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.
Showing posts with label funny man. Show all posts
Showing posts with label funny man. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Saturday, September 01, 2012
In the groove again...
I can't believe it but Ivan has been in school for three weeks now. His first day was August 13. He appears to be enjoying his new teacher, Mrs. Perry. She has taught third grade at his school since 1998, so she knows how things run and what to expect from third graders. J and I really like her too. She is loving and kind, but clearly in control of her classroom. I foresee another good year for Ivan.
On another note, Ivan finally reached his $127.32 goal and purchased the Hogwarts Castle Lego set. He earned the money to do so by saving his birthday money, doing his weekly chores for which he is paid a (very small) commission, and by picking-up pine cones in Nana and Papa Wayne's yard. We pay him a penny per pine cone and I think he has picked up something like 5000 in the past couple of months over there. I wish I were exaggerating. He has been saving right along since March when he decided that he really wanted this Hogwarts set. J and I have tried to help by offering him opportunities to earn an extra $.50 here and there. He has been very disciplined with his savings and has denied himself many times when we have gone to Target or Wal-mart and he has seen something less expensive that he wanted in the moment. However, whenever I would say "It's fine with me if that's what you want to spend your money on, but remember it will take XX dollars away from your savings for the Hogwarts set." Hogwarts won every time and now it is finally here. He is putting it together as I write this. 1200 plus pieces of pure
Lego joy for my little boy.
On another note, Ivan finally reached his $127.32 goal and purchased the Hogwarts Castle Lego set. He earned the money to do so by saving his birthday money, doing his weekly chores for which he is paid a (very small) commission, and by picking-up pine cones in Nana and Papa Wayne's yard. We pay him a penny per pine cone and I think he has picked up something like 5000 in the past couple of months over there. I wish I were exaggerating. He has been saving right along since March when he decided that he really wanted this Hogwarts set. J and I have tried to help by offering him opportunities to earn an extra $.50 here and there. He has been very disciplined with his savings and has denied himself many times when we have gone to Target or Wal-mart and he has seen something less expensive that he wanted in the moment. However, whenever I would say "It's fine with me if that's what you want to spend your money on, but remember it will take XX dollars away from your savings for the Hogwarts set." Hogwarts won every time and now it is finally here. He is putting it together as I write this. 1200 plus pieces of pure
Lego joy for my little boy.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Quick Takes #4
I can not believe that a week from tomorrow, we leave for our annual week at the beach! This is the big family trip of the year. My parents, my sister and her family are all there. It is a week of fun, sun and chaos! You never come home rested but it is always fun!
One week until the 2012 Summer Olympics officially begin!! Our family is Olympic junkies. J will watch anything if those 5 rings are involved. Ivan and I are a little bit more discerning, but not much. My sister and I swam competitively as kids and teens, so our whole family will be watching the swimming while we are at the beach together. I can't wait!
--- 3 ---
J will be moving to a new job on Monday. He is still with the same company, but in a different position. He will now be a Project Manager as opposed to a People Manager. The job came with a nice raise and extra bonus opportunity. J is excited to be in a challenging new role, but I know that he is a bit nervous as well. Neither of us loves change...at first. Sadly, J will be travelling on business during the beach trip this year. With the new job and all the timing is not right for vacation.
We are having a great, but busy summer this year! Ivan is on the swim team at our local pool, and on the tennis team too. Those two teams have kept us hopping this summer. Plus of course he had VBS and a week of basketball camp. I don't believe in over scheduling Ivan's summer, but these were all things that he wanted to do and has enjoyed them immensely. Now that we are almost done with swim team (this was our final week) we are really just down to tennis from here on out. Also, as he gets older I see that he can handle more activities without getting overwhelmed.
We are continuing to "church shop" this summer. We gave our official resignation at the beginning of summer to our old church. It's been more difficult than I would have hoped, but in the end it will be worth it because we will be where God wants us to be.
Wednesday we celebrated our 7th Family Anniversary Day! We went to dinner at a local fondue restaurant at Ivan's request and enjoyed being together. My Mom and Dad gave us a lovely keepsake book with all of the emails and pictures that we sent home while we were in Kazakhstan that summer. It's a real treasure.
J and I have begun to plan our surprise trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" . Our code name for the trip is Las Vegas. We have booked a hotel room and secured park tickets. Now we are trying to plan for our dinner reservations, so that when we are 180 days out I can call and get our tables reserved. We are planning to give this to Ivan as a Christmas gift this year. We will be travelling during his winter break in February.
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!
Friday, March 18, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, May 03, 2010
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!!
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!!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
When you wish upon a star...
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
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.
*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.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
The Christmas magic...
Christmas at 5 rocks! This year marks the first time Ivan spoke to and touched Santa! Christmas morning he was excited to look for and find all of the Baby Jesus' around the house. Ahhh...bliss.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Growing Up!
Today Ivan turned 5! Where has the time gone and who is this grown-up boy? Happy Birthday little angel. May this next year bring you even more joy than the past 4.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Our son, the snaggle tooth!
