Happy Birthday to Nathan!
What a wonderful day we spent celebrating the 6th year of a miracle that was given to us on Oct 24th, 2006!
Nathan enjoyed his special day at school surrounded by friends and teachers that just adore him. No one can love him more then his family though! I left work early, headed over to his school and Nathan's classmates and I showered him with kind words, a birthday song and some yummy cupcakes. That evening at Nathan's request, we went to the Cheesecake Factory to indulge in some rich foods and conversation.
Nathan's birth history somehow came up and for the first time, Trevor and Jackson shared some of their memories about that time. Trevor was only 3 yrs old and Jackson was only 15 months old. As hard as it was to hear Trevor trying to put words together that appropriately expressed how he felt then, it was very interesting to hear what he remembers about that difficult time in all of our lives. He remembers Nathan being in the hospital the first time (when he was born and in the NICU), he remembers when Nathan had to be brought back to the hospital just a few weeks after we had just finally been able to bring him home since birth and he remembers the first time he got to hold Nathan. Jackson just kind of tandem Trevor's memories. :-)
I'm glad our kids feel comfortable talking about those years and those specific trying times. I'm really glad Nathan asks questions as they come to him. Usually the questions revolve around his scars.
At age 6 you're usually just barely figuring out what you're good at and your parents sign you up for just about anything because you're exploring your gifts and talents and your possible interests. Shoot, I'm still trying to figure that stuff out myself! Not for Nathan! This kid has talents that are so crystal clear to me and since day 1 has always been very unique. Nathan has such a passion for cooking, baking, acting, designing and his attention to minute detail is unreal! He thinks of extremely deep questions and thoughts that just blow my mind and often make me think twice, 3x or more before I can get an age appropriate answer for him.
I can't say these 6 years have flown by, but I can say that I very much have enjoyed watching Nathan grow into a healthy young boy. He has so much to offer in any friendship and it's an honor to be his mom. I am privileged and blessed to have such a delightful and important role in his life.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Trevor is on a roll!
Sitting at dinner table, getting organized...
Trevor: Mommy, may I have butter on my roll?
Me: Sure
Trevor: Thanks. I like to upgrade my rolls by adding butter.
In the living room casually putting together a 550 pc puzzle...
Me: Wow guys! I finally did it, I got two pieces together!
Trevor: You did?! Good job!
Jackson: WOW! That's really good mommy!
Me: Ya, I'm averaging about 2 pieces for every 10 min.
Jackson: Ya, that's true
Me: But, at least I'm not giving up
Trevor: Ya because you're one of those people!
Me (laughing): I'm one of those people???
Trevor: Ya, you don't give up.
That last great comment made my heart happy. So glad my kids are aware that I'm not a quitter!
Trevor: Mommy, may I have butter on my roll?
Me: Sure
Trevor: Thanks. I like to upgrade my rolls by adding butter.
In the living room casually putting together a 550 pc puzzle...
Me: Wow guys! I finally did it, I got two pieces together!
Trevor: You did?! Good job!
Jackson: WOW! That's really good mommy!
Me: Ya, I'm averaging about 2 pieces for every 10 min.
Jackson: Ya, that's true
Me: But, at least I'm not giving up
Trevor: Ya because you're one of those people!
Me (laughing): I'm one of those people???
Trevor: Ya, you don't give up.
That last great comment made my heart happy. So glad my kids are aware that I'm not a quitter!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Back to School
Let's just go down the line...
Trevor: (4th grade) Quite the adjustment from lower elementary, to upper elementary. Thankfully, still no homework on the weekends...that's required at least. Although, his teacher has already attempted to do so. Nope! Not gonna happen in this household...at least for this year and hopefully next.
Math and the need for high organizational skills seem to be a lot tougher this year already. "Unfair" (naughty word in our home!) kickball teams seem to be most of Trevor's complaints. I'll take it. ;-) The highlight over the last 2.5 weeks of school has been the celebration of Trevor's birthday on a school day. This is the first! Trevor was THRILLED to have his brothers and I bring cold treats for all to share and a ride home in the family car vs. the daily school bus routine. Another highlight I nearly forgot to write, is that Trevor will be in the school orchestra and has been approved to play the trumpet! Lord help us all... :-)
Trevor is still adjusting to all the changes and it'll be a process.
Jackson: (2nd grade) LOVES, LOVES, LOVES his new school! It's amazing how many families we know there at Valley Pres. School (VPS) and yet we had no idea so many of them attended that school. We've seen families we know back from our Awana days, our own church (!), baseball and MET2 (musical the boys were in last year). Jackson sits near the front of the class and has 2 teachers majority of the week. He really enjoys all his own personal school supplies vs. the generic (but nice!) supplies he received in public school.
That leads me to my next thought. Public school vs. Private school; DANG! MAJOR DIFFERENCES! Quality of teachers so far seems comparable. However, the VPS teachers seem to have more patience and don't seem burned out or exhausted. I know it's only been a couple of days back in school but still, this is already a huge noticeable difference for us. The office staff is calm and seem to have a very good handle on all incoming and outgoing systems, families, info, etc. This is also a major difference for us. The Principal isn't running around looking like she's ready to pull her hair out...another major difference. Another difference worth mentioning is the quality of the school work. Pages aren't coming home looking like they've been photo copied about 1,000 times, it's all very related to character building and seems like work with a purpose (of course major subjects are all like that at any school, but the "fluff" assignments seem all very purposeful, not work to kill time)
Jackson is really enjoying this change, the change that he was so against for a while. He's now adjusting to the uniform policy (solid collar shirt w/ twill pants/shorts).
Nathan: (1st grade) The little man of so little words when discussing his feelings about change or something new. Wait, I think that's most men! ;-)
Nathan LOVES his very own pencil box that is the home of his very own instant hand sanitizer where he can remain as clean and germ free that he'd like (within reason, I've already had to have a discussion with his teacher about this...big brothers were present and they were classic peanut galleries about this topic as well)! Nathan loves that everything is personalized for him and his classmates; i.e. his very own coat/backpack hook with his name, desk with his name, labeled school supplies, his name on all school books, sticker chart with his name and the list could go on...
Nathan LOVES having Jackson at school with him because A.) he loves his brothers B.) this means he doesn't have to make any friends...something else I've already discussed with the teacher.
A BIG change for Nathan (and myself) is no IEP this year for Nathan. He still has one through LAUSD, but since we've switched to Private school it doesn't transfer without a legal fight and a whole lot of money for that fight. Since Nathan has done so well in school and in his previous areas of need, LAUSD and I had agreed on pulling many of his services for the 2012-2013 school year anyhow. Leaving primarily speech therapy as Nathan's main area of need. Nathan hasn't had speech therapy since the beginning of June and I've seen a little set back, but Nathan has been so happy to not have all these appointments and the hard work that goes into these therapies. So, assuming nothing major will change, we're taking this school year off from special ed services and see how Nathan does completely unassisted.
VPS also has a music program (for an additional fee of course) and Nathan couldn't be happier about the possibilities of playing the violin! So I guess our neighbors and ourselves will be hearing a whole lot of trumpet, violin and piano (Trevor and Jackson) practicing around our home. YIKES!
*Let me explain the yellow tape around the playground. It's a brand new playground that was put in over the summer. The kids couldn't play on it until the school went over the rules (which they did shortly after the 1st day of school started).
Trevor: (4th grade) Quite the adjustment from lower elementary, to upper elementary. Thankfully, still no homework on the weekends...that's required at least. Although, his teacher has already attempted to do so. Nope! Not gonna happen in this household...at least for this year and hopefully next.
Math and the need for high organizational skills seem to be a lot tougher this year already. "Unfair" (naughty word in our home!) kickball teams seem to be most of Trevor's complaints. I'll take it. ;-) The highlight over the last 2.5 weeks of school has been the celebration of Trevor's birthday on a school day. This is the first! Trevor was THRILLED to have his brothers and I bring cold treats for all to share and a ride home in the family car vs. the daily school bus routine. Another highlight I nearly forgot to write, is that Trevor will be in the school orchestra and has been approved to play the trumpet! Lord help us all... :-)
Trevor is still adjusting to all the changes and it'll be a process.
