thirty thankful days-day 18-my favorite girl

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me!  Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments.  Let's be thankful together!

If you're keeping track...I missed a day of posting.  Some days are full and nights are late.  I was thankful, but didn't write about it.  I'm over it...and am on to today...

pickle on instagram

My daughter.  I find new things to love about her all the time.  Wednesday night we went out to dinner with an old friend of ours from college who was in town on business.  Throughout our dinner conversation, Pickle chatted happily with our friend.  I participated in the discussion, but the whole time part of my was sitting back and observing her as she shared her school experiences and her thinking about college and her future.

My thoughts?  She's so pretty--as she smiled big and brushed her hair from her eyes over and over.  She is so poised--casually talking with a 40-something year old man she sees about once every couple of years.  She is charming--she is beautifully animated as she speaks about her desire to work with kids, maybe kids with special needs, as a career.  I was enthralled with who she is and who she is becoming.

Last night we had our weekly long ride to her tutor's home.  And, because she is there, the music is on.  She's singing along, as always.  I love listening to her--whether she's belting out a ballad, or picking out harmonies to the various pop songs she's into.  I never tire of hearing her sing.

This girl-woman is quickly becoming a person I choose as a friend as well.  Her sense of humor and her caring heart make her a wonderful person to be around.  We laugh a lot together...and I value her opinion.

She's 15, and that makes some moments difficult.  In fact, there was one this morning.  {smile} Those moments are far outweighed by the wonderful ones.  Today I'm thankful for my beautiful, growing-up-too-fast daughter.

What are you thankful for today?  Link up or comment!  Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet.  I'm such a techy, huh?

School Days and Catchphrase

I don't know if you have ever played the game Catchphrase...but this electronic game has a beeping timer.  It starts beep...beep...beep...keeping the pace of the game going.  As time gets shorter, the beeping quickens.  Beep, beep, beep, beep, beepbeepbeepbeep!  It makes me feel panicky--oh no!  time's running out!  

When I'm not careful with my thoughts...I can feel the same way as I see my kids grow up.  It seems like time is accelerating.  Beepbeepbeepbeep... yikes!  Back to school is definitely one of those seasons where I hear the rapid beeping in my head...

We had the fastest summer ever.  Really.  Before we knew it, it was time.   Tuesday was the day, and I made the kids pose for the obligatory first day photos.

Pickle is heading into her sophomore year.  I can hardly believe how grown up she is becoming!  (I know all moms say such things...but it's true!)

ten fingers = tenth grade.  that's how we roll.

And if it's not enough that my baby girl is a young woman, my little boy is in his last year of elementary school!  Bubba is in 5th grade...be still my soul.  Handsome little devil, isn't he?

While I want time to slow down, I choose to embrace.  Be proud of who they are becoming, be excited for each new step they get to take.  Walk alongside them while I can.  Hug them a lot.  And try not to be freaked out by the accelerated beeping I hear now and then in the back of my head...

Blog-hopping with the Company Girls today...

Been a little "tied up" lately...

Me being mummified on Sunday morning with the kids.

This is a weird season for me.  Just as things wind down for the kids, things pick up for me.  It is like this every year.  So, while I long to embrace the slower months with the kiddos, I can't slow down.  It is definitely the season of lists (which really help me when I don't lose them!) and so I figure a list is in order here.

1.  School has wrapped up for the kids.  Wednesday was the last final for Pickle and the last half-day for Bubba.  Bubba's end to 4th grade included a state fair project, a field trip, field day and a music performance.  Pickle's involved her first final exams, some grade-salvaging (including me re-learning geometry to help her study--yikes), and final choir performance.  It was a blur, but it's done!

2.  (Bragging mom alert)  I am so happy for Pickle.  She just loves-loves-loves to sing.  She has been taking voice lessons this year.  She has enjoyed her high school choir experience very much--especially the trip to Disneyworld to compete at the end of April!  She aspired to be a part of the select choir at her school one day.  Auditions for the fall were a few weeks ago, and she was in the midst of a terrible cold.  She auditioned anyway.  There was only one alto spot open--so she figured it was a long shot at best....  I will not forget the sound of her voice when she called to tell me that she was selected!  Not as an alto, but as a soprano!  She is the only one from her grade added to the 20-voice choir.  (There is one other sophomore-to-be who has been in it as a Freshman).  Everyone else is an upperclassmen!  She is THRILLED, as are we.  Guess we are buying another dress...

Pickle with two of her friends after her choir concert.

