmas specials and even a great new one sent in by Grandma - a Christmas countdown! They sent one home the first of the month from school, a picture of Santa Claus with the instructions to paste a cotton ball to his beard for each day to count down to Christmas. The boys liked what Grandma sent to them better...and they don't look nearly as pretty four days before Christmas.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
My Big, Little Man
What a month, and what a way to cap it off with a couple of birthday celebrations!
I would be remiss if I didn't at least post (very quickly) that my better half has entered another milestone, yep, 40. And he did it well, without pomp and circumstance (which is the way I think he wanted it).
However, I believe we both have a desire to just fly past this next birthday and go on to better things, like the fact our baby boy is now 3! And this blog would just not be complete if I didn't take a post to include pictures of how our several celebrations turned out for Duke.
Thanksgiving is a big holiday in the Rath family. It's the one absolute certain time of year that the entire family gathers in Tennessee at Grandma's house to celebrate the holidays, both Thanksgiving and Christmas and since three of the family have birthdays that fall that week as well, it's birthdays too - Cory on the 26th, my nephew Kevin on the 28th and Duke on the 30th. This year that meant #'s 40, 17 and 3. Wow. And grandma always comes through with plenty of sweets.
The funniest part of the approach to Duke's birthday this year is that about 3 weeks ago, Cory made an off-handed comment about how his birthday was "coming up". Of course, in 3 year old speak, that usually means sometime before the next major meal he's going to have. I remember it clearly, it was a Sunday and on the way to church he kept saying "It's my Birthday!" to which Cory would reply, "Not yet Duke, it's coming up soon." I didn't think much of it, until we were on the way home from church and again it came up a few times, "It's my Birthday Mommy!". Slowly it became clear, this kid seriously thinks that today is his birthday. Uh oh. Yep, that afternoon we had an actual birthday party to attend for a sweet little friend of Jack's, however as we prepped to leave the house the "It's my Birthday" turned to "We are going to My Party!" and "I get presents!". Uh oh.
So after a few rounds of trying to reason with my 2 year old, soon to be 3 year old - not really a reasonable possiblity, and I must add he gave his #1 fit thrower brother a run for his money, we got in the car. I figured at worst the child would finally figure it out when the birthday cake showed up in front of Sophia to blow out the candles. If there was a fit to be had at that point, I'd just deal with it then. But just like he always does, Duke came through and suprised me when I least expected it. As we drove to the party, slowly he started to reason things out himself. If there was a way I could have bottled that day, I would have.
He started the trip with "It's My Birthday!, Daddy said so Mommy!" in a bit of a shout - I'm serious, he pulled out the "Daddy knows more than you do Mommy!" attitude - can you believe it, well actually I can given my rank in the house between this kid and his dad. Nonetheless, I reassured him that his birthday was coming in a few weeks, it wasn't today, but soon. Slowly the rant changed to a question, "It's my Birthday Mommy?" to which I responded, no, not yet, but soon, in a few weeks. And that's when a magic mom moment hit - "It's your birthday when we go to Grandma's house!" And there became my savior, Duke now had a moment and place in time he could relate his birthday to. It got real quiet in the car for a bit, Jack had conked out and I had assumed Duke had as well since there was not a peep out of the back for at least 5 minutes (that's like an eternity in my world). Then all of a sudden, in a near whisper from the back seat came
"Mommy, it's not my birthday today."
It was as if he was resigned to the fact and finally acknowledging it to himself. And in that moment, he shined. Duke has always been quick to figure things out. He's lucky as he has a big brother that's not so much bigger that he can follow along with. But in spite of that advantage, he's always interpreted situations so quickly. It's a quality in him that is quiet but when you see it in action, you know it's special. And by the time we arrived at the party, my sweet, strong, quiet amazing 2 year old was sharing with everyone that it was not his birthday, YET, but it would be his birthday when he went to Grandma's house!
So, in the spirit of Duke's birthday, it was a big bang the first night of our trip to Tennessee with a cupcake cake by Grandma, in the shape of a 3, with Darth Vader to cap it off (Duke's favorite villian!)
How's this for a smile at 5:45a.m.!?
I would be remiss if I didn't at least post (very quickly) that my better half has entered another milestone, yep, 40. And he did it well, without pomp and circumstance (which is the way I think he wanted it).
