My Little Angel

We had an exciting weekend with Patrick's very first t-ball game. He was very proud to wear his new uniform. And I have to admit, I got a little misty seeing my baby looking like such a little man. All started off very well and then in the middle of the first inning the drama started. Poor Patrick had scraped his knees something fierce the day before. Not such a tough guy with blood and boo boos he somehow tripped coming in from the outfield and hurt his poor tender knees again. Well, let me tell you, embarrassment city! He wailed, he moaned, he yelled, he hooted, he hollered. He was absolutely dead set against walking let alone running, and here we were at his first game and he was about to have his first turn at bat. Brett literally had to pin him down so I could re-Band-Aid his knees, all the while he was screaming "NO! DON"T!! Don't touch me" Who knows what people thought we were doing to him. Anyways, he was all rebandaged, but that still wasn't enough. He wouldn't walk, only Brett could hold him. So, he completely missed the second inning and there are only 3 innings!

However, he made a come back, he said he "decided to throw his sad face away"-- how poignant for a five year old. He realizes that it is a choice sometimes. It's all in the attitude. I need that pep talk more than I can tell you. So, in the third inning he got to play the pitcher position, and I will tell you that boy got every  ball that came his way. He was focused and having fun. Great decision, Patrick! Not to mention he had his turn at bat. Thento top it all off, the coach, our neighbor and friend, gave Patrick one of the game balls for how well he did at fielding balls as pitcher. Talk about a come back. I really thought once he bumped those knees he was done for. What a great example of how our change in attitude can make all the difference in our experience.

"to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:23-24

Patrick at bat and running the bases.

On the pitcher's mound

Go Angels!

Mommy Friends

I have been blessed with many friendships in my life. Friends I have had since childhood, college friends, church friends. But today I have to give the shout out to my Mommy friends. It it hard to capture in words just what these women do for me. But I will now try.

Just in the past week some of my mommy friends have:
a) watched my preschooler on very short notice so I could go to a Dr's appt.
b) lent me a boatload of dish and glassware so I could host a party
c) disciplined my child gently and without passing judgment on me
d) listened to concerns or worries I had
e) made me lunch
f) made my kid lunch
g) gave me hand-me-downs
h) found the number (and a coupon) for the garage door fix it man
i) encouraged me
j) offered to do a playdate swap giving each of us some alone time
k)shared a great recipe--breakfast casserole
l) lent me a mop!
m) just called
n) gave my kids a snack
o) let my kid give her dog a snack
p) brought my kid home from the bus stop


I would not be as good a mother, wife, or friend without these women. I also would be a little crazier and at wits end most of my days.

• Potty training would have been a lot less funny and tolerable had I not had you all around to know I am not alone.
• Having moms who have been there before was so crucuile those first few months after birth! The things only another mom would tell you!!
• Knowing you love my kids and I love yours.
• The wealth of cleaning and cooking tips that we have all shared!
• Knowing we don't have to be perfect--or even seem perfect.

Thanks for being such great Mommy Friends!

Yellow School Bus Fever Part II

So, yes Alyssa got on that bus on the first day but we are certainly still in a period of adjustment. It is such a long day for her, she comes home very wiped out. This week we had some tough times, apparently she almost missed the bus coming home from school. I am not sure how that happens, since the school promises they get all the Kindergarteners on the bus to go home. Anyhow, I think that scared her. It scared me. The next day she absolutely refused to get on the bus. She was kicking and screaming and crying, clinging to my leg. I literally had to physically put her on the bus and into a seat. That was so so hard. I barely held it together. I don't think there was a dry eye at the bus stop, all the parents were crying, I was crying and poor Patrick kept telling me not to cry. The teacher told me that she made it there fine and was happy. Thank goodness, but all I could replay in my head was that episode. She has done well the rest of the week, so that is progress. I am so glad for the weekend now!

