my kid-isms for December

From the back of the van on the way to school:
Kalen: "Mom, wanna hear a joke?  Why did the cow cross the road?"
Mom: "Why?"
Kalen: "To see Santa Claus!"
(insert loud laughter from Kal and Zeke)
Mom: "What do you think the cow asked Santa to bring him?"
Kalen: "I don't know."
Zeke: "PANCAKES!"
(insert more laughter!)

Last night Sam played the drums while Penny sang "Little Drummer Boy" at the church music fireside.  I told him it was his drumming debut.  I asked Kal "didn't Sammy do a good job playing the drum?"
Kalen: "Not really!"
Geez, brothers!

While at the fireside last night, a trio sang the song "Baby in a Manger". 
Sam: "What is this song called?"
Kal: "Baby in a Manger."
Sam: "Who is the baby?"
Kal: "I think they mean Jesus"
Sam: "Oh, I thought they meant maybe like when a dad calls a mom his baby."

Also, last night we were out late at a Music Fireside at church. We hurried home and rushed the kids through the bedtime routine. Sam begged me to give him a few minutes b/c he had an idea and wanted to write it down before he forgot. Kurtis and I kinda hollered at him but told him to go ahead. This afternoon I looked over what he wrote as his "budget report" for the money he has asked for Christmas: 20% goes to savings, 10% goes to buying, 20% goes to helping (friends) and 55% goes to Missionary savings" I asked him when he got home what he meant, he said "I want to start saving for my mission so I can go someday." Those moments don't happen when we're looking for them or even when we're trying to teach them. They get it and they will demonstrate how they get it when you least expect it!

Izzy and the purple cast

Izzy got her cast off two weeks ago and I need to post pics.  She's been so brave through this whole process and I'm so proud of her!  My favorite picture is of Daddy holding her ear as the saw came close to where she was laying down.  They argue a lot but he is so protective of her in his own way.

Kal's growing older and wiser too.....

Last week was Thanksgiving and the birthday of two special little boys.  First off, Kal turned 6 years old and we had a "GI Joe party" for him, complete with grenades that would tick down and then "explode".  It was a small party but there was a lot of fun had.  But perhaps, the special moments that happened for me were one-on-one times with my sweet boy.
The night of his birthday party Kal was curled up in bed with me and said "Mom, thanks for making me birthday cupcakes and letting my friends come and play."  This is huge coming from Kalen b/c he never acts like this or thanks us for anything.
A few nights later, he was throwing a fit before bed and after arguing a ton I said "Kalen, I can't take it anymore!  I can't do this!"  After a few minutes, he meekly came to me and said "Momma, what can't you do anymore?  Can you not do 'me' anymore?  B/c I love you."  It melted my heart and I had to stop and speak softly to him.  I had to remind myself that he is listening and taking in everything I say.
We're going through some stuff with Kal and learning how to help him.  The child psychologist did diagnose him the ADD recently and we now have to start the next process of seeing how to have him treated medically.  Also, we're starting counseling for anger management.  All of these things makes the tender, sweet moments with Kalen that much sweeter and more tender.  I'm so thankful for him and the joy he brings us.  No one makes me laugh the way Kal does.  He's just his own special little guy and I'm really glad he's my boy!

a Zeke moment

Okay, so I just had one of those moments! You know, those moments where you're busy doing your Monday thing...laundry, paying bills, cleaning house, and overall just doing the mundane things in life and THEN that little 2yo comes toddling into my room with his empty bowl asking for "Mo' chips, Mom, pees!" And I say "yes, I'll get you more chips." but instead I stop and I look at this little blonde, blue-eyed boy that is MY CHILD and I thank God for allowing me to be his mother. I thank God for loaning him to me on this earth. I thank God for letting me hear that little voice call me Mom and ask to fulfill his needs. Yeah, one of those moments. Those moments that they don't tell you about in health class. Those moments where you realize your worth through the voice of your child.

Kid-isms

Tonight while eating dinner, Izzy asks:
"Mom, back in the old old days, when you were a kid, were you one of the lucky kids chosen to go to school?  Or did only certain kids get to go to school....you know, back in the old days."

(Premise: we are not moving, looking to move, or even talking about moving):
Kal to Sam: "Sammy, when we move, I'm going to carry all the dinosaur toys but I'll have to leave everything else behind."
Sam: "When we move, you have to take everything with you.  You can't leave anything behind."
Kal: sighs, with sad voice "I just don't know how I'm gonna carry everything."

catching up with kid-isms

Sept. 29th
while thrifting today, I picked up a HUGE desk for Zekey b/c his little 2yo body laid across it and said "my desk, my desk".

