Obssessions

Little Man has his first love.  His first obsession.  His first Gotta Do It All The Time.  He's in love with all things balls!  This boy has a ball in his hand at all times.  Football, Basketball, Baseball, Dodgeball...if it's a ball, he's got it.  If it's something that somewhat resembles a ball, he's made up a game with it.  Last weekend I was deathly afraid to go outside because he and Steven had made up game that was a cross between dodgeball and baseball. All I know is balls were flying and hitting the house left and right.  I can only imagine what the neighbors think!

Right now he's in the middle of a basketball camp at a local university in our area.  Most of his close friends are at camp with him so he's even more pumped.  He goes from morning until noon and by the time I pick him up he's still not had enough basketball time.  As soon as he gets home that boy picks up his mini ball and starts playing in the house. 

He did take one little break.  Not to eat.  Not to pee.  Not to get a drink.  I guess it dawned on him that he needed to practice for their daily talent show.  Seriously.  That happened.  I'm not sure what genre of dance he was going for but it was somewhere in between break dancing and convulsions.  Surely to entertain all spectators.  I just hope someone catches it on video.  I'm all for winning $10,000 capturing the special moments of his life.

So far, it's been a great week with friends and playing ball.  Now here's to bringing home the gold with a dance off win.  I am totally serious.  Okay, I'm not. I'm dying laughing. 

 

By the way, I just love how each kid is giving their best Thumb's Up pose...and then there's my kid.  

Where does he get this from???

Little Man Turns 7

Last week our oldest turned seven.  I really can't believe the years go by so fast.  Wasn't I just in the hospital working with the lactation consultant last week?  The same consultant that reached right over and squeezed my boob without warning--that's another story entirely--point is, time goes by too fast.

On his actual day all Little Man wanted to do was eat at Texas Roadhouse so he could sit on the saddle while everyone wished him Happy Birthday.  He had this planned back in June.  For months he would mention how excited he would be to sit in the saddle. He got his wish.  Still cracks me up.

 

The things kids come up with.  He was so pumped to go sit on this saddle he opted to miss out on First Wednesday service...which he LOVES...which we love, but it was his day and we were celebrating him.

We continued his festivities during the weekend.  On Sunday we wrangled 13 boys in our backyard for another year of a Chicago Bears Football Combine party.  Yes, the exact same party as last year.  Makes planning a breeze. Thank you Little Man for simplifying the birthday planning process.  I think this could work well into your 30's for sure.

Seeing the joy on his face melts me.  More so because I know this child's heart.  He is compassionate and has a heart for helping others.  And, I have a story just about that.  I promise it does tie into his birthday, so stay with me.

A month ago or so, we received the Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog.  If you aren't familiar with the gift catalog, I encourage you to search it out.  It is like no other catalog. You will be humbled.  

Little Man and I were looking through the catalog during Fall Break while everyone else was napping.  We went through each page and read all the ways to give.  As we were reading, he was circling every opportunity to give.  No matter the amount, he circled it.  It was hard to explain why we weren't able to give for every area, so we picked out the ones that were near and dear to his heart.  He chose to purchase baby chicks for families, milk for babies, blankets for the homeless, and sports equipment for children in third world countries.

When it came time to count the money in his piggy bank he was short $10.  He cleared out his entire piggy bank without hesitation.  He gave it all.  We covered the rest of his choices, and picked up some other items that we wanted to gift.  

The amount he gave was quite a lot for a 7 year old boy.  I can't remember the last time I gave every DIME I had, yet he gave it all without a bat of an eye.  He melts me.

Bring it back to his birthday.  He received so much cash from friends and family, his piggy bank is well stashed again.  Way above his original cash amount.  God is so faithful no matter how big or small you are...

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.--Luke 6:38

His comment to me a few days later, "Mom, can I look at the book thing again?"

Seriously?  God gave him a special heart.  I love the leadership and example he sets for his siblings.  He sets an example for us as well.  You simply can't out give God.  Ever.

*Little Mommy Note here:  Little Miss also chose to purchase from the catalog.  She chose the little lamb stuffed animals that play Jesus Loves Me.  It is so her.  She carries stuffed animals around most of the time and loves the song Jesus Loves Me.  I want to remember each year and what they gave to.  Hopefully, I will be reminded by their giving what was important to them.

Be Brave

Fear is not something we put much stock in.  I don't like our fears to get the best of us, and I definitely don't like it to show up in our kids.

When Little Man was tiny up until about 3 years old, he liked to keep his feet on the ground.  He wasn't daring.  He wasn't brave.  He wasn't bold.  He was unsure and afraid.

