First Day at the Pool!

Last year at this time,  I was about to enter one of the hottest Summer's on record in North Carolina.  And I was 7 month's pregnant.   Yeah - it was not my favorite Summer.  But I was anticipating the arrival of our sweet boy.

I truly did not know how much this little guy would bless our life.  "They" all say that, don't they?

He is sweet, funny, calm, easy-going and just plain fun.   I'm glad I to call him mine.

Here we are enjoying the start of this Summer with his first trip to the neighborhood pool.   Remember what it was like to have a baby at the pool?!?!?  I quickly remembered yesterday the work involved in getting a wee one ready for a swim.  We lasted about an hour.    It's all fine, though - I'm just enjoying him.  This time around I am smart enough to know how fast it really goes. 

Happy 10 months,  Baby T.  You have been the light of our lives for 2011 for sure! 

Heros are Made

In a conversation with my son this morning, he told me that he was going to have to study really hard in school to be a superhero.

He's 7, you know. And he is serious.

So, in between bites of banana pancakes, we talked about what being a superhero means to him and what super powers he thought he has to be a super hero.

It went a little like this...

"Well Mom, Superman was born on another planet and he did have powers.  But most superheros got their powers kinda by accident, like Spiderman (bit by a radioactive spider) and Ironman (heart transplant).   But Batman and Robin, they are just really smart.  They make cool gadgets and use them to save people.  That's the kind of hero I'd like to be."

Then over the last bite, he finished it up with this,

" Superheros are not born, Mom.  They are made."




A superhero in the making - age 3

 
Todays life lesson brought to you by a small child with big dreams. 

Look What I Found In My Bathroom Sink Today

Boys. I'm so glad I get to raise two of them. :)


Apparently, this alligator is going to grow.  We have now found him a new home so that we can use the bathroom sink again.  

Seemed Like a Good Idea

Bubby is suddenly very into skateboarding.

But only if he can have a ramp. 

My advice to him was to go ahead and learn how to actually stay on the skateboard and maybe learn some tricks on the actual ground before he attempts flying off of a ramp.

So, this (photo below) is what I found after giving him all this advice.  Seems my van is the perfect place to set up a ramp. Except what happens when you get to the top?

Um, yeah...

Conversations with Bubby

Conversations with my 6 year old sweet boy today.

*****

Him: "Mom, do you think Max or Jack from my class (Kindergarten)  is stronger?"
Me: "I don't know Bubby. Why?"
Him:  "Just guess."
Me:  "Okay, Max." I reply just to get him moving along....
Him: "Why do you think that?"
Me:  "You said to guess.  So, I'm just guessing."
Him:  "Well, Jack does push ups every night. So, he must be stronger."
Okay, then.   

*****

"Feel my muscle, Mom."  I squeeze his little arm.
"It's huge!"  I exaggerate.
"I know - you can't mash it down even if you try, can you?"  More of a statement than question. 
"Nope, sure can't."  I wouldn't even dare try. 


********
While I'm vacuuming he interrupts me.
I stop - a little impatient.
I don't turn the vacuum off.
He mouths, "I love you."
Then kisses my pregnant belly.
Then runs off.
Love. Him. So. Much.

What Father's Day Means to Me

I don't actually have a relationship with my biological father.   When my parents divorced at 14,  I seldom saw him in the years that followed even though he lived only a few miles from me.   It was hurtful and as a young girl, I did not understand then what I understand now.  He simply did not know how to have a relationship with me.  

I have a huge story behind this relationship - or rather "non-relationship" with my dad.  I won't share all that right now.   I've forgiven him.  Actually, I forgive him often.  It's a process. 

But still, when Father's Day rolls around, I am forced to think about what the day means to me.  And aside from where I am now, for many years I carried a lot of pain and hurt around with me.  Unfortunately, I coped with in ways that were not healthy.  Even as a young mom and wife.    It's my story, though and it won't go unused - I can promise you that.

My pastor talked today about the fact that no matter what kind of dad you grew up with, he left a fingerprint on your life.  Good or bad.  I suppose my dad did leave a fingerprint that wasn't so great.  I didn't have a strong male influence in my  life as a teen girl and young woman and that was difficult when navigating the waters of dating and finding a mate.   I do have some fond memories of him as a child, though and that is probably why the pain of losing him later was so much greater. 

