Step in the right direction

"Mom, have you ever done something and then wished you could go back and undo it?"

That was the question that one of the boys posed to me yesterday.  This comes after he has had to learn a hard lesson about choices he made.  He was dealt the consequences by Joel and I, and it appears that we have made an impact. 

Something I have been learning is to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  This is so extremely difficult for me.  I tend to be quick on the draw, something that is totally opposite of Joel.  He reacts slowly and is more rational in the moment.  At times it is so frustrating for me.  I just want to "get in and get out" as he likes to say.  But yesterday, I was given a gift at seeing the fruit of my labor. 

When we were faced with the above situation this week, Joel had to give me "the look" to remind me to not react yet.  I literally had to bite my lip to keep from reacting.  We listened and sent said boy off to his room so we could discuss the consequences.  At first, we didn't agree on how to handle it.  But eventually, I saw the wisdom in Joel's approach and we dealt with the problem. 

It has been a good week since.  There has been an open line of communication between me and said boy.  And then yesterday happened.  He came into the room where I was working and sat down next to me. 

"Mom, have you ever done something and then wished you could go back and undo it?" 

Cha-ching!  Fist pump!  Happy dance!  It got through!  He got the message.  He understands.  Oh Son!  I'm so proud of you.

"Of course, Son, lots of times.  Some more serious than others, but yes.  There are regrets."  We talked some more about what he has learned and he was so proud to share with Joel later what he learned. 

This was a gift from God.  A high-five per se.  We did something right.  We got through and it opened up the door of communication that much more. 

"Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."  James 1:19

So it is worth it to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because it's not just for your sake, but also for those around you. Those that see and hear the way you react. Your kids, your friends, your family, strangers even.  The way we conduct ourselves impacts others.  So how do you want to impact someone's life?  I know I want my actions to be ones that lead others to the righteous life God desires.

Time to get our Par-Tay on!

Nicholas is 6 today!! 

To the boy who does everything with Passion and Excitement....

Happy Birthday! 

We love you!

Ok...so I'm slacking

Yeah Yeah Yeah...I know.  It's been forever since I posted last.  Been just a tad busy these days.  School has started...for all five of us.  Yep!  ALL five!  Joel joined us this year to make it a family endeavor.  I thankfully have one more semester after this one and them I'm done!  Can't wait.  It has been a fun challenge for me and I may continue, if I feel the need to, ya know, stress more than I already do.  So this is what's happened since my last post...

Like I said, school started!  This year we have a 7th grader, 5th grader (aka last year of elementary), and a Kindergartener.  Nicholas was so excited to join the boys that for the first two weeks it was all we could do to get him to settle down.  He was bouncing off the walls.

Nicholas was a little nervous as we entered his classroom.  He made sure that I followed him in, but then sat right down and listened to all his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Gomes, had to say.

This is the point in the morning when Mrs. Gomes said it was time to say good-bye to their parents.  I about lost it.  Honestly, I'm quite proud I didn't.  What kept me from losing it?  See the little boy next to Nicholas in the picture below?  The one wearing the brown and yellow plaid shirt?  He was staring directly at me, looking me right in the eye.  I didn't want to be "That Mom". 

So I held it together with a HUGE lump in my throat, kissed and hugged my baby's sweet neck one more time and regretingly dragged myself out of the room and to the car where I was...alone.  Oh the quiet. Yes, I have been in the car alone before.  But this felt different.  When David started Kindergarten Connor was 2.  When Connor started Kindergarten Nicholas was a baby.  I haven't had five mornings a week to myself. 

I have to say that it feels nice.  Now, I don't have my mornings all to myself since I still have the twins that I watch each day, but I do get at least 30 minutes.  30 sweet, beautiful, peaceful minutes to do as I want.  Hey, I'll take what I can get. 

Celebrate...

You're the one that made us parents.

You made Grandparents.

You love to have fun.

You have always loved video games.

You rock at being a big brother.

You make us proud. 

 

We love you so much David.  We are so proud to be your family. 

We have been blessed to have you in our lives.

Happy 12th Birthday David!

Love,

Your Family

Note:  David's actual birthday was June 2nd.  I'm a little behind these days.

Out of the Mouths of Moms

Have you caught yourself saying some crazy, unbelieveable things to your children?  I have.  Here are some of the things that I have said to my kids lately.

"No sweetie, there are no Monsters.  Because they aren't real.  And even if they were, they'd eat Connor first."

"Can you please pick up that crumb and put it in the trash or sink...or just eat it." Said as the crumb is so nicely taken from the floor and put in his sweet mouth.  (Note the sarcasm.)

"No, you can't have another donut.  Because you already had two popsicles, a donut and will have cake later, and honestly I'm afraid what the sugar is going to do to you."

"Do you really think there is a place called Bikini Bottom in the ocean?  Seriously?  And how does a squirrel live down there?  Where is her oxygen tank?  Well how do you think she gets her air?  And do Pineapples grow at the bottom of the ocean?  Really..."

So what have you said lately that you can't believe came out of your mouth?  You can also go to MckMama's Blog and read some of her slips and other peoples too. 

The Joys that fill my Soul

Nicholas

This boy completes me.

Connor

This boy melts his Mama.

David

This young man amazes me.

Boys Only!

There is an official Club now in our neighborhood. 

One that consists of these boys.

David, Connor and our neighbor, Thomas had their priorities straight.  After gathering their necessary supplies (aka: rope, plastic jar, pen, notebook and Bible) they begun their first official meeting by reading The Ten Commandments to get a basis for the rules of their Club.  As a parent working in the garage from a distance, it was pretty cool to hear them reading the Bible together.  They then proceeded to write the rest of their rules.  I have a feeling that many meetings will be going on up in this tree.

Looking through new Eyes

Someone in our house is looking 

through new eyes these days.

  

Mighty handsome if you ask me...

but then again I'm partial.

Just call me "One Proud Mom"

David, who is in 6th grade and in Middle School, was awarded the Principal's Honor Roll Award this week.  To qualify students must have a GPA of 3.71 or higher.  David has a 4.0 currently and has worked so hard for it.  We are extremely proud of him and his determination to do his best.  Here are some pictures from the ceremony.

Great Job David!  Keep it up!

We are so very proud of you!

Nic on Two Wheels

A few weeks ago Nicholas finally was brave enough to take the training wheels off. Well, actually, one was totally broken and it's difficult to ride with just one, so he was kind of forced into it. Anyway...he did it. Watch him ride....