 Oct. 6th
it is very easy to be bogged down by the weight of the world, all the stresses and craziness in society, in life, and just in being on this mortal journey. It's the littlest things that bring joy to this life....listening to my 2yo snore while he sleeps on the couch, having my 5yo stop his insanity for a few minutes to say "I love you Mom", watching my older kids play with their younger siblings, having my husband say "I like your hair" or "you look nice". I get so easily overwhelmed by just living but I also am easily blessed if I stop to pay attention to the little things.

Oct. 8th
today while volunteering at Izzy's library, we had a little extra time in 2 of the classes. So the librarian let me read to the kids my book I brought "The Monster Mash". As all the kids were leaving and I was cleaning up for the day, the librarian said "do you think you'll ever go back to teaching?" I replied "well, I've been thinking about it. And lately it's been on mind." She said "Oh, I so hope you do. You have a gift for teaching. You are so good at it." It really touched me b/c honestly, for the longest time I've thought I'll never go back to teaching. I won't do it again. Today she really just made me feel so good. Maybe I'm not as bad as I thought

Oct. 12th
Kalen with his new soccer trophy balanced on his head!

Oct. 14th
so channel 7 was in front of the Rite Aid in New Carlisle this morning. I don't know why but if you are watching 7 news tonight and you see a red Caravan pull away from behind the little reporter girl, that's me! Yep, my claim to fame...the back end of my minivan leaving the scene of a news report

Oct. 19th
so after a crappy sick weekend, last night around 9pm, Zeke pulled his elbow out of socket (nurse maid's elbow) and we owe some free babysitting in payment for a "dr's home visit" by one of the pediatricians in our church congregation wink emoticon Followed up by the first words I hear this Monday morning "Mommy, my ear REALLY hurts!" Yep, that would be Kal who was not feeling well all weekend; into the ped's office to discover a DOUBLE EAR INFECTION! And how mean am I? I checked with the dr, gave him some tylenol and dropped him off at school. If it hurts him too much, they are to call me and I'll pick him up but we're going to give it a try. Bring it on Monday, I've got the guts to back it up

Oct. 21st
yesterday while dropping Kal off at school, I explained to him that he had to wear his hat anytime he was outside b/c of his ear infection. Today while getting ready for school, he said "I have my hat!" Izzy said "put on your gloves, too!" Kal: "I don't have an ear infection on my hands so I don't need my gloves, just my hat." 

Oct. 22nd
remember my post on Monday about Zekey's nurse maid elbow on Sunday night and Kalen double ear infection Monday morning. Well, it's official, Izzy broke her arm this afternoon! Fractured right elbow. she'll have a splint for a week till swelling goes down, then a cast for 4-6wks. Positive is she's left handed

Oct. 23rd
after running errands today with Daddy, Izzy noticed her loose tooth is gone! either she swallowed it in her sleep last night or it got lost when she ate lunch in the car. We told her that the tooth fairy would still visit. she really is falling to pieces!

Oct. 27th
when you're driving and your 8yo, with her arm in a cast, is trying to teach her 5yo brother how "whip nae nae" in the back seat. trying not to laugh my butt off b/c they'll think i'm making fun of them but what I really want to do is pull over and record it

Oct. 28th
Literally a fact on Sam's 5th grade social studies test: "There are a lot of _____________ in Utah." Answer: C. Mormons! Sammy announced to his teacher "Hey, I'm Mormon!" The teacher proceeded to point to Sam and say "Answer C (see) Mormon!" Sam was pretty excited

Oct. 29th
tonight while fixing the sheets on Zekey's bed, I found a DS game. Kal says "Oh that's my game I was playing in Zeke's bed. I haven't played it for 10 yrs!" I said "Kal, how old are you?" Kal: "I'm 5yo" Me: "then how could you play it for 10 yrs?" Kal, not understanding says: "well, it's been a long time; at least 10yrs. that's what I said!"

while I'm driving....

