Tuesday was Doctor Day for the boys. Austin had his four-year well-check (complete with two immunizations - better known as SHOTS!) and Robbo had an ingrown toenail "fixed" (which kind of freaked him out, since I don't think he thought the doctor would do anything THAT day. But it is all well and good now.).
Austin was rattled with the news that he had to get shots, but was very brave and calm. Later, as he and I were watching the doctor numb up Rob's toe, he whispered to me. "Mom, you know how you get scared when you have to get a shot? Well, when somebody else has to get a shot, I kind of get scared for them, too." I melted. He is such a sensitive and compassionate kid.
And then there are times, like now, that I want to ring his neck! :-)
Robbo started school yesterday. Seventh grade. Wow. I worked with pre-teens and teenagers for 15 years, but the thought of parenting one scares the crap out of me!! How do you make sure that you do it right?
Austin had his preschool orientation yesterday, as well. He met his new teacher, Ann; and saw quite a few of his friends from last year. I'm glad he has those relationships already established as it should make it easier on both of us as school gets underway next week.
Baylor plays Wake Forest on national TV tonight. Yea! I get to spend the evening - post-Austin-bedtime - watching the Bears. Sic 'em!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Weekend on the Sand
We've been down at the Cape this weekend. The weather has been fantastic! It's always refreshing to experience a change of pace and scenery. Here are a couple of videos of the boys at play yesterday afternoon...
On the drive down, with Robbo and Austin in the back seats and Bueller (our sweet little old lady cat) in the front, I was playing radio DJ. I switched back and forth from Sirius hits to 70's to 80's to 90's to contemporary Christian to kids stuff. However, when Prince's "1999" began playing, I landed on the 80's station. Robbo piped up after a few minutes, with a lot of sarcasm and a little bit of disgust... "the music you listen to!"
It's funny how music defines things. Decades, events, memories, ourselves, moods, movies. By simply hearing a few notes from a song, we are immediately transferred to another place and time, almost as if we are re-living the experience. "1999" put me back in the Fall of my senior year in high school, driving my two-toned Cutlass through the streets (and McDonald's drive-thru) of Minden, Louisiana. The years 1999 and 2000 seemed an eternity away back then... kind of like 2014 (when Robbo will graduate) seems now.
I have learned that life passes all too quickly. And the moments like the ones on the beach this weekend are priceless and to be treasured. I am thankful for those moments.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Austin Funnies
Twice today, Austin made me laugh out loud. Well, actually probably more times than that; but two of them stayed with me.
#1 - We had the Olympics on television, field hockey was being played. Dad says, "Look Austin - hockey!" Austin glanced at the TV, then replied with a puzzled look on his face, "Where's the ice?"
#2 - At dinner tonight, Austin was pressuring Robbo to be finished eating so they could go outside and play. He quickly counted the remaining items on Robbo's plate... "steak, one; cornbread, two; KOO-ZINI (zucchini), three."
I like Koo-zini... Don't you?!?
#1 - We had the Olympics on television, field hockey was being played. Dad says, "Look Austin - hockey!" Austin glanced at the TV, then replied with a puzzled look on his face, "Where's the ice?"
#2 - At dinner tonight, Austin was pressuring Robbo to be finished eating so they could go outside and play. He quickly counted the remaining items on Robbo's plate... "steak, one; cornbread, two; KOO-ZINI (zucchini), three."
I like Koo-zini... Don't you?!?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Dog Days of Summer
"Birthday week" - as Austin called it - left me completely worn out! His birthday day was lots of fun. We opened presents early, then went to play putt-putt and eat at Pizza Hut. We spent the rest of the day playing with new toys and reading new books! His "friends" party was on Saturday at Jump On In. It is a great place for parties, allowing the parents to play and enjoy the kids. Again, lots of fun. And I'm pooped...
I am frustrated with my lack of time and energy to jump on the devotional collection book. And I guess I owe some of that to my love of the Olympics... I have had fun watching them when I should have been writing and/or sleeping. School starts in a week for Robbo, two weeks for Austin. I am looking forward to the routine of it all.
I am frustrated with my lack of time and energy to jump on the devotional collection book. And I guess I owe some of that to my love of the Olympics... I have had fun watching them when I should have been writing and/or sleeping. School starts in a week for Robbo, two weeks for Austin. I am looking forward to the routine of it all.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
He Sleeps
Today is Austin's birthday. And he's sleeping in.
He never sleeps in. He hardly ever sleeps! Since the day he came into the world, he has consistently required less sleep than I do. And so today, on his fourth birthday, he is sleeping in. Hmmm... what to make of it?
