Shirtless Wonders!

I finally have it! These are the stars of my future children's book. I have struggled coming up with the characters, but I have been living with them the whole time.

INTRODUCING:

The Shirtless Wonders!

Captain Carson and his sidekick, Messy Maisy

Baseball Boy!

Poses compliments of Jeremy. Doesn't my sweet boy look tough! He is quite a force out on that t-ball field. His slide at home is truly something you have to see. It looks more like a very awkward fall. I think he inherited my coordination. Poor kid! Either way, it has been fun this summer. Carson really likes baseball and has done well. He is grasping the basics of the game and really getting aggressive in the field. Hitting is still his favorite though.

Way to go, Slugger!

No More Cow Babies!

There is a great children's book titled "Cowboy Roy". It has some adult humor and the kids love it too . It is about a little cowboy that is learning to ride his bike, Silver, the best bike in the West. He calls himself a cow baby when he has to use his training wheels. Anyway, my little "cow baby" just became a real cowboy! Check it out!

I know he looks a bit too big for that bike, but another Mom suggested teaching him to ride without training wheels on a smaller bike to make him feel safer. It worked! Now he has transferred to his real bike and is riding all over.

Kids still amaze me at how quickly they can master something. I said it with skiing and I'll say it again, I swear they improve while they sleep. They quit for the night at one level and return to it better the next day. Must be nice! I could really use some of that right now!

Code of Ethics Assignment

For one of the many assignments I am working on right now, I have to write my code of ethics. This has been a really thought provoking assignment for me, because as I realized some time ago, until I had children, I didn't really know who I was or what I believed. I had made it through most of my life doing what I was told, not questioning life and its meaning, but enjoying it. Luckily I was surrounded with ethical people that helped guide me as I grew and I have trusted many good person to tell me what I believed. But, once it was my responsibility to raise my child into "hopefully" a productive member of society, I began to question the values I wanted to pass on. I knew then that it was them, my children, that made me understand myself and what I believed in. For that I am forever thankful.

As I develop this assignment, I plan to share it, so someday they can read my values, just in case I don't do such a good job teaching them. This first piece connects them to my Code of Ethics and the Seussical presentation that I have chosen to use in getting my message out. Fitting I thought, for me and them.

For My Children,
In 5 very short years you’ve taught me a lot,
About where I came from, who I am, and am not.
You’ve done it through giggles, “Why Mom?”, and glances,
Made me question my beliefs, priorities, and stances.
I’ve realized myself while raising little ole you.
I am a better person because of you two.

When I think of the adults that I want to raise,
The fruits of my labor after many long days,
I wonder what values will reflect in your eyes,
If my example will matter with how quickly time flies.
I want you to know what all you’ve taught me-
About being the person that you want to be.

You’ve taught me to wonder,
About airplanes, princesses, and thunder.
To pay attention,
to slow down,
to try something new,
Because if I don’t, then neither will you.
To watch what I say and how I choose to act.
Because both will be repeated, by you, that’s a fact.
Most importantly, My Children, you’ve taught me to love,
More than I thought I was capable of.

It’s funny that after 30 long years,
Of classes, jobs, celebrations and tears,
The realization of who I really am,
Has been guided by your little hands.
Rocking chairs, stroller rides, Dr. Seuss,
Those quiet moments with you has led to my truths.

So, years from now when you question the person you are,
The lessons are every where, you don’t have to look far.

Thank you,

Mom.

So far this summer...

With my specialist program taking up more time than I'd like, we are just trying to adjust around here. We have managed to make it to the zoo, which was a great trip. We were adventurous and entered an aviary where we were swarmed by parakeets. None of us particularly enjoyed it, but suffered through the experience together. Carson really hated it, but he did go in. Since neither one of my children are really fond of animals, I am making a conscious effort to expose them to more and try and spout of interesting facts. I think it is helping a bit. This summer we attended the annual Bike Wash with our close friends. It is so sad how quickly time goes. I remember Carson being two and attending, without a sister. Now she is two. We have also had our first swim of the season. The water wasn't even too cold and everyone hopped right in. Fun times!