A lot of prayer and reminders what God says he is, Little Man is now bold, confident, and daring.

Last year we enrolled Little Man and Little Miss in swim lessons.  The first thing I noticed was the high dive. Oh man, what I would have given to get up on that thing.  I was excited.

Little Man saw it too.  He didn't say anything about it the first few days until his teacher said they would have the chance to go off of it later on in the week.  Stress.  Little Man began to stress.  Our advice to him as parents was a lesson of regret.  We talked to him about wanting to do something, but holding back because you are afraid.  Sometimes you can let fear grab a hold of you so strongly, you miss out on a big opportunity.  

He thought about that and the very next day he had the opportunity to jump.  I was nervous for him, but it would be up to him.  I watched him walk up to the ladder, climb up, wait for the signal from the teacher and jump.  No fear.  Just boldness.  I almost cried.  It was a big moment for him.

This year, he couldn't wait to jump.  He got his opportunity on the second day.  He would jump, swim to the side, and get back in line.  My heart swelled.  My once fearful child stood in front of his fears and conquered them. He makes me proud.

This is my brave, bold boy doing his thing off the high dive last night.  Be on the lookout for a second and third high dive video because Little Miss and Chunky Monkey have their eye on that thing.

His Competitive Drive

Last Friday Little Man ran his first ever race with his best bud, Will.  Will has ran a race before, but this was Little Man's first.  It was special for me because just last year we stood on the side lines and cheered his daddy on to a personal racing best.  I'm thankful my friend Jackie invited us to run this with them.

{Jackie, Will, Little Man, and me before the race}

I wasn't really sure what to expect from Little Man during this race.  He has run a mile with me before, so I knew he would do just fine running the entire fun run.  What I wasn't prepared for was his internal drive to be a winner.  Holy Moly!  That kid only saw one thing.  He saw people in front of him and he wanted to beat them.  It got to the point where I was trying to slow him down.  I was beginning to worry that he was starting out too fast and wouldn't be able to run the whole race.  Uhhh, I was way wrong!  I underestimated his competitive drive.  He kept passing kids twice his age and adults.  So much for my little leisure run with my boy.  When it was time to cross the finish line, we were about 9 minutes in duration and only about 15-20 runners back.  We could see the kid who won.  That's how close he was to the winner.  I was one proud mom!  A great memory for me.  I loved seeing his drive.

Just like me, Steven underestimated Little Man too.  He decided he had enough time to pee and missed us coming through the gate.  I was bummed for that because I was counting on him taking our pic.  Thank goodness for friends who take one for you.  I cherish this photo!

As for the big man in my life, he did pretty well too.  He took 9th overall and 3rd in his age group crossing the finish line in 20:17.  A personal best for him.  Was he satisfied?  Nooooo.  He was mad that he didn't place first in his age group.  I can see where this is headed.  I've got two out of my three boys with unreal competitive drives.  Heaven help me if Chubby Cheekers turns out this way too. Aye, aye, aye!

I sure do love my boys!

A Weekend of Firsts

We partied all weekend long.  Seriously.  All. Weekend. Long.  Three birthday parties and one baby shower all crammed into one weekend.  It was busy, but it was fun.  

Friday night Little Man had his very first sleepover party with friends.  We're those weirdo kind of parents who will only allow our children to sleep over at select homes.  It was a big deal to allow Little Man to stay the night with someone other than family.  Thankfully, his first sleep over invitation came from his former baby sitter.  She kept him for me while I was still working.  We developed a great friendship and our boys have grown up together.  Another little guy is Little Man's BFF.  They have been friends since birth.  Literally, Little Man was born and three weeks later we were back at the hospital visiting our friends who delivered their boy.  I was so thankful, Melinda sent us pics throughout the night.  

I missed that guy.  Little Man's sister, however, was pumped to sleep up in his bed.  She couldn't brush her teeth fast enough so she could climb up in the big 'ol loft bed.  She's a hoot.

Speaking of Little Miss, she attended her very first princess party designed just for girls.  This is the first party she was invited to that was solely for her.  Slowly, she is forming her own friendships.  Steven got to take her while I was at my precious neighbor's baby shower.  The pictures I got to see made my heart smile. Little Miss was in her element with some special little ladies.  I am so thankful for opportunities such as this.

Even though the weekend was crazy busy, it was so fun to watch the kids get to experience their firsts.

Proud Parents

You see this guy...

Well, he won an award.

An award for responsibility.

Only two kids were chosen per class.

He makes us proud.

And because he makes us proud I'm going to post 3 pictures of the same thing.

That's just how we roll.

Loud and Proud.

 Little Man with his amazing teacher.

 Daddy's turn with the award winner.