Patrick also started school this week. He had his first day today and loved it. I am so proud of him. Brett went in late so he could help take him in. He was a little bummed that you don't take a bus to preschool.

It's a little weird not to have them both with me most of the day. I am a little sad and empty without them here as much.

Yellow School Bus Fever

So--- she did it! The yellow school bus rolled up and she just hopped on. I cannot believe it. I am so proud of how comfortable and excited she was about it all. She had her backpack on about an hour early and did not take it off!

She comes home in about 40 minutes and I cannot wait to hear how her day was. Patrick was so so sad when she left. He has told me about 20 times today that he misses Alyssa. I miss her too. The place has been a little empty today.

Last night I told Brett we need to have more babies since they grow up way too fast, he told me I have Yellow School Bus Fever. I think he is right. 5 years has flown by. This day always seemed so far off. I know it's not college or anything. But still--I am beside myself.

Bye, Bye Diapers!

I have never been more excited! Patrick is outta diapers! And I have my hubby to thank. Almost 3 weeks ago Brett made the call to go cold-turkey no diapers and just underpants. The first few days were brutal, but Patrick bought into the whole thing as Daddy was leading the way! The following week we had VBS and I will be honest I was nervous about him being away from home in underpants all day, but he had only 1 accident on the first day. Whoohoo! Tonight he will also sleep sans diaper. I bought those sheet savers just in case, but he has been dry for weeks now at night. So-- thanks to all of you who prayed the potty prayer, it worked!

Love,
Steph

Prayer for Potty Training

This sounds silly as I sit down to right it-- but we are need of some prayer. Pray that Patrick will take to the potty! He is over 3 and so so so resistant to do it. He knows all the right answers, he has done it, he loves it when he does go in the potty, but he just won't do it. He says he likes to go in his diaper. Oh someone help me! I know I need to back off. He is stubborn and strong willed and this has to be his decision. Anyhow-- any pointers out there? I am desperate!

Quick note-- SVHS 15 year Reunion & Brett's birthday

I am waiting for my dryer cycle to be done, so I figured I would write a quick note. Brett and I just attended our 15 year class reunion from Seneca Valley. It was so fun to hear what fellow Eagles are up to now. Everyone looked great. We had a family event today and all the kids took to each other instantly. It was so cool to watch the 2nd generation. Alyssa made at least 3 new "best friends in the whole world." So funny. And she usually doesn't jump right in like that.

Brett's birthday was also today. I have to say I am so awed and impressed at the man he is and man he continues to become! Happy Birthday, Brett! I am so lucky to be your wife!

oh-- there's the dryer. I will write more on Alyssa's birthday festivities later.
To all you Eagles-- great seeing you, keep in touch (that sounds so yearbooky, but I mean it)

Love,
Steph

To my cousin

So, apparently people read this thing! Whoohoo! My cousin Lisa just e-mailed me to tell me I hadn't posted in awhile and she was awaiting a new entry. So this is for you, Lisa!

Since I wrote last this is what we have been up to . . .
-the beach with Grandma Linny and Grandpa Charlie, cousins Grayson and Shay. The beach was fantastic. The best weather we've seen in a long time on Memorial Day weekend. There were these huge tidepools the kids played, excuse me, swam in. Alyssa could actually swim underwater.

I got to take the kids to a butterfly exhibit with some friends. That was totally fun. The kids loved it. I tried to be educational and bought a guide for Alyssa to identify the kinds of butterflies she saw flying around, but she kept handing the thing back to me. She just wanted to catch one, which of course, they don't allow!

Brett and I had a little getaway of our own. We went down to Williamsburg for the wedding of our friends Ryan and Carey. We had a great reunion with some of Brett's college friends and their wives. A great time! All except I think the King's Arms Tavern gave Brett and our friend Trish food poisoning. They both had the ham sandwich and were sick, sick, sick the next day. Too bad, Williamsburg used to be known for very good quality food. This time there was a marked difference, very mediocre. However, the weekend was so fun and we've been waiting for the day Ryan would tie the knot! Carey is such a awesome girl--both of them are so laid back, so was the wedding which made it extra fun. Everyone was in flip flops by reception time.

