Three Boys, Three Winter Journeys

This past weekend we closed out our folkstyle wrestling season and winter indoor drumline. It's been an amazing winter in regards to the boys activities. 

I am so proud of my boys. Watching Michael perform in the drumline and interact with his friends was such a blessing. Even when he was frustrated about practices or performances he still had fun. I loved that he was in the front so I could always see him.

Michael, you are amazing! Your musically talent is something I hope you stay humble about. Thank you for your patience as we were not always there for your performances, thank you for understanding.

Daniel, you made a goal and while you think you fell short, you had a wonderful wrestling season. It was such a joy to watch you go out and be a pinning machine (25 pins for the season). I loved watching you support your friends on our team and those from other teams. I loved watching you laugh one second and then turn into all business the next.

Neil, your wrestling season wasn't as long as you wanted it to be but watching you coach our kids in the club was such a beautiful thing to experience. Your interaction with the kids making them push themselves yet encouraging the isn't something everyone can do. Your tenderness when they just needed to work through emotions was a humbling sight to see. You have grown into a wonderful mentor.

I loved when our music world mixed with our wrestling world. The Thursday before state the indoor drumline performed at the middle school for the 8th graders. I loved having our wrestlers tell me how much they enjoyed watching Michael perform, they were impressed he could play with four mallets.

We are blessed with three amazing boys who are individuals and have unique talents. While they are the Albrecht boys, they certainly are their own people and we love them each with all of our hearts.

First Day of School 2013

I cannot believe this is Michael's senior year.  If I let myself think about it too long it really makes me sad.  He has so much to look forward to after this year...a mission, college and eventually getting married and starting a family.  I remember sending him off to kindergarten so many years ago and feeling like time was going too fast and now here we are preparing him for whatever the world is going to throw at him when he ventures out on his own.  He has a great group of friends this year and has spent a lot of time with them.  I have a hard time letting him go and not spend every waking moment with me but I know he needs to blossom.

Neil is a sophomore and I know initially this year is going to start out rough as he is not playing football due to his elbow injury.  He just wasn't cleared in time but that's okay, we know there is a reason.  He just continues to get stronger and will have an amazing wrestling season...I just know it.  Neil doesn't show a lot of emotion so it was hard to gauge how his first day went but overall he was glad to be back with his friends.  He passed his driving permit test and will get to start practicing driving just as soon as I find his stinkin' birth certificate!

Daniel is a 7th grader and ready to conquer middle school.  I think out of the three boys he has the most confidence heading into the dreaded middle school years.  I hope that will protect him.  He said he got lost a few times but otherwise was okay.  He was happy to have a full-size locker he doesn't have to share.  He is playing football and is having lots of fun.  He is quite secure with his athletic ability and feels he will get a decent shot at playing time.  I hope he does so it doesn't crush his spirit. 

The first day was like every other first day for me, I was sad.  I do not enjoy sending my boys back to school.  The bonus was that I got to spend the day with Kevin who was home for a first day of school!  We had breakfast with a good friend and then went and did service for one of the sweet ladies in our church ward who is moving.  It was nice just being able to relax.

Here's to the 2013-2014 school year, I hope it's a great one for my boys and everyone else!

Spam Musubi with a Side of Laughter

Wow...it's been a minute since I've updated the blog.  I've had blogs in my mind but I just haven't had the energy or desire to sit down and write them.  It's been an interesting few weeks.  We've been challenged as a family.  But we made it through and we're just so much stronger. 

Today the kids were off from school for Martin Luther King Day and after Neil got home from wrestling practice, we just kind of kept it low key.  We went to a friend's house and made Spam Musubi and then spent the rest of the day cleaning the house at our leisure and being bums.  It's been nice.  We stay on the go with wrestling, Scouts, school and life so it was nice to have a relaxing day.

One thing I love about being a Military family is all the diversity in the people we meet.  My kids have gotten hooked on Spam Musubi since meeting three families who have become close friends to us here.  Daniel kept telling me I needed to learn how to make them for him.  I told him he needed to learn how to make them for himself.  I finally just texted my friend Kristi and asked her if she would please give us an hour of her time and let us come and learn how to make them.  We always have so much fun and lots of laugh when we spend time with her sweet family.  Today was no exception. 

