FINALLY!!!

 I did it!  This past weekend marked the end of a very long road of following my dream of becoming a teacher.  It has been a very emotional journey and I know that this post will hardly do it justice but I wanted to share some of the weekend highlights.

For the better part of ten years I knew I wanted to go back to school.  While I spent some time taking classes here and there, I remember the exact feeling of knowing it was really time to make my dream a reality.  When I walked into Oakland University almost three years ago, I had no idea the journey that lie ahead.  Gregg and I spent so many hours talking and trying to prepare for the reality that he would be the primary supporter, emotionally,  financially and an over all super Dad, as I embarked on this journey.  Little did I know how much support I would really need.

Having two children and trying to go to college full time in addition to Gregg taking a new job was not for the faint of heart.  There were many moments where people tried to convince me to take a semester off, take fewer classes, or just ease up the pace.  It was never an option for me.  I knew that God had given me a second chance and I needed to take it, head on.  All along I focused on April 26, 2014.  I knew sooner or later if I chugged along the day would come.  Well it certainly did and it was everything I imagined and hoped for.  When I walked in the arena to the Bagpipers playing I was overcome with emotion.  While this had been the moment I worked so hard for, I couldn't help but think about every person who helped me get to this point.  

Going back to college with a family brings a whole new dimension.  This second time I now had a family and especially two little men who were also dependent on me everyday.  Reece certainly knew that Mommy was going back to school to be a teacher but it doesn't change his homework, baseball practice, catechism, simply daily needs.  I now completely understand the saying it takes a village to raise a child.  I had a tremendous amount of support to help bring me to the OU arena stage.  So yes while I was feeling very proud and excited, I was and am also overwhelmed with thinking of the tremendous support I (we) have received the past three years.  

One of the speakers at graduation spoke about success being personal.  He said we all came here with our own stories and what this moment means to each of us.  I have yet to fully process it all, but as I recently said on an interview, I will spend the rest of my life teaching children the importance of education.  I do know that these past three years I was able to show Reece in particular what education means, the hard work and dedication it takes, and the meaning of preserving.  For now, that is my success!  

After graduation we celebrated with a luncheon at the country club with a close group of friends and family who have been pivotal in helping me reach this day.  

Afterward we head home for comfy clothes and a bonfire celebration.  It really was a magical day!

And now the job hunt begins....

Graham is 21 months old!!

Graham,

You are feisty, you are funny, you are shy, you are independent, you are such a love bug, you are strong willed, and we cannot believe that you are going to be two years old in three months!  
You are growing into such a big boy.  Daddy and I look at each other every day and cannot believe what you are attempting or how fast you are growing.

Here are a few of the highlights:
Eating:  Ms. KK, at daycare, calls you a baby hippo because you eat anything and everything. We aren't that lucky always at home but a few of your favorites include any fruit, peanut butter and jelly, peas, "ookies" (cookies) or anything which is on your brother plate! 

Talking:  We have decided to take away your binki ( you call "baby") except for nap or bed time.  Since we have done that, your language is exploding.  You talk non stop and we cannot wait to be able to understand all that you are telling us.  Some of the words you use regularly are Mama, Dada, Reecie, Esly (Presley), uck (duck), ruck (truck), Rara (Our neighbor Roger), Nana, Papa, baby, woof woof (dog), uh oh, done, nite nite, "oofy" (Goofy) and can sign more and eat.  

Likes: You absolutely LOVE trucks, any kind-from Dada's truck, to the garbage truck, dump trucks, or campers, you don't discriminate.  Graham you love watching the ducks, birds, and swans and reading books which make noise or are  a touch and feel book.  You love and want to do anything and everything your brother does whether it is playing catch in the street or sitting in a big boy chair at the table.  In your head there are no limitations to being 21 months old, except getting us on that same page;)

Dislike:  You hate being told no, taking something away, or when we don't understand what you are trying to tell us.  You are incredibly feisty and want what you want when you want it.  If Mama and Dada give you the wrong cup, you will throw it on the floor so I witnessed yesterday at Easter brunch as you poured a cup of water on me then threw the food across the table:( As frustrating as it can be for us, we also know that you are very frustrated in your ability to communicate, so we are working very hard on using your words. You are even pulling your hair when completely frustrated (holy heartache)!  Mommy has also had to put you in your first time out because throwing is just not okay!!  But as feisty and strong willed as you are, it is those same qualities which we love when you are determined to climb up the play structure ladder by yourself or are feeding yourself with a spoon or fork.

Sleep: You are transitioning still between one and two naps a day (maybe we just haven't figured it out yet!)  Since you have been in daycare full time, one nap seems to more often be the norm.  You go to bed around 7 pm and sleep until 6:30 or 7 am the next morning.  