3.   After picking the kids up from school Wednesday we celebrated the beginning of summer in a favorite way. We grabbed a chick-fil-a lunch to eat on my mom's deck as we watched the Air Force Thunderbirds put on a fantastic show for the Academy graduation.  We were joined by my sis Kerry and her two little ones, and our friend Nicole.  It's such a fun perk to living here--as we get to see this show annually.  A great kick-off to summer!

There they are!

goofy posed picture while nothing was happening.  :0)

a non-posed picture of us actually watching.  :0)

My friend Tamara got this shot--which shows what they looked like when they banked over  my mom's house.

4.  I am busy planning VBX--to be held June 13 -17--and am deep in it right now.  We are doing Group's Pandamania-Where God is wild about you!  The whole VBX is based on Psalm 139--filled with the truths about how God feels about and interacts with each one of us.  As things get crazy-busy, it helps me to remember why we do this, and I get excited about kids embracing these important truths for themselves.  It's what keeps me going.  We have planned for double the kids this year--but so far registration is on pace with our normal numbers...will you pray with me that God sends the kids He wants there?

5.  For the first time this year, we are also taking VBX on the road!  Two weeks after our VBX, we will be holding VBX in inner-city Lincoln, NE!  We are partnering with a church-plant there that is only 18 months old and has never had a VBX.  They are in a poverty-stricken area, are under-resourced, and we are so happy for the opportunity to partner with them.  We are taking a large group of teens and adults from our church--and it will be a great team.  However, the amount of unknowns for this venture are sometimes overwhelming.  It's a step of faith for many of us...which is an exciting place to be.

6.  Today is my day off (perhaps the last Friday off until July!) and I am hoping to rally my kids to work with me to get their rooms and our home closer to clean and organized.  Right now it seems one of those terrible tornadoes took a quick spin through our house...

There's more, but before I fall any further into my usual pattern of making my lists unrealistically too long, I'll stop here for today.  I hope this weekend finds you doing things you love and with people you love.

Be back soon, bloggies.

Linking up with the Company Girls today.

Saturday.

Saturdays are usually filled with chores, errands, Bubba's soccer or basketball games, and some procrastinating.  This Saturday was none of those things. (Well, maybe the procrastinating.)  There is much to do around here...and we had a whole Saturday to do it--but we didn't.  Guilt wants to creep in, but I won't let it.  We had a spontaneously fun day...and that is what we needed.

The morning started slowly, waking up leisurely, chatting and laughing long before our feet hit the floor.  Then we remembered that it was free-breakfast-day-at-Chick-Fil-A!  We hurried to wake up sleeping beauty and get dressed and ended up joining my sister and her fam and some friends for some chicken and visiting.

Pickle and I decided we wanted to attend an event at Focus on the Family where the Duggars (of TLC fame--19 kids and counting) were speaking and making an appearance that afternoon.  Pickle is a big fan and I figured there could be a lot worse choices of reality stars to meet, so why not indulge her?  We missed out on getting tickets to the event (I snoozed and lost--oops) so I agreed to buy Pickle their book so we could attend the book signing they were doing afterwards.

We had a great time.  They were all there (minus their youngest, Josie) and sat at a super long table, signing and greeting.  Pickle's first exciting moment was seeing the TLC crew filming and recognizing them from TV (from Jon and Kate plus 8 she thinks).  It got even better when they filmed her asking a question for the Duggars to answer on their show.  I had to sign a release for them to use the footage if they choose.  Then we spoke with and met almost all of the super-family, and they signed Pickle's book.  I especially enjoyed meeting Michelle Duggar, she exuded warmth and joy and genuineness.  And she looks fantastic for  a woman who has birthed and raised 19 kids.  It was a totally fun afternoon.

To top the day off, we got to visit with our friends who just had a baby.  Remember Becky and the shower I posted about?  Well, the little guy arrived on Wednesday and it was such a joy to meet him and hold him.  We shared an impromptu dinner together, played with his big sister (who is not quite two) and got to visit a good while.  He is precious.  There really is nothing like holding a new and tiny baby.

the only picture we took of baby Jackson

It was a lovely, unplanned, relaxing and fun Saturday.  My house remains a mess, but sometimes it's worth it.

What did you do this weekend?

weekend pics

I'm usually a Halloweenie.  In other words, not really into Halloween.  I don't do scary.  Hate it.  Fun costumes and candy I like--but bloody and scary and freaky not so much.  Our neighborhood really embraces the scary...and it's creepy around these parts on October 31.

I'm always glad for November 1st.

However, we decided our alternative halloween celebrations were not very neighborly, and decided to participate this year.  We decided to do a food drive as part of our trick or treating, and to serve hot cider to the parents who came by.  We enjoyed ourselves--and got to see lots of cuties come by--dressed in all manner of costumes. 