 

Why do my kids not smile in pics anymore?  What happened to the days where they were hams for the camera?

Michael needs to start shaving.  He has weird sideburns and a mustache that needs to be trimmed or shaved.  I told him he looks like a guy who lives in his mother's basement.  He wasn't amused.

Neil needing a snack after exerting energy making the musubi!

I love these two pictures.  My friend Kristi took one and I took the other.  Neil never wants to smile for my camera.  I told him to "Smile for your daddy or I'll smack the crap out of you."  Hey, it works...even if he knows it's not true.

Daniel shared some of his musubi with his buddy Tanner.  That kid can eat!  He ate one of Daniel's and one of Michael's!

Talan was so cute.  He walked in, saw the musubi on the cutting board.  Walked over and said..."Oooh!"  and grabbed one.  It made Neil laugh and smile!

 We had a wonderful day with a wonderful family.  Lots of laughter and good food! 

TDT #10 - Your Kids Are Too Old

One of the ways I have always done my countdowns when my  husband is away is by counting trash days.  Most of the time it isn't as daunting a number as the estimated number of days he'll be gone.  And it helps me remember to put the trash out, or rather encourage my boys to put the trash out since it's their job.  So this will be my new weekly post, and I'll just really post whatever, no real set theme.  Please feel free to join me on this adventure of counting down the time until your loved one comes home!

 There are numerous organizations out there that work really hard to support families of deployed Service members and families that are separated due to hardship tours.  I am really grateful for them and their support...when they include my kids.  Apparently, for some organizations, your kids have to fit a certain age bracket to receive any of their services or products.  Apparently, when you reach a certain age, you are no longer affected by separation and have no need for little extra's to get you through.

I recently submitted my boys for a couple different things and was met with a reply that my kids were too old.  Nowhere on their websites does it state ages.  I even add special comments explaining our situation and acknowledging that my kids are a bit older but are still struggling with this situation.  They need additional TLC too.

I'm not trying to take anything away from anyone.  My kids miss their dad just as much as the younger kids.  We are blessed with technology but even with that, they don't get to talk to their dad daily because of the big time difference.  I selected these two particular organizations because what they would be providing would be something that would mean something to all of my boys.  But because they apparently don't have feelings after a certain age, we were declined.

Please don't think I'm trying to sound entitled, of course we don't need anything, we are okay.  I'm just saying, please don't forget about the older children, they could benefit too from feeling extra special. 

Tell me these faces don't say that they love and miss their dad just as much as the next kid and that goodbyes still suck, no matter how old you are.

TDT #8 - These Boys

One of the ways I have always done my countdowns when my  husband is away is by counting trash days.  Most of the time it isn't as daunting a number as the estimated number of days he'll be gone.  And it helps me remember to put the trash out, or rather encourage my boys to put the trash out since it's their job.  So this will be my new weekly post, and I'll just really post whatever, no real set theme.  Please feel free to join me on this adventure of counting down the time until your loved one comes home!

I have too many thoughts going through my head that I really want to write about but can't stay focused enough to choose one topic.

Today you get a picture of my handsome boys who mean the world to me.  I am constantly amazed at their tenderness for me as their mom.  They are all willing to help me when I need help with very few grumbles.  All three of them still call me mama at various times and that just makes me feel so good. I love when they introduce me to their friends and say that I'm the best mom (which happened multiple times this past week).

I just really love these boys and am so blessed to call them mine.

My Boys Rock Pink!

I love that my boys love to wear pink.  Now that my cause concern for some mothers but my boys do it for a special reason.  My mom is a breast cancer survivor and I have many aunts who have either fought it or are fighting it so it's very personal for my family.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month but my boys wear pink all year round.  My youngest gets teased sometimes but he doesn't care, he stands up strong and explains why he wears it.  All three of my boys are wearing some type of pink today in honor of our family and anyone else who has fought or is fighting breast cancer.  I am so proud of my boys for choosing to wear pink so proudly.

