Always Believe......

Joshua & Luke before riding on the Polar Express.

Dear Joshua and Luke,

Yes, I still believe in Santa Claus, Christmas, and miracles.  I can still hear the bell ring each and every year especially at Christmas.  I hope that by the time you both read this, you will still be able to hear the bell.  (At least you better be able to still hear it! :)  ) 

After about 100 times of reading the story Polar express, we finally made it on our very own ride on the Polar Express right out of Branson, MO.  It was unbelievable that you could get to the North Pole and back in about one and a half hours.  And it was such a fun ride! 

Daddy & Luke on the Polar Express.

Both of you picked out new pajamas and slippers for the train ride.  Luke chose Phineas and Ferb pajamas with Spiderman slippers while Joshua chose Star Wars pajamas with light up Rudolph slippers.  You both looked absolutely adorable!  Several weeks ahead of time, Luke even packed a small travel bag (also known as my old cow purse) to carry a few books, a compact travel game, his small heart pillow, and a Lego.

We loaded the train right away in first class seats.  We had our own private dining table on the ride.  As we got on the train, the conductor started reading The Polar Express book. 

Luke & Mommy on the Polar Express.

Then, the chef started serving us unlimited hot chocolate with whip cream and cookies.  Grammy baked some very special chocolate chip cookies that were safe for Joshua.  Everyone at our table wanted to eat Grammy's cookies instead of the ones that were provided on the train.  Grammy's  cookies were very yummy.  We sang Christmas carols and read the books we had brought from home. Before long we actually made it to the North Pole and saw some elves tossing around packages.  But best of all, we saw Mr. & Mrs. Claus!  We picked them up from their house at the North Pole, and they rode back to Branson with us!  They came around and gave each of you a silver bell. You also had a chance to tell Santa once again what you wanted for Christmas.  Luke proudly announced that he wanted a Red Ryder BB gun and Luke wanted a Lego Table.  Santa asked Joshua if he had seen the movie about the boy wanting a Red Ryder BB gun.

Luke proudly shows off his silver bell from Santa Claus.

This trip on the Polar Express reminds us to always believe.  After all these years, I have never seen a  reason not to believe.  In years to come, there may be other kids or people that try to tell you that Santa is not real.  I am here to tell you that it is completely untrue.  Santa is as real today as he was when I was a little girl.  As long as you  continue to believe, Christmas will be just as special to you.

I love you both more today than yesterday.

Love,
Mama

From St. Nick to Santa Claus

Joshua & Luke with St. Nicholas!

Dear Joshua & Luke,

Our annual tradition in early December has been to attend the St. Nicholas party at non other than our favorite parish - St. Nicholas!  We began the evening with snacks in the cafeteria and chatting with the other families.  The boys loved visiting with friends and families that they knew from the Atrium, nursery, trunk-or-treat, Children's Word, and other activities from church.  Then, the boys listened to a story about St. Nicholas read by St. Nicholas himself!  St. Nicholas is special for so many reasons, but he is also the patron saint of our church which makes him extraordinary in our book!  After the story, the boys played Christmas bingo with other kids.  The Middle School and high school kids led the activities, and the boys loved it!  A few days later, St. Nicholas dropped by our house for a quick stop.  He left the boys candy - Skittles and chocolate for Luke, Skittles and gum for Joshua.  He always knows the right candy to get!

Joshua & friends posing with Barney.

The next day brought us straight to Breakfast with Santa and Santa's friends. It was a alot of fun to share this special day with Joshua's best friend from school and their family. After eating donuts for breakfast, the boys enjoyed coloring and singing Christmas carols. Then, came so many of Santa's friends - Little Bo Peep, the Three Little Pigs, Frosty, Disney princesses, Elmo, Barney, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell just to name a few. They came out and danced around the children.  



Joshua, Santa, & Luke

There were lots of games to play while waiting to see Santa.  Both boys were fairly eager to talk to Santa this year. Luke asked Santa for a puppy.  Santa told him that he could not bring live animals on his sleigh.  So, Luke asked for a Lego Table.  Joshua asked for a Red Ryder BB gun. Santa said he was not sure about that one either.   

After the Breakfast, the boys played with their good friends, Elan and Avery.  Mom and Dad went back to the Santa Breakfast to talk to Santa.  We explained to Santa that the boys have been wanting a dog for so long, and that we thought it was time for them to get a puppy.  Santa asked us to wait a little bit.  About twenty minutes later, one of Santa's helpers brought back a beautiful (but big) labradoodle puppy named Onyx.  We played with her for a little bit, and thought she would be a good fit for our family. So we took her home!  Santa placed a big red bow around her neck, and asked us to explain to you that she was an early Christmas present since he could not bring her on the sleigh or leave her wrapped in a box under the tree. 