However, I believe we both have a desire to just fly past this next birthday and go on to better things, like the fact our baby boy is now 3! And this blog would just not be complete if I didn't take a post to include pictures of how our several celebrations turned out for Duke.
Thanksgiving is a big holiday in the Rath family. It's the one absolute certain time of year that the entire family gathers in Tennessee at Grandma's house to celebrate the holidays, both Thanksgiving and Christmas and since three of the family have birthdays that fall that week as well, it's birthdays too - Cory on the 26th, my nephew Kevin on the 28th and Duke on the 30th. This year that meant #'s 40, 17 and 3. Wow. And grandma always comes through with plenty of sweets.
The funniest part of the approach to Duke's birthday this year is that about 3 weeks ago, Cory made an off-handed comment about how his birthday was "coming up". Of course, in 3 year old speak, that usually means sometime before the next major meal he's going to have. I remember it clearly, it was a Sunday and on the way to church he kept saying "It's my Birthday!" to which Cory would reply, "Not yet Duke, it's coming up soon." I didn't think much of it, until we were on the way home from church and again it came up a few times, "It's my Birthday Mommy!". Slowly it became clear, this kid seriously thinks that today is his birthday. Uh oh. Yep, that afternoon we had an actual birthday party to attend for a sweet little friend of Jack's, however as we prepped to leave the house the "It's my Birthday" turned to "We are going to My Party!" and "I get presents!". Uh oh.
So after a few rounds of trying to reason with my 2 year old, soon to be 3 year old - not really a reasonable possiblity, and I must add he gave his #1 fit thrower brother a run for his money, we got in the car. I figured at worst the child would finally figure it out when the birthday cake showed up in front of Sophia to blow out the candles. If there was a fit to be had at that point, I'd just deal with it then. But just like he always does, Duke came through and suprised me when I least expected it. As we drove to the party, slowly he started to reason things out himself. If there was a way I could have bottled that day, I would have.
He started the trip with "It's My Birthday!, Daddy said so Mommy!" in a bit of a shout - I'm serious, he pulled out the "Daddy knows more than you do Mommy!" attitude - can you believe it, well actually I can given my rank in the house between this kid and his dad. Nonetheless, I reassured him that his birthday was coming in a few weeks, it wasn't today, but soon. Slowly the rant changed to a question, "It's my Birthday Mommy?" to which I responded, no, not yet, but soon, in a few weeks. And that's when a magic mom moment hit - "It's your birthday when we go to Grandma's house!" And there became my savior, Duke now had a moment and place in time he could relate his birthday to. It got real quiet in the car for a bit, Jack had conked out and I had assumed Duke had as well since there was not a peep out of the back for at least 5 minutes (that's like an eternity in my world). Then all of a sudden, in a near whisper from the back seat came
"Mommy, it's not my birthday today."
It was as if he was resigned to the fact and finally acknowledging it to himself. And in that moment, he shined. Duke has always been quick to figure things out. He's lucky as he has a big brother that's not so much bigger that he can follow along with. But in spite of that advantage, he's always interpreted situations so quickly. It's a quality in him that is quiet but when you see it in action, you know it's special. And by the time we arrived at the party, my sweet, strong, quiet amazing 2 year old was sharing with everyone that it was not his birthday, YET, but it would be his birthday when he went to Grandma's house!
So, in the spirit of Duke's birthday, it was a big bang the first night of our trip to Tennessee with a cupcake cake by Grandma, in the shape of a 3, with Darth Vader to cap it off (Duke's favorite villian!)
But the fun didn't end there for our birthday boy. Upon returning from Tennessee we would be remiss not to continue our tradition of waking up our little guys on their birthday with a cupcake lit with a candle in their bed - so Monday a.m. in walked Daddy and me with a cupcake, lit up with candle in the dark and a shiny new vintage Darth Vader figure for him. A day early, yes, but because of some required arranging of Daddy's travel schedule and the fact Duke shares a birthday with one of his school friends we opted to have his party at school on the 29th rather than 30th. And I'm sure Duke approved moving up the opening of presents by a day had he known any better.
How's this for a smile at 5:45a.m.!?
