It's all a juggling act

I truly pray that someday you choose to have a life filled with kids.  There is no greater joy... I mean, wait until you are at least 30, live a little and then, find your wife and GO FOR IT.

There are so many things that you don't get told anything about, you just have to deal with it.  A pregnant wife's hormones, putting the crib together, first moments, missed moments, how hard it is to motivate (ahem) certain kids around reading, school work, teachers, bullying, 1st grade. Ugh, first grade.

Now let's be realistic, it's first grade.  A grade I have already walked two kids through but now I have conveniently forgotten how to navigate.

While this seems easy...

THIS is hard...

Especially with you, my child that has no interest in school. At. all. I tried to bribe you with Poke-man cards (or however you spell that) and you said no.

Again, easy for you...

not talking is hard...

Now, I know - you have Dyslexia... it's harder for you but I cared about school and really want you to too. But I realize, I can't force that.  But, I can give incentives.  So while I'm trying to figure out chores and allowance and serving and play dates and ...and...and.. I have to find a way to motivate you to read, memorize spelling words and scripture. It's hard.  If I'm honest, I can't even remember what I've asked YOU to memorize.  Mercy.  It's just hard.

But Nugg, I'm doing the best I can.  The best to encourage, cheer and challenge.  The best to not fix your homework, let you fail and give you consequences.  And just so you know, there will be a day that you count all of the things I did wrong... and someday, as I am doing today... I am counting the million things that Bumpa and Grandma did right.

God calls us to be more like Him every day and that isn't because he's selfish or full of himself. It's because He KNOWS the more we are like him, the better our world is.  So while this is about learning and scripture and letters and numbers and Dyslexia... it's more about YOU, learning to be 150% Tristan - the best version of you that you can be.  So you know, I cried, prayed, laughed and worried every step up the way.  It's just what parents do.

For today, it all feels like too much but so you know, tomorrow... Mommy is going to run towards these challenges and help you succeed!  I love you!!!

We've got this!  Love, Mommy

First day of First Grade

Well, I have NO idea how this happened, but it did. T's first day of First Grade!!!

I was not ready for this... and clearly he wasn't either

Yes, we had to deal with the tears around the dreaded buttons,

yes, we hate "those shorts"

yes, the new shoes are slippery on the bottom

yes, you have to do your hair

Pouts, stops, anger... 

"Keep it up and you will NOT have a play date with Davis this weekend"

*drama - OVER*

We met daddy and quickly went in to see Mrs. Galimore (and give her a treat) 

and then on to see Mrs. Hill, Grayson and friends!!

We excitedly looked for T's new seat - his very own desk!!!!

Found it!

and my little cutie is off and running straight into 1st grade.

Go get'em Nugg!  

Love you soooo much!

What a fun weekend!!!

Grayson came over for a loooong overdue play date.

had to throw this in... isn't my lil' squirrel cute!?  I saw him while taking pics of the boys!!

Then G and T made the kits that Bumpa sent from NY.  They played with their jets for a few hours and Grayson made sure to bring his home!!

Then - SURPRISE... Co got dropped off!

and Daddy came home and scared us all by running out and cannon balling into the pool!!!

Look behind you Daddy - you're about to get shot!

The player... became the playee

Then it was time to dry off and have a Nerf Gun war!!!

Sunday we headed over to Aunt Connie's house to relax and swim - as usual - SUCH a fun day!!!

I'm exhausted from last weekend but it was worth it - so much fun!!!!

Serving at Meals on Wheels

I'm so very proud of Tristan, Grayson and Cullen for helping serve the needy with Meals on Wheels.

It was our first experience but they asked a lot of great questions and we were able to answer many of them.

hopefully now we can get some other kids to join in with us and HOPEFULLY the kids really start seeing how blessed they are that they always have a meal on the table.

Thankful that my company offers a volunteer day once a year so I get to do this with my boy.

 

Blessings upon blessings... that's for sure!

Tristan's favorite camp counselor at Cooper Clinic

Thanks for being so great with my little guy.  He's been talking about you the last 5 days and asked me if he could always be at YOUR camp.  So, so very sweet.  Thanks Connor!!