Packing in the fun as summer comes to an end

It's been a pretty great summer, filled with many ups and several downs, but we're all doing just fine... In early July, we met up with Aunt Tristi, Owen and Uncle Justin for lunch in Baton Rouge. And of course, we had to stop at LSU so that Sammy could visit Mike's Cage for the first time. Mike was resting in the shade so Sam didn't actually see him but that's OK. Gotta start somewhere! Jasper pointed Mike out best he could, we took a few minutes to find my brick and just enjoyed being at our second home, LSU.

Granny will likely say we were hardly over to swim if you ask her, but we did manage to enjoy the pool more than a handful of times. And Granny certainly loved the company! Sammy finally had some time to relax in his boat from Santa as he perused the pool. Both Jasper and Sam have really enjoyed being in the water this year. By next year, Jasper will be swimming like a fish!We had all kinds of friends over like Kate, Jackson, Felicity, Aidan, Adam and of course, Nova and Baby Aiden! 

St. Francis Cabbageball nights finally came to an end, and I couldn't have been happier. No, seriously, it was exhausting. Imagine trying to help your husband coach a bunch of three-year-olds at cabbageball when all they really want to do is play with the rocks on the ground and eat freezie pops. When the girls weren't hugging each other and covering up the entire base, they were playing with each other's hair. And when Jasper wasn't squatting on the ground looking at rocks, he was whining because someone got to the ball faster than he did. Oh, but it was so much fun to be out there; I wouldn't want to spend my Monday and Thursday summer nights anywhere else! On the last night, Jasper received his very first trophy... which he cracked before we even got home.

The New Orleans Zephyrs hosted an ALS Awareness Night on July 30th and in an effort to avoid the summer heat, we opted to get a snazzy suite to watch PawPaw throw out the first pitch, and to enjoy family and friends while watching some baseball. Both PawPaw and Grammie were overwhelmed by the surprises we had in store, from our Baton Rouge and Slidell cousins to the Gegenheimers, to our cool t-shirts, it was a great night, and it was all for PawPaw. Jasper stayed extra close to PawPaw all evening so he could walk on the field and help PawPaw throw out the first pitch. He was so proud to be with him, and excited to follow him on the mound. 

Get ready for news on the ALS Walk, scheduled for October 17th. We hope everyone can participate in the fight to end ALS. We are so close!!

I'm pretty sure we have more "family time" than all of my friends combined so when there was talk of a baptism and vow renewal on the same day, I wasn't all that surprised. But what's nice is that I wasn't in charge! Tia and her family took the reins, and I must say, they hosted a fabulous party. We all met up at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Covington to celebrate Aiden's baptism into the church that morning, and spent the rest of the day enjoying each other at Tia's parents' new home. In the afternoon, Jeremy took the stage to officiate Mike and Joy's 40th anniversary vow renewals. Eileen stood in, just as she had 40 years before, and Neil was his dad's best man. 

I'd be fibbing if I said it was a simple and sweet ceremony. The truth is, it was a difficult ceremony with more crying than laughter, as we commemorated their 40 years. But Mike and Joy were surrounded by us, their family and friends, as they shared memories and renewed their vows. Mike's words, in particular, resonated with me as he mentioned the significance of baseball in his life. Their relationship as kids started with dates to baseball games. Little did they know they'd spend many years at the ball park with their two boys. Two wonderful and fun boys that have grown into good and kind men. And now, we have another generation of little baseball players. Just ask Sammy, and he'll tell you, "BALL!"

It's no secret that I don't always see eye to eye with my in-laws, but after 40 years of marriage, as much as I hate to admit it, I do believe they are doing something right. (After 9 years with these crazy people) I think that their strategy is a simple one; loving one another unconditionally through good times and bad and having fun together. And Mike, if you ever doubt your family's future, know that we will follow your lead with your grandchildren, continuing to love and care for one another, be there for each other, laugh and be silly with each other, and work to embody God's unconditional love throughout our daily lives, just as you have exemplified His purpose throughout your life.

Happy Baptism Day to Aiden! You are certainly one of God's most wonderful gifts to everyone that knows you. And Happy 40th wedding anniversary to Mike & Joy. We wish you many, many more years together with more laughter than tears and enough energy to keep up with Nova, Jasper, Sam and Aiden! 