Jackson: (2nd grade) LOVES, LOVES, LOVES his new school! It's amazing how many families we know there at Valley Pres. School (VPS) and yet we had no idea so many of them attended that school. We've seen families we know back from our Awana days, our own church (!), baseball and MET2 (musical the boys were in last year). Jackson sits near the front of the class and has 2 teachers majority of the week. He really enjoys all his own personal school supplies vs. the generic (but nice!) supplies he received in public school.
That leads me to my next thought. Public school vs. Private school; DANG! MAJOR DIFFERENCES! Quality of teachers so far seems comparable. However, the VPS teachers seem to have more patience and don't seem burned out or exhausted. I know it's only been a couple of days back in school but still, this is already a huge noticeable difference for us. The office staff is calm and seem to have a very good handle on all incoming and outgoing systems, families, info, etc. This is also a major difference for us. The Principal isn't running around looking like she's ready to pull her hair out...another major difference. Another difference worth mentioning is the quality of the school work. Pages aren't coming home looking like they've been photo copied about 1,000 times, it's all very related to character building and seems like work with a purpose (of course major subjects are all like that at any school, but the "fluff" assignments seem all very purposeful, not work to kill time)
Jackson is really enjoying this change, the change that he was so against for a while. He's now adjusting to the uniform policy (solid collar shirt w/ twill pants/shorts).
Nathan: (1st grade) The little man of so little words when discussing his feelings about change or something new. Wait, I think that's most men! ;-)
Nathan LOVES his very own pencil box that is the home of his very own instant hand sanitizer where he can remain as clean and germ free that he'd like (within reason, I've already had to have a discussion with his teacher about this...big brothers were present and they were classic peanut galleries about this topic as well)! Nathan loves that everything is personalized for him and his classmates; i.e. his very own coat/backpack hook with his name, desk with his name, labeled school supplies, his name on all school books, sticker chart with his name and the list could go on...
Nathan LOVES having Jackson at school with him because A.) he loves his brothers B.) this means he doesn't have to make any friends...something else I've already discussed with the teacher.
A BIG change for Nathan (and myself) is no IEP this year for Nathan. He still has one through LAUSD, but since we've switched to Private school it doesn't transfer without a legal fight and a whole lot of money for that fight. Since Nathan has done so well in school and in his previous areas of need, LAUSD and I had agreed on pulling many of his services for the 2012-2013 school year anyhow. Leaving primarily speech therapy as Nathan's main area of need. Nathan hasn't had speech therapy since the beginning of June and I've seen a little set back, but Nathan has been so happy to not have all these appointments and the hard work that goes into these therapies. So, assuming nothing major will change, we're taking this school year off from special ed services and see how Nathan does completely unassisted.
VPS also has a music program (for an additional fee of course) and Nathan couldn't be happier about the possibilities of playing the violin! So I guess our neighbors and ourselves will be hearing a whole lot of trumpet, violin and piano (Trevor and Jackson) practicing around our home. YIKES!
*Let me explain the yellow tape around the playground. It's a brand new playground that was put in over the summer. The kids couldn't play on it until the school went over the rules (which they did shortly after the 1st day of school started).
Clever Quotes From The Kiddos
Trevor: Mommy, I think I have almost $50.00
Me: Great job!
Jackson: How much does a ladybug kit cost?
Me: About $19.99
Nathan: Trevor, I know what I want you to buy me for my birthday
Trevor: What?
Nathan: Well since you have so much money, I would like you to buy me an ant farm for my birthday.
Trevor: Nathan! I'm just a kid, I don't buy gifts that cost that much with my own money! Mommy, daddy, friends or other family members can buy that for you.
Nathan: Oh, OK.
Me: David, I need to get new bras and the store is right over here. Let's do that before dinner.
David: OK
*We arrive to the store; kids whining
Jackson to David (after seeing store window): See, there are boobs. I don't need to go into the boob store, I don't need boobs.
Me: Great job!
Jackson: How much does a ladybug kit cost?
Me: About $19.99
Nathan: Trevor, I know what I want you to buy me for my birthday
Trevor: What?
Nathan: Well since you have so much money, I would like you to buy me an ant farm for my birthday.
Trevor: Nathan! I'm just a kid, I don't buy gifts that cost that much with my own money! Mommy, daddy, friends or other family members can buy that for you.
Nathan: Oh, OK.
Me: David, I need to get new bras and the store is right over here. Let's do that before dinner.
David: OK
*We arrive to the store; kids whining
Jackson to David (after seeing store window): See, there are boobs. I don't need to go into the boob store, I don't need boobs.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
A Foolish Woman - ME!
Lately I've been in the thick of it as a mom, wife, employee, friend, etc...mostly the mom, wife and employee role. I've been faced with another season of challenges that I am still in the midst of sorting through, looking for God and His will in all of it and praying what to make of any and all of it. This seems to be a far too often trend that happens in my life. One of my sisters have pointed this out as well, things will be calm for a bit and then a big 'ol chain of challenges occur all at one time. I am grateful for the calm times and resist but then always grateful once I seem to be exiting out of the challenging time or situation, the gratitude part is what I've learned through that storm. It's growing pains really. What I've learned as an adult and certainly in the time as a mom, is that we never really do finish growing up or learning until He takes us to our final home..His home. It's amazing the responsibility as a parent we hold, when yet God is still having to parent us through this rough, dark and difficult world.
See, through my recent challenges, I have found myself doubting if I should be away from my home...working, as an employee. Even while I doubt, I continue to remind myself how strong the conviction was to be working and how for certain, without a doubt that God placed this job practically in my lap...He handed it to me; everything lined up perfectly. He answered my prayers that day when I was crying in my car to my mom about our needs and no direction for those needs...at that time. After hanging up with my mom that day, I prayed. I cried out to the Lord (see old blog post about all that), practically begging! Even when friends or family doubted my decision on working, I held tight with what I thought/is (pretty darn certain!) His will for my family and went through with it. I STEPPED OUT IN PURE FAITH!
Fast forward a few months and I have found myself miserable at my job more often than not. I'm surrounded by people who believe the clear opposite of my political believes (thank God for 2 people who shares the same political believes...for the most part), haven't yet spoken to a Christian...that I know of, bored as all heck 95% of the time, blah, blah, blah... Throughout all this, I have fires to put out at home (thankfully, not literally!), the need for regrouping is huge, and getting some answers to a long list of questions is finally starting to happen. It's been killing me to be leaving my family every morning as we're all going through this. With all this going on and with my negative behavior, I've really lost sight of God's GIFT of a job. A solution to some of our needs.
The Holy Spirit totally and completely spoke through my Pastor today during his sermon at church this morning. I realized I was/am pulling a Peter in Matthew 14:27-32!!! Ha! You see, Peter initially had so much faith and through that faith he started walking on water, towards Jesus until he started doubting and became afraid, then he started sinking and cried out "Lord, save me"! Matthew 14:30 What did Jesus do??? Did He leave him? Did He just stand there and watch? NO! He had grace and mercy on Peter! Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31
Today's sermon, the Lord's lesson to me today was stop being a doubter! He's got this; He's got ME! Let go, let God!
My Pastor said something that I actually never knew before or I guess it never really registered the way it has today. Pastor Tim said that even when it's God's will, it doesn't mean it's always going to be easy or smooth. When it does start getting rough, satan will plant thoughts of doubt in our minds and spirit because he doesn't want us to be living out God's will for us, that would mean that he (satan) is losing the battle!
Thankfully I have tools for this battle. I have prayer, my bible, prayerful friends and best of all, the Lord as my warrior. I need to take up my cross with shields of armor and continue in this battle staying focused and unweary of God's plan. I'm doing everything I can for my families' needs and I need to continue to be in prayer for that. None of this means I'll be working forever, this means that God has me exactly where He wants me right now. I cannot look backwards or side to side. Power forward with His strength, guidance and decernment.
