Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Many of you know the famous Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!".  And if you don't, well then my friend, you are missing out.  It's a book about completing one step in your life (ex. graduation) and goes on to tell you that there is so much more to look forward to in the life to come and "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" (life in general and it will include both good things and not so good things but will all be a learning experience).  And no matter what, if you believe in yourself you will succeed!

Well, the night before Hunter's second to last day of preschool (did you follow that?) I was up way too late on Pinterest.  I tell you, that site sucks you right in!  But, I came across this cool idea.  Buy the book "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" and have each of your child's teacher sign it over the years and give it to them as a graduation gift.  Oh my goodness did this strike a chord with me!  I'm a softy and love the heartfelt things in life.

The next morning, while Hunter was at school, Brody and I ran around town doing some errands and made sure to stop by Target to pick up the book.  I snuck it to his teacher after class and asked her if she wouldn't mind writing a little note to Hunter in the book and signing it.  I told her what my plan was with the book. 

Well Thursday came and let's just say I was one emotional mama!  1. Hunter spent two great years with this preschool teacher. 2. My little boy is growing up and will officially be a kindergartner in the fall!  Seriously, how did this happen?  Anyways, as I was saying, I was emotional and completely forgot about the book, my idea, everything.  As the kids were playing in the gym, Hunter's teacher came over to me with the same Target bag I gave her two days before with the book in it.  She said, "I'm not very good at this sort of thing, but I hope it's OK."  I assured her that I was sure that it would be perfect and thanked her again for two wonderful years with tears rolling down my face.  She then reminded me that she'll see Hunter again in a couple weeks at science camp.  But still, it's not the same...

After a play date after school we came home, Brody napped and Hunter was outside playing.  I was looking through all the things that were sent home from school that day: projects, "hand"book (super cool-each month they made a picture with their hand print), pictures, etc.  Then I came across the book.  I didn't know what to expect but inside I found this beautifully written note:

Hunter,

What a joy it has been to have you in Preschool the last two years.  I had a great time playing and learning with you.  As you continue on an adventure to new places and activities always remember that Jesus is with you and loves you.  He has great plans for you.  Trust in Him!  I'm very proud of you and thank God for you.  Follow your dreams and remember I love you but Jesus Loves You more.

Mrs. Roste

Preschool 2011-2012

Zion Lutheran

And she said she wasn't good at that sort of thing!!  Seriously I get tears every time I read it.  It is so touching and I am so glad that I did this.  I know that I won't be able to get every teacher over the years-especially once he gets into junior and senior high, but it is my goal to get as many as possible and give it to him on graduation day. 

Thank you Pinterest for your amazing ideas.

Weekends

Tomorrow is Friday which means it's time for the weekend to begin!!  And my hubby comes home from a week at work!!  Always an exciting time in our house.  But I know my days of looking forward to the weekend are coming to an end as we get ready for Craig to go off to another project.  And this makes me sad, scared, nervous, and many more feelings.

We have been spoiled having him home every weekend since mid-December.  I think this is the longest stretch of having him in the office.  But soon it is time to return to "Yay!  It's rotation weekend!  We survived the 17 days (but really, who's counting?  Oh yeah, we are.)"  It is going to be a big change for us and honestly, I am dreading it.  I know that after awhile we will get back in the swing of things and I'm trying to keep the boys busy and get them into activities in the summer, but the nights are long and lonely.  Sleeping in a bed where you know your other half belongs but isn't sucks.  But we do it because we have to and we chose this for now.  We all hate it.  Hunter has had a hard time dealing with it and last weekend was the first time we noticed Brody showing that it bothered him when Daddy left back to work.  I can only imagine for how it feels for Craig.  He is an amazing husband who works so hard to provide for our family.  I honestly don't know how I got to be so luck and marry an amazing man.

But for now, we are going to hang out and just enjoy our weekend soaking up as much family time as possible.

Twenty-Five

As crazy as it is to believe, this past weekend I turned the big 2-5.  A quarter of a century.  Half way to fifty.  No longer in my early twenties.  Goodness, does this mean I'm getting old?!?  Ok, so I'm not really that concerned about getting old, even though my husband may beg to differ, but this weekend did make me reflect on the past 25 years I have lived and the goals I want to achieve.  Some I am satisfied with and others I feel like a complete failure.  Oh well, I guess that's a part of life.

Growing up I always tried to picture my life and tried to plan accordingly for certain ages and how I expected my life to be at that particular age.  Twenty-five went a little like this:

*Be married. (Check! Going on six years, baby!  I was hoping for a year or two at this stage in my life, but have loved the extra four or five years.)

*Thinking about having my first baby. (Check!  Not only have I thought about having children, I have been blessed with two beautiful boys.  They are my everything and make life worth living and rather interesting.)

