Blessed Sunday

Today is a blessing. Just having another day to wake up and love my family and feel the wonder of the world. Isn't that blessing enough? I think it is.

Enjoy your blessed Sunday.

Thirteen

Thirteen years ago today I became a mom. Thirteen. Can you believe it? I can't. The half-boy/half-man that lives in my house can't possibly be that little bundle of blue that they handed me all those years ago. But if I look closely into his eyes, that now look directly into mine when he stands flat footed in front of me, I see him. I see that tiny baby who made me a mom and taught me that it was possible to live with part of my heart walking around outside my body.

I remember thinking, as we drove away from the hospital, how weird it was that they were letting us take this little creature home with us. Didn't they know or care that I had no idea how to take care of a baby? Did they really think I was capable of raising this child? Could this person, this tiny little being, be real? And be a part of me? But mostly I was wondering what in the world I was supposed to do now. But, lo and behold, I did okay. I fed him a lot and changed him a lot and held him a whole lot. I stared at his little face and treasured the moments in my heart.

Then he turned two. He was walking and talking and playing and being a big brother. He was smart and adorable. And still I wondered what I was doing thinking I could be a mother. But we made it through those times, too. I fed him, although he ate like a bird. And I changed him, because he refused to go potty. And I still held him close, because he was a snuggler. And I treasured still more moments with my little boy.

Then he turned five. And he started school. And I was his teacher and was glad to spend my mornings with him and his classmates. It wasn't always easy. He was what the experts call "strong willed." But we survived and he learned to read and I learned to love him in a whole new way. And I made his lunches and washed his school clothes. And laid with him every night when I tucked him in because he asked me to. And right along with him, my collection of treasured moments grew.

Then he turned 10. Double digits. It was amazing to me. My little boy wasn't such a little boy anymore. There were moments of something more. Something different. Conversations and questions and actions that weren't one bit child-like. And yet there were moments that were completely child-like. One foot in childhood and one foot climbing the fence to tween-dom. Not quite over the fence, but standing on the top rung. And so I held his hand as he climbed, when he would let me. I still fed him and had to learn to cook a little extra as he grew. And I hemmed and then let out his pants. And I still laid with him every once in a while and wished and waited for the nights he would ask me to. And treasured every one of those moments, too.

And now, today, he turns thirteen. Tall as me. Feet too big to wear my shoes (and even almost his daddy's). Opinions all of a sudden on clothes and hair and girls. (Yikes!) Phone calls and texting and wanting to be on Facebook. All things that I thought wouldn't be here quite so soon. But it's here. The teens. And all that comes with it. A teenaged friend asked me the other day how I was feeling about Josh turning 13. And I told her honestly, "I'm freaking out!" I have no idea how to mother a teenager! None. But the truth is, I didn't know how to mother an infant or a toddler or a preschooler or a tween either. I just did it. And so far we've both survived. So that's my plan. Do what I can and pray for the best. For him. For me. For us. And I will keeping feeding him, although he may eat us out of house and home. And clothing him, although buying men's clothes for him gives me a panic attack. And snuggling him every chance I get, because he still lets me do that as long as no one is watching. And I will hold close all those treasured moments while adding new ones. Bigger ones.

As we enter this new part of our journey together, I am nervous, yes. But also excited to see what the future holds. Who he is. Who he is becoming. Who he will be. And every step of the way I'll be there. Doing everything I can and everything he needs me to do to get him to 14 and 17 and 20...and, someday, to Heaven.

Happy, happy, happy birthday my sweet Josh. Mama loves you more than words can say. Even though you're a teenager now.

Blessed Sunday

Changing leaves. 

Warm sunshine. 

Blue skies.

Happy kids.

And, finally, a nap. 

Blessed indeed.

10 Things Thursday

10 things about last night and the Newsboys concert.