All of it was wonderful - the Star Wars cake at school was a hit, the party hats, Duke's being bashful (!) as his classmates sang Happy Birthday, opening his presents, it was all a part of such an amazing day. But nothing can quite express how fabulous it was as much as Duke himself!
Happy Birthday my little big man. You make my heart smile everyday in ways I can't express. I just know that someday you will be the one that holds Mommy's heart in his hand bigger than any other.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween (Really Glad Ours Ended Friday!)
Ok, I'll be the naysayer, I am not really a fan of Halloween. Never have been, and at this point in my life, I don't think there's a big chance that will change. As a kid, I never was that good at coming up with creative costumes and as seemingly outgoing as I am (and as you all think I am - thanks for those great comments on my previous post), the thought of standing in front of someone's door who I don't know and asking them to give me something in return for nothing never was an easy thing for me. It's the something for nothing that's tough - although I'd do anything for anyone no strings attached, I struggle in accepting the opposite, I know, I too am sure therapy is needed sometime yet in my future.
With kids though, can't really avoid it. However I am thankful that because of where we live, I can minimize it some instead of it dragging out over the entire weekend when it falls on a Sunday.
Don't get me wrong, for those of you that LOVE Halloween, I don't wish to squash your enjoyment. I am just glad that we are somewhat removed from the subdivision insanity of trick or treating, candy up to our eyeballs and 16 year olds still trying to capitalize on a kiddie holiday.
But again, with kids, gotta participate and so about a month ago I started the inevitiable inquiries, great big smile on my face and uplifting voice "What do you want to be for Halloween?" A part of me wanted to hear "A Fireman and Policeman!" or "Pirates!", anything somewhat simple and generic and more creative than just a character on a movie that would just shout "Yes, my kids watch more TV than I'd like to admit..."
The answer and inevitable costumes:
With kids though, can't really avoid it. However I am thankful that because of where we live, I can minimize it some instead of it dragging out over the entire weekend when it falls on a Sunday.
Don't get me wrong, for those of you that LOVE Halloween, I don't wish to squash your enjoyment. I am just glad that we are somewhat removed from the subdivision insanity of trick or treating, candy up to our eyeballs and 16 year olds still trying to capitalize on a kiddie holiday.
But again, with kids, gotta participate and so about a month ago I started the inevitiable inquiries, great big smile on my face and uplifting voice "What do you want to be for Halloween?" A part of me wanted to hear "A Fireman and Policeman!" or "Pirates!", anything somewhat simple and generic and more creative than just a character on a movie that would just shout "Yes, my kids watch more TV than I'd like to admit..."
The answer and inevitable costumes:
And the irony was not lost on me that Duke wanted to be the "bad guy" while Jack dressed up as "peaceful" Yoda. Their personalities fit pretty well with their choices.
And so as the days passed and Halloween grew closer, we did all activities that fall affords, the pumpkin patch, carving our own creations, roasting pumpkin seeds and school parties...all leading up to the big kahuna - Trick or Treating.
Luckily for us country folk with homes are too far apart to allow for door to door cavity collection, our quaint town and county seat again hosted the "Monster Walk" in downtown Columbiana on Friday from 4-6 which meant we went straight from a day of Halloween dress up, activities and parties at school to trick or treating door to door at the businesses downtown. The weather was gorgeous and plenty of people packed the streets. Both boys were not shy to go up and ask for their treat, although Duke was a bit freaked out by McGruff the crime dog - he pretty much took a wide sweep out of the way to avoid him, and a couple of boys that were dressed as Mario and Luigi video game characters wtih oversize puffy hands until they took the gloves off so he could see they had real hands and then was calm enough to high five them. But by 6pm we were able to finish our walk around the square and walk into our favorite local place, Bernie's, and have a nice meal to cap off our scary holiday tradition.
That's right, we were DONE! on October 29th! Unlike all the other subdivisions that had voted to either trick or treat Saturday or Sunday, I had no children having to dress up yet again and bring home more candy to the house that I'd have to fight with them about not eating (or have Cory hide so I didn't eat it!) and we could have the rest of our weekend to enjoy this incredible weather quietly instead of crazily.
