My Little Girl is Growing Up

Its not enough to just get 'em to church...

I recently decided to follow my long ago left behind credo to begin finding my passion, my voice, my..well, whatever it's called that gives that spark of creative meaning back to my life. Hey, I should write again! Duh! So I took a year off, and what I realize is that not only have I become less disciplined and purposeful but so has my son Noah.

Last week we fought about having to attend church. Something we do with consistency since he was baptized. He is now closer to 10 than 9 and really has some strong opinions and thoughts about why he shouldn't have to go each Sunday to church school or the service. It used to be enough for me to state with authority,
"because it's what we do. Now get dressed, we leave in 20 minutes." He knows the routine and my feelings and more importantly my beliefs, and that used to be enough. Not anymore. Each weekend its a struggle. More than a struggle some days. And so lately I've been wavering a bit. It is MUCH nicer when I just get up early and head off by myself or with Emily in hand to the 8am service. I can enjoy hearing God's word in a relaxing and serene environment. I come away feeling refreshed and grateful to have left the struggle behind me. But that feeling ends when I come home and Noah has this triumphant smile of, "Ha, I won". Which he sometimes even says.

That feeling of contentment gives way to a nagging pain that I've just helped enlarge the divide between what he wants and what I want for him. I don't know the answer to this problem. But I began where I think all good decisions come from. I began by sharing my concern with my MOPS group and asked for prayers. Prayers for patience, guidance and assurance that by holding firm to my church on Sundays rule is in my sons best interest. He may not know it now. But I believe. Enough for us both.

Guitar Hero?

Guitar Hero, World Tour is the new language in our home, spoken by everyone except me. With the promise of great fun and "family bonding" I picked up the drum sticks and banged on the platform thingamajig but was swiftly booed off. Not booed by my own family but the stupid computer game. This big waste of time and $200 is practically worshipped by my son and husband alike. So for now I will let those two bond over old rock music and the delusion they are rock stars in our living room!

The Mom Song- New Version

Thanks to my friend Brian for reintroducing this performance- new and improved- to me on a day when I really needed some humor. This is the greatest!!

"Must Love Dogs"

Besides being a fun movie this is one of Emily's life mottos. This little black rat is my aunt and uncles dog, Nicky, who is mean, and poops in our house as soon as she walks in the door. She growls and doesn't like anyone - yet Emily still loves her.
Go Figure!?

Sleepover

Remember how much fun sleepovers were?

What a bunch of goofballs

Noah's Report Card

I cant help but brag. I am so proud. He has worked so hard and it is paying off.
Noah's report card and teacher conference went like this.

"Noah is a kind student who continues to improve and gain confidence."
A- reading
A writing
A vocabulary
A math
A- social studies
B+ science

He's reading at grade level, a 3.9 to be exact. He has come so far! The school year began so horribly. He believed he was behind before he even began. He was sure he would never keep up. He wanted to give up. But he didn't. And he has grown so much in his belief in himself. His teacher says he is still a perfectionist and it's that determination to be perfect that puts him at his greatest disadvantage. I am so happy for Noah. I know how much he wants to do well and be well-liked. He is both. He is, just as I knew when he was born, an amazing person. Keep on, keepin' on!