Being a little Brother- Our Highlight:

  It seems like this past month  your and Reece's relationship has really flourish, you adore him and he you.  He is the first person he asks for in the morning and you for you him.    You stand next him in the shower and make music with him to just be a part of the every moment with him.  You climb up on his top bunk and holler, Reecie!  Even when we can't understand what you are telling us, Reece knows exactly what you are trying to say.  You love Roger because your brother does!  You steal everything he lays his hands on and he gives it to you without shrugging.  You are just like Reece with your passion and will but also the complete opposite in your patience and independence. While we certainly hoped you would love each other, Daddy and I had no idea how amazing it would be to watch you two grow together. When you start to get upset Reece immediately tries to make you happy.  You smile bigger when he is around and Reece's smile is much prouder because he gets to show you the way.

Graham we love watching you grow. We love your curiosity and your independence of wanting to discover everything on your own.  It is so hard to believe that you are charging toward 2 years old and I have to admit I am a little nervous:)

We love you,

Mama and Dada

Life Lately

I think back to my Dad's toast at our wedding almost ten years ago when he spoke about how Gregg and I always noticed the little things.  He spoke about how we would pull over on the side of the road to take a picture because the fall colors were so magnificent, or notice a Great Blue Heron fishing off the dock in the morning.  He spoke about little things being instinctual for me.  I remember babysitting for the greatest family and their little boy.  Johnny would stop on a walk into town just to notice the ants in the sidewalk cracks.  I told Gregg numerous time "I pray we have children just like that, that our children notice the little things".  Life happened, and it was our chance with our two boys to slow down and notice the birds, to actually listen to a stranger's response when one of us asked them how their day was, or snuggling on the top bunk with Reece talking about his excitement for passing his multiplication facts.  I found myself treasuring the moments when Reece would holler from the back seat "Mom pull over, I think I see...." As life got hard as it often has I would stepped back and focused on those little moments.

Well it has been since January that I have blogged because yes life has been hard, incredibly busy with so much focus on a few very big things - my graduation, and finishing student teaching.  Without getting into every detail, I often would find myself lost in the intensity and stress and pressure.  On my fifteen minute drive to or from school I would remind myself that April 26 would be here soon.  However, as soon as I walked in the door after not seeing the kids since the night before, my instinct kicked in and the focus shifted from the one big goal to it being only about those little things - a quick hug before bed, reading with Reece, giving the boys a bath, coming home to Gregg preparing dinner, or the chance to catch up with a friend.

Two in a half years ago I prided myself in enjoying the small moments, taking advantage of time especially with the boys.  However, these past five months lead me to realize that I had no idea what enjoying a small moment really meant.  

A lot has happened since January and I am grabbing tight onto little moments like these when I the big things blind me...

fresh showered faces...

teething drool...

that smile...

a night out...

finding the perfect home improvement....

 the ultimate taste of sweetness...

day lights savings which means time for some after school catch...

watching Graham reachhhhh to do just what his big brother is doing...

and waiting for this moment since fall...

So while April 26 is around the corner and I know that the big moment of graduation will change so much for me, YET I hope I will only continue to realize that it has been every little step along the way which has really changed the most not just for me but for my family!!

I have missed sharing our families adventures and hope to be able to update more regularly soon

2014

Happy New Year!

It has been a while since I have written a post and while there is certainly a lot of wonderfulness, festiveness, and all over just some fun with the four of us which has happened, I spent the end of 2013 reflecting on our year.  It really was a year of growth, new beginnings, and so many firsts individually and as a family.  However, as we are continuously reminded time does not stand still.  So we are moving forward and looking forward to making 2014 just as blessed!

I'm not really sure how I feel about resolutions because I often find myself disappointed when I don't follow through or fall off track.  So this year I am refocusing on a few goals...

• Living in the moment - so often in the craziness of life I find myself saying I'll work out tomorrow, or am sitting at one of Reece's sporting events surfing the internet instead of watching the "game", or simply just not being present in the moment, especially with the boys.  As time is fleeting I want to be able to say I am engaged in school when its school, being a wife, or being a mom when my boys need me.  Everything else can wait!

• Being satisfied - This goes hand in hand with living in the moment.  We have had many big changes in our lives in 2013 but I often found myself not truly being satisfied.  As a result I am often saying "well when..." I remember telling Gregg when we met 12 years ago that if we don't appreciate where we are, we never will appreciate where we are going.  I want to make this my short term and long term goal.  Tomorrow is going to happen regardless, therefore I need to focus on making the most of today.  Also and maybe more importantly I have realized I cannot be my best at everything which often leads to the dissatisfaction, so simplification is key!

• A few small points that will help me in reaching these goals...
• Meal Plan
• Make exercise a regular part of my routine not just when training for a race
• Make the time to read a book (and not a teaching book)

So its time to get busy...

Holiday photos

Now that Christmas is upon us we wanted to share a few pictures and our Christmas card....

"How long is this gonna take Mom??"
(notice Reece WOULD NOT wear a pair of dress shoes, only so many battles I will fight!)

One way to get a natural smile out of Reece is to involve sports:)!

Love, love, love this picture of Graham

Our Christmas card 2013

Overall I think the picture captures the boys spirit exactly and holding hands (ahhhh)!  

