New Years Eve

Here it is, Dec. 31.  Tomorrow people will begin a new year.  Resolutions will be made, and broken.  A new year offers a certain "start fresh" attitude.  2016 was my most challenging year in my adult life and I was incredibly taken care of.  It's somewhat bittersweet to see 2016 end.  I grew in my faith, I witnessed Mike start up his own business, something people have encouraged him to do for years.  When we were at our weakest was when we were most able to see God at work.  I know God is at work in our lives all the time but it was through my pain and suffering that I felt closest to Him.  There is not a day that goes by that I am not in awe of how He works in my life.  This year new friendships were formed and our old friendships were solidified.  I don't have any earth shattering revelations for 2017.  I simply want to love better, pray often and serve more.  Who knows what that looks like and what doors it will open but in case you haven't been reading my blogs (ha), I am still walking in a fog and for now, that's just the way I like it.  I hang on to the advice my grandpa gave me last December, "Trust the Lord, He will lead the way for you." Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

 What a special Christmas it was this year.  I got Mike an ornament this year with his business logo on it.  Last Christmas running his own business was not even on our radar.  It was just a peaceful Christmas filled with family, food and laugher.  I love the above picture of my mom with her grands.  Jay is 14 (but almost 15).  Nick is 10.  Lauren is 9 and Luke is 5. 

 My sister and I.  Everyone was healthy this year except for Kim.  She had a cold but you certainly can't tell from these pictures. 

 After we opened gifts on Christmas Eve the kids played ping pong.  It was a major hit with Luke. 

                            Mom and Jay.  Jay literally towers over his nana these days. 

 My boys in front of our tree on Christmas day.  I can't believe how much time flies.  I so love these Christmas' of peace and calm.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it when the boys were little but things seem to run a little smoother now that they are older.  I even put the presents out under the tree before Christmas (my first year doing this). 

 Jay got his first tool chest with tools to go in it.  Nick got spoiled too and got a ton of problem solving games and activities.  In fact as I blog tonight he's been putting together a mechanic robot that you have to hook up to a computer in order to "program" it.  Crazy!  Nick was blessed with his dad's problem solving mind. 

 I loved watching Lauren this year.  She loved all her gifts and her excitement was infectious. 

                                         Jay and his dog, Copper, in front of the fire. 

 Mike made his famous stuffed fried potato balls and prime rib on Christmas day.  As usual the food was amazing. 

I made peanut butter fudge and bought oatmeal cookies in memory of my grandparents this year.  They were missed but we can all smile remembering the memories they left us with.  Merry Christmas! 

A week full of memories

This was Nick's last Christmas program at school.  It was bittersweet for my mom and I.  I have enjoyed the Christmas program at North since Jay was in kindergarten.  This year Nick had a speaking part.  He was Dave from "Alvin and the Chipmunks."  He did a great job! 

 I thought about naming this blog, "A Hodge Podge of Pictures" but decided not to because in reality this week has been filled with memories, good ones!  Here it is Dec. 23 and my heart is so full.  I have spent so much time this week reflecting on God's gift of his son and God's goodness in my own life.  My life looks so different than it did a year ago.  For the most part Mike spent this week at home.  He ran errands for the business and worked on some projects for work.  In past years I've practically had to beg Mike to show up at my mom's house on Christmas Eve at noon.  He would work until the bitter end and never took time off around the holidays.  It has been nice to see him relax a bit.  His schedule even allowed him to attend Nick's Christmas program at school (see above).  The picture above is from our Christmas party last week.  I thought it was a cute picture of Mike and our friend, Neal. 

Nick and I made a birthday cake for Jesus.  It was quite delicious and we had it devoured within a few days!  Happy Birthday, Jesus! 

Laura and I organized our annual Socks for Seniors event.  We think this was our 5th or 6th year doing it.  This year we did not do it at my dad's nursing home.  Last year it was very clear that the event annoyed my dad and this year I decided it was best if we went to another nursing home and the change of "scenery" was a good thing. 

                                  I told Laura I could not take her seriously in this sweater! 

Sweet friends.  I adore this picture.  Every year we do this event our kids love it.  I am right on the cusp of Nick no longer finding this event enjoyable so this year was really special to me (even though sadly we didn't do it at my dad's nursing home). 

Nick in his Cornerstone gear.  Just this morning Nick and Mike took off together to hit some antique stores (one of Nick's favorite things to do).  Mike has turned into a "picker."  During his slow time he looks for antiques, wood and other items for projects.  He tends to take his side kick, Nick. 