We just went to wedding last night for one of Brett's co-workers. Small ceremony and reception but very nicely done.

Now we are gearing up for my brother's wedding. That I cannot wait for. I get to see lots of my family. I am so excited for Paul, he's found such a wonderful partner in Nicole. They are a great pair. Full of fun and love.

I am so thankful for all the love we have been celebrating this month. I pray for all these couples perseverance, faithfulness, laughter, togetherness, respect, humility, patience and love.

Hula Hoop

Whoo boy! I bought my daughter a hula hoop the other day, as a compromise to an expensive Barbie thing. Well, she's been loving it. She shows her "tricks" nightly. The tricks are ones of a four year old. Lovely, simple, and make me wonder why I let her play with it in the house. As she was doing her "tricks" I decided I might as well have a crack at that hula hoop. Now, know I NEVER have mastered the hula hoop. In all my days, I would spin that thing all the way around my waist, I would wriggle and wiggle all around in hopes of keeping it up, but alas that thing always went straight for the floor. I never actually owned a hula hoop either, I know, my parents really deprived me. However, tonight-- I did it!! I spun that thing around, I did my wriggle, I did my wiggle and by golly it kept going around. Brett was cheering, Alyssa was clapping! It was awesome.

For weeks I have been exercising and eating better in hopes of diminishing the hips I gained during 2 pregnancies. Well now I know just what they are there for--to keep the hula hoop up! It changed my whole perspective! Sometimes that is all we need, a shift in perspective.

Love,
Steph

Big Boy Bed

So, our house is officially crib free. Patrick's "Big Boy Bed" arrived last week and he truly loves it. He loves to show his friends. Mostly he likes to just sit on it and read his books. I will say I have some mixed feelings on not having a crib anymore. No more babies--sniff! I actually made the kids say goodbye to it, I really don't think they care though. I do have good and happy feelings about my kids being a little older, not so dependent on me. That's what we are working toward right? That our kids be not only self-sufficient but learn to be positive additions to society. That is not a natural feeling for me. I just want to protect them all the time. Sometimes I have to remind myself to back off and let them do it for themselves, even when they are asking for help (putting on clothes, coloring a picture, etc). Oh my! The milestones keep coming. Alyssa goes to Kindergarten orientation Thursday. I totally can't believe that! She is excited and I don't want to kill that feeling. I am terrified, but hiding it well!

Just Have to Share

I wasn't planning on writing on this blog more than once a week, but the spirit so moved me I had to share. We had such a good day yesterday- and it showed. Brett, my husband, knew immediately when he came home that we had a good day by the amount of dirt stuck to Patrick. Dirt on a boy is a sure sign of fun!

My good buddy invited us to a long time friend of her family's house. They had a litter of 6 week old golden retriever puppies! So precious! Now, I am not totally into big dogs, we have a sheltie and he is just fine, but I must say I think golden retriever puppies are the cutest softest things on the earth! One's name was Faith, which I figured was a sign I should have one, right-- God wants me to have Faith, right?! Anyhow, they puppies are all spoken for, thank goodness! The one thing I do not need now is a puppy! However, this house we went to was amazing, like a trip back in time. They have a pond with paddle boat, which all six of us climbed in, some barefoot, and we paddled all over the pond, we climbed out with wet tooshies and smiles on our faces. We then headed to a big trampoline which was more fun, Cristin and I even bounced it up. And then we had a picnic lunch.

Later that night I had a Bible study with my girls-- so fun and so needed. I love those ladies. And then, when I got home Brett and I had a good quality chat.

So-- at the end of a day like that I am full! Full of love and thanks for my family, friends, nature, beautiful weather, and most of all the Lord. Didn't I say, He blesses us daily!
Love,
Steph