Quick Takes #2.5

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Last night was the first fire of the year.  We have a real wood burning fireplace in our house, just like the one that my parents have at their house.  I LOVE the sound of a sizzling, crackling fire.  Ahhh, that sound means comfort to me.

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I know that the statement I am about to type will inflame many people in the world, but I am writing it anyway.  I am listening to Christmas music while I type this.  J and I are really funny about Christmas music.  It makes us smile and it puts both of us in a great mood.  So ever since our first year of marriage, after Halloween we play Christmas music at our house.  The only real downside is that the day after Christmas J is done with the Christmas music.  I, however, could listen to it until Twelfth night.

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I just finished Margaret George's Henry VIII.  I love historical fiction.  If anyone has any recommendations please leave a comment.  I am an avid reader and would love a suggestion or two.

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Ivan was Harry Potter for Halloween and he was absolutely adorable (humbly says his mother).

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Quick Takes #2

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I have been a real bear lately.  I'm not proud of this fact, but it is the truth and there is no way around it.  I know that it is hormonal, but that doesn't make it any better.  If anyone who reads this has any suggestions for taking the edge off of monthly hormonal derangement, please leave a comment.  I would be most interested in anything you have to suggest.  

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J travelled to NY on business a couple of weeks ago.   It was the first business trip he has had to take in years.  I think that it may have been only the second time he has travelled since Ivan came home six years ago.  Ivan and were busy with his Bible club at church and tennis lessons, so the evenings passed quickly.

.

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The weather here in NC is gorgeous today.  It is days like today that I love living here.  Our high today is 74 and the humidity is at 23%.  Tonight we will get down to 43.  Perfect weather.  Our windows are open and we are finally getting to experience some fresh air!

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The boys are off on an overnight camping trip tonight.  They will canoe into their campsite and spend the night as far removed from civilization as I think Ivan has ever been.  They left this morning and were so excited about their new adventure.  

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I have plans for their time away.  I am planning to clean the house, enjoy some good take out and some solitude.

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We are heading to the mountains next weekend.  My parents are renting a house near Boone and Blowing Rock for several days.  My sister and her family are heading-up today.  They leave Tuesday and we come in on Thursday.  My parents are fun to travel with.  We will take some scenic drives, do some light hiking and enjoy the hot-tub that is on the front porch.  I'm really looking forward to it.  

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We took Ivan to the State Fair on Monday.  My how things have changed!  He was very enamored of the games and the big kid rides.  He wasn't interested in the teen rides (upside down, crazy stuff) but he was interested in the flying bobs, the scrambler etc.  We all had a wonderful day.  When we got home that night, we were all exhausted.  Overall, I would say that 7 is fun.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

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!


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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!

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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.

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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.  

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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.  

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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. 

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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.

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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.

First Communion

Today Ivan had his first Communion at church.  It wasn't planned it just happened in God's way and in His time.  (Which of course makes it just right)  We were getting ready for that portion of the service and J asked Ivan if he would like to go up and get a blessing from our pastor.  At first he declined and then asked if he could have communion with us.  J looked at me and I looked at him.  We both nodded and sat back in the pew with Ivan to listen and respond to the ritual.  As we watched the ushers ease their way back to our pew we reviewed quickly and quietly how he was to receive the sacraments.  Then it was time to go forward.  J was marvelously quick and got in the line that would lead us to our Senior Pastor.  He was well aware that Ivan had not taken communion yet and what a big moment this was to J and me.  Ivan took his bread and wine with respect and reverence.  Then he prayed with us at the altar rail.  As I prayed beside him I teared-up at the thought of him taking this large step in his faith life.  He is such a blessing to behold.

Did He Come? Did He Come?

Every Christmas of my unmarried life started with those three words.  "Did he come? Did he come?"  My mother would ask my sister and I as we waited for Dad to give the OK for us to enter the den.  My mother was referring to Santa Clause.  However, now that I am older and closer to the Lord those words have a totally different meaning for me.