Kim and I took the kids to visit my dad this morning.  Luke had us all in laughter and that boy adores his older cousin!  When Jay and Luke are together you can usually find Jay carrying him around like a sack of potatoes.  Ha! 

Evolution

We are hunkered down, spending a lot of time at home because the weather has been bad!  Lots of cold and lots of ice.  The other night I got out my blog books to reminisce.  As a parent you forget the daily grind of being parent but I'm so glad I started this blog seven years ago.  It has proven to be a wonderful testament to my family and what makes us tick.  My boys were 3 and 7 when I started the blog and wow have we evolved.  When I started reading my old blog posts I was instantly taken back to some scenes that I'd rather forget (ha) and many more scenes that warm my heart.  Many of my stories I can still close my eyes and remember how I felt during those moments.  Mostly I can remember how exhausting it was, and I don't mean that as negative.  I mean really, show me a parent who works full time with two children who isn't overwhelmed and exhausted.  During their younger years I remember being consumed by my kids, worrying about them and questioning myself at every turn. Sadly I let guilt play a major role in my parenting.  It didn't help the boys and it most certainly didn't help me.  One of the gifts God gave me this past year was releasing me from that guilt.  Sure guilt still creeps his ugly head every now and then but it was nothing like it use to be.  Thank you, Jesus!  These days I practically have to pinch myself that I'm where I am, parenting wise.  I am parenting a high schooler.  I mean really, it's mind boggling if I let myself think about it for too long. I'm having conversations with Jay where I'm looking up to him instead of down.  When did he get that tall anyway?  And next year my sweet Nick will be in middle school.  The elementary school days will be over. Truly, it's bittersweet.  I have no desire to go back in time and re-live those early years of parenting.  Sure I have some regrets, just as I'll have regrets now but overall I'm happy with the decisions I made and how my boys have turned out, thus far.  If I had daughters, however, I would tell them to never ever let guilt guide their decisions (that was a big one with me) and to not worry so much.  We all evolve and I like to think I've gotten better with age.  Perhaps I will have figured it all out just about the time my boys are ready to leave the nest.   Just the other night the evolution of my family hit me like a ton of bricks.  Mike and I went had Christmas plans with friends two Friday nights in a row, and even snuck out one week night to celebrate Jenny's birthday.  This would have been unheard of even as little as a year ago, as I would not have been comfortable leaving the boys alone too often.  But this year, I left the boys home to fend for themselves, not once but several times (a small miracle).  I always make sure there is plenty of junk food in the house and I pay Jay a very modest fee as a motivator to make sure there are no injuries when I come home.  Both Friday nights were great.  I can't believe Mike and I are at the point where we could take two Friday nights as a "date" night.  The last Friday night we even stayed out late (crazy, I know).  We came home at midnight to find both boys soundly sleeping in their beds.  I was waiting for the smoke alarm to go off or one boy to pop out of bed with a broken bone but it never happened.  I can only assume that whatever happened before they went to bed was uneventful since we came home to find two sleeping peaceful boys.  Now that's evolution! 

It's Mid-December Already!!!

Once again it's mid-December and I find I am way behind in everything I need to get done, but I'm giving myself a bit of a break.  I told my mom this week that I had opened the door a little too wide and the devil came right in and took over, putting negative thoughts and emotions in my path.  Those negative thoughts weigh me down and don't help anyone, least of all me or my family.  I'm looking forward to Christmas this year, really as I am every year, but this year is different.  I am wrapping up a year that started with a devastating job loss, a start up of a new business, very challenging boys (but good ones), the loss of my dear grandparents, my ankle fracture, blood clot and pulmonary embolism.  It's been a year!  Today I went to the doctor and I'm happy to report my blood clot has dissolved.  I have permanent damage to my valves in my leg so I'll always have some swelling but that's okay.  I've learned that a little swelling in your leg isn't that big of a deal. 

Happy 9th Birthday, Lauren

 My niece, Lauren, turns 9 on Dec. 3.  Kim had a nice dinner for her.  We celebrated with lots of laughs.  The picture above is of Lauren with her owl I gave her. 

 My mom told Luke to open his eyes for a picture and this is what we got in return.  This boy!

                                  I like to refer to this picture as "The Three Stooges." 

