Healing and Revelation

December 1st is right around the corner. Trust me I'm not rushing past Thanksgiving or November but I'm a planner - or at the very least I don't want to procrastinate to the point of no return - and December 1st is an important day in our home.

This is when we start our special countdown to Christmas. We started this tradition in 2006 and each year we've had a different theme. We've discussed 24 things God created, 24 men in the Bible who followed God, 24 people that heard from God, etc. This year we are going to explore and discuss 24 healings / miracles.

I think somehow I'll incorporate this song...we'll see.

Take a moment and listen...just remember to pause the player.

Healing is in Your Hand by Christy Nockels

On another note - have you ever heard of Manga Bible by Rogers? It's a graphic novel that summarizes the Bible. Some people like it. Some don't. Jeter really like the series. He's read through it at least two times and is on his third time through. Barber began to ask about it today. I took time to explain that this is a summary and the author uses some liberties - such as the conversations that Cain and Abel are having with one another. I also reminded him that I would love to talk to him about anything he reads.

Barber sat and read for almost an hour. He first asked me why they had to sacrifice sheep. We talked about that and the importance of the sacrifice that Jesus made - tied in why He is referred to as the Lamb of God. I saw the "aha" look on his face and then he smiled saying "now that's another thing I'm thankful to Jesus for because I was feeling bad for the lambs and I am really glad that we don't have to do that anymore." He also told me that although he knew that Cain did something really wrong, he still feels bad for him because he had to go away from everyone and be all by himself in Nod. I absolutely love the sensitivity and compassion that our Creator has woven into this precious son of mine!

The Tone. The Glare. The Attitude.

Do you read a lot of parenting books? I don't. That doesn't mean I've never read any books about parenting. I definitely did my share of reading during my first pregnancy and then some more during the first year of motherhood. But for me - how do I say this nicely - no one author deserves the honor of know-it-all on the topic of parenting.

By the same token, there are some general principals and applications that are true. For example, typically at the age of two, children are learning boundaries and at the age of three they attempt to see how far they can push those boundaries. Those statements are generally true for all children. Where the variation lies is the specifics of how to get through those phases.

So...how do I get through it? I ask God for help. That may sound like a cop-out but hear me out first. He's the One that created these kiddos and He knows them best. I know them pretty well - probably better than most. Simms could say the same. This is definitely due to the fact that we both see a bit of each of us in each of them. The good, the not-so-good if we don't get a handle on it, and what I like to call we are going to handle and get through this - like it or not. Yet, even with all of that knowledge, He still knows them better.

How does this stuff break-down practically speaking? This is my take on it - my job is to ask and listen. He is the One that has to provide the solutions and I need to employ those solutions.

So how does that work? I have a great and current example to give you.

Have you heard of the pre-teen years. I don't know exactly when they are supposed to officially start. What I do know is that we have at least entered a phase of them. My choices, as I see them, are the following - #1 run and hide and hope for the best, #2 yell and scream and hope my neighbors have a good set of earplugs and #3 apply the above (ask for, listen to, and execute the given solution) trusting that we will get through this phase just like we have in the past.

You do realize that options #1 and #2 are not real options, right? Not for this momma anyway.

Please know that selecting option #3 does not necessarily equate to smooth sailing. No way. It does mean that I am fully prepared to roll up my sleeves and get into the muck of life with them. I am ready for the long haul if needed and I will not quit.

I love these boys and my hearts desire is for them to fulfill every plan and purpose that God has for their lives.

Okay...back to pre-teen angst. I know it is another phase that leads to Jeter becoming more independent and defining who he is. I get that and actually this is a really good thing. I want him to continue to mature into the young man that he was called and created to be. I just don't like the tone that seems to be accompanying the process. This tone isn't always directed at me. No - it doesn't seem to be a respecter of persons. All you have to do is cross the path of the tone and it's there. The tone also seems to have a buddy - I'll refer to it as the glare. Not really a fan of the glare either. Both of these things seem to precipitate from the attitude that finds it necessary to be right and prove that rightness at the expense of everything and anything. Please note, none of this is "official" - meaning I don't have an citations to make. It's merely from observations that I've made due to life experience...meaning I'm living this right now with my 9 year old.

