I usually reserve this blog for updates on my family and positive musings on life.
But, today, I digress.....
Last night, as N and I finished up with children's choir and were headed to pick up L, I heard some disturbing conversation coming from some elementary age children.
These kids were discussing how if Hillary Clinton is elected President it will be the anti-Christ having power. What?!?!? First off, where are they hearing this? My guess is at home and it really bothers me. Why? Several reasons:
1) Everyone is entitled to their own opinion on politics (I certainly have mine!) but we must be careful how we discuss politics around children. Should a candidate be described as the anti-Christ simply because we don't like them?
2) We should be teaching our children respect for others. In particular, respect for adults. If they don't hear it from us, guess what? they won't hear it or learn it.
3) I believe that God will place into power the person who is right at this time for the job. It may or may not be the person I think should be in power, but I should respect and honor that person. If for no other reason than because it's the right thing to do. God gives us authority in our lives and we are to honor that authority whether it is a President, Pastor, teacher, parent, boss - whomever..
4) Why not discuss the issues with your children in a very positive way? Discuss what are the most important issues for your family or for our country and have your kids research to see which candidates tend to line up with their opinions. Have them decide whom they would vote for if they were able to vote. (Not who the parents would vote for, but them) This could be a great exercise in learning as well as using their abilities to make independent choices. A skill they will definitely need later in life.
It makes me sad to see young elementary aged children already voicing the opinions I hear from adults all the time. Often, misinformed, paranoid opinions without much basis in fact.
Please vote. Please explain to your children the voting process and the issues. But, please, please, please don't tell your children that any of the candidates are the anti-Christ, a terrorist, or any other negative thing that just isn't true!
Thank you!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Dr's visit
Well, I was right....L has grown substantially in the last year! No more petite little gal!!!
Her height puts her at the 75th percentile and her weight is at the 50th percentile - if she can keep these stats her whole life, that will be awesome! I definitely think N and L will both be taller and leaner than their parents!!
L was in a great mood all morning; unfortunately that all ended the moment we entered Dr. Meyer's exam room. She immediately starts crying and says..."I don't want a bandaid" Now, this is from the gal who usually wants a bandaid everytime someone breathes wrong on her, so I know it's not really that she doesn't want a Garfield bandaid. Nope...I realize she has this whole dr. thing figured out. She knows she will get a shot!! And she was RIGHT! Fortunately, today it was only one, but wow, did she milk it for all it was worth!!!
Tonight, we are hosting some college students from our church for the dessert portion of a regressive meal. It's the reverse of a progressive meal. That's right folks...they get to eat their dessert first!! It should be fun; Lance and I have prepared 5 different desserts for them to select from and I hope they come hungry - we definitely don't want all these desserts hanging out at our house all weekend!
Have a great weekend!
Her height puts her at the 75th percentile and her weight is at the 50th percentile - if she can keep these stats her whole life, that will be awesome! I definitely think N and L will both be taller and leaner than their parents!!
L was in a great mood all morning; unfortunately that all ended the moment we entered Dr. Meyer's exam room. She immediately starts crying and says..."I don't want a bandaid" Now, this is from the gal who usually wants a bandaid everytime someone breathes wrong on her, so I know it's not really that she doesn't want a Garfield bandaid. Nope...I realize she has this whole dr. thing figured out. She knows she will get a shot!! And she was RIGHT! Fortunately, today it was only one, but wow, did she milk it for all it was worth!!!
Tonight, we are hosting some college students from our church for the dessert portion of a regressive meal. It's the reverse of a progressive meal. That's right folks...they get to eat their dessert first!! It should be fun; Lance and I have prepared 5 different desserts for them to select from and I hope they come hungry - we definitely don't want all these desserts hanging out at our house all weekend!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
In a Bloggers Slump....
Is there such a thing? I think so, for this week I seem to have hit it. This is one of those rare quiet weeks where things seem to be sailing along smoothly. It's one of those deep-breathing weeks!
Some highlights:
Soccer practice started again on Monday evening - we have a couple of new players on our team and everyone is excited to get going again! Lance is coaching again with the assistance of Carlos - our first game is Saturday!
L continues to "dabble" at potty-training. She told us this week that she doesn't like our potties at home because they aren't the right size! We have the little portable plastic kid potty, but N said, "let's get her a little potty like she has at school and church!" Uh, no, we aren't going to have a built-in LITTLE potty at our house. To which he replied, "oh yes, when she outgrows it, then it'll be ready for the next baby!" I don't think he quite gets that L IS the LAST baby!!!
