Summer Fun

Dear Joshua and Luke,

We are settling into our new house.  Joshua and Luke have been so excited settling into our new home.  Both of you chose Disney Blue for the paint in your bedrooms.  You also chose the curtains and where to place your decorations and treasures.  All of us are excited to have a basement in our new house and a friendly neighborhood homeowner's association.  I think you both would tell everyone that having the a neighborhood pool a half block from our house is one of the best things about the new house.  We have been there so many times already.  It is so easy to go for an hour or so, and there is almost someone we always know there.  But it is not ever super busy!  Perfect for all of us! 

Miss Kelly leading Joshua in his swim lessons.
 Luke is practicing!

Both of you have had private swimming lessons this year with Miss Kelli.  She has been such a blessing to us.  She has solidified your knowledge of swimming and helped you both to become more confident and swim like fish!  In fact, you have both done so well that she has taken you to the city pool to practice diving, advanced swimming strokes, treading water, and much more!  We are so proud of you both!





Joshua is always excited to go to camps.  This year he did a drama camp and an art camp.  In drama camp, he starred in two out of three Aesop's Fables plays.  He happily played a pole and a crow,.  Needless to say, Joshua did an outstanding job in both roles.  He did such a great job, and please keep in mind that I am not biased at all, that he was asked to help with a few other roles when the director found out that some of the kids were not able to attend the final performances.  The Director complemented Joshua on his amazing behavior, talent, and ability to memorize.  Joshua was born to have an audience and be a performer.  He loves to entertain! 

Joshua also attended an art camp.  He created so many fun projects!  He made a case for his DS and games, a United States flag made out of popsicle sticks, a boat that actually floats, and a treasure box! So much more, too........Luke did not seem to mind that he was not quite old enough to attend these camps yet, but I have a feeling that next year he will want to be signed up.  He tends to want to do whatever Joshua is doing  And Joshua wants to do almost anything and everything! 

Both of you attended Vacation Bible School for a week, too.  This was the first year I did not volunteer to help, and I honestly missed being a part of it each day.  I will admit that it was helpful to have a few hours to myself each morning to work on setting up the house.  Friday, the final performance day, was inspiring as usual.  To see over 240 kids and 100 volunteers, including parents, Middle School and High School students working together is more than awesome!  It gives me chills every year when children get on stage and start singing songs about Jesus's love for us.  Wow!  It truly gives me goose bumps every time. 




Sweet, sweet story from my sweet Luke: 

It was a chilly evening in June.  We were both wearing light jackets in the evening, and it was quite chilly!  Luke said, "I am really hot!"  Since we both had jackets and commented several times about the unusually cool weather, I looked at Luke quite surprised.  I replied, "Luke, how can you be hot right now?'  Luke replied, "When I am with you, my heart just melts making me hot all over, mama."  You just can't beat a conversation like that.  Luke is a sweetie, and likes to say things to make you go, "Awwww......." 

I love you both very much....with all my heart! 

Love, Mama

Goodbye Kindergarten & Second Grade

Luke made fruit kabobs for breakfast!

Dearest  Joshua and Luke,

Another school year has come to an end!  Wow!  A 79 day reprieve from checking agendas, packing lunches, homework, and all of the other fun things that come along with school.  Actually Luke was quite taken aback that he did not get the 104 vacation days that Phineas and Ferb obviously get via the theme song to their show.  But 79 days it is, and we will make the  most of every one of them!