My goal? To deal with the tone, glare and attitude without having too many casualties in the process. You may think I am joking. I'm not. I want the yucky stuff out and the good stuff - which ultimately is a positive growth in Jeter's independence and identity - to thrive.

That is the general goal. I think everyone could agree to this.

How am I doing that? You're curious about the specifics? Here is the latest tactic. In the midst of the chaos that ensues when the tone, the glare and the attitude show up, I ask this question - Are you glorifying God right now?

Granted, for you to employ this tactic, that means that your child / pre-teen has to have a foundational understanding of what this means. Mine does. Did it work? Yes!

This is what it looked like the first time in our home...

Me: Jeter, you need to get ready for soccer practice.

Jeter: Okay.

So far no problem. He then comes down in a t-shirt and shorts...mind you it is below 50 degrees outside.

Me: Jeter, that is not enough. You need to wear your underarmour.

Jeter: I don't know where it is.

Me: Okay. If you can't find it then you will need to wear a long sleeve shirt under the t-shirt and a sweatshirt.

Jeter: A sweatshirt? Why?!? (picture instant presence of tone, glare and attitude).

Me: Because it is cold outside.

Jeter: Mom. No. It's not that cold. And I'll be running around. Why don't you find my stuff for me.

Me: Jeter, that is your responsibility and you are running out of time. Get upstairs and finish getting ready now. (there was definitely a bit of emphasis placed on the 'now' in that last statement)

Jeter goes upstairs. Did I mention that his cousins were over? Oh and that I spent the day teaching Promises how to make homemade icing and decorate a soccer cake for Brady as well as taking care of the cake that I was decorating for Jeter's team party?

Meanwhile, upstairs I find Jeter sitting on his bed.

Me: Jeter, pick out a sweatshirt now.

Jeter: No! You don't understand! I'll be running around and I get hot and sweaty so much that I'm going to die if you make me put on the sweatshirt!!!

Me: You have a choice - sweatshirt or underarmour.

Jeter: I don't have a choice because you are going to make me wear a sweatshirt and I can't find the underarmour which is probably in the laundry that you haven't done yet...

Me: (yes, I interrupted him) Jeter, stop there. You're right. Mommy is behind on the laundry but what have I been doing today for you?

Jeter: The cake. But you didn't have to make it. You could have done something else. You chose to do it.

He is correct, I chose to make the cake but the design became more complex because my sweet boys began to "dream" about what the cake could look like and I started to dream with them. I have to admit, right now option #2 was looking really really good and our volume had definitely raised over the course of the above conversation. Thankfully, I took a breathe, walked to another room with Jeter, and silently prayed. When I say 'prayed' insert 'desperately pleaded with the Father'. That is when He told me to ask Jeter the above question and I did.

Me: Jeter, all of this - your actions and words, is it glorifying God?

He stopped. His eyes seemed to soften and as he looked away from me I heard him say 'no'.

Me: Okay then. Please go to your room and talk to God - get your heart right. Then you will need to apologize to me and to your cousins before I bring you to soccer practice.

He did it! He didn't like it but he did it. I heard him in his room having it out with God. That's okay with me. I think that's how I sound sometimes when I'm talking to God, getting through a tough time. He exited his room tone-free, glare-free and attitude-free!!! With a changed heart, he apologized to me and his cousins then he quickly finished getting ready and we got to practice about 5 minutes late.

As he jogged to his team for practice, I looked on with eyes of admiration. I believe that Jeter grew today, right before my eyes.

Summer and my Footwear

When I think of summertime, I fondly remember the days at the beach with my family and friends. I wouldn't change a thing, but I'd be dishonest if I said I didn't miss the close proximity of beaches. Even so, the pool satisfies my need for summer sun and refreshment.

Needless to say, these orange beauts are often donned.