Tommorrow is little L's big 3yr check-up. She has been a petite gal since birth, always at the low-end of the charts (as opposed to her Bubba who is in the mid-to-high end) I feel like she has grown ALOT this year, so I'm curious to see where she ends up!
That's really about all for this week - pretty quiet for now! Stay tuned!
Some highlights:
Soccer practice started again on Monday evening - we have a couple of new players on our team and everyone is excited to get going again! Lance is coaching again with the assistance of Carlos - our first game is Saturday!
L continues to "dabble" at potty-training. She told us this week that she doesn't like our potties at home because they aren't the right size! We have the little portable plastic kid potty, but N said, "let's get her a little potty like she has at school and church!" Uh, no, we aren't going to have a built-in LITTLE potty at our house. To which he replied, "oh yes, when she outgrows it, then it'll be ready for the next baby!" I don't think he quite gets that L IS the LAST baby!!!
Tommorrow is little L's big 3yr check-up. She has been a petite gal since birth, always at the low-end of the charts (as opposed to her Bubba who is in the mid-to-high end) I feel like she has grown ALOT this year, so I'm curious to see where she ends up!
That's really about all for this week - pretty quiet for now! Stay tuned!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Weekend Recap
We had a fun, relaxing weekend with family and friends!
Friday we had Rachel, L's birthsister, with us for the day. It was a fun time. The kids played in L's room, we went out to eat lunch, and then spent the afternoon at the park. For the first time, N (big brother) was not included in the relationship. Rachel and L are beginning to develop their own special time. It's wonderful to see.
Saturday morning, we went to the egg hunt at our church. It was fun to see all the kiddos excited about hunting eggs and playing with their friends. Saturday afternoon, I took N to play glow-in-the-dark PutPut while Lance took L for some special daddy/daughter time. It was fun to have some one on one time with N - we got to have some more indepth conversations that usually occur when little sister is around!
Saturday afternoon, we met our adult SS class at the Nantucket lake for a time of fishing/picnicing. N has LOTS of fun fishing with Lance and the "Big Kids" - he is a good patient, fisherman, which really surprises me since his personality is usually so active! But this is something special that he and Lance enjoy doing together. I chased L around to make sure she didn't end up in the lake! We followed the "big girls" around and L tried to do what they were doing. It was fun to enjoy the time of fellowship with other families from our church.
Today was a day of worship and Bible Study followed by lunch out. Then Lance and I took the kids to see "Horton Hears a Who". After the movie, Lance and N headed out to our Castlegate lake for more fishing!
All in all a great time of celebration of God's love and mercy on our lives.
This week, we are back to soccer practice for soccer season and on the road to the end of the school year!
Friday we had Rachel, L's birthsister, with us for the day. It was a fun time. The kids played in L's room, we went out to eat lunch, and then spent the afternoon at the park. For the first time, N (big brother) was not included in the relationship. Rachel and L are beginning to develop their own special time. It's wonderful to see.
Saturday morning, we went to the egg hunt at our church. It was fun to see all the kiddos excited about hunting eggs and playing with their friends. Saturday afternoon, I took N to play glow-in-the-dark PutPut while Lance took L for some special daddy/daughter time. It was fun to have some one on one time with N - we got to have some more indepth conversations that usually occur when little sister is around!
Saturday afternoon, we met our adult SS class at the Nantucket lake for a time of fishing/picnicing. N has LOTS of fun fishing with Lance and the "Big Kids" - he is a good patient, fisherman, which really surprises me since his personality is usually so active! But this is something special that he and Lance enjoy doing together. I chased L around to make sure she didn't end up in the lake! We followed the "big girls" around and L tried to do what they were doing. It was fun to enjoy the time of fellowship with other families from our church.
Today was a day of worship and Bible Study followed by lunch out. Then Lance and I took the kids to see "Horton Hears a Who". After the movie, Lance and N headed out to our Castlegate lake for more fishing!
All in all a great time of celebration of God's love and mercy on our lives.
This week, we are back to soccer practice for soccer season and on the road to the end of the school year!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Rachel's coming to visit!
Rachel is coming tomorrow to stay with us for a few hours while her parents go visit an elderly relative. For those who don't know, Rachel is a precious 11 yr. girl, who just happens to be L's birthsister. These beautiful girls share a birthmom, but have different birthfathers. For many reasons, Rachel's family was unable to adopt L when she was born. It has proved to be a difficult decision for them (especially Rachel). Rachel has craved L from the beginning. We have the most precious picture of Rachel holding L when she was 6 wks old. We haven't seen her and her parents as often as we would like (they live 2 hrs away) but we are doing better!