But God certainly blessed me with a partner for life that I feel certain will leave an amazing legacy for his children.  I get to see what a dedicated father looks like in him each day.   I married him and love him very much. 

Personally, though - as in my own relationship with a father - I have to share with you Father's Day means to me. While I celebrate my husband and all the dads I know, I also celebrate the love of the one I begin every prayer with.  Father God.   My Daddy.

I'm the apple of his eye, he delights in me and he loves like no other.   He will never ever abandon me.

Though Father's Day is a day of reflection for me, it's not painful anymore.  I celebrate the love of my creator and find joy in his strong arms that hold me through the ups and downs of life.  The one who protected me all the years that I tried to do so much to practically destroy my own life.

I think he must have wanted me to share that with you today.    How through realizing His great love for me, my own life was saved. 

So, Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there and to my own earthly father if for some crazy reason you are reading this but mostly to a God that guides me through the days of my life with love, mercy and so much grace. 

Yellow Belt!

Just to round out the week of Bubby - here he is breaking his first board in Tae Kwon Do!  He was SO excited to do this and it was part of what earned him his Yellow Belt!!!   Yay Bubby!

Boys

I'm on a roll with the postings about Boys this week, so why stop now?   This is one I started a while back right after it happened.   So, I finally finished it up.

***

Guess what I received a few weeks ago?

My very first call from the Vice-Principal.

Then guess what Hubby received a few days later?

Our very second call from the Vice-Principal.

And a week later?

Yeah, our third call from the Vice-Principal. 

So, were we surprised?   A little.  

You see, we have this 9 year old girl.  My beautiful, amazing, firstborn. She is the model student.  The model child in many ways.   I honestly have never had to worry about her getting in trouble.   Well, okay when she was 2 and started preschool she did bite someone but other than that...nothing.  If I get a call from the school for her, I know it's because she is sick. 

I also have this 6 year old boy.  My handsome, sweet, squishy, baby boy.  Hmm, I wonder why he is getting in trouble - could it be because his mama babies him too much?!?!     Anyway, he is a good student academically.   Behaviorally?  Yes.  Well.  For the most part - he is well-behaved.  He just talks a lot.  And plays around a lot.  Oh, and he's at that age where he thinks the whole world kinda revolves around him.   Wait, I'm at that age, too! :)

I really just got a few calls when he started preschool.    Things like using potty words, too much talking, not sitting still.  Boy things, right?

So, actually, we took the calls from the Vice-Principal in stride.   As well, I should.  I know he is not a troublemaker.  He was acting up on the bus by screaming and not sitting down, though.   She talked to him and told him he wouldn't be allowed to ride the bus for a few days if he did it again.  He LOVES the bus so, I was pretty sure that would do the trick.

Except that it didn't.  He actually got kicked off the bus for a day.   That seemed to do it, though.   I haven't had a call in over a month.

We have been tracked out, though...  

Man to Man - Wordless Wednesday

April 2009 - Mountains of North Carolina

Hubby was having a "very serious" conversation here with Bubby about practicing baseball.   Bubby doesn't really want to practice but he wants to be able to catch the ball.    So...I guess a little chat man to man was necessary to explain just why practice makes perfect in anything that is worthwhile.

I just love the way they are sitting and looking ahead while talking.  So manly. 

Playin' Ball

Bubby started T-Ball this year.  How stinkin' cute is that outfit?   I LOVE it!

He is hitting great, running like a champ and working on catching.    It's very fun to watch this age.   They just want to hit that ball and run!   It's funny how they just play an hour and don't keep score because seldom does anyone ever even get out.

Maybe baseball will be his thing.  It's always fun to try to figure it out!  He did tell me he likes the games better than practice, though.  He doesn't really like to practice - even at home.  He just wants to do it!   We keep trying to explain that to learn to catch you have to practice!  Hopefully, he will get that soon.

A Total Wash

Thank goodness the weather is good glorious.

Otherwise, yesterday and this morning might have been a total wash.    A wash as in the laundry kind of wash. 


Quite literally, laundry had taken over the upstairs floor of my house. It was in both the washer and dryer, all 4 laundry baskets for clean clothes, the 4 for dirty, some hanging to dry. The kids were running out of clothes to wear but to be honest most of them were clean, just not in their drawers and closets.