This birthday is rattling me a bit. His first birthday was a little bit emotional - but probably more because I thought it was supposed to be, turning one and all. Birthdays Two and Three were fun. But Four. I'm not sure why, but this one is getting to me!
He's growing up. He's more independent. He's able to outsmart me more consistently now. ;-)
Why Four is so hard, I'm not sure. I just know that it is.
(By the way, those of you who know me well, look at the time of this post. Yes, he still sleeps...)
He never sleeps in. He hardly ever sleeps! Since the day he came into the world, he has consistently required less sleep than I do. And so today, on his fourth birthday, he is sleeping in. Hmmm... what to make of it?
This birthday is rattling me a bit. His first birthday was a little bit emotional - but probably more because I thought it was supposed to be, turning one and all. Birthdays Two and Three were fun. But Four. I'm not sure why, but this one is getting to me!
He's growing up. He's more independent. He's able to outsmart me more consistently now. ;-)
Why Four is so hard, I'm not sure. I just know that it is.
(By the way, those of you who know me well, look at the time of this post. Yes, he still sleeps...)
Monday, August 11, 2008
"A Lot of Old"
Wow. It's been almost a week since I posted anything! In that time, Rob and I have gone to the Patriots first pre-season game, and all of us went to the Cape for the weekend (and had some friends down on Saturday!). Now we're headed into Austin's birthday week... full steam ahead!!
I finished reading Water for Elephants last night. I have to admit that a couple of times earlier in the book I almost put it down... it was very well written, but didn't "demand" my attention or my desire to read. But for some reason (probably because I had it posted here as a book I was reading and felt somewhat obligated to finish), I stayed with it. I am so glad I did! The last one-third of the story pulled me along and had me reading at every chance I found... on the beach, watching Austin ride his bike, inbetween rounds of Wii Olympics, etc.
Anyway, it is a great story of redemption and grace, in the midst of depression-era circus life. I found myself reflecting on several different aspects and elements of the story, which maybe I'll get around to posting. Definitely worth the read.
Last night, Austin and I were talking about him being three, almost four, when he asked how old I was. I replied that I was 42. "No, mom. I mean how old are you... like I am three?" I told him 42, and he still seemed puzzled.
"Do you want me to count to 42 so you can see how old I am?"
"Sure!"
So I counted. When I got to 42, he looks at me and exclaimed, "Wow! That's a lot of old!"
Ok, so I am a lot of old... :-)
I finished reading Water for Elephants last night. I have to admit that a couple of times earlier in the book I almost put it down... it was very well written, but didn't "demand" my attention or my desire to read. But for some reason (probably because I had it posted here as a book I was reading and felt somewhat obligated to finish), I stayed with it. I am so glad I did! The last one-third of the story pulled me along and had me reading at every chance I found... on the beach, watching Austin ride his bike, inbetween rounds of Wii Olympics, etc.
Anyway, it is a great story of redemption and grace, in the midst of depression-era circus life. I found myself reflecting on several different aspects and elements of the story, which maybe I'll get around to posting. Definitely worth the read.
Last night, Austin and I were talking about him being three, almost four, when he asked how old I was. I replied that I was 42. "No, mom. I mean how old are you... like I am three?" I told him 42, and he still seemed puzzled.
"Do you want me to count to 42 so you can see how old I am?"
"Sure!"
So I counted. When I got to 42, he looks at me and exclaimed, "Wow! That's a lot of old!"
Ok, so I am a lot of old... :-)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Random Thoughts
Today feels like a Fall day to me... I'm not sure why, other than it's cloudy and cool. Oh, and maybe because I'm sans kids for a couple of hours. Robbo is at a basketball camp each day this week, and Austin is at his "old school" to play for the morning. So maybe after a whirlwind of July days, it just feels more like school days. Who knows?
Austin informed me this morning that he wants to be a Christmas tree for Halloween. Sounds like a good idea to me! I just have to find some green sweats and some Christmas lights that will run off of batteries. I love his creativity!!
I am also starting to work on a book (probably self-published thru LULU - which I found out about through my friend Milton) consisting of collections of mostly previously written devotionals, with some new ones thrown in as well. I just got the files back from my nephew Colin, who I had hired to help me with some preliminary computer work. So now it's my turn to get after it! I hope to have something available by October 31 (maybe that's where Halloween came into the discussion!). There's another idea/project/book on the table, but I'll save that one for later discussion.
Gotta go start playing Mommy's Taxi service... it's that time!
Austin informed me this morning that he wants to be a Christmas tree for Halloween. Sounds like a good idea to me! I just have to find some green sweats and some Christmas lights that will run off of batteries. I love his creativity!!