1. A few weeks ago I got an email about an upcoming Newsboys concert in Spokane. Adam loves the Newsboys and so I bought tickets to surprise him with a mom/son date night. I didn't tell him until Tuesday that we were going on Wednesday. I wasn't going to tell him until we were on the way because he sometimes gets excited to the point of distraction and I didn't want him to get into trouble at school. But I decided to tell him on Tuesday, because the anticipation is part of the fun. Right?
2. I really wasn't much of a Newsboys fan. Not because I don't like their music. I just hadn't heard much of it. But I wanted to go with Adam. Their music is pretty much all he has on his iPod  And he's made fans out of Julianna and Josh, too.
3. We planned to go to dinner and I let him choose. Azteca is right beside the theater and it's one of his favorite places, so we went there before the show. We had a great time and a great visit. I try to spend time alone with each of my kids often, but special outings are really good for them and me.
4. I had planned to buy Adam a tee shirt from the concert and he was thrilled. He chose a green one (of course). He was so happy with his souvenir and changed into it for the show. And he wore it to school today. (Christian tee shirt day. Christian band tee shirt day. Whatever.)
5. One thing that I love about Adam is that when he's excited, he vibrates. He can't stop moving. He wiggles and squirms and talks and grins. And you can just feel the excitement and can't help but to share in it with him.
6. Before the show, a few of the Christian radio station djs spoke about their stations and upcoming events in the area. And one of the morning guys prayed. He prayed, people! Before a rock concert! It was amazing. And wonderful.
7. Grace Campbell sang first. She has a very unique sound. Kind of alto-y and soft and sincere. Her songs were lovely and I got the sense that she's lovely, too. She was dressed in an off white sweater and floor length skirt outfit that matched her sound. I couldn't help but to think how different her look was from some of the secular female singers her age today. It was very refreshing.
8. Next was Luminate. I liked them a lot. The had so much energy and really got the crowd ready for the rest of the show. I have to admit that I was a little thrown off by the "preachy" part of it. Not because it was bad or unwanted. But because it was so unexpected. And I have come to realize that I am very cynical when it comes to spirituality. I don't know why. I believe. But sometimes I have a hard time believing that others do. Or I question their sincerity. But last night my cynicism shrunk a little about that. Jesus is out there and working in all kinds of people. I need to believe that and appreciate all those that he works through. (Speaking of preachy...)
9. Then came Building 429. Wow! Talk about energy! The lead singer reminded me of all those students I have had who can't sit still in their chairs or who are always humming or playing drums with their pencils. He was all over the place. And he is an expert at audience participation. My arms are sore today from waving my hands in the air because I really did care. And anyone who can get me dancing in public has to be pretty good if you ask me.
10. And then the big moment! They had a countdown to the Newsboys. 4 minutes. Music starts to play. 3 minutes. A little louder. 2 minutes. Louder and faster. 1 minute. Oh my goodness! 30 seconds. Adam could hardly stand it. His smile was worth the price of the tickets 100 times over. And then they were on stage. And a whole bunch of Christians began to scream like I've never heard. It was crazy! And amazing! And deafening...in a good way.
     All it took was a few bars of their first song and the Newsboys made a fan out of me. They are good. Really good. And the fact that my kids (and I) can listen to some really good, rock music without hearing swear words or suggestive lyrics is a gift. Not once did I have to worry about what Adam would hear or see last night. Not once. I can't say that about any of the other concerts I've been to. (Although Richard Marx was pretty safe back in 1991.) Not only that, but the music was more than safe. It was inspiring and encouraging and empowering and faith building. I thought, about halfway through the night, that I was attending the best, most entertaining, loudest worship service that I'd ever been to. Where two or more or gathered...well, I felt HIM there last night. He was on stage with the amazing performers. He was dancing with the teenage girl and her brother (who happened to have Down Syndrome) two rows in front of us. He was with all the dads and moms who brought their kids to the concert. He was with the crazy bald guy down the aisle who danced like George Michael in the Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go video. And he was standing next to me. The 40 year old mom of three who was having the time of her life praising HIM. And there was a moment, when the lead singer led the crowd in an a capella rendition of Nothing But The Blood of Jesus that no one would have been able to doubt that something extraordinary was happening. It wasn't just a concert. I've been to plenty of those. It was worship, plain and simple. Well, not really simple. It was worship with some rockin' music and a pretty fantastic light show. And I didn't even mention that they hung the drummer vertically and spun him and his whole drum kit around!! It was amazing. I don't really know how else to explain it. It's one of those things that changed me. Changed the way I think. The way I see others. The way I see my Adam. The way I see myself. And the way I see Jesus. Because before last night I don't think I would have ever said, "Jesus rocks!" But today, and for the rest of my days, I will say with my whole heart and with a song on my lips that Jesus ROCKS!!