 



Meet Onyx

It was so much fun taking her to meet you at Elan's house.  Luke went out to the van and said, "Dad, is that a real puppy?"  Joshua was equally surprised. We took her to a close by lake and let her run around and meet you.  It was so much fun!  As you can imagine, the rest of the day was filled with a long visit to PetsMart to choose a kennel, food and water dishes, collar, name tag, toys, food and treats just to name a few items.  I have to admit that we all enjoyed choosing girlie things for the new little girl in the house.  The beautiful pink dog-shaped name tag with rhinestones around it seemed a bit too girlie for our big Onyx, but she proudly wore it! And wow!  Our life has changed a lot ever since.  Monday night obedience training classes, walks around the neighborhood and on the trails, late night visits to the backyard so that we can train Onyx where to go to the bathroom outside.  It has been super busy which might explain why it has been so  long since I have written. More will come very soon.

One last thing.....My wish right now for Christmas is for Grandma Nichols to adjust better to the chemotherapy medicine, and to feel better in general.  The medicine has been hard on her body.  Please keep her in your prayers for peace and a complete recovery from the cancer. 

I love you both to the moon and back and back again!

Love,

Mama

Life Lesson #126 - Helping Others

Grammy & Papa with Joshua & Luke

Dear Joshua and Luke,

Time for another life lesson - #126 Helping Others.  I am sure that you both know how important it is to help others.  We talk a  lot about it, and we live it some of the time.  Of course, I wish we did it more often, but we will strive to get better and better. 

Grammy & Luke

When I talk about helping others, I think of how much you both already do that.  Joshua holds doors for others.  Luke likes to help the younger children at the playground. Luke likes to help set the table for dinner, help me cook, etc.  Joshua likes to help fold the laundry, empty the small trash cans, etc.   There is so much helping going on. 

Luke

But today I want you to know that I want you to take it further.  I want you to learn to go out of your way to help others that are less fortunate in the world and community ~ older people, babies, young children, people without jobs, money, a home, etc.  Even people or others who seem to have no friends or families.  Or someone who does not have a friend to sit with at lunch. Or someone that does not play with others on the playground.  These are people that we are especially called to help.  I want you to thinking about how other people feel and make it your mission to reach out to people or other kids that need someone.  God calls us to do that.  I often call it doing God's work or being a disciple of Jesus.  Sometimes people share a philosophy of "What would Jesus Do?" and live it!!!  That may seem like an overwhelming task when you are so young, but as you get older, you will become more aware of others that need your help. 

Aunt Amy & Luke on Luke's field trip to Pottery Hollow.

In the meantime, please look around for the kids at school that are not playing with others.  Ask them to play.  Look for someone that is so quiet, and never talking at the lunch table.  Ask them what they like to eat at lunch.  Look for someone on the playground sitting by themselves.  Ask them if they want to play today.  They are so many opportunities in life.  Offer to help children that get hurt outside while playing.  Or offer help to a classmate that just dropped all of their crayons on the floor.

I know that you both have hearts of gold.  I see the kindness that you are developing right now.  It amazes me, and I am so proud of both of you.  I will keep looking for ways to model this for you.  We will keep talking about this, and I know that you both will continue to grow as Jesus's disciples.  You will continue God's work.

I love you both more today than yesterday. 

Love,
Mama

Happy Thanskgiving

Luke, Ethan, Elsa, & Joshua on the slide....

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

From Halloween to Thanksgiving.....here we are.  Even though Thanksgiving has not yet arrived on the calendar, we have had a fabulous time celebrating and being thankful for family.  Last weekend we were blessed with Uncle Luke's family from Minnesota.  Although it was a short visit, it was jam-packed with fun.

Luke, Elsa, Ethan & Joshua waiting to open the presents.

The highlight was getting to celebrate Elsa's 12th birthday and Ethan's 10th birthday.  We had a girls day where Aunt Lisa, Grammy, Elsa, and me got manicures.  Then, we had a fabulous girl's lunch at the Chinese buffet.  It was full of girl talk and fun....something I have enjoyed so much of with Elsa especially over the last several years.  All of the boys had fun staying home and playing together.  In the evening, we had a birthday dinner, presents, and fun with our special niece and nephew.  Other highlights of the weekend included swimming at the hotel, sliding down the steps on a huge bedroom comforter, Legos, and lots of fort building!

Grammy, Luke, & Ethan working with Play Doh.

Then, the next weekend we were blessed with a visit from Aunt Amy's family.  We celebrated mass together, played cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, and drove through Christmas lights. 

Ethan, Joshua & Luke ~ the boys

While we were waiting to eat at dinner, Joshua found a piano that was not being used ~ ready for a performance with chairs for people to sit in as well as a crowd.  So....as you can imagine, Joshua started playing Christmas songs on the piano... Cousin Isaac joined him for a few songs.  After lots of clapping, Joshua continued.  At the end, he came out and bowed.  What a ham!  I am trying not to brag, but Joshua really has talent for playing the piano!  And he loves it!  I think playing the piano and building Legos are two of his very favorite things right now. 