Small business blessings

I have a lot to write about today, but don't worry, I won't put it all into one blog.  Ha!  When we hit the one year mark of Mike's job loss I made a commitment to myself, my mom and our friends I would stop talking about it.  The "It" being the job loss, the start up a new business and the frustrations that go along with it.  I monopolized so many conversations over the past year.  There comes a time when you just have to put your big girl pants on and move forward.  And moving forward is exactly what we're all trying to do.  I don't know how the business will be doing in a year or two years from now.  We have put all our trust in God's plan.  So even though I promised I would stop talking and blogging about the business, it's a still a journey we're on and it's a pretty significant time in our life.  With that being said, there are still many obstacles that lay in front of us and I have no idea if we'll ever reach a point when we stop pinching every penny but as with all things, there are blessings.  Mike is fairly quiet about his interactions with his customers (although it's evident he enjoys the interactions).  It's the feedback I get from his customers that is overwhelming.  The common theme I hear is Mike is so easy to talk to, he's so calm and full of knowledge and his skill level is top notch.  One other common theme is his eye for detail and design.  Mike will complete a simple handy man job for someone and often those simple jobs lead into bigger jobs because people immediately recognize Mike's talent.  Mike has always been easy to talk to and full of ideas but this was a man who worked by himself in a warehouse for 15 years.  He was often "too busy" to attend many of the department meetings.  There were only a handful of co-workers Mike associated with.  Although I see much of the same Mike, there are new parts of Mike that are so much sweeter and I know those new parts are from the glory of God.  Every wall that he built around himself crumbled.  He works and interacts with people almost daily now, and cares about those interactions.  Those interactions have been a blessing to him and for me to be a witness to.   So, even though many challenges remain (have I mentioned we need a bigger shop? UGH!!) and the road we are traveling on is quite foggy, God does provide us with rays of light that shine through that fog, reminding us that through the fog, the light does shine through.   

Bittersweet

Something kind of extraordinary happened yesterday.  Jay put our Christmas tree up.  I know what you're thinking, big deal, and normally I'd think the same thing.  However, our tree is a monster to put up.  It's 12 feet high and the heaviest piece is close to the top so somehow you have to balance yourself while using all your muscles to get the tree together.  It is no easy task.  Mike puts the tree up every year but this year he's working like a maniac.  I thought it would be nice if we tried to save Mike the horrendous job of putting the tree up.  It was a risky move on our part because usually when we try to "help" Mike with a job, it back fires and creates more work for him (like the time Nick and I were helping him sand shiplap and we knocked his entire table saw over).  More times than not, we break or destroy something in the process.  Jay and I were the only ones home yesterday and when I asked him if he thought we could do it, he was on it!  Before I knew it Jay had brought in the enormous ladder and had our tree put together in no time.  He did it flawlessly and trust me flawless is never a word I use to describe the work Jay does.  He's a "good enough" worker, like his momma.  As I watched him put the tree up I wondered how I got to this point with my son, he was turning into a man right before my eyes.  Through the years he had watched his dad put up the tree and knew exactly what he was doing.  He even knew how to fix the lights that didn't work.  He was agreeable and it warmed my heart in a bittersweet way.  One of the first ornaments I put on the tree this year was the recording of Jay saying, "Hi mommy, Hi daddy," when he was 18 months old.  I play that recording and I sigh, remembering his sweet voice and personality at that age.  As moms we watch our children grow and we experience growing pains with them.  As their body grows and they mature physically and mentally, our mom hearts expand even more.  I think there is that one moment with every mom when it hits us.  We realize our babies aren't babies anymore (my mom can relate exactly when it happened for her with me and I will always remember the Christmas tree moment with Jay), and we wonder where all the time went and that maybe, just maybe our hard work is paying off! 

Our Thanskgiving

We had such a nice Thanksgiving.  It was relaxing, the weather cooperated and the company was wonderful!  My mom played games with Nick (Nick is her game player).  Mike fried a turkey and it was delicious.  Faith brought her boyfriend, Beau and Ausili took a nap with Cole. 

Back in alignment

Mike just got back from a much deserved long weekend in TN with Ausili.  I always encourage these guy trips because Mike works hard, as does Ausili.  And selfishly I encourage these guy weekends so that later on I can take my much deserved girls weekend!  However, there is a price to be paid when Mike is gone for a long weekend - my sanity!  I speak the truth when I tell you that Mike is the glue of our family.  He keeps us all in place.  After four long days, Mike got home last night and was instantly thrown back into the reality of our life.  Nick was complaining about basketball and Mike had to keep it real for him.  Then, Jay and I were bickering back and forth (more on raising a teenage son later but let's just say Jay is no cupcake these days), at which point Mike had to sit us both down and put out that fire.  Our family just gets a wee bit out of whack when Mike is gone.  Now that he's home, were back in alignment! 