So why are my feet being shoved into these three times each week with socks? It's summer and I really like my sandals.One reason is that my ankle is doing much better - I'm probably at 95% or more - and I need to exercise again. Seriously, this girl needs to get back to a healthy lifestyle and I need to do something that I enjoy and will have a long-term effect.

I was never an athlete but I always enjoyed going for a run - or what I would call a jog. That was the best stress reliever for me during my college years and also saved me from the freshman 15 that seemed to loom over every college gal.

The running was never competitive for me. It was time where I could just be - I could take a break from the books, papers, lab write-ups, etc. And I always felt great afterwards.

Fast forward almost 20 years...I'll spare you the details but suffice it to say this gal has not had running shoes on for quite sometime. Two babies later - there is definitely more than 15 pounds that have stuck to this bod and baby fat is not an excuse anymore when my babies are 6 and 9.

Meanwhile, although Jeter has been playing rec soccer for the last five seasons, this past spring he joined a travel soccer league. We've definitely witnessed him step up his game play but we've also noticed he could improve in the area of endurance.

Here is where my great idea comes into play...Jeter and I should exercise together this summer!

We decided to follow the couch to 5K running plan and are in the third week right now. Here are some of the memories we've made thus far

Week One: 5 minute warm-up; 60 seconds jogging / 90 seconds walking for a total of 20 minutes.

• Mom...this water is like gold! Stated by Jeter upon our return to home the first day.
• During every "jog" portion of our exercise, he always was way ahead of me. He then would double back to meet me during our "walk" portion.
• The gap between us could have been humiliating to me - an obvious reminder of how out-of-shape I am. But he never laughed at me or made fun of me. I made sure to thank him for this.

Week Two: 5 minutes warm-up; 90 seconds jogging / 2 minutes walking for a total of 20 minutes.

• The gap between us during our "jog" portions became a bit less although it still existed.
• I am both cherishing and looking forward to the time we get to exercise together.
• I am feeling stronger but I know things are only going to increase.

Week Three: 5 minutes warm-up; 90 second jog / 90 second walk / 3 minute jog / 3 minute walk - complete the cycle two times.

• The time-frame for jogging has doubled (the three minute portion) and I've learned how blessed I am to have Jeter as an exercise partner. We mutually encourage each other!
• I had been concerned about the gap there was between us when we were jogging the first week (which was only 60 seconds each interval) - how far ahead of me would he be in Week 7 when we are jogging for 23 consecutive minutes? This week I've realized that will not be a concern. He is working on endurance and as the time increased to 3 consecutive minutes I could see that this program is benefiting both of us. We were essentially together the entire time.

So what happens to Barber while we exercise? Thank God for family! My sister Promises and my parents have helped to be with him each MWF. What a tremendous blessing they have been because this would not be possible without their help and support.

Mother's Day Came Early This Year

Jeter doesn't like surprises and when he has something special for you, he cannot wait. Yesterday, after school, he read a poem that he had written for Mother's Day. This eight year old walks right out of his Dad - he knows just what to say and how to say it.

This may be a present for Mother's Day but I think it'll bring a tear to my eye everyday that I read it.

Worker by Jeter

You work all day
While we just play
You work for us
While we all fuss

You never complain
You never cry
And you never give
A careless sigh

I'll come in
With muddy feet
And you'll just say
'Take a seat'

You'll take the lead
When I just read

Everything we don't you do.
Now we say Thank you Mom. Thank you.

Reason Me This

It's no secret that Simms and I (probably more me than him) encourage critical thinking and reasoning skills with our boys. We recognized their abilities to analyze and reason at a young age and it's important to develop those skills. Like with everything, sometimes they just catch you off guard. This was one of those times...

During a Daddy-Son talk the other night, Barber was challenging Simms. I know for you parents out there, you can relate. It was in the evening and Simms was tired (I'm trying to help him out here) when he candidly responded that he is the Daddy and so he knows.

Barber challenged with this...you don't know how Jesus did miracles do you? See - you don't know everything.

