Acceptance...

Never have I blogged twice in one day, but Ian has had alot of fears in his life. Kevin and I have tried to help him by explaining things to him, giving him protection tokens, anything we could think of to help him. But, he is so smart! Tonight, it started with him asking me to say a special prayer that I used to say to him when he was little..."now I lay me down to sleep...." It is the same prayer my Dad used to say to Ben and I when we were young. It then turned to him asking me many questions about "baby Jesus". He always refers to him this way-which makes me laugh inside because I think of the movie "The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" with the prayers to "baby Jesus." He thinks it is easiest to understand in that context...and I say, whatever works! Anyway, he asked if Jesus could keep away the monsters and become his friend! I said "YES!!" So tonight my son, asked Christ (aka baby Jesus) to come into his heart! It is so amazing. He said that he "promised to serve him, and be a good boy to his Mom and Dad." I am so excited for my little Christian tonight!!!:)AMAZING!

Hating Mondays....

I actually look forward to Mondays...I never work, and it's a consistent day I get to the gym...but, Ian has decided he HATES Mondays. He actually went through our calendar today and put an X on everyone. He said "Mondays mean school. I just want to stay home." I had to laugh, and we had a conversation about the fact that even if he doesn't love Mondays...they are NEVER going away. And as for school..."you have between 13-17 more years of it" so probably best to make the most of it! He was less than excited about that. "I'm only six Mom! That's forever!" Best of luck on your Monday!

Please join me on Blue Fridays...

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Blue every Friday.
The reason? Americans who support
Our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'
We Are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.
We Are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends,
Simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.
Our idea of showing
Solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
Respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and
Every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a
Deafening message that ...
Every red-blooded American
Who supports our men and women afar, will wear Something blue.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every
Friday a sea of blue much like a
Homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every
One of us who loves this country will share this with
Acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will
Not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it Will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is
On their side more than ever, certainly more than the Media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked
'What can We do to make things better for you?' is ..'We need Your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out
And lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear
Something blue every Friday

Whew!

Last night I had one of my recurrent dreams since childhood. It involves loosing my teeth. This time, I continued to try put the teeth back in the holes in my gums. Problem was...they just kept slipping out. It has been a few months since I had a dream about my teeth. Usually when I am stressed, or overtired, I have one. I hate them! I wake up anxious and irritated...it's wierd. And I've been having them as long as I can remember...A friend and I joke at work about them...she too has been having them since childhood, so we laugh and make fun of one another.

Anyway, I went to the dentist today....and I did great! No cavities!!!:) I love to hear that!!!

Pray....

Please continue to pray, for our friends Travis & Debbie and their 2 boys Nikolas and Corey. The caring bridge website at the end of my blog is a link to Corey's site. Having cancer, beating cancer, and then relapsing before your third birthday takes it's toll on ALL members of the family. He is going through an extensive regimen right now of chemo, and if all of you could put them in your daily thoughts and prayers, I know they'd appreciate it. Kevin and I have decided to put CCA (children's cancer association) at the top of our yearly giving this year. Having healthy kids, and realizing how lucky you are.....has impacted us. With our friends Travis & Debbie, and Jason & Ali (Kevin's friend from growing up-close to Jeff and Marilyn) both having kids dealing with Wilm's tumor...and both now reoccuring...please kiss your little ones, and think about giving money to children's cancer or becoming a volunteer. Thanks!

Run, Run, Run.....

After heading to Thai food at a local place, which had NO line, good food, and was quite inexpensive...we decided to go looking for running shoes for both of us. I've heard that athletic shoes last (the inner cushion) at most 6 months with daily activity. I spend alot of time at the gym, and as a reward, I got these!! I swear they were made for me! They feel awesome, and are my color! Anyway, whatever it takes to inspire me! Kevin also got new shoes, and was able to get New Balance in a wide fit, which he was thrilled about as well. Anway, not super romantic, but practical....and that is WHAT we are ALL about!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Hope all my sweeties have a fantastic day with their sweeties! I am looking forward to having dinner with Kevin, and then who knows what...everywhere is packed...so I bet we end up at either GI Joes, or Target! Ha! We certainly aren't "romantic" but hey, when you can shop and eat without the boys...one must JUMP at the opportunity!!!

Working out...