*Finish college (Fail.  There are days that I do regret this, but at the same time would have found it extremely difficult to finish with a baby and a husband who was in school and then career.  I always get asked if I will go back one day.  Honestly, I don't want to.  I don't know exactly what I want to do in life so for now, I feel like it would be pointless.  I know I get judged for that response, but so be it.  My focus in life now is my kids and family.  It is not "what degree did you get" sort of thing.  I don't want to spend 3 years behind textbooks when I could be spending those years behind children books reading and enriching my own child's life.  Most people don't know that this is a tender topic for me, but it is.  I never like giving up on things and at times I feel like I did.  Unless I become passionate about a career, I will not be returning to school.  I would rather save the money for my son's educations, spend the time with them vs. in a class, or behind the computer on an online class or studying in a text book.  Don't like that answer, tough.  I will find a job once the boys are in school, but it doesn't have to be a fancy title.  I'll save that for my husband.)

*Have a successful career.  Either a lawyer (those were the early years), a Spanish teacher or an elementary teacher. (Fail/Check!  While I am not a lawyer or teacher I still don't find myself a complete failure on this one.  I do feel like a failure in the sense I never did finish college and never got a degree, but I still feel like I am a lawyer and teacher.  I am always pointing out what is right and wrong about life, helping kids argue their cases, finding out the truth to a true mystery (like who made that mess) and I am definitely a teacher.  I teach my boys about life and all it has to offer.  I teach them colors, numbers, letters, how to read, how to use their imagination and so much more.  Although I'm not officially a lawyer or teacher, I feel ok.)

*Think about buying a home. (Check!  Hard to believe we have had our house for almost 2.5 years.  It wouldn't have been possible without my husband's hard work and dedication to saving money.)

*Be fit. (Fail.  But hoping to change that.  After having the boys, I feel like I let myself go and eat whatever my little heart, er stomach, desired.  But, I'm ready to change it!  I have now gotten a personal trainer and have been working with her this past week.  I try to work out at the Y regularly and try to eat as healthy as possible, which is easier said than done.  Why do the unhealthy foods have to taste so good?  So, I'm hoping to change this fail into a check.)

*Be a good friend. (I can't be the judge of this, but I hope it's a check.  I have multiple relationships that have lasted for years.  Some dating back to 2nd grade!  To me friends are like my family and I feel like a good friendship gives you a strong foundation on life.  They will build you up when you are down.  I know my friends do this for me so hopefully they can say the same about me.)

Ok, so I'm not exactly where I pictured myself in life at this time, but I think I'm doing all right.  I love the way my life is, well, most days, and I feel like everything that has happened these past twenty five years (both good and bad) have molded me into the person I am today.  I'm not perfect, I know it's hard to believe (kidding!) but I try to be the best I can be.

Well, I guess I am officially on my way to 30.  EEK!  I wonder what the next 25 years of my life will bring.  Or where I will be?  Crazy thing to think about.  Especially knowing that I could very well be a grandma (Hunter will be 30 almost 31, so it is totally possible).  Scary.  But for now, I'm just going to enjoy life and take it one day and year at a time.  Life truly is a beautiful thing, even with all of it's struggles.

Pushing Limits

Brody is at the age where he is learning what is right or wrong, how far can limits be pushed before he is in trouble.  It can be a difficult stage, but at the end of the day it's kind of funny to remember what he did and how far he pushed.  Other nights it is not very funny and I am on the verge of tears, if not in tears, questioning how could one day go so wrong.
Once again, Brody was pushing the limits tonight.  Surprised?  I'm not.  I can't remember exactly what he was doing and I know it wasn't horrible because it doesn't stick out in my mind, but Brody's words definitely do.  Because that was a lot funnier than what actually happened.  He said, "I'm not being naughty, I'm just being silly."  He then proceeded to run off and continued to play. 
Funny how naughty and silly can look the same through the eyes of a two and a half year old.

Table Talk

You never know what topics will come up at the table during supper time.  Usually we talk and reflect upon the day or talk about what the next day may hold.  You know, typical table talk.  But every now and then, life with two boys will throw you a curve ball and something completely unexpected will come out.  Like tonight.

Hunter: Mom, how would you feel if you heard this.  "Brody Zappe, you are under arrest.  You are going to jail!"

Me: I would feel very sad.

Hunter: OK, just checking.

Let's hope and pray I never have to hear this conversation again.

Some Clarification

Tonight as I was on the phone with Craig, Brody came up to me.  He had something he needed to clarify.

"Mom, I'm not robot. I'm a boy."

Good to know buddy.  He also made it very clear today as we looked at our family picture that Craig is Hunter's dad and I am Brody's mom, but I'm not Hunter's mom and Craig is not his dad.  Hmmm...we may need to work on that one!  But for now, it's pretty funny.

Happy Spring

Happy First Day of Spring to all my Peeps!

I made these cute litte bird nests for Hunter's preschool class for snack today.  They were a huge hit!