C'mon - you know you've played the "Because I'm the Mommy/Daddy" card before. Did you ever anticipate this type of response?

Just Because...

Bedtime is one of my favorite times. One reason would be that my boys utilize that time to tell me things that they don't normally tell me. Kind of like their own version of a bedtime story.

I've gotten used to the fact that Jeter has entered the phase of boys liking girls and vice-versa. He'll tell me who he thinks is cute and who he's heard likes him. It's cute and harmless (he is well aware of the rules on dating) and keeps our lines of communication wide open. Love that - especially since we're quickly approaching the 'tween years.

The other night he told me that he decided to tell a girl that he liked her face to face.

I have to admit I was impressed and a little stunned by his boldness...


Me: Really? You just went up and told her?

Jeter: Yup.

Me: Why?

Jeter: How else is she going to know if I don't tell her?

Me: True...what did she say?

Jeter: She smiled and said okay.

Me: What would you have done if she told you that she liked you back? I'm not sure she'd be expecting to hear 'cool...but so you know we still can't be boyfriend / girlfriend because I'm not allowed...'

Jeter: *shrugged* I don't know. It's not like we would be boyfriend / girlfriend because we like each other. But I know she does like me because so-and-so told me that she did. And I just wanted to tell her myself...so I did.


After hugs and kisses I joined Simms downstairs and told him about it. He just giggled. Boys...I don't know if I will ever truly understand them. ;)

Do You Suffer from Superman Syndrome?

Superman Syndrome...to be ready for anything at anytime.

No this is NOT a real syndrome. I just made it up because it appears that my dear Barber is showing symptoms of this. LOL - really...yesterday he had me laughing out loud.

Yesterday, after school, while visiting my parents, I noticed he was wearing a short sleeve shirt under his long sleeve shirt. I wondered why and what shirt it could be (navy collar but white at the bottom) when I suddenly remembered that is the same as the pajama shirt he wore the night before (this is seriously a mommy skill). Could it be? So I inquired "Barber, what shirt do you have under that?" He smiled his charming grin and I continued "Would it be your pj top?" He giggled out a "Yes...and I have the shorts on under these pants too!"

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

His reasoning was that he was able to get dressed quicker in the morning and at bedtime.

Duh! Silly me.

NOTE: this was nipped in the bud (albeit with a smile - he really does crack me up!) and no he only has his clothes on today - no pj's.

Jeter's First Homemade Dinner

While running errands I was deciding what to make for dinner and then I thought...Jeter could learn how to make this meal.

And that is exactly what happened.

It was so much fun, we talked about doing this together on the weekends.

We worked as a team. I did the yucky and adult stuff (like touched the raw chicken and place the completed dish into the oven) but he took care of all the rest - mixing, spreading, melting, stirring, etc. And when his technique needed some tweaking, I showed him what to do and he did it. We even talked about timing and how to set the timer so you would know when to prepare the sides to go with the entree.

At dinner, we thanked Jeter for making us such a wonderful meal. Barber thought that was pretty crazy that his brother made a dinner that "looked like mom made it". I couldn't be more proud of my son who is really and truly going to be nine...he's keeps growing up!

Want to make Jeter's dinner? I've posted the chicken recipe before. Simply prepare rice (we prefer basmati) and a veggie of your choice and/or salad. Enjoy!

You Can't Always Get What You Want

Whether you shoot it, throw it, hit it or kick it - if it's a sport that one of my kiddos is participating in, then I want to be there. But you can't always get what you want.

Today I was with Barber at his T-ball game while Simms was with Jeter at his soccer game. I want to be at both. So would Simms but he is able to be at all of Barber's games during the week. There is a difference though - Simms helps coach. I cheer and encourage and sometimes bring snacks. The current schedule is great for Simms - he assists with Barber's team during the week and Jeter's on the weekend. I just don't get to see Jeter play as much - this spring anyway. New schedule in the fall and that may make a difference.

Some moms or dads might not care. They might be relieved that they can split stuff up between the parents. I will admit it is definitely easier on the time commitment but there's another part of me that doesn't like this. Not one little bit.

