A Return On An Investment

For the last few soccer games, I’ve kind of made myself the team photographer.  I enjoy playing with my camera and I love watching the games.  So put the two together, and I’m having a bunch of fun!

Some of the things I inadvertently capture are comical.  You know.  The funny faces of concentration and exertion.  Or the awkward kick that just missed the ball.  And a good many of them I simply delete when I get home.

But every once in a while, I capture something amazing.  Not in the picture itself, but rather the event.

Like this. 

See this penalty kick goal?  Number 22 was taking the kick.  And when the ball went in, the team went wild as they cheered, high-fived, and congratulated him on a beautifully placed shot. 

Not because they needed this goal.  (We were already ahead by several.) 

But because this player, maybe more so than any other, had needed the encouragement.

It was truly a magical moment.

I’m really thankful for these coaches who model constant encouragement and affirmation.  They are having such a positive influence on these boys’ lives! 

I loved seeing that encouraging spirit played out among the players.  And it was inspiring to watch the guys sincerely celebrate a teammate’s personal achievement. 

I thought to myself, this is what coaching is all about.  And this is exactly what I want my boys to take home from the game.

Thank you coaches!  We appreciate you, and the many hours you are investing in our boys’ lives!!!

Linked up with Gratituesday at Laura’s Heavenly Homemaker, and Jamie’s 30 Minute Blog Challenge.

Friday, Where Have You Been All Week?

From the moment I set my alarm Sunday night, I’ve been longing for tomorrow.  Lol!  No lie. 

I’m not a morning person, and neither are my older boys.  So getting up at 5:30 to drag them through the morning routine is my own personal root canal.

By Wednesday, I was saying crazy things like this to my teenager.  “I don’t care if you’re still tired.  We’re all still tired.  At least pretend you’re in a good mood, would you?!” 

I’m pretty sure my compassion sleeps in until ten.  Poor boys.

Anyway, these pictures do a decent job of summing up the essence of our week.

  

Math.  Lots and lots of math.  One particular night’s homework about did us in.  And it’s only just beginning?  I’m trying not to groan. 

Soccer.  Lots and lots of soccer.  My oldest (above in black) scored his first ever goal in the first game of the season.  It was pretty exciting!  :)

Dry, dusty weather.  So dry, as a matter of fact, that this fire truck had to make an emergency visit to a neighbor’s bon fire.  :)  That was fun to see.  (Though, I’m sure not for him!)

Star Wars LEGO.  This thing is what my oldest son wanted for his birthday and I won one on EBAY.  So, every day for two weeks he has been stalking the mailman waiting for it to come.  It came yesterday.  Please don’t ask me to remember what it is beyond an AT something something.   I’m told it’s “the bomb, Mom”…so maybe it was worth the wait? 

Earlier bedtimes (and subsequent wars).  I usually send this one in to pick out a book we can read once I finish up in the kitchen.  I wasn’t quick enough on more than one occasion.  Would you believe that seven minutes before I took this picture he was earnestly making the case that he wasn’t tired at all--“not even one tiny little bit, mom, honest!”?  

Maybe that book was just super boring.  :)

Or maybe, just maybe, he’s as tired as the rest of us.

Tomorrow, I don’t have to fight anyone to get in bed early.  We don’t have to struggle through gobs of homework.  There’s no soccer practice.  We can stay up late, have a campfire, roast marshmallows, watch a movie, capture fireflies, or what-EVER we feel like doing! 

And after the day is done, I get to go to bed reveling in the fact that I do NOT have to set my alarm. :) 

So tell me, what do you like to do Friday nights?

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

The Things Kids Say

This morning, my little guy looked at the clock and saw it was time to go.  So he picked up his book bag and said to me, “Mom, I have to get repaired for school!”

Don’t you love it?

Sometimes I wish I could hear the things he tells his teacher at school.  And sometimes I’m glad I can’t!  Lol!

Today is my fourth day here all by my lonesome and it’s supposed to be a beautiful day!  Eighty degrees, and sunny! 

Part of me thinks I ought to take advantage of the perfect weather to get some yard work done.

And part of me wants to sit on the porch and read the day away.

Choices…choices…:)  Have a wonderful day today, friends!

Linked up at Wordful Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday.

Fill ‘Em Up

These boys work just as hard in school as they do on the soccer field.  Each one is a conscientious student, who goes to his classes, turns in his assignments, and tries to make good choices. 

That’s not always easy when the normal public school behavior includes apathy and disrespect. 

They aren’t perfect.   However, their desire to do well is a huge blessing to me.