In the past, Kurtis has always taken the kids to school and then I'd pick them up from the bus stop. This year b/c of the change in schools and trying to get everyone to their respective schools, our routine has changed. I'm the one now who takes the boys to school. Izzy rides with Papaw.  I load all 3 boys in the van and drive to Sam's school first, then Kal's.  Depending on our plans for the day, Zeke and I just do what we need to do.  Then Daddy picks all the kids up at Izzy's school at the end of the day (the boys ride shuttle buses from their schools to Izzy's). Anyhoo....
While driving the boys to school last week, I was pondering what it was like for my mom when she had a 10 year old (as that is Sam's age currently).  When my mom's oldest, my sister Becky, was 10yo, my mom also had a 7yo boy, a 4yo girl, and an infant girl (me).  I have a 10yo boy, an 8yo girl, a 5yo boy, and a 2yo boy.  She was 30 years old.  I'm 36 years old.  She was a stay at home mom and wife to the Chief of Police.  She sewed a lot of our outfits, Halloween costumes, and made our birthday cakes with a cake decorating kit that she got a  garage sale.  She was den mother to my brother's cub scout den.  And if she had to, she drug us girls around to the den mtgs and put us in a corner where we wouldn't bother the boys.  She was active in her church and had a few friends that mostly had kids the same age as hers.  She even took all four of us to see Darth Vader when he came to the Dayton Mall in 1981.  She swore she'd never do an event like that again!
Needless to say, I have a lot in common with what my mom was and was doing when her kids were the same age as my kids.  I had my kids a little later in life than her, also had them faster in years as well.  My husband is able to be way more involved than my dad was.  Not that my dad didn't want to be involved or that he was absent.  He was there, quite a bit.  But I've heard the stories of the year there was a blizzard and as Chief, Dad was out in the snow, going to people's homes, and helping get them out.  All the while, my mom was at home with her 4 babies, literally weathering the storm and praying that my dad would come home safe.  I can't imagine the loneliness she felt at times.  But I've never heard her complain about it or mention it.  She just did it. B/c that is what you did.  You lived your life and you thanked God for the little blessings where the kids are healthy and safe and you have food, clothes and a roof over your head.
I love being there for my kids. I'm constantly worn out.  I'm exhausted.  We've had a rough couple of weeks and things are breaking left and right.  Zeke popped his elbow out of socket, Kal had a double ear infection, Sam broke a bracket off of his braces and Izzy broke her arm after falling off the monkeybars at school.  Add Halloween to the mix with class parties and trick or treating.  Costumes and candy.  Oh yeah, the boys' window began leaking from a rainstorm two nights ago and there is a leaky pipe under the refrigerator.  Life right now is not all peachy!  I'm feel hit from all sides in a way.  But I'm also thinking of my mom.  All that she's done for her kids and now her grandkids.  The hard work that it takes to be a mom. The guilt you feel when you aren't the greatest or you make mistakes.  Life is a series of events that happen to us.  Living is how we react to those events.  I have a life.  But do I live?  I'm trying!  Meanwhile, I have plenty to keep me busy driving my kids to school.

Raggedy doppelgangers

For my birthday, a Raggedy friend sent me 4 dolls that were completely blank...no faces, hair, clothing, coloring of any kind. I thought about what I wanted to do and almost immediately thought "I need to make one for each kiddo."  So that is what I did.
At the store, I was able to find some fabric that represented each child: Star Wars for Sam, Disney princess for Izzy, TMNT for Kal, and Paw Patrol for Zekey.  I did their outfits very basic, no finished edges.  First, it was quicker and easier but also I thought it gave it a simpler look, which I liked for these dolls.  I painted each face with each child in mind: Sammy has glasses, Izzy has eyelashes, Kal has freckles, and Zeke is just simply baby-faced.  The hair was pretty easy since the boys all have the same haircut.  They turned out great and my kids might not appreciate them but I  made them for me....my little Raggedy kiddos!