I am also starting to work on a book (probably self-published thru LULU - which I found out about through my friend Milton) consisting of collections of mostly previously written devotionals, with some new ones thrown in as well. I just got the files back from my nephew Colin, who I had hired to help me with some preliminary computer work. So now it's my turn to get after it! I hope to have something available by October 31 (maybe that's where Halloween came into the discussion!). There's another idea/project/book on the table, but I'll save that one for later discussion.
Gotta go start playing Mommy's Taxi service... it's that time!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Migraine-ville
So I've been fighting a migraine since yesterday afternoon. These things really stink! I've taken all the meds I can... guess it just has to run its course.
In spite of all of that, it was fun getting to see both boys participate in the track meet this morning. Robbo finished second in the 1500M and Austin ran in the 50 meter dash and the 50 meter hurdles. He is so proud to be able to "compete" like his big brother!
I don't have a whole lot to write today. Most of the writing I have done has been with the intent to be read. This blog is different. I am writing for me... for the discipline of it, for the fun of it. And if someone happens to get something out of it along the way, then that's awesome.
I'm looking forward to watching (at least the first part of) the Sox play tonight. It's the Manny-free era. Bay surely looked good last night... Go Sox!!
In spite of all of that, it was fun getting to see both boys participate in the track meet this morning. Robbo finished second in the 1500M and Austin ran in the 50 meter dash and the 50 meter hurdles. He is so proud to be able to "compete" like his big brother!
I don't have a whole lot to write today. Most of the writing I have done has been with the intent to be read. This blog is different. I am writing for me... for the discipline of it, for the fun of it. And if someone happens to get something out of it along the way, then that's awesome.
I'm looking forward to watching (at least the first part of) the Sox play tonight. It's the Manny-free era. Bay surely looked good last night... Go Sox!!
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Flip-Side of Anger
It's my birthday today. And I woke up feeling angry.
Not because I'm "turning" 42. And not because Austin was up at 4:15 this morning, asking for a Pop-Tart. And not because I can't get the network to connect right now so that I can post this.
I'm angry because life really sucks right now for a couple of people that I care about, and it's just not fair.
For some reason yesterday, when reading my friend Milton's blog, I decided to click on the link and check out what John Brashier (one of the youth ministers who we once did a youth camp together with) has been up to. Upon reading his blog, I learned that Grant, his 17-year-old son has just been diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. I caught up on their journey here.
So I emailed our mutual friend David Gentiles to make sure that he knew about it. I quickly got a response back saying thanks, and that Sarah Bickle (another mutual friend) had just called a little earlier to tell him that Thomas, her three-year-old who has been fighting a brain tumor, had just died.
Damn.
So I guess after writing that, I'm feeling less angry and just really
sad. I can only imagine what it feels like to be John and Lianne, or
Scott and Sarah. I hurt for them and with them. And I pray that they
will be able to sense God's comfort and presence in this day and the days
to come.
Maybe the flip-side of anger is gratitude, I don't know. But I do know that life is precious. That is what I am remembering on this birthday. And I am treasuring each and every moment with my two amazing sons and wonderful husband... both the fun ones and the frustrating ones. I am thankful for the friends and family who God has allowed me to share my journey with, and I am amazed at the love God has for me and for all of us, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Not because I'm "turning" 42. And not because Austin was up at 4:15 this morning, asking for a Pop-Tart. And not because I can't get the network to connect right now so that I can post this.
I'm angry because life really sucks right now for a couple of people that I care about, and it's just not fair.
For some reason yesterday, when reading my friend Milton's blog, I decided to click on the link and check out what John Brashier (one of the youth ministers who we once did a youth camp together with) has been up to. Upon reading his blog, I learned that Grant, his 17-year-old son has just been diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. I caught up on their journey here.
So I emailed our mutual friend David Gentiles to make sure that he knew about it. I quickly got a response back saying thanks, and that Sarah Bickle (another mutual friend) had just called a little earlier to tell him that Thomas, her three-year-old who has been fighting a brain tumor, had just died.
Damn.
So I guess after writing that, I'm feeling less angry and just really
sad. I can only imagine what it feels like to be John and Lianne, or
Scott and Sarah. I hurt for them and with them. And I pray that they
will be able to sense God's comfort and presence in this day and the days
to come.
Maybe the flip-side of anger is gratitude, I don't know. But I do know that life is precious. That is what I am remembering on this birthday. And I am treasuring each and every moment with my two amazing sons and wonderful husband... both the fun ones and the frustrating ones. I am thankful for the friends and family who God has allowed me to share my journey with, and I am amazed at the love God has for me and for all of us, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
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