I’m proud of them, knowing that, at this age, there is a constant struggle going on in the heart.  It’s a struggle between doing the minimum, and excelling.  Between following the crowd and standing alone.  Between staying silent, and speaking truth.

For young teens, the battle is fought every moment of every day.  And it’s won or lost in the heart.   

My son, if your heart is wise,

My heart will rejoice—indeed,

I myself;

Yes, my inmost being will rejoice

When your lips speak right things.

Proverbs 23:19

Do you hear the heart of God in this passage?  It’s such a wonderful reminder of what is important.  It isn’t school grades, or soccer goals, or even a hair cut that reveals they have eyes and ears.  

It’s their hearts.

And the words that pour out from them.

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things…

Matthew 12:34b and 35a

Yet, If the hearts of my sons are so important, what have I done to encourage them today?   How have I helped to fill them up with wisdom and goodness? 

Somehow, I think they need more than the nagging that comes standard issue.

With God’s help, I want to find more ways to offer them…

• Unconditional love and support. 
• Grace when they fall, and a helping hand back up. 
• A listening (and loving) ear when they find the courage to talk about their struggles.
• And insights on how God’s wisdom is relevant.

For a heart to pour out goodness, it must constantly be topped off.

I know we’re all busy.  But our schedules shouldn’t keep us from adding goodness to the hearts of our children.  I’m committing to doing better on this.  Whether it’s a brief hug on the way out the door, or a smile and listening ear over an after school snack.

I’ve missed too many opportunities already to fill them up with goodness.  They shouldn’t have to run on the fumes of yesterday’s encouragement.

I have some of the most wonderful reader-moms out there, and I would love for you to share your wisdom and encouragement on this front.  I’m sure I’m not the only one who struggles. 

Practically speaking, how do you help to fill your children’s heart with goodness?

A New Stage For Me

After getting my little guy off to school this morning, I hung out to talk with a friend who lives down by the bus stop.  Just the two of us.  In a quiet house. 

I can’t remember ever talking to her without a thousand kid-related interruptions.

It was nice!

It was fun! 

And it was refreshing!  (Thanks, friend!)

But I had to laugh when, while we were talking, she got a call from her husband and he joked about us being “day-time empty-nesters” now.  Two peas in a pod.  Lol!

I guess that’s true, as funny as it sounds.

Day-time empty-nester.

I’m sure that my routine will pick up.  And that before long I’ll be filling the days with stuff that needs to be done.

In fact, I’m hoping that I eventually find motivation to do something productive!

Because right now, all I can do is think about how really really odd it feels to have no one running around my house.

No one fighting.

No one playing video games.

No one looking for something they can’t find.

No one needing me.

No one.

All I hear is the hum of my computer. 

(And the motor of the golf cart my retired neighbor patrols the neighborhood in.)

It’s different.

Strange.

I don’t think I’m quite ready for a golf cart.

And I’m still missing the little guys random hugs and kisses.  :)

But I feel as though I’m standing at the door of a whole new world.

And I’m not sure whether I’m sad, excited or scared about what I’ll find.

I have a feeling that the next few years will be ones of rediscovering  some of what I set aside to raise my babies.

A school-year day-time empty-nester...hmm.

Yeah.  I’m not at all sure how I feel about that.

But this morning was nice.  And I’ll take that.  :)

Any advice for those of us entering this new in-between stage???

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

What Are You Thankful For Today?

It’s picture time! 

One of my friends, who has a little boy at our bus stop, took this picture.    

Doesn’t my little guy look “ready” for his debut in the world of Kindergarten?  :)  And don’t I look composed??

I must say, we were both very brave. 

It helped that he had three big friends to look out for him on the bus.

However, after that bus turned around and was pulling back onto the highway, my composure threatened to fly away. 

My little baby was leaving me behind and going off to kindergarten.  For a WHOLE day. 

Time passed surprisingly quickly, though.  A friend of mine was heading out to do some work at her mom’s house, and I volunteered to go along. 

Her mom passed away several months ago, and she is getting the place ready to sell.  So we spent the day cutting back overgrowth  and cleaning up the yard. 

We had a great time visiting while we worked, and the distraction was just what I needed.

But I still prayed all day.

Help my little guy have a good day, Lord.  Help him to make friends and be a good listener.  Let him be excited about his day when he gets off that bus. 

And look at this! 

That smile totally made my day. 

And you know what else?  He made this for me at school.

“That’s me, smiling,” he said.

So, today, I’m thankful for a bunch of things.

• For friends.  For one who stood by me at the bus stop, and offered to go get me a tissue from her house.  For another whom I was blessed to be able to work with all day.  And for all of you who prayed for him (and me!).
• For a kindergarten teacher who gave my little guy the gift of a wonderful first day.
• For a little boy my son made friends with.
• And for answered prayer.