 

Neil has a teammate who wore pink gloves for a while and when asked why he wore them, his response was they were cool. When Neil came with his pink spikes for his cleats, some kids were accusing him of trying to be like the other boy.  When Neil informed them why he wore pink, they were all immediately quiet.  

Daniel has had some really special moments wearing pink.  Last week at football practice I was talking to another mother and she asked me if my son was the one who always wears pink.  Daniel has a pink mouth guard, pink gloves, pink socks, pink wristband, pink cleat spikes and a pink towel.  When I replied yes, she paused for a moment and then said, "thank you."  She went on to tell me she is currently fighting breast cancer and it's nice to see someone so young doing something to honor that fight.  It made me proud to know Daniel makes these choices and that his effort is recognized.

On Friday, our high school had a tailgate party before their homecoming football game.  Our local chamber of commerce set it up and so many of the local businesses were there with lots of free and cool giveaways.  Colton's Steakhouse was there and there big focus was on Breast Cancer Awareness.  The owner shared with us that his mother is a breast cancer survivor and so it's important to him.  When he saw Daniel's socks and bracelets he was very impressed.  Daniel told him why he wears pink and then shared how sometimes he gets teased at school but he doesn't care.  The gentleman was so impressed he gave Daniel one of his limited Breast Cancer Awareness shirts for his restaurant.  Daniel put it on immediately and the guy snapped a picture of him in front of their van.  I wasn't that quick but got a picture later.

Awareness for all cancers is important and I acknowledge all of the causes.  While we focus more on Breast Cancer because that is what has affected us personally, my prayer is that there will one day be a cure for all types of cancer.

Serving Our Friends with Love

Today Neil called me and asked if I could bring him some food before his football game.  I asked him what he wanted and he replied..."we just want sandwiches."  I asked him who "we" was and he replied with the name of a friend and said that his family wouldn't be able to bring him food and so Neil told him that his mom wouldn't mind.  When I dropped the food off, I love that his friend yelled to me "Thank you, I love you!".  His words probably meant more to me than the food meant to him.  It wasn't hard, I simply packed up some sandwiches, chips and pumpkin cookies.  That's all it took to make someone else feel loved, how wonderful and simple!

Last week in our Sunday school class we were talking about something that sparked a comment from me about how I believe our kids learn to be charitable when we agree to do simple things like give their friends a ride home, bring extra snacks and food to share and other simple things like that.  It also allows our children to think about serving others comfortably.  I love that my kids want to help their friends and that they feel comfortable asking me to serve them too.  Kevin and I want the boys to know that we want to take care of them and their friends.  It truly takes a village. 

After the game, Neil was climbing in the car when he asked if we could give another friend of his a ride home.  I smiled as I said yes.

I love this picture of one of Neil's friends helping him during the game when he had a nose bleed that would not stop.  Not only do my boys serve their friends, but their friends serve them.

I want our boys to learn to serve others and I am grateful for these small moments when I get to glimpse the men they are becoming.

First Day of School 2012

I thought after the extended summer we had that I would be so ready for school to get started.  A few days ago, I was anxiously awaiting the kids to head off, but today...today I already miss my boys and they haven't even been gone that long!  I just want to know who told my boys that they could grow up and leave their mama behind?  I mean my oldest son is driving himself and his brother to school and my baby got on the bus without even looking back!

Seriously, where does the time go?  Each of the boys got up with no problems (let's hope it stays that way!)  Neil has his 2nd football game of the season this afternoon so he had to wear his jersey.  They were all ready to go back to school so that's good. 

First days always make me sad for a couple different reasons.  Kevin has never been home for a first day of school.  Even when he hasn't been deployed, he has been TDY or in the field or in some school away from home.  It's weird to think about that since Michael is in 11th grade! I know it makes him sad to miss these moments with the boys.  Thankfully I always have my camera near!  He got to speak to Daniel before he headed off to school so I know that made both of their days.

