Reading

I am one happy momma tonight!  First of all I have started reading "Charlotte's Web" with Nick - his request.  He loves it.  When I opened the cover of the book I noticed the inscription inside the book........"Happy Reading, Jay!  Love, Mrs. Sexton."  This book was given to Jay from his first grade teacher (whom has since retired but I have fond memories of.  I like to say she "rocked" his world.  I only wish she was still around to "rock" Nick's world).   I love that after I have finished a chapter I can ask Nick questions about what the chapter is about and he nails it everytime.  That boy may be a fire cracker but he likes to be read to and can comprehend what he hears. 
Jay has read two books back to back that he has really enjoyed.  Granted he's been forced to read these books for school but I don't care.....whatever gets him to read works for me.  He just finished "Jack & Me," about a boy and his dog (perfect fit, huh?).  The other night he finished the book in bed and raced down to the living room to tell Mike and I he had finished the book and it had a sad ending.  Thankfully Jack (the dog) didn't die, he was only injured.  Jay took the test on the book yesterday and got a 90%.  Way to go, Jay!  I did have to chuckle last night because he's now reading a book by Gary Paulsen (a great author especially for young boys) and he's not so crazy about it.  He said his teachers helped him pick it out at the library.  I told Jay to give the book a chance, at least read 25 to 50 pages.  He scrunched up his face and said, "Only you know how to pick out good books for me, Mom."  Another heart warming moment and if I give myself a little credit, he's right.  I know exactly what kind of books Jay will or won't like. I know my boys and I'm sure proud of both of them. 

Happy Thanksgiving

This is my first Thankgiving playing hostess and frying a turkey.  Actually I can't take any credit for the turkey.  All I did was purchase the bird.  Mike marinaded it and fryed it and it was SO GOOD! 

I was especially thankful my 83 year old grandparents came to Thanksgiving.  They are still able to make the drive.  My mom came also and so did Mike's parents.  There were 9 of us total.  It was such a nice day with some really good turkey.  Did I mention that already?

My mom playing rummy with Jay.  She taught him how to play and he loves it. 

Nick got great grandma and great grandpa to play Sorry with him.

The end result.  Our delicious turkey.  It was melt in your mouth yummy.

The turkey fryer himself!

This Thanksgiving I have much to be thankful for.  A wonderful husband, healthy and vibrant boys, the health of my mom and in laws, my job which I am so thankful for everyday.  God is good.

Lauren's 5th birthday party

How can this 2 lbs little girl be 5?  She is truly a miracle.  She was born at 28 weeks, weighing 2 lbs 8 oz.  She could fit in the palm of your hand.  Now she is a sweet girl among her boy cousins and brother and she can keep up with all of them.  She's also smart as a whip!  I love this little girl!

Hanging with cousin, Nick.

Just me and my niece.

My sister with her girl.

Lauren had her party at a gymnastics place.  The kids loved it.  My sister is a genius.  The party was low-key (for the adults) and the kids had a ball.  Nick's favorite was the foam pit.

Me and Luke. 

Make a wish.

Luke getting crazy with a cup cake.

I sure do love this little guy also! 

And so does his Aunt Mimi.

Basketball & Chili Supper

Here's my basketball playing 5th grader.  Jay looks so grown up (and adorable) to me in this picture.  Jay is showing much improvement in playing this year compared to last year.  He enjoys it and can run across the court like a bullet.  He's being coached by a good friend of mine.  She told me Jay is easy to coach - no attitide, no arrogance, he just does what he's told and puts full effort into everything he does.  That is music to this momma's ears.  Once again I refer back to my P.R.A.Y blog where I mention the good friends the Lord has put in my life.  Erin (Jay's coach) is one of them. 

Moves on the court.

Dad helping/coaching Jay after the game.

After the basketball game we transitioned into the Cub Scouts Chili Supper.  This is Nick's first year as a Cub Scout and he took his job very seriously.......passing out cookies!  I've helped with the supper every year.  Three years ago I helped cook the chili (an all day event).  Now Mike and I just cashier.  The boys and Mike and I all agreed we'll never forget the years we spent at the Cub Scouts Chili Supper.  It's always been a family event for us. 

My sister and her family (and my mom too) showed up to give their support to the Cub Scouts!  It was a fun (and long) night.

Camo & cold weather

How do I even take these two seriously?  Ha!  My boys are ready and nicely equipped for the cold, snowy weather, if it would ever get here (the snow it is).  They are just itching to get out in their camo gear and ride their four wheelers in the snow.  They even got a sled for their four wheelers.  It should be an interesting winter........once the snow arrives.  Stay tuned.

