Daybook # 1 for 2013

Thanks to Peggy for hosting The Simple Woman's Daybook!

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is partly cloudy.

I am thinking...about an email that a dear friend sent to me and my sister late last night.  I wish that she lived closer as she is such a strong and positive Christian friend.

I am thankful...that I am having some time to myself this weekend as the boys are on their final Y-Guides Spring Outing this weekend at Camp Sea Gull!

In the kitchen...take out.  I'm home alone and I am enjoying something from outside the house tonight!

I am wearing...stone colored capri pants and a teal knit top.

I am creating...this post.

I am going...no where I hope!  Other than to grab my take out for dinner.

I am wondering...what is happening with our AC.  I think that we may need a new thermostat, at least that is all I hope it is!

I am reading...Unlocking the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon.  

I am hoping...to sleep in in the morning.

I am looking forward to... watching the baby birds (I think that they are House Finches) grow in the nest that is attached to the wreath on our front door.  Right now they are just little brown fuzz balls.  I hope they make it!

Around the house...it is quiet.  It's just me and Oliver (our Cairn Terrier) this weekend.

I am pondering...what this summer will be like with Ivan.  He is 9 and changing all the time.  

A favorite quote for today..."Sometimes it is better to lose and do the right thing than to win and do the wrong thing." - Tony Blair

One of my favorite things...Downton Abbey!  Oh my, I watched the first episode of season 1 this afternoon and am totally hooked.  I fear that I will have to spend some money to get caught up before season 4 starts in January!

A peek into my day...reading, take out for dinner and some wine.  

I will try to post a picture of our birds when J gets home with the camera tomorrow.  : )

6 Takes...I didn't say that they would all be quick!

--- 1 ---

I turned 40 last Saturday.  I'm doing OK, thanks for asking.  In fact, I am doing great!  J and I had a chance to grab lunch together last Friday and have a mini-date.  I was talking to him about my impending birthday and I realized why this birthday was not hitting me like a ton of bricks, as I had been warned it might.  I'm exactly where I want to be in life.  I'm a happily married wife.  I'm a mom, something that was in serious question 10 years ago, and I mostly like who I am.  Perhaps at 50 I'll be able to say I totally like myself...we'll see!

--- 2 ---

Over Ivan's winter break we traveled to Disney World for a week.  It was a blast!  It was a different trip than the previous two.  Ivan is more opinionated and at times moody.  The World only exaggerates our best and worst qualities and Ivan is no exception to this truth.  However, the trip really represents a shift for me and how I look at Ivan.  That week really showed me how much he has grown up.  It's time for me to stop thinking of him as a little kid.  He is still a kid, but tween is right around the corner and I need to get prepared.  It's time for me to stop sheltering him so much.  I need to be willing to share more information about events around the world - age appropriate, of course.

--- 3 ---

My Bible Study Class concluded this week.  We will reunite in early September.  I always feel like I enter a small desert without the accountability that my Bible Study provides.  However, I did order several books that were recommended by my Moms in Prayer group at school.  I am hoping to improve my prayer life while I take a break from Bible Study this summer.  We'll see if I can be disciplined enough once school is out to get up early and have my quiet time.

--- 4 ---

I say it EVERY year, but my how time is flying!  Third grade is almost over!  Oh my, my kid will be a Fourth grader next fall.  Whoa.

--- 5 ---

J is hosting a rather lavish dinner party for me tomorrow evening.  When he first mentioned it I was less than enthusiastic, but now I am really looking forward to it.  He is serving surf and turf (Fillet Mignon and  Lobster).  Yum....

--- 6 ---

Sadly, Ivan is running a fever today.  Nothing too high like he experienced in January, but still it's hard to watch him not feel well.  Any prayers you could spare for a quick and complete recovery would be very appreciated.  Thanks!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Appreciated!

Ivan and I were working on homework yesterday afternoon and having a rather difficult time navigating through his history project.  J was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper.  Ivan and I finally got through the rough patch and went on to make the most of a difficult time.  An hour or so later, J came into the kitchen and gave me a hug and a kiss and whispered in my ear.  He told me how much he appreciated the work I was doing with Ivan on his project.  He also said that he knew that it wasn't always appreciated by Ivan, but that he appreciated the work I was doing.