I'm one of "those moms" that celebrates my kid's same birthday over and over again, this being the "first" of several 4th birthday celebrations for our Jasperino. In a last minute effort to coordinate with the cookie cake's theme, a pirate ship, I ordered pirate hats and eye patches for all invited. And let me just say, they were a freaking hit! Oh, and Baby Aiden stole the show with his pirate cuteness!

Since Jasper's birthday fell on the same night we were leaving for the beach, we invited family over that Monday before. Jasper didn't realize the celebration was for him til he saw the cake. And then, the presents! At one point, he looked as if he was so overwhelmed with excitement that he was going to burst! He was thrilled to have everyone sing to him and celebrate him, and the tools from Grandpa and Paw Patrol toys from Grammie and PawPaw made his night even better than he could've imagined. As a parent, there's nothing better than seeing your child so very happy. It was a great night and he was very appreciative. And the patches and hats were the perfect prop for picture-taking!

As if this summer didn't already throw us for a loop, we got some more frustrating news, this time it was the "Big C." Aunt Aimee found out that she had melanoma from a mole on her arm. Over the past month and a half, she has endured two painful surgeries, technically three to remove the cancer. She endured several biopsies, scans and plenty of anxiety, and even traveled to M.D. Anderson. As many times as Jeremy reminded me that my dear friend would be "fine," I still have to admit, I was more fearful than I let on. The thought of my "partner in crime" in such pain, or worse, the possibility of her being defeated by cancer scared the hell out of me. She's 33. It just doesn't make sense that she had to go through all of this. But good news; one cancerous mole and lymph node, and a ton of stitches later, our beloved Aunt Aimee is now cancer free, and we couldn't be more relieved. Aimee, I can't imagine our lives without you and John. We are so thankful you will be OK. As for me, my entire "moley" body has a dermatologist appointment next month! 

We managed to squeeze in a much needed beach trip this month. Notice I didn't use the words, beach "vacation." We don't get those anymore now that we have kids. But the boys enjoyed playing in the gulf and the sand, and spending time with Granny, Aunt Carol and Aunt Debbie. We mastered the games Candyland and Mouse Trap, thanks to Aunt Debbie, and watched Count of Monte Cristo because it never gets old. We all tried out my new s'mores maker and I cooked gluten free meals for everyone. We slept in. We napped. We spent way too much money at the outlet malls. We almost bought Jasper a hermit crab til we realized how much they stunk. And we went out for ice cream after dancing to live music and eating boiled shrimp and crabs. Uncle Tony seriously missed out.

The weather was perfect the first two days and there was a large sand bar on our piece of beach. So Jasper could walk out pretty far on his own, while "Captain Sammy" floated along in his boat. When it comes to the beach, it's getting easier and easier the older they get. They played well together in the sand and were entertained by all the shovels and buckets, not to mention a jellyfish sighting and a few crabs. Sam, however, was not a very good sport when Daddy and Jasper decided to bury him in the sand. We have no idea why he got so upset!

Jasper started PreK4 at St. Francis Wednesday, August 19th. We had a visitation day the day before, where parents and kids got to visit the classroom and meet the teacher. Jeremy and I couldn't help but notice that Jasper's seat was closest to the teacher's desk, and that she sat him next to his little Asian friend Paul, who doesn't speak. Ever. Was that by chance? I think not.

I was so proud of our little pumpkin on his first day, as he excitedly walked up to greet his friends and show off his new Paw Patrol school bag. He was confident and eager. After a few practice days of walking into school, and out to the playground, we decided to drop him off in the carpool line without us walking him in. He wasn't scared, not even a little. It made me think of my first few "months" of kindergarten, when I cried every single morning as my parents dropped me off. No seriously, I did this for months. And there he was, my fearless Jasper, smiling and telling us "bye bye!" with not a worry or care in the world. His confidence and courage are refreshing. And his delightful demeanor is so abundantly gratifying to us, his parents. I didn't cry the first day. But I did tear up as we drove away after that first "big boy" drop-off. Speaking of "drop-offs," I can totally relate to Marlin and how he felt in Finding Nemo... Fortunately, no sharks on the playground!

