Sometimes a nudge is all it takes...

After Black Friday, we vegged.  OK I did at least.  Sometime Friday afternoon or evening, DS 3 announced that his "luncheon date" had been moved on Saturday.  I am really bad at keeping up with everyone's comings and goings...so it took a minute, but I finally figured it out.  DS 3 was hoping to attend the NeedtoBreathe concert two hours from here with some friends on Saturday night.  Initially I was quite reluctant to let him do this.  I know he's a good driver, but it scares me when I know it's a major city and it would have been late (the concert started at 9:00pm).  

Not long after the initial request he told me he would not be able to go because he had to go to a friend's birthday dinner.  I have to admit, I was relieved.  Friday, that changed.  Suddenly, he realized that he could do BOTH!  I was tired when he asked.  I told him it bothered me.  He gave me all the "right promises".  Anyway, for whatever reason I gave in.  I was still quite unsettled about it, however.  DH bought the tickets for he and three friends to attend.  

In the meantime, the mother of one of his friends messaged me on Facebook and asked if I was letting him drive.  I felt a strange guilt come over me...told her I'd said "yes"... but I wasn't happy about it.  She basically said she wasn't going to let her son go unless there was an adult with them.  I told her I was happy to drive them up there...although they were resistant.  

Anyway, to make a long story, just a bit longer...we decided that we could go together...drive the kids and then let them have their time at the concert while we watched the concert together.  And, although the kids weren't thrilled with it, they complied and "allowed us" to come!  

I have to say I had a great time!  I haven't known this other Mom very well.  Their family has just started attending our church and our paths haven't crossed that much.  It was fun talking and getting to know her and a bit more about their family while sharing with her some of our story.  

I know DS 3 would have preferred to drive himself, but he was gracious and none of the kids seemed to mind too much.  The concert started at 9:00pm and was over by 11:30...then we drove the two hours back and I was in bed by 2:00am.  I've got to tell you, I am not as young as I used to be.  Who am I kidding?  I never COULD handle late nights!  So, today I'm tired.  But it was so worth it on many levels.  

Maybe someday when DS 3 is a parent, he'll understand. I was at peace knowing that DS 3 and his friends were safe and having a good time, rather than worrying every moment about what was going on with them..   Several times during the night I found myself thanking God not only for the opportunity to get to know someone else, but for the "mother" nudge to do what my gut told me to begin with!  And the music was just a great big added bonus for me!  

One of my favorite things this band does is the "acoustic set". I took video last night, but can't figure out how to upload it! In the meantime, here's a good one that I've heard them do acoustically before.

Maybe Sidewalk Rolling Isn't So Bad...

There's no question that life is so very different for our kids than it was for us.  Heck, I'd say it's different for my middle schooler than it was for my oldest boys.  This weekend, though, I have been reminded just how different life really is...it's busier.  Way busier!

DS 3 has become quite the "social character" in the past few months.  He is very involved in our Youth Group at church.  He takes part in Bible Studies, Discipleship with a friend, not to mention all the extra "fun stuff" they do. He's busy at school too.  He's the Junior Class President and the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper.  He doesn't miss a chance to dress up and show school spirit. He is in clubs and organizations aplenty! If you could peel back the layers of years I have on him, you might see glimpses of similar time fillers from my own teen years...sans class officer and newspaper. I think, for the early eighties, I would have been considered busy too. Yet they are busier!

Friday night he drove almost two hours to a concert in a sleepy little central Florida town.  In his words, "Mom, it was like the minute the concert in the park ended, the town shut down.  There was only us and one other car on the streets!"  I think he might have thrown the word "po-dunk" in there somewhere.

Saturday morning he was up early and ready to go flying.  He's learning to fly the airplane to the left that he and DH own in a co-op of sorts.  The guy teaching him is the editor of some big aviation magazine and has asked DS 3 to write a piece for it.  They literally spent HOURS together on Saturday as DS 3 flew them to a city north of here and they watched a national skydiving competition.