The girls are 8 years apart which is HUGE right now, but on our last visit in January, L followed Rachel around and they read books together, and painted fingernails together. My hope is that in the years ahead, they will only grow closer. I'm thrilled for L to have a sister (it's a wish I always had for myself growing up - no offense, Paul!!!) and even though they don't live in the same house or family, I do believe they will be a lifelong support for one another. Rachel has had to deal with some very grown-up issues in her short life and even though L is largely sheltered from those due to her age, I know it will be helpful having Rachel in her life.
We love Rachel. We love her parents. We are so thankful to God that he has intertwined our families. God has a perfect plan for us - sometimes it just takes time and patience for us to see it. He's not done yet - there will be more to come! Can't wait for the adventure!
The girls are 8 years apart which is HUGE right now, but on our last visit in January, L followed Rachel around and they read books together, and painted fingernails together. My hope is that in the years ahead, they will only grow closer. I'm thrilled for L to have a sister (it's a wish I always had for myself growing up - no offense, Paul!!!) and even though they don't live in the same house or family, I do believe they will be a lifelong support for one another. Rachel has had to deal with some very grown-up issues in her short life and even though L is largely sheltered from those due to her age, I know it will be helpful having Rachel in her life.
We love Rachel. We love her parents. We are so thankful to God that he has intertwined our families. God has a perfect plan for us - sometimes it just takes time and patience for us to see it. He's not done yet - there will be more to come! Can't wait for the adventure!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The morning after!
Bunco was lots of fun last night - we ended up with 3 subs and they added a lot to the evening. We had Kimberly, from Australia; Ellen from England; and Ginny from Wellborn. In our regular group we also have Emily from Iowa and Laura from Maryland in addition to us Texas gals. Gotta love College Station,TX - it's a small town like no other -
After prizes were awarded, we had an interesting political discussion and chat about politicians who cheat on their wives. You have to wonder if there are any honest ones out there who keep their commitments. Does the power make them lose touch with reality? Do they honestly think they won't get caught?
After the gals left, it was kiddo duty. Lance got them bathed, but they were anxious for some momma time. L is going thru a rough spot this week getting back in her routine after Spring Break. She ended up falling asleep in my arms at 10:30 and then did not want to get up this morning. Hopefully, this evening things will settle down and we can get back into our routine. N has been very helpful and even volunteered to clean his room and make his bed yesterday - I was so proud of him!
After prizes were awarded, we had an interesting political discussion and chat about politicians who cheat on their wives. You have to wonder if there are any honest ones out there who keep their commitments. Does the power make them lose touch with reality? Do they honestly think they won't get caught?
After the gals left, it was kiddo duty. Lance got them bathed, but they were anxious for some momma time. L is going thru a rough spot this week getting back in her routine after Spring Break. She ended up falling asleep in my arms at 10:30 and then did not want to get up this morning. Hopefully, this evening things will settle down and we can get back into our routine. N has been very helpful and even volunteered to clean his room and make his bed yesterday - I was so proud of him!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Bunco's tonight!
Bunco is at my house tonight, so not much time to write! Gotta clean and cook before the girls show up to play!
Lance is definitely nominated for husband of the year after this week - he has stayed up seriously late helping me get things in order (Tell me, why was I crazy to start painting a bathroom the same week I'm having Bunco at my house!?!) Thanks Lance for ALL of your help!
More tomorrow!
Lance is definitely nominated for husband of the year after this week - he has stayed up seriously late helping me get things in order (Tell me, why was I crazy to start painting a bathroom the same week I'm having Bunco at my house!?!) Thanks Lance for ALL of your help!
More tomorrow!
Monday, March 17, 2008
My baby is three
My sweet baby girl, L, is a baby no more. It pains me to think of how quickly the time has gone. The sleepless nights, the illnesses, the temper tantrums, everything that I thought would go on forever....well, some of these things do remain :)
She is 3 now and what an exciting year that will be - lots of changes in the 3 year old year - by this time next year, she will be a different girl.
We celebrated her b-day on Saturday in Dallas with my parents, brother Paul and sis-in-law Mindy and their 4 kids: E -5yo; A-4yo; O- 2 yo; and H - 9mths. It was a good time. Mindy made a beautiful Ariel cake - the little mermaid - complete with ocean colored icing - she loved it! We had fun enjoying the cousins and playing. L got some neat gifts and her favorite was her "boombox" She has become quite the little singer and loves dancing! She played D-Jay yesterday and her favorite song is "Kiss the Girl" from the Little Mermaid soundtrack. She put on her finest princess dress-up clothes, sunglasses, and danced the afternoon away. It was great!