Creating Margin

Our pastor asked his congregation to create some margin in their life for the month of November.  We were asked to give something up.  I have a confession.  I've been unable to give anything up.  I have tried (oh how I have tried) to read my bible everyday but the demands being placed on me are relentless.  I'm just confessing my sin.  Remember that blog about me being punched?  That's how I've felt, especially the last 24 hours.  I've been bombarded with emails and keep in mind, I'm not even talking about work emails because Yes, I do work full time, and yes, emails and lots of them are part of my job.  I got an email about Nick's basketball which required me to put more dates in my calendar.  Another email arrived from Nick's math teacher.  Surprise, there is a test tomorrow and Nick needs to study!  Email number two arrived from Nick's English teacher asking if the kids could write notes to the student teachers on their last day (tomorrow!).  Another email arrived from Jay's basketball coach.  Forms needs to be filled out for their food choices for away games and money needs to be collected for that food and jerseys were ordered for practice.  Send more money.  I got a text yesterday about bringing refreshments to 4h tonight.  I went to make the crumb cake today and golly gee, I had no eggs.  I made a quick trip the nearest town and got some eggs and picked up a prescription while I was there.  Might as well kill two birds with one stone.  I made two trips to the post office.  Don't ask.  Yesterday evening encompassed a student council meeting, a basketball practice, and small group.  Nick has to fill a shoe box for another child in need for 4h tonight.  I conquered Dollar General.  Nick is trying desperately to keep up with his homework and school requirements.  He has to memorize lines for a Christmas play and memorize lines for a puppet show for student council.  If this blogs seems like it's all over the place, that's because I'm all over the place.  Mike is so busy at work it makes my head spin.  We are like two strangers passing each other late in the evening, attempting to give each other a weak high five, as if to say, we suck and we know it!  Last night my mom kindly asked me (because she knows how busy it's been for me) if I wanted to come over while Jay was at small group and she would help me plan Thanksgiving dinner.  I appreciated the offer but my brain is hardly functioning at this point, let alone after 7 pm!  I don't write this blog for any sympathy.  I am not alone in my insanity.  At this point I'd settle for a quiet evening, a hot bath with a stiff drink!  Instead, I'm off to a 4h meeting!  Forgive me, Jesus. 

I was there, I saw it, and my heart felt it

It was today, one year ago, that Mike lost his job.  I thought then that a job loss would be our only test.  I was wrong.  We would face many head on collisions in the months to follow.  For weeks I've known I wanted to write something special about today but I was clueless what specifically I wanted to write about.  I didn't want it to be sappy, and I didn't want to regurgitate what I've already written about.  Time has a way of mending most wounds, and just recently our lives have somewhat settled down, or at least I feel like the roller coaster has slowed down.  Mike is steadily working, and we are cautiously optimistic.  My grandparents are put to rest, and rejoicing with our Heavenly Father.  Every day I get more pep in my step from my ankle injury, and slowly I'm starting to get my breath back (literally) from a challenging year, and of course the damage from my pulmonary embolism.  I am relieved to see this past year from my rear view mirror.

I don't get many messages from God, but He sure spoke to me this past year.  In Feb, I received one very clear message during church.  It was the name God placed on my heart to name Mike's business.  That clear message has sustained me through the twists and turns of starting your own business.  The second time wasn't so much a message but a very clear idea for this blog.  Our pastor was preaching on the book of John.  Most of us know John was a direct witness to Jesus' teachings, and the miracles he performed.  John was Jesus' friend.  When describing John, our pastor said, "John was there, he was a witness.  He saw the miracles with his own eyes."  There was my idea!  After all, God had transformed my family and we were certainly direct witnesses to the transformation.  I'm told by many people that their own faith was strengthened by watching us.  I'm humbled by that. 

If I were to name every blessing (and they are bountiful) I'm afraid I'd be regurgitating what I've already written about, which is what I wanted to avoid.  Instead I wanted to write through the lenses of a healing heart (notice how I didn't say healed?).  When I think about all the unknowns this past year, I wish I could have seen what Nov. 11, 2016 (today) looked like, but clearly that's not how it works.  God desires us to put all our trust in Him.  There are still so many unknowns with Mike's business, and I wish I could see what Nov. 11, 2017 looks like, but again, that's not how it works.  God has taught me to be calm, and trust in His plan for my family.  It's the biggest take away I've learned from this experience. 

