August 2013 (more pics to come)

August 31st~Moving day
All aboard, grandma and grandpa are moving the rest of the truck in today. Awesome to watch grandma scoop and squeeze hugs from Kamden. I think she would have eaten him up if no one was watching. So great for them to be around family.

August 30th~Waiting, waiting, waiting
Grandma made it up from Florida a couple nights ago (Wed) now we are waiting for grandpa to finish the commute with the U-Haul. 3:00 they arrive in Manchester and the love you could feel from their smooching could be felt around the world, grandma and grandpa reunited from their 48 hours apart. So many years since they have been away from each other and 48 hours seems like eternity. Get the kids, get the soccer gear, get the house keys, and get to grandpa's. With the only set of keys in my hands, all cars were waiting on me. The "ohhs and ahhhs" that came from grandma and grandpa were reward enough for the work that was put in. They are completely satisfied with their new home. Sent Skylar to soccer, per her request, allowed Dustin to skip soccer to spend time with family unpacking, per his request, went to dinner as a family per grandma's request, then started unloading. Great dinner together listening to grandpa talk to the waitress, the hostess, the chef, random customers...about his move and the 4 generations at the table and how he was so happy with his home... priceless. Watching this grown man tear up as he talked about how much of a help it was for what I did...grandpa it was nothing and I would do it again.

 

August 29th~But I'm Just a Baby
Today I signed for the keys to my grandparents home. After finding, picking out, inspecting, putting a deposit on it, and gaining POA for the purchase, I have signed for grandma and grandpa's new CT home. I am so excited that they are coming up and I hope they like their home. Having never seen it and trusting my judgment... when I first started this journey, I felt like "I can't do this, I'm just a baby." Put your big girl pants on lady, because no one else is able to do it for them.

August 28th~First day of school
So I did it again, I let time slip right past. I sit here today wondering where did all the time go. Just moments ago I was holding my babies, soothing their cries. Now, 10 years later, I am trying to fight away my own cries. 10 years of having someone in the house to occupy my time and to need me, and this morning I brought them all to school. My last little bear is off to kindergarten. But it was not without tears. More of them were from Dustin as his nerves got the best of him. He was up 3 hours passed bedtime last night, got dressed fine this morning, then to the floor he went. Down to the carpet to curl up and cry about not feeling well, and he wasn't lying. He threw up right on Skylar's rug. But I knew what it was and we trudged on; Skylar carrying his shoes, backpack, and Gatorade, I carrying his bucket and the camera of course, Kamden carrying a smile and daddy carrying Dustin right out the door to the car. It took just moments for Kamden and Skylar to find a friend and be okay. With tears I kissed their heads and squeezed them tight. It took 2 parents, 2 teachers and 1 school psychologist and 1 hour and 40 minutes for Dustin to be willing to join his class. Wow, I hope 5th grade is a good year for him. It takes all that I have in me, and more of what the Lord has in Him, to not give in, and save him from these fears but I know it is for his good.

The first day went off well and they were even smiles at the end of the day.

August 26th~Starting...now
We officially start the prep for Kamden to start kindergarten. Tonight is orientation/open house. I am really not so excited about all 3 of my children being gone all day long. I am going to miss you guys.

August 24th~ Let the Games Begin
Soccer, soccer, soccer...so it is one of my favorite times of year. I am so thankful that I get to be a "soccer mom." No, I do not coach this sport for the kids but I think that is perhaps why it is my favorite. I get to sit and watch Dustin play a sport that he is amazing at. I don't have to correct him or direct him, just sit and cheer the boys on. They joined their first 3v3 tournament, and they were down 2 boys compared to the allowance of 6 per team. And the boys did a fabulous job. They lost their first 2 games as a team and won their last 2 games as a team. They never gave up or gave in to the temptation to become defeated. Way to go guys. An absolutely wonderful group of boys as well as their families. Coach Kay and Steffi invited us over for swimming, play, food, German conversation and fun. Nice way to end the summer and start the soccer season. Skylar and Kamden will start soon, too.

August 22nd~Happy Birthday, Adam
We love you and wish you a wonderful day. Small things are precious things.