Joshua playing Christmas songs for a
small crowd at the light display.

Joshua informed me recently that when he grows up he wants to be a scientist or an astronaut.  He also said that he better start working on doing cart wheels and back flips so that he can be the best astronaut.  After a good laugh to myself, I told him that he better start working on science skills and learning more about outer space. 

Joshua, Levi, Luke & Isaac at the nativity scene.

During the last few weeks, we had our first parent/teacher conferences for the boys this year.  Miss Vicki, Luke's teacher, had all good things to say about him.  She even referred to him as the "perfect child."  What a good feeling that he behaves so well at school and that he is learning so much.  It is a little difficult to imagine Luke being a perfect child at school because we do have our challenges at home.  :)  But I am so proud of him.  He has a kind heart and a rule follower - especially at school.  Also, Miss Vicki had a picture of him outside the classroom that showed him sitting in the author's chair reading one of his nursery rhyme books to the class.  He is very much into making his own books right now.  And he loves the chance to read them to an audience!

Joshua's conference went equally as well.  We were surprised to find that Joshua has been working on some extra work in class with the Swiss Family Robinson book.  He did not mention it, but he has been working on it for a few weeks.  Joshua's teacher has been a great fit for him.  He still loves school every day, and he is learning like crazy.  He especially enjoys the science and social studies themes. 

I love you both more every day.

Love,
Mama

Halloween Fun!

Luke & Joshua ready to trick-or-treat!

Dear Joshua and Luke,

Recently we attended a play for Joshua's very good friend from school, Ashton.  Ashton starred as Snoopy in The Great Pumpkin.   Ashton did such a good job, and Joshua was so proud to be there and watch him.   Ashton and Joshua have been friends since the first day that Ashton moved here and started kindergarten in Joshua's class. Ashton and Joshua have many things in common .  They eat at the same lunch table every day since they both have food allergies.  They usually play together at recess, too.  They have had several play dates at each other's houses.  It works out well that Ashton has a little brother about Luke's age, too.  They are all very good kids, and play well together most of the time. Ashton's mom and dad are lots of fun, too.  We are all very lucky. 

Mom, Dad, Joshua & Luke Walking Toward a Cure

We also completed our second annual walk for Moving Toward A Cure.  I am so proud of Joshua for wanting to advocate for himself and for other people with food allergies.  Both boys dressed up as Yellowstone Park Rangers even though Joshua's team was named Joshua's Jedi's.  We hope to get a few more people to walk on our team next year and help us to raise even more money for research on food allergies.  I am definitely proud of Joshua for wanting to teach others, too. 




Grandma Nichols visited us this weekend, too.  It was so nice to have her over since it has been  a long while she she was able to come over and visit us.  Grandma Nichols has been sick with colon cancer.  She had the cancer removed about six weeks ago.  She appears so strong and seems to be doing very well.  You both often tell me that you hope I am  like Grandma Nichols when I am 81 years old.  Me too.  I think you say that because you both really like that she draws with you, plays with you, and gets around pretty big.  She can outrun most of us when we go shopping with her.  You do not even know all of the amazing things Grandma Nichols has done in her life. (I probably do not know either.) When I was growing up, she built a porch and car port, remodeled a garage into a bedroom, installed a furnace, rebuilt a motor in a car, and countless other things. She painted many beautiful pictures.  She has a lot of talent in so many things.  There has never been a job too big for her.  I am very proud of her.

Daddy proudly walking with Spiderman Luke and
Park Ranger Joshua.

Halloween has been fun, too.  You walked in a Halloween parade in town, too.  Luke decided to be Spiderman  for the day.  After the parade, you both played games with several other kids from around town.  Daddy stayed home to give out candy to the trick-ore-treaters this year while I took the boys out.  We were happy to have Ashton and his brother, Levi, and their parents and grandma trick-or-treat with us.  It was a very exciting night that involved lots of candy and fun. 

Ashton, Joshua, Levi & Luke after trick-or-treating.

I love you both more today than yesterday.

Love,
Mama

Why is the Holy Spirit a Bird?

Eric, Joshua, & Luke under the Piasa Bird.

Dear Joshua and Luke,

That was a tough question to answer for Luke on the way home tonight.  It took a lot of questions from us for us to understand that Luke saw a bird on a page in a book that was talking about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  He assumed the bird must have been the holy spirit!  I just love the conversations we get into sometimes.  Joshua was quickly explaining to Luke that the holy spirit was indeed NOT a bird because we do not see the holy spirit.  He basically works behind the scenes with Jesus and God, according to Joshua. 

Eric, Joshua, and Luke on a trail.  Notice Luke's
bag of leaves and other treasures that he
carries with him.