I always get sad too thinking that it's one year closer to my babies leaving me.  I know that is what they are supposed to do but still, it makes my heart ache to think I won't be there to protect them.  This year I have a little more anxiety with Michael driving.  I know traffic can be a little crazy, especially when we have so much traffic come off post after PT.  I know he'll be smart and he is confident, but I'm a mother.

I hope the boys have a wonderful year.  I'm excited about the things they will learn and experience.  I know that Kevin and I have done our best to prepare them for the world and this is their opportunity to go out and make their choices and have us here to support them when needed.

Yes, I know this year will be a good one.  I just have to make it through the first day...is it 2:30 p.m. yet?

Hairy Situation

After having Neil ask me daily to please take him to get a haircut, I finally buckled down and took the boys to cut their shaggy locks.  Hair cuts in our home can be a stressful situation.  Pretty much until we moved here, the boys have always had military hair cuts like their dad.  When we moved here, we finally broke down and let them grow their hair out the way they wanted (within reason of course).  Because we live in a large Military community it's hard to find someone who can give a regular boys hair cut that doesn't turn into a buzz cut of some type.  Because of this, my kids often walk out of barber shops and hair salons very  unhappy and frankly, so do I.  Yesterday I ventured to the town about 25 miles away to go to a franchise hair salon we had been happy with when we visited Idaho.  I seriously have anxiety when I take my boys for hair cuts because someone always ends up unhappy.

Well Michael and Neil got theirs done and were happy.  Daniel however, oh my sweet Daniel.  I have serious mommy guilt over what happened to Daniel.  Daniel had really beautiful (it was hard to find a manly word to use for his hair so beautiful it is) hair.  It had finally grown out to a point where his cowlicks were in control.  He hair was always soft and it laid down!

When he told the lady what he wanted, she acted like she didn't understand.  He just wanted it trimmed up and some of the hair thinned out a bit because is hair is so thick.  At first it looked like things were going well until at one point I glanced over and saw his face in the mirror.  I could see that this hair adventure was not going on a way that he was happy with.  I walked over and was shocked at what I saw.  The stylist had done some hair cut that was very feminine!  It was terrible!  She tried to assure us that this was a very popular hair cut for boys but I just don't see it.  I panicked and told her to take it a "little" shorter, hoping that would fix it somehow.  I asked her just to cut his hair like the other boys.  I turned to say something to one of the other boys and by the time I turned back around, she had used the clippers and went up the back side of his hair!  I knew immediately that things had gone from bad to ugly.  I saw that  Daniel was trying hard not to cry and I was right there with him.

Daniel was blessed to have three crazy cowlicks and it has taken us years to get his hair to a length where they aren't completely out of control.  We are now back to square one.  When the lady was initially done, I stood in front of him and said, "I hate it, I just really hate it."  I wasn't angry, just disappointed.  I couldn't walk out of there without her knowing how sad I was she didn't listen to him and had cut his hair off to a point where now it looked awful.  It seriously looked like he had taken scissors to himself in some places.  I knew she felt bad and wasn't trying to be mean or hateful but there was no way I was walking out of that hair salon with my baby looking like he met the lawnmower.  Thankfully the owner of the salon was really great and came and did what she could to fix his hair.  She gave us that haircut free and then gave us a gift card so his next hair cut is free and they can work on fixing it.  She could tell he was upset and so she gave him some free pomade too to help "style" his hair in the mornings.  I think she tried to comfort me when she told us that Daniel had the perfect hair for a faux hawk.  I cringed as I'm not a fan of the faux hawk on anyone past the toddler stage of life!

Overall he doesn't look horrible but I feel bad that he got a haircut he didn't want and that now we will have to go through the funky, crazy stage of hair growing that he hates.  Obviously there are bigger tragedies in life than a bad haircut (and really Daniel does not look horrible, I mean we didn't have to shave him bald).  And when you look at the picture you may say..."What's the big deal?"  Daniel's going through the age where image is important and while I try to encourage my kids to be comfortable with who they are regardless of looks and current trends, however, I also want my kids to know they have choices in what makes them feel comfortable and controlling his hair cut is one of those things of comfort for him.

