Tanner's Zoo Trip

I'm so behind on my blog and really wanted to get in a post about Tanner's field trip I went on last Friday.
It was the day we left to go camping so the timing was a bit hard since there's always tons to do, but I have gone to all the boys' kindergarten zoo trip and I wasn't going to miss his.
We had a really good time. It was a little chilly, but otherwise nice outside.
Tanner just kept hugging me all day and telling me how much he loved me and that he was so happy he had me all to himself.
Made me happy and kinda sad all at the same time cuz I know how important it is to have that one on one with the kids.....and also how hard it can be to do when you have 6.
It's worth making the effort though and I'm going to try and do that more often.

Tyler's awards Day

Yesterday, the 8th graders had an awards ceremony during school in the church where they recognize kids in all aspects of school. 
I was very proud of Tyler for receiving 2 awards.  One for excellence in Math.
And another given to kids who show an interest in reading and love of books with higher reading levels and various topics on a regular basis. 
He (and, frankly, I) was a little surprised he wasn't recognized for his leadership in Band.  That is probably the one I would have bet money on before hand.  I asked him if he was disappointed about that one and he said he was.  He knows he does a really good job and has been section leader for 3 of his 4 years of playing....but he said, rather matter of fact, "it's probably cuz I never practice."  
Um, yeah.  Sometimes there's a downside to something coming easy to you. 
All in all, I was very proud of him and all his accomplishments.  He's a really good kid. 
Oh, and one thing that made me almost as proud as if he had won it himself.......The boy that won the award for being an example of Christianity in his school was his best friend.   I'm so happy about that because it means he is choosing good friends.  This boy, along with his other best friend (these three are tight), are all going to the same High School this fall too so that makes me very happy.  I really pray that he continues to choose wisely the company he will keep during the next 4 years.
Congratulation Tyler!  You are a great kid and, better yet, a wonderful son.

Never judge a book by it's cover

Tonight, Jay and I made a trip to Costco for our upcoming camping trip.
Afterwards we headed to Applebees where we had a gift card to spend on some half-off appetizers. 
About 10 minutes after we sat down, a large group of about 15 teenagers walked in and were quickly seated at the table right next to our booth. 
As I saw them ALL pass by, one by one, I looked at Jay and said, "oh brother".  
Ya know, like "great, now we have a table full of loud, obnoxious teens next to us."
That really sounds terrible now as I write it.....it didn't feel that way at the time.  Hmm.....
We continued on with our order and conversation.....pretty much forgetting about the teens next to us, as they were just pretty quiet and having some normal conversations between them all.
We saw them all order and about 15 minutes later receive their food. 
One by one, they waited until all were served before anyone started in. 
"That's polite of them."  I thought  "waiting like that for everyone to get their food before they eat their own"
As soon as the last plate was placed on the table....
and the server walked away....
all 15 heads bowed down....
and all 30 hands folded at the table.....
and they prayed. 

That moment gave me immense hope for our future
and the potential for my kids to find good friends like these teens obviously had.......

.....and it taught me a very valueable lesson.

Trying again...and again...and again....

In the spirit of the upcoming summer season, I've decided it's time, once again, to get serious about getting healthy.
I just finished watching the Biggest Loser Finale and was crying through most of it. Just seeing the difference in these contestants and the way their smiles have changed from when they started losing weight....
....made me want to be there
In a big way.
So, at the risk of failing...yet again...and doing in front of anyone reading this...again....I'm re-starting my diet blog.
I never got rid of it...just gave it a break for a while.
Okay, so it was a year.
Sheesh...I just think if I had stuck with it....where I could be right now.
But....I digress.
It's gotta be better to start over again...and again...and again...well you get the picture...than to never try again.
I know this is a cop-out, but I am starting after we get home from camping this Memorial weekend.
Not because I want to be able to eat everything possible....
Okay, maybe that is why.
But really I am hoping to use some quiet time in those few days to make some serious menu plans and snack idea lists.
I plan to make it a family affair.
I know Tyler wants to change some things before heading off to High School this fall....
And I know Jay could use some changes himself.
We all could.
Below is the button that will bring you to my healthy eating blog. I'll restart it on Tues. but you can check up on what I started last year.
I just did and I was surprised at how well I really was doing for those couple weeks.
I am determined to do better this year and stick with it.

P.S. I am eating a Hostess Ho Ho while I write this. Is that bad?

Baseball games

For the first time, Timmy decided to play baseball this spring. He has been playing on the school's team for about 2 mos. and really loves it.
At first, all I could think of is how it was just one more thing to have going on....but considering we aren't in the midst of any other sports right now, it's been pretty low key.
They've had several games and practices rained out, but all considered they've done pretty good.
They started tournament playoffs last week and have their last game tomorrow. It will be for 3rd place.....not bad.
Tim has really come a long way with his playing since the season began. Hitting still remains his biggest challenge, but he's getting better.
This past week he really stood out in the outfield. Three different innings came to an end because of him getting the 3rd out.
Once was with bases loaded and a fly ball to left field that Timmy caught, forcing the other team to waste their chance to bring in all those runners.
The second was a line drive straight for him that he lunged for and caught just before it hit the ground. Very exciting.
And thirdly, he stopped a ground ball and made a perfect throw to first base to get the guy out.
I was so happy with just one of those plays....but three...??
He was so excited and it was really good for him to have some moments like that. We've really enjoyed the season and are looking forward to him playing again next spring.

n

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Sunday Snapshot: Faces

A face can tell a thousand words.
A person can be perfectly quiet and yet, just by looking at their face, you can tell what they're thinking....
....how their feeling.
Livi's face continues to tell a story every day that we have her.
She can't tell us how she's feeling.....
....but we see it in her eyes
A perfect snapshot of her heart
From fear and uncertainty.....

To the beginning of trust......

From the confusion of not knowing what's happening to her.....

To healing and understanding......

....about the smiles of happiness that lay ahead.

Olivia talking

This is a video I caught of Olivia talking to me. Tanner was clearing the table after breakfast and took her milk cup from her spot. She was trying to tell me about it....like she was tattling on him. It was so cute, I had to get it on video.
She tries, but just can't seem to form the words.