"Proud" isn't enough to describe the way I feel about him and who he is becoming. He's an amazing and kind big brother to Sam, sharing toys, helping him up, calming him down when he cries. I am honestly astounded at how close they are. He likes coming with me to wake Sam up. He tells me when he thinks he's hungry or wants a sippy cup. He tells me when Sam spills his cup or drops his toy in the car. He gives him high fives every morning as Jeremy takes Sam in to daycare, and says, "Have a great day Sammy!"

At night, when we pray together, he prays for PawPaw and Aunt Aimee to feel better. He lists all of the grandparents, aunts and uncles. He even prayed for Grandpa to understand him better, haha! His heart is so kind and I can already see how much he cares about people and things, whether it's Sam, PawPaw or even Callie. As for school, it's only been a week and he recited the days of the week and months of the year to me. He's learning so much and growing up so quickly. He lives off of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, pop tarts, "warm" tacos and cheese sandwiches. Everything else we fix him is usually forced. He still fits in 2T shorts, making laundry time very confusing for Jeremy when putting away clothes.

He has become both a negotiator and procrastinator when it comes to finishing dinner and going to bed. He'll say, "Just two more bites Mommy, than I can have ice cream!" And as many times as we ask, "Do you need to go potty," or "Do you want water," we can guarantee that every night, he will need to go potty and he will be very thirsty. Never fails.

The older he gets the more he talks, and talks, and talks. While he rarely tells us details of a typical school day like what he learned or who he played with, he does tell some magnificent stories, whether it's about the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters, or what happens when you turn into a Zombie! Then, there are the cuter stories about the day he went with Granny, Carol and Debbie to shop at the mall. While walking in the kids' clothes department, he told Debbie that the clothes were very handsome! And a few nights later, when we drove passed the mall, he mentioned to me that he had gone to the mall with them and that's the place that has "handsome" clothes. When I asked what he meant by that, he said, "When you put the clothes on, they make you look handsome."

And Sammy, ahh Sammy. He moved over to the two-year-old room on August 17th (even though he won't be two til November), and so far, he's holding his own. He's still grumpy most mornings, but Jasper and I sing to him to cheer him up. His vocabulary is increasing. When I say that, I really mean, his "No" is getting louder and more direct. He loves Elmo. He apologized for the first time--it was bath time and he wanted to get in with Jasper, so I took his clothes off, and as I picked up his shoes to put them on the counter, he began peeing all over his pile of clothes. I gasped and he quickly said, "Sawy" while continuing to pee. Better than another habit we've managed to rid him of, which involved #2 in the tub. Fortunately, I think he's past that phase (we hope).

He's becoming a picky eater, and since we can't really force him to eat what we want him to eat at this age, he pretty much lives on apple sauce and ketchup. I think applesauce is his favorite word. That and "no." If we tell him to do something or not do something, he screams at us, "No!" That's when Jeremy tries to give him his most mean and scary face. Sammy just laughs at him. He always seems hungry, and grunts, "Eat, " at dinner time. He likes to feed himself and won't let us feed him at all, resulting in baths almost every night. His personality is definitely developing and changing. He's a tough guy, a risk taker and strong willed. Last night at the coffee shop, I kept trying to tell him not to stand up in the booth, and he got right back up and tried over and over again. I finally gave up after about 20 minutes, and just let him walk around Puccino's because it was that or incessant screaming. Needless to say, we cleared out the entire place in no time with our loud children. I was so embarrassed.

In the car, he screams for us to talk back to him, yelling "Mommy! Daddy!" That quiet and shy demeanor is almost non-existent now. He loves dancing to all music and he's now singing along to ABC and other nursery rhymes. He's still very much a daddy's boy, but there is one thing that works like a charm when I'm needing more Sammy time. He has a little case of eczema and our pediatrician recommended lotion. He LOVES for me to rub his arms and legs with it. Sometimes after his bath, and just before bed, I hold him in my lap and massage his arms and legs. And if I stop too soon, he fusses at me. Come to think of it, he reminds me of me, grumpy in the morning, hungry all the time, and always wanting to be near Daddy.

They keep us on our toes, but man, they're fun.

Friends in Low Places

Let's talk about Garth Brooks for a minute. Let's talk about the energy and fire within his music that positively light up our souls. If you're human, and you've heard at least one lyric, you know what I'm talking about. The minute I heard he was coming back to New Orleans, I immediately texted Mom and the aunts "We're going to see Garth!"

It was everything I had hoped it would be. And more.