Speaking of birds, last weekend was our annual trip to Pere Marquette.  We began early in the day.  We were very blessed to have both Grammy and Papa with us for this trip.  Papa has not been with us on this trip or any trip for a couple of years.  The weather was perfectly warm and sunny - it was an ideal day to go.  We were also celebrating Grammy's birthday this day so it was quite a treat!

Luke trying a persimmon from a nearby
tree.  He was surprised at the tart taste!

On the way we stopped to read about the Legend of the Piasa Bird.  This legend has always fascinated me, but it seems that Luke is equally fascinated with the story.  He kept asking us to repeat the story about how the Indians tricked the Piasa bird into coming down to eat Chief Outaga, and the Indians killed the Piasa bird.  Thank goodness because we all decided we would not want to meet a Piasa bird in person on  any day.  The rest of the day included many of our traditional stops - Principia College for the best view of the meeting of the two rivers, a drive through of Elsah - a town named after our favorite girl cousin, a ride across the Mississippi River on the Brussels Ferry as well as a long hike on the trails in Pere Marquette.  It was a lovely day, and we made many memories that will last a lifetime. 




Grammy & Josh on Brussels Ferry.



I love you both more today than I did yesterday.

Love,
Mama

Fall Fun

Dear Joshua and Luke,

This was definitely a fun week of celebrating fall.  We spent Saturday afternoon at the pumpkin festival with Grammy and Papa.  The boys looked forward to it all day ~ probably because it ended with a sleepover at Grammy's, too.  The boys woke up early Saturday morning, and had their bags packed before Daddy and me got out of bed!  Luke packed three 2 DVD's (Lassie and How To Train Your Dragon), one VCR tape (Star Wars), and his Batman bathrobe.  Joshua packed his Star Wars pajamas, and his suit (complete with a tie) to wear to church with Grammy. 

The Fall festival began with painting pumpkins in the old barn.  Both boys had a blast.  Other fun included a ride on a train, pumpkin Rice Krispie treats and soda snacks, games, riding small tractors, and fun with karate.  We also had our annual picture taken with Grandma.  It was loads of fun.  Both boys had so much fun. 

We went to church together which is always fun.  Joshua was best dressed in his suit.  I am always so proud of him as he recites the Our Father and other prayers and responsorials during mass.  He also likes to follow along and sing the songs.  He knows so many of them already.  I wonder when he will start playing songs from church on the piano.  He wants to sing in the children's chorus next year at church.  Luke likes to follow along in the hymnal, too.  He tries so hard to read the words and sing the songs.  Look out, Sister Judy!

Grammy made dog tails (hot dogs wrapped in crescents) for the boys.  Then, the boys watched part of Star Wars before bed.  Grammy made waffles for breakfast, and Joshua took turns reading to Grammy and Papa.  Luke probably would not admit it, but I think he even enjoyed listening to Joshua read.   Later in the day, Grammy took the boys to see the Smurfs movie at the theater.  Before bringing them home, she took them to McDonalds for dinner.  What a fun day for these guys.  They are so lucky to have a Grammy and Papa that take such good care of them and enjoy spending time with them so much. 

Mommy and Daddy had a much needed evening out, too.  We saw a wonderful movie at the theater, then went to dinner at Lone Star, mommy's favorite!  On Sunday morning we enjoyed breakfast at a small diner in town.  I think we drank about five cups of coffee while reading the newspaper and chatting with other customers.  Daddy went out to his deer stand and mommy went to work to catch up with some things.  We really missed the boys and were glad when they got home today. 

I love you more today than yesterday.

Love,
Mama

Soccer Star

The Golden Dragons

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

This has been an especially busy week with lots of activities going on.  This was Luke's last week of soccer.  He was quite a soccer star ~ scoring one goal this week and helping his team get a few others.    Luke is not an assertive player.  He likes to gain control of the soccer ball, but he does not really like the idea of taking it away from another player.  But Luke had a lot of fun this season.

Joshua loved serving as the assistant coach and helping Daddy.  Daddy really lucked out having Joshua to lead the team in a race around the field.  Joshua loved every second of being in his leadership role.  And he was good at it, too!  Daddy was an especially good coach.  The rest of the team and parents enjoyed having Daddy as the coach, too.  Daddy made a point to make each child feel successful, and he made it a lot of fun for the kids.  We are very proud that Daddy is able to coach the team ~ and that he is such a good coach!

Joshua received his mid-term progress report from school.  We are very proud of him at school.  He is working hard, and it is showing in his grades and all that he is learning.  He loves his teacher, and loves school.  I am amazed at how much he comes home and tells me.  He was very proud of everything he learned about Christopher Columbus.  I am amazed at all that he remembered!

Luke has had a lot to say this week.  He has been talking and talking and talking!  It is wonderful to hear him sharing so much not just with us, but with other people.  Luke has been practicing writing his name and letters so much on his own.  He really wants to learn a lot.  He has been able to write his name for a few months, but now he is working on making certain that all of the letters are turned the right way.  He is very particular about his work!  We are working hard on teaching him that things do not have to be perfect!  As long as he tries hard and has fun!