Late this morning we each returned home. While the boys played, Simms and I sat at the kitchen table together and took turns. I told him about Barber's game and how he got two outs. One where he stopped the ball and threw it to second and his teammate caught it. The other where he stopped the ball and tagged the base before the runner got there. I watched Simms' face light up amazed at what our little guy did and how much he has improved in just one week. Simms told me about Jeter's game - how he has improved at playing his position and being able to change gears when he is on defense or at midfield. He told me how he stopped the ball with his chest and allowed it to fall to his feet and then was able to move it forward. As he spoke I imagined what that would have looked like and I'm sure my face lit up too.

Happy Birthday Barber

My little Barber - he's not so little anymore. Today he is 6 years old. How did that happen?

One of the things that I enjoy as his mama is getting to know this little man.

There are things about his personality that I saw in the first year of his life that are still present. And yet there are new facets that have developed or grown stronger over the last year.

Joy. Can you say exuberant joy? He is joyful and he brings joy to me. Not every minute of every day - there are growing pains. But...when I think of my Barber I can't help but smile and see his smiling face in my minds eye and hear his giggle.

Love. This boy loves his family. Hugs and kisses abound and we still have our secret handshake. He is definitely independent and likes to do things on his own - by himself. But then, in his own way - loud and obvious or quiet and thoughtful - he makes sure that you know he loves you and needs you and enjoys spending time with you. He may snuggle up and ask me to read a book to him - or better yet, he reads one to me. He might hand me a flower just because he wants me to know that I am special. His favorite are the buds from the Bleeding Hearts that we have in the front yard.

Intensity. It is seen when he is playing t-ball or soccer on an organized team. This intensity is also apparent when he is working on a project for school or building something or playing the Wii. Whether he is working or playing, there is an intensity about him. Not in a bad way either - he just puts everything he's got into whatever he is doing. 100% all of the time. The difficulty is when he is so focused that he forgets that Mommy and Daddy trump anything that he is doing...

Opinionated. One thing that Barber has never lacked is his opinion. He has no problem with telling me whether he likes my hair or not, an outfit, how something smells, etc. He started picking out his own clothes when he was two years old. He is sensitive to others and their feelings but he doesn't allow that to control what his likes and dislikes are. It seems like he was born knowing who he is, what he likes, etc.

Humorous. This child makes me laugh. Genuinely laugh. What he says, how he says it, the faces he makes...I can't quite put my finger on it. He just has an excellent sense of humor and sometimes it happens when we least expect it. For example, Simms just put a chain on our gate door this past weekend (so it can be opened from the outside when it is unlocked). A few hours later he discovered that it was off!?! While we were eating dinner he asked the boys about it. Barber ended up telling us this story of how he was trying to get into the backyard and was struggling with the chain until he "had enough of that" and pulled it off and threw it out. May not sound funny now but Simms and I giggled quite a bit over this incident.

Inquisitive. Barber definitely has the making of an investigator. His Kindergarten teacher refers to him as a little scientist. He likes to figure things out and is very tactile. A little too much at times for my liking. I know it is there for a reason - I'm still teaching him how to think of the consequences before he moves forward on one of his ideas. I'm praying this lesson is learned sooner than later.

Imagination. One moment he is a superhero until he is a police officer or a spy or a pirate or a knight...the list is truly endless. The one theme that is seen throughout is that there is adventure involved in the story line he creates and he is ultimately the hero that saves the day.

Charmer. He doesn't know this...yet. Hopefully it stays that way as long as possible. This coupled with any and all of the above is why this mama spends a lot of time praying. Where did he get this attribute? Do you know my husband / his Daddy? Need I say more? Already - in Kindergarten, there are little girls that give him the "eyes". He isn't seeing it but I do when I visit him at school. There is one girl in particular. He has known her since preschool and this past week he told me she is his girlfriend. I corrected him "no...she is a friend who happens to be a girl". His response? "I know. That's what I said. She is my girlfriend". Ugh.