P.R.A.Y

My mom gave me a plaque for my birthday that reads......PRAY.  But what's special about it is the small writing under each letter: Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield.  As I was praying this morning I started my normal routine and the praises just kept pouring out.  Since Thanksgiving is only a week away I thought I'd share some of my praises. 
As I enter this time of year I am so thankful for my job.  I may get up with the chickens but there is such peace coming into my office in the morning and drinking my coffee - in silence (in other words before my phone starts ringing off the hook).  And of course the other huge benefit is my constant presence in the home for the boys.  What a blessing!
Seeing my mom enjoy retirement has been another praise.  She is truly loving every minute of retirement and I'm thankful she's had no major health issues.  Sure she has diabetes which is a constant struggle for her but she doesn't let it control her life or activities. 
I am thankful I've heard a lift in my sister's voice this week. 
I praise God for good friends.  He has placed some real gems in my life at just the right moments. 
My husband is a huge praise for me.  He gets up with the chickens also (whereas I have the luxury to not get up with the chickens, he does not) and works a physically demanding job.  It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter.  He never complains.  He just does and when he comes home he starts his second job - being a great dad to Jay and Nick. 
Two healthy boys - need I say more?  Praise God.

My dance partner

Here's the truth......Jay is my child who is harder to parent.  There is usually some kind of issue that comes up with Jay that needs to be dealt with but on the flip side I so enjoy Jay's quiet spirit and his dry humor.  Nick is my easier child to parent, there are less issues but he also is my child that can send me from zero to sixty in no time flat.  Why you ask?  Well according to my husband Nick can get my blood boiling so quickly because "he's just like you, Amy."  There is a lot of truth to that statement.  So what does this have to do with the title of my blog?  Nick and I have this thing we do just the two of us that fits our personalties perfectly......we dance.  It's "our thing."  Our thing that is between us.  We don't tell Mike or Jay, probably because they would make fun of us.  I love that Nick and I can relax together and do what we love! 

Our day out.....kid free

It's been a long time since we've had a kid free day and we really enjoyed ourselves.  I always fret about it because I feel guilty asking my family to keep the boys but I know this is clearly unreasonable.  My mom and in laws are always happy to do it and as parents don't we all need a day out without kids?  It's healthy for us as parents and I think my kids need the break from us as well.  I come home feeling refreshed, ready to conquer the next day.  We spent the day in the "burbs" with Mary, her husband, John and our good friends Mike and Jenny. 

Just the girls: Mary, me and Jenny.  I'm so blessed to have these girls in my life.  I've been friends with Mary for 20 years and Jenny for 18 years.  Long time friends are the best.

                                    Ahhhh, a day with my hubby.......a much needed and enjoyed day.  I love my husband! 

Risk

I'm a big fan of "Focus on the Family," a christian based radio show.  This week they featured a speaker who spoke about tween boys and taking risks.  Let's just say it got my attention.  Basically she was saying you have to let boys take risks, if you don't they will not grow up to be men who take risks especially when it's a risk that God is calling them to make.  I wouldn't say I'm a helicoptor mom - although Jay might say I am but there are times I have needed to take a step back but it's so hard.  Mike keeps me calm.  For example, just tonight Jay had a friend over.  They were outside all afternoon which is fine but when it got dark I started getting antsy - even though my boys knows the rules........when it gets dark, you stay on our property.  Our property is large and wooded so even though I know the boys are on the property I'm not always sure where.  But the truth is the 3 boys (Jay, Nick and Jay's friend) were having a ball.  They had built a fire in the woods and were roasting hot dogs but because I couldn't see them I was pacing like a caged animal.  Mike had to set me straight and I knew he was right.  The ironic part of this whole risk thing is the four wheelers.  The four wheelers don't bother me but my boys being out after dark bothers me.  I mean REALLY.....clearly I need to get a grip! 

Halloween Festivities

I have to say we sure enjoy Halloween!  I remember the year when Nick was a cow and Jay was his farmer.  As the boys have grown older they don't like to coordinate their costumes (ha) but they do like to trick or treat which translate to tons of candy!  Yes, score!  This year Nick was an adorable zebra - compliments of his grandma.  My mother in law made his costume.  Jay called it done by putting on a skeleton sweatshirt and mask!  He loved it because he didn't have to smile for pictures.

For the third year in a row we went trick or treating with our good friends, The Neal's!  The Douglas family comes too and between us we had 10 kids last night.  The kids loved it.

Here's the crew!

Even Copper joined us - although she about stroked out from all the excitement!  She's still such a puppy.  Jay loved having her come along though.