This morning about 9 AM it happened...Ivan lost his first tooth. He is SO excited. He could hardly sit still at church. He showed anyone and everyone that looked in his direction the new hole in his mouth. It is quite a sight. I wasn't there when his first tooth came in, so I am thrilled to be here now when he lost it!
Friday, August 15, 2008
I SO excited about the beach!
This has been Ivan's refrain for the past 5 days and tomorrow we finally leave for the beach. Ivan is looking forward to spending time with two of his favorite cousins, his favorite aunt and uncle, and of course with Nana and Papa Wayne. He is also thrilled about the beach house that my parents have rented for all of us for the week. Of course he is looking forward to playing in the sand and surf and everything else that accompanies a family vacation at the beach.
For me however, there is all of that and so much more this year. My Dad will be with us. There was a time, not too many months ago, when I was not sure that would be possible ever again. In fact, when my Dad was unconscious my sister and I would sit with him and hold his hands. We would tell him to "keep fighting Daddy" and to think about the beach this summer and to think about the kids piling sand on his feet and calling them frog houses or crab condos. It was one of the things that we would remind him of almost every day. I know that Daddy survived his pancreatitis because of God's grace and his strong will to live, but I also know that part of that will to live comes from the desire to see his grand kid's grow-up. He doesn't remember anything about his time while he was unconscious or much from when he first regained consciousness. However, I do believe that this week will be very rewarding for my sister and me as we watch our children do exactly what we told Papa Wayne they would do with the sand and his feet. I know that I will be emotional this week at the beach just thinking about how we almost lost Dad this year - and never saw it coming. I don't mind though, because I So excited about the beach too.
For me however, there is all of that and so much more this year. My Dad will be with us. There was a time, not too many months ago, when I was not sure that would be possible ever again. In fact, when my Dad was unconscious my sister and I would sit with him and hold his hands. We would tell him to "keep fighting Daddy" and to think about the beach this summer and to think about the kids piling sand on his feet and calling them frog houses or crab condos. It was one of the things that we would remind him of almost every day. I know that Daddy survived his pancreatitis because of God's grace and his strong will to live, but I also know that part of that will to live comes from the desire to see his grand kid's grow-up. He doesn't remember anything about his time while he was unconscious or much from when he first regained consciousness. However, I do believe that this week will be very rewarding for my sister and me as we watch our children do exactly what we told Papa Wayne they would do with the sand and his feet. I know that I will be emotional this week at the beach just thinking about how we almost lost Dad this year - and never saw it coming. I don't mind though, because I So excited about the beach too.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
2 out of 2 "experts" agree: This was the BEST Christmas EVER!!
It was. There is no doubt about it. This was the first Christmas, since I became an adult, that I have been blessed enough to view through a child's eyes...my child's eyes! Ivan was full of wonder and joy the entire advent season, but his excitement Christmas Eve when we told him that the Baby Jesus was coming to his manger scene was just about the most touching thing that I have ever witnessed. The day that his manger scene was brought out Ivan was full of delight. He played with it almost non-stop. He really loves it. However, this year J and I decided that the Baby Jesus would not arrive until Christmas Eve night. On our way home from Nana and Papa Wayne's house J and I mentioned that someone special was waiting for him at home. He first guessed Sherman and then when we narrowed it down a bit for him. He then guessed the Baby Jesus. After he saw the baby Jesus in his manger scene he began to ask us when would the real Jesus come. What a tough question from a three-year-old! Every time we would light the white candle on the advent wreath at dinner, he would ask again about the real Jesus.
Then on Christmas morning Ivan was just a total delight to behold. He savored each present from the large to the small. He was truly excited about each one, but most of all his present to us.
It all started on Dec 11, the day of Ivan's Christmas Party at his preschool. I walked into the party and Ivan ran over to me. He immediately told me that he had something for me and Daddy. I was a little surprised and asked what it was. He ran to his book bag and grabbed the wrapped gift and card and handed them to me. I asked if this was for Christmas and he told me that it was. I thanked him but asked if Daddy and I could wait until Christmas morning to open it. He agreed and put it back into his book bag.
As soon as we got home that afternoon he placed his gift to us under the tree (sadly it sat there alone until the 23rd!!). Almost every day from that point on the following scenario would happen at least once a day until finally on Christmas morning, Ivan was able to give us his gift to us.
Ivan: When it be Christmas day Jesus' birthday?
Mom or Dad: XX number of days, honey.
Ivan would scurry into the living room and grab his present for us and return to where ever we were in the house.
Ivan: You open this Christmas mornin' time Jesus' birthday!!
Well, when the day finally arrived, J and I saved Ivan's gift to us for the end. I am so glad that we did because nothing and I mean nothing could have topped it!! He had made a reindeer out of his hand and foot prints. His hands were the antlers and his foot made up the head. They had pasted some googly eyes on there as well. It was and is adorable. I really didn't want to take it down Monday, but I did and it will no doubt bring new tears to my eyes next year.
He is so precious. I have been blessed beyond measure with him in my life.
Then on Christmas morning Ivan was just a total delight to behold. He savored each present from the large to the small. He was truly excited about each one, but most of all his present to us.