Also, my sweet friends have passed along bags of maternity clothes.  In my attempt to find something to wear on my growing belly and well, growing everywhere else, I had maternity clothes all over my bedroom.  What a mess.  It got to the point where I could not find anything. 

I was absolutely determined that I would not blog one word until it was all cleaned and in it's proper place. As I type, the only clothing in the baskets are the ones the kids wore last night and that is only because I just don't have another full load yet.

All maternity clothing has been sorted.  What I can wear now is washed and hanging in my closet.  Things I can wear later sit folded in the bags in an unused corner of my room.  All normal sized clothing that I obviously cannot wear for another year is hung up high with out of season wear.

The other thing I had to do was clean out the kids closets and drawers to make way for new spring/summer clothing.  They had outgrown so much - that's what kids do - and I just needed to take the time to go through it.   Ah.  Clean, organized drawers. 

I have to say that it feels good to have it all done.  But I'm tired of being inside.  The weather has been great motivation to hurry through that chore.   So, now I'm headed outside to do some gardening!

In other news today,  Hubby has what we think is a  pretty bad case a pretty serious case of food poisoning.    Y'all it came on SO strong and SO fast.  He was fine up until about 1 am and then he just started to get so sick.   He said he has never prayed so hard for his stomach to stop hurting.    He's not been able to keep anything down today.  It could also be the flu but that fast?  Poor guy whatever it is.   He is in the bed with shades drawn.  No sunshine for him today. 

So it's all laundry and sickly hubby around this household.  Like I said - good thing it's beautiful outside!   The kids are on the Slip 'N Slide with the neighbors so they are in heaven!   I absolutely love that kids just want to get into a swimsuit and head to the nearest water at the first sign of warmth in the air.   I could not be caught dead in a bathing suit right now.   The pastiness and the belly - just the thought is enough to scare me straight into capris. 

Watching

I can spend a lot of time just watching him.

Maybe it's that he is teetering at the place somewhere between baby and boy.

Maybe I just am fascinated by his boy antics.

Maybe it's just because he's mine.

Whatever the reason, I'll just keep watchin'.

Gift Cards are a Gift

I love gift cards.  Not only to give them but I LOVE to receive them.  Over the years, my poor hubby has come to the conclusion that I am a bit picky in the gift department.    Often, unless he knows of something specifically that I want, he will give me gift cards to the mall.

He knows me.
He speaks my language.
Shopping is a gift for me.

I used to do it too much and I've had to rein that in over the years.  So, when he gives me what seems like FREE money to spend however I choose, I promise you, I am childlike.

I do know family members and even friends that seem to be down on the gift card as a gift.  They think they take less thought than finding a very personal gift to give someone.   I can see that point.  I am truly honored when someone thinks of giving me something that I would love but might not have bought for myself.   I feel valued when they listen to something I have expressed wanting, make a mental note and buy it for me for as a gift.

But I also feel valued, honored and loved when I get a gift card to a favorite store or... Starbucks.

Honestly, some people are very good at the buying people the perfect gifts.   Others just struggle.  It's difficult and stressful for them.   My mom hates to shop and often has me go buy my kids gifts just because she can't handle the stress of the stores.

And what do you buy a teenager?  A shirt that won't fit or has the wrong color blue on it?  A CD they already have or won't use because they only know how to download music from iTunes?

• You buy the teens in your Aeropostale, Old Navy, Hollister Co., GameStop or iTunes cards.  You will forever be their favorite relative.
  

• Or the sister or friend who has everything?    Starbucks cards.   iTunes, photo-site gift cards, Hallmark gift cards.  A gift card to a bookstore is always a favorite gift of mine.  Even if the person you know isn't a big reader they usually have music, cookbooks, stationary and cards at bookstores also. 
  

• Really, Starbucks and iTunes or Rhapsody gift cards are great for most people.  These are things people love but seem to cut back on when times are tight.  Like now.  

• The brother and sister-in-law who just bought a house?  Home Depot gift cards - wrap it with a screwdriver or hammer if you want to include something they can hold on to.  I always need a hammer or a screwdriver.  Or one of those little bitty screwdrivers that you need to open every single toy in the world.   Those are awesome to have extra.
  

• New baby in the family? Send the parents a Target gift card tucked in some little cute socks - diapers are a never-ending expense.