What are you thankful for today?

Shhhhh!! It’s A Surprise!

One I’ll probably be disowned for.  But hey!  You only turn thirteen once, and a mom will go to any lengths to make the day special. 

Today, my oldest officially becomes a teenager.  Sniff.  Sniff.

Since his birthday falls midweek, and tonight we have an oral surgery appointment after school for his younger brother, I was pondering how to make the day special for him.

When I saw these at Goodwill last night, the perfect plan was born!  Look at these awesome little buddies!

My son said he wanted to celebrate with a few “buddies”.  So how could I pass up “Mr. Bump” and “Mr. Lazy”?  Lol!  And those little green men with the gazillion bubbles?  That definitely had my son’s name on it! 

These tokens of my love will be carefully wrapped in comics and tucked in the bottom of his lunch box.  No doubt his seventh grade lunch table will be quite the party scene today!  Bubbles and buddies! I only wish I had someone there who could take a picture of his face when he opens them. 

As a back story, last year, just before his birthday, he accused me of not making any Hoop-Lahh over his birthday.  I rose to the occasion then.  And I’m still up for the challenge. :) 

There are two other events taking place today:

• My middle son is having two teeth pulled after school.  Pray he bounces back quickly and can enjoy the evening.
• And, my little guy starts kindergarten!!!!!!  Pray for him (and me!)  I’m sure I’ll be weepy after the bus leaves.  But I know how very shy he is, and how hard the adjustment may be.  He drew this for me yesterday, and said it was him missing me when he goes to school.

And that note card to the side?  He told me it says, Mom is love. 

Sniff.  Sniff.  I love my boys.

Preparation And Prayer

This was the first day of school six years ago.  Back then, I had a first grader, a kindergartener, and a two-week-old little baby.  I can’t believe how time has flown, and how much these boys have changed.

Now we have a seventh grader, a sixth grader, and a kindergartener!

In preparation for the first day of school this year (today),  each school held Open House last night.

*  *  * 

We went to the elementary school first.

Our little guy spent a minute and a half walking around his kindergarten room.  He looked things over, said hi to his teacher, and he was good to go.  Literally. 

He’ll do fine.

His first day, btw, is Wednesday (because he is on a Mon-Wed-Friday schedule).  Pray for me.  I’m the one who’ll need it.  :)

*  *  * 

The middle school’s open house was next. 

My oldest son didn’t really need to go.  He’s comfortable with the school and his schedule.

We went for my middle school son, who starts sixth grade.

To help him feel more prepared, we marked a map of the building with all his classes and where his locker will be and tucked it in  his notebook. 

The plan was for him to practice opening his locker, and then use the map to walk through his schedule and meet his teachers. 

By the time we reached his third period class, I knew we were in trouble. 

He reminded me of my husband on a trip.  He would glance (for two seconds) at his map, tuck it under his arm, and then book it down the hall.  His motto seemed to be, keep moving at all times and only look at the map when all else fails.  Or your mom makes you.

It was all I could do to keep him in sight among the throngs of families crowding the halls.  Back and forth he would go, “No, it’s this way…”  Or…”Oh, I know, it must be over here…” 

It was excruciating to watch.

I could tell he was feeling stressed, and that was making it even harder.

We ended up being one of the very last families to finish up.  And do you know what he wanted to do then?  Do it again!  Oh my goodness.

We didn’t though.  There just wasn’t time. 

Instead, we went out for ice cream.  :)

And I prayed a lot last night for God to calm his spirit and give him a peace.

*  *  * 

Before he went out the door for the bus this morning, he gave me a hug and whispered, “Pray for me, Mom?  All day?”

Absolutely. 

Preparation is good.  Necessary, even.  But sometimes it all comes down to prayer.  And that isn’t a bad thing. 

It Was That Diet Coke

Sometimes I am foolish to the very core of my being.  It’s 5:09 am, and I haven’t slept a wink yet.

After putting my boys to bed just after 10 last night, I snuggled up with the last book in a series.  A book which I’ve been anticipating for for more than 8 months.

Six hours and nearly a full box of tissues later, I finished the book only to find that, I still don’t know the end!  I have more questions now than when I started the book!

It would seem I have another wait.  A wait for a new series which promises to pick up the threads that I can’t believe are still blowing in the wind.  Sigh.

If I had only done what my husband likes to do and read the last few pages first, maybe I wouldn’t have spent the ENTIRE night reading like a mad woman.  I would have known that closure wasn’t waiting at the end of the book. 