Show and Tell Friday

• Silver, the stuffed hamster that Julianna got from Silverwood last weekend
• a backpack clip that was a party favor from a birthday party
• Lego Star Wars ship
• folders from a backpack...Tinkerbell and horses
• teddy bear from Build-a-Bear Workshop named Rainbow
• big stuffed dog named Samson
• green monster truck...left in the cubby from last week's show and tell
• Bakugan and Pokemon cards
• Leap Frog electronic game
• Halloween light up Happy Meal toy that is apparently "very real"

And winner of the "Most Unusual Show and Tell Since the Black Widow Spider In a Jar" prize goes to

• Mom's wisdom tooth that got pulled out yesterday

(Which also gets my vote for best show and tell of the day!)

Show and Tell Friday (With Commentary)

*some kind of plastic bunch of grapes?? (Looked at it up close. Still not sure what it is or what it's for.)
*furry Siamese cat statue-ie thing that meows (Can't decide if it's cute or creepy.)
*red power ranger that can turn into a tiger (complete with demonstration and sound effects)
*pink pretend girlie stuff--blow dryer that "doesn't make sounds at all", comb, perfume that's "fake but I can pretend it smells," and a curling iron that's "for real hair and it can dye your hair any color you want it" (Wow! That's a good curling iron!)
*blue sequined headband (That I think came to school as an accessory but became show and tell out of necessity.)
*green monster truck with "kinda big wheels" that J. forgot at Sammy's house and he found it under his bed. (Which we all know is where toys try to hide every time.)
*star fish from Oregon; "It's real!" (I loved this show and tell. Not only the most unique one of the day, but it came with a vacation story which included a zoo, some stores, and lots of hotels. Which seemed to be the highlight of the trip.)
*Buzz Lightyear action figure and Mr. Potato Head video game (Toy Story theme. I love Toy Story!)
*stuffed cat, stuffed wolf, stuffed Bernie and Tracker that are "my briothers'", stuffed Otto "from the baseball game" (What kind of kid brings 5 stuffed animals for show and tell?! Oh, yeah...mine.)

And here's my show and tell. This shirt that is...well, decide for yourself.

A Note From The Teacher

Dear Blog Readers,

Just a note to let you know that my teaching year is CRAZY. Twenty-six total students from ages 4 to 14. Six grade levels with a learning and skill spectrum far wider. Lessons to plan. Papers to prep. Tests to write and give and grade. Games to create and play. Books to choose and assign. Gogurt and fruit snack and apple sauce cups to open. Not to mention all the extras I do like Box Top duty and being student council advisor. My days are busy and full to the max and flying by. (Two weeks down already!) But as busy as they are (and after surviving a rough first week), my days are also filled with 26 of the cutest, sweetest, funniest, smartest, most wonderful little souls I've ever met. I laugh out loud every single day! And I get to share the wonders of the world with those who are still in wonder. Challenging job? Yes. But an amazing job, too. Just amazing.

So, I guess what you need to know is this. Trying to be the best teacher I can be takes a lot of energy and time and leaves very little time for blogging. Therefore, expect far fewer new posts for a while. (I didn't even get to 10 Things Thursday this week although I had several fascinating topics to choose from. Like the top 10 snack choices of kindergartners and the 10 most amusing middle school excuses for why work isn't finished.)  And if the posts that do happen to appear aren't quite grammatically correct or well written or, you know, coherent, you'll understand why. 

Thanks for understanding. You are the best blog readers ever. All 4 of you.

Sincerely,
Mrs. R.