I love you both to the moon and back and back again!

Love,
Mama

I Don't Understand What Is Going On At Church!



Luke & Joshua in front of their prayer table.

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

Let's talk a little about church this week.  This week you are both starting back with Catechises of the Good Shepherd Classes also known as the Atrium.  This will be the third year for Joshua and the second year for Luke.  This is considered early education for young children in the Catholic Church.  A few years back when we were struggling with the idea of the benefits of Catholic School verses attending public school where mommy works, we were introduced to the Catechises of the Good Shepherd program.  This is basically a hands-on, Montessori style program for young children in the Catholic church.  I know that both of you have benefited from it.  First, it gave them an early start to their Catholic education which was important to mommy and daddy.  Also, the Montessori approach worked so well for both of my active boys!  All of the adults that work in this program are volunteers, too.  I think this is where I may want to volunteer when I retire (many years from now). 

This program has impacted our lives so much.  We have a prayer table set up at our house similar to the one at the Atrium.  While I wish I could say that we use the prayer table on a daily basis, I can not.  It is in a central location in our house.  We often find prayer objects and other things to go on our table.  Both of you like to hear bible stories from the children's bible.  I feel like you both have a solid understanding that Jesus is the shepherd who watches over all of us ~ his little lambs.  You also both have an understanding of the seasons ~ the four seasons of summer, spring, etc. as well as the four seasons at church ~ green for the growing season, white for celebration, purple for preparation, and red for Pentecost. 



Peek-a-boo!!!!  Joshua on our leaf walk
near the timber in our backyard. 

I am very proud of our religion and our church.  Certainly, there are things in the news that I do not understand or agree with, but there are so many wonderful things about our church.  I like the idea that the mass we celebrate each week is very similar to the mass that is celebrated around the world.  I like how the Catholic church is rooted deep in tradition and history.  I like how many parts of the daily mass originate from two thousand or so years ago, and are still done today.  Quite honestly, I like the routine of the order of mass each week.  I can say that I hope you grow up and want to continue to be a part of the Catholic church for the rest of your lives.  But more importantly, I will say that I want you to know and love Jesus.  I want you to understand the importance of serving Jesus as disciples each day of your life.  I want you to keep learning about your faith and God every day for the rest of your life. 

In the meantime, I hope your dad and I are good role models for you.  I hope that you continue to see us growing in our faith.  I hope that you see us taking care of the most vulnerable in our society - the poor, older people, the unborn, young children, etc.  I want us to be examples for both of you.  I want you to continue to talk openly about the father, the son, and the holy spirit with us.  And of course ~ I have so much room for improvement to be a better disciple of Jesus.  I know I am a work in progress, but I also want to give you hope. 



Luke & Joshua heading into the timber
from our backyard!

I have so much more to say about this topic and you will hear about it in several lessons to come, but I hope you always understand the importance of church and why we continue to go back week after week.  Luke said this week, "I don't understand what is going on at church."  One reason he says this is that one priest we sometimes see is difficult to understand for all of us, so Luke usually gets very little from what he says.  Luke often questions, "Why do we have to go to church this week?  Which is church so long?"  I calmly explain to Luke the same things each time he asks.  I tell him how there is so much to learn from Father Bill, who is an amazing and inspiring man.   Somehow he knows what parishioners struggle with and how to reach us with his homily week after week.  We are learning about stories from the bible from before Jesus was born until well after that time.  I explain to Luke all of these things, but I also know that Luke gets it most of the time.  Luke is one of the first in the family to remember all of the people who need our prayers.  He still prays for all people that were affected by the tsunami at least once every week.  He is also the first one to ask questions about someone asking for money on the corner of an intersection.  He will ask about these people for several days after we see them.  I know that in his mind, he is getting it.  And he is continuing to grow, too.   Both of you are.

I love you to the moon and back and back again.

Love,
Mama

Where Does the Time Go?

Joshua & Luke - two little guinea pigs in the
wheel at the Science Museum.

Dear Joshua and Luke,

It has been an exciting week!  We are really in the swing of school ~ preschool for Luke and first grade for Joshua!  I truly do not know how time can fly so fast, but somehow it does.  I want you both to know that I can say that I truly enjoy spending every minute with you that I have at home.  I certainly do not keep the neatest house, but I do know where everything is most of the time, and I can honestly say that I spend a lot of time playing and enjoying you both. 

Here are some highlights from the week:

Joshua - a big first grader -
 the first week of school.

Joshua began first grade on September 6 this year.  He has come home almost every day telling us that it was his best day ever.  That is music to my ears.  He really likes his teacher this year - Mrs. M.  It warms my heart to see how he lights up when he sees his kindergarten teacher - Mrs. H. from last year.  He loves her so much, and I know he misses being in her class.  But he loves first grade.  He takes his weekly spelling and reading test very seriously.  The words have been very simple for him, but he takes time to look them over each night.  He also reads his reading story every night, too.  Joshua has been staying quite involved with piano this year, too.  I think he has a lot of talent with piano and learning music. 

