Erin's 1st Story

Tonight Peter found this little story on Erin's nightstand when he went to tuck her in bed.  She recently started basketball and is having a great time.  I guess she decided to write a story about it in her free time.  I love finding things like this that give you insight into what your kids are thinking and feeling.

I love how her arms are big when she shoots the ball (which for some reason she has forgotten how to spell ball).  I'm glad she loves basket ball and I love that she wants to write about it too. 

A day in the life of Barbie

My girls were busy playing away in their room.  I decided to go check out the damage after an unusually long period of cooperative play.  Fortunately I found no significant destruction other than toys spread all over.  As I started to help pick up, a scene across the room caught my eye...  I have to give Barbie props for flexibility.

Just going for a walk

Today I was on my way to the elementary to help out in the kids classes and on my way there I saw something that made me stop right there in the middle of the road.  I looked around to make sure what I was seeing was what I thought it was.  It was.

Happily walking down the middle of the road was a little boy I would say about 2 1/2 years old, sporting only his diaper, pushing a stroller.  By himself.  I looked around again to see if he had a parent somewhere nearby possibly distracted or frantically searching for him.  Nope.
So I pulled over and got out.  I walked up to him and we had a little conversation.

"Hi there"
"hi"
"What are you doing?"
"Just going for a walk"
"Where is your mom?"
          shrug....
"Do you know where your house is?"
         he looks around and points to a house nearby

At this point I'm thinking, oh this poor parent probably has no idea he is here, they will be beside themselves when they find out where he has been.  We walk up to the front door, which is closed tight (not the chosen escape route).  We park the stroller, and I ring the bell.  A man comes to the door on his cell phone.  I asked him if this was his child?  He looks down and rolls his eyes and confirms its his child.  I inform him that I found him down the road in the middle of the street.  He gives an annoyed look and sighs and then takes the kid inside. I think he mumbled thanks.

Now, I know that there are some very talented toddler escape artists in the world.  But they are often delivered back into the arms of frantic, embarrassed, shocked, scared, parents who cannot believe that their child has gone missing and up the road in less than two minutes.  I get this.  I didn't get this guy and it just made me sad.  I could have been a kidnapper who just scooped him up and drove away, or I could have not seen him and run him over, or he could have kept walking and gotten lost.  Too many possibilities to this scenario.

Love Everyone

Why is this such a hard topic for mankind?  I believe in God as do millions of people on this planet.  I believe that we were put here for a purpose and given something called agency.  We are given the choice to make our own decisions.  Yes, I do believe that this pastor in FL has the right to burn the Koran (Quran). Yes, I do believe the Muslim community has the right to build a mosque near ground zero.  But I also believe that both of these actions would be insensitive and self indulgent and would only serve the purpose of promoting more conflict and hatred.

I remember a song I learned as a child and it went something like this...

Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too.

When your heart is filled with love, others will love you.  

I guess its easier said than done.

Things I love about my kids

I'm supposed to be doing my homework.  Thinking about your kids and what you love about them is definitely a good distraction.

Matthew -  I love that Matthew is for the most part an easy going kid.  He is obedient and kind.  I love that he is a natural musician.  Music will be a big part of his life in one form or another.  I love that he is curious. He researches out things he wants to know, like magic tricks, dance moves, and amusement ride facts.  I love his moves.  He has mastered the worm and the moonwalk.

Adam - I love that Adam is funny and handsome.  He seems comfortable with the fact that the girls in his class think he is cute.  I love his big heart.  While it often hides, it is kind and sensitive.  I love that he protects his siblings.  Adam will always come to the defense of his brothers and sisters when they might be getting in trouble.  I love that he loves music and is a great dancer.  A mix of James Brown and Michael Jackson is flowing in this kid.

Erin - I love her independence.  While sometimes its frustrating, I know she will be just fine doing whatever she sets her mind to.  I love that she wears her socks up and not folded over.  I love that she is challenged by her big brothers and it motivates her to learn or be better at something.  She will not be left in the dust.  I love her beautiful blue eyes.

Brenna - I love her unique green eyes.  I love her loving heart and big personality.  I love that she sings and dances around much of the day.  I think she will be a talented dancer someday.  I love how much she loves her daddy.  The few moments before he leaves for work and when he comes home are her favorite parts of the day.  Joy in its purest form.

Ready for School

Brenna started preschool today.  Last night when I told her that school was starting she danced around the living room forever singing and dancing.  This kid loves preschool!  Here are all the kids ready for school on their first day.