Overall, my boys look handsome and less scruffy and I'm happy about that.  Daniel is fine and says he isn't mad at me, I think it's because I let mommy guilt take over and took them out for Sushi afterwards!

I want to note that Neil is actually smiling for a picture!  This was after football practice so he says his hair was "messed up".  Doesn't Daniel look thrilled?

Not bad, just not what he wanted.

One Week Down: Personal Revelation

KLSmith Photography

Have you ever just glanced at your kids and thought...I really love them!  I found myself doing that at church today and felt completely overwhelmed at the feelings in my heart.  It's been a rough week for us.  We're not falling apart by any  means, but trying to figure out our new normal is taking a bit of time.

I was trying to figure out why this transition was so difficult this time around.  In the past it wasn't so hard.  I started wondering if it was because the kids were older, was it because we are busier?  What was making this so hard?  I'm an over analyzer, I will dwell on it forever until I figure out my answer or at least get something that appeases me for the moment.  It was really bothering me.  I finally figured it out this morning.  Not having Kevin around this past week was HUGE, it was very obvious.  In the past, Kevin has not been home much at all.  Between field exercises, deployment, drill sergeant duty and just regular work, he was rarely home.  We went over 6 years without a 4-day weekend (I promise, I'm not exaggerating).  The past three years have been such a blessing, I considered myself pretty spoiled by Army wife standards in the respect of how much time we had with Kevin.  He had leadership who really let him focus on his family.  He was available, physically and emotionally.  Something that took us a year to get used to (2010 was a bit rough for us).  Once we figured out the balance, we were able to enjoy being a family.

Daniel was without his dad for almost all of the first eight years of his life.  The past three years have really helped him bond with his daddy.  If Kevin was somewhere, Daniel wasn't too far behind.  This week has been really rough on him.  It's been trying to find a balance of giving him the compassion he needs without letting too much go without some firm discipline.  I heard a great message today at church that I really feel is an answer to my prayers in regards to how to handle Daniel.  Love him.  It's simple.

Neil handles these things differently.  He does not do change well.  I try hard to just keep him balanced with routine.  With school getting ready to start, that is going to help him so much.  He is not a huge talker and is rather comfortable keeping his emotions to himself.  I respect his boundaries but as a mother I still need to know he's okay.  Sports have been such a blessing for us in regards to him.  He is able to really put all of his energy into what needs to be done in sports.  It's a great venue to channel his emotions through.  I make a lot of exceptions for him in regards to how involved he can be.  I know it will bless him to give him every opportunity to grow as a wrestler and football player because I have received the answers that it will help him overall to become the man I want him to be.  I am grateful for that.

Michael, my sweet Michael.  I am forever grateful for this tender, kind-hearted boy that the Lord blessed me with first.  Kevin and I have tried so hard his entire life to not put the burden of him being the oldest on him.  We never want him to feel that he is expected to be the man of the house while his dad is away.  Michael, however, does that on his own.  He wants so much to help our family in every way he can.  He has such a willing heart to serve our family, his friends and anyone who has need.  He has been such a source of strength for me this week.  His example and his love have been so valuable.  I have been reminded softly by the Spirit to just let him help because it his desire to do so.

As far as for me, I have already received some of the answers as to why this separation was placed in our lives.  During my walks this week, I have really been working on clearing my mind and just thinking.  I normally keep a really busy schedule.  The past three years I have been really involved in our community.  Kevin being home made it easy for me to go out and do what I wanted, it really allowed me the flexibility to go and do.  I am so grateful for that time and have no regrets to the time I committed to doing what I love.  I knew with him leaving I would have to really prioritize and adjust my schedule.  I made the decision to take August off and be with the boys as we transitioned into the next year.  Initially I had a lot of guilt about that.  I felt like I was letting down organizations I had committed my time to.  I won't lie and say I still don't have moments where I feel that way but what I realized this past week is that if an organization can't respect me for prioritizing my family then it's not something I want to be a part of.