The one that got the biggest chuckle out of me last night was a teenaged guy who came by dressed as a large gift box--complete with pink wrapping and fancy bows.  On his box was a gift tag that read:  "To:  Ladies  From:  God"  That guy needs to work on his self-esteem huh?

Our weekend also included having friends and family help us lug Bubba's heavy new loft bed up to his room, as well as Bubba's last soccer game of the season--complete with team party afterwards.  We also got to attend a Harvest Party at a friends farm that was great fun.

Here are some pics of our full but fun weekend.

Bubba's soccer team party. 

Bubba as a Chilean Miner--ready for a halloween party at a friend's.

Pickle as a greek goddess--ready for the party too.

Pickle finds a kitten in our friends' barn during the party.

Pumpkin carving contest--first encounter of Bubba's with the pulp.  blech!

Pickle getting creative.

The finished product--can you tell it's a fish bowl?

Hubby manning our trick or treat station on Halloween--candy for kids, hot cider for parents and a food drive.

A little ladybug stopped by--sweet Maisie!

My sis Kerry and her sweet ladybug.

Ladybug's big brother as a race car driver.

Pickle's friend joined she, Bubba and Caleb for trick or treating and food collection.

everyday grace

pickle and bubba goofing around with photo booth

I asked him five times.  Once last night, and this morning four times.  He was very excited to be having a field trip today.  He is heading to the very top of Pikes Peak.  He needs a sack lunch.  As we pulled out of the driveway I asked him again.  Do you have your winter coat?  gloves?  your lunch?  Yes.  He had everything.

We drive the 20 minutes to school (hubby normally does--but it's a bad back day).  The kids pile out and I wish them a good day and drive off.  I drive 20 minutes home.  I'm ready to grab my things and head to Panera for my Tuesday morning mini-sabbath.  Hubby met me before I even got out of the car.  He was holding Bubba's lunch.  I couldn't believe it.  Apparently my son had tried to chase me down in tears as I was driving away...poor boy.

Pickle apparently responded to her brother's cries, tried to call me on my cell (I had it on vibrate) and eventually gave him her lunch for his trip.  She was hoping I'd make it back in time so she could get her lunch back, but she wasn't sure if I would.

So, I didn't like it, but I knew what I needed  to do.  I gathered my things along with his lunch.  Gotta get back there before he leaves on his trip.  Frustration abounded.  What about what I need to do?  It will be another hour before I can start my day now.  I asked him specifically about his lunch.  More than once. The spinning, selfish thoughts. Ugh.

Then I stop.  I remember.  Just yesterday emily posted this story about being shown grace and mercy as a child.  I commented that I hoped I would respond the same way if faced with a similar situation.  And look--I had my opportunity to practice grace with my son already! I jotted him a note on heart paper that said, "oops.  I love you." and inserted it in his lunch.

And God reminded me about how I pray for Pickle and Bubba to get along well.  She seems annoyed by his very existence often these days.  She's a teenager, I know.  He's a little brother, I know.  It's not always easy to be kind.  This morning Pickle showed compassion and kindness to her little brother.  I was touched--that was really sweet.

So, I took the heart paper back out and wrote her a note for her lunch.  I need to affirm that kindness when I witness it.

So...even though my cell phone died as I pulled into the school parking lot which meant I needed to return home one more time before my panera time, and that I couldn't text Pickle to tell her that her lunch was waiting for her at the office...it was still a beautiful morning.  I  got the chance to show the grace I hoped to show.  I remembered to do it.  Bubba experienced it--I saw it in his face as he mouthed "thank you" to me from his desk.

I got to peek at the part of my teenaged daughter that cares for and protects her brother.  I saw her showing grace today.  I could think of many other ways she could have reacted.  She put her own needs aside for his.

Yes, it was a beautiful morning.

remembering...again.

I posted this a year ago today.  I have a full day today, but I have to remember.  I promised myself I'd never forget.

(written 9/11/2009)

Last night, Bubba innocently asked me,

"Mom, what is the big deal about 9/11 anyway?"

