Remembering the Days

I was looking at some pictures of my kids hanging on the wall.  Adorable pictures I changed to black and white.  They were at the park, and I managed to get them all together, looking at the camera.  I wanted to remember their faces just as they were.

And I did.  And still do.

And I miss them!  Those little child faces that look up at you.  The chubby cheeks, little hands that explore and experience new things.

I love them now, and I'm truly impressed with the people they're becoming,

but there was Bubs who used to put earphones on and sing at the top of his lungs, and climb on anything and everything.  Or Timo with his quiet observation and stubborn strong-willed grunts and that haunting wail when he realized that Charlotte died in the Charlotte's Web movie.  San and his crazy faces and mixed languages, getting so frustrated when others couldn't understand him.  Then there's Em and her firstbornness...all the mistakes that we made with her, but enjoyed all the firsts as well...those little eyes peeking up out of the cradle Papa made, hearing it rock on the wood floor, letting us know she was awake.

Don't get me wrong...I wouldn't go back again: to the doctor's appointments and shots, bottles, carrying tons of stuff everywhere I went.

But I miss those little people.

I'm glad I took the pictures.

Happy Birthday, Timo!

The oldest boy is 17 today.

What can I say about him.  Except for a year of sleepless nights and projectile vomiting, he's been little to no trouble at all. 

There's a few things about him that impress me just a bit: 
He is a hard worker.  Always has been.  I have pictures of him covered in grease, helping daddy fix his mower.  His favorite toy was his tool belt and tools.
He's a loyal friend.  He is caring and self-sacrificing for his friends, but not to a fault.  He has distinct boundaries, and he won't let someone take advantage of him.
He's a risk taker.  He knows how to weigh risks and is willing to take calculated ones. 
He follows his passion and is willing to work hard to follow his dream.

And he's kind.

On this day, Timo, I'm just so proud of the young man you've become.  Strong yet humble is hard to find in this day and age. 

Love you, Bud!

So Proud of my First Born Son

He went to work today, despite not feeling 100%.  I really like the fact that he's learned at such a young age that when you work, others depend on you to be there.  It's no longer just about you.  It's now about you and others.  Reliability, trustworthiness, self sacrifice...it's what it takes to work and be a good example in the world we live in.  And he knows that.  At 17.  *sigh*

Burleson Takes care of our Youngsters!

Just click on the following link:


http://www.burlesonstar.net/

We are number 8 of the top 100 communities that are positive influences on their youth.  American Promise Alliance recognizes 100 communities across the nation, and Burleson was 8th on the list.  How cool is that?

I knew I liked this place.

Working on a Project...

...and it'll be fun if it really works out.

In the meantime,

You know how I love watching people who are good at what they do?  I had a moment like that today.
Very unexpected.  Em and I were sitting at a stoplight, and a guy standing on the corner caught our eye.  He was standing in the pouring rain, and was holding an advertisement sign.

You know those policemen that direct traffic, and do all kinds of stunts while they are doing it?  That's what this guy was doing, and he was having a blast!  He had a huge smile on his face, earphones in his ears, and he was spinning that sign this way and that, communicating with each and every driver that went by.  It was a particularly long light for Em and me, but we were disappointed when the light turned green. 

All I know is that car dealership made a wonderful investment in giving this guy the simple task of holding a sign for them.  Not only did he hold the sign, but he connected with everyone that drove by.  I'm sure they didn't pay him enough.

Fall.....

....*sigh*

A Kindred Spirit.

We've lived overseas. 

We're both named Stacy.

We have boys who love baseball.

We both love horses and owned them when we were younger.

We have husbands who are perfectionists.

We have some of the same struggles.

And she knows when I need a little something extra.

Thanks for the basket, for the goodies, and for the wonderful gift of your friendship, Stacy.  God just may have used you to restore my faith in people.