So, if you receive a gift card, accept it with great joy - it is a gift after all.  And if you are struggling over what to get someone, think of where they might like to shop or eat during the week - a favorite restuarant, movies, etc. and buy them a gift card there.

I would stick with big name stores when buying gift cards.  You never know when someone will go out of business and don't want your mother in law to be stuck with a gift card she can't spend.  

So, how about you?  Are you a fan of gift cards or not?

Tomorrow - Family Gifts.  I'll share with you gifts that work for an entire family.

Convenience Factor - What I Learned This Week

Our family has decided to make an effort to be better stewards of our money and be on a little tighter budget. To say that we are being affected by the recession would be an understatement. I'm not going to go into that too much because my husband would not be a happy camper with me telling cyberspace our financial state and all. Let's just say, we really have needed to re-think the way we live our life. It's not necessarily been such a bad thing, though.

We decided that we waste a lot of money on things that provide us convenience. While they do free up some time for us, we also find that they don't add much benefit to our life. One question I asked myself a lot is, "What are my kids learning by the fact that we pay someone else to do so much for us?"

We've done a lot of cutting back in small areas but just this last week we've done the following:

First, we let our lawn service go.
Now, before you go and laugh at how much this is not a sacrifice (you are probably right), let me tell you that for Hubby - it really is. He has about 1 full day off a week and we spend most of that day at church. So, he really doesn't have much time to do yardwork. I could not use our old mower because I could never get it started (I know, I know), so eventually we just hired someone to do it. The opportunity cost at the time just made sense. We've had the same lawn service for a pretty low cost for almost 10 years. I hated to cancel it because we love the guy so much. But we did - it just makes sense now. So, Hubby went to Sears and got himself a fancy push mower that was a floor model and one I can work if I need to. Which I'm hoping I don't.

That hubby of mine can certainly work a deal. He got a the mower for more than 50% off. I think he actually is enjoying mowing the lawn which I did not think I would ever see.

Second, we let our housecleaning service go.
Yes, I cried.

Again, you might be saying, "no big sacrifice, Janel." Yeah, well you are right. Many women clean their own homes, so why can't I? Now I do have to say that I have only had a cleaning service because she is part of a barter program in which we belong. I have not paid her cash in 2 years. But again, we decided we need to save the bartering dollars for more important things like vet bills and the dentist. Yes, we barter those things - it's a beautiful thing.

Third, we decided to eat out for dinner only once a week. We sell an amazing line of premium cookware for crying out loud. Why are we going to out dinner so much? Weight gain, stomach issues all spending money all say we shouldn't be eating out so much - enough said. So, I've been cooking every night this week. I actually baked, too! I enjoy cooking so much and really find that the more of a habit I make it, the more I can easily throw a meal together faster than going out to eat. Also, I feel so much better about what I'm feeding my kids because I have control over what goes into the food.

Last but not least, I am looking for part-time income now that both of my kids are in school. So, I started looking for a job outside the home only to realize a couple things:

1. I have not been in the actual workforce for almost 10 years and people are not so much interested in me compared to the other thousand people that are out of work that actually do have skills they need.

2. I am on my computer a lot. And there are ways to generate income by being on my computer. One thing I like to do is encourage and promote other people. There are actually ways that I can generate income by doing just that in the online world. I've had some amazing opportunities this week in this area and I am very excited.

Needless to say, the first week without the many conveniences has been busy.
Busy but good.
It feels good to make an effort to take care of our own stuff and also save money.

In my mind, it's a positive way the recession has affected us. It's made us more aware of what we really don't need and what we can do ourselves.

How about you? What positive affect has the recession had on you, if any?

For more lessons learned this week you can head over to Musings of a Housewife. She's been talking a lot about eating more whole foods and less processed. Good stuff over there.

The Directions

"Mom, I need the directions."

My 5 year old Bubby, says this every time we open a new toy from his birthday.

Oh yeah, let me get those out of the trashcan.

I am finding this pretty funny considering Hubby pours over the directions before he puts something together, where I am more of a figure it out as I go along kinda gal.

Funny thing is that I never have parts left over. The other day I found a box of tools and in it were left over parts from a shelf that my husband was putting together some time ago.

A. Whole. Lotta. Parts.

This is with the directions.

See, why do you even need them?