August 19th~ Saying goodbye
Today we joined as a family united. The kids dressed to respect, support and learn...life is too short to just watch it go bye without loving those around you. As a family, we headed to Manchester to pay our respects and say goodbye. It was a difficult day for all, watching family grieve was hard for all eyes that saw. But the sentiment of love was felt as equally as the tears. Our children got to see, for the first time

August 15th~ Goodbye Grandpa Garrison
No words can explain the feeling of this day. We got news that grandpa was not doing well and within hours, we were told of his passing. "Lord, we know you know the plans, but the pain is great." Cherish those you love, spend time with them when you can, love people not things. We love you, grandpa.

August 12th~ Lake Compounce
We took our annual trip to the lake. Fun rides, laughter and smiles all day long. It is so fun to watch the kids participate as a family but also to choose their favorite ride they specifically want. Skylar the Down Time will always be our ride. Kamden was even big enough to ride the special belly racing ride this year.

August 3, 10, 24th~ Weekends at grandma and grandpa's
The kids each got their sleepovers with grandma and grandpa Sherwood. They were paired up with an age appropriate cousin and each had fun stories to tell. Grandma had a special event planned for each pair; the boys went to the Basketball Hall of Fame, the girls to Gilette's Castle, and the younger boys chose bowling over the zoo. All in all everyone had fun with baby chicks, long nights, laughter and dinner treats. Just don't ask anyone to say they enjoyed the new rooster in the yard.

 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

July 2013

June 2013

May 2013

April 2013

March 2013

February 2013

January 18 ~ January 31, 2013

January 31
Not guilty! Fingerprints, it is not what it looks like. No, I am not going to jail, but I did get to start subbing at the school. I am so excited, I really enjoy being a part of such a great group of people that truley do love their jobs teaching our children.

January 30
We started to make it an enjoyable end to a busy evening by going out for dinner on gymnastic nights once a week. We don't pick anything fancy but the kids really do enjoy meeting daddy OUT for dinner since we do end our activities in the same area at the same time of day. It works because then we don't have to cook late and there are no dishes late either. The kids enjoyed having their food brought out by this nice lady wearing roller skates. I went to picture her feet and she gave me permission to take her picture.

 January 29
Happy 2nd Birthday, Kasda. Gotta sing to her when you have young children. Canned food, such a treat.

January 28
This is about the only way you will see Skylar lately, upside down. We actually got rid of the coffee table in the living room because it was just in the way for our family.

January 27
Dustin started the day out not feeling the greatest.  Kasda, have you seen Dustin? I don't know but this pillow is comfy.

This is how the night ended, Dustin so sick that he couldn't get off the bathroom floor. So I decided to just work with it. Afterall, sleep by this point was my only priority for both him and I. He would up with strep for the first time for this season. We even skipped last year. I can always tell when he has it.

January 26
I snapped this one before bed, or should I say at bed.

January 25
Kamden was so proud to retell the story of The Mitten. He retold it word for word each time he told it to the family. So sweet!

 Dustin walked in to the room and said, "Wow mommy, did you clean? It looks nice." That felt so nice to know that just picking up a few items off the floor made such a big difference, so much that my 9 year old recongnized. Future wife of his, I am working out getting him to help make you feel just as appreciated;)

January 24
Opps, missing a day here. Baseball registrations have started!

January 23
So much for "R" and "R" on the couch, daddy. He is under that pile of kids.

"Dustin, can I sit near you?" She likes pillows a lot.

January 22
Well loved puppy! She truley is this man's best friend. When it is nap time during the week, he just calls, "Kasda" and she races him to his bed.

January 21
We have been trying some new meals and homemade chicken noodle soup was not Kamden's favorite. "It's too slippery, I can't eat it," was his comment.

Skylar thought it was nice to decorate daddy with a pirate eye band.

January 20
Opps, again

January 19
It has been so busy with gymnastics and basketball that Kamden walked himself out of a nap right back into one on the couch. It is nice to take the time to give our bodies what they need. Some down time is well received by Skylar as well.

Skylar is so thankful to have her bed down low enough where she can capture this pup for a couple minutes of snuggle time.

January 18
Lots of miles put on my van this week. I found it worth pulling over to capture this milestone in mileage. (Yes, I know I needed gas, too.) We spent the later part of the day running from gymnastics to meet Shannon Miller to basketball practice.



