Summer Snapshot

Well, let me catch up in one post the things we have been up to this summer. Just a snapshot of our summer so far...

Of course, we have been busying ourselves with swim team as I posted before, but we've been working in some other fun times, too. For starters, we finished VBS 2011 at church the first full week of June. The theme was "Big Apple Adventure", and we loved it! I had to enlist the help of "Miss" Andi Katherine (Thanks, Andi Katherine!) to help me get the boys from swim team to VBS during the week since I was leading the music for the worship rally every morning and then teaching music for grades 1-6. It was a lot of work to prepare for the music and choreography, but so rewarding to see how much fun the children had learning praise songs for Christ. I hate that I don't have any pictures of VBS! I was too busy leading the group on family night, and the other half of this husband-wife team videoed, but didn't take pictures. Oh well!

Mary Claire splashing around at the Memphis Jewish Community Center where the boys had a swim meet last week. What a nice place! Baby sister was more than entertained while the boys waited for their races.

My little fish!

Mary Claire will begin going to a new school this August. The school offers daycare as well, which is something our family needs since this mommy is a full-time working mom. The school really looks like it will fit her needs and ours as well. She will be in a 3 year old class in which there are 2 teachers, and the school uses the Wee Learn Christian curriculum. In order to secure her spot at the school and get her acclimated to her new environment, I have been taking her on Mondays and Wednesdays some. One thing she is struggling with is naptime. I know this will take some time as she is only used to napping in her own bed everyday. I know her, and she probably sees naptime at school as not "sleep time" but yet another opportunity to socialize. hehe The teachers have reassured me that "sleeptime" will come. I tell you all this to lead into this part of the post where I want to share some of the things the boys and I have done together during the time Mary Claire is gone to school. I decided to use this as a time to spend some time doing things with my boys that we might not get to do with little sister in tow.

Trip to the Museum

When I asked the boys what they would like to do first, John Owen responded, "The Pink Palace!"

So, off we went! (I had obtained the FREE trial membership for the summer, so this trip didn't cost anything except gas and lunch.) Jan decided to go with us at the very last minute, and we were glad he joined us. Here's some snapshots from our museum trip. We are planning to go back to the IMAX before school begins.

We are also planning Jonah's 6th birthday bash! Here's a hint of what's to come...

(Can't believe this little boy is turning 6!)

I hate to admit this, but on another Wednesday that we set out to do something fun, I realized I had forgotten my camera at home. I don't have a smartphone and my phone just doesn't take the best pictures, so I have no shots of the fun we had BOWLING! But we had a blast!! 

This was Jonah's first time to bowl, and he got a strike! John Owen is pretty good as well. He was right behind me the whole time with his score. 

We had a coupon for one free game, so this was also a relatively inexpensive event. We are planning to go back with friends very soon.

I'll close this post with one more thing.

We have now begun our beach trip! We've been counting down the days this past month...literally. My boys have been asking me almost everyday, "How many more days 'til we go to the beach?"

Mary Claire barely made it out of Tipton County when we left before she fell asleep.

Now, we are spending some much needed time together relaxing and enjoying the sun and surf.

Here's some snapshots of our trip so far:

Jonah with his net

John Owen setting out to catch a wave!

Daddy and Mary Claire in the ocean

Jonah beginning celebrating his birthday by dancing on the table!

Thirsty anyone?

Mommy and Mary Claire

Mimi and Daddy Nick

Uhh...can anyone say bubbles?

More to come...

A Year Gone

Today, June 25th, 2011, marks one year since we lost Jan's mother. A year she's been gone, and yet, it seems like just yesterday that we set out to endure one of the most difficult times we, as humans, will experience...the sudden, unexpected death of someone you love. I think it's inevitable that we will all at some point or another experience this. With my grandfather, we knew he wasn't going to live on this earth much longer when he became sick. If it's truly possible, we prepared ourselves for our final time with him on Earth. But when Ms. Sue died, we didn't get that "preparation" time for saying good-bye. I don't which is easier (or harder), knowing and trying to prepare or not knowing at all. My heart breaks for Jan, her only child, who was the one with her a year ago tonight. One thing she and I could say we had in common was our love for Jan! (And then the grandchildren, of course!) In my mind, it's only fitting that his mother's face was the first face he saw when he began his life in the world, and his was the last face she saw. I could only wish, as a mother, that when God calls me home that my children's faces will be the last thing on this earth that I'll see. I know that even if they are not standing around me, though, I'll see their faces in my mind's eye.