10 Things Thursday

10 Things about the first week of school.

1. Last year I had 7 kindergarten students. This year I have 14. You would think that would mean twice as much work. It doesn't mean that at all. It means at least 10 times as much work. Surprising, but true.
2. I like having a bigger class. Last year I felt like half my class was always absent and I had a hard time wanting to teach to half a class.
3. I have no students whose first names begin with any letter past M in the alphabet. No Ts or Rs or Ss. Weird.
4. But I do have two little girls with the 209th most popular name according to Baby Center. What are the odds?
5.  I always forget, and this year was no exception, that I have to teach everything...from where the bathrooms are to every single little rule to how to walk in line. At least most of them know how to hold a pencil, so that's a bonus.
6. Sitting in chapel with 14 four and five year olds and trying to keep them still, quiet, and listening is like, well, sitting in chapel with 14 four and five year olds and trying to keep them still, quiet, and listening.
7. After a year, it has been determined by an expert in the leopard gecko field that my class's leopard geckos are, in fact, girls. Here are the names the kids suggested. Sparkle (3 votes), Shiny, Butterfly (2 votes), A (yes, the letter A), Rainbow (2 votes), Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Head, Robot, Grabber, Praying Mantis, Petshop, Sunny Day, Pencil, Mr. Potato Head, Mrs. Potato Head, Cake, and Sprinkle. And after a lengthy Facebook discussion (and lots of more appropriate, but no less amusing, suggestions), the geckos are to be named Lucy Sparkle and Ethel Rainbow.
8. My afternoon class has been fun, too. More challenging in some ways, like lesson planning and preparation. But less challenging in some ways, like how they all know that if they tip their chairs they will, in fact, fall out of said chairs.
9. On day 2, after an exciting and informative lesson on human migration to the Americas, I got the best teacher compliment ever. Josh, my very own son, told me that he liked how I taught history. And in my head I did a fist pump and said, "YES!"
10. I am thinking that this year is going to be one of, if not my most, challenging year yet. Larger class sizes, combined ages in each class, switching from kindergarten mode in the mornings to middle school mode in the afternoon, having my own children in my classes, trying to not just be a good teacher, but a great teacher. Yes. All challenges. But challenges I'm willing and able to undertake. For the sake of the kids. (But I have a feeling I'm going to need lots of Diet Coke and Oreos to get through it!)

10 Things Thursday

10 words.

1. worry
2. peace
3. guilt
4. forgiveness
5. fear
6. courage
7. pain
8. joy
9. loud
10. gentle

The Story of How I Came To Sit Beside Ellen Travolta

So here's how it happened.

11:00am--Dentist appointment. No cavities and still 33 teeth. (You'd think my dentist would get over that weird thing about me after 25 years of being my dentist. He hasn't.)
11:45--Pick up Arrty (and his Arby's coupons) for lunch
11:53--Run in to my very best friend from high school and not only feel, but tell her numerous times, how glad I am that she looks so young. (Most people from high school look so old and if she looks young, maybe I do, too!) Spend a few minutes catching up and promise to call to set up a time to go to lunch.
12:58--Visit the University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene office to pay for Arrty's college course.
12:59--Grudgingly hand over a check for $1038 for one.three credit course. ONE class. $1038. Yikes. When is the last time I paid for college? I was shocked, I tell ya.
1:15--Arrive at Figpickels with Julianna and begin an hour of following her around the store as she flits and flutters from shelf to shelf.
2:15--Pay for Miss Julianna's choices: a painting book and a pink, sparkly bracelet and necklace set.
2:27--Arrive at Ramsey park to let Jules try out her painting book and play on the jungle gym. Sit in the shade and marvel at the wonder of life and God's green earth...and the quiet that is so seldom a part of my days.
3:15--Arrive at Target to pick out a new backpack and lunch box for the girly girl. And she chose...wait for it...pink kitties!
4:07--Drop Jules off at her daddy's office so she can go home with him and I can get ready for girls' night out. Then run a few errands all by myself.
4:59--Arrive to pick up Kathy, who is, as usual, ready and waiting with bells on. Or not. Whatever.
5:08--Continue on my taxi service rounds to pick up Alyson, Katrina, Marci and Emily.
5:40--Arrive at Dangerous Dog. Decide to order the original Dangerous Dog (two dogs open faced with chili, cheese, coleslaw, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos). Only I ordered mine with no onions or jalapenos. Kathy said that made it the Slightly Risky Dog instead.
7:10--Head to the theater excited to see Ragtime.
7:24--Sit down in seat 29 instead of my assigned seat of 27.
7:25--Notice stage and screen actor Jack Bannon sitting in seat 25.
7:26--Realize that his date will be his wife, Ellen Travolta!
7:27--Begin whining to Alyson that she's sitting in my seat.
7:28--Switch seats with Alyson when she generously offers.
7:29--Brush arms with Ellen Travolta when she sits down RIGHT NEXT TO ME.
7:30--The show starts during which I write whole conversations for Ellen and I in my head. She leaves right when the lights go up for intermission and at the end of the show, so all we share is a "hi" and a smile. I spend the whole night telling myself I am respecting her privacy instead of being a big, fat, scaredy cat.
9:52--Realize that if I could sing like the girl playing Sara, I would not be a kindergarten teacher. I'd be a singer!
10:35--Leave the theater in search of something sweet.
10:45--Discover that Baskin Robbins is open until 11:00. Enjoy a waffle cone with one scoop of Snickers and one scoop of Nutty Coconut.
11:00--Get kicked out of Baskin Robbins. Begin the drop off service of my girls.
11:53--Arrive home. Give my husband a mild heart attack as he walks out of the bedroom just as I'm walking in.
12:00--Fall into bed a happy girl.