Or maybe it's just not the same as it was back on William Street with sidewalks and darkness coming early because the time change was still in October. Where the neighbors around the corner on Ruby Street saved pennies all year and gave us a baggie filled with them which was sweeter than any candy. We got to finally stay up late and see all the decorations lit in everyone's yards and when we were older, trapse over to Florence Avenue where that neighborhood really put on the show to see who's house was the scariest.
Maybe that's why Halloween isn't my favorite anymore, it's not the same as when you were a kid. Hope our little monster walk and traditional Bernie's supper is enough for my two little guys to look back on and enjoy someday - at least it will be for me.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Seeing Me
This year I have spent quite a bit of time reaching inside to figure out who I really am. Whoa, deep, I know.
I think it's because I am very quickly approaching another decade, or it could be that I have been playing so many different roles in life right now that I am searching for significance among them. I also have begun to see others around me that I find myself defining based on the significant roles in their lives.
I think everyone probably goes through stages where one or two roles supercede most others, but for me, I'm really attempting to nail down the one or two that define me in the view of others, the particular traits that when my name is mentioned are what my friends and family think of first, because I feel that by growing that particular role in my life, I can contribute more significantly to this world than I can if I try to perfect say 10 things and do each of them "fairly well", instead of INCREDIBLY well.
I will admit that in this past year, I have thought that way about several people I've met. Not so much narrowly defining them or compartmentalizing them - although as I write this it probably sounds like I am, but more that when they come across my mind, it's what I first associate with them as impressive and passionate in their lives. For example, there are some women I know who are incredibly fashionable and can pick out clothes and always look amazing, I do not have this ability but I know that if I needed advice in that area, they'd be the first person I'd call; some women have a gift for cooking - if I am in a rut with meals, I can call her and I know it would be easy for her to throw out a months worth of ideas; some women are incredibly patient parents, when I'm on my last nerve, I can call them and get a boost of confidence that I'm not screwing things up. I guess that could be different for anyone's experience with another person and so I probably need an example to illustrate, but I also don't want to offend anyone in the process.
My question here - what am I about to others? How do others SEE me? If I could do something that I'm doing now in a much improved way or really focus on a skill, what is it that I would most likely succeed above and beyond anyone else trying to do that same thing?
I know I have special talents, what I really want to know is what special talents do others view in me? I think if I focus on those, that I might have a shot at taking my life, my family, my marriage, my career, to the next level.
So, my 11 followers, and anyone else that happens upon this post that knows me, well or not. Please share, don't be afraid, be honest. I promise that I will not be offended in any way. I'm not looking for a boost of confidence, I'm looking to GROW, and I'm stuck in moving forward without help. I'm asking for it here, and I'm desperately searching to see me.
All you have to do is click on the little "comments" link below this post, type in your comment and complete the word verification - really it's not that hard. And it could change my life (and yours) for the better!
I think it's because I am very quickly approaching another decade, or it could be that I have been playing so many different roles in life right now that I am searching for significance among them. I also have begun to see others around me that I find myself defining based on the significant roles in their lives.
I think everyone probably goes through stages where one or two roles supercede most others, but for me, I'm really attempting to nail down the one or two that define me in the view of others, the particular traits that when my name is mentioned are what my friends and family think of first, because I feel that by growing that particular role in my life, I can contribute more significantly to this world than I can if I try to perfect say 10 things and do each of them "fairly well", instead of INCREDIBLY well.
I will admit that in this past year, I have thought that way about several people I've met. Not so much narrowly defining them or compartmentalizing them - although as I write this it probably sounds like I am, but more that when they come across my mind, it's what I first associate with them as impressive and passionate in their lives. For example, there are some women I know who are incredibly fashionable and can pick out clothes and always look amazing, I do not have this ability but I know that if I needed advice in that area, they'd be the first person I'd call; some women have a gift for cooking - if I am in a rut with meals, I can call her and I know it would be easy for her to throw out a months worth of ideas; some women are incredibly patient parents, when I'm on my last nerve, I can call them and get a boost of confidence that I'm not screwing things up. I guess that could be different for anyone's experience with another person and so I probably need an example to illustrate, but I also don't want to offend anyone in the process.
My question here - what am I about to others? How do others SEE me? If I could do something that I'm doing now in a much improved way or really focus on a skill, what is it that I would most likely succeed above and beyond anyone else trying to do that same thing?