For the last few weeks, I have thought about this day, June 25th, and the approaching mark of one year. We've had some moments of grief shared quietly between us, and talked about "Mamaw" with the children a lot this past week. I know she would be excited about going back to the beach with us this Thursday. Because that's the last thing she and I talked about that Friday afternoon before she died, preparation for the beach will forever be a time that I think of her. I know when Jan walks the beach picking up shells next week, he'll be thinking specifically of his mother. I couldn't help but laugh at how he teased her for how many shells she would collect, wash, then dry and then try to bag up to bring home with her..."We don't have room for all the extra bags of shells, Momma!" Oh my goodness...:-) We found shells and shells and more shells when we cleaned out the shed back behind her house. I'm not sure, but I think she had plans to make things out of the shells to give to people. That's one thing I can say about Ms. Sue, she was always wanting to give you something. It was not always an item of great value or need, but it was something. Because of this, we had engraved on her tombstone, "...for God loves a cheerful giver." II Cor. 9:7

As we began the daunting task of cleaning out her house, we came across boxes of heirloom quilts she had packed. She had included notes to Jan in which she described the quilts and who made them and when. They are beautiful, and I will admit it was hard to read the notes from her when we found the boxes. I guess it might have been a BIG dose of reality for us both. I read them out loud, as Jan listened. Those quilts and their notes are now safely residing at our home which is where I know she would want them. We brought other important things home with us, but let a lot of things go to someone else who might have a need for them. And again, I know that is how she would have wanted it. The house has just recently become occupied by someone else, and the children and I haven't been by there in over a month or so. But, it's just a house, and while our memories hold that house in them, the truth is, it's a material thing. It doesn't need to be visited. Instead, I think we'll more often visit the moments in our minds, when we do something she would have done with us, go places she would gone with us, when we place flowers on her grave, when we eat "pistachio pudding" or anything resembling the concoction (hehe), when we drink sweet tea made with REAL sugar.

A year gone, but always on our minds... 

Swim Team 2011

(I started this post last Tues., and I am just now finishing it! This start to our summer has been pretty busy...)We have officially entered our second year of swim team! Go Covington Manta Rays! Last week was the boys' first meet in Jackson. They did great! Jonah is the youngest person on the swim team again this year, and he's making wonderful improvements. (Bless his heart, you should knowhe is like a ROCK, weighing about as much as his big brother, and swimming a race is hard on a little person who's frame is like LEAD. Just try picking him up the next time any of you who know him see him...you'll think LEAD, too. Or maybe you shouldn't try to pick him up. Save your back!) Anyhoo... we had fun at the first meet and just finished our second meet here in Covington tonight. Mimi, my mother, has made it to both meets which has proven extremely helpful with "Miss" Mary Claire running around. Thanks, Mimi!

Ready for their races!

Now, John Owen was built for swimming. He is lovin' swim team! Tonight, as he was completing his freestyle race, his goggles came off of his eyes and were hanging down around his mouth. When I saw them, I was afraid he would stop and "fiddle" with them until he got them fixed, but he didn't! He kept going and finished, winning second place in the race! I was so proud! Good job, John Owen!

John Owen after completing his first 25m freestyle race in Jackson.

Jonah is on the platform and ready for the start of the race!

Jonah completed his first ever backstroke race at the last meet.
 He amazes me! 5 years old and swimming with the "big boys".