I'm putting this little piece here so that I can come back to it when I am feeling UNappreciated around these parts.  Which, as the only women in this house, can be fairly frequently!

Happy Fall Break!

Today is the first day of Ivan's Fall Break.  He is off from school for the next three days.  I think that we were both ready for a little freedom from our rigid school routine.

This morning when I rolled down the stairs at 7:07 I was met by a sweet surprise.  The lights were out downstairs.  I knew that Ivan was awake and downstairs, I had heard him closing a cabinet door only moments before.  When my feet hit the bottom step he jumped out and yelled "Happy Fall Break, Mommy!"  Then he showed me that he had fixed me breakfast (my choice of granola bars displayed on the kitchen table) and a glass of water.  Since this is what he sees me eat almost every Sunday morning - one of the few days he sees me eat breakfast - this was an appropriate breakfast selection.  He had also made me a lovely poster reading "Happy Fall Break!" that was pinned to the cork board in the kitchen.  It was a very sweet start to what I hope will be a fun Fall Break.

Hungry? Try one of these...UPDATED for 2012!

Here are some recipes that we are loving over here. All are "new" to us in that I have only been making them since the New Year started. If you try one and enjoy it, let me know!

I have been posting most of my new recipe finds over on Pinterest.  Come and take a look!

Pepperoni Rolls.  I've made this three times since I pinned it to my Pinterest board a few months ago.  It is one of Ivan's favorites.  When he sees it on the menu board, he gets so excited.  I like to make this tomato sauce to dip it in.  Mmmm.  Enjoy!  (9/14/12)

Navy Bean and Smoked Sausage soup - a clear winner with J. This has become his favorite soup. It makes a ton, but the leftovers are really good too. (3/1/10)

Fire-Roasted Tomato Chipotle soup - this is now one of my favorite soups. I really do not like tomatoes as a general rule so this was a risk for me to try. However, fire roast those things and I LOVE them. We have found that the tortilla chips are completely unnecessary but smoked cheddar is a must. Good stuff. (3/1/10)

Chicken Divan - my sister has been raving about this dish for a long time now. I finally tried it a few weeks ago. It's good, not great. A little heavy to have in the regular rotation, but we made two and now have one in the freezer for an easy meal one evening. (3/1/10)  I feel compelled to add:  I made this again last night with much more appealing results.  I used a little less curry than it calls for (personal taste) and a different and more appealing wine.  Oh, and a roasted chicken that I got on sale at the grocery store.  All of these minor changes added up to a much more satisfying meal!  So now I can heartily recommend this meal...go and enjoy.  (11/23/10)

Teriaki Chicken with a side of snark by TirienneAnne - I made this for dinner tonight. It was delightful. I served the chicken and sauce over brown rice (family preference) and sauteed some snow peas and tossed them into the bowl as well. A definite keeper! (3/1/10)

Shrimp Tacos from Southern Living September 2009 issue - we tried these on the Fourth of July and they were delicious! If you try them feel free to make the batter as follows: 1 egg, 1 cup beer, 1 cup flour, and 2 tsp. fajita seasoning. Don't forget the Mexislaw either...it adds great flavor and crunch. (7/24/10)

Emeril's uber rich and oh so good BBQ shrimp.  Wow, and double wow.  This was so scrumptious I can't even explain how authentic it tasted.  Well worth the effort, which wasn't as much as you would think.  Try it, you'll love it! (8/28/10)

Ellen's Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers.  I found this recipe on one of my favorite blogs last month and finally got around to trying it tonight.  It made a ton of food so I hope the leftovers are as good as the original!  J and I enjoyed it and I plan to make it again soon.  Perhaps next time making it in two dishes and sending the second dish to my parent's house.  Try it, you'll like it!  (10/11/10)

New England Clam Chowder.  What a warm and creamy treat.  I used inexpensive, canned chopped clams to help keep this affordable.  A great bowl of warmth on a cold Sunday afternoon.  This was easy and quick.  Yum. (10/17/10) 

Seared Duck Breast.  J made this last year for Christmas and we decided to make it again this year.  Wow and double wow.  That pretty much sums it up folks. (12/25/10)



As you can clearly see I love to search for recipes on The Food Network. They have so much variety and it's easy to search. I love to serve soup on Sunday evenings so that is why there are many soups recipes. Bon appetite!

