Love is a verb...Ice Cream Edition

My enthusiastic, amazing fiery-haired firstborn has a pretty good life.  I'll be the first to say that I sure am not perfect, but all-in-all, I sure hope he knows he's loved and has a nice life compared to so many kids out there.  More often than not, if Noah makes good choices at school and I have time, I'll drive through the nearby Sonic and get him an ice cream cone as a little treat.  More often than not, the same young man politely serves up our ice cream with a smile day after day. Today, as we drove through Sonic, Denya (pronounced Den-Yay!) said to me, "Man, your kid is having a good childhood. I can see that.  When I was a kid I hardly ever got ice cream; maybe on my birthday or something like that."  Denya wasn't being mean in any way...It was obvious he just thought Noah was pretty lucky.  Which he is.  So, Noah and I took an impromptu field trip and bought 3 different pints of ice cream and then proceeded to drive back through the Sonic drive thru.  I explained to him that Denya didn't get to have ice cream very much when he was growing up, and we were going to be good friends and get him some ice cream as a treat the same way he always gives us ice cream.  It was a great teaching moment to talk about gratitude for our many blessings as well as the importance of empathy and being a friend.  I could see Denya looking out the Sonic window cautiously as we drove up.  He had the expression on his face that said, "Did I do something wrong? Why is this lady coming back through without ordering?"  He was prepared for my complaint.  Instead, I handed him the bag full of ice cream, and told him, "This is for you. Enjoy."  He looked inside the bag, and was clearly touched.  He smiled from ear to ear and said, "Thank you." Noah and I said, "You're welcome. See you next time!" and drove on our merry way. 
Love is a verb. It's an ACTION word. Our actions matter.  People matter. Relationships matter.  In our hurried, rush from here to there life...we often forget the blessing of connecting with others.  As human beings, we are meant to connect.  Slow down. Reach out.  We always receive more when we give...even if it's just a few pints of ice cream.  You'll never know the impact of your words and your actions.  Choose wisely.  Love is a verb, indeed.

Noah's & Jackson's 1st Crabbin'

Paw Paw & Uncle Buddy took Noah & Jackson on their first crabbin' expedition.  I must say, watching chicken parts be chopped up, tied to a string, and thrown in the ocean was a little bit weird to watch...but the boys loved it!  Noah ESPECIALLY loved watching the big ships sail by.  I was just glad we were able to keep the boys from any major falls.  You never know with these kids!

Noah & Friends

I took some candid pictures of Noah and his two favorite friends from Oak Tree Academy (Addi & Macy).  Just look at their JOY!  I wish I could bottle it for a rainy day.  EVERY child should feel such JOY. Makes my heart full.

Mommy & Noah at Chuck Wagon Day

Mommy & Noah (4)

at Chuck Wagon days at Oak Tree Academy

April 2012

Chuck Wagon Days at Oak Tree Academy

CHUCK WAGON DAYS at Oak Tree Academy!
Most kids attend either MWF or TTH classes but Noah goes every day, so he had TWO Chuck Wagon days. So, since I try to be present for all my kids' "stuff," I dressed up for BOTH Chuck Wagon days.  Yes, two days in a row...I wore overalls.  Talk about a What Not to Wear moment...ha ha ha.  But for this precious red-head, it's a no-brainer. Done.

Visit to Uncle Buddy

We took Noah & Jackson to Port Neches for their first visit to Uncle Buddy. Uncle Buddy is Michael's Great Uncle.  He HAS to be one of the SWEETEST people I've ever met. He has a genuine heart of gold, and a spirit that makes you feel alive.  He's famous for mailing Michael, Rebekah, Noah, Jackson, and all the grandkids $2 bills. He had some waiting for the boys when we arrived. Special moments. As you can see, Noah fell in love with Uncle Buddy.  Everybody does.

Sam's Baptism

Today we traveled to Fort Worth to be there for Sam's baptism.  A baptism is always a special blessing, and, although the trip was quicker than we'd like, we were so glad we made the trip for Sam's special day! I couldn't help but feel so blessed that my father has baptized not only my sons, but ALL his grandchildren.  How blessed we have been. 

Happy Birthday Mommy- 38

Happy 38th birthday Mommy! The funniest part of my birthday was when Noah was talking with me about what a "big, big time," we were going to have for my happy birthday.  He said (in his oh-so-Noah voice of enthusiasm) "We're going to have a birthday cake, and prizes, and decorations, and a party...and the workers will come."  I was following everything until the "and the workers will come" line.  I asked what he meant about the workers coming.  He said, "For your bounce house and slide, Mommy.  It's your birthday. The workers have to come to put up your bounce house and slide for your party!" Oh Noah...I love how your mind works! I love that you have had such a grande childhood...that we've been able to afford a bounce house and slide for your parties.  I love that you know that we have traditions in our family...like singing, "God's blessings to you." I am so thankful to celebrate another year.  Life is good. God is good. And cake from Village Bakery...Oh, so good!

Perseverance

Last Saturday, after our morning kickboxing class, Noah, Susie, & I enjoyed Family Fun Day at our FAVORITE gym of all time, XTC.  They had a rock climbing wall, obstacle courses, prizes, TCBY yogurt, and some bouncing thing we all did! I'm NOT a fan of heights at all, but as soon as I saw the rock climbing wall, I wanted to do it.  Feel the fear and do it anyway, right? RIGHT!
Best part? Noah knew I was a little scared. Perfect learning opportunity.  I've talked to him about perseverance and how important it is to keep trying when things get tough.  So there I am...climbing up the rock wall, and Noah is cheering me on.  I turned to him and said, "Noah, what's it called when we keep on and keep on trying?"  I promise to you, he exclaimed, "PERSEVERANCE!" Yay! Lesson learned.





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