He wasn't home 30 minutes before he headed out to "movie night" with his friends and ended up spending the night with one of them.  This morning we found out they spent the night "tarp surfing" (which I can find no pictures to properly explain).   If you want to see it, you can go to tarpsurfing.com and get a glimpse.  Anyway, I guess they didn't sleep much at all but had a great time.

Sunday he was at church to run the sound and then he went to lunch with his friends.  He arrived home around 4:30 or 5:00 and announced that he was "tapping out" to catch up on sleep.

Here's my observation.  We were busy.  They are busier.  I think part of the reason is because there's not enough "po-dunk" in most cities today.  We live 24 hour lives.  We are connected 24 hours. We can shop 24 hours.  We can talk, text, and chat 24/7.  Shoot when I was growing up we couldn't even watch TV 24 hours!  And forget talking on the phone...it was connected to the wall and anyone in the house could pick up the another extension and listen in!  Remember when the Star Spangled Banner shut down a TV network?  I think the convenience has created a monster.

Don't get me wrong, I love busy too.  I enjoy being out and about and visiting with friends and family.  I love exploring and finding new and exciting things to do and places to go.  Shoot, I think in many ways it's in his blood!

While I am thankful for living in a city that has a lot to offer...there's a part of me that thinks it'd be OK to, at least occasionally, roll up the sidewalks at a reasonable hour and tell everyone to just VEG!  Yep, DS 3, some days I'd take po-dunk!

He's 16 Today...

My DS 3 turns 16 today. I couldn't be more proud of the young man he is becoming! He is witty, funny, organized, determined, daring, and a thinker all rolled into one. He amazes me at times with his thoughts and plans.

This is the son who has created a bucket list and posted it on Facebook for all to see. His list goes well beyond what most 16yo boys would probably write. Of course, it includes a few "crazy things" like driving an Indycar and or running from the 50 yard line to the goal post at an Ohio State football game. But his list also includes some very sophisticated thoughts and goals: He wants to "bring God with him wherever he goes." He wants to be a mission pilot in a third world country. He wants to circumnavigate the globe. I could go on and on...

This is the son who announced rather matter-of-fact like that he finished reading the Bible a few weeks ago. I knew he started back in Sept. or Oct. ...but FINISHED it?? I've never really done that. And to do it in less than a year? All I could think was "Wow!"

This is the son who has extended a great deal of grace and brotherly love to his siblings. He is the one who has welcomed LG into our lives in such a special way. He has developed a bond with her that is very special and helps her feel more a part of our family every day.

I could go on and on about DS 3.

The photo essay above really shows the person he is and the one he is becoming. He is a pursuer of dreams and goals and ambitions. At 16, I can think of no better way for him to be!

I love you, DS 3! Happy Birthday!

A Weekend View...

What a weekend it's been!

Saturday morning we received word that DS 2 went to the ER in the early hours of Saturday for stomach pains. By 8am we got the call that he was going to go in for surgery to remove his appendix. So, DS 3 and I hopped in the car and headed to Gainesville to be with him.

When we arrived, he was in recovery and moved out to a room not long after that. His main concern was not that he just had his appendix removed. It wasn't that he was less than 24 hours back from Nicaragua. It was that he might miss the USA World Cup Game at 2:30 that afternoon! And trust me, every doctor nurse and other hospital employee heard it.

Anyway, we sat in the hospital with him until he was released around 5:30pm and got him set up at home with clear liquids. Then DS 3 and I made the trek home.

Yesterday was quite lazy for me. I am trying so hard to finish a book that I am reading so that I can put it behind me! I've been reading it off and on since February. I know, I know that just isn't right! There are only 300 pages in it! I just haven't had good reading time to really push and finish it.

DS 1 came home last night for a bit. I love having them home when they are here.

A new week is upon us and it is relatively "plan-free"--which I enjoy once in a while.

Happy Monday everyone!

Who's Got Talent?

This Guy's Got Talent…
A few months back, DS 3 (who is the Sophomore Class President) was brainstorming a fundraising project for his class. He mentioned that he’d like to try a take-off on America’s Got Talent and make it named after his high school “R’s Got Talent”. He took the idea to the student boards and was met with a little bit of resistance from other classes. They basically didn’t believe that Sophomores could “pull off” such an event. In essence, they threw the gauntlet. DS 3 was determined and began working on pulling his officers together for this event.