Fave quote today:
"Ministry is always dealing with the impossible" - Pastor Tim
See, through my recent challenges, I have found myself doubting if I should be away from my home...working, as an employee. Even while I doubt, I continue to remind myself how strong the conviction was to be working and how for certain, without a doubt that God placed this job practically in my lap...He handed it to me; everything lined up perfectly. He answered my prayers that day when I was crying in my car to my mom about our needs and no direction for those needs...at that time. After hanging up with my mom that day, I prayed. I cried out to the Lord (see old blog post about all that), practically begging! Even when friends or family doubted my decision on working, I held tight with what I thought/is (pretty darn certain!) His will for my family and went through with it. I STEPPED OUT IN PURE FAITH!
Fast forward a few months and I have found myself miserable at my job more often than not. I'm surrounded by people who believe the clear opposite of my political believes (thank God for 2 people who shares the same political believes...for the most part), haven't yet spoken to a Christian...that I know of, bored as all heck 95% of the time, blah, blah, blah... Throughout all this, I have fires to put out at home (thankfully, not literally!), the need for regrouping is huge, and getting some answers to a long list of questions is finally starting to happen. It's been killing me to be leaving my family every morning as we're all going through this. With all this going on and with my negative behavior, I've really lost sight of God's GIFT of a job. A solution to some of our needs.
The Holy Spirit totally and completely spoke through my Pastor today during his sermon at church this morning. I realized I was/am pulling a Peter in Matthew 14:27-32!!! Ha! You see, Peter initially had so much faith and through that faith he started walking on water, towards Jesus until he started doubting and became afraid, then he started sinking and cried out "Lord, save me"! Matthew 14:30 What did Jesus do??? Did He leave him? Did He just stand there and watch? NO! He had grace and mercy on Peter! Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31
Today's sermon, the Lord's lesson to me today was stop being a doubter! He's got this; He's got ME! Let go, let God!
My Pastor said something that I actually never knew before or I guess it never really registered the way it has today. Pastor Tim said that even when it's God's will, it doesn't mean it's always going to be easy or smooth. When it does start getting rough, satan will plant thoughts of doubt in our minds and spirit because he doesn't want us to be living out God's will for us, that would mean that he (satan) is losing the battle!
Thankfully I have tools for this battle. I have prayer, my bible, prayerful friends and best of all, the Lord as my warrior. I need to take up my cross with shields of armor and continue in this battle staying focused and unweary of God's plan. I'm doing everything I can for my families' needs and I need to continue to be in prayer for that. None of this means I'll be working forever, this means that God has me exactly where He wants me right now. I cannot look backwards or side to side. Power forward with His strength, guidance and decernment.
Fave quote today:
"Ministry is always dealing with the impossible" - Pastor Tim
Monday, July 2, 2012
Not Packing Our Bags Quite Yet...
...BUT...hopefully sometime soon...or ever. Last Fall thru the end of the year, last year, I felt led and a desire was placed in my heart to go on a missions trip and possibly quite a few. I've prayed about it and talked to David about it and felt the Lord telling me to get our passports, but I haven't done so. YIKES! The New Year began and I got swept up with everyday life and then before I knew it, I started working full time so my heart has been at bay with that topic with the whirlwind of life filling all my thoughts. Over the last month God has been knocking on my heart and speaking a little louder this time. I feel privilleged that God has approached me about this yet a 2nd time and hasn't just moved on and that I missed out on a really cool blessing, to bless others and show obedience to Christ.
My first step was on Saturday. On our way to lunch, we were approaching a Post Office (yes, they still have them!) and last minute, I asked David to pull over so I could run inside real quick. I ran inside and grabbed 5 passport applications. This is the first step in my obedience and quite a huge one if you ask me! :-)
David, Trevor and Jackson are on board for a missions trip and have been for a while. Nathan? The jury is still out on his thoughts. :-) Not sure if David has a specific place in mind, but we both have agreed that Haiti sounds pretty perfect to start. Trevor wants to go to India, Jackson is a die hard fan of Haiti. Haiti was all that Jackson could talk about for about a month!
I am walking out in faith on this. We don't have the money for a missions trip (don't even know how that works) and time off work would be difficult for both David and I. HOWEVER, I'm talking about God here! NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR OUR GOD. He would have never placed this desire and speak so clear to me about this if it weren't possible. My attitude is, we will apply for passports and go through that process so that way, when God says 'GO', we're ready and we're going with our passports.
My first step was on Saturday. On our way to lunch, we were approaching a Post Office (yes, they still have them!) and last minute, I asked David to pull over so I could run inside real quick. I ran inside and grabbed 5 passport applications. This is the first step in my obedience and quite a huge one if you ask me! :-)
David, Trevor and Jackson are on board for a missions trip and have been for a while. Nathan? The jury is still out on his thoughts. :-) Not sure if David has a specific place in mind, but we both have agreed that Haiti sounds pretty perfect to start. Trevor wants to go to India, Jackson is a die hard fan of Haiti. Haiti was all that Jackson could talk about for about a month!
I am walking out in faith on this. We don't have the money for a missions trip (don't even know how that works) and time off work would be difficult for both David and I. HOWEVER, I'm talking about God here! NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR OUR GOD. He would have never placed this desire and speak so clear to me about this if it weren't possible. My attitude is, we will apply for passports and go through that process so that way, when God says 'GO', we're ready and we're going with our passports.
Just So Thankful!
In the spirit of feeling the need to stay positive even during challenging times; I must say, I am so thankful for the understanding and compassion that people in the community continue to show my family and I while I am now a working mom.
Being as though it's summer time, now is the time that I like to make special appointments for the boys such as the dentist, eye Dr, with Trevor and Jackson's birthdays' falling in the summer, this also includes their annual physical. Well, Tammy has taken the boys to the dentist (this was a new dentist to us so I had already filled out the paper work ahead of time and faxed in our insurance info) and then just today, Trevor to the eye Dr (who sees him/us all the time so no biggie) and I have got say, our professionals are SO CARING AND KIND!!! They both have called me after to explain everything and give me their professional opinions and game plans. This is just AMAZING to me and clearly a whole lot of grace! Big bummer that I cannot be there myself to comfort my kids (if needed) during the appointment but we do discuss it before I leave for work and then we go over any questions they have then too. But to be able to hear 1st hand from the Dr's right after the appointments is just so appreciated! The other cool thing is that their Pediatrician's office is open on Saturdays so I can/have make/made their physicals on a Saturday which is just so awesome so that way I can attend w/out taking time off work and be able to get my questions answered in person...and most importantly, be there for my little men during their Dr appointment.
My heart is filled with gratitude.
Being as though it's summer time, now is the time that I like to make special appointments for the boys such as the dentist, eye Dr, with Trevor and Jackson's birthdays' falling in the summer, this also includes their annual physical. Well, Tammy has taken the boys to the dentist (this was a new dentist to us so I had already filled out the paper work ahead of time and faxed in our insurance info) and then just today, Trevor to the eye Dr (who sees him/us all the time so no biggie) and I have got say, our professionals are SO CARING AND KIND!!! They both have called me after to explain everything and give me their professional opinions and game plans. This is just AMAZING to me and clearly a whole lot of grace! Big bummer that I cannot be there myself to comfort my kids (if needed) during the appointment but we do discuss it before I leave for work and then we go over any questions they have then too. But to be able to hear 1st hand from the Dr's right after the appointments is just so appreciated! The other cool thing is that their Pediatrician's office is open on Saturdays so I can/have make/made their physicals on a Saturday which is just so awesome so that way I can attend w/out taking time off work and be able to get my questions answered in person...and most importantly, be there for my little men during their Dr appointment.
My heart is filled with gratitude.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Mommy for President!