"...Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8

Smiling Faces

January 13
Kamden was quick to volunteer to make chocolate chip cookies. We teasingly requested he not break the mixer, as he and daddy had done the last baking session. Opps, when they overheated a second mixer, killing our last one. "I didn't do it, mommy."

January 14
There are days I wish I could still enjoy a bath this much.

January 15
Kamden's newest thing is to set all his animals up before he goes to bed. I was surprised to walk into the room and see two sets of eyes looking at me from the same pillow. (Daddy's old stuffed animal in the background from when he was a kid.)

January 16

One of the events that brings tears to my eyes is snow. Not that I don't like snow, I actually do. It is a mandatory exercise program for me. It is more because it makes us miss our "big D". Disco use to come running to find a warm lap to sit on when we would play in the snow. But in his absence, his sister, Grayce, tries the best she can to fill his shoes. She will come and let you pet her but will not let you hold her. The kids were thrilled just to be able to pet her this long.



Well, that petting turning into this...

She could not have made this little girl happier. Disco used to sleep with Skylar when he was inside and 6 months later and Skylar still finds nights that she cries herself to sleep, missing him. So when Grayce was willing to share some snuggling love, Skylar was eager to allow. Thank you, Grayce. (She has been inside from this date until this date being posted on 2/3.) She goes into Skylar's room every night at bedtime then comes to sit on my chest to wake me with her little white paws in my face each morning. I enjoy the sweet sound of her purring. I am a cat lady myself.

January 17
Youth group's outer space night...An alien on fire for Jesus. "My heart for Jesus, is out of this world."

January 18
Olympic gymnast, Shannon Miller, was at Skylar's new gym taking autographs and doing pictures. Though none of the kids were old enough to be woken up at 10 o'clock at night to watch her, they were super excited to meet an Olympian who did what they wish to do. I think all of us parents were living an extra moment through our children. :)

 

We printed up a gymnastics picture online and typed in some gymnastics terms and phrases along with Skylar and Shannon's name, then she was among the half of the group that was able to squeeze in to get an autograph. Boy was I glad I decided to be mom rather than basketball coach in this moment. We were 15 minutes late for practice due to this event. But I went against my norm and decided to do for mine and rely on the help of my other coach to tend to the basketball team. She did fine without me, I had no doubts, Christine. Thanks. I did however get my "Mom of the Year" trophy revoked from Dustin. Can't win them all.

 

“People listened to me expectantly waiting in silence for my counsel. After I had spoken, they spoke no more; my words fell gently on their ears. They waited for me as for showers and drank in my words as the spring rain. When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them." Job 29:21-24

We're Back! January 1-12, 2013

Ok, So it has been way too long. I have learned so much about myself in the last year. Some of it is not so nice to see but I can also say that God is changing me. I have been away from my blog for a year and a half now and it was not a computer issue but a "me" issue. I have an "all or nothing" type personality and that came in the way of something I enjoyed doing, blogging. A wise friend told me, "don't lose what you could have, trying to get what things to be perfect." I didn't listen. I thought I could catch up on the missing posts to my blog from the original computer virus. But in the process of ignoring this friend's advice, I got exactly what she had warned me of. Rather than missing the 4 months I had missed a year and 4 months.

As I said, the Lord is opening my eyes in so many ways. Silly enough, this blog is one reminder that I am not ever going to be that "perfect" person. I will not lie and say that I will not try to capture those special moments of 2011/2012, but I will try my best not to fall behind on the now. We have to live in this moment not in the moments of the past. So without further adeau...

January 1, 2013
The whole family walked down to our local park, toating sleds to go sledding. I was quite a walk but we all made it, including the dog.

January 2
After staying up until midnight on New Year's Eve, then getting back into the swing of school, I figured I would let Kamden watch a show after his first day back to school from break. This is how he decided to watch his show, upside down.



He eventually turned upright to this sweet face, and no, he is not sucking his thumb. He just has his finger near his mouth. He gave up that thumb when he was less than a year, but some days I miss that phase. I can't get enough of that gentle little face with his "momma's kiss" on his hairline, though.

 It is hard to get pics of Dustin. But with my new lens (Thanks Adam) I can stand far away and he doesn't necessarily know. He is getting better at letting me capture that handsome face.