They recruited 12 acts. He created tickets and fliers and banners to hang around the school. He found judges (including the youth pastor from our church and one of the leaders). He created a Facebook invite and started inviting students from the school to attend. He had the Principal help him create a phone message that was delivered to all 2400 student homes inviting them to come on out. I helped him create a rubric for the judges to use to give feedback to the acts. DS 3 even talked his Dad into being a “corporate sponsor” and sponsoring the ability to “text vote” for the winner!

Monday night, however, he was a bit discouraged. They had only sold 15 tickets! He felt good about all the logistics except how many people would be in the audience! Just like most things that are well-planned, though, it all worked out. By lunchtime on Tuesday (the day of the show), they had sold 127 tickets—which was enough for them to break even financially.

He was feeling better by the time DS 4, LG and I arrived for the show Tuesday night. DS 3 was running around in Producer/Director mode…and maintained his laser focus throughout the event. It wasn’t long until people began streaming in through the doors to come see if, in fact, RHS and the Sophomore Board has talent. The event was quite well attended. The judges were funny—as they worked on being a little like Simon, Pierce, David, Paula, Sharon, Kara and, at times, Randy. The acts were enjoyable. And the kids had fun watching their peers perform. It was an incredible event and the Sophomore class ended up making more than $1000 on it!

Yep, I’d say DS 3 has talent! And, for that matter, so does DS 4…

After the show, I was talking to DH on the phone and waiting on DS 3 to be ready to go home. I looked across the auditorium and there is my 11yo, DS 4, with about 8 – 10 high school girls around him. Several of them had their cell phones up and were video taping DS 4 singing to them! People have been telling DS 4 that he looks like Justin Bieber (see pic below left) lately and he’s eating it up. He was having a ball entertaining these strangers! (Of course, as I relayed it to DH via the phone he said, “Yeah! That’s my boy!”
One thing is for certain, there is NEVER. EVER. One dull moment in our house! Gotta' love 'em!

Tuesday Tid-bits

I know it's Tuesday, but we had yesterday off, so it feels like Monday to me. It was so beautiful outside yesterday, but I didn't really get OUT. I did, however, enjoy the sunshine streaming through my windows.

Here are a few of the thoughts rolling around my head:

--I found myself really thinking about the blessing of being in a marriage that has lasted so long. We talked a bit on Sunday about how long marriages are a reflection of God's love for people. I believe that. And when I really think that I am IN one of those long marriages, it blesses me.

--My DS 3 took a 29 mile bike ride yesterday. He is really enjoying exploring and discovering new places on his bike. And he's getting quite fit in the process. It's fun to watch him do new things.

--His first track meet is this week. He's pole vaulting again and working quite hard at it. I can't wait to go see it!

--I lost a notebook that has some very important paperwork for school. It has me a bit frustrated, but I'm hopeful I'll find it in the next few days. Otherwise, I'm going to have to "fess up" to someone here at school.

--Tonight is class 7 of our ten week foster/adoption class. I am not going to lie, I'll be quite glad when I can have my Tuesday nights back again!

--I am thinking seriously about making a commitment to read some of the "classics" (books) that I have never read. The problem is, I don't really want to add one more "to-do" to my list. Instead, I think I'll consider it a journey that I'm going to take...that way there's no deadline to meet.

Well, that's all from my head right now. Hope you're all having a wonderful week so far.

Weekend Window Plus

I've just taken a whirlwind trip to Panama City and back (a 7 hour drive one way), so my brain is a little fried. I thought I'd do a little "bullet list" update on our weekend and my clan--so here ya go:

* The trip to Panama City was productive. My friend (and writing partner) Sandy and I went to present and network at a workshop for teachers.

* DH was home with the kids. I'm so thankful for this man and his willingness to be such an important part of our family and the day-to-day running of our home.