Me: Sorry Nathan I was late, but the President is staying near my work while he's in town so they closed all the gates to my work so we couldn't leave.
Nathan: Well, that's not nice.
Me: You're right and it's a waste of the time I get with you guys.
Nathan: My teacher said that the President makes the rules but soon we will be deciding who we want as our President next to make all the rules.
Me: Your teacher is right.
Nathan: Well since you make all the rules, I think you should be the next President so you can change the rules!
Me (laughing): I think you're right!
Nathan: Well, that's not nice.
Me: You're right and it's a waste of the time I get with you guys.
Nathan: My teacher said that the President makes the rules but soon we will be deciding who we want as our President next to make all the rules.
Me: Your teacher is right.
Nathan: Well since you make all the rules, I think you should be the next President so you can change the rules!
Me (laughing): I think you're right!
It's A Balancing Act
I think I've hit my 90ish day mark as a working mom. To say it's hard, exhausting, frustrating and depressing is an understatement. The 9-6, M-F job itself isn't hard. It's the balancing act of work merging with my personal life, lane; That's the hard part...
The best way to describe my job is like this...
Shark Tank (TV show) meets Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter Is Dead (movie from the early 90's) meets my original hectic and organized chaotic life (my reality)!
The juggling act is never ending but with no mystery, we manage to get by, by God's grace. I'm always asked by people in my personal life and in my work environment, which is harder; being a stay at home mom or a working mom. My answer is always, "it's about the same, but for different reasons". I really think it is. In both roles, there are the classic perks and challenges that come with any circumstance or "job". Hands down being a stay-at-home mom is my career choice because what I consider perks in that role, are the biggest challenges I face in the working mom role. This change though has certainly brought shifts in the dynamic of our household, mostly for the positive.
The best way to describe my job is like this...
Shark Tank (TV show) meets Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter Is Dead (movie from the early 90's) meets my original hectic and organized chaotic life (my reality)!
The juggling act is never ending but with no mystery, we manage to get by, by God's grace. I'm always asked by people in my personal life and in my work environment, which is harder; being a stay at home mom or a working mom. My answer is always, "it's about the same, but for different reasons". I really think it is. In both roles, there are the classic perks and challenges that come with any circumstance or "job". Hands down being a stay-at-home mom is my career choice because what I consider perks in that role, are the biggest challenges I face in the working mom role. This change though has certainly brought shifts in the dynamic of our household, mostly for the positive.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Shout Out To Perry!
Ha! Never in my wildest dreams would I have considered writing anything about our dog...let alone entire blog entry about our four legged friend. :-)
However, props must be given to Perry! This dog has only endured 2 weeks of pet training and yet, you/we can notice a huge difference in the way he carries himself and with his overall behavior. If just 2 classes of training can do THIS much for a pet, I am a full believer and do recommend it to anyone and everyone who has a dog!
Perry can now sit, lay down and stand (from laying down or sitting position) on verbal and hand ques (with or without treats!). This week we're working on "no jumping". Seriously, Perry has caught on quickly and loves all the praises he receives for his obedience.
The whole family is involved too! The trainer is soooo patient and works really well with all of us. The kids can get Perry to do all these commands as well. It's so awesome watching them get empowered to help train and bring up Perry in the appropriate way.
However, props must be given to Perry! This dog has only endured 2 weeks of pet training and yet, you/we can notice a huge difference in the way he carries himself and with his overall behavior. If just 2 classes of training can do THIS much for a pet, I am a full believer and do recommend it to anyone and everyone who has a dog!
Perry can now sit, lay down and stand (from laying down or sitting position) on verbal and hand ques (with or without treats!). This week we're working on "no jumping". Seriously, Perry has caught on quickly and loves all the praises he receives for his obedience.
The whole family is involved too! The trainer is soooo patient and works really well with all of us. The kids can get Perry to do all these commands as well. It's so awesome watching them get empowered to help train and bring up Perry in the appropriate way.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Funny Quote From Jackson Today
Me: Good morning Jackson.
Jackson: Good morning mommy.
Me: Breakfast is on the table. There's sausage, eggs and fruit ready for ya.
Jackson: Sounds good, but what's my main dish?
Me (laughing): Main dish?! All of that IS your main dish.
Jackson: Those are my sides, I need a main dish like cereal with it.
Me: Well OK, if you eat all that I've already served you, then you can have cereal too.
Jackson: OK, I will
Sure enough! Jackson ate all that I originally made for him and then he tackled a bowl of cereal too! I cannot imagine what and how much they'll be eating as pre-teens thru teenage years! Yikes... ;-)
Jackson: Good morning mommy.
Me: Breakfast is on the table. There's sausage, eggs and fruit ready for ya.
Jackson: Sounds good, but what's my main dish?
Me (laughing): Main dish?! All of that IS your main dish.
Jackson: Those are my sides, I need a main dish like cereal with it.
Me: Well OK, if you eat all that I've already served you, then you can have cereal too.
Jackson: OK, I will
Sure enough! Jackson ate all that I originally made for him and then he tackled a bowl of cereal too! I cannot imagine what and how much they'll be eating as pre-teens thru teenage years! Yikes... ;-)
Thursday, May 17, 2012
So Many Thoughts, So Little Time...So Little Direction
I created this blog to partially have a place as my dumping ground for all my wild, creative, deep and at times, short lived thoughts. I wanted to have this blog as a central place to refer back to sweet memories, document celebratory times in my life and in the life of my children. Those are just a few of the reasons for this forum.
Lately though, I've been finding myself extremely consumed with the amount of responsibility I have. MANY of my responsibilities are character building and enjoyable, while others are a drag and just part of being an adult; a responsible adult. Sometimes the extreme challenges that I go through with my responsibilities I honestly don't really want to write somewhere because at times I think I don't want to remember these difficult and trying times, sometimes I think when I'm old, I just want to be in complete denial and remember only the best of times with my family and never remember all the struggles I've dealt with, with schools, work, difficult conversations, battle with overeating, the reality of an unjust world and being a control freak at times.
Seriously. I am so sick and tired of being a responsible adult and be surrounded (my children too) by a group and/or a community where half of the adults are completely irresponsible! I am exhausted from having to point out the most obvious safety efforts that should and need to be in place by such a powerful school district. There are several present and past employees (the past still affect my position a bit) who get/have gotten paid for not even doing their job. Parents of kids at my children's school who are completely uninvolved and do not display an ounce of care about their child's behavior or the community and education within their child's school. This week I heard from a school district employee "well that's not in my pay bracket" when I asked him to give a message to a specific person there in the same office. I JUST ABOUT LOST IT!!! I had to refrain from acting out my thoughts for many reasons, but 1 in particular is that I was in my freaking cubical at work finishing up my lunch break! To the best of my ability at the time I said that there are a lot of things that I do that aren't in my pay bracket...good and bad...but I'm a team player, I get paid and I have good work ethics (as I'm having this conversation at work ;-) ) so I do a lot of things that I don't get paid to do, but that's life. Oh man I was furious!!!!
More and more lately the very harsh reality that we live (and am raising my children in) in a VERY.UNJUST. WORLD. My children's generation is being robbed of important life skills. Self control. Honesty. Work Ethics. Responsible Citizen. Pay Taxes (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)...just to name a few. TRUST ME...MY KIDS ARE NO SAINTS AND THEY NEVER WILL BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! However, they are being raised in an environment that supports, pushes and physically works hard to build the community around them to be safe, team effort, leaders and honesty. At the end of each day, I go to bed knowing that I have given my best, I love my children with every ounce of my heart and soul (and not showing love with donuts, soda, Twinkies and endless amount of TV) and the rest, I hand over to God and ask Him to protect and handle it. :-)
Life is hard. I want so badly for my kids to grow up in a world that is filled with responsible, honest, mature people who own their short comings. Not robots, or people who are perfect, just people who are pro-active, who care and give their very best every.single.day.