John Owen swimming the backstroke race

May Days

Well, the end of May is upon us. This has been one "doozie" of a month, if I must say so. Lots of things going on simultaneously. I have always looked forward to vacations at the beach, but this year, I must admit I am looking forward to it more than ever. June 30th can't get here fast enough! A couple of "May things" left to post on this here family blog are:

John Owen's Award Day at ATES!
He received the Principal's List Award for making all A's on his report card all year the Excellence in P.E. Award! He has done great in 1st grade this year, and we celebrated with a "lunch date" last Wed. after his last 1/2 day of school. Pizza and ice cream at a restaurant for just Mommy and John Owen. Goodbye, 1st grade...2nd grade, here we come!

I spy John Owen in a "sea" of 1st graders! :-)

His P.E. Award!

A smile from his teacher, Mrs. Rachel Coats, as he looks at his awards! Thanks, Mrs. Rachel, for a great 1st grade year!

We are so proud of you, John Owen! Keep up the good work!

And...here's some pictures from our last weekend in May!

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

Warmer temps=warmer water in Mimi and Daddy Nick's pool!

John Owen showing off his moves



Dripping wet all weekend!

Who's that cutie in the swimsuit? :-)

Maybe surfing will be her sport?

See what I mean? Now, where and who has she seen demonstrating surfing techniques? Maybe we need to take up residence at the beach. (Just kidding!)

Jonah's silly moves!

And his twist and kick jump! I give it a "10"! hehe

What a great way to kick off Summer of 2011!

We got some sun, ate some barbeque by the pool, caught an afternoon showing of the new Kung Fu Panda movie with friends, and spent some much needed time together. Now, on to June...VBS week, camp, swim team, and VACATION AT THE BEACH!

Hope everyone reading this enjoys this summer and time spent with the ones you love!

Mary Claire Turns 3!

Yesterday, our Mary Claire turned 3!

(Thank you, "Miss" Lee and "Miss" Andi Katherine for the CUTE puppy dog cake! It's PERFECT! ha)
**That's what Mary Claire said when Miss Lee showed her the cake! Too funny!!**

 Sidenote: Admittedly, it's hard for me to write that my baby is turning 3. I have been busy for a few months now making decisions about Pre-K for her. Trying to make the right decision is not the easiest in that we have to consider my work schedule, Jan's work schedule, her transportation to and from school, the best environment, etc., etc. (You all know what I mean.) Not to mention that after her medical diagnosis last Feb., we didn't know what lay ahead for her, developmentally, and if she would need to be in a special setting or not. I haven't written about this much, frankly because I just really had a hard time with it all last year. The neurologists were "throwing" all kinds of scary things our way after her MRI and EEG study at Le Bonheur. (Not to mention the risk of seizures that they said she could, or "would", experience.) My mind raced. The only way I have found peace is because I turned to God, and I had to give it all to Him because after all, only He knows what Mary Claire's future holds. (And I believe He's got great things planned for her!)  After somewhat "coming to terms" with this, I have made a valiant effort to make sure I have done everything I can for my daughter. I set up a monthly evaluation to be done in our home for Mary Claire. Every month for a little over a year now, we have had a specialist from Le Bonheur come out and evaluate Mary Claire's development. (Thanks, Endia! Mary Claire will miss you and the bubbles!)  I am counting my many undeserved blessings! I am thankful to tell you that Endia and the "others" agree that Mary Claire has development typical of other toddlers her age and the best part is...she has not experienced a seizure! I am just praising God for His goodness! I look at my daughter everyday and I thank God for her life. You would never know she has a medical diagnosis by looking at her or talking to her. She is so funny and imaginative and full of energy! Oh, and did I mention SASSY?! Yes, we are praying for her Pre-K teacher. hehe

Dear Mary Claire,
Happy 3rd Birthday to my beautiful, sassy, funny little girl! My wish for you is that your life will be filled with wonderful things, wonderful people and wonderful times! I pray that God will protect you from any disease, destruction, and injury and that He will raise you up to be a servant of Him. Your life means so much to Daddy and me and we love you more and more everyday! Happy Birthday, "Sweet-Pea"!  (That's where you would say, "I no sweet-pea, I just Mary Claire!") Sassy...:-)

I love you!
Mommy

Here's some pictures from your 3rd birthday celebration with your friends and family: (I apologize for the number of pictures here, but I just couldn't decide which ones to leave out.)