Quick Takes #3

--- 1 ---

Ivan was out for Winter Break the first three days of this week.  It was really nice spending some extra time together.  We especially enjoyed not having to be so structured each day.  I love structure as a general rule, however, it is always nice to be a little less rigid.

--- 2 ---

I made some more homemade hummus this week.  Yum!  Might I suggest that you read the comments and watch the video before making it.  There are some really helpful hints in the comments.  It is also great with some chipolte peppers mixed in.  Enjoy!

--- 3 ---

I was asked this week to co-chair our church's VBS this summer.  I really prayed about it and am still a little unsure if I am following God's plan or my own fear with my answer.  I declined on Wednesday evening.  Sadly, this has never been a ministry I felt led to serve in, much less co-chair!  I am feeling a little smarmy because I am a "pleaser" and I KNOW that my answer was not pleasing.

--- 4 ---

I went to the dentist this morning.  A good report overall, just a few fillings that need to be replaced.  Ugh. However, at least they are not crowns!  I have had one crown done and it was terribly expensive.  Thank goodness for dental insurance.

--- 5 ---

Ivan's birthday is just around the corner.  He will be eight!  I can hardly believe it.  He is really starting to explore testing boundaries with me in particular.  I need to pray for more patience and consistency in my parenting.  He is a great kid overall, but he is willing to push my buttons from time to time.  I guess we would call that normal!  

--- 6 ---

We are planning a week at the beach for Ivan's Spring Break.  I am getting very excited about this trip.  The weather will likely not be as good as last year (we are going two weeks earlier) but the getting away part should be just as rewarding!

--- 7 ---

I am trying to be more thankful in my prayer life this year.  So far, I have been fairly successful with including thanks for many (seemingly mundane) things each day in my prayers.  However, I feel that I am becoming a little static with my thanks.  I need to really work on moving beyond where I am now and dig a little deeper to share with God my appreciation of all that he has done/is doing/will do for me.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Daybook post #1

Thanks to Peggy for the Daybook template!

Outside my window...it is 71 degrees and windy.  That is crazy weather for February even for NC!  Tomorrow's high is a much more seasonal 50.  


I am thinking...that the house is quiet.  Ivan is over at Nana and Papa Wayne's playing with his favorite cousin.


I am thankful...for my Bible study this year.  We are studying the book of Amos right now and I feel that it has a lot that I need to hear right now.  It is reminding me not to worry so much about the actions as the heart behind the action.


In the kitchen...homemade pizza tonight.  Yum!!


I am wearing...my standard at home wear.  Bluejeans and a periwinkle colored knit top.


I am creating...yeah, I don't really create, but boy do I love to BAKE!  I will be baking mint brownies and lemon squares tomorrow for a potluck that we are attending Sunday evening.


I am going...nowhere.  I love that statement.  I have no plans to go anywhere until church on Sunday morning.


I am wondering...if my sweet husband will know that I spent the morning vacuuming the whole house.  Sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn't.  I really like it when he does, I thrive on appreciation.



I am re-reading...The Firm.  I read it about 20 years ago while at the river with one of my good girlfriends.  I could hardly put it down that weekend and am finding the same to be true the second time around.  However, there are so many more distractions nowadays!


I am hoping...to finish this Daybook before anyone else comes home or calls.


I am looking forward to...time with J and Ivan this weekend.  Also, a nice roaring fire all-day tomorrow.


I am learning...that I have very little discipline when it comes to working out.  I decided (along with my best girlfriend) to do 20-30 minutes of Wii Fit 5 days a week for Lent.  I'm on day three and it has been a struggle to get started EACH day!  Once I get going it is no big deal, but getting started is awful for me.  The past three days I have had to tell myself that this was what I chose to do to honor God's sacrifice for me on the cross and that it is NOTHING in comparison to what He gave for me.


Around the house...things look pretty good, if I do say so myself.


I am pondering...nothing at the moment.


A favorite quote for today...It's the hard that makes it great.  If it wasn't hard then anyone could do it.  -Jimmy Dugan from a League of Their Own


One of my favorite things...is watching Project Runway.  I LOVE that show.


A few plans for the rest of the week: Ivan is on Winter Break next week for three days.  We will be spending some extra time together and I am looking forward to not having as much structure as we normally do during the week.  Remind me I said that next Thursday, ok?