before

freckles

my muses

okay, silly muses

getting out of my head

I'm a pretty open person.  I like to believe honesty is one of my better qualities.  Sometimes it gets me in trouble. But the truth is that most of the time I'm pretty open and honest b/c I don't have the energy to hold it all together for appearances sake.  I'd rather people see me and know "hey, she's a mess but she's trying" rather than try to look put together but still really looks  a mess.  With that being said, it's a double-edged sword.  B/c I'm so open I think people feel they can say anything to me and I have to take it b/c I'm honest.  If you can dish it out, you gotta be able to take it.  And for the most part, I really try to take it well. Some of the things that are most often said to me are "you're so emotional", "you are neurotic", "you are so all over the place".  To those things, I say "yes, I am".  I feel things with about 150% of emotion all the time.  I've also been called "passionate" which is way nicer than "emotional" or "neurotic" :)  The point is that I know these things about myself.  No one is telling me anything new when they say that I'm too emotional or frantic or that I get worked up.  You think it bugs you? Try being me and not liking that part of myself.  And knowing that even if I'm trying to be better, sometimes I'm just not good at it.  So, what's the point of this.
Well, today I'm having a "stuck in my head" kind of day.  I'm overwhelmed that Sam is struggling with friends at school, that Kal is having to see a counselor, that my kids had to switch schools at all, that I hurt my foot while taking the dog to pee!  I'm angry with myself for not being able to fix all the little things my kids are going through.  I'm angry with myself for getting hurt over something stupid.  I'm angry with myself that I'm not the same girl I was 11 years ago when my husband met me. I was WAY more physically fit, more emotionally together, WAY more independent and a super tough broad!  I was "with it".  Now I have these 4 beautiful, stubborn, beloved children and I'm just trying to keep everyone fed, clothed, and somewhat mentally sound!  That's a tough order!  And some days getting dressed is optional!  That. is. life. 
So, today, when I'm frustrated and overwhelmed and overthinking things and wanting to be so much more than I am, I have to get it out. I have to remind myself that everything else in this world is bonus.  My Kurtis, my kids, my life, my God and my belief, these things are the things that make my life worth living.  Everything else is bonus.  Books, raggedies, music, friends, sewing, money, facebook, clothes are all bonus.  Nothing is guaranteed.  You just live and try to enjoy the good, endure the bad, and walk away from the ugly. 
I want to look back at my life and be like "hey girl, you were a hoot to watch fumbling around trying to be so much.  but your heart was in it for good or bad."  My heart is in it.  If I'm so emotional or so frantic, it's b/c I care SO much.  My heart is SO in it.  I feel it SO much b/c that's how I feel everything--SO much!  It may be one of my worst qualities and at the same time, one of my best. 

First Day of School 2015-2016

So as mentioned in earlier posts, the kids started school last week.  We are now Tecumseh Arrows!  What made it all a little crazy is that Tecumseh Elementary Schools are divided by grade, meaning that I have one child in each elementary building.  Kal is in the K-1 bldg, Izzy is in 2-3 bldg and Sam is the big man in the 4-5 bldg.  Got all that?  Good, b/c I'm still a little lost!
So Sam and Izzy started on Tuesday and Kal's kindergarten orientation consisted of 5-6 kids from his class and their parents attending an hour and a half meeting with the teacher.  He and I were scheduled for Tuesday morning.  Zeke babysat Papaw :)  What made the week slightly confusing was that kindergarten did their orientation mtgs for Tues and Wed and then on Thursday half of the class attended all day (Kalen was that day) and then the other half of the class attended on Friday.  So Kal went to kindergarten with me for a few hours on Tues., had all day school on Thurs and nothing on Wed & Fri.  So really we've been counting this week, as his first consistent attendance, the beginning of school for Kalen.
Below are attached the obligatory first day of school pictures and some entries of each day with Kal!

Thursday, Aug. 20th:
Well, we did it today! We dropped off Big Man Kal for his first full day of kindergarten. I pulled into the school lot and he said "I can't wait to play on that playground!" He held Dad's hand walking in to the bldg and then said "Thanks Dad! I know where to go now." Then walked off by himself. After Kurtis came back out of the school, I sobbed in the parking lot and the drive home. Isn't it supposed to be easier with the 3rd one!?! One more baby flew away from the nest

After he got home that day:
He just got home and said "Hey come here and hear about my day! I had a WONDERFUL day. Sometimes I got in trouble and sometimes I didn't." I also got a note from his teacher asking that we discuss the "importance of listening and following directions. He talked and interrupted nearly constantly." Trying to not let that bother me.

Monday, Aug. 24th:Took Kal to school today (2nd day of kindergarten). I asked him if he wanted me to walk him to the door and he said yes. As we come up to the sidewalk, he sees a boy from his class and says hi. Then looks at me and says "Mom, that's a new friend of mine. Could you not hold my hand?" What?!?! I'm already ditched in the first few minutes!! Yeah, yeah, he's growing up; being independent; should be a proud mom.

Today, Tuesday, Aug. 25th:
He asked me if he could walk up to school by himself.  He didn't even want me to walk him to the door!  But at least he came home with a good behavior report!