Many of the conversations and experiences that took place during those first few weeks after Nov. 11, 2015 are sacred to us as a family.  I reflect often on the amazing gift God gave Jay and Nick.  At a young age they learned that God hears our prayers.  They were able to experience God's love and power through transformation and redemption.  They were there, they saw it, and their hearts felt it.  Often time is a gift, and it was given freely to Mike.  But with time, experiences can fade from your memory, hearts heal, and lives go on.  I can already see that taking place within my own family.  It's a natural progression, and it's how we heal.  My prayer for Jay and Nick is that in their darkest hour (and they will have one) they will have hope, and their hearts will be reminded of the experience that shaped their dad and their family.  I pray they will be encouraged from the words that were spoken between the four of us that chilly day in November, that through it all, God's love for us and each other is what's important.  The four of us are on our own journey that is personal to each of us.  I believe that Mike's is probably the most personal, and his journey is his and his alone.  As a life-long Christian, my journey looks different than his.  But one thing the four of us can say without hesitation is we were there, we saw it, our hearts felt it. 

Our historic election

When I started my blog oh so many years ago, I wanted it to serve as nothing more than a diary to my family.  I don't have blog followers.  In fact my only faithful blog follower is my dear mother (God bless you, mom).  I simply wanted our experiences as a family to be well documented so they wouldn't be forgotten.  So today I don't blog about our historic election to make a political statement.  I blog about it so I can remember how historic it actually was and so that my boys don't forget it.   Despite all odds and predictions, a man who has never served in a political office, Donald Trump, was elected President in the wee hours of Nov. 9, 2016.  While it was true, I wasn't happy with either candidate (Hillary Clinton or Trump), I felt it was imperative to make a decision and vote.  I joked that after I voted I would keep my barf bag handy as I walked out of the polling station. I was fairly confident Clinton would win the election.  When I woke up the wee hours of Nov. 9 I was in complete shock to learn Donald Trump had won.  How did that happen?  In my opinion one reason this election was so unique was it under estimated the power of the American people.  And I have never in my life witnessed such a divisiveness in our country and it saddens me greatly.  I imagine there was a lot of conflict when Lincoln was elected and Lincoln was one of our greatest Presidents.  Despite what I think about Trump, my prayer now is that he will be a moral compass for our country.   

Grandparents Day

My mom went to Jay's grandparents day last week.  My mom got someone to take this picture of them and she said it was her goal not to embarrass him.  Mission accomplished!  Jay enjoyed having his nana come and what a sweet picture that was captured from the morning.  Love it.

Go Cubs Go

My dad was and is a huge Cubs fan.  I was raised watching the Cubbies on WGN on Saturday afternoons.  My parents took me to Wrigley Field for ball games when I was a kid.  As I've grown into adulthood, my family isn't as into sports as my dad was.  Sure, the boys play sports and Mike and I enjoy watching them but as far as professional sports and teams go, let's just say we watch when it becomes a really big deal, like it did on Nov. 2.  The Cubs not only made it to the World Series but they won the World Series in what will go down in history as one of the most remarkable come backs!  First the Cubs came back from losing 3 games, then during that final game 7, the Indians tied the game up (in what inning I can't remember) and then rain held off the game for awhile.  It was a real nail biter kind of a game.  Would the Cubbies actually pull it off?  Finally, by 10:00, my blood pressure couldn't take it anymore.  I went to bed but I woke up at 11:00 to check my phone thinking surely the game had ended.  It hadn't!  I couldn't believe it.  It felt like the never ending game 7.  Finally at 11:50 p.m. on Nov. 2 I was jolted out of my sleep by firecrackers (never mind that I thought we were under attack right in my back yard).  Our neighbors behind us let of the most brilliant fireworks display to celebrate an event that hadn't happened in 108 years, The Chicago Cubs won the World Series!  As I always say, I have a love/hate relationship with sports but these past few days it's been nothing but love.  What a joy it's been to see the country so excited and what a welcome diversion it's been from what will be a historical election (next week). 

Happy Halloween

 Halloween doesn't have quite the same meaning as it did years ago.  It's hard to believe my boys are past getting dressed up in costumes.  I had a Halloween party yesterday and Jay put on my giraffe head for giggles and Nick wore a skeleton sweatshirt with crazy glasses.  My favorite Halloween was 6 years ago when I dressed up as Nick's momma giraffe and he was my baby giraffe.  Another favorite of mine was when Nick was 18 months old and Jay was 5.  Jay went as a farmer and Nick went as his cow.  What fun years! 