* DS 2 and I talked when I was driving north. I drove right through the town where they live. It was HARD for me to know that he was right near the interstate when I was driving by and I had to keep going! He spent the weekend at a retreat in preparation for his upcoming mission trip to Nicaragua. I am so excited for him to go. I know it will be a blessing for him.

* DS 1 and I actually connected on my way home. Sandy's daughter and SIL live in the same town...so we stopped and took the three of them to dinner. SO nice to visit with them even if it was just briefly. DS 1 is doing well...he LOVES attending all the sporting events at the University. He had been at a fencing tournament earlier in the day and even told me he went to watch "Underwater Hockey"...not sure how you watch that...but OK.

* DS 3 continues to be quite busy at school and at church. He is now transitioning to run sound and seems to enjoy it. Track season has begun and he is planning to pole vault again. I have to tell you, he amazes me at his determination with this. I am praying he has success getting over the bar this year. He has been working out a lot at the gym and really is focused on his goal. I love that about him. He knows how to keep his eyes on the goal and focus.

* DS 4 spent the last three days of last week in bed. He had a horrible cold. He seems better now. In a week's time he's asked to be homeschooled, switch classes, and/or switch schools. This made me think perhaps something was happening at school. We've dug and talked and asked and questioned. Last week he told his Dad...and today out of the blue told me...I just don't like getting up as early as we have to. I will like it better when I can get up a little later. I want to say "Welcome to life son!" The middle school years have not been my favorite with ANY of my boys...so as we face them...I covet your prayers. :-)

* LG has had a great week. She continues to adjust well and brings us all such joy with her cute little personality. I had to laugh as she played Hide-n-Seek with DS 4 yesterday. It was so sweet to listen to them as if they had been together for ever! She actually had a crying spell one night last week. I know it doesn't sound like that's a "good thing"...but I have not seen her cry once since she moved in. So...this tells me that she feels comfortable enough with us to share what's going on in her heart. It also reveals that she's a normal little girl who has had to endure some very grown-up circumstances. No one wants to be removed from their family. No one. We expect that there will be an ebb and flow of emotion anyway. I'm just glad to see it surface. I think it means that we can continue to help her take the road to stability and security.

Well...friends, that's it from my neck of the woods today. Perhaps I'll get back to more substantial "thought-blogging" one of these days. Who knows? It's a strange season I'm in. Still, I'm thankful for this outlet...even when it seems a bit superficial.

Lessons learned while pedaling...

Though it's quite a distant shot, DS 3 and LG are pedaling down our street in this picture. I am pedaling behind them...and shooting the photo (which is a pretty good feat if I do say so myself). Unseen in this photo is DS 4 who was also along for the ride.

We have been working with LG to learn bike riding. DH has run along side her. DS 3 has held her up and taught her balance once she gets started. DS 4 shouts encouragement to her as she makes her attempts to do it all by herself.

Yesterday, we took off to ride around the neighborhood. LG is pretty good once she gets going, but she requires someone to hold the bike steady and give her the starting push to begin.

I started her off yesterday and the three of us followed along. She rode pretty far then hit a stopping point. She didn't fall, but getting started was a chore. We wanted her to learn to do it herself. So we coached from the side while she worked on it. After a few long minutes, she did it! All by herself!

As you would expect from an unsteady rider, there were other stops and starts. And she had a couple of moments of sheer frustration. At one point she announced that she would be "walking her bike back to the house!" I told her "No, you are going to do it. Just take your time and look forward!" She held her hands up and showed me that they were red. I determined that she must have an absolute death grip on the handles! Still, the boys and I reminded her to stop looking at the pedals, loosen the grip and look forward. And gently we nudged her back up on the bike.

Every time I spoke the words, they resonated with me. "Loosen the grip and look forward." I thought, "That's exactly right!" When we are in the midst of a trial. When we can't focus. When we feel whiny and cranky and tired and would rather take an alternate route...perhaps we just need to loosen the grip and look forward.

Soon, LG was able to finish the ride. She rode home a little tired. She was a little sweaty. But she was triumphant. She rode farther than she ever had. She rode alone longer than she ever had. SHE. DID. IT!