what you really see when you stop to look

In an earlier post, I mentioned how the kids were forced to switch school districts with a little over a week before school started.  I mentioned how they handled it so well and had great attitudes.  But I've really stopped and watched things come together and recognized God's Hands in many of the small details.  And honestly, it would be wrong of me not to share.
When we got the call about Sammy switching schools, I was really upset and distraught.  But I wiped off my tears, loaded the kids up and headed to the new school to register him.  It was a welcome surprise when I realized that the principal of Sammy's school is our neighbor gal who lives across the street.  It was also a blessing that the school librarian was in the office when I was signing him up.  She listened to me tell the secretary all of what had happened.  Then as we were finishing paperwork, she said "I have a few minutes.  Can I give you a tour of the school?"  She then proceeded to take me and my 4 kiddos around the building, showing Sam where music, art, gym, lunch, the restrooms, library, his homeroom, where EVERYTHING was.  As we were walking out the door, Sam hugged her and she said "I'm a hugger too!"  When I went to pick him up from his first day of school, the librarian was standing next to Sam outside the school.  She saw him waiting for me and talked to him. Then he hugged her as he walked to the van.
At Izzy's school registration, I got a text from my sister saying that one of the 3rd grade teachers taught both my nephews and was close to my sister.  Mrs. Landes had told Tara to have me request her.  Well, school started in a week and I was pretty sure they wouldn't like me requesting a teacher but I did it. And got the run-around.  The secretary and principal both said they didn't think it would happen but someone would call me the next day and let me know what happened.  No one called me the next day.  I called the principal and he said he would speak to Mrs. Landes and personally call me back later and tell me what was decided.  I received a call in less than an hour later.  The neighbor girl/principal I mentioned earlier?  Yeah, she called the other principal and told him we were good people and he should work with us.  Then he spoke to Mrs. Landes and she said she would love to have Isabel.  He called me back and she was put with Mrs. Landes.  When we went to Open House two days later, Izzy ran up to Mrs. Landes and hugged her. At their first meeting!  For Isabel that is huge!  To make it more special, on her first day, my dad went to take Izzy and drop her off.  He asked the principal if he could walk her to her class and Mr. Burkholder said "I'm going that way, why don't you let me take her."  He held her hand and walked her right into the school.
Kalen's transition seemed to be easier b/c he hadn't started any school yet.  But as we started to do the registering process, we were met with friendly faces yet again.  One of the special ed teachers at Kal's school has a son who had been attending Bethel with Sammy and we've known her for a few years now.  She was at kindergarten assessment, the open house, and there on the first day of school.  Kal looks for her and waves when he sees her.  My mom and dad also know the secretary at Kal's school from when my nephews were in elementary school and she has really helped me to stay calm and reassured.
How could it be that the Lord knew I would need these little reassurances?  Maybe He wasn't sure I would notice.  But I did!  I've been so aware of His presence through all of this.  Even when we were at Children's Hospital this past weekend with Zeke, a friend of church was getting off of work and stopped in to see us.  The Lord has been walking alongside me the last two weeks and I've noticed!  I've seen His Hand, I've felt His love, and I've witnesses His angels!

summer snippets

Only my 2yo would spend the last 15 minutes crying b/c his toys wouldn't fit in his "pocket" and since his shorts don't have pockets that means we're shoving toys in his waistband and they either fall out or hurt.

I may actually have one hour of peace today. Pulled out the old Scooby Doo VHS tape and hooked the VCR up to the tv. Now all 4 kids are watching it and I'm in heaven.

was at WalMart at 8am to get school supplies....lots of money! ugh Highlight of the morning courtesy of Sam: "Mom, one day when I go on a date, I will take her to McDonald's and get 2 hashbrowns. Then we'll go someplace a little more private, like the back yard of our house and I'll share my hashbrowns with her." Oh my Sam.

so fun story that shows the tender mercies in life: while having the garage sale today, I'd just received a letter from Bethel letting us know that Kal wouldn't be attending Bethel. I was really disappointed and trying to keep it hidden. A friend/neighbor gal pulls up and comes into the sale. She says that she just got back from an exhibit/show where she sells mascara. Another vendor had approached her and asked if she knew anyone named "Greta"(pronounced short e). She said "No, but I know someone named Greta (with a long e)"  The vendor told her that she had this bag and knew no one with that name so Becky Stevens could have it. She dropped it off to me for Free! It totally made my day as I usually have nothing with my name.

why does time seem to speed up and slow down at will?

So we're halfway through August and every day I think that I need to recap July but never do.  So what else can a girl do but stay up late in the evening to try to get it done.  I tend to mark summer by major activities.  For instance, Summer 2015 was prioritized like this: 1. Raggedy Ann Rally 2. Cub Scout Day Camp 3.Sam Swim Team/Kal T-ball 4. Eber Family Reunion 5. finish off summer before Back to school prep!
So let me elaborate on some highlights!
Sam's Swim Team: Sam asked to join the swim team this year and I was against it. He isn't a real competitive sports kinda guy and I was afraid it would be rough on him but Boy, was I wrong.  It was only 8 weeks with 2 practices a week with a swim meet every Wed.  I thought he wouldn't learn much but it would be a more relaxed approach for him.  He did great!  It was rough the first couple weeks but by the end, he was earning ribbons for 3rd, 4th, and 5th place!  He started out in one race and by the last meet swam in 4 races including 2 relays.  He tried and maybe he wasn't the fastest swimmer but there is no doubt in my mind that he was the most improved.