 Here's my good friend, Brandy and Laura.  I invited 7 families with their children last night.  Mike and I don't think we've ever had so many people in our home but we loved it!  We had snacks first and then took the kids trick or treating. 

 Here are the big boys.  They did not dress up but I guess if you could put a costume on them, it would be, "High school boys growing way too fast."  Ha.  I remember taking pictures of these boys when they were in second grade & now look at them.  They are some good boys though. 

Every year Laura comes in a costume.  I remember years ago she and I would plan elaborate Halloween parties.  Those days are past us but I love her Halloween spirit. 

Our October

 After the summer I had, I have welcomed being busy this fall.  We are getting ready to wrap up October and with it came football games, concussions, get together with friends (see above) and family (see below).  I am beyond thankful for the steady work Mike has had (more on that below).  The picture above was taken this past weekend.  I got together with my former co-workers and although I do not miss my former employer, I sure miss my former employees (ha). 

 My mom took my sister and I to a Halloween tea.  For about a week leading up to the tea, I would ask my mom, "Now what are we doing again?"  I was clueless.  We had such a good time though.  It was great food and great company, a perfect combination.  And of course we laughed over our witches hats that mom got us.  We decided Kim pulls off a hat so much better than we do. 

 Luke and Kim came to Nick's football on Saturday and cousin Luke got to hang (literally) with Jay.

 I'm going to discreetly point out Mike's tshirt in this picture so look closely (it says "Real Men Do Pilates").  I'm posting this picture at my own martial risk, ha.  In late August, Mike was hired to do work at a new pilates studio that was opening.  I hesitate to use the term remodel (because Mike's business isn't really a remodeling business) but essentially that's what he did.  It needed a lot of work and Mike did a ton of work that included custom work.  He was happy to have the steady work (and income) and his customer was thrilled with the end result.  She invited our family to her grand opening and gave Mike his pilates tshirt.  I love that he wore it and actually smiled while wearing it.  Ha. 

Here's Kim and I at our Halloween tea.  As I write this blog, I am at my table, looking out over my back yard that is covered with leaves.  The wind is colder and I'm consistently wearing long jeans and sweatshirts.  Football for Nick wraps up this upcoming weekend and Jay has already started basketball.  What a month, but I am so thankful for my health (especially after this summer), the steady work Mike continues to have and my family.  I find that even though I feel somewhat blindfolded in this new journey I'm on with Mike, God is still present in my everyday life.  Mike and I have a new phrase that we say to each other but for different reasons, "Stay on Path."  Our path is still very unknown and foreign but we're trying to stay on that path each and everyday. 

I heart audio books

I may have blogged about this before but Nick loves audio books.  What makes my heart really sing about this is reading is hard for Nick (and Jay).  I'm an avid reader.  Right now I'm reading, "The Nightingale," by Kristen Hannah.  Every time I pick that book up it takes me to France during WWII.  I can learn about what France was like and I can almost close my eyes and picture the characters and the village they lived in.  I can almost smell the smoke in the air from the bombs and feel their hunger (well almost).  I might be a little dramatic but this is what reading does for you.  It opens doors for you and just because you have trouble reading doesn't mean you can't be transformed by it.  With the help from my mom, Nick has discovered a joy in listening to audio books.  He recently devoured "Wonder" and now he's listening to "Dead End, in Norfolk."  Every night when he goes to bed I hear him listening to the latest chapter in the book he's listening to.  Last week my mom rented an audio book that Nick's entire classroom is listening to right now.  His teacher sent me the picture above.  Five students (including Nick) got to listen to the audio and read along. All I can say is thank goodness for nana's (thanks mom) and thank goodness for audio books.

Good times at the farm

 This weekend we went with our good friends to their parents farm.  This is the second year we've done this and it never disappoints.  My boys love it.  There is something to be said to be out in the middle of nowhere (literally) separating cattle, getting dirty, riding around on four wheelers, fishing and doing good old fashioned work.  Come to think of it, I rarely saw Jay on his phone while we were there and that is a small miracle. 

 Jami's parents got a new beagle puppy, Rhedd.  She loved Jay.  She would have growled at me if I picked her up this way.  ha. 

 The pond is fully stocked with fish and Nick got a monster catfish and Big Jay (below) helped him fillet all the fish on Saturday night. First thing this morning all the kids got up (all 8 of them) and went fishing. 

And here's all 8 kids!  Jami's parents hosted 18 people in their home this weekend - kid you not.  If that's not hospitality, I don't know what is.  We had a ball and I am so thankful for friends like Jami and Andy, Brandy and Jay and Laura and Mike.