Nick's Christmas Program

 My mom and I look forward to the school Christmas program every year.  After this year, I'll only have two more left.  However, I've figured out that my friend, Erin, has a 3 year old so I may have to come and see Natalie perform for years to come.  This year there was a new music teacher and she had big shoes to fill and boy did she fill them!  She did a wonderful job and added some new touches to the program that everyone seemed to enjoy.  She played the piano, the kids performed from the bleachers and the older kids performed little skits throughout the program.  The picture above is Nick's class.  It's not a good picture and you really can't see Nick but I tried.  At least you get the jist of it. 

 After the program Nick had his class Christmas party.  He and a few of his friends even got their picture taken with Santa. 

And Nick's Christmas angel this year is Mrs. Westerfield!  What a wonderful 3rd grade year he is having.  What a blessing! 

Life with Cole......one year later

 Cole became a part of our family on Dec. 27, 2013 so here we are nearly one year later.  There was certainly more of an adjustment period with Cole.  Mike describes him perfectly.  Mike likes to compare Cole to a fraternity brother.....a college boy with really good intentions but no manners and a really" DUH" demeanor.  You will often hear all of us saying, "Cole, come here ya big dope."  He's obsessed with food, he eats his own poop and Copper's too, he has no concept of personal space and he's down right obnoxious but even with all those character flaws, one look at the picture above and you'll know why we've kept him as a permanent part of our family.  Cole LOVES Nick and Nick loves Cole.  It took awhile to get that point.  In the beginning Cole annoyed Nick but over time Nick has truly warmed towards his dog and the two of them are like Jay and Copper, two peas in a pod. 

 Despite Mike's frustration with Cole, he enjoys him and Cole has provided our family with a lot of laughs through the year.  He's like an old man who doesn't know he's funny.  Cole perches (hence the picture above) while Mike pets his neck.  He loves it.  Cole has been known to literally fall over from being petted.  He's like one of fainting goats.......all of the sudden he's sitting and the next thing we know he's on the ground! 

And I just threw this picture in, just because.  I thought it was super cute of Jay and Nick........Mike has a bit of a cheesy/fake grin but I like it anyway. 

Taking one for the team

I debated whether I should title my blog "Taking one for the team," or "Mike's endearing qualities."  I opted for "Taking one for the team," but you'll see why the two titles go hand in hand.  Our family is heavily involved in basketball right now.  Jay is playing, Nick is playing and Mike is assistant coach for Nick's team.  What am I doing you ask?  Driving all over central IL to go to games and putting on weight from sitting in the bleachers.  Our challenge is deciding which parent is going to which game.  This makes it very difficult for Mike because he's committed to helping with Nick's team so Mike has missed several of Jay's games (and I've missed several of Nick's) because Nick either has a game on the same nights or practice.  We don't spend a lot of time thinking about it because it is what it is.  I like to joke that Jay is taking one for the family this basketball season.  Although Mike never coached Jay's teams, he rarely missed a practice and often times would take Jay early so they could practice together.  Now it's Nick's turn.  The past year has been difficult for Nick which in turn was hard on Mike and I.  The ship has finally started to veer and head in the right direction and as any parent can imagine, that makes this mom and dad very happy.  Nick loves his dad helping to coach his team and although Nick's attitude was less than happy when he started basketball, his attitude has slowly improved.  I have had the pleasure of seeing my husband in a role that I thought I'd never see.  He never ceases to amaze me.  He has gotten to know all the boys on Nick's team and I've never heard him say a negative word about any of them.  He recognizes what skills they need to work on but he sees the potential in all of them which is exactly how it should be in third grade sports but as we all know, sometimes that isn't how it is.  It's all about winning and playing your best players.  I like Mike's philosophy.  He firmly believes that we have no idea what this group of third players will develop into (basketball wise) but there is something in all of them that can be developed to make them better.  Slowly but surely we've seen the team improve, enjoy the game more and playing as a team.  It's been a joy to see.  I wish Jay's season was going as well as Nick but the truth is, it's not.  My dear friend, Laura, gave me excellent advice regarding Jay's situation.  She said that although things may seem really bad, the truth is this experience might be instilling a sense of perseverance and commitment with Jay.  And this may be Jay's first real lesson in learning that life is simply unfair sometimes.

Happy 7th Birthday, Lauren

 The start of December begins with Lauren's birthday and honestly I can't think of a better way to begin the holiday season.  Lauren was born at 28 weeks, weighing only 2 lbs.  She's a testament to the power of God and His healing and her birthday reminds us of the most perfect gift in Jesus. 

 Lauren had a friend over and Kim invited our family for dinner, presents and dessert (of course).  On Lauren's actual birthday I went in to have lunch with her.  I loved it! 

This picture has nothing to do with Lauren's birthday.  We had one of those weekends where we didn't stop and I hate it when that happens but with two boys in activities, it happens.  Jay had a game yesterday and these three stoogies sat together.  This is Nick with Cole & Noah. 

Jesus never lets go

Last night I went to check Jay's phone and I found this as his screen saver.  It was the perfect end to a very busy day. 

Reunited and it feels so good

 Jenny, Faith and Curtis went to Haiti for a mission trip during the week of Thanksgiving.  We saw them before they left but then they left and when one goes to Haiti, there is no contact.  Jenny would post pics every evening on Facebook so that was my only connection to them while they were gone. I thank God they are all home safely and well.  Their trip was a success!  Last night they came out to our house to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Mike had a delicious pork loin and the kids enjoyed each others company in front of the fire. 

 And what's not normal about an evening with friends and having a "plank competition?"  I think Curtis won this one which is pretty good considering that boy just built a house in Haiti all week. 

                                         Nick wanted to read Jenny his report on his flashlight fish. 

                                           Sometimes there just isn't words for these two boys!

It's been a full and blessed weekend.  I was lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving day with my mom and my grandparents (and of course Mike and the boys).  It was a very relaxed and special day.  Today we headed to Uncle Mike's to celebrate the Schmidt family Christmas.  The picture above is of my 85 year old grandparents with most of their great grandchildren (four of them missing in this picture). 

Nick's first basketball game

 Nick played his first basketball game today.  His team is still learning which makes me smile because I've watched Jay and his group since they played together in fourth grade so it's fun for me to watch these boys build their skills.  Nick isn't in love with basketball but I do think if he can change his attitude a bit and give it time, he'll like it more and more.  He still says football is his first love. 

 And here's something I see Mike doing that I thought I'd never see.  Mike is helping with coaching.  He is pretty humble about it and says he's simply helping run drills during practice but Nick loves it (see picture below).  And I gotta say, I think Mike is really, really good at it.  Jay didn't have a game today so he was able to come and cheer on Nick's team. 

Are there any words?  When Nick wasn't playing he had his arm around his dad.  Love.