Kal finished up his t-ball team and got an awesome trophy.  He is now in soccer and is becoming quite our athlete!
We also did an impromptu trip to see the Indianapolis Temple Open House.   This was an opportunity for our kids to walk through the temple before it is dedicated.  It was a lot of fun.  We had a moment where we were all standing together in the Celestial Room and I just felt that this is what it is all about.  Being together forever!  It made it so wonderful!

We did indeed have an Eber Family Reunion.  I won't say I was overly excited about part of it b/c we were all in one big cabin with 12 adults and 26 grandkids (aged 2 months old to 21yo).  It was a lot of personalities, a few different families on different time zones, and many different appetites, schedules, and personalites (did I say that once already?).  But the kids had a great time.  The indoor pool was a huge hit.  We got to see Patten get his Eagle Scout award.  And Kurtis was happy which is important to me.  But I would enjoy it more if we each had our own cabin  :)
My Raggedies by Greta business has been fun.  To date I've made 34 Anns and Andys, over 15 camels, some Arthurs and Eddie Elephants and many teacup Annies.  I'm having such a great time expanding my knowledge and trying something new.  I'm finding that sewing makes me happy and helps me to feel important and creative.  It's also been fun to expand my Raggedy collection into something far more personal.
So yeah, I think that's pretty good for now!  Hopefully August won't be done by the time I catch up!

I'll go where you want me to go, Dear Lord

So 2015 has not been my year.  I've had pneumonia, broken my finger, our finances have been up and down, I'm been battling with anxiety/depression pretty severely, I finally had to call it quits on being Cubmaster, and today we got the call that Sam didn't get into Bethel schools (even though he's been going there since kindergarten).  I feel like I'm going through a divorce.  I now have to enroll the kids (all 3) into new schools.  And when we thought they would start school on Aug. 27th, we now find out they are starting next Tuesday, the 18th.  I've literally lost a week of planning and preparing.  Not to mention different school supply lists, different start/stop times, transportation issues and preparing a 10yo and an 8yo to now go to a whole new school with all new friends/teachers/buildings.  Needless to say, I'm overwhelmed.
But has I've thought and cried and prayed and cried and worked and prayed and cried, I've remembered that the Lord has a plan.  And I've promised Him that I would put my faith into action.  "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, over mountain or vale or sea.  I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord.  I'll be what You want me to be."  It is not always easy when the Lord's will doesn't match mine. Or when His timing is SO not mine.  Or when He forgets to send me a memo and let me know the change is coming.  But I believe He loves my children....maybe even more than me, if that's possible.  He knows I'm worried about them adjusting and I fear for their fears of starting new.  He knows that this is a challenge for all of us and I have to find a way to help my kids overcome the challenge as well.  He has a plan.  So yes, I may cry again tonight before bed.  And I'll probably cry tomorrow and the night before the first day of school.  I may even cry on the first day of school.  But I know that He hears my tears and He doesn't shut out the sound.  He stops and listens and He may even cry along with me.
About an hour after I got the call about Sam, I loaded all the kids up and headed over to his new school to enroll him. While talking to the secretary, I realized that my neighbor is the principal at Sam's new school.  I talked to her and the school librarian and told them the situation about open enrollment at Bethel.  As we finished up the paperwork, the librarian said "why don't you let me give you a tour of the school?"  She then proceeded to take Sam (and the rest of us) through the building showing him the music room, art room, library, cafeteria, gym, and his homeroom. She explained how his classes would go and what kind of things they would do.  She talked to him about books and his love of reading.  He gave her a hug at the end and we headed out the door with Sam excited about a new school and a new experience.  How could I not walk away feeling like the Lord was sending little blessings our way?  He knows us, He knows what we need, and He is very, very real.

Sam's "inspired" prayer tonight

Tonight during prayers, Sam said the following:
"And please don't let us die until we are old.  Let us die from old age and not from something killing us."
When he was done and I looked at him questioningly, he replied "What?!  It's a good thing to pray for. It's not like I asked God to make me a king!"
what do I say to that?

Snatches of our summer

Sammy and the Swim Team:
Last year, Sam asked to do swim team and I said no b/c he had never enjoyed competitive sports before.  Even in Cub Scouts, he has cried sometimes when it came to pinewood derby races or raingutter regatta races.  But this year we said yes and it has been amazing so far.
In the beginning of swim team, Sam worked one on one with some of the assistant coaches and he struggled with different kicks.  While he still has a long way to go, he has improved so much and is becoming more daring.  Last night was a meet and I was not able to go but when he got home, Sam told me he had planned a surprise for me.  Not only did he race in then 25m Freestyle but he also signed up for the 25m back stroke.  Today he came home from practice with 2 4th place ribbons, one for each event.  I'm so proud of how far he has grown and what bravery he is showing.  He is getting more mature every day and I'm so happy to see where he'll go from here.