The last week of school was filled with so much fun ~ field days, reward day with a movie at the high school, the ending of Mad Science (both boys were sad about this), and Luke ~ he starred as the best crab ever in the kindergarten play.  Both boys loved field day, and it was extra special that Dad went along to help their classes go through the stations (even though Dad just had surgery and was wearing a neck brace).  Both boys got to go to the high school to see The Rookie because of their good behavior during the school year.  Read on to find out how The Rookie impacted Joshua:

The next day at a baseball game, Joshua runs on the field and exclaims, "Guys, look!  I am being serious about the game!  Look guys, I am being serious."  In the meantime, he is practicing throwing and catching, but it is very important to him that the others know how serious he is being.  I am not sure what his teammates were thinking, or how much they even paid attention to him at that point because no one really said anything to him.  I could not wait to ask him why he had this change of attitude.  Come to find out after talking to Joshua, it was The Rookie.  Joshua explained that baseball meant so much to "that guy", that he wanted to get better and be  like him, too,  And all along I thought it was the heart to hearts that we have had with him about paying attention, his team counting on him etc. Whatever it was we have seen some change with Joshua and his "seriousness" with the game.

And Luke ~  he was the best crab I have ever seen in the kindergarten play, and I am not one bit biased.  Luke's crab walk was most memorable!  He shuffled left, then, right, left, right and on and on.......just like a real crab.  Luke's "crabby" smile was the most precious as well.  Luke practiced and practiced for his songs in the play.  The entire play was adorable in every way! 

Luke is the third crab in line!

Both boys are sad about not seeing their friends every day at school, but they are both very lucky to see friends outside of school, too.  Another school year is over, but there is a lot to look forward to over the summer ~ community vacation bible school, drama camp, art camp, swim lessons, baseball, and did I mention moving into a new house?  A vacation to Branson?  Seeing cousins?  A  vacation to a waterpark? 

I love you both very, very much!

Love,
Mama

Joshua's First Communion

Joshua praying & posing at First Communion

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

We celebrated Joshua's First Communion Day on April 7, 2013.  It was a beautiful day filled with so much anticipation, love, and closeness with Jesus.  Joshua went to practice for two days prior to the big day just to make sure he knew and understood exactly what to do.   Two days before the big day, we tried on Joshua's white shirt and navy suit pant to find out that Joshua must have had another growth spurt because we had just bought him  anew white shirt in January, but the sleeves were too short now!  So off to the store to get a new, long sleeved white shirt, almost a week after Easter.  We found one that fit perfectly ~ thank goodness. 

 I will admit that I got a little sentimental thinking about Joshua's First Communion.  I remember his baptism so well, and here we were with his First Communion.  I can't help but think that his Confirmation will be here before we know it.   But I do not want to rush time at all. 

Father Bill & Joshua

Joshua is usually not nervous over events.  In fact he likes to "perform" in many ways so it was a little surprising to me that he was nervous about his First Communion.  I think the fact that there were practices made him nervous. There were a lot of little things to remember.  He was also particularly unsure about holding his baptismal candle.  He was so afraid that it would catch something on fire or burn him.  Also, he was nervous about having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the mass.  Which he did ask to leave two times to use the bathroom.  We let him go the first time at the very beginning of mass, but when he asked the second time, I explained to him that he probably did not really have to go to the bathroom.  I told him that sometimes feeling nervous made you think you might have to go to the bathroom.  It turned out that it was nerves because he was just fine! 





Joshua made a funny face once again when he tasted the wine.  That is good because I would not want him to really like it anyway!  After lots of pictures, Joshua requested lunch at Golden Corral.  He enjoyed the meal a lot.  I think the big draw for him is the cotton candy and ice cream with gummy bear toppings.  Or maybe it is the chocolate fountain and marshmallows.  It is definitely a favorite for him. 

Joshua standing by the anointing oils

I am very proud of Joshua.  I know I have mentioned his love for Jesus.  It is strong.  And Joshua can tell you so many stories from the Bible, who and what things were happening at what time, and most importantly how God loves us all.  Not just how God loves us, but how Jesus is the light, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, how the earth formed and how we are waiting for the paracea where God is all and all.  He is teaching us all so much. 

Luke & Joshua with St. Nicholas

Luke has been good with all of this most of the time, even though Joshua has been getting so much attention with all of this.  I know that it will be Luke's First Communion in no time.  But I am in no rush for that either.