(Chubby Cheekers, contain your excitement please.)

My turn with my boy...and princess.

Besides Little Man winning the Responsibility Award, there is something else that warms our hearts. The majority of his friends have won awards previously for cooperation and respect.  This means he is keeping good company.  We want him to be kind to all, but spend quality time with others that have hearts like his.  

Little Man, you make us proud.  You are a good leader for your siblings.  We love you.

Love, 

Mom and Dad

Football Training Camp Party

Travel Clue #1: Abraham Lincoln
Travel Clue #2: What you talkin' about Willis?
Travel Clue #3: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Immediately after Little Man's 5th Birthday, The Outdoor Movie Party, he already had his sights set on his 6th birthday bash.  He wanted a Chicago Bears party.  Now I could have just purchased Chicago Bears cups, plates, and napkins and called it good, but what fun would that be?  Yeah, none.  So Steven and I came up with a Training Camp Party.  It was a lot of fun for kids and parents.  I will surely do it again when Chubby Cheekers gets older.  Here are the details if you have a little guy who loves football.

Schedule of Party:

• Players (party guests) get checked-in.  This is where you hand them their player passes and apply their blackout tattoos.
• Players are then guided to the field outside to make their team pennant.  This allows some filler time while you wait for all guests to arrive.
• Once all guests have arrived the coach (my husband) blows his whistle to begin the training camp.
• Drills are as follows:  Speed Ladder, Broad Jump, Pass Accuracy, and Shuttle Run.  Kids' times, jumps, and throws are recorded on their player passes.
• Cake and Presents Break.
• Then the after party game begins.  Our original plan was to have Jock Jams playing and each 'player' introduced so they could run onto the field in style, but I forgot to get out the iDock.  Would have been a super cool touch though :(
• Kids play flag football.
• Kids go home with a Gatorade and Snickers bar for their party favor.
• The end.

What You'll Need:

• Lanyards for Player Passes (Oriental Trading Co)
• Cardstock for Player Passes (Hobby Lobby)
• Foam Pennants (Oriental Trading Co)
• Foam Stickers and Markers (I forgot to set out the markers too. Bad Mommy.) (Oriental Trading Co)
• Spray Paint for the field. (Lowe's)
• Speed Ladder 
• Hula Hoops for Pass Accuracy
• Cones and footballs for Shuttle Run
• Gatorade and Snickers Bars 
• Tables for Pennant Projects(Oriental Trading Co)
• Blackout Tattoos (Oriental Trading Co)

Party Pics (I feel all sorority like):

{Player Check-In Station}

{Player Passes}

 {Broad Jump}

{Shuttle Run}

{Pass Accuracy}

{Speed Ladder}

{Cake Break on the field}

{The Game}

{Inside Decor...excuse the sign that was thrown up there 5 minutes before guests arrived.  It was either spend time on the sign or give Chubby Cheekers the Milk Twins.  Chubby Cheekers won out.)

{The Cake...I'll share how I did it tomorrow}

That's really all there was to it.  Super fun for little boys, and super fun to plan!

Feel free to steal.  Goodness knows I've stolen lots of ideas over the years. 

Happy 6th Birthday, Little Man

Travel Clue #1:  Abraham Lincoln
Travel Clue #2:  What you talkin' about Willis?

My boy turned 6 last week.  Since we were all down with the stomach bug, we didn't get to celebrate in our usual fashion on his day.  Instead, we all healed up and focused on his party day (more on that tomorrow).  Today I want to celebrate him.

{Little Man, age: 6}

Gosh, he's handsome. He is a small replica of his father which is totally a good thing.  We need more men in this world like Steven and Little Man is rising to the challenge.  There are so many things that are special about him.  Things that make me proud to be his mother.

Little Man is a rough and tough boy, but he is a METRO MINI MAN!  He likes his clothes clean and crisp.  His father irons his school clothes every night with his work clothes.  They both like creases.  He wants to smell good and thanks to his Grammy Yoly, he does.  She buys him cologne or body spray every year for his birthday.  He cares about his appearance.  Every morning before school he washes his own face and makes sure I get his hair just right.  

On the inside he's even better.  One thing that is big in our house is how you treat others.  Little Man has his moments, but he treats his siblings with love.  If he receives an award or special treat, the thought of keeping it for himself never happens.  Almost instinctively, he passes half to his sister.  When it comes to Chubby Cheekers, he is a protector.  He makes sure he's taken care of and entertains him when he's sad...or mad.  He contains such compassion for others, it astounds me at times.  Definitely one of his God given gifts.  

Little Man, we love you very much.  You were created special.  You make us proud!

Love,

Mom and Dad