The bike ride was refreshing. I enjoyed spending time with the kids. I can't wait until she's even more confident and we can try out some of the bike trails that are around here. But the most important thing that happened for me wasn't the memory making...it was the life lesson that was waiting to gently nudge me home!

As the Year Winds Down...

I know, I know...I've been off in blogging...AGAIN! Life has been so busy and I've been neglectful. I have so much to say, but haven't taken the time to say it. Soooo...here's a recap of the last 17 days in photos and words:

It was no small miracle that the trees and decorations got put up. It's such a process at our house and this year, it was in the midst of a very busy schedule.

Things were up just in time for DS 1 to come home and enjoy a moment under the tree with DS 3 and LG.
We had a day in Tampa to take pics with family. This is a picture that DS 3 took of my DH and Me.

And here's one of our family.

My Mom gave us tickets to spend one day at Busch Gardens before the holiday. I took DSs 2, 3, and 4 and LG and some of their friends for a day up there. It was a nice day and we had a blast! DS 4 even rode his first roller coaster.

DS 3, LG and I went out one night to look at holiday lights. We found this display at a local church where the lights are synchronized to music. They had hot chocolate and cookies after you walked through their huge display.

We had a lovely Christmas Eve Service and a quiet celebration at my in-laws. Grandma was quite creative in her gift giving this year! The boys and LG loved opening each of their presents that were filled with so much LOVE!

Once again the boys indulged me and let me get them all Christmas PJ's. It is always a fun thing for me to shop for them. This year it was a little difficult because I had to also find something that would work for LG. Still...she had a blast in the mix of all these guys!

We spent Christmas Day at my Dad's house. As always it's filled with laughter, great food, and family fun!

At the beginning of this week, we loaded up DS2 and what remained of DS 1's stuff and moved them to Gainesville. Here is DH and his co-pilot LG ready to drive the truck!

DSs 1 and 2 got a very nice apartment and will be living together this semester. They seem excited to take this venture. I am reminded of when they were little...they told me they'd never be able to be apart because they were used to sharing a room. So...here they are moved in and once again, sharing living space! I'm glad they're such good friends.
After we dropped them off, DH, DS 3, LG and I went to Orlando for a couple of days. We enjoyed the Ice! Exhibit at the Gaylord Hotel. It's such an amazing thing to see and LG was simply fun to take through it!

Shoot, it was fun just having her at the hotel. She'd never been on an escalator and was THRILLED with that experience! Then, we did the glass elevator which amazed her.

While in Orlando, we met DH's brother and his family for dinner (and to pick up DS 4 who stayed with Grandma and Grandpa a couple of days). It was a lovely visit.

Yesterday, we took the family to Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios. It was JAM PACKED and we ended up leaving early. There's no sense trying to get it all in when you're a Floridian and you can get up there in a non-peak season. Sooo...we dropped off my niece, had a nice dinner and headed home.

Knowing she'd never been on an escalator, you can imagine that the moving sidewalks at Universal were also a novelty for her!

That pretty much brings us here...to New Year's Eve. I had good intentions of getting Christmas completely down today, but I didn't. I have enjoyed a nap. I enjoyed the quiet. I enjoyed doing pretty much nothing.

There's no question that this has been a busy few weeks. Heck...it's been a busy life! My goal for 2010 is to learn to sit still and just enjoy some quiet moments.

I hope your December has been just as memorable and that your New Year is filled with much love and joy!!

December Blessings...

It may seem like a small thing, but I was abundantly blessed last night when I came home from work last night to see my DSs 2 and 3 doing this:

And it continued while the sun set.



And the night grew darker. Despite mosquitoes they pressed on.


Until they had it done.



I know I've said it before, but I LOVE MY GUYS!!

Some Weekend Highlights and a Thought...

What a BUSY weekend!! It was filled with church stuff, family, and holiday festivities for us.

Friday, DS 1 came home for his National Guard Drill weekend. While sitting here talking to us, at about 8:00pm, he realized that he left part of his uniform at his apartment (almost 3 hours away). So, knowing that he HAD to have it, and there is no "loaner" program, he drove BACK to his apartment and BACK to our house that night. Six hours!