But that’s not my style.  And a girl likes to hope.

Last night, I picked up the book, couldn’t put it down, and pushed on for the happy ending I felt sure would justify the ticking of the clock.

And now, here I sit.  Trying to unwind.  To unwind enough that I can snag…what?…an hour of sleep before my 6 year old jumps on my bed and wants me to…get up?? 

I have to ask myself, why.  Why?  Why did I just do that?  Or better yet, how could I have just done that?  No matter how good the book is, I usually fall fast asleep 10 minutes into my nighttime reading.

And looking back, it dawns on me. 

After soccer practice tonight last night, we stopped at Sonic and I had a super-sized diet Coke.  No wonder my eyes stayed open wide all night!

I have a feeling it is going to take more than a super-sized diet Coke, though, to get me through the day that is now staring me in the face.

I sure hope my boys sleep in!!!!! 

Tell me I’m not the only one ever crazy enough to do something like this.

My husband’s alarm is going off…I better hit the pillow and snag my pitiful hour of beauty rest.   I’m going to need every minute of it!  Lol!

Say a prayer for this crazy lady and her kids today, would you?

My Confession and My Commitment

I’m a type A personality.  I function best in the realm of an organized environment.  I make lists, set goals and work hard.  I prefer clean counters, toilet paper on the holder, and clothes put away.

In many ways, I’m a self-confessed perfectionist. 

Having three young boys, though, pretty much presupposes that I will never quite reach my goals.  At least not for very long!

And you know what happens?  I end up spending all my time chasing the end of lists that only I care about. 

While the time I spend praying gets sadly neglected.  Yikes.   That’s something I’m committing to change.  Starting today.

At this time of year, when school is knocking on the door, and we’re watching our children enjoy the last shreds of summer, there’s no better time to lay distractions aside. And spend time on our knees for our children.

In so many ways, it’s a time of new beginnings for them.  New schools.  New classes.  New teachers.  New schedules.  New friends.

Where will this year take my boys in their walks with the Lord?  What influences will work in their lives?  For good?  Or for bad? 

 

All your children will be taught by the LORD, and they will have much peace.

Isaiah 54:13

To help me, I’m hanging an index card on my desk with the following three words. 

• Hearts
• Friends
• Influences

Every morning, I’m committing to praying through this list for each of my boys, being as specific as I can. 

Hearts:  Lord, keep their hearts tender towards you.

Friends:  Strengthen those friendships which encourage them in positive ways.  Give them wisdom and courage in the face of those who wish to tear them down.  And help them to reach out to those around them who need a friend.

Influences:  Bind Satan and his influences at their school.  Bless their bus driver, the teachers, and the administration.  Help those in authority to see what they need to see and make wise decisions. 

Help us, as parents, to be sources of encouragement and support.  To model what we teach.  To be open, and approachable. 

And, finally, help each of my boys to be positive influences.  To feel secure in your love.  And to be true to the convictions you are establishing in their hearts.

I’d love it if you would join me.  :)  Praying moms can change the future of the next generation.  I believe that with all my heart.

Here’s The Scoop…

Can you believe the size of this thing?  This is what my neighbor has rented to move the mountain of dirt created when he dug the pond that borders our backyard.

If you look past the trees in this spring picture, to the other side of the bank, you’ll see the mountain I’m talking about.  Much wider than it is tall, there literally is (was) a mountain of dirt there. 

After a full week of moving dirt, the pile is definitely going down.  I’ll try to get pictures of the progress and the finished area soon.  And maybe show you where some of the dirt went…

The picture of the boys in the scoop is one I took when he brought the machine over to our yard to pluck out a couple stumps for us.  Those stumps didn’t stand a chance.  Lol!  It only took him a minute or so and the stumps were history!

Obviously, there has been lots of entertainment for the boys.  :) 

Who doesn’t love big equipment?

Today, we’re heading over the the public pool with some friends.  We haven’t been there for a couple of years, and the boys are excited to see the recent renovations. 

Then it’s home, eat dinner, and run out the door to soccer practice.

What are you doing with your last few weeks of summer?  Anything exciting???

A Mystery That Is Bugging Me

This giant prehistoric looking bug was lying in the stones under our faucet outside.  I have no idea what he is.  Besides scary looking.

He was already dead, or we wouldn’t have braved picking him up. 

And for all we know, he could be a she. 

Can anyone tell me what he is? 

Seriously.

I have him in a peanut butter jar on the porch and I show everyone who stops by.  But no one has ever seen such a thing. 

I’d also like to know what those tusks in front of his eyes are. 

You’ll totally make my day if you can tell me something (anything!!) about him!  So far, he’s just a big old mystery.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Star Wars House Party!!!!