I love you both so much.

Love,
Mama

Six Candles For Luke!

Luke's birthday party

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

Yes, there were six candles on top of Luke's birthday cake this year.  And what a lucky kid!  He was able to celebrate his whole birth week!  His first celebration was at the firehouse with his school friends.  Several friends from his class came to celebrate with him.  His friends heard a great fire safety presentation ~ you can never hear fire safety rules enough!  Then, they all had a chance to get into the fire truck and sit and squirt the fire hose!  The children broke open a pinata and played Pin the Tail on the Donkey, too.  I insisted on the kids playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey because it was a traditional birthday party game when I was his age.  The kids seemed to enjoy it! 






Rollerskating fun!

Luke also got to celebrate his birthday with his cousins on his actual birthday.  Luke chose to go roller skating.  It was fun!  Even Uncle Luke and Aunt Lisa were roller skating.  Then, the cousins went back to our house for fun in the afternoon.  We also dyed Easter eggs for Easter the next day.  Luke requested pizza pasta casserole for his birthday dinner along with a Dairy Queen ice cream cake.  Luke was so lucky to have his cousins here to celebrate with him.

Dying Easter eggs for the Easter bunny!  Best Cousins!

There are so many wonderful things about Luke.  I often say what a big heart Luke has ~ and he does.  A sensitive heart, too.  He thinks a lot about how other people are feeling, and he does not like when other people are sad.  He wants to fix whatever is wrong for them.  Luke can get his feelings hurt, too.  He does not like getting into trouble, and he has such high expectations for himself.  Sometimes his expectations can be too much, and we have to remind him that we all make mistakes and it is OK to make them.  Luke adores his big brother, Joshua.  Sometimes they do not show it to each other, but Luke always misses Joshua when Joshua is not at home with him.  Luke likes a lot of things that Joshua likes.  (By the way, Joshua feels the same way about Luke.)  I am very proud of Luke!  I love him dearly.

Luke and Papa

In fact, I  love you both more today than I did yesterday.

Love,
Mama

Forgiveness, Acceptance, Love.....

Luke & Joshua in a Beyblade race

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

     As I was taking my sheets off the bed this week, I found a pleasant surprise under my pillow case ~ two small white hearts with "love" written on it.  As I asked who put them there, Joshua broke into a sweet, sly smile.  He said, "I did it Mom!"  He was so proud of himself and rightly so.  That certainly made my day!  And to think of the many nights I slept on top of those sweet words!

  


  Joshua is preparing for his first communion.  He made a blessing cup several weeks ago.  He drew our family, a chalice and patten, a butterfly and a cross.  We have been attending meditations each week at the Atrium.  I have to say that I have learned a lot during this time.  Joshua has been teaching me some things as well.  Wow!!! Joshua truly has a deep love for God.  I admire that so much!

Joshua kneading his bread at the First Communion retreat

     The other evening, Luke and I started watching Dumbo for our movie night.  Daddy and Joshua were at a birthday party for one of Joshua's friends. Luke was so taken with the cute babies and how the babies were delivered by the stork!  Luke loved how cute Dumbo was!  Luke had difficulty understanding why they locked up Dumbo's mommy or why everyone would make fun of Dumbo's ears.   After all, he could not help the size of them.  Luke was very disturbed by this concept, and asked to stop the show.  That is an unusual request for Luke.  I told him how it would be a happy ending because everyone would find out how special Dumbo's ears really were, but after several protests, we finally turned it off.  Luke truly has a sensitive heart and does not like it when people let their feelings hurt. 

Joshua listening to Miss Barb at the retreat.