Toys abound:
Our house has been a disaster area this summer.  I literally cleaned the boys' room yesterday morning only to go in and see it destroyed again yesterday afternoon.  Today it took me 1.5 hrs to clean Izzy's room.  She has 16 bags: purses, bookbags, duffel bags, you name it!  And what does she put in those bags?  Anything and everything: books, papers, jewelry, hair bows.  I found a bag of candy she brought home from a birthday party in March!  We're lucky we didn't get ants in her room!  I'm really thinking we need to donate some toys or something.  I just want to teach the kids that this is too much and not normal. I want them to realize how nice a life they have.

Things to do in the summer:
Apparently entertaining themselves proves difficult for my kids.

Izzy asked me to make her a blanket for her big Raggedy so I took some raggedy washcloths I had and made her a blanket.  It is made out of 9 washcloths, a kitchen towel, and 2 fabric calendars.  Plus the ruffle. Izzy loves it!

a few kids things from this summer

At the Raggedy Ann rally, Izzy was given $10 to spend from a friend.  At the first night's dinner she was given a large Raggedy Ann.  Afterwards, she asked to spend her $10 on a book called "My Pretty Pink Bible Purse".  Izzy told me that she wanted to spend her money on the book/purse for her doll.  Then she and the doll "will both have scriptures and we can study the gospel together".  It was one of those tender moments when I felt like she finally gets it.

Last week while driving, we passed an RV. Kal says from the back "We need an RV."
Me: "We are not getting an RV"
Kal: "If we get an RV, we can live in it AND drive around."
Izzy: "Really?  Can we move in it while the car is moving?"
Kal: "yes, you can sleep while Dad's driving or get up and walk while Dad's driving.  You can even eat in the kitchen while Dad is driving!"
Me: "Maybe so but we're not getting an RV."
Kal: "Well, we need to get one."

an honest reflection

In the past I've made posts about the kind of friend I perceive myself to be.  I've been totally aware of the fact that I'm not always the best friend.  I have lamented that fact that I sometimes see groups of women who ban together as friends and I feel left out.  But other times I've been the first to admit that I can't be friends with everyone.  There are women who are so much like me that I tend to not be friends with them (b/c we butt heads).  I also have noticed that while there are women who are friends with someone they've known since kindergarten, I tend to be a "friend of the season" type.  All of this is in the wacky and wild world I like to call "my brain".  So I've had some interesting encounters lately, I'd like to have an honest reflection (and maybe confession) of the friend I am.
I am outgoing and can talk to just about anyone.  But I do get lonely.  And sometimes, I like being alone and even, dare I admit, I like being quiet!
I'm a gal that lots of people know but I'm not always the first person you think of.  I'm dependable (when I want to be).
I am fiercely loyal but once I feel betrayed or hurt, it's hard for me to forgive and forget.
When I tell you that I love you, I mean it.  I say it a lot but it's true.  I have a genuine love for people, esp. friends.  If I say I love you, it means I care for you.  I care what happens to you.  I care if you are sad, happy, mad, overwhelmed or just flat out BLEH.  I may not always be right there or say the right thing or do the right thing but I care about you and I'll be what I can be for you.
I have a temper and sometimes it gets me in trouble. I'm aware of this issue and believe it or not, I'm getting better.  But that fire that fuels my temper also fuels my love, my determination and my perseverance.  When that temper is working in your defense, it doesn't seem all that bad, now does it?
I have good intentions (almost always--98% of the time).  I don't mean to be harsh or negative.  And sometimes if I do come off as a hard-nosed, it's b/c I'm exercising tough love with you.  And yes, I believe in tough love.  I believe sometimes the best friend you can have is someone who tells you to get over yourself.  And yes, I've had people tell me to get over myself.
I've sometimes hurt people I love and care about.  I like to think that I've always gone back and said I'm sorry but if I haven't and you're still hurt, let me know.  Let's work it out. 
Bottom line--I want to be a good person.  I want to be a good friend. I want to be someone that you think of and smile.  I want to be a Greta that people will be glad to have known.  But I'm also not perfect and I'm a work in progress.  And that's okay.  Why am I reflecting today?  Maybe I needed to get out my thoughts.  Maybe I needed a reminder of who I am.  Maybe I needed friends out there to know that I mean what I say and yes, I goof up a lot but in my heart, I'm giving all I've got.