Our spring break trip was very fun - we spent lots of time at the park playing; we rode bikes; explored creeks; went to Build-A-Bear and the zoo. Grandpa took us on a wilderness adventure where we found a big river and threw rocks in a creek. Nana had special treats and spoiled us for a week. We are relaxed and ready to get back into the routine.
Hope you all had a good Spring Break or will have one if you haven't gotten to break yet!
She is 3 now and what an exciting year that will be - lots of changes in the 3 year old year - by this time next year, she will be a different girl.
We celebrated her b-day on Saturday in Dallas with my parents, brother Paul and sis-in-law Mindy and their 4 kids: E -5yo; A-4yo; O- 2 yo; and H - 9mths. It was a good time. Mindy made a beautiful Ariel cake - the little mermaid - complete with ocean colored icing - she loved it! We had fun enjoying the cousins and playing. L got some neat gifts and her favorite was her "boombox" She has become quite the little singer and loves dancing! She played D-Jay yesterday and her favorite song is "Kiss the Girl" from the Little Mermaid soundtrack. She put on her finest princess dress-up clothes, sunglasses, and danced the afternoon away. It was great!
Our spring break trip was very fun - we spent lots of time at the park playing; we rode bikes; explored creeks; went to Build-A-Bear and the zoo. Grandpa took us on a wilderness adventure where we found a big river and threw rocks in a creek. Nana had special treats and spoiled us for a week. We are relaxed and ready to get back into the routine.
Hope you all had a good Spring Break or will have one if you haven't gotten to break yet!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Snow and potties - no not together!!!
As we were eating breakfast this morning, huge beautiful snowflakes were coming from the sky! They were falling hard and it was great. They won't stick, in fact, they are already gone, but while it lasted, it was wonderful. N is obsessed with snow and in particular Alaska (which has lots of snow!) It was a great gift for him to get to see the snow - especially since we rarely see any here in the tropics of southcentral Texas. N wanted to call his nana and tell her all about it - which he did and grandpa too!
On another note, Miss L, almost 3, used the potty twice yesterday!!!! This is a huge step for her and one I hope continues to grow. We'll have lots of time during Spring Break to focus and hopefully she can master it. Lots of exciting times.
I will log off today for about a week as we enjoy our Spring Break - see you afterwards with more news!
On another note, Miss L, almost 3, used the potty twice yesterday!!!! This is a huge step for her and one I hope continues to grow. We'll have lots of time during Spring Break to focus and hopefully she can master it. Lots of exciting times.
I will log off today for about a week as we enjoy our Spring Break - see you afterwards with more news!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
It was like, my bestest day ever!
That's what I heard yesterday when I picked N up from school.
The reason for his bestest day ever.....his first field trip!
Since the "big kids" at his school were taking the TAKS test, the principal decided to evacuate the little ones for the day. So, my son and his classmates got to go to Oil Ranch about an hour from our town. Fortunately, Lance was able to take the time off and go as a sponser. He said the kids were really good and it was a neat place - somewhere we as a family would enjoy going.
The highlights of the trip according to N:
Riding on a school bus - "It's way taller than momma's truck and I got to sit by the window and Joseph and I played rock, paper, scissors all the way there"; "why can't I ride a school bus everyday?" (perhaps because the school is in our neighborhood?) :)
Feeding the cows their pills - Lance said they were some kind of feeding pellets and they actually did look like pills
Petting the chickens - that sounds interesting, I've never really thought of chickens as being pettable, but I guess they are!
What is very interesting is that my dear N who has absolutely been in love with trains almost from the moment of his birth, barely mentioned the train that was there. Lance told me more about it than N....I think it's a sign he's growing up...wah!
Now, tomorrow is the kindergarten trail ride to our local neighborhood park - they will have bounce houses, games, cookouts, etc....so what I'm waiting to hear is....."This was like my bestest day ever!" I'm so glad he has so many of those!
The reason for his bestest day ever.....his first field trip!
Since the "big kids" at his school were taking the TAKS test, the principal decided to evacuate the little ones for the day. So, my son and his classmates got to go to Oil Ranch about an hour from our town. Fortunately, Lance was able to take the time off and go as a sponser. He said the kids were really good and it was a neat place - somewhere we as a family would enjoy going.