10 Things Thursday

10 questions...

1. Will it ever stop feeling like part of me is missing when my children are away from me? The boys are at camp this week, and as happy as I am that they get to go to camp, I miss them like crazy. Even though when they are here they pretty much drive me to drink. (I mean if I was a drinker, that is.)
2. Do you ever look at your children and they are so cute and amazing that you get this surreal feeling that they aren't really yours? That still happens to me with Julianna after 4 years. Maybe it's because for so many years I only thought of myself as a mommy of boys, then this little girl makes her appearance and I'm still getting used to the idea. (She does not drive me to drink...yet.)
3. Does summer get shorter every year? Or is it just because 3 months is becoming a smaller and smaller percentage of my life each year?
4. Will my chores ever be done? I'm guessing no. And that makes me tired.
5. Is it good or bad that working at the school all summer has made me think of school all summer? I have my schedule all finished for next year and have been planning lessons. But my room is a mess and that can't be remedied until summer school is over.
6. Why does our Summer Theater only put on four shows? I know, I know. Time and cost and all that. But I wish it was longer. I am both excited and sad that tonight is our last show of the year.
7. Am I seriously getting a cold? Because if I am, I'm not going to be happy. Not one little bit.
8. Who is going to a tea party on Saturday? I am!
9. What should I eat at Dangerous Dog tonight before seeing Ragtime? Any suggestions?
10. How, pray tell, am I supposed to do the bazillion things left on my summer to do list in only 18 short days? How?!

WILD Again

I spent the last two days with a bunch of teachers learning how to be better teachers. The Idaho Fish and Game and other state agencies hold classes on using wildlife, forests, and water to teach all subjects in our classrooms. I have taken several of these classes and have never been disappointed. I come away with all kinds of materials to use in the classroom and experience many of the lessons first hand. I use these materials and what I learn in these classes more in my classroom and teaching than anything I've learned in a traditional  education course.

This class, Focus on Literature using Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, and Project WET, was one of my favorites so far because it focused on books. And we all know how much I love books! I was exposed to all kinds of new literature not to mention how to tie it into all subject areas. I have already determined that this next year I'm going to be a different teacher than I've been the last few years. Less traditional. More hands-on. Less read the chapter and do the worksheet. More see-smell-taste-touch-hear this and see what we can learn. Less ho-hum. More fun. Don't you wish you were in my class?! I'm really looking forward to it and this latest class just made me more determined than ever to make the change.

This is one of the books I received at the class.

It has taken a spot on my top 10 list of favorite kid's books. I love it. It's about the lifetimes of a variety of plants and animals. Each page tells about one living thing and then gives a short statement about what we can learn from each. Nice. Can't wait to use it in class.

So another class taken, another credit earned, new friends made, and a whole lot learned. All that's left is to share it!

10 Things Thursday

10 (+2) songs on my Summer of 2012 mixed cd...

1. Call Me Maybe--Carly Rae Jepsen
This song makes me happy especially when the kids and I do the Harvard Boys Baseball dance when we hear it in the car.
2. Somebody That I Used To Know--Gotye
No 2012 mixed cd can be without this one. And it's a great song even if a bit overexposed.
3. Home--Phil Phillips
I called it. I knew Phil would win American Idol. I love him and his first single.
4. Moves Like Jagger--Maroon 5
Adam Levine. That's all. (Plus Julianna is really cute when she sings it.)
5. (Kissed You) Good Night--Gloriana
Love this song. Love it. Makes me remember those first kiss days.
6. Ho Hey--The Lumineers
The melody of this song is amazing.
7. What Makes You Beautiful--One Direction
I couldn't not put a boy band song on my summer cd.
8.  I Won't Give Up--Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz...softer and more mature. I like it a lot.
9. Glad You Came--The Wanted
Okay. So two boy band songs.
10. Drive By--Train
How did I just discover Train?
11. Stronger--Kelly Clarkson
Obligatory anthem.
12. Crazy Girl--Eli Young Band
Because I love songs written about me.