The finish line!

Disclaimer: I struggle letting many people into my core but I decided that I owe it to myself to write this moment down.

I have spent the better half of ten years wishing for more for myself.  I have decided several times to go back to school but then life always happened - we moved across the country twice, I found a new somewhat fulfilling job, I became a mom, the list goes on leaving the end result that I didn't follow through.  

Then it happened, the day I walked into the education program at Oakland University.  I was as nervous as I was excited.  But more importantly I knew this time was different!  The past two in half years have been an emotional, financial, and even physical stress on myself, the boys, and my family.  I have had every reason to take a semester off - a difficult pregnancy, a newborn baby, financial stress, or just trying to raise two boys.  However, I also had every reason to see it through.  I have quit a lot of things in my life especially when the going gets hard, but this opportunity as I saw it was my time to do it right!

In all the times I wondered if I could get through I would receive an evaluation or a grade reassuring me that becoming a teacher is exactly what I am meant to do.  So I dug my heels in(or lets be honest, flats )  and am finishing my classes with honors (what a difference 10 years makes;)

As my dad told me years ago "If you follow your dream of finding a career, the rest will fall into place"

Today I finally feel like I am at a place where I am happy and content with myself.  While I know I have a long an important road ahead with my student teaching, I can look back today and realize that all the hard work and sacrifice has been worth it.  I have learned a tremendous amount about myself, my marriage, the resilience of kids and the value of true friendship.  

I often tell myself and I certainly don't expect other people to understand, but I know I haven't chosen the easiest road.  Today I do know that I FINALLY DID IT! I have followed my dream of becoming a teacher and I could not be happier or more content with making this happen.  If nothing else I hope my boys learn that following a dream is more than just showing up and working hard.  

I have spent a long time envisioning this moment, completing my last class, and I can say that I feel as excited and nervous now as I did the first day I pulled onto campus.  I do know that today I feel a bit wiser, a little smarter and hopefully much more prepared to be a successful teacher!!

Graham is 16 Months!

As we close out 15 months, one word come to mind - CHAOS!

Graham has grown and changed so much since last month so we will begin with 

his milestones:

He is a walker, and almost a runner.
Once he gained his confidence after about a month of taking a few steps here and there, let me tell you this little man has taken off and hasn't looked back (except he learned tonight how to walk backward)

Graham cut two more teeth, on the bottom.  Now he has a total of 8.

He is climbing and may even be part monkey!  Graham wants to climb up on everything from the couch, to the dishwasher, and even including the easel.  So much for stairs...

Graham has learned how to scream.  AND yes he realizes that not only does this get Mom and Dad's attention but everyone in the near proximity so screaming trumps words every time ! (This needs to stop) 

What Mommy???

Sleep:

I am happy to say Graham has been sleeping great.  He sleeps about twelve hours at night and takes two naps during the day anywhere from 1 to 2 and half hours each.  This allows us some sanity during the day because no joke, Graham is a Texas Tornado when he is awake.  Needless to say we treasure some calm and quite at nap time!

Diet:

The ladies at daycare say they have never seen a baby eat as much as Graham.  While he isn't quite that good at home, we cannot complain, he is a pretty good eater.  Some of his favorite foods are blueberries, bananas, strawberries, cheesy eggs, any kind of pasta, and the top of the list is "ookie" or cookie which could be a graham cracker, fruit bar, or on dad's mornings home with the boys yes those breakfast chocolate chip cookies;)  

Likes:

Graham absolutely loves reading books.  His favorite seem to be any Eric Carle book.  He will bring us the "uck, uck" (the one with a duck in it) book or the "grrr"(what a baby bear says) book non stop.  He then climbs right up next to us and sits (yes he actually stops and sits for a book!) SWEETNESS! A close second are the Baby Einstein stackable blocks "ocks".  He loves to watch me stack them up, count them, then knock them down, over, and over again!  He loves to pull or throw anything just because he can.  This could be the toilet paper roll, the folded laundry, Reece's homework, usually something we mistakenly left in reach.

Graham loves to play hide and seek.  His favorite spot is under the kitchen table.  He loves Mondays with his Nana and going to Gymboree.  He has learned several of the songs and dances, which is so cute to see him mimic or dance to.

FIrst bounce house adventure

Dislike:

Graham wants nothing to do with being restrained, in his car seat, in a grocery store, at a restaurant, or even just getting his diaper changed or dressed.  We are quickly getting refreshed on wrestling a baby to simply put socks on which are pulled off in a matter of seconds.  Also Graham hates to not be able to do or have exactly what his big brother has.  Good thing Reece loves him so much!  Graham seems to become overwhelmed in settings which are new or a lot of chaos (which is kinda ironic considering the chaos he travels with).  

This smile lights up our day!

It has been a wild 16 months Graham.  Daddy and I look at each other everyday and cannot believe how lucky we are that God gave us you.  You have brought so much laughter, joy, and holy personality, all which complete our little family! 

We are so blessed that your ours!!

XOXO