Raggedy Ann's 100th Birthday party

Most children have some sort of stuffed animal or blanket that they attach to at a young age. My oldest son loves his Blues' Clues stuffed animal.  For my daughter, it's her giraffe blanky that Uncle Joe bought her when she was 6 months old.  For me (even as a 35 year old woman), it was and still is Raggedy Ann.  I got my first Raggedy Ann when I was 2yo and a "little old church lady" made one for me.  Through the years as I utterly destroyed a doll b/c I drug her everywhere, I would get another Ann (known as "Aggie" to my childhood self).  I still have all my old Aggies and love them still.  Raggedy Ann has been everywhere with me.  I even took her to the hospital with me when I had all four c-sections for my children.  So of course, I wanted to be in Arcola, IL this past weekend when Raggedy collectors from everywhere celebrated our special little red-headed ragdoll.  And to make it extra special, my husband and I took along our 8 year old daughter to celebrate.....and party we did.
Arcola, IL is about a 4.5 hour drive from our Ohio home. It also happens to be the birthplace of Raggedy Ann's creator, Johnny Gruelle.  Arcola is smalltown USA and I love it.  Truly a midwestern little town, it has a brick Main St complete with a train track that runs right through town.  It is also pretty much Amish country which means great food, horse and buggies, and kind friendly people.  There is a little Arcola Depot which house a mini-Raggedy Ann museum as well as a Hippie Memorial, a Memorial to Johnny Gruelle and the famous "Walldog Murals" which are all over the little town.

For several years, the Arcola Chamber of Commerce held an annual Raggedy Festival which turned into a Raggedy Gathering (held in Arcola, collectors' homes in Ohio, Florida and elsewhere) and then last year was deemed a Raggedy Rally.  This year it was a Raggedy Gathering for her 100th birthday and collectors came from everywhere (as far as Japan!).  It was one of those few times where it is okay to see a grown woman (or man) carrying around a rag doll.  There were even a few dressed as a Rag doll.  I just wore a tutu (and only for an afternoon).  Friday began with a cemetery crawl and mural crawl around town.  Susie Partridge, a town native and Raggedy Ann/Arcola expert, led the events.  Later in the day was some Raggedy purchasing and a Friday night dinner that also held a silent/live auction to help fund next year's gathering.  It was attended by 200 enthusiastic collectors.  For me, it was particularly fun to see people that I met last year and have gotten to know on Facebook Raggedy pages.  It was a great night.  Highlights of the night (beyond seeing old and new friends and good food) included seeing Joni Gruelle Wannamaker, granddaughter of Johnny Gruelle and hearing from special guest William Carpenter who recently purchased and is renovating a home in Indianapolis that belonged to Johnny Gruelle's parents.  May amazing raggedy items were auctioned off and many people brought their rare Volland Raggedy Ann dolls. Volland was the original producer of Raggedy Ann in 1915.

Saturday started off fast and furious with the Vendors' Barn opening bright and early.  There was a makeover doll contest where various Raggedy Anns were put in costumes and then the people voted on various categories.  Joni Gruelle Wannamaker signed all licensed dolls.  And the fabulous Patty Hall, raggedy author and musician, gave a us a little concert.  There were also a kids' coloring contest, an ice cream social, and a conga line (led by yours truly) around the vendors booths out the door to the depot and then eventually down Main St. Arcola!  Now you see why I had to have a tutu.  There was even an impromptu dance party outside the depot where we "did the Hokey Pokey and turned ourselves around" because, you know, that's what it's all about!

Saturday night was the grand finale of a Saturday birthday party where around 200 people gathered together to chat, celebrate and honor Johnny Gruelle and his Raggedy creations.  Patty Hall gave a little presentation of the history of Raggedy Ann.  There was a great buffet.  The Girl Scout Troops came and sang to us and sang Happy Birthday to Raggedy Ann as a LARGE Cupcake Tower was presented.  I did not get a lot of pictures of the goings-ons because I was off talking, laughing, hugging, and photographing friends and fellow collectors but I borrowed a few pictures to show.  Some amazing volunteers, primarily Kathy and John Ellis, had an amazing display of Raggedy characters through the years.

We headed home during the wee hours of the night after the party but what a great time it was!  I was so excited to go with my little Izzy and share something with her.  I'm still astonished over  a year later at the kinship I share with a lot of these other collectors. They are just dear, dear friends and I love the comraderie that we share.  It is all thanks to a little ragdoll with the candy heart.  After all, Raggedy Ann's biggest legacy is that she "loves you"!