Oh my sweet Barber - you are truly a gift, a priceless treasure. I'm so blessed to have you call me Mommy / Mom / Mama and I will always love you no matter what.

Sleeping Habits

I sleep in bed with my head on my pillow and the covers on top of me.

Simms does the same but sometimes he gets warm and might only use a sheet. And a few times throughout our marriage (but I could count the times on my fingers) I have woken up to feet next to me because he needed to invert himself and somehow that helped him fall asleep.

Jeter sleeps on his back. Sometimes on his side. His arms are sometimes raised (he has done this since he was born!) above his head. He, like his mama, stays under the covers.

And then God blessed us with Barber. This boy moves. A lot. We never know how we are going to find him before we go to bed. Rarely are the covers on him. Rarely is his head still on the pillow. We have found him sideways on the bed with legs dangling off. We have found him upside down. He never seems to be the same way twice. But we only found him once like this (see below) and I had to take a picture (It was really warm in the summer - that's why there is the lack of traditional pj's). I was afraid it would be blurred from my giggles. Both the flash and our laughter did not wake him up. Why should we be surprised? Standing didn't wake him up!!! Of course, after the picture, Simms picked him up and tucked him into bed - head on his pillow and covers on top of him too. My sweet Barber...he is always full of surprises. Thankfully they are good ones.

The Fragile House

Looking for something to do indoors? Did you ever do this when you were young? I did...at least I tried. So Jeter wanted to learn how to. He mastered making one small house and then decided to make more.

His version morphed into something very different from my childhood memories. The initial result of his work was a number of individual barracks and one large fort. But he didn't stop there. Pretty soon the entire kitchen table was taken over...and then somehow a war broke out until all the houses were smashed.

My memories didn't include the smashing. I believe my houses were cottages where families lived in peace. It is moments like this that I look at my boys and think "they must get that from their dad!" LOL

Cold Should = Snow

I've said it before - I like seasons. And I still do but if it is this cold outside, then we should have snow. But we don't. It's just cold and windy.

This past December we had some decent snow. Simms and the boys (Barber ended up coming inside because it was too cold out and Jeter got sidetracked a couple of times) made this snowman. He lasted a very long time. The boys named him "Bob" and would say hello to him. Barber would "high-5" Bob after school almost everyday. Alas, Bob is only a mere memory now. Wouldn't it be nice to have him visit us just one more time this season?

Is a Kiss Just a Kiss?

Honestly I didn't see this coming. The irony is that it's on the heels of what I posted yesterday. This time it's regarding Barber - my 5 year old.

Inside his school folder there was an "FYI" stickie that informed me that he had to stay after gym class for a few minutes because the teacher had to talk to him about the "no kissing in school" policy.

Oh. My. Word.

Seriously?!? So guess who had the I know you are very caring and loving but you are not allowed to kiss anyone except your family (to which he began to list the family members) and eventually your wife talk? The difficulty is he doesn't get it. And really how should he - a 5 year old doesn't comprehend the intimacy of a kiss. He only knows that he is part of a family that gives and receives hugs and kisses. Thankfully what he does comprehend is that he needs to be obedient and there is no kissing anyone that is not family and that includes everyone from his school.

I'm thinking Daddy gets to reinforce this with Barber tonight.

And So It Begins...

No - I'm not talking about the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This isn't a post about Christmas decorating or baking or gift shopping or wrapping. I'm not even talking about getting the Christmas cards addressed, stamped and mailed. This doesn't reference the multitude of posts that have been put on the back burner until I have a spare moment to put a cohesive sentence together.

So what am I talking about? I'm talking about girls. And not just girls in general. The ones liking my boys. Specifically the ones I don't know (yet) who like my boys. More specifically - liking Jeter.

Ugh.

Tonight Jeter told me that a girl in his class wrote him a note. Wrote. Him. A. Note.

Did I just type that?

It said "I like you"

He wrote back "Why?"

Giggle. Snicker. He is such a boy.

She replied "IDK" which Jeter then translated for me "I don't know". And for the record I actually did know that.