Did you know applications are now being accepted to Host a Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 3 House Party for your son and nine of his friends, ages 6-11?!!!!  Woohoo! 

If selected to host one, your FREE party package will include:

• Star Wars: The Clone Wars Galactic Battle Game Tournament Kit including:

•    - 10 Action Figures for host and guests
•    - Galactic Battle Game Mat for host
•    - Special tournament bracket poster

• A DVD containing a behind-the-scenes look at Star Wars: The Clone Wars and a sneak preview of Season 3
• 10 Star Wars: The Clone Wars tattoo sheets for host and guests
• 10 special codes from Sony Online Entertainment granting membership access, Station Cash^™ and special in-game item for the all-new Star Wars^®: Clone Wars Adventures^™ virtual world
• 10 Clone Cash coupons for Hasbro Star Wars action figures

Don’t wait to apply.  I’m sure they’ll be swamped, and spaces are limited. 

I just finished my application, and you can go here to do the same!

Want To See What He Got?

Yesterday, we pretty much partied all day long.  And even though it never did cool down, we made our way outside to sweat finish the party with the neighborhood gang.  Water wars, capture the flag, hot dogs (per birthday boy’s request), ice cream and cake!

And then we broke out the last two gifts.  :)

We picked up this totally cool scooter for $10 off Craig’s list and he loved it!  Within an hour of riding it around, he was doing little jumps and tricks.  So far, no major road rash.  (Always a plus!!) 

And this awesome Huffy Green Machine?  We picked it up for $30  off of Craig’s List!  Neither are perfect, by any means.  But does this look like a boy who cares about a few scuffs?

I say “we” picked up the things, but I suppose I should clarify our operation.

I find the bargains.  And my husband picks them up.  I think he’s beginning to dread my midday phone calls where I tell him what he needs to pick up (and where from) on his way home!  He’s such a good sport about it, though.

One time, he jokes, he met another dad at a gas station to exchange a bag of toys for money.  As they were standing at the trunks of their cars, the two got to laughing at how it must look.   They felt like any minute the police were going to pull up and check out what they were dealing in!  Lol!  The things we make our husband’s do!

But seriously, buying from Craig’s List does two things.  It saves us money.  And it also helps other families who may be hurting for cash.  If you are careful and do your homework, it can be win-win.

Maybe I’ll try to gather my thoughts and share some of the things I’ve learned in another post.  There are definitely some tips and tricks to Craig’s List, not to mention a few safety precautions.

Family News…!

Today at 12:50, my middle son goes to the orthodontics office to get his braces put on.  It will take a good part of the afternoon, and I suspect that he’ll have some adjusting to do over the next few days.  I’m sure he would appreciate your prayers for everything to go smoothly.  And for us not to run out of ice cream until he’s good and adjusted.  :)

Guess Who Turns Six Today!? …And Craig’s List To The Rescue!

The big day is here!  So, we’re celebrating, of course!  And thanks to Craig’s List, our little guy’s gifts are pretty amazing!  Just like him.  :)

This morning, he got a new (to him) DS Lite to replace his (very) old  (and held together by duck tape ) original DS. 

He also got a brand new and pretty spiffy NERF case!  He’s a very happy camper.  :)

The NERF case, by the way, is a great case.  It offers a nice amount of cushioning all the way around without blocking any of the ports or buttons.  (Just be sure to get the right one for your unit.  Because the DS Lite and the DSi are different sizes, their cases are different, as well.)

Anyway, would you believe that before his birthday, he actually “told” me not to give him any clothes?  Lol!  Why boys don’t get excited over clothes, I’ll never understand!

I did sneak in some practical gifts, though.  Like a book bag, lunch box, crayons, markers and a whole bunch of other back to school items.  (Guess it’s the teacher in me.  I could live in that isle!)  But hey, I didn’t get him underwear or socks.  So I’m still cool, right???

However, the NERF case and the school supplies are the only new things he’ll receive today.  Everything else has been carefully purchased second hand. 

Because we’re training the boys to seek out the best value for their dollars, they welcome second hand gifts.  They know that there is only so much money in the budget for gifts, and this way, they can get more stuff! Lol!!!  Smart kids…!

There are two more such gifts tucked in a shed outside.  When it cools off this evening, we’ll go out “find” them.  I can’t wait till he sees what else I snagged off of Craig’s List!  I think he’ll be tickled!

I’ll try to post pictures for you tomorrow.

How do you feel about buying second hand things for your kid’s birthday gifts?  You won’t offend me if you would never dream of it.  :)  And what are your favorite places to shop for Birthdays?