 

FINALLY, we were able to get Skylar back into gymnastics. She took from November 2011-Now off. We pulled her out of FB because we did not have the funding or the time to commit to 2-3 days per week for 1.5 hours each day. That is what she was being asked to do in being part of team. So we dropped her down to an advanced class and she was not getting enough for her ability. It was at that point that we thought we would take the winter off. Well, the winter turned into 2 winters. With the Olympics showcasing the gymnastics girls, we knew this girl was going to want to eat and breath gymnastics again. And sure enough, after mommy getting her up at 10:00 at night to watch the girls, Skylar was quick to be found living upside down. We have made the switch to a new gym and are hopeful that there will be enough to keep her enjoying the sport again. The coaches and owner of the gym have already spotted her talent and are keeping their eyes open to the possibilities of where they can move her to, as to be in a class more her skill not her age. I am just as excited to have her back, as she is to be back.





 

January 3

We are so excited and blessed to have had our heater break a week before Thanksgiving. It has forced us to explore an alternate heat. We went out Black Friday and bought a pellet stove. What a great thing for our damp, cold house. Kamden clearly likes getting dressed in front of the stove. (I like to write new messages in the soot on the window. This time "Sky" got the hello.)



 



January 4

After coaching basketball, we went to the Take Apart night in the cafeteria. I couldn't resist taking this picture of the day (with my cell) to capture the event. The kids got to take apart an old cd changer. Motors, screws, wheels, lights, boards, you name it, they pulled it out.

 

January 5

Eatting and sleeping basketball. Dustin asked if he could stay Friday night and Saturday past his normal practice and game to watch other levels of play. Though we lost our game by 1 point in the last 3 seconds of the game, he quickly moved on to being the scorekeeper for the 2 games on Saturday. Nothing like hitting a giant annoying buzzer when you are 9! He was praised by the rec. director for how close he pays attention to the game and calls. Good job.

 

January 6

Skylar was a tiny bit under the weather so Kasda and I decided we would take the day with her this time. She got to watch princess movies that usually get passed over on family movie night (part of having 2 brothers). I got some extra laundry and quiet time with Skylar.

Kasda showing Adam what she learned for the day, "I think they call this relaxing." Adam wondering what we're looking at:)

January 7

Dustin heard me doing my wii based fitness test while he was in bed last night so he decided that the kids were going to set up a profile and join in in the workout. This is them "chopping wood". See exercise can be fun...to some extent. I have a long way to go and a little bit of time to do it in before the Warrior Dash in September. Let's go mommy!

January 8

Dustin was invited to a UCONN men's basketball game. He got back late but with as tired as he was, it was so nice to hear my 9 year old ask, "Can you please tuck me in?" I walked in to find that he had covered himself fine, he just likes that closing to his day.

Had my first day of subbing at the school today. I am so excited to be a part of the group and since I spend so much of my time and efforts into helping with the school, I figured it was time to help those staff members who thought I was already a part of the staff, and decided to become a small part of it, officially. Now they are confused on which days I am on the clock and which I am volunteering.

January 9
Skylar has been getting a challenge list for her spelling words again this year. We made a point to make sure her words followed the same rule as her classmates so that they are studying the same concept. These are her words in second grade. This is the second time I had to look up one to learn what it meant. I am learning along with her. Gesticulate...to move or make gestures. Ohh, that makes sence. The first one I learned this year was Lackadaisical...to be lazy. I was saying it wrong in the few times I ever used the word.

January 10
Since Dustin had his first Christmas, I have been adding his handprints to a tree skirt. As the other two came along I added them to our mix. I was so proud of my consistency until I realized that I hadn't added anyone to 2011. So I hand over my "mother of the year" trophy that was given to me on Monday;) At first I was so disappointed and unsure of how to move forward. Then I decided to show my human side and agree that I don't have to be perfect, just move forward. So I made a point to show myself the missing year by changing the highlighted color of each child.

January 11
Although I am not a big fan of electronic devices...I was so willing to capture this rare moment of all three children smiling in the same picture without being coorsed.

January 12
Kasda will do anything for popcorn. As soon as you poor the seeds into the pan, she runs from where she is and awaits a stray popper. Noone can compete with her staredown.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing,  so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16