By the time Ivan came home J and I were much more mature in our spiritual lives than when we got married nine years before.  As people who felt closer to the Lord we wanted to share that relationship with our new son.  Our first Christmas with Ivan we wanted to start off right and make sure that it wasn't all about Santa.  We wanted to find a way to balance Santa and Jesus.  We planned a Birthday Party for Jesus with my sister and her children.  We read stories about Jesus' birth.  Finally, we decided to take the baby Jesus out of the manger scenes that we have around the house.  Ivan was so little at that time that he never noticed the abrupt change.  On Christmas morning Jesus "arrives" in the manger scenes and stays with us until Epiphany.  Now that Ivan is older he notices right away that the babe is not in the manger.  He asks when he will arrive and J and I tell him "When he is born on Christmas day!"  This is the first year that he seems to know that it is not a mystical force that brings the babies to their appropriate scenes on Christmas morning, but in fact Mom and Dad.  That's OK with me though.  By leaving the baby out Ivan stays tuned in to the manger scene beyond the first day that it is set out.  The first several days that they were out he would look periodically to see if perhaps something may have changed.  He's since stopped checking, but he has told several people that he is looking forward to the arrival of the baby Jesus' at our house Christmas morning. 

So now when I ask Ivan on Christmas morning "Did He Come?  Did He Come?"  I am not talking about Santa but the true reason for this wonderful season, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  Blessedly I can answer that with a resounding "YES! And He will come again someday!!"

Praise the Lord for GOOD NEWS!

I had my mammogram and ultrasound today and all is clear!  The Dr's did not see anything that gave them alarm.  However, I was strongly urged to keep a check on the lump that I found and to let them know if I notice any changes in it.  So the first of each month I am to check things out. 

God is good and I am so relieved. 

Lumpy

I found a lump in my breast.  I'm scared and waiting to find out what to do next.  I went to my Dr. yesterday and they are sending me for a mammogram and possibly an ultrasound.  I am waiting to hear from the radiologist about when I should come in.  The chances are probably very slim that this is anything at all...but there is still a chance and I am scared.

Praying for patience and peace.

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.

 

The First Day of First Grade!

I can hardly believe it, but Ivan is now an official First Grader!  Today was his first day back at school and from what I've heard so far, all went well.  He is clearly tired and is presently in his room working on a jigsaw puzzle.  He loves to "work" a puzzle when he is decompressing.  It used to be building train tracks, but recently it has been "puzzling".  I'll share more later...

To the BEACH we go!

Ivan and I are off for our annual beach week with my family!  Good times ahead!!  See you on the flip side.

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.

Swimmer of the Week!

Today Ivan was awarded Swimmer of the Week at our swim club! The coaches award this honor once a week in each practice level. Ivan is in the 6 and unders this year and he was recognized as the Boy Swimmer of the Week in his practice. This is Ivan's second year on the swim team and he is doing great. The coaches announced what makes someone swimmer of the week and I think that is what makes it such a wonderful recognition.

The Swimmer of the Week is described as follows:

*The swimmer comes to practice every day

*The swimmer works hard during practice

*The swimmer has great sportsmanship

*The swimmer has a positive attitude

I must say that when they were describing what makes the swimmer of the week I thought to myself "that sounds like Ivan!" I'm his mom I know, but he's a good kid who works hard and really does stay positive! He is not one of the top swimmers, but he goes to practice every morning and works on whatever the coaches are instructing about that day.

Ivan was really excited about the whole thing. He got a new QHST Swimmer of the Week backpack to keep and carry. He took it to Nana and Papa Wayne's last night as his overnight bag.

I'm so proud of who Ivan is becoming.

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.

Puppy Blues...

Poor Ivan. He is just devastated at the news we received last night. The puppy that we thought was going to be the new member of our family is not doing well. Our breeder called and said that she is not comfortable allowing him to come home with us since his health appears questionable.

We are trying to remind Ivan that things happen in God's time and not ours, but it is a hard lesson, no matter how old you are. I'm just praying for Ivan to continue to be patient. We are the first in line for the next litter that will be ready to come home in about a month.

Poor kid.

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!!