My birthday is next month and for the last nearly 4 years, I get really "real" with myself and emotional as my birthday approaches. Not sure why but I do. I feel like all my ranting above just ages me like crazy! I'm certain people in their 80's are looking at my generation and below and they must just shake their heads at us with disappointment.
So that's some of my thoughts and feelings over the last month or so... I'll move on now...
Lately though, I've been finding myself extremely consumed with the amount of responsibility I have. MANY of my responsibilities are character building and enjoyable, while others are a drag and just part of being an adult; a responsible adult. Sometimes the extreme challenges that I go through with my responsibilities I honestly don't really want to write somewhere because at times I think I don't want to remember these difficult and trying times, sometimes I think when I'm old, I just want to be in complete denial and remember only the best of times with my family and never remember all the struggles I've dealt with, with schools, work, difficult conversations, battle with overeating, the reality of an unjust world and being a control freak at times.
Seriously. I am so sick and tired of being a responsible adult and be surrounded (my children too) by a group and/or a community where half of the adults are completely irresponsible! I am exhausted from having to point out the most obvious safety efforts that should and need to be in place by such a powerful school district. There are several present and past employees (the past still affect my position a bit) who get/have gotten paid for not even doing their job. Parents of kids at my children's school who are completely uninvolved and do not display an ounce of care about their child's behavior or the community and education within their child's school. This week I heard from a school district employee "well that's not in my pay bracket" when I asked him to give a message to a specific person there in the same office. I JUST ABOUT LOST IT!!! I had to refrain from acting out my thoughts for many reasons, but 1 in particular is that I was in my freaking cubical at work finishing up my lunch break! To the best of my ability at the time I said that there are a lot of things that I do that aren't in my pay bracket...good and bad...but I'm a team player, I get paid and I have good work ethics (as I'm having this conversation at work ;-) ) so I do a lot of things that I don't get paid to do, but that's life. Oh man I was furious!!!!
More and more lately the very harsh reality that we live (and am raising my children in) in a VERY.UNJUST. WORLD. My children's generation is being robbed of important life skills. Self control. Honesty. Work Ethics. Responsible Citizen. Pay Taxes (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)...just to name a few. TRUST ME...MY KIDS ARE NO SAINTS AND THEY NEVER WILL BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! However, they are being raised in an environment that supports, pushes and physically works hard to build the community around them to be safe, team effort, leaders and honesty. At the end of each day, I go to bed knowing that I have given my best, I love my children with every ounce of my heart and soul (and not showing love with donuts, soda, Twinkies and endless amount of TV) and the rest, I hand over to God and ask Him to protect and handle it. :-)
Life is hard. I want so badly for my kids to grow up in a world that is filled with responsible, honest, mature people who own their short comings. Not robots, or people who are perfect, just people who are pro-active, who care and give their very best every.single.day.
My birthday is next month and for the last nearly 4 years, I get really "real" with myself and emotional as my birthday approaches. Not sure why but I do. I feel like all my ranting above just ages me like crazy! I'm certain people in their 80's are looking at my generation and below and they must just shake their heads at us with disappointment.
So that's some of my thoughts and feelings over the last month or so... I'll move on now...
- Looking at a private school for 2 of our 3 boys for next school year
- Looking for more responsibility at work (heck, if I'm gonna be there and away from my kids for 10 hrs/day, keep me busy and let me handle the areas that need more support)
- Starting a new bible study at church...and boy oh boy do I need it! It's about changing yourself through the tools that God has given you. Clearly I need a heart makeover this 5 min! lol
- Baseball season is sooooo close to being done
- Started our family in dog training classes with Perry. David and Perry are doing GREAT! The rest of us are trying so hard but it's not coming as easily as it has been for David.
- Loving my health insurance at work! Total God sent...
- In love with my church and all that it offers to support and help me and my children's relationship with the Lord grow bigger and stronger
- Constantly writing letters and making calls to schools and school district regarding bullying involving Jackson and Nathan (thankfully they're not the bullies)
- Signed another year's lease in our current house
- Recently got a ton of work done on David's car (few minor things left to handle) and we are SO grateful that we actually had money to pay for it all!
- David extremely busy and focused at work
- Fundraiser chair person for Trevor's school, David is the new Treasurer for next year...poor guy...He did not want to do it, but like I said above, no one else in our mighty program stepping up to get involved and be a team player.
- Boys were baptized last Sunday! :-) :-)
- Still struggling with motivation and a routine for working out since I've starting working. IT'S HARD finding a balance!!!
- My skin is breaking out (I have NEVER had to deal with this issue before!). I know my mom will say it's because I'm not taking care of myself...and you know what, she's right! :-/
- Looking for a spiritual based book on raising boys. Trevor is reaching an age and new territory that I think is only specific to boys and I need some major spiritual direction as to how best navigate and direct this age.
- Working on making peace in my heart that the work around this house that is incomplete, that the landlord says semi-regularly they will handle. They will not handle it and so I'm working on making peace with that since we wouldn't move either way.
- We have the BEST NANNY IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING...I hope she's still interested and in the position to help when I have grandkids! No joke!!! :-)
Quote from Nathan
Nathan and I's conversation tonight at bedtime...
Nathan (with a big lump in his throat and watery eyes): Mommy, I don't want to go to college.
Me: What? Why?
Nathan: Because I don't want a job and I don't want to work.
Me (chuckling): Well, you're not living here for free and you can't buy things without money that you get from a job. Where is all this coming from?
Nathan (holding back his tears): Well, I just want to learn spanish so I can understand people's conversation.
Me: Ohhhhhh...I see. Well me too. Great news is, is that in high school and in college there are spanish classes you can take to learn how to speak, read and write in spanish.
Nathan: Really?
Me: Yes! Maybe you can go to college in Spain so you learn spanish even faster.
Nathan: YA! That's what I want to do!
Jackson: Ya and then you can teach me, I want to learn too.
Nathan (with a big lump in his throat and watery eyes): Mommy, I don't want to go to college.
Me: What? Why?
Nathan: Because I don't want a job and I don't want to work.
Me (chuckling): Well, you're not living here for free and you can't buy things without money that you get from a job. Where is all this coming from?
Nathan (holding back his tears): Well, I just want to learn spanish so I can understand people's conversation.
Me: Ohhhhhh...I see. Well me too. Great news is, is that in high school and in college there are spanish classes you can take to learn how to speak, read and write in spanish.
Nathan: Really?
Me: Yes! Maybe you can go to college in Spain so you learn spanish even faster.
Nathan: YA! That's what I want to do!
Jackson: Ya and then you can teach me, I want to learn too.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Update - Nathan
My ever sweet, unpredictable, loving, challenging, curious, wise beyond his years, playful, energy filled, boundary testing, detail orientated 5 1/2 year old who acts like he's going on 2 years old OR 42 years old Nathan has certainly been keeping me on my knees in prayer for his precious life filled with all those things mentioned for the last 2 months...OK, last 5 1/2 years!
LOTS of changes (too many!), both good and difficult, have come about for Nathan over the last couple of months. It explains a lot about his decision making with friends, tantrums, disobedience and occasional lie.
Nathan has learned how to meditate from a classmate at school (who was explaining to him how Chinese kids calm themselves! You can imagine how nuts I went over this one!) so then we discussed how Jesus brings us calmness and peace anytime we call unto Him for it. I suggested he now tell his "friend" about how we calm ourselves, by prayer. For the next several days at school, Nathan had prayed with not only the 1 friend, but like 6-7 friends! Nathan shared that he taught them how to bow their heads, close their eyes, fold their hands and talk out loud to the Lord. He said they prayed that the whole class would be calm, good, "stay on green" (best behavior cards...green being best), that they'll all get to visit the treasure box (their reward at the end of the week for consistant good behaviour throughout the week) on Friday and that everyone will play nicely together. WHAT A SWEETHEART! Nathan always wants to be a leader and I shared with him that on those days, he was being a leader for Jesus. That really made him feel good. :-)
Baseball...Nathan definitely prefers to be a fan vs. an actual player on the field. He complains he never gets the ball, he strongly dislikes wearing his glove and batting helmet and often spends his fielding twirling, singing, building dirt castles and complaining that it's boring or hot. SOOOO...needless to say, we are NOT going to put any of us through this kind of torture for another season...we'll stick with Musicals for this kiddo! For now, forget any chance of learning some skill at the game, we're just enforcing the ever so important life lesson of finishing what you start, about commitment, about supporting your teammates and giving your best at all times...even if we don't want to.