Luke is loving school with Mrs. V, too.  He comes home so happy to show his projects from class.  He is learning Spanish and a lot about fine arts.  The extra hour and a half that he is in class in the afternoon, he learns Spanish, and they do an author study, and various artistic techniques.  Luke had his first field trip to the apple orchard.  He was so proud of his big, red juicy apples when he got home.  Luke kindly shared his apples with this big brother.  He has been begging me to make applesauce with him, so I will probably do that soon, too.  Luke has started karate this last few weeks, too.  He feels so big when he dresses in the white uniform with the big white belt.  He is anxious to get his white belt. 

Luke's quote of the week:  "I am not tired.  I just need to lay down and close my eyes for a while!" 



Joshua & Daddy at the Body Worlds & the
Brain exhibit.

Last Sunday on a rainy day, we spent the day at the Science museum.   Luke and I had some special time watching the huge T-Rex and playing in the Discovery Room.  Joshua and Dad finally went to the Brain and Body exhibit.  Joshua has been wanting to go since his birthday, and we finally got around to taking him.  It was a super fun day that ended with dinner at Grammy and Papa's house.

I love you both to the moon and back and back again.

Love,
Mama



Luke at the orchards on his class field trip.  Note the red "cape"
on his back ~ He thought to bring that to polish the apple that
he ate in the orchard. Now that's thinking!




Remembering September 11, 2001



Soccer Star Luke

Dear Joshua &Luke,

It was ten years ago, September 11, 2001, when I was teaching in my first grade classroom.  It was a beautiful crisp, fall  morning.  A teacher and good friend, Donna D., (also currently known as Donna Lizard at my house) came to my classroom and went over to my computer and said to look at this.  She pulled up CNN or some news channel, and it showed a picture of the Twin Towers on fire.   She went over and did the same thing with my best friend and teaching partner, Susy.  I can remember, "Oh my gosh!" "What does this mean?"  There were so many thoughts swirling in my head.   

A few minutes later, a mother of one of my students showed up at my door, just to check on her son.  She spent the morning in my class.  She nervously stapled and folded papers for the class.  At lunch, I went to the film room (The only place there was a working TV.) and watched the news.  It was unbelievable.  It was difficult to take my eyes off the TV.  I could not believe what was happening in front of my eyes.  There were so many questions.  At my recess break, I went to watch a few more minutes TV so that I could begin to understand what was going on.  I just did not know or get it.

When I got home from school, I was already planning to go to a meeting at St. Mary's Church, so I went.  Instead of the regular meeting, Father Myler held a prayer service for the people that had died, were unaccounted for, hurt while rescuing others, etc.  After the meeting, I glued myself in front of the TV and watched and watched and watched.  I wanted to make some sense of this, but it continued to get more confusing.  Why would someone want to hurt us? What if they attacked again?  Closer to home?  I watched TV for weeks after searching for answers.  Daddy and I spent three weeks in Europe over that summer.  I knew there were numbers of people in Europe that did not like Americans and/or what our country stood for, as well as George Bush, but how could people hate Americans so much to intentionally kill women, men, small children, and babies?  How????

Daddy coaching the Golden Dragons during a game

I also thought a lot about our darling niece, Elsa, who was barely two years old.  What kind of world was this going to be for her?  Was her family OK?  Was she OK?  What about our nephew, Isaac, and their family?  Were they OK?  Would we all be OK? 







I did notice that for the days following September 11, 2001, people in the community seemed nicer to each other.  People seemed to be talking more, and there seemed to be people willing to help others everywhere.  Donations were made, people gave clothes, money, food...firefighters, nurses, EMT's, policemen went to New York City to help with the search and rescue efforts.

For many days after, Daddy and I really talked about wanting to adopt one of the children that were left without parents.  I even looked into joining the Air Force or reserves so that I could fight in the war.  I really wanted to do something to help.  It felt so bad to sit back and not do anything.  I found comfort in helping to collect donations, giving blood, and things I could do right here at home.  At that time, Daddy and I really wanted to have a family, and I knew that beginning a career in the Air Force would not work as well with those plans.  I wish I could have helped directly with the war on terrorism, but looking back I would not change a thing about our family.  Only three short years later, our family grew with the news of our first child!

Go Golden Dragons!  Notice Joshua, the assistant coach,
looking on while Daddy gives the before game pep talk!