Want a copy of my super awesome Summer of 2012 mixed cd?! Just leave a comment and I'll pick a lucky winner next week.

10 Things Thursday

10 things about today...

1. I forgot it was Thursday. Today is the first day I've worked this week and it feels more like Monday than Thursday.
2. Chris at Bistro on Spruce didn't know what day it was either when I called to make dinner reservations for tonight. Me: "Do I need to make reservations for dinner tonight?" Chris: "Ummm, what day is it?" Turns out I did need to make reservations with Spamalot opening tonight and lots of people going out for dinner. I also got a thumbs up on the play from Chris who saw a preview last night.
3. We are having dinner at Bistro on Spruce (in case you missed that). I've never been there and always look forward to trying new local restaurants. I'll give a review tomorrow.
4. Then it's opening night of Spamalot (in case you missed that). It's supposed to be pretty funny. It's based on Monty Python's The Holy Grail. How can it not be funny?
5. At school today, a little boy killed a grasshopper "right in front of" Julianna. She was traumatized. She screams like a little girl when she sees some bugs, but apparently grasshoppers rank right up there with puppies for her.
6. I signed up a new student for my class next year. I'll be teaching a combined 4 and 5 year old kindergarten class. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm going to try some new techniques to get them reading and writing quicker and better.
7. I pulled out the 7th grade science book since I will also be teaching middle school math, science, and history in the afternoons. I'm planning to do lots of hands-on, interactive lessons and wanted to see what I have to work with. One topic I get to teach is insects. Maybe Jules can help.
8. It's absolutely amazing the mess 10 kids can make in a matter of seconds. And even more amazing that it takes them forever to clean it up.
9. I am finding it bittersweet that summer vacation is about to enter its final month. It means that school will be starting in just over a month (bitter)* but it also means that this summer school childcare situation is about to enter its final month (sweet).**
10. I wonder if Bistro on Spruce has fish and chips on their menu. I could really go for some fish and chips.

*School starting is only bitter because of the getting up and going to work every single day. I really love teaching and am so blessed to spend my days in the same building as my own children.
**I love teaching, but I don't so much love unstructured childcare. May sound weird, but they are two totally different jobs.

Lake Pend Orielle Adventure...In Pictures

As soon as we got out of the car, Jules got into the water. She tucked her dress into her shorts and went for it.

Check out the view behind the swimming cutie.

More of the gorgeous view of the Blue Monarch Mountain Range.

Adam and Pappy discussing fishing plans.

Jules telling Grams a story.
(Poor mom had carpel tunnel surgery last week. She's been one handed since. Funny, though. She does more one handed than most people do with two.)

Ahhh....

Pappy took Jules and I on a boat ride Friday morning. She got to drive. She kind of loved it!

We saw this castle above the lake. It is crazy big and fancy. Who lives there?

View from the boat.

Jules fishing for the first time. Pappy is a great teacher!

The pole weighs as much as her, but she had to do it all by herself anyways.



Jules first catch!!

I saw this on the privately owned island in the middle of the lake. Dad told me it was how they said "no trespassing" in the days before printed signs.



The island from afar.



The island from up close. Can you imagine owning an island?! Even a small one. Too cool!



Then we saw this! It is another castle. It looks so authentic. There's a rock wall all the way around the front and the whole thing looks like it's made of stone. There's even a tower in the back for the damsel in distress.

Again. Who builds this in North Idaho?! I would really love a tour!



Back to camp after the boat ride and fishing. Jules was looking for "special rocks."



Here are the "special rocks" she found at the boat launch.

And here are the "special rocks" she found by the dock. I'm pretty sure all of these came home with us.