    Since you have been old enough to play with other children, I have tried to instill in you that all children/people are different and differences are good.  Even as a teacher, I always taught my students that people can be alike and different.  Differences are good, and can make life much more interesting.   I have tried to remind you that every one of us is a son or daughter of God.  God made each one of us special and unique in our own ways.  As an adult, I know that there are people I am more comfortable with than others, but I hope I never judge others by how they look, live, believe, etc.  I have found that you really do not know what challenges other people have in their lives.  People may seem one way, but you never really know what challenges people are living with or what it is like to walk in their shoes. 

     I hope that both of you learn the importance of accepting people as they are, not judging them.  Do whatever you can to help others and to make life better for others.  As we pray every night, please ask God to use your heart and hands to do his work on earth.  What would Jesus do if he met these people, or were friends with them, or even if he was part of your family?   How would God want you treat these people? 

     And if you run across people that judge you unfairly or treat you differently based on how you look, live, etc., please be patient with them.  Very patient with them.  Ask for help in forgiving them if you need to.  It is not easy to live this way, especially when you have been deeply hurt by someone...but God will give you the strength to forgive and move on.  Forgiveness can be given at any time, but it does take time to build trust with someone again.  God will help you.....

     Please know that I love you both tons and tons.

Love,
Mama

Dear Joshua and Luke,

     Both boys showed off their basketball skills with their games this weekend.  Luke played Friday night and Joshua played Saturday morning.  Joshua has been using a trick play during basketball in which he does a trick pass.  He acts like he is going to pass the ball to one teammate.  Then, he quickly passes it to a different teammate.  His team is starting to get used to this pass, and he has come in very handy for the team.

   Sunday was a great day form us as we went on a day trip with one of our favorite families.  We began the day with a visit to Bucheits.  The boys wanted a chicken and a rooster complete with a hen cage.  Or maybe a cute bunny as a pet.  We ate a quick lunch at McDonald's, then off to Baldwin Lake to feed the geese.  The kids had a lot of fun feeding the geese bread and crackers.  Next, we went to Popeye's home and looked around a bit. The kids played at the playground for a while, too.   We ended the day by filling our tummies at a nice smorgasbord.  You were both almost asleep in the car by the time we got home! 

     We also met Miss Rachael, our new nanny and housekeeper.  You both liked her so much when you met her.   She is very nice.  She is going to be able to help us so much at our house  She is going to help get you ready in the morning and once in a while after school.  She is also going to help with housekeeping and meals a few days per week. Initially you both did not want to get anyone to replace Miss Sara.    But Miss Sara has not worked regularly with us for a while, and with our busy schedules, we really did need someone to help us.  Miss Rachael will certainly not replace Miss Sarah, but I do think you will find another Big Sister and friend to enrich your life.   Miss Rachael will be a nice young lady to work with.   We are very excited to add her to our family. 

I love you both more today than I did yesterday.

Love,
Mama

    

      

Sweetie Pies

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

     Sweetie Pie day is not just about sweetie pies, it is also about sweet pie. Yes, Daddy and Luke sampled several sweet pies in  town this last weekend.  After trying eight different pies, Luke's settled on his favorite  pie ~ a pizza pie ~ from his favorite thrift store. 

     It is also true that we have the two smartest boys in town ~ and we are not biased at all.  Joshua had all A's on his report card and Luke had too many E 's to even count!  Wow!  We are very proud parents, but even more we are proud of our boy's behavior and their love for learning at school.  I always loved school as well.  I liked playing the teacher and the student, too.  Maybe that is why I always wanted to be a teacher, and why I work in a school today! 

     Joshua and Luke both started basketball last week.  Joshua is happy to be practicing and spending time with new and old friends.  I have not figured out why Luke likes basketball yet, but he continues to play each week.  Sometimes he really wants to play and other times he tells us that he wants to quit.  But as long as he is signed up for this session, we will make sure that he plays.  And he does seem to enjoy himself once he is there.  One of the great things about this league is that it is an instructional league. The coaches have been totally awesome.  They focus on skills and teamwork. And there are about six to eight games all in the same place.   It is a perfect league for you two. 

     I love you both very much.

Love,
Mama