As I look back now, my biggest fear was that people would forget about these lost lives.  I was afraid that people would forget what happened on this terrible day.  The last nine years, I have worked diligently at remembering September 11th and the bravery and courage of so many American heroes - our military, firefighters, EMT's, policemen, nurses, and ordinary Americans with extraordinary bravery and courage.  I have been honored to organize a small remembrance of those heroes on that day ~ ten years ago on September 11th.  Please do not forget this day in history.  Use it as a day to remember heroes, patriotism, and how proud you are to be Americans. Also, this date should remind you of your responsibility to educate yourself about our wonderful country, the United States of America - our economy, politics, history, and everything you possibly can.  Not to mention, educate yourself about other countries and their economy, politics, history, etc.  Going through school will teach you many things about all of this, but it is your responsibility as an adult to further your education and to keep current with what is happening in our country (foremost) as well as other countries.

I love you dearly.

Love,
Mama

Can You Guess This Riddle?

Luke's 1st day in the Blue Room.

Dear Joshua and Luke,

What do these groups of things have in common?

Group 1

 * an empty roll of scotch tape
 * refrigerator magnet from Children's Hospital
 * purple beaded necklace from homecoming parade
 * green mechanical pencil
 * one quarter and one dime
 * twelve inch American flag





Group 2

 * 1 Oral B and 1 Colgate toothbrush (unopened)
 * one beaded bracelet made at preschool earlier in the day
 * one airplane glider
 * one Hardees Kids Meal toy - motorcycle
 * one McDonald's Happy Meal toy - gingerbread man chain driven watch

I am sure that you are about to guess, but I will tell you.  All of these things were given to me by both of you as presents when I arrived home this week.  As I came home from work on Tuesday, Group 2 was waiting for me as a present.  On Thursday, Group 1 was waiting for me as a present.  Both of you came running up to me ~ so excited to give me this present.  Group two was given to me in a plastic ZipLoc bag with "to mom" written on it with a Sharpie marker.  Group one was given to me in a plastic Wal-Mart bag.  You both were so excited to give me these presents.  It made me so happy to see your smiling faces looking at me as I walked through the door.  You both planted several kisses on my cheek and hugged me until you were so tired you had to let go.  You both made me feel extra happy and loved tonight.  I LOVE these moments.

Joshua - Class of 2022 &
Luke - Class of 2024
at the new high school - AMAZING!!!!

Here are other moments from the week that I LOVED:

Luke had his first week of preschool.  We spent a lot of time mentally preparing Luke.  At the beginning of the summer, he was pretty adamant that he was going to Miss Pam's class again for the next year.  Luke woke up Monday morning so excited to go to school.  He got ready for school fairly quickly, and as ready to go.  Daddy dropped him off at school, and I was very excited to pick him up.  Of course, I arrived early and peeked at him through the window.  He was playing at the sensory table with another sweet girl.  Then, they ended the day by singing, "The Green Grass Grows All Around."  Luke was adorable making the hand motions and singing along.  When I picked Luke up, he was a chatter box about the day.  He told me about the boy who yelled at Miss Vicki.  That really bothered him.  He told me about riding the bikes and trying to play everything at recess. He was most excited to tell me, "Mom, I did not even cry today!"  And I was really proud of him.  He is growing up so much! 

Dr. Mike and Luke - Open wide!

Luke also had his first official dentist visit with Dr. Mike.  Luke's teeth looked great.  In fact, both boys' teeth looked great!  I am so proud of them both.  Both of you are mostly petty good about brushing your teeth.  It paid off with an awesome visit!  It is always good to see Dr. Mike, too.  He is friendly, and super nice to both of you.   You both chose to go to Red Robin for lunch and peach picking in the afternoon to celebrate the good reports!







I love you both to the moon and back and back again!

Love,

Mama

Why Can't We Buy This? What Can't We Buy That? - Life Lesson #618

Joshua & Luke watching the Clydesdale competition ~
a must see each year at the Illinois State Fair.

Dear Joshua and Luke,

We had a blast in Branson this summer.  But you both had some questions about the trip...."Why can't we go to Dixie Stampede again?"  "Why can't we see Kirby van Burch?"  "Why can't we play miniature golf?"  "Why can't we?"  "Why can't We?"  "Why can't we?"  I felt compelled to start the lesson by telling you that we took only two big vacations when I was a child - one to Daytona Beach, FL and one to Branson, MO ~ and you can bet these vacations were a big deal to my family!  Every year we went to the Zoo, Grant's Farm, Six Flags, Meramec Caverns, fishing trips, etc., but to go out of town and stay in a hotel was HUGE for my family.

Luke, Grammy, and Joshua on the Sky Lift at the fair.

Daddy further explained  to you both that even though his family took a trip every year, sometimes the vacations were for a weekend or a long weekend, but not for an extended length of time.  Daddy and I have taken great vacations every year since we have known each other.  And I have to tell you that Branson holds a special place in my heart for a few reasons.  First, Branson was the place that we visited the night Daddy proposed to me, but that is for another story, another time.  Also, I always feel a little closer to Grandpa Al when we are in Branson because I remember being there with him and my family.  I remember being at Silver Dollar City and riding Fire in the Hole and watching the blacksmiths ~ very good memories. 

