Is there anyone who reads this (except me)? I am just curious. Thanks.

Congratulations

This is a copy of a letter I wrote and sent to a new mom (my sister) who decided to "retire" from the work force and stay at home to care for her new infant son.

This is my earliest convenience to wish you congratulations on your early retirement from the world of "work-away" moms and for joining the ranks of SAHM (that's stay at home mom for rookies). It is sadly a very under recognized position and there by you may at times regret your decision but in the end, and especially when he's sleeping soundly, you will be so thankful to experience every one of those poopy diapers, sorry, I mean tender moments...I say all of this as a veteran SAHM who is so close to that "all kids in school, all day" that I can hardly contain myself. I do a little happy dance everytime I think of it.
So take it from one who knows, you will never be sorry that you've chosen this new road. It's filled with much more valuable rewards and moments than you ever dreamed possible...like puke stains, the smell of poop on your hands, or my personal favorite-cleaning out the "accident" from the underwear, messes that never occurred to you, no privacy when you are in the bathroom or shower, pee on the seat and wall, barf spewed without any warning or aim, nameless things stuck, smooshed or spread in any area of the house or car, the list goes on....
But the most important and especially rewarding are those unexpected hugs and the first time your baby tells you they love you. awesome

Izy's hair

Earlier this summer Izy and I went to Indiana to visit my parents and my sister's new baby. While I stayed at my sisters Izy spent the week with her grandparents being spoiled rotten. During one of their shopping trips Grandma J. bought Izy the Conair hair color 'thing' and that is when it all began.
For some reason Isabel has it in her head that she wants blue and pink highlights. This notion has stuck around since the end of last year and I have successfully been putting it off until the hair colorer came in the picture. Now you never know when she might appear from the bathroom with multi colored hair, ready to go to whatever event is next on the agenda. Such is the case on the first day of school.
I know that when I was in school I had this never ending desire to paint a rainbow all around my room on the walls. Of course my parents couldn't catch the vision so it never actually happened but I remember continually thinking it was a great idea inspite of the fact that I knew no one with a "rainbow" room.
Isabel knows no one with multi colored hair so I am assuming that this is similar to the "rainbow" thing. As my sister pointed out it might just be that we have done such a great job of raising her with a sense of confidence and self esteem that it just seems natural to do these things. I hope that's the reason. What I am afraid of is that it is that imaginary world that Rock lives in where he thinks he is a "trend setter" for the rest of us. He honestly thinks he started the "pegged" pants craze back in the 80's. First of all-whatever!!! and second of all-why would you want to claim that? Rock On!!!

First day of school

Yesterday was the first day of school. Izy is starting 5th grade and Caden is starting kindergarten and Sage is starting school for the first time ever as a pre-schooler. I can't imagine what it is like for him considering he has his three favorite cousins with him in the same class each day.
I am the oldest of four and since my my mom died when I was 11 I grew up really fast. When I started school it was alone and with no prior knowledge since my cousins all went to the county schools. I was on my own, especially since I walked and I was kind of a loner and I felt responsible for my younger siblings.
Ok, I am not out for the pitty party, my point was just that how 'blessed' my kids are! They are surrounded by cousins and they have siblings close by and on top of that they have teachers that are familiar and kind. What a great blessing. Look at how great things turned out. Yes, there are parts of my growing up that stunk but look at how great my kids school experience has been so far. God has blessed them and in so many ways.
When I watched all three of them climb on the bus I didn't cry. I was excited and proud. Look at how great they are-all filled with confidence and expectation, with their parents who love them like crazy, looking on (even though Izy had pink and blue hair-ok, that 's a whole different story, ask me later). What a great day. I couldn't be more thankful.

Camping

We spent the last 3 nights camping in Mitchell, SD, yes the home of the Corn Palace. And no, we did not even drive by. We went down for Dakotafest where Rock worked in the Liquid Fert. booth, 'peddling his wares'. It was a good time.

Camping sure puts a different perspective on how you live your life and how dependant we've become on technology. It was kinda hot and muggy which wasn't pleasant but we made due. Bike rides, swimming, playing at the playground, trips to Cabela's and eating camp food made on the picnic table. Family memories...even a little gamecube play on a new hunting game from Cabela's.

The airstream is something of a baby to me. I am not sure why but I love it. It just feels like a home away from home. Yes, it is a 1969 so it has some quirks to using it but my 100 yr old house does too. It is good to hang in something you feel at home in. It really enriches the whole experience and I think the kids feel it too. So here's to creating new memories doing something that requires some work and change in your comfort level. It's worth it.

Airstream

Airstream

Noah

This is Noah Steven Graves. Beautiful isn't he?
Right now he is in ICU at Childrens Hospital in Denver waiting to hear the report of his mass of tests. He has been diagnosed with leukodystrophy, a rare metabolic genetic disorder.
I look at him and see such a gift. There is such a special bond between moms and their boys and this boy is loved so dearly by his whole family. Pray for him.

I was reading in "Reflections for Ragamuffins" it was talking about Jesus as our friend. Have you ever thought that he is proud of you for taking him into your life? He is proud of you for the trust you placed in him during your current difficult time? He is proud of you for not giving up on him but trusting him over and over? He is thankful that you continually share his message and strive to know him better so that your witness is even more powerful?

"He said, 'I do not call you servants, but friends...' Therefore, there is the possibility of every feeling and emotion that can exist between friends to exist here and now between Jesus and you." How much Jesus must love this family and suffers right along with them, continually praying to the Father for his perfect will. We love them dearly but Jesus loves them even more. Thank you Lord for your marvelous goodness to us all.

Isaiah 30:18
But God's not finished. He's waiting around to be gracious to you. He's gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right--everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones. (the message)

Enjoy it for what it is

Today I took the kids to the state park on Lake Poinsett and tried to have some fun with them. Sometimes I think we spend so much time waiting for ...that we don't enjoy the moments right now. I wanted to do something simple and help them see something bigger in it.
I know, it's out there in that 'not having my expections too high' area.
Anyway, we were riding our bikes thru the campground and came to a hill. The roads are all paved and I just then realized that they always ride on gravel, so bonus! While I took a b-rm break they continued to ride up and then ride down this hill. It reminded me of when I was a kid and how exhilarating that was. I tried to refrain from too many, "be careful, don't go too fast," comments and later I heard Caden tell Izy "this is the best day ever!" Then Sage stops to wait for me (on his bike) and says, "mom, fanks for bringing us here and I am sorry for riding to fast for you." I love them.
Later we spent some time at the park and as we were leaving Caden asked me if I had a good time and I told him that I did. It is always fun just to be together as a family. "It's just beautiful here," he responded.
Yes, he is 6 years old.
Was it was worth it even though they bickered, complained and picked on one another in between the 'awe' moments? Yeah, I'll take it.
What did I take away from the afternoon, I am determined to notice and enjoy the ride no matter how small or filled with 'complaining' it may be.