Time Together

I have always been of the mentality that memories need to be of grand stature to be actually memorable. Maybe it comes from my large Italian family mentality? Let's face it even if only half of us get together it's a big 'to do'. Seriously though, I think that subtlety lost it's way with me early on and I didn't find it again until I had a family of my own. It's funny to me how God leads us to and from our own making to gain and grow, yet change and shift into a whole person along the way. For me that path really formed when I met my husband. Completely the yin to my yang, he slows me down when I speed up and gives the quiet to my chattering noise. Then when we had our boys that lesson came full circle as we continually watch each of them take on snippets of each of our own personas... One quiet and reserve, one endless moving and knowing no strangers.
The lessons we have learned from each other has not only challenged us but also brought us closer as a family, or a team as I like to call us. Because let's be honest, if we all had our way the 4 of us would go in opposite directions each day, we are vastly different that way. If we didn't work together to make our family life meaningful it just wouldn't magically happen. From quiet dinners to fun nights out... it all leaves an imprint on our family's heart. It's that give and take that allows that difference to mesh us tighter together as a team and a family.

We didn't go on any big vacas this summer or even make a bucket list like summers past.... We barely even left the metroplex!! But, looking back I know we made memories that will further our family bond, a bond that strengthens our team! And that's what matters. Life together needs to be celebrated in both big and small ways. Times that are full of movement and times where you just take a step back and chill, all of those moments can bring forth savored memories. 

I know God placed us 4 together for a reason. This summer has really brought that home for me. Each of us is a reminder to one another. We are that gentle nudge to go out and do more and the subtle pull back when we've over extended ourselves. That is our team all wrapped into one. Meaningful times don't have to be grandiose to be remembered. Little moments won't be forgotten as long as in those moments you are truly present with those God gave you. I need those reminders more than anything.... It's those reminders that fill my soul. And I thank the Lord I have 3 reminders that live this crazy, yet sometimes boring life with me!!

Five Truths on a Friday

Truth #1

Sometimes I save empty gift cards when they are cute, especially when they have birds on them. Will I refill it or even remember I have it? Probably not. But in the moment it makes me happy.

 Truth #2

If you plate fruit and veggies in a fancy way they will get eaten faster and at higher quantities by boys who don't normally fight for the first grape or last carrot. Plus they make a not so fancy BLT dinner uber fun!

 Truth #3

Sometimes kids teach you more than you could ever dream of teaching them. This big boy holds my heart and forces me to learn and grow every day.

 Truth #4

The love/hate relationship between these two should be documents on a wall calendar and hung somewhere for all to see and smile and shake their heads at.

Truth #5

My dearest friend and I have an on going war of the rooster competition going on via text. We may go to the grave with a house full of endless knick knacks in the form of roosters but we will die happy... 

{And I will die the Rooster Champ}!!!!

Sometimes

Sometimes I look at you, Jacob Robert, and forget that you are mine. Not in a bad way, just in a way that baffles me to know that this amazing being standing in front of me came from me. Sometimes I know exactly how you feel because I can remember feeling that same way at your age, and I smile knowing that we are connected through more than DNA, hair color, and visual impairedness {not sure if that is a word, but it is now}. Sometimes I stand in awe of the soulful thoughts that so easily come from your lips and thank God that you are mine and that I get the privilege of hearing your wise beyond your years thoughts. Sometimes I feel like we've grown up together because you have taught me so much about realizing and embracing your feelings so that ultimately you can better embrace the you that God created. I can't fathom not having you around. From the moment you were born you made your presence known, sometimes with force and stubborn struggles, yet more times than not with quiet reserve. Sometimes I wonder if you'll ever truly know how blessed you are my son...

This year, your eleventh year, it's like I am getting to witness and whole new boy. Sometimes it scares me, other times I can't stop smiling and I'll admit it there are times I shed tears for you and with you when you're not looking. Sometimes I pause while walking beside you as a way to savor the new you a bit longer and to recall my baby {yes, I will always call you that}. You are confident and ready, no longer scared to walk into new situations. You are poised and anxious to be you, not hesitant and doubtful to start out... You are gaining self-stregnth! Yes, sometimes those nervous threads of you still surface because they are part of what God uses to lead and teach you, but they are becoming less prominent in the fabric of who you are Jacob Robert. Sometimes I get choked up thinking back to the little boy who wouldn't let me leave him in Kindergarden without a crying fight compared to the big 5th grader who I was honored to walk side by side with into a brand new school and see you take it all in without a second glance back to me. I literally stopped in my tracks seeing you the other day coming out of intermediate school orientation. I was stunned to see your determination and demeanor that spoke volumes to your new found self-awareness. 

I was so proud of you and for you my Love. 

It's amazing the person you are becoming.

You are touched by God my big boy. 

Even if you forget that sometimes, never forget that I will ALWAYS be here to remind you of who you are, where you came from and help you to continue going where you are destined to go!

Happy 11th big boy!