A peek into my day...quiet really.  I vacuumed and straightened the house.  Picked-up Ivan from school and went by the library (which was closed oddly enough) and then took him to my parents house to play with his cousin.  Sorry no picture today!

Quick Takes #1

Wow, the above was easy to add thanks to Jennifer's quick and easy template.  Thanks to Ellen for sharing that little tip with those of us who are "Blogger Challenged" like me!


 --- 1 ---
It's been way too long since I have posted here.  It's not that we haven't been busy, it's just that I want to share something important and worth remembering.  However, for the sake of memory keeping I must drop that requirement and just get on here and post sometimes.  Otherwise, I forget half of the little things that I want to remember!

--- 2 ---
Ivan is well into second grade now (the first day of school was August 15).  He is thoroughly enjoying his teachers.  I say teachers because he has a student teacher in his class for the first semester.  She has attended Liberty University and has been studying to become a teacher at a Christian School.  She has four children and honestly looks younger than me!  She seems great and Ivan likes her a lot.  His primary teacher is a little older than me and has two children who attend Ivan's school.  So far he is having a very successful year in all respects.  We'll take each week as it comes though.

--- 3 ---
Our sweet Cairn Terrier, Oliver, continues to be a sweet, little, delight for the whole family.  He has hair for days, but thankfully doesn't really shed.  I am trying to get a handle on how to hand strip his coat myself, at least partially.  To have it done by a professional is very expensive.  

--- 4 ---
I am no longer watching my wonderful niece CCB in the afternoons, as she has started kindergarten this fall.  Her school does not get out until 3:45, so there is no need for me to watch her.  I miss seeing her on a regular basis and so does Ivan.  However, it gives me some time back that I was spending in carline at preschool.  

--- 5 ---
J and Ivan visited the USS Yorktown with their Y-Guides tribe last weekend.  They had a blast from all reports.  They slept on the boat for two nights and ate all of their meals on the boat.  Ivan even brought me back a recipe for 10,000 chocolate chip cookies.  The recipe calls for 500 eggs.  It is said that when the ship was active they made this recipe at least every other day. 

--- 6 ---
While the boys were on their trip  I was here alone for 48 hours (just me and Oliver).  It was bliss.  I really needed the time to myself.  They arrived home Sunday afternoon and I felt recharged and rested.

--- 7 ---
Last, but certainly not least, J and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this month.  I love him so much, and know that he is the man that God wanted me to partner with for this lifetime and I am so grateful.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Outstanding Student and All A Honor Roll!

Ivan finished First Grade today with flying colors!  His teacher selected him as the "Outstanding Student of the Year" in her class.  Ivan's teacher chose him because she felt that Ivan most thoroughly represented the Christian characteristics that the school is striving to instill in the children.  Obviously, J and I are SO proud of him.  He is a  wonderful example of Christ...he is so kind, positive, caring, sharing, loving...the list goes on and on!!  Ivan also achieved the all A honor roll for the year.  He made straight A's throughout First Grade.  His school is definitely academically challenging, so this is a really awesome achievement.  The funny thing is that J and I never really discuss grades with Ivan.  We talk about how hard he works and how proud we are of his tenacity, but never about A's, B's or whatever.  I guess this recognition may change that...only because now he will be aware of "grades".  Second grade is a few months away, so we will see.

For now we continue to be so grateful that God saw fit to place him in our lives.  He shows us how we should live just by being himself.  

7!

Today Ivan turns 7 years old!  What?  How did that happen?  (I think I say that every year, and I MEAN it every year too!!)  I still remember him when we first met him.  So tiny and precious and just utterly perfect.  He is still all of those things to me except tiny.  While he will never be the tallest in his class, he likely won't be the shortest either.  God will reveal that in His time.  He still has a smile that will melt anyones heart.  He laughs often and genuinely.  He plays hard and sleeps hard.  He feels deeply and thinks even deeper.  He astounds me with some of his questions, especially about the Trinity and the power of the Holy Spirit.  Thankfully the Holy Spirit has provided me with some good answers when I was completely boggled about how to answer a question.  He loves his cousin C about as much as any friend he has ever had.  They are like siblings - only better because they are only together a couple of days a week, so they don't argue as much.  He adores his dog Oliver (who looks nothing like that picture now that his adult coat has arrived) and they play often in the backyard.  He loves to put Oliver's food bowl down and cover it with his hands and say "This is MY food and you CAN eat it."  Then he uncovers the food and walks away.  Oliver thinks Ivan is the greatest human ever and loves to help wake him in the morning before school.