I know I have special talents, what I really want to know is what special talents do others view in me? I think if I focus on those, that I might have a shot at taking my life, my family, my marriage, my career, to the next level.
So, my 11 followers, and anyone else that happens upon this post that knows me, well or not. Please share, don't be afraid, be honest. I promise that I will not be offended in any way. I'm not looking for a boost of confidence, I'm looking to GROW, and I'm stuck in moving forward without help. I'm asking for it here, and I'm desperately searching to see me.
All you have to do is click on the little "comments" link below this post, type in your comment and complete the word verification - really it's not that hard. And it could change my life (and yours) for the better!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Fall Fun Begins
I love fall. Love it Love it Love it. (And really loved it last night when my Badgers pulled out an amazing victory against the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes!)
We started off on Friday shaky with a phone call from daycare around 3:15 "Jack has a stomach bug" so early pickup and home we went. However it was apparent after a few hours that whatever it was, wasn't long lasting, and even more apparent as he finished off a big supper with no after effects. We also got a welcome phone call from Linda and Joe Grauwels, long time friends of my parents - you know, those friends that no matter what direction life takes, they will be there - and set some plans in motion to meet up on Saturday, since they are visiting Birmingham with relatives. And meet up we did. Duke and I picked up Linda in Chelsea and brought her to see the house and have lunch and visit. It was so wonderful to share a glimpse of our life here with someone from home. It would have been better to get Jack to join us for the photo op, but I'll take what I can get.
Did I mention I LOVE fall?
This weekend was our real first feel of fall. It's been in the 40s at night this week, the leaves are starting to turn and fall festivals are abundant.
We started off on Friday shaky with a phone call from daycare around 3:15 "Jack has a stomach bug" so early pickup and home we went. However it was apparent after a few hours that whatever it was, wasn't long lasting, and even more apparent as he finished off a big supper with no after effects. We also got a welcome phone call from Linda and Joe Grauwels, long time friends of my parents - you know, those friends that no matter what direction life takes, they will be there - and set some plans in motion to meet up on Saturday, since they are visiting Birmingham with relatives. And meet up we did. Duke and I picked up Linda in Chelsea and brought her to see the house and have lunch and visit. It was so wonderful to share a glimpse of our life here with someone from home. It would have been better to get Jack to join us for the photo op, but I'll take what I can get.Sunday brought a wonderful morning at church - gotta love having Pastor Chris deliver another wonderful message which closed with one of my most favorite verses, "Be very careful , then, how you live --not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Ephesians 5:15-17
And for the afternoon, we wisely took the kids, along with Adam and Crystal, Elli and Noah to the Grand Ole' Pumpkin Patch for some fall fun.
And for the afternoon, we wisely took the kids, along with Adam and Crystal, Elli and Noah to the Grand Ole' Pumpkin Patch for some fall fun.
Yes, that is Jack - NO FEAR on the bouncer slides. Duke, feared, until he did it once, then ALL ABOUT IT! But didn't catch him on film unfortunately!
We skipped the overpriced tractor and hay rides, since we can do that at home for free :) and I think the guys might consider the $25 helicopter rides next year, but there were bounce houses, a pettting zoo (ok, a few rabbits in a hutch, two pot bellied pigs, a couple puppies, some goats and a few ponies and cows which wanted nothing to do with any of us, and then - pony rides! The last of which would have been better if either of my children had actually done it and my oldest not decided as we left our turn in line that he really wanted to go after all. That's ok, I don't mind that feeling of having my heart ripped out as I have to tell my child, "I'm sorry baby, you missed your turn and we can't go back (because there are 30 more people in line)"...hopefully it will be one of those life lessons learned, right? Let's just say, I'm at least lucky that we got a few photo opps prior to that episode - though side note - he did catch on pretty quick to the situation and what consequences he would face if he didn't get himself together, so Natalie I can admit to progress outside of the house too! Plus, FINALLY a new family photo (not perfect but do-able) - only about a year overdue!
We capped off the day with a last minute decision for a campfire in the fire pit and roasting hot dogs and smore's with the Schobers while the kids ran around playing until dark (7pm here these days). A perfect end to an "unplanned" weekend.
Did I mention I LOVE fall?
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