Is that not such a "girl" response?

He then told me that another girl told him she liked him - not in a note - just told him. You may wonder where the conversation went from there...did we talk about girls and boys and all that stuff? Of course we did. I just don't have the stamina to write about all of that right now. I have always known about girls liking Jeter before. Usually their moms told me about it and he was clueless. But now? Now they (the girls) are telling him - in person and in writing and the only reason I know about it is because he told me.

Talk about the blessing of good communication with your kiddos.

School Visit Synopsis

Highlights of Parent's Day at the boys' school:

• Eating lunch in the cafeteria was...how to describe it...interesting? The seats are small and everyone wants to talk to you nullifying any quality time with Jeter and Barber. And yet, they are absolutely thrilled that you are there.
• Is it wrong/silly to feel totally flattered when two third grade girls come over to me, one twisting her hair around her finger and the other looking back and forth from the floor to me and then to the floor again while they banter "no you tell her" back and forth until finally one of them speaks up and says "Jeter's mom? We just wanted to tell you that we think you are really pretty". LOL. Is that what it would be like if I had a daughter?!?
• I was reminded once again how annoying book fair can be...although I was relieved to find a book that Jeter and I could both agree on. Barber's turn to go is tomorrow afternoon. Hoping for the same success.
• It's really nice when they have normal size chairs for us to sit on (in the classroom) for parent's day. That isn't always the case when I volunteer in the classroom throughout the rest of the year.
• I seriously believe that Simms is a kid magnet. Maybe that's why he has been such an awesome soccer coach for the 4/5 and 6/7 year olds? Barber's classmates didn't want him to leave and vied for his attention the entire time he was there!
• Confronted with the reality of my age when one of my former students was a substitute in the school today. At the same time it was enjoyable to observe her skill in teaching these kiddos and I was as proud of her as if she was my very own daughter!

Laughter is Good Medicine

"Why do they always lose when we see them?" Jeter's venting frustration at the Giants loss to the Chargers in the last minute of the game.

"Mommy, how about when I grow up then you can be done with your marriage to Daddy so I can marry you?" Barber asked me this tonight as I'm tucking him in to bed. Then he followed it up with "Can you do that? Can people stop being married to one another?" The timing of when these questions arise astounds me. If you know me, then you know that we had a discussion (brief but I couldn't let it go) about the fact that marriage is more then just husband and wife. It is a commitment and a covenant made before God and although there are some people who stop being married that is something that Mommy and Daddy will never ever do. I also told him that I don't know who he is going to marry but I am already praying for her. Yes. I. Did.

"Mom, why do you have to do that? You are always working!" Barber's response to me asking him to pick something up from the floor. I have two responses to this - (1) maybe I need to play some more and (2) at least he recognizes that all of the stuff I do around here is indeed work.

"Mama, what can I do to help?" Normally, this is a question that a mother would love to hear her son ask. But I just got finished telling Jeter that he needed to sit down and rest so that his body could heal. Apparently he's as good at sitting still as I am.

"Why aren't Papa and Mima going with us to the game? We only have 4 tickets?!?!? Can't you just buy 2 more?!?!?" This was in reference to the tickets that we were able to purchase to bring the boys to see the Giants at Giants Stadium. The innocence of childhood. It also shows the love of family. Like his Mommy, Barber loves and cherishes the time we have together.

"Life with the Campbell's is always an adventure." Simms made this statement after he safely pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. We got a flat tire en route to NJ - to bring the boys to the Giants game the following day. Thankfully AAA sent someone to us in about 15 minutes and the boys thought it was fun to be in the car while the gentleman changed our tire and added air to the spare. It also helped that Poppy and Grammie drove out to meet us so that we could trade cars and quickly get back on the road again.

Simms is right. It is and has always been an adventure - and I continue to smile and laugh as much as possible on our journey together.

Time...it's worth it.

Family traditions.