My boys aren't fully dependent on me anymore.  They don't need me to feed them, change them or help them with too much in the physical sense but what I realized is that need me to be present for them emotionally.  I have had a great time this past week just being with them.  The small chats on the drives to the store or the smiles I get when they walk past me in the kitchen.  Those are the moments that I am meant to have, those are what is most important right now.  As I was praying silently this morning and doing some repenting over some of my reactions to things that happened this past week out of frustration, I got a very clear message in regards to my boys; be there for them, be present emotionally.

My boys may not be as small as in the picture above and they may not need tending to like required at 1, 4 and 6, but their sweet spirits need lots of nourishing that only I can provide.

I feel like I've really grown this past week.  While I know that this separation will have it's difficult moments, I'm excited to see what else is in store for us individually and as a family.  The Lord truly does provide and He is mindful of us and what we need and for that I am truly grateful.

P.S.  I didn't really update about Kevin's journey in the past week.  Most of it consisted of a long plane ride, lots of walking, lots of waiting...more waiting...more waiting and then oh yes, more waiting.  He is not at his final destination yet and our communication is sparse right now but he is doing well.  We still feel strongly as a couple that this is what the rest of 2012 and most of 2013 is meant to be for us and we look forward to whatever is in store.

Snow Day Videos...Need a Laugh?

Today was a snow day and I took so many pictures (so many they are still loading...darn stupid slow computer!) but we also captured a few videos.

I seriously have no shame which is why I am posting this first video. Kevin told me he wasn't video taping but I knew he was lying. Kevin and I are obviously not the smartest people, we were sledding in our back yard which ends in a tree line. I'm not sure what we were thinking (probably that we would both stop before we got to the trees). Well as you can see from my video, that didn't happen, I flipped when the tube hit a patch of roots and let me tell you, my back is not too happy! I have to admit it is super funny and I won't blame you if you laugh, I did and as you will see so did Kevin...a lot.


This second video is of Kevin, he went down much faster and you can hear him scream at the end when he ran into a nice stump (remember, I said we weren't the smartest people, lol). You can hear me trying not to laugh but to be honest it was funny.

The next two videos are of the boys playing in the snow. They kept trying to wrestle each other, poor Michael is at a disadvantage I think (although he got a few good licks in). Daniel managed to mainly make Neil mad and they all ended up wet.



Overall a good snow day...I'll be posting another entry full of all our activities and pictures...I know, I know, you can't wait!

Blessed with Three Crazy Boys!

(click to make pic larger)

I love my boys! I know I have said this time and time again but I just do! Yesterday we were making the wrestling videos I posted yesterday and listening to tons of different music. I think all the different songs we listened to make my boys crazy. We were laughing and teasing each other. It was just so sweet. It made me sad to think that in a few years my boys will be grown up and will be leaving home. I'm so not ready!
After laughing with the boys for a while I suddenly felt nostalgic and wanted a picture of my three boys. I am constantly amazed at how much they look alike and how many of their mannerisms are so similar!
I tried to get a simple pic of my three boys and what you see above is the result. They could not be serious for a pic. It just made me love them that much more!

I ♥ My Boys

The other night we had our ward Christmas party and I wanted the boys to look somewhat nice (meaning no gym shorts and icky t-shirts which seem to be the norm for a couple of my kids these days!) They all ended up wearing long sleeve shirts and looked so handsome...and so grown. Oh it just puts a slight ache in my heart to watch them growing so fast right before my eyes. I want them to stay little but at the same time I love being able to talk with them and share different experiences with them.

I just love my boys and feel so blessed to have them in my life.

Fall Activities!

It's FALL and I love it! But it means a busy time for us in the Albrecht Squad. We are full of activity here. Two of the boys have football and of course their practices either happen at the same time or at way different times! Our oldest is in the Marching band and he has practice either at the same time or way different times. I feel bad for all of them because they can have long days and nights and then turn around and do it again. They are all loving life though, they are happy doing what they want. All of the boys are doing so well and really gaining some great experience in their areas. I love how they all want to support one another. The two younger boys LOVE pointing out that their big brother is in the Marching Band...really, I dare you to say something smart about the band around them! I also love how each of the boys wants to be at all the other kid's games. It is hard because Daniel has practice the same day that Michael has marching band practice and Neil has a game. I hate being split apart but we want to support everyone so as parents we have to split. October will be interesting since the husband has an exercise he will be participating in at another installation. That means I get to figure out where to be and when. It will all work out, thankfully we have great friends who will be there to cheer on our kids when we aren't able to for whatever reason.

