the wheels on the bus

Nervous stomachs, new shoes, empty backpacks, excitement, tears..........yes, it's the first day of school.  This year I sent a 2nd and 4th grader off to school and it is vastly different than a couple of years ago.  As usual, I took pictures of the whole crew.  (The picture on the left is from 2 years ago when G and N were in Kindergarten and 2nd grade, the picture on the right is this year.)  They stand there and tolerate me until I have the shot I want and then they are off to chat with friends, destroy ant piles, and race up and down the sidewalk to see who's the faster runner that day.

This year I didn't even get to stay until the bus arrived because I had PTO duties at school that required an early arrival on my part.  I said my good-byes, kissed foreheads and headed off. They didn't even notice.  

They are growing up and I couldn't be more proud of those boys.  Look out world, here they come!

Hatch Green Chile Time

That's right, it's Hatch Green Chile time!!  While most people may buy a pound, I buy a whole box.  I get them at our local grocery store and they were fresh, hot off the roaster.  The aroma brings back many memories from my New Mexico days.......the same aroma made N dawg gag.  Oh well!!

They are bagged up and in the freezer ready for Green Chile Stew, Green Chile Chicken Enchilads, and anything else I can use them for.

Florida Fun Part 2

The sandcastle that was a joint effort between kids and moms.  Here is TL putting on the finishing touches!

One of my favorite pictures of little AK.  She LOVED Scot and it was very cute to watch.  I even asked him once or ten times if we could have another.  He very clearly said no.....even though he was completely taken with this little girl.

All 6 kids did great and would intermingle with each other all week.  G and N were the only boys, but they didn't seem to mind!

Florida Fun

So we all have post-vacation blues on this rainy Sunday night.  We had a wonderful time in Destin, Florida where we went for a week with 2 other families.  I took lots of pictures, but thought I would share just a few of my favorites!  Love the one of N Dawg above.....nothing like getting buried in the sand and then finding it in all kinds of body crevices for days to come!
Scot and G Man spent lots of time together on this trip.  One evening after hanging out together on one of the balconies, G declared it the best 45 min of his life.  Amazing how as the boys get older, their dad becomes their whole world and I am just the one that feeds them.....a lot.....all day long.  Heaven help us, it's going to get crazy the closer to the teen years we get!

Nathan and I chillin on the beach. 

G actually worked all day one day and conquered the Skim Board.  He was really good at it!  Only took one fall that had 2 adults running for him thinking he had for sure broken something!  We'll save that for football!

Caged In

                                                                         N Dawg - 7

                                                                       G Money - 9

I have control issues.  There, I said it.  I don't like it, but I will admit it.  

I have never considered myself to be controlling.......those people are obnoxious and noone around them can breathe.  They are loud and have to be in charge of every situation and when people don't obey the rules, they run for their anti-depressant of choice.

No, I'm just mildly Type A with good leadership skills.  Oh, and I like rules, as long as they make sense and aren't dumb.  I'm not controlling, no, just over-protective of my kids - like any good mother. I admit, I can be loud at times, but only at really good football games.  

Then last Saturday I was out for a run and was chatting with God.....in my head....because if I was trying to talk outloud while running it would have sounded like this:

Dear........huff........puff.........cough.........God, 

 I was chatting to God about an incredible Bible study I've done this summer called No other gods by Kelly Minter.  I was telling Him that I felt like I had really dealt with other issues in my life this year that took my attention away from Him.  Then, like I didn't even hear what I had just said, I launched into a monologue about my fears and concerns regarding my boys.  

Like, they are growing up.  And sometimes I don't like that.

I distinctly heard God tell me that I need to be careful to not be controlling.  I need to let HIM be in charge.

"Who me???? Are you talking to the right person or is like when your baby monitor would pick up the neighbor's phone conversation.  Maybe I am so spiritual I can hear what God is saying to people inside the houses I run past!!"

No, Keri.......I'm talking to you.  You will never, ever, ever be able to do this parenting thing without letting Me be in charge.   You stood at the front of a church with both boys and gave them back to Me when they were little.  I hear your prayers to give you wisdom and creativity in parenting.  If you don't stop trying to do this without Me or parent in a way that is driven by fear, you will constantly be frustrated trying to control their world.  Let Me help you!

"Oh.........Ok"

You see, I want my boys to be independent and to have their own thoughts and opinions.  I want them to be secure in who they are as boys....soon to be men.  I want them to be able to stand up for what they believe in and not be swayed.  I just don't want any bad things to happen to them.  I don't want them to lose their innocence.  I don't want other kids to say mean or inappropriate things in front of them.  I basically want to keep them in a bubble away from the yuck in the world. 

The problem is they will not grow if I keep them caged in.  They won't learn how to fly.  And boy, let me tell you, they are going to need to learn how to fly well so mama bird doesn't have to kick them out of the nest one day.

I'm working on it people.  My first act as a new non-controlling person, but still somewhat type A, was to let sweet N Dawg (nickname courtesy of my sister) to get the haircut he's been begging to have for 2 years now.  The type A part kicked in when he wanted to hilite his hair blue.  It's takes time, people.......