School...besides prayer and meditation...Nathan has been doing an OUTSTANDING job in Kindergarten!!! So much so, many of his school resources for math, reading, etc are being pulled early this year (I 100% agree and supported that decision). Nathan gets 100% on math (about 15-20 questions) and spelling (5 spelling words a week), and has only missed 1-2 questions on reading tests (10-15 questions), but is already at a 1st grade reading & comprehession level (has been since Jan or Feb). After a TON of prayer, grilling his teacher (she is SO in support of him going to 1st), special ed peeps, looking at Jackson's 1st grade curriculm, listening to my gut, etc. Nathan will be going to 1st grade next school year! This is definitely a big step of faith in the Lord and confidence in Nathan's ability to rise and succeed in any challenge.
Back to Nathan doing so well with his special ed stuff... So Nathan has been such a hard worker in Speech Therapy that after 4 years of this practice, work, frustration, enjoyment and success, Nathan is finally done with the intense level of Speech Therapy. Nathan was receiving 2 hours of Speech/week; 1 hr private, 1 hr at school. Now Nathan will be down to just the 1 hr school based speech. Hence, more change...Nathan has been receiving all sorts (and I mean ALL sorts) of services at McRory Pediatrics since he was 11 months old!!! The owner, Director and ALL of the therapists there have become like family to us. There was a long time there that Nathan was there EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. recieving services and I have got to tell you...IT SHOWS (*tear*tear)!!! Nathan already has an amazing testimony and daily I get the pleasure and gift (and challenge at times, I must confess) to watch his testimony continue to expand. We already miss the therapists at McRory's but their graduation for Nathan, signed (by many therapists) certificate, pictures and all our memories, we will have forever.
Everyday brings new challenges for Nathan, but Nathan never fails to rise to that challenge and take it head on. Quite a good character trait if you ask me!
LOTS of changes (too many!), both good and difficult, have come about for Nathan over the last couple of months. It explains a lot about his decision making with friends, tantrums, disobedience and occasional lie.
Nathan has learned how to meditate from a classmate at school (who was explaining to him how Chinese kids calm themselves! You can imagine how nuts I went over this one!) so then we discussed how Jesus brings us calmness and peace anytime we call unto Him for it. I suggested he now tell his "friend" about how we calm ourselves, by prayer. For the next several days at school, Nathan had prayed with not only the 1 friend, but like 6-7 friends! Nathan shared that he taught them how to bow their heads, close their eyes, fold their hands and talk out loud to the Lord. He said they prayed that the whole class would be calm, good, "stay on green" (best behavior cards...green being best), that they'll all get to visit the treasure box (their reward at the end of the week for consistant good behaviour throughout the week) on Friday and that everyone will play nicely together. WHAT A SWEETHEART! Nathan always wants to be a leader and I shared with him that on those days, he was being a leader for Jesus. That really made him feel good. :-)
Baseball...Nathan definitely prefers to be a fan vs. an actual player on the field. He complains he never gets the ball, he strongly dislikes wearing his glove and batting helmet and often spends his fielding twirling, singing, building dirt castles and complaining that it's boring or hot. SOOOO...needless to say, we are NOT going to put any of us through this kind of torture for another season...we'll stick with Musicals for this kiddo! For now, forget any chance of learning some skill at the game, we're just enforcing the ever so important life lesson of finishing what you start, about commitment, about supporting your teammates and giving your best at all times...even if we don't want to.
School...besides prayer and meditation...Nathan has been doing an OUTSTANDING job in Kindergarten!!! So much so, many of his school resources for math, reading, etc are being pulled early this year (I 100% agree and supported that decision). Nathan gets 100% on math (about 15-20 questions) and spelling (5 spelling words a week), and has only missed 1-2 questions on reading tests (10-15 questions), but is already at a 1st grade reading & comprehession level (has been since Jan or Feb). After a TON of prayer, grilling his teacher (she is SO in support of him going to 1st), special ed peeps, looking at Jackson's 1st grade curriculm, listening to my gut, etc. Nathan will be going to 1st grade next school year! This is definitely a big step of faith in the Lord and confidence in Nathan's ability to rise and succeed in any challenge.
Back to Nathan doing so well with his special ed stuff... So Nathan has been such a hard worker in Speech Therapy that after 4 years of this practice, work, frustration, enjoyment and success, Nathan is finally done with the intense level of Speech Therapy. Nathan was receiving 2 hours of Speech/week; 1 hr private, 1 hr at school. Now Nathan will be down to just the 1 hr school based speech. Hence, more change...Nathan has been receiving all sorts (and I mean ALL sorts) of services at McRory Pediatrics since he was 11 months old!!! The owner, Director and ALL of the therapists there have become like family to us. There was a long time there that Nathan was there EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. recieving services and I have got to tell you...IT SHOWS (*tear*tear)!!! Nathan already has an amazing testimony and daily I get the pleasure and gift (and challenge at times, I must confess) to watch his testimony continue to expand. We already miss the therapists at McRory's but their graduation for Nathan, signed (by many therapists) certificate, pictures and all our memories, we will have forever.
Everyday brings new challenges for Nathan, but Nathan never fails to rise to that challenge and take it head on. Quite a good character trait if you ask me!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Cover of Good Housekeeping...
...NOT! Instead, our family will be on the CBS news at 11pm tonight! Last week we were interviewed about arsenic in foods with no regulations, but yet there are limits as to how much is allowed into our drinking water.
Our family was referred to CBS by the boys' Pediatrician who was also on camera for an interview regarding this same topic. Trevor was cool, calm and a little shy with the cameras around, Jackson acted completely normal, Nathan on the other hand was loving the spot light, couldn't stop admiring his reflection in the camera lens, and then randomly starts talking about how he was born with no parents and that Jackson is his cousin...not his brother! Oh my! I hope they did a LOT of editing because I was ready to crawl into a hole at that point of the evening. Hahaha! I was extremely nervous and they kept having to stop taping, pick up where I screwed up my words and then start filming again. David was on camera when the two of us were tucking the kids into bed, but otherwise, he was trying to explain taxes to the CBS lady and may have scored himself a new client! ;-)
Once it airs I will send a link for all the friends and family outside of LA.
Our family was referred to CBS by the boys' Pediatrician who was also on camera for an interview regarding this same topic. Trevor was cool, calm and a little shy with the cameras around, Jackson acted completely normal, Nathan on the other hand was loving the spot light, couldn't stop admiring his reflection in the camera lens, and then randomly starts talking about how he was born with no parents and that Jackson is his cousin...not his brother! Oh my! I hope they did a LOT of editing because I was ready to crawl into a hole at that point of the evening. Hahaha! I was extremely nervous and they kept having to stop taping, pick up where I screwed up my words and then start filming again. David was on camera when the two of us were tucking the kids into bed, but otherwise, he was trying to explain taxes to the CBS lady and may have scored himself a new client! ;-)
Once it airs I will send a link for all the friends and family outside of LA.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Update - Jackson
Jackson is wrapping up this school year with a strong fan base, continued love for learning and exploring and can barely talk about anything but baseball or ocean life.
For being so opinionated and straight forward about how he felt about me going to work, he's been so chill about the whole thing! Like me, Jackson is more of a "quality" vs. "quantity" type of a person and he really makes the best of our short time together. When I get home from work, he's waiting with open arms and ready to snuggle on the couch with either a good fishing show or a good book. Jackson has definitely adjusted quickly to the changes in our home. Praise the Lord!