It all started on Dec 11, the day of Ivan's Christmas Party at his preschool. I walked into the party and Ivan ran over to me. He immediately told me that he had something for me and Daddy. I was a little surprised and asked what it was. He ran to his book bag and grabbed the wrapped gift and card and handed them to me. I asked if this was for Christmas and he told me that it was. I thanked him but asked if Daddy and I could wait until Christmas morning to open it. He agreed and put it back into his book bag.
As soon as we got home that afternoon he placed his gift to us under the tree (sadly it sat there alone until the 23rd!!). Almost every day from that point on the following scenario would happen at least once a day until finally on Christmas morning, Ivan was able to give us his gift to us.
Ivan: When it be Christmas day Jesus' birthday?
Mom or Dad: XX number of days, honey.
Ivan would scurry into the living room and grab his present for us and return to where ever we were in the house.
Ivan: You open this Christmas mornin' time Jesus' birthday!!
Well, when the day finally arrived, J and I saved Ivan's gift to us for the end. I am so glad that we did because nothing and I mean nothing could have topped it!! He had made a reindeer out of his hand and foot prints. His hands were the antlers and his foot made up the head. They had pasted some googly eyes on there as well. It was and is adorable. I really didn't want to take it down Monday, but I did and it will no doubt bring new tears to my eyes next year.
He is so precious. I have been blessed beyond measure with him in my life.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Out of the mouth of (my) babe...
Ivan's speech has improved a hundred fold over the past year. This mostly has to do with the wonderful speech therapists that he has worked with during that time as well as the fact that I talk his ear off.
I wanted to compile an ongoing list of some of his cute little sayings before they change or are lost to my memory. I know that I have already lost a great deal of them but here is a start in no particular order:
Da!
Who dat?
What doin'?
mater woop
pizza pie (pizza pie dip)
ketchup dip
Why?
Me like that.
Ha Ha (Ivan's name for Sherman)
Werman
Wermy
Caroline's Mom (this is what Ivan calls his aunt C)
The Best of Diesel (Mavis, Diesiel 10, Duck etc.)
Where puppy? (referring to his luvy blanket that looks like a little dog - he loves that blanket)
Tall poopy hurt my bottom (J's all time favorite)
Me have hard time (falling asleep)
That one of me favorites
I do it!
Where is?
Quiet, please.
I need privacy!
I have playdate with all those guys (meaning all of his cousins)
Let's go wooper fast!
Danul (refering to the neighbors cat - Daniel)
Praise God for what we need to...make people, our welcome food, our backyard, to love our neighbors as ourselves
I wanted to compile an ongoing list of some of his cute little sayings before they change or are lost to my memory. I know that I have already lost a great deal of them but here is a start in no particular order:
Da!
Who dat?
What doin'?
mater woop
pizza pie (pizza pie dip)
ketchup dip
Why?
Me like that.
Ha Ha (Ivan's name for Sherman)
Werman
Wermy
Caroline's Mom (this is what Ivan calls his aunt C)
The Best of Diesel (Mavis, Diesiel 10, Duck etc.)
Where puppy? (referring to his luvy blanket that looks like a little dog - he loves that blanket)
Tall poopy hurt my bottom (J's all time favorite)
Me have hard time (falling asleep)
That one of me favorites
I do it!
Where is?
Quiet, please.
I need privacy!
I have playdate with all those guys (meaning all of his cousins)
Let's go wooper fast!
Danul (refering to the neighbors cat - Daniel)
Praise God for what we need to...make people, our welcome food, our backyard, to love our neighbors as ourselves
Thursday, May 24, 2007
He Even Says It In His Sleep...
A few months ago I wrote about Ivan's favorite new word. Last night I woke-up around midnight and heard Ivan mumbling through the monitor. Quickly his mumbling ceased and I heard a resolute "No, Mommy!" I laid there and chuckled to myself...he even tells me no in his dreams!
He's such a little character.
He's such a little character.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
The Self Imposed Time Out…
Yesterday morning after our Kindermusik class we came home and started to prepare for lunch. I had everything all made and ready to hit the table so I asked Ivan to start washing his hands. He ignored me, so I went on into the bathroom and started to let the water run for a minute to help get it warm enough for hand washing. I called to him again and heard a very defiant "No!" come from his room. I waited a minute and tried again. I headed to his room to inform him that he would be heading towards time out when I heard a noise coming from the kitchen. I heard Ivan’s chair scraping across the floor. Sure enough, there he sat in the time out spot.
After his time in the chair I asked him if he was ready to wash his hands and he said that he was and off we went.
After his time in the chair I asked him if he was ready to wash his hands and he said that he was and off we went.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
On the contrary mom...
So we have finally hit it, the no stage. Every, and I do mean EVERY, single yes/no question that is posed to Ivan is met with a resounding NO! When it is in fact something he wants and I begin to act on the no, he quickly changes his tune and we move forward accordingly.
I know that this is only a phase and no gives him a lot more power than yes ever could. However, there are times that I would just love to hear a resolute YES, just for a change of pace.
I know that this is only a phase and no gives him a lot more power than yes ever could. However, there are times that I would just love to hear a resolute YES, just for a change of pace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)