Our seats were in the last row of our section, way at the top. In fact, when I raised my hand, I could see my shadow from the spotlight directly behind me all the way down on stage. It didn't matter. His songs sounded just like they did on my tapes and CDs from the late 80s and early 90s. He freaking nailed it. For me, listening to Garth was this beautiful, nostalgic experience that only the three people with me could truly understand and appreciate.

It was my favorite parts of my childhood--riding with Mom and the aunts with a horse and trailer behind us hitched to Mom's Ford pick-up truck. It was long hot days sitting in arenas in jeans and boots, and cheering for Aunt Carol as she raced around those barrels with Huey, then Cricket, and probably a few others I can't remember. It was wild-colored, long sleeve shirts that I can still picture hanging from the trailer door, perfectly pressed. It was waiting at Granny and PawPaw's all day to get to go the barn with Mom and Aunt Carol at night. It was my first belt buckle from Mom, the one with the pinkish-purple jewel in it. It was laughing at Aunt Carol for singing all the wrong words to pretty much every country song there ever was. It was learning how to put a saddle on a horse. It was naming all the cats at the barn, feeding the chickens, cleaning the stalls and trying to avoid all the roaches in the tack room. Y'all remember how they'd scatter when we turned the lights on?? It was falling off my horse, and acting like I was fine so that Granny didn't get upset. It was blue and red ribbons hanging on the walls of "my room" at the Bellview house. It was Mom rolling over her own video camera with the trailer and trying not to laugh at her, because she was so mad at herself. It was Tomball Kid. It was having a mom and two older, yet super fun best friends that adored me, and I them.

Garth Brooks, thank you. You managed to bring all of that back last Sunday night. As I swayed from side to side. Singing every single word. Aunt Carol still doesn't get any of the words right, but she remembers. My childhood may have been a little different than the average kid. I didn't have a sister or brother, but I had my own horse, which was pretty awesome. I wasn't at dance lessons, instead I was learning how to ride "Pleasure."

Mom, Carol and Debbie, I hope you know how much fun you made my childhood and that every time I hear a country song, it makes me think of all the fun we had. You are my original "friends in low places." And "if tomorrow never comes" I hope you know how much I love you.

I keep forgetting that it's been 25 years. To me you still look and act like those goofy 40-year-olds I had so much fun with. Seriously, ya'll don't age. You haven't even slowed down a little, other than Carol finally giving up the horses. And how amazing is it that we have a new generation of little people that get to have you in their lives now too? Jasper and Sam adore you. When I ask Jasper who he wants to pray for at night, "Carol and Debbie" are always at the top of his list. God willing, the three of you will be around another 25 years plus, creating new memories with my boys. As for Garth Brooks, even if it takes him another 17 years to come back to NOLA, the tickets will be on me!

Make lemonade every day

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

-Psalm 118:24

Things are good. There is so much to be thankful for in this life. How did I get so lucky? The more time I spend thinking about my life, the more I realize, I better make the most of it, and enjoy and appreciate every minute. People tend to spend too much time looking for more when they should appreciate what God has already given them. Sure, I'd like to make more money and work less, I wish my hips were a bit smaller too, and I wish for more time in the day to get things done; but other than that, life is pretty awesome. If there was one piece of advice that I could give my boys right now (I will have plenty), it would be to appreciate everything that comes to you. Whether it be good or bad, there are always opportunities to be thankful and lessons to be learned. We shouldn't regret. We should move forward and improve, and be thankful to God for the life he has given us. 

Speaking of improving, I've been working on being a better wife and mom. Hopefully, Jeremy has noticed! After all, "Marriage is not 50-50. Marriage is 100-100. It is dividing everything you have, but giving everything you've got." I've been making efforts to cook more (and healthier), clean up more, keep up with laundry better, take out the trash instead of waiting for Jeremy to do it, and keep an extra positive attitude as we create a new normal as a family adjusting to ALS. There are still things I need to work on though. Patience is an on-going struggle for me, especially when it comes to Jasper's slow eating and Sam's moody crying fits. But I'll keep trying. I should read to the boys more. I should stop cursing. I should make more time to craft for myself. I should clean my closet! I'll get there...