My kid rocks and I feel so blessed to have been chosen to be his Mom.  I think about his birth mom a lot around this time of year.  Wondering what she must be thinking and or feeling, knowing that I will never know or really understand.  I am certain that the day does not pass unnoticed.  You don't carry a life in your womb for 9 months then give birth and forget.  I know that much at least.  I pray for her to know that he is well and thriving and LOVED beyond belief.  I pray that she is comforted in the knowledge that he was adopted and not raised in the orphanage.

7, my goodness how fast you have arrived.  No longer a little boy, but a boy.  Before I know it you will be a preteen, and then a full fledged (shutter) teenager!  And then an adult.  11 years until legally you will be considered one anyway.  There are so many adventures to experience between now and then and so many after that time too.  I can't wait to watch them all unfold and walk them with you when that is the right thing to do.  I love you son, like I have never loved anything or anyone.  Keep being wonderful you, always.

Lord, I thank you for the precious gift that you bestowed on me and J.  Keep helping us to raise him as you would will it.  Keep him safe in your arms.  Amen.

Biker Boy

Today Ivan rode his bike without training wheels for the first time!  He did a great job and I couldn't be prouder of him!!  We removed the training wheels a while ago, but just had not found the right time or weather to get out there and try it.  Today however, all of those things just lined-up and off we went.  J helped him get to the cul-de-sac and then we took turns helping him along.  He needs to work on not leaning to one side or the other and of course trusting himself, but those things will come with time and practice.  He does have a skinned knee but it is actually from the scooter ride (he's been riding his scooter for well over a year now) that he took after riding his bike.  The pine cone just jumped out in front of him...or something.  He's getting so grown-up!

Student of the Month!

Today Ivan was honored as September's Student of the Month for his first grade class!  The teacher chooses the child that she feels best embodies the months character trait.  This months trait was kindness.  Anyone who knows Ivan will not be surprised by this honor because Ivan is one kind soul.  J and I were informed about this honor last week so that we could attend chapel to see him receive his certificate.  Tomorrow he will have lunch in the student life center with the Lower School Principle.  He is SO excited!  J and I are so proud. 

The Lord has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams with our little boy.  Thank you Lord.

Setting the Record Straight...

We were driving home from school this afternoon when God blessed me with a wonderful moment of ...validation, maybe?  I don't know the right word at the moment so that will have to do.  Anyway, Ivan, cousin C and I are slipping down the road towards home.  The two of them are always very chatty after carpool and usually it is nothing worth hearing, so I tune them out.  Today however, was different.

C says "W was the first child out of mommy's tummy and then you came out of your mommy's tummy..."  Ivan immediately interrupts her with "No.  That is not right. "  C says "Yes, it is.  W, then you and then me."  Ivan says again "No.  I did not come out of my mommy's tummy.  I came from another ladies tummy and then my mom and dad came and adopted me.  The other lady is still in Kazakhstan.  Punch buggy green!  No punch backs!!"

I don't know why this touched me so much, but it did.  J and I refer to her as his birth-mother not "the other lady".  He is 6 though and was trying to get his point across before he was interrupted, so I let it go.  It was validating perhaps because it shows me that he sees us as mom and dad not his "adopted mom and dad" and that he has absorbed at least some of what we have tried to share with him over the years about his "history".  I wanted to record this so that  when he is a nasty teenager and possibly throws that one out I can be reminded that at his core and in his heart we are just mommy and daddy.

 

I don't know why I love you but I do...

Oliver's favorite place in the house...the fridge!

I'm about to admit something that I am not proud to share: I didn't want to love Oliver. Sure, I wanted to like him. I was planning to like him a lot, but love him? No. The pain when we lost Sherman was so awful I was convinced that I did not want to go through that ever again. However, as always God has a better plan for us than we have for ourselves. In short, I have fallen so hard for this sweet little guy. His antics make me laugh out loud daily. I love to watch him explore the house and yard. I enjoy playing with him, except when he nips me...not loving that. I enjoy watching him nap too. In short his presence here has been more than just a balm for my soul, he has shown me that my heart can (and has) grow.