Party Favors!

Cookies!

The Lion Cake
ROAR!

More party favors and balloons!

See what I mean? Sassy with the tongue stuck out!

Daddy tries to steal a kiss from the birthday girl!
"No kisses, Daddy!"

Surrounded by friends as you blow out the #3 candle!

"Hi, and yes, it's MY BIRTHDAY PARTY!"
(Mimi made her special dress for her party! Thanks, Mimi!)

"Wow!"
A swimsuit from Brock!

Opening presents!
Rain boots from Aunt Michele!
(And she's already stomped in a couple of puddles with those boots.:-))

"No kisses, but I will give you a high-five, Daddy!"
High-five on a great 3rd birthday!
Happy Birthday, Mary Claire!



Catching Up...

Well, I am a little behind in posting. Just like everyone else, I am presently balancing a ton of things on my little plate. Not complaining, though. Just thankful God has given me the capability to balance and juggle and, well, you get the idea. Let's see, where did I leave off? Oh yes, pictures from Easter!

My two handsome fellas and beautiful little girl!

This next picture will always be a special to me. As I mentioned in the previous post, John Owen was baptized on Easter. Also being baptized was the daughter of my dear friend, Kate. Her daughter, Ella, and my John Owen are about 5 months apart in age. Kate and I were baptized on the same day when were young, and I just cannot tell you how special it was to see our two gifts from God baptized at Easter. 

The Monday after Easter we were off from school and it was John Owen's birthday! We had made plans to go to the zoo, but the weather turned yucky, so I let John Owen choose something indoors to do. Of course, he requested a trip to Chuck E. Cheese!

Here is he doing what he loves...playing video games!

Notice the birthday crown! :-) Thanks, Mimi!

Jonah and his favorite game...FISHING!

I must say, he was pretty good at it. He got more tickets than his big brother did by playing this game over and over again!

I guess Mary Claire loves Chuck E. Cheese, too!

This next picture was one I snapped while we were upstairs playing one day. Mary Claire loves to dance! She grabbed Jonah and made him her dancing partner. And around and around they went!

She would tell me to sit down in the red chair and watch. Then when I clapped, she would do a bow and say, "Thank you." It was too funny. Quite the entertainer, she is!

After playing upstairs, it was back to work for Mommy...I was making homemade banana nut bread for all of our teachers.(It was Teacher Appreciation Week) Mimi stopped by and of course, added her special touch to the loaves of bread. (I wish I had the ability to take tulle and ribbon and make it look beauitful! Unfortunately, I don't seem to have the "magic touch" like my mother.) I am thinking as I look at this picture, maybe Mary Claire will have Mimi's ability to make things look beautiful. 

See, a loaf of banana nut bread never looked so beautiful! :-)

This probably deserves it's own post, but I'll add it here because my posting time is quickly drawing to a close.

Jonah lost his 1st tooth on May 3rd! (And yesterday, May 13th, he lost his 2nd tooth!) He was so excited when the first tooth came out. He put the tooth in his Pirate Tooth pillow he got in his Easter basket. Isn't that convenient that the Easter Bunny gave him this gift?

Here he is holding his tooth.

And with that, comes the realization that my baby boy is growing up too fast!

 The baby teeth are coming out...

He is no longer the little boy in this picture next to his Pirate Tooth Pillow.

He will turn 6 in about 8 weeks, and with the loss of his 2nd tooth yesterday, he has now lost as many baby teeth as his big brother.

How quickly time does fly!

From a sweet newborn baby boy...

to the same sweet little boy's preschool graduation last Tuesday night.

Congratulations, Jonah! You are a sweet spirited, funny little man with a big heart!

I love you and the person you are becoming.

Kindergarten, here we come!

(I am so excited about you coming to "Mommy's school" in August.)

Even little sister is proud of you!

See?

 Jonah's 2011 Preschool Graduation class on the stage at his school

Until next time...