With all of that said, I think Jeremy and I are doing a pretty good job as parents. I'm seeing some real positives in Jasper. He's not perfect, but he's a good big brother to Sam. He has more sweet moments than sour ones. And aside from being a very finicky eater and tuning us out every now and then, he's a good (and cute) kid. I watch him with Sam, taking his hand on the playset after cabbageball so that the other kids don't trample him, waiting for him on the slide so they can slide down together, bringing him toys to make sure he has enough, helping him up (after "accidentally" pushing him down), sitting next to him on the couch keeping him company and telling him, "Don't cry Sammy, Mommy's getting your bottle," and giving him "fives" as Jeremy walks Sam into daycare every morning. Just last weekend, we stopped at Rouse's to check out their "gluten-free" section and there were grocery carts with toy cars "for two" attached to the front. Not noticing there was a steering wheel missing (there should've been two), we put Sam and Jasper in the broken one. Jasper tried getting out, telling us he wanted to go in the other one. Jeremy and I got flustered because he was trying to get out, and we told him no. That's when I realized, he wanted to get in the other car because that one had two steering wheels, one for him AND one for Sammy. He was again looking out for his little brother. I'm hoping this is a sign that we're doing something right. By the way, they had so much fun in that car. We may have to switch groceries.

More about the boys...

Neither of my kids is a morning person. We pull Jasper out of bed by his feet most mornings. Then he wants to be carried to the kitchen. And if that wasn't enough, he complains when we turn on the lights, saying, "Turn off the lights! It's too bright in here!" So yes, most mornings, he eats pop tarts or dry Lucky Charms (only the marshmallow pieces) in the dark. And then, there's Sammy. He used to be all smiles in the morning, but lately I walk in and he's still curled up, clutching his blanket. When I tell him in my sweet Mommy voice, "Sammy, it's time to wake up," he replies with a big, grouchy, "No!" And he now cries and wines as I change his diaper. It's OK though, all is right with the world once he has his milk. I'm pretty much the same way, just with coffee.

Both boys are doing well at daycare and summer camp. Sam is still in his one-year-old class. Ms. Elaine adores him, telling us every day, "He's such a good boy!" He still gets extra excited when he sees his daddy (he now says dah-dee), and now waves, saying "bye-bye" to the teachers when we pick him up in the evenings. He's talking more, saying more words and pronouncing better--although we don't understand everything. He thinks he can do everything Jasper does. The other day, he plunged face first into the baby pool at Elmwood because he watched Jasper do it. Fortunately, I was sitting right there to pick up my little dare devil. When we tell him no, he waits to see if we're serious, then tries to change the mood with a sly smile. It works too, we generally always break down and laugh. He's a great cuddler. Some days, especially when we get home from work, it seems like no matter what we do to appease him, he just cries. Til I finally stop what I'm doing, sit down with him on my lap and hold him. For some reason, that seems to always work. It's like he knows I need the break too.

Jasper has it great at summer camp, playing with his friends all day, watching movies and going on field trips. His favorite part of every field trip is riding in the school bus because he thinks it's so cool. The grandparents all take turns picking him up from summer camp so that we don't have to pay for after care. Grandpa gets him snoballs after camp on Mondays. Grammie buys him toys from the toy store after camp on Tuesdays and Thursdays. And Granny feeds him ice cream and other yummy junk foods, and let's him play on the swing after camp on Wednesdays and Fridays. Must be nice!! Meanwhile, Jeremy and I are very grateful for the help and money-saving. Speaking of saving money, Jasper is so skinny that we didn't have to buy him any new shorts or pants for the upcoming school year Not to mention, someone from school gave us three polo shirts, so we really only needed to pick up a couple more, which we did last weekend. And yes, he's still an XX-Small. Ahh, my scrawny little pumpkin!

Life is busy, but so good. We work hard to keep them happy and laughing while still disciplining them, teaching them manners and showing them the difference between right and wrong. I think we're doing OK. We're having a lot of fun with them, and our calendar is full with birthday parties, family/coffee time, errands and just keeping up. The most important thing is that when something doesn't go our way, we make the conscious effort to recover from it and move on. In other words, make lemonade. 

So far, my biggest takeaway after learning about Mike's condition and this disease known as ALS, is that each day is a gift from God and we should be grateful for it, and present throughout every part of it. Whatever the day brings, choose to make the best of it.

"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good."

Happy 4th. Enjoy the long weekend!