How do you answer that? He was an infant at the time and has grown up in the post 9/11 world. So as I tried to explain it to him...I remembered once again:

waking up that morning thinking it was a regular day

seeing the second plane hit as we watched the TV and realizing this was not an accident

the jaw-dropping shock that we were "under attack"

the feeling of confusion as events unfurled

yelling OHNO! as my car radio announced the first tower fell as we drove to school

dropping off my daughter at kindergarten and wondering if I was nuts to leave her somewhere other than home that day.

meeting a mom in the kindergarten line who hadn't heard what was happening and telling her

meeting another mom who was trying to keep it together in front of her kids because her husband was at the pentagon and she hadn't heard from him yet

seeing people at school in tears

the overwhelming feeling of vulnerability

the need to call everyone I loved

the amazing footage and images

being glued to the TV for days and days

the connection I felt to my New York heritage

the heartbreak of seeing all the flyers posted of people looking for loved ones

my daughter asking that afternoon if we could please watch something else...

the patriotism I saw demonstrated all around me

the patriotism I felt (maybe for the first time)

the flags...everywhere

being moved by the inspiring story of those who crashed their own plane in PA to save others

feeling so angry that there were those who thought of this plan and were able to carry it out

the lingering feeling that we are not as safe in America as we thought we were...

feeling SO grateful for the service of firefighters, police officers, good samaritans and our military

wishing I could do more...

I am remembering all of that and then some today. I try to explain it to my kids. They can understand the facts--but the feelings of it all are hard to pass on. I'm realizing now why former generations can be frustrated why we don't "understand" the Great Depression, the country-wide war effort during WWII, the emotions of the Vietnam War crisis...we get the facts, but it's hard to feel it. We are the on the other side of it all.

My kids live on the other side of 9/11.

Unwrapping on Tuesday.

Tuesdays Unwrapped at Emily's Chatting at the Sky reminds us to see the little things we might overlook as gifts to be unwrapped and enjoyed.

I had my Tuesday moment on a Monday.  (is that cheating?)  Hubby had a board meeting tonight, so the kids and I had an early dinner on the way home from our afternoon.  When we arrived home at 5:30, the sun was threatening to sink below the mountains any minute, but it was still light out. Thank you daylight savings time, (even though I want my hour of sleep back)!  Pickle asked her brother if he wanted to play outside in the yard for a while. (muh huh?  Did I hear that right??)  It surprised me.  Even though they like each other most of the time, they do get on each other's nerves as all siblings do.  They usually choose to play with each other as a last resort. Yet, without any prodding from me, they happily ran outside.  I heard them laughing and quickly grabbed my camera to snap some shots.

Today, I am unwrapping this:

and this

(notice the awesome action shot--Pickle kicked off her shoe when she kicked the ball)

and this

Nothing to take for granted here.

I Choose

This morning I attended Bubba's Elementary School Chapel because the 3rd Grade was leading it. I had no idea what that would mean, but parents were invited...so I went. It was a bunch of beautifulness squished into 20 minutes. I loved it.

Bubba waiting for his turn to share

Each child had prepared a short piece entitled "I Choose" and read them. Here is Bubba's:

Elementary Chapel on January 13, 2010 from Dawn Wilkinson on Vimeo.

There was such a wide variety of choice's presented--everything from obeying parents the first time (!), to not fighting with sisters, to sharing Jesus with others, to praying everyday, to not taking things that aren't theirs, to using self-control to not talk when she shouldn't (I sensed a kindred spirit in that girl). One of the most touching to me was the little girl who chose to take some of her playtime every Saturday to go and visit her grandma so she wouldn't be lonely. (Be still my heart). One of the most humorous to me was the kid who chose not to smoke cigars!

You'll notice that Bubba's was a bit more theological than rubber-hits-the-road-practical, but I love his heart of praise.

And if you noticed the mike was a little droopy--it was. It got lower and lower until a few kids were actually doing squats to read their piece into the microphone. It took great effort on our parts not to laugh at them...so cute.

Most of these kids chose stuff that in their worlds were quite challenging. Many were quite vulnerable. Some were pretty amazingly profound. I was encouraged by them to make the hard choices in my world.

And then, as an extra blessing, at the end of chapel the teachers recognize particular students for character traits, and Bubba was recognized for service. His teacher says he is always quick to help, and makes a special effort to help clean up at the end of the day...looking for ways to help others. Ah, my mama heart swelled...

my boys after chapel

Just had to share, bloggies. :) Happy Wednesday.

The day you all have been waiting for...

When I say "you all" I mean Bubba.

Yep. Bubba is N.I.N.E. today!

I love every bit of the sweet, loving, mushy, funny, freckled, cuddly, big-hearted, and happy boy. He is such a gift. Happy Birthday, Bubba!

nine years ago today

ring bearer at kerry's wedding

riding shotgun in pop-pop's RV

2005--disney cruise

love those crow's feet--he smiles big and often

giving his testimony before his baptism--Spring 2009

Hawaii 2009

winkin' at mama in HI

Isn't he something? I love you, Bubba.