Jeter's class has been discussing family traditions. This past week they had to complete a project where each student is responsible for making a quilting square. The middle of the square was to display their family (via photo or drawing). The four corners were designated for traditions within your family. This week they are presenting their squares to the class and then together constructing a class quilt.

The four traditions that Jeter selected were:

• Birthdays. He highlighted that they always wake up to a room full of balloons, they get to choose two flavors for their homemade ice cream cake and then they get a special cake designed by mom for their birthday party with family and friends.
• New York Giants. Apparently the fact that we are all NYG fans and watch the games together (when it is on TV - excluding night games for the boys) is a tradition in his book.
• Christmas. He noted that our family celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and that we spend time together decorating cookies and the tree.
• Fun Family Friday. This is a "new" tradition that was birthed this Fall. With the many scheduled evenings, we made sure to have a nice evening together on Fridays. Friday's are now characterized by enjoying pizza and ice cream sundaes as well as some fun activity together.

As parents, we often (at least Simms and I do) think about the big things that impact our children. At times this can eclipse the importance and relevance of the day-to-day stuff. Isn't it interesting that a larger percentage of what my son perceives as meaningful and important doesn't cost a ton of money? The cost is really time - to make things together, talk together and play together. Finally, Jeter summarized the importance of his family's traditions by stating that they create a strong family bond.

He may only be eight but I think he's on to something...

What is one of your family traditions?

Barber Uninterrupted

Last night soccer practice was cancelled because of the rain. Jeter was bummed but it was nice to enjoy a leisurely dinner together. We had ziti, meatballs and spaghetti (for the boys), bread and oil and zucchini.

The boys were telling me about their day at school and then we were talking about the weather and hoping that we have good weather for Homecoming this weekend. The conversation continued to twist and turn - Barber was asking where we (Simms and I) met and then Jeter was recalling the story of Simms asking my Dad for my hand in marriage and then...

Barber: Mom, you know how there are some people who don't get married but they have kids anyway?

Me: Yes...(prepared to talk about this but cut off by Barber)

Barber: Well, I kind of wish it was that way with you and Daddy.

Me: ???????? (still not able to respond except with the questioning look on my face because words are still coming out of his mouth)

Barber: Do you want to know why I wish that? (He now assumes the answer is yes because he just keeps talking) I wish that because then when I get older, I could marry you.

And my heart melted

The Time of My Life

Do you ever feel different? I know some of you do - probably all of you have at some point in your life. The bigger question is - do any of you analyze how / why you are different from others? I do. I don't always figure out the 'why' I am different but I am pretty good at identifying the 'how'.

Thrills...stop laughing at me. LOL.

Here's the latest. My closest friends (and sis) already know this about me. I'm not a baby mama. What I mean to say is I don't go ga-ga over babies. You know the ladies that get all crazy when a baby is in the room and they just have to hold him/her. They make cute noises and ooh and awww at the various things that the baby may or may not do. The baby burps and they go nuts. Not me. It's not that I don't think they are cute. I do. I believe they are treasures that we are so blessed with and their lives are precious. I just tend to go crazy over them later on in life.

Like today - I got all warm fuzzies inside because Barber slipped out of the family room to get a piece of blank paper and pencil. About ten minutes later he proudly presented me with a note. It read:

Barber.

Mom

I heart (he drew a heart) U!!

It's the first note that he has independently written to me. I just hugged him and gave him kisses, listening to him explain how he put exclamation points instead of a period and how that changes the way you read it. My little boy is not so little any more. He is growing up and I am loving every minute of it. I am excited to see him mature - to watch him use discernment and make choices on his own. I almost start to cry at his enthusiasm to read and show me what he is learning.

I smile at the memories of my babies but I do not mourn them. I don't wish to go back. This is the phase that gives me an adrenaline rush. Don't get me wrong - I have loved my boys from the start of their lives - it's just that, this part of Mommyhood is so much FUN! I have two wonderful Little Men and I love checking their homework and listening to the happenings of their day. I count it a blessing to participate in as well as observe their growing independence - academically, spiritually and emotionally. I truly am having the time of my life.