Then the storm blew in. It was crazy! One-handed mom and I had to take down the shade canopy and try to save the tent in gale force winds. Then we watched as the boat crashed against the dock over and over. Luckily all the damage was cosmetic. It was a little scary for a while there.

The aftermath of the storm. Everything was soaked. Including the campers.



But mostly it was like this. Now where else can you see a view like this. And we get to live here!

Apparently collecting rocks is tiring work.

10 Things Thursday

10 things about my husband as we begin our 21st year together.

1. He DOES read my blog! He said last night, "So for 10 Things Thursday are you going to write 10 things about me?" Why, yes. Yes, I am.
2. He still surprises me. Every once in a while, he'll say or do something that I don't expect.
3. On the other hand, I often know what he's thinking before he does. A few weeks ago, he ordered honey mustard dressing on his salad. He hates mustard. But I knew he would order it that night. Weird.
4. After 20 years we can say one word and the other understands completely a whole conversation.
5. His dna + my dna = cute, smart, amazing kids.
6. He'll always choose vanilla.
7. He's loyal to everyone and especially to me.
8. He is a wizard when it comes to grilling ribs. Mmm...I'm going to the store to get ribs for dinner tonight.
9. He is competitive when it comes to games. And he's unfairly good at most of them.
10. He very well may be the only person in the whole wide world who could love me like he does.

A Girl and A Boy

Once upon a time there was a little girl with braids and a little boy on a bike. They were in the same class at school even though he was a year older. They played foursquare and tether ball. And dodge ball, but he never threw the ball at her. Then one day there was a note asking her to "go out" with him. Because that's what you called it in the early 80's. She checked the box next to "yes." Then there were puppy-love notes passed and shy smiles given, but very few words spoken between the two. For a long time this continued. Well, at least a long time in pre-teen time. Until one day there was a "break up" that she doesn't remember.

Then he went off to high school. And a year later she did, too, but to a different school. They crossed paths at church and occasionally went to the movies with the same bunch of kids. She still remembered the notes he had written her and wondered about him. And maybe he did the same. She had a crush on the football quarterback and the drama guy and that tall guy in science class. He went out with a girl or two from school. But there was still something there between them.

Then over Christmas vacation, they both went to a youth event and all the kids stayed up all night in the church building watching movies and playing games. And these two, this girl and this boy, talked a little. And the next day, he called her! For the first time ever! And she thought she'd die with nervousness and thought maybe he was a little nervous, too.

And so began their "going out" for a second time in their short lives. She rode next to him in his big, noisy, red truck. They went bowling and to the movies and out to eat fast food. And one night, as they stood on the front porch as he was leaving, he kissed her. And she wondered how she had made it sixteen and a half  years without being kissed by him.

They finished school, she at hers and he at his. They worked. They started college. They talked on the phone about all the things that kids talk about. They went on dates. And after a while, they talked of the future.

In May of 1992, he took her to the movies and to eat at their favorite restaurant and for a walk on the boardwalk. And when they got to the middle of the boardwalk, he got down on one knee and, with the moon and stars above, asked the girl to marry him. She smiled and said, "yes."

With their parents' blessing, they planned a July wedding. It was long enough to wait for these two who had been sweethearts for as long as they could remember. So, in eleven weeks, they planned a wedding.

And on July 11th, 1992, the girl married the boy. They stood there, both in white, before their families and friends and made a promise that they had made to each other long before. And she knew it was right when he sweetly comforted her after hot wax dripped on her hand from the unity candle lighting. The day was perfect and they were happy.

For many years after, the two of them lived and worked and grew. They were young and in love and spent time together becoming for each other what neither knew was even possible.

Then after seven and a half years, their world changed. Another person entered their lives. A tiny little person that was half him and half her and wholly theirs. And they had to learn all over what this life was all about.

And a fourth person joined their family 19 months later. And yet another 7 years after that. And with each new person, the girl and boy learned and grew together.

But through it all, this life they lived, they remembered their promise to each other. They survived the poorer and sickness and rejoiced in the richer and health. They loved each other and worked together to honor that vow.

And today, 20 years later, they will rejoice once more as they celebrate that day that forever changed the lives of a girl and a boy.

10 Things Thursday

10 things about yesterday...