Jackson received outstanding grades on his report card and proves to be ahead of the curve in many areas...academically and socially. Apparently he still can't sit still in class for the life of him so there is an area for improvement. ;-) At Jackson's request, he takes the bus daily. He LOVES taking the bus. He likes the time he gets to sit with friends and chat with one another...again, just like his mother (are you seeing a pattern here?!)!
This baseball season has been quite interesting for Jackson. He's playing in his own division which is Single A, but Trevor's team (which is a division up) constantly needs another player so they always ask Jackson if he'd like to join them. We've gotten so used to it, Jackson just brings his baseball uniform and gear with him to Trevor's game because he knows he's going to play. :-) Thankfully, Trevor is a great sport about it and doesn't seem to care at all. So Jackson has the experience of machine pitching and kid pitch and is quite good at both, if I may say so myself. :-) There have been times where Jackson has played 3 games in 1 day (between his own and Trevor's)! Jackson just LOVES it...
If Jackson will keep his fingers out of his mouth long enough, you'll see he still has a toothless smile! I'm slowly working on the sucking of the fingers thing with Jackson but being as though I was a thumb sucker myself for a long time, I know not to push it too much because he'll eventually stop on his own. Jackson really wants his top front teeth to come in and occasionally I'll mess with him and tell him they're waiting to come in because they're just gonna get ruined coming in if he's still sucking his fingers. At that point, Jackson will just move onto another subject! Ha!
He is constantly finding the good in people, pointing out the strengths in others (including his brothers!), showering people with compliments and is just so encouraging to others. I constantly have to do a double take because I'm just shocked at what mature, kind things are coming out of the mouth of my 6 year old!
Jackson gets baptized on Sunday!
For being so opinionated and straight forward about how he felt about me going to work, he's been so chill about the whole thing! Like me, Jackson is more of a "quality" vs. "quantity" type of a person and he really makes the best of our short time together. When I get home from work, he's waiting with open arms and ready to snuggle on the couch with either a good fishing show or a good book. Jackson has definitely adjusted quickly to the changes in our home. Praise the Lord!
Jackson received outstanding grades on his report card and proves to be ahead of the curve in many areas...academically and socially. Apparently he still can't sit still in class for the life of him so there is an area for improvement. ;-) At Jackson's request, he takes the bus daily. He LOVES taking the bus. He likes the time he gets to sit with friends and chat with one another...again, just like his mother (are you seeing a pattern here?!)!
This baseball season has been quite interesting for Jackson. He's playing in his own division which is Single A, but Trevor's team (which is a division up) constantly needs another player so they always ask Jackson if he'd like to join them. We've gotten so used to it, Jackson just brings his baseball uniform and gear with him to Trevor's game because he knows he's going to play. :-) Thankfully, Trevor is a great sport about it and doesn't seem to care at all. So Jackson has the experience of machine pitching and kid pitch and is quite good at both, if I may say so myself. :-) There have been times where Jackson has played 3 games in 1 day (between his own and Trevor's)! Jackson just LOVES it...
If Jackson will keep his fingers out of his mouth long enough, you'll see he still has a toothless smile! I'm slowly working on the sucking of the fingers thing with Jackson but being as though I was a thumb sucker myself for a long time, I know not to push it too much because he'll eventually stop on his own. Jackson really wants his top front teeth to come in and occasionally I'll mess with him and tell him they're waiting to come in because they're just gonna get ruined coming in if he's still sucking his fingers. At that point, Jackson will just move onto another subject! Ha!
He is constantly finding the good in people, pointing out the strengths in others (including his brothers!), showering people with compliments and is just so encouraging to others. I constantly have to do a double take because I'm just shocked at what mature, kind things are coming out of the mouth of my 6 year old!
Jackson gets baptized on Sunday!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Update - Trevor
Trevor is growing like a weed! He had a meeting with the asphalt at school about a week ago and his glasses broke...along with his ego and spirit. This was the 2nd test of just how good my work insurance is/was. Sure enough, IT'S GREAT insurance!!! Trevor has new glasses (same style frames), but now the lenses are the transitional lenses that turn dark in the sun. This kid couldn't be happier now about the "accident". :-)
This month we've taken a break off of piano because his schedule is just too packed with baseball. Trevor's been doing great about still practicing on the keyboard and he's not even being told to do so.
Speaking of baseball...Trevor has had a little set back with the whole kid pitching thing. He's been striking out quite a bit and was getting quite frustrated by it all. However, this weekend was a big turn around for him...and his whole team! Trevor had a successful game on Saturday and seems to be getting a little more comfortable with all the changes and new rules in this AA division. At home, he and Jackson practice a LOT together in the backyard and Trevor is constantly practicing his own pitching (every now and then he gets a turn on the mound) with our pitching net.
Trevor did especially well on his report card (no change there ;-) ), likes 2 girls at school, gets mouthier by the day and is always pleasing with his desire to be so helpful around the house. Trevor has a Science Fair Project coming up (DREADFUL!) and the CST's (CA. Standardized Testing) in 2 weeks. WE cannot wait until school is over!!! :-)
Trevor will be baptized on Sunday and will look forward to a day at MY work on Wednesday for a "future professionals day". Trevor will explore the world of Entertainment, we'll have lunch together mid-day, go to another workshop and then shadow me for a bit at my desk. :-) I sooooo look forward to his company!
This month we've taken a break off of piano because his schedule is just too packed with baseball. Trevor's been doing great about still practicing on the keyboard and he's not even being told to do so.
Speaking of baseball...Trevor has had a little set back with the whole kid pitching thing. He's been striking out quite a bit and was getting quite frustrated by it all. However, this weekend was a big turn around for him...and his whole team! Trevor had a successful game on Saturday and seems to be getting a little more comfortable with all the changes and new rules in this AA division. At home, he and Jackson practice a LOT together in the backyard and Trevor is constantly practicing his own pitching (every now and then he gets a turn on the mound) with our pitching net.
Trevor did especially well on his report card (no change there ;-) ), likes 2 girls at school, gets mouthier by the day and is always pleasing with his desire to be so helpful around the house. Trevor has a Science Fair Project coming up (DREADFUL!) and the CST's (CA. Standardized Testing) in 2 weeks. WE cannot wait until school is over!!! :-)
Trevor will be baptized on Sunday and will look forward to a day at MY work on Wednesday for a "future professionals day". Trevor will explore the world of Entertainment, we'll have lunch together mid-day, go to another workshop and then shadow me for a bit at my desk. :-) I sooooo look forward to his company!
In 2 hours, 27 minutes I can drive to San Diego or fold close to 6 loads of laundry or prepare, cook and clean up a nice dinner or watch one of my children's baseball games or take a Zumba class and shower after or make a Costco run or have a nice visit with a friend...the list can go on.