Luke had Perry the Platypus face painted on his
cheek while Joshua settled on Phineas!

We also explained to you that you have to make choices with your money and how you are going to spend it.  Some people choose to spend money on vacations, and some people spend their money on new cars, fancy houses, eating out often, clothes, collectibles, toys, all sorts of things.  


Daddy and I have made the decision that vacations are important to us and our family.  It is important for us to have time away with you two showing you the beautiful country that we live in.  We think it is essential for you to learn and understand our nation's history, and what better way to do it than visiting the many historic places?  And vacationing gets us away from home and the constant reminders of all the things we should be doing.  It gives us time to relax and spend even more quality time together.  It gives us time to start new traditions as well as honor the old ones.  So vacationing is a priority to us.  And even though we go on vacations, we can not buy everything you want or do everything you want - again, you have to make choices.  I think you both started to understand what we were talking about. 

Joshua was dressed to take down Goliath!

I am sure that we will revisit these questions again, but I do have to say that you have been asking less and less about, "Can I get this?  Or do that?"  I do think you are beginning to understand. 

I love you both more today than yesterday. You are the best!!!!

The butter exhibit in the dairy barn is a must see!  Can you see the
piglet over by the flowers and the teeny tiny mice?

Love,

Mama

Dog Gone Fun!

Joshua & Luke at the School of the Ozarks museum.

Dear Joshua and Luke,

We had another great vacation in Branson, Missouri!  We have been going to Branson for vacations since before you were both born.  I remember many years of swimming with Elsa and Ethan in the baby pools.  And to think of where Elsa is now!!!!! 

Joshua is out of this world!

As usual, we spent time swimming, swimming, and more swimming.  Daddy grilled a fast for us each evening.  We had our famous Branson Potatoes. Joshua adamantly claims that the potatoes that we buy in Branson taste way better than the potatoes that we can buy here.  The BIG secret to these potatoes is that the potatoes are peeled and thinly sliced.  Then, the potatoes are slathered in butter and microwaved until they are cooked.  A little bit of salt, and you have the famous Branson Potatoes!  You both requested root beer floats each night for dessert.  Only on vacation could you get root beer floats every night.  You also managed to watch Lassie, Star Wars I - The Phantom Menace, and Tarzan.  Again, only on vacation do you get to watch this much television.  I should not forget the episodes of Phineas and Ferb.  You watched these for the first time, and found them quite funny.
We spent one half day at the School of the Ozarks.  It is an amazing museum.  It's has many old items in the museum, and tons of taxidermied animals. Tons!  It's biggest attraction is probably the fact that the museum is home to the original car used in the Beverly Hillbillies.  You probably thought we were crazy as we tried to explain the old sitcom to you. 

Luke at the swimming pool at the resort.

We spent two days at Silver Dollar City.  Wow!  Full days with two very energetic boys, but never a dull moment.  There were lots of fun rides and a performance with the Stunt Dog Experience.  In fact, we saw the performance twice!  Luke chose the light up Frisbee as his souvenir from Silver Dollar City.  He was able to go on the stage and throw the Frisbee to one of the dogs.  It was loads of fun.  Luke is practicing for when we get a new dog.  I can not even think about that, but I am pretty sure that we will sometime soon.  The MC of the Stunt Dog Experience asked the audience to shout, "Dog Gone Fun" when he raised his arms during the show.  About ten minutes later Joshua said, "Oh, I get it.  Dog gone fun!  We are having dog gone fun!!!!"  Gotta love six year-olds! 

Inside Marvel Cave

Daddy took the boys into Marvel Cave.  I would like to have gone with you, but with 450 steps going down, I was a little nervous.  We had a great time on Huck Finn's River - we got soaking wet!  Not a bad thing for a one hundred degree plus day!  It was also a blast to squirt everyone with the guns and to play in the HUGE ball pit at Geyser Gulch.

Joshua bought a puppet Lassie dog and a cork gun as his souvenirs.  Luke chose a sword and the light up Frisbee from the Stunt Dog Experience. 

Joshua practicing his golf swing with Wii Golf.

Joshua and his snorkeling gear in the pool at the resort.

There are many of the usual things that we did not do this time, like going to the fish hatchery or Dixie Stampede, but this was definitely one of our best vacations.  It is great to spend time together as a family with no other distractions around us.  And vacations give us the opportunity to experience new things and to do things that we do not usually do at home.  

Joshua, winner of the coloring contest at the resort, next
to his winning picture. The root beer float was his prize!

Go speed racers at the Go Cart tracks!

Luke and Joshua with Diggy the Dog.

Joshua & Luke meet Tom & Jerry.

Luke & Greg with the Stunt dogs.

These are memories that I will treasure! I love you both more today than yesterday. 

Love,

Mama