Here are some pics of our kids. I'm excited to make them into to buttons so I can be "that" crazy mama!

First Day of School 2011

Where did the summer go? I mean seriously, I swear the boys just got out of school and now they have to go back? I'm grateful for the adventures they got to participate in this year but as anyone who has been reading my blog for a few years knows, I do not like sending my kids back to school. I am always so sad. I just love hanging out with my boys. I think they were ready to go back to school. You know kids, they are always in denial but you can tell that they are no longer enjoying each others company and they bicker a little more. The weather was so hot for a while they couldn't really enjoy being outside and they aren't big gamers so being inside wasn't a thrill either. They were ready even if mom wasn't.

The report from all three boys was that school was "okay". Michael and Neil said the first day is always kind of boring because it's all the reviews and such. Daniel is very excited about his teacher who happens to enjoy doing LOTS of science experiments. I just realized that all three of my boys have now had male teachers for 5th grade.

I got up this morning and made them each breakfast. I kept it simple, making them eggs in a toast. I like to add a little extra special love by cutting the center out with a heart cookie cutter. Kevin also called each of the boys this morning to wish them a great day at school. (Someday he will be home for the first day of school!)

Each of the boys heads out at different times so I made it three times but it is so worth it, I love making my boys feel special. After I dropped Daniel off, I spent the day teaching Army Family Team Building classes. We had some great students in our class which was really nice because it helped keep my mind off of missing my boys so much. I rushed home so I could see them right as they got home from school. I just love those moments and am so grateful to be able to do that. The first day is always the hardest and then we quickly fall into a routine. I know they will all three have a wonderful year. I also know they will be keeping us pretty busy chauffeuring them around. Michael has Marching band (see picture below), and both Neil & Daniel will be playing football. All three will continue to work on their Scouting requirements and as a family we will continue to do service throughout our community. This is going to be a great 2011-2012 school year!

Earlier this evening, we had our annual "Meet the Tigers" Football Scrimmage at the football field. The Marching Band gets to show off what they worked on during band camp and we get to see the first glimpse of their competition piece. Michael is in the "PIT" again as part of the percussion. I seriously get tired watching him during the different pieces because he walks all around playing the different percussion instruments. I put together a collage of just the majority of what he played today. I am so impressed and so proud of him! You can click the picture to make it bigger!

Swimming Lessons...No Thanks

During the past couple weeks, we have spent some time at the pool. At Scouts and with the Children's Program at our church, we have had some really fun water activities. Daniel had to do quite a few activities to mark off some things in his Webelos book for Cub Scouts. I had to chuckle a little bit because as I was watching him, he has no real technique, he has just figured out how to stay afloat and tread water. For years I have asked him if he wants to take swimming lessons and he always says nicely..."no thanks". I suppose I could really push the issue and just sign him up but I don't believe in torturing my kids by pushing them into doing things and risk the chance of traumatizing them for life (I have seen many parents do this to their children and now their children won't go near water).

So Daniel did all the things that were required (perhaps a little slower and with less finesse) and I was so proud of him, he never quit. I asked him again as he drug his tired little body out of the water after swimming 75 meters if he wanted to take swimming lesson...his routine response.."no thanks".

Despite the fact that he isn't the strongest swimmer out there, the child has no real fear jumping off diving boards. He had quite a bit of fun jumping, attempting flips and doing dives that resembled belly flops. But he has fun. Maybe when he's older he'll finally take some lessons...or maybe he'll just continue with his calm and simple.."no thanks".

Just a few snapshots!



And a couple of Michael, just because...
Poor Neil didn't get to join in the fun because he was still recovering from having his tonsils removed. We spoiled him a bit with as many popsicles as one could tolerate and a TV at his bedside!