Instead today, I sat in 2 hours, 27 minutes of traffic on my way to work. Ugh! I was so discouraged, frustrated, stressed about being late to work and totally frazzled apon my tardy (by 30 minutes!) arrival to work. This 2 hours, 27 minutes did give me my time with the Lord as I listened to our Easter sermon (was present that day, but the message was AMAZING...as usual!), listen to worship music AND a super great surprised lengthy call from my dad. I loved the time I got to visit with both Father's, just wish it was over coffee! ;-)
My day has sinced chilled out a bit, but I have still missed an hour of paid work for today...BIG bummer. :-/
Instead today, I sat in 2 hours, 27 minutes of traffic on my way to work. Ugh! I was so discouraged, frustrated, stressed about being late to work and totally frazzled apon my tardy (by 30 minutes!) arrival to work. This 2 hours, 27 minutes did give me my time with the Lord as I listened to our Easter sermon (was present that day, but the message was AMAZING...as usual!), listen to worship music AND a super great surprised lengthy call from my dad. I loved the time I got to visit with both Father's, just wish it was over coffee! ;-)
My day has sinced chilled out a bit, but I have still missed an hour of paid work for today...BIG bummer. :-/
Sunday, April 1, 2012
A Year Ago Today
A year ago today at 4:44 am, David and I were woken from the sounds of sirens coming from all sorts of directions, not just onto our street, but stopping short in front of our home and the home of our 80 year old widow neighbor. With 70% of Kathie's body covered in 3rd degree burns and inhaled way too much smoke, she died that morning and joined our Savior. The fire was caused by an electrical issue in her kitchen. I will NEVER forget this day for as long as I live. I saw smoke and I thought it was coming from her neighbors' house on the other side. I was trying to call Kathie to let her know that there was a fire and she needed to get out of her house. Her phone line was busy. I tried again. And again. Thinking for sure she must be trying to call the police herself and it wouldn't be unlike her to not have call waiting, I kept trying. All in the midst of me trying to get in touch with Kathie, I realized the firefighters (approx 20 or more) are really focusing on her house and in fact, they're climbing on her roof, breaking windows all over the house...all the while, I'm yelling out loud "they're such idiots, why are they all over her house, the fire is next door"...THEN (!) that's when it hit me like a ton of bricks...Kathie's phone is busy because it's on fire somewhere in HER house. I immediately ran outside and was stopped abruptly by firefighters telling me to stay back. All I could do is tell them they were looking for an 80 year old woman who lived by herself, 1 dog and a bunch of cats (all but 2 cats died).
Eventually the front door was sawdered and they were able to carry Kathie out. She was placed in an ambulance and I jumped in my car and followed them to the hospital where the line of questions came from medical staff and from me to them. A very kind firefighter shared with me that she did not make it.
The rest of the story is quite long...
Kathie was a beautiful woman who left behind 2 surviving children (2 had already past away years ago), 1 granddaughter, 1 great-grandson and a TON of friends and neighbors that she treated like close family. I had the privilege to be Kathie's neighbor for 3 years. She always came to the boys' birthday parties, she co-introduced me to MOPS & VBS at her church, I would bring her meals on occasion and we would very often speak of the recent neighborhood rift-raft. Kathie was 80 actual years, but certainly not 80 in her spirit of life and mentality. She was incredibly active, didn't look a day older than 65 or 70 and had no health problems.
Another neighbor and I were asked to speak at her funeral. We read this aloud...
Our neighborhood described Kathie as being...
Kathie stayed involved and for the most of us, became a member of our family by participating in birthday parties, weddings, baptisms and funerals. We could always count on Kathie to be there to celebrate the good times and console us during the challenging times.
Our neighborhood has been able to stay close-knit with Kathie as the foundation and the longest homeowner on the street dating back to 1959. Kathie stayed involved in the beautification of the neighborhood by staying on top of the rift-raft and the influences they would try to leave behind.
The good that has come from this tragic event has been the unity of the families left behind and uniting with the commonality of our love and respect for Kathie. The endearing impression that Kathie has left behind will always be remembered.
That was one year ago today. In present time, today the new homeowners started moving in. I have been praying for these new neighbors for the last year. I met them 2 weeks ago and they're well aware of the high expectations I have of them, since they're living in Kathie's house. ;-) They were very kind men (brothers) who thought I would really like their elder mom and their younger brother whom they bought the house for.
I am looking forward to the opportunity of getting to know new people and hopefully creating nice memories with them for however long we're in this home.
Eventually the front door was sawdered and they were able to carry Kathie out. She was placed in an ambulance and I jumped in my car and followed them to the hospital where the line of questions came from medical staff and from me to them. A very kind firefighter shared with me that she did not make it.
The rest of the story is quite long...
Kathie was a beautiful woman who left behind 2 surviving children (2 had already past away years ago), 1 granddaughter, 1 great-grandson and a TON of friends and neighbors that she treated like close family. I had the privilege to be Kathie's neighbor for 3 years. She always came to the boys' birthday parties, she co-introduced me to MOPS & VBS at her church, I would bring her meals on occasion and we would very often speak of the recent neighborhood rift-raft. Kathie was 80 actual years, but certainly not 80 in her spirit of life and mentality. She was incredibly active, didn't look a day older than 65 or 70 and had no health problems.
Another neighbor and I were asked to speak at her funeral. We read this aloud...
Our neighborhood described Kathie as being...
- Inspirational
- Tenacious
- Gracious
- Genuine
Kathie stayed involved and for the most of us, became a member of our family by participating in birthday parties, weddings, baptisms and funerals. We could always count on Kathie to be there to celebrate the good times and console us during the challenging times.
Our neighborhood has been able to stay close-knit with Kathie as the foundation and the longest homeowner on the street dating back to 1959. Kathie stayed involved in the beautification of the neighborhood by staying on top of the rift-raft and the influences they would try to leave behind.
The good that has come from this tragic event has been the unity of the families left behind and uniting with the commonality of our love and respect for Kathie. The endearing impression that Kathie has left behind will always be remembered.
That was one year ago today. In present time, today the new homeowners started moving in. I have been praying for these new neighbors for the last year. I met them 2 weeks ago and they're well aware of the high expectations I have of them, since they're living in Kathie's house. ;-) They were very kind men (brothers) who thought I would really like their elder mom and their younger brother whom they bought the house for.
I am looking forward to the opportunity of getting to know new people and hopefully creating nice memories with them for however long we're in this home.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Working Mom Blues
Well today marks the first day of Easter break for my kids. This usually is a cause for huge celebration for our household. This morning was exceptionally odd, depressing and disappointing to be up early, getting dressed for what I hope is success (in "worldly" terms) and leaving with an empty car to travel in traffic on my way to WORK. WOW! THIS.IS.WEIRD. BUT! David checked our bank account and my paycheck posted today. This is why I am up early, getting dressed for what I hope is success and leaving with an empty car to travel in traffic...FOR THE PAYCHECK & HEALTH INSURANCE! Getting paid today couldn't have come at a better time with my emotions all over the place today. :-)
Thankfully, I do enjoy my job, I enjoy the atmosphere I'm in and mass majority of the people I am surrounded by at work are friendly, helpful and also long for the clock on the phones to say 6:00 pm and for the weekends.
Another reason for me to give thanks is that we have a GREAT nanny! She is amazing and besides myself, I couldn't think of another person in LA that I would rather them spend this much free time with. She is great with them! The adoration is mutual amongst them and I truly do not have to worry about them while I am this far away from them. Our childcare circumstances I know are rare and I can only explain and give credit to God for this situation. We are very blessed.
I am also blessed to have Good Friday off from work...paid. It's a Holiday I was in conflict about taking off so soon from a new job, but thankfully I didn't have to make that choice. It was already in God's plan for me. It's also a day I do get to spend home with the kids and I can just soak them up for 3 whole days celebrating my favorite religious Holidays.
Even though these next several days will be a selfish bummer, I am aware and will focus on some pretty good reasons to be happy that I am working and learning another way to "get over it", "build a bridge", "pull up my big girl pants" and move on...
Thankfully, I do enjoy my job, I enjoy the atmosphere I'm in and mass majority of the people I am surrounded by at work are friendly, helpful and also long for the clock on the phones to say 6:00 pm and for the weekends.
Another reason for me to give thanks is that we have a GREAT nanny! She is amazing and besides myself, I couldn't think of another person in LA that I would rather them spend this much free time with. She is great with them! The adoration is mutual amongst them and I truly do not have to worry about them while I am this far away from them. Our childcare circumstances I know are rare and I can only explain and give credit to God for this situation. We are very blessed.
I am also blessed to have Good Friday off from work...paid. It's a Holiday I was in conflict about taking off so soon from a new job, but thankfully I didn't have to make that choice. It was already in God's plan for me. It's also a day I do get to spend home with the kids and I can just soak them up for 3 whole days celebrating my favorite religious Holidays.
Even though these next several days will be a selfish bummer, I am aware and will focus on some pretty good reasons to be happy that I am working and learning another way to "get over it", "build a bridge", "pull up my big girl pants" and move on...
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