1. It was the 4th of July...Independence Day...America's birthday.
2. We hosted our 8th annual 4th of July BBQ Extravaganza.
3. It was full of food, fun, and friends.
4. Only two families besides ours attended...we totaled 16. But the ones who came are two of my favorite families ever!
5. We had all the all-American foods...hot dogs, watermelon, corn on the cob, and apple pie...plus a whole lot of other yummy stuff.
6. One family brought their visiting Chinese exchange students and one translator. But the kids discovered that there is no language barrier when it comes to water gun fights and Foosball!
7. Julianna wanted to know which "Chinese" they came from. "Is it the one where we go to eat noodles?" Ummm...no.
8. Apparently they don't have screen doors in China. Ours got walked through...twice.
9.  I learned that you never know when the topic of "chicken diapers" will arise.
10. There's not much better than a fun day that ends with fireworks.

When Did This Happen?!

Last night I was driving Josh and Adam into town to my parents' house so that they could spend the night and go fishing early this morning with my dad. I've driven into town with them hundreds, even thousands, of times. And many of those within the last year or so with Josh in the front seat next to me. This trip was the same as all the others. Air on, music up, chatting mom and boys.

Then I looked to my right and had to stop myself from slamming on the brakes and pulling over to demand that the young man sitting next to me get out of my car. It was like looking at a stranger. All of a sudden, my little boy, my firstborn, my baby, is a young man. Instantly. Seriously. His face changed from one second of me looking at him, then to the road in front of me, then back. Instant change.

It brought tears to my eyes and took away my breath for a moment. When did this happen?! When?! How? Why? It's too soon. Way too soon. I remember noticing as all my children changed to kids from babies. Even Julianna in the last few months. But this. This change has caught me completely off guard. I have accused him of becoming a teenager a few months early. And have overlooked some of his moodiness that has come along with that.

But that face. That little boy face. The one that I've kissed every night for the past 12 years, 8 months, and 19 days has begun to disappear. It's becoming the face of a half grown adult. Stronger somehow. More mature. Grown.

And I'm not sure I like it. I'm not sure I hate it either. But I'm pretty sure I don't like it.

He's a handsome boy and has the nicest eyes and great hair. Which is nice...and scary as all get out. Because he kinda likes the girls. Always has. And they like him. Always have. And it's seriously causing me to have a panic attack. Really. Like right now, as I type, I'm breathing my way through one.

This wasn't supposed to happen so soon. This change for him...and for me. This whole growing up thing. I don't want it. I DON'T! I want to snuggle him on my lap and rub his hair and keep him there forever. I want him to call me mommy and need me to make his chocolate milk. I want him to stay little, stay little.

And yet, that young man sitting next to me in the car is kind of amazing. It's like a new friend. A new person to know and understand and love. One of those people that you feel like you've known forever, and yet are just getting to know.

In one way, I know him better than he knows himself. I know what he needs before he does. I know what he's going to say and do before he does it. But on the other hand, we're learning together, who this person is. This brown haired, blue eyed boy who is growing up. This boy who drives me crazy and amazes me in the same breath. The one who can both make my heart sing and infuriate me within minutes. The one who I had to bribe with five bucks to hold my hand for family pictures but then promised to kiss my cheek forever. Who is this person, and what has he done with my baby?

Wait. There. In his eyes. I can see it. It's him. It's my Yoshi. My sweet baby. My little boy. My young man.

10 Things Thursday

10 things I would do if I could go back to high school.

1. Study more and better. So that when I got to college, I wouldn't be rudely awakened and have to learn to study.
2. Sing more. Like High School Musical and Glee sing. Like break out in song in the halls and in the cafeteria and in the classroom sing. And have so much fun doing it that the other students and teachers joined in! (What?! That's what happens on tv!)
3. Be braver. Speak up and speak out. Stand up and stand out.
4. Wear a coat and boots. In the winter. Like a person with half a brain.
5. Join a team. Any team. Perferably something like volleyball or softball or chess. Okay, maybe not chess.
6. Make more friends. And not be afraid to make friends.
7. Write everything down. Everything. So I could look back when I'm old...like 40..and remember what it was like to be young.
8. Get a jacket to put my letter on. Even though I lettered in choir.
9. Attend more sporting events. And cheer like a crazy person.
10. Say thank you to my teachers. They deserved it when I was really there. And they would deserve it if I went back. Especially since I would be interrupting their classes everyday with my singing!