The highlights of the trip according to N:
Riding on a school bus - "It's way taller than momma's truck and I got to sit by the window and Joseph and I played rock, paper, scissors all the way there"; "why can't I ride a school bus everyday?" (perhaps because the school is in our neighborhood?) :)
Feeding the cows their pills - Lance said they were some kind of feeding pellets and they actually did look like pills
Petting the chickens - that sounds interesting, I've never really thought of chickens as being pettable, but I guess they are!
What is very interesting is that my dear N who has absolutely been in love with trains almost from the moment of his birth, barely mentioned the train that was there. Lance told me more about it than N....I think it's a sign he's growing up...wah!
Now, tomorrow is the kindergarten trail ride to our local neighborhood park - they will have bounce houses, games, cookouts, etc....so what I'm waiting to hear is....."This was like my bestest day ever!" I'm so glad he has so many of those!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Mud puddles!!!!
Oh how I wish I knew how to upload pics on my blog! Lance is going to have to help me over Spring Break - I'm technology-challenged to say the least!
My kids LOVE playing in the mud!! It happens every single day that they are able to play outside. We live on a fairly new street. The last 5 lots have just been purchased and new houses are about to go up - there are dump trucks and workers around and this creates a BIG MESS and the neighborhood kids love it - mine included.
Yesterday, my son was playing capture the flag, hide and seek, and kickball with the neighbor boys while dear L - my tomboy daughter was playing in the mud. We are talking sit down in it, jump in it, stir it up with a stick, and plant our hands in it kind of playing. She even tried to drink it at one point!!! And while I really don't love the kinds of baths that result from all this playing or the laundry that is required to clean up this mess, I have to say.....I'm thrilled that my kids have a love of the outdoors!
I grew up probably as many of you did, telling my mom goodbye and being gone for hours on adventures in the neighborhood, or down at the local park/creek area. It was a great time of childhood and one I want my kids to have. Yes, there are things we have to look out for - bullies, strangers, even SNAKES, but I want my kids to have these memories, not memories of video games and TV. I love being outside with them enjoying the beautiful weather and the company of our neighbors.
Once the boys got done with their "big boy" games, they too joined L in the mud - 6 boys and my dear L - all jumping and splashing everywhere. It was great!
My kids LOVE playing in the mud!! It happens every single day that they are able to play outside. We live on a fairly new street. The last 5 lots have just been purchased and new houses are about to go up - there are dump trucks and workers around and this creates a BIG MESS and the neighborhood kids love it - mine included.
Yesterday, my son was playing capture the flag, hide and seek, and kickball with the neighbor boys while dear L - my tomboy daughter was playing in the mud. We are talking sit down in it, jump in it, stir it up with a stick, and plant our hands in it kind of playing. She even tried to drink it at one point!!! And while I really don't love the kinds of baths that result from all this playing or the laundry that is required to clean up this mess, I have to say.....I'm thrilled that my kids have a love of the outdoors!
I grew up probably as many of you did, telling my mom goodbye and being gone for hours on adventures in the neighborhood, or down at the local park/creek area. It was a great time of childhood and one I want my kids to have. Yes, there are things we have to look out for - bullies, strangers, even SNAKES, but I want my kids to have these memories, not memories of video games and TV. I love being outside with them enjoying the beautiful weather and the company of our neighbors.
Once the boys got done with their "big boy" games, they too joined L in the mud - 6 boys and my dear L - all jumping and splashing everywhere. It was great!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Countdown to Spring Break!
Yippee! This is the last week before Spring Break! I haven't taken an entire week for Spring Break since I was a senior in college 14 years ago, so this is going to be great! Since N is a kindergartener this year, we are celebrating Spring Break. Our plans are really simple - we'll head to Dallas and visit with family and do some daytrips to the zoo, parks, etc. Mainly, we'll just have some downtime and relax. I'm really looking forward to that.
The kids and I will leave first; Lance will come after his mission trip to the valley. Another great reason to celebrate....L will turn 3 at the end of Spring Break.
Spring Break is great - I believe everyone should get it - wouldn't the world be a happier place if we all had a week off between Christmas and Memorial Day?!?
Hope you and yours will enjoy some time off this spring and if not, then maybe just a nice Saturday afternoon in the park or a picnic on Sunday enjoying God's beautiful creation and those you love.
The kids and I will leave first; Lance will come after his mission trip to the valley. Another great reason to celebrate....L will turn 3 at the end of Spring Break.
Spring Break is great - I believe everyone should get it - wouldn't the world be a happier place if we all had a week off between Christmas and Memorial Day?!?
Hope you and yours will enjoy some time off this spring and if not, then maybe just a nice Saturday afternoon in the park or a picnic on Sunday enjoying God's beautiful creation and those you love.
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