Football 101

We signed Kobe up for football today. Darin went with him and helped to pick out equipment. We then had to have a little football equipment 101 lesson with dad showing mom and son how all of the pads fit and how to tighten up the chin strap since he will be busy with his own team during the season. It really was a trip!

Kobe

Well, it was 10 years ago since I became a mother. It's hard to imagine because in some ways it seems like it was yesterday that he was born and in others it seems like I have always been a mother. I was a mother to half of the world, but never to my own. Kobe made that dream come true. All of those months of negative tests, being shocked that I was pregnant, all of the planning, nothing prepared me for those first few seconds when they set you on my chest. Of course right after that they ran you to the NICU and we started one big adventure that is still happening. You have taught me to expect the unexpected, to see the joys in life. and to realize that you and I don't always have the same opinion (and you are not afraid to point that out!!!)

I love you Kobe!!!!

Vacation, VBS, and Kobe's Birthday

Well, we have had a fun couple of weeks with VBS, vacation and Kobe's birthday!!!

Summer

Well, we are half way through summer. Kobe wants to know when we get to just relax! He has a point. At some point in every mom's life I guess it happens, but I was just not ready. Kobe is now officially the person in our house that has the most active social calendar. Yes, Darin has football and that is enough, but Kobe has Baseball games, baseball camp, football camp, church camp, parties, etc. I can't believe he will be 10 next month! I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of things to come!
We also did VBS last week. It was a lot of fun. I was Kailyn's teacher. That won't happen again. She did not let me touch another child without pitching a fit! I hope she makes it at school next year!

We are going to try to have a relaxing day today! Nothing is planned except for football and Kobe's baseball party. I guess we can relax later!!!

Blessings

I have driven a Honda Civic for 14 years. It got great gas mileage and was a little beat up, but we owned it free and clear and I was not getting into debt with another car payment until the wheels fell off. Well, in the last month, we have spent over $650 in repairs and there is no stopping in sight. So, we finally bit the bullet and bought a new vehicle. That is all very normal stuff unless you know the behind the scenes story.

We bought the Civic very early in our marriage. As a matter of fact it was our first major purchase. God protected us and saw that we were not capable of making a good decision if our lives depended on it and led us to this car. It has taken Kobe home from the hospital, been in an ice storm where it was rear ended, hit by a semi, and hit by a coyote. We have some history, this little car and me. I love the way that every mile was added by me. I love that it was a symbol of the first decision Darin and I made as a couple. I love that every dent is a reminder of how God protects us. But alas, she started showing her age. The window broke, the wheel turner thing needed to be replaced, the battery died for the hundredth time.

The final straw was about two weeks ago. The kids and I were at the library. We get in the car and she just won't start. Darin was in Tulsa with his dad at a doctor's appointment. I call every one I know, but no one was home. Darin finally calls and says he is almost home and comes in to get me. He also happens to mention he and his dad stopped off at a car lot and found a car we needed to look at. Financially, we needed a few months more to save for the down payment, so we put the plan on the back burner. Well, that was not God's plan. Darin's dad happens to know the owner of the car lot. He called and dropped the price of this car to a ridiculously low price. We go to the bank and they made us a loan without any down payment- God doesn't seem to know that a recession is going on. This all worked out within a matter of hours. I drove the car, checked it out on line, and found it to be a great deal. The only problem was that Darin was in Norman at football camp. I call him at every stage and we decide to wait until he gets home to purchase this vehicle. We go today, get the car, and just like that God takes my plans and gives me more than I can imagine! Isn't He good?

Mother's Day

Well, it took all week to find the time to write this post. I have thought about it all week. It started Sunday and hasn't stopped all week. I just have not taken the time to write it (maybe I have just now completely processed it).

It all started with the preacher saying he knows that some women sitting in church on Mother's Day absolutely dread that day. He then said all women are that mother figure to someone. This brings up so many hard memories for me. I can remember praying, crying, begging for God to give me a baby. I grieved on Mother's Day like no other. I know I should have been thankful for my mom and I am so thankful for my mom. But you see, I wanted to be that mom for someone else and for some reason God wasn't ready for me to be that yet. Yes, it is true. I teach school. I have been a mom to many children. Before Darin and I had children, I always had someone else's child with me. I pray I made the difference I was supposed to for those children. BUT holding your own child is something I longed for and wanted. I remember the morning I found out I was pregnant. Darin made me take 3 pregnancy tests before he let me get my hopes up. I had taken so many and none were positive before, but we didn't want to believe until we were for sure. I laugh at the memory of our first doctor's appointment when the doctor came in and gave me all my new literature and Darin asked if he was sure I was pregnant! Now my boy is almost ten.He had a shaky start with NICU and all, but he is as healthy as they come. Kailyn has been another story. She came along much easier. I did take a false negative, then took another a week later and it was positive. We just had many surprises along the way- my high blood pressure that ended up being toxemia and meant a magnesium drip during labor to assure my blood pressure did not rise. Talk about nausea. I threw up and she came out, literally. I laugh and say she is probably the only child who can say her mom threw her up! It took us two miraculous years for her to become completely healthy. I look at her and can't help but use the word miracle!!! So as I sat there Sunday, I felt so blessed to have my beautiful, healthy children.

Then, of course, I look at my mother and think how blessed I am. I have the kind of mother that loves unconditionally and gives up her time for both her children and grandchildren. What an example she is! My children have the best Nana. I feel so lucky to have her. I can't even begin to count the times she has dropped things to come and help us out.

My grandma is another precious example of love. She has been there for us through so much I can't even count the ways!

I have had some good examples!!!

My mother- in-law is another great example. Talk about a woman who loves her children and grandchildren. She is there for all of us in so many ways.

So, on this Mother's Day week, I am thankful for my children, my family, and all of the women in my life that have shown me how to mother by example.

Easter

I thought I would finally post Easter pics. We had the traditional Easter lunch at my grandparents. It was really cold!