A New Addition...

Today we added a new member to our family. Welcome Oliver Twist the Cairn Terrier! Oliver turned 8 weeks old today. Here's to many happy years in our family!

This That and The Other...

This is as they say a "catch-all" entry.

Tomorrow Ivan finishes Kindergarten. What, how, when? This blessing of a year has gone by SO fast that I find that I am rather shaken by the speed of it. How did we get here so fast? I am so proud of how well Ivan has handled the intense academics that have been handed to him this year as well as many new social situations too. He has handled everything with a maturity and grace that really is rare in a six year old boy. J likes to say that Ivan is an old soul...I think he is really on to something there.

Last weekend I was so fortunate to spend a night away with my best girlfriend, S. We went to a large city that is kind of half way between our two homes. We laughed, shopped and ate until we dropped the following afternoon at the time of our departure. We usually like to have a "mission" when we shop and this time it was to find me a new handbag. I found one alright. The black and white one on the left. Notice the price? Yeah, me too. I'm just too darn practical to spend that kind of money on a handbag. I could justify it in that I typically keep a handbag (and use it everyday) for three or more years. My current one has been with me since I left the diaper bag behind 4 years ago. However, I just can't spend that much on something for me. No way. So, I will look on ebay and call the Coach outlet stores every few months just in case it should lower by more than 50% into a range that I MIGHT consider. For now though, I found a wonderful bag that is similar in shape and size and was only a fraction of the cost of THE bag.

Ivan and J are out fishing with my Dad right now. Ivan has never fished before, and I can't wait to hear all about it. He has been into "man time" since my absence last weekend. J planned a jammed packed weekend of fun while I was away, so it came as no great shock when Ivan asked when I would be leaving again. I always tell J that "I can't teach him how to be a man, that's your department." So far he's doing a great job!

We should be getting the puppy in just a couple of weeks. We are all SO excited! It will be an adjustment for sure, but the good times will far outweigh the bad times. Sherman's life was proof of that.

Life here is good. We are blessed to have a lovely home, a great school for Ivan, each other and of course an ever growing relationship with God. Life is good.

Moms and Muffins...

This morning Ivan and his class hosted Moms and Muffins. I totally forgot about it since we were at Disney last week. However, God did not forget. He placed it in my mind as I was in the line at the bank. I raced over to school and was 15 minutes late, but I got there and this wonderful little gem was waiting for me when I arrived.

Mothers are special...

This is how my mother looks...her is really tall. Her has brown eyes, like me.

Her age is...37.

She really likes to...read with me and play games.

She likes to cook...pizza...but she buys it! She cooks french fries.

My mother does not like it when I...draw on something I'm not to.

I make my mother happy when I...clean up my room and do my chores in one day!

My mother is special because...her is my mother!

Ivan's teacher read all of these out loud (the part I missed) then the children served us a muffin, some wonderful strawberries and a drink. Then they cleared our plates and we were able to visit and enjoy the rest of the day together. What a blessing and to think that I almost missed it! Praise the Lord that I did not!!

When you wish upon a star...

We are off to the house the mouse built for a week! I'm sure that there will be plenty to share when we return. We are all SO excited!!

TTFN!

Happy Birthday!

Today is Ivan's 6th birthday! Wow, time flies when you are having fun!!

I wanted to say no...

This afternoon I was feeling a little blah. Not sad exactly, but not my usual self for sure. I was on the couch in the den when Ivan came in from his playroom. He climbed right onto my lap and we were face to face. He asked me what I was doing and I asked him what he was doing and then he asked me if I wanted to go out and play basketball* with him. I wanted to say no. I wanted to say no way, I am sitting here feeling all blah and I don't want to get off of the couch and go outside where it is cold. But I didn't. I looked into those wonderful, brown eyes and said "Sure, that would be great". I knew it would lift my mood and that those are the moments that memories are made. I was right. We had a great time, a ball in fact. J joined us about halfway through and it became a family moment. Life is good.


*Basketball at this time/age is passing the ball, dribbling the ball and very little shooting. He loves it though and that is enough for me.