I had a training all day on Saturday at our school. It was good, but it was hard to get up and get there. It was a steady rain outside and honestly, I'd have rather just stayed in bed with a good book!

Saturday evening, LG and I met a team from our church to pass out goodie bags and bubble necklaces to kids at the holiday parade. I have to tell you that I had a total meltdown because five of the youth dropped off the team at the last minute. That frustrates me! My friend, Sandy, stepped in to help at the last minute. I love having sweet friends who will help like that. Here's a picture of Sandy with LG ready to go.

Anyway, we had a BLAST at the parade and kids (and their parents) were blown away that they were getting FREE stuff for no reason! It's another great outreach opportunity and way to have a positive impact on the community.

LG and I stayed at the parade with our friend Kate and her two girls. It turned a bit colder that evening...but it was PERFECT for a holiday parade. I have to say that NOW I'm feeling more like it's December and Christmas is right around the corner.

Below is a picture of LG and me at the parade I love it!

On Sunday, we had another outreach at church. Our church is providing Christmas for 16 needy kids from my school. We had a great time sorting and wrapping and preparing the gifts for these children right during the service!

While a team sorted and wrapped these gifts for local outreach...our youth pastor shared about his recent mission trip to Ethiopia.

I love it when we do this sort of thing. It's a picture of what I think the church "should" be--active and involved in the community and the world.

Sunday afternoon, I took LG to visit her younger siblings at a local park. We had a great time talking to the family they are with and playing together. It was good to see the kids. I am always amazed that LG doesn't push back when we go to leave those visits. She loves going and loves visiting, but she also loves coming home.

Sunday evening, DSs 2 and 3 helped us get out the boxes of Christmas decorations from the attic. My guys are totally used to me at this time of year and just indulge me as we I decorate. Seriously, they help a bit. I love it that they just "do their thing" to help make it happen--and don't mind my mini-"moments" that sometimes occur during the process. I've got one tree up and a few more to go. The boxes are sorted into their rooms for decoration. I am feeling pretty calm amidst that chaos.

To sum up our weekend: It was busy, but fulfilling. VERY fulfilling!

Holiday Reflections...

What a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday we have had! Of course, I was a bit whiny that my colleagues in other counties had the entire week off...but we made the most of having three days and the weekend.

Thursday morning, I took LG over to her Grandma's to visit with her brothers and cousins that she hasn't seen since she moved here. She and I had a visit with her Grandma and we've visited her younger siblings. But she had not seen her older brothers and cousins.

I have to be honest, I wondered what this would be like. I had never been to Grandma's home. This was the place she and the other kids were removed from a little over a month ago. And, honestly, if it were me in my 8yo body, I probably would not have wanted to leave my family and return to a foster family.

But there was none of that. She had a great time visiting. We took pictures so she can have them for her own scrapbook/room. It was nice talking with the boys and her Aunt/Uncle who have them. And Grandma was happy to share some of the things she wanted LG to have as she prepares to move to a smaller home.

LG and I came home in time to visit with our family and begin our own celebration. It was a great day shared with the blessing of family. DH did a great job preparing the turkey as usual. We served up buffet style and brought tables in to the living room so we could share the meal together.

This year we bought "real" glasses for the mashed potato bar. The kids seemed to enjoy doctoring up their potatoes and preparing them for eating.

Here's part of the group settling in to the meal:

And here's the other part of the group:


After dinner it was great fun playing corn hole and enjoying the beautiful weather! One of the blessings this year was having DS 1 home. Last year he had just begun Basic Training. This year he was able to be here for a good portion of the weekend with us. I know DS 4 enjoyed it--he really misses the guys when they are not home.
LG and DS 2 enjoyed hanging out on the back porch and visiting after the meal.
DS 3 played corn hole in his "special outfit". Do you suppose it helped him? I think they won...so who knows for sure??

We paused to take some family group shots. I think this one is going to be our Christmas card this year. It CRACKED me UP and says quite a lot about this zany family of mine!



I hope your holiday was also filled with special memories and moments!