Well, the obsession continues. I do love the gym, but boy, do I have a compulsive side! I have avoided speaking about it on my blog...because that means your going to watch me! AGH! Anyway, I've really upped the mark this time, because Mexico is coming soon!!!! I have many cute swimsuits (my friend Candy has a friend who designs swimsuits!) waiting for me, and for the second time in my life, I'd like to put them on and not cringe. I have to increase my speed, incline, weight and repetition number daily. It's so wierd. I am really a pusher, I guess. It is good for this in my life, but my "pushing" is certainly not my best quality in other parts of my life. I am running, doing alot of running interval training, and am running all of the intervals over 5.7 mph, and doing at least 5 over 6.0 mph, and 3 over 6.3 mph....and with my shortys....I am SPRINTING!!! I am lifting more than ever....and the program I am following says I should see results in a month, and I am just starting week 2, so I'll keep you posted! I am not obsessed about the scale number (yet!:) but, I want lots of definition. Anyway, we'll see. Either way, my heart is going to be in great shape, and all my numbers (cholesterol, and BP) are looking very good...so I'm hoping to be around for ALONG time.

Happy (belated) Birthday Colin!

Happy Birthday Colin! Today, we are celebrating Colin's 17th Birthday...I love this picture of the of us. I remember the day that we found out that you were entering our lives. I was nearly 15, and Ben was nearing 13. It was quite a shock for us...but once you came...we loved you instantly. I can never imagine my life without you! I have tried from the very beginning to be an instrumental part of your life, even when I lived in Virginia and Maryland...I tried to let you know how much I loved you and missed you. I treasure all of the pictures you have drawn for me and Christmas ornaments you made for me (yes..I still have them!:)) You are such a passionate, sensitive young man with so many gifts to give the world. I want you to know that with all of your struggles now and in the future...I am ALWAYS going to be here for you! People find it interesting that I have a brother that is nearly 16 years younger than myself, but I brag about us! We have a different relationship! Ben and I grew up together, and we have gotten to be a part of you growing up. I love you like a mother sometimes ( I know you don't appreciate that!) and like a sister, and like a friend other times. I just can't help it! I see similarities in our personalities, and I feel like I can relate to you in ways that I can't to others. The boys and Kevin adore you...after all you are so much "cooler" than we are! And I like that...I know that as they grow, they will come to you for advice, and I so trust you Col! I am looking forward to your party today...to celebrate you! Though I can hardly believe you are 17! That makes me...OLD! I love you, and I am so glad that "you picked us". Colin used to tell us when he was little that he knew Ben and I from Heaven, and that he told God and me, that he was going to let me be first, and that he would come last. It was amazing the things that came out of his little mouth! He doesn't remember now...but we used to ask him all about it! I am glad you graciously let me come first, you are full of grace Colin! Thank you for being my little brother!

Thankfulness....

I had a terrible night at work, and at 1:30am, I am unable to sleep. I have a very difficult time processing what I see sometimes. And then I come home, and see my boys sleeping. They are so precious, loving, and forgiving. I just don't understand this world. Just when I was about to "lose it" I picked up the phone to give, and feel love from my family. Kevin answered and knew just what I needed and why. He told me he loved me, and passed the phone to the boys. I then told them "I love you more than you know" with tears in my eyes... and they both said "we know MOM!" and that was it. I could pull myself together and take care of the other 10 kids in the waiting room. Kevin is great...I am so lucky to have him. And someday when the boys are older...I will tell them why on some nights Mommy calls...just to love on you...because someone else is hurt in a way Mommy cannot comprehend. .....and she needs you right then. I am so blessed to have my children. I am not a perfect mother, but I so adore these two. They are my sunshine in such a dark world. And Kevin....he is my rock...whom I can lean so heavily on these nights. Thank you my dear family, for loving me......

CONGRATULATIONS BEN & HEATHER!

Though Heather gets to officially post her pregnancy news on her site....I can't help but blog about it on mine!! I am so thrilled to have another member join our family! Bossy is going to be such a great big brother! And Ian and Gav can't wait to add another member to their "group." I am so lucky to have Heather as a sister-in-law...and my love for my brother is obvious. Someone once told me..."the longest relationship you'll ever have, is with your sibling...." I never really thought about it that way! And now Bossy gets to have that special relationship with someone. Mom and I were at Babies R us shopping for my friend Traci, and there were 2 onesies....both said "my Aunt loves me." One was blue with a green frog, the other pink with butterflies....either way....I can't wait!!!!! I hope your tummy settles down...and you can get some rest, Heather. I am here for you..and praying for you guys!