I am thankful for my home. Our house may not be the biggest. Our house may not be the fanciest. Our house is DEFINATELY not the most spotless. Our house may not be the best decorated. But our house is a home. I heard many times growing up that there was a difference between a house and a home. I understood the concept but now that I have a family of my own, I realize even more how important it is that my house is a home. My kids are comfortable here. Their friends are comfortable here. Maybe we don't have fancy things but we are happy here and people know they are always welcome.
I am thankful for my home.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
Month of Thanksgiving - Day One
I tried this last year and only made it like 6 or 7 days in. I am going to try to do better this year.
I will try to share one thing that I am thankful for each day this month.
DAY ONE: A football family. Ever since the first year Parker played football I have understood what people mean when they reference their "football family". When you spend that much time dedicated to a sport/team you really get to know not just the other kids on the team but their families as well. We have been so lucky to have great football families! We have been able to play with several of the same kids/families on many teams but have had a few changes over the years. Our very first year of football was when I was pregnant with Bailey, Bailey was born, and Bailey passed away. Our football family rallied around us and almost every single family from that team came to her viewing. My most vivid memory of that night, to this day, is of Parker and 4 of his team members standing around the casket looking at Parker's beautiful little sister while he showed them her tiny little hands and feet. His Head Coach was the first to get there that night and one of the last to leave. And, as I mentioned before, almost every single family came at some point during the night. I never would have expected that as it is somewhat hard for an 8 year old boy to understand - but they all came to show their support. It wasn't just attending the viewing, the Coaches were so great to help that 8 year old boy struggle through the emotions that he wasn't understanding for the rest of the season. There were times that I was scared of him taking his anger out on other players but those Coaches helped him channel that and taught him the right way to use that aggression. I could go on and on about that first "Football family". We continued to have great families as Parker progressed onto other Teams. Another Coach that I will be forever grateful to is Mick Tryon. He was the Coach of our Indoor team for a few years and he taught Parker so much about not just football but about life and how to be a good person. That's another thing that is so great about having a "Football Family" - you are all working together to teach kids how to be good people, good citizens, and to work together as a team. It's about respect and trust for each other. There are so many families that I could list that have influenced our lives and probably don't even know it. Again - thankful for all of our "Football families"!
I will try to share one thing that I am thankful for each day this month.
DAY ONE: A football family. Ever since the first year Parker played football I have understood what people mean when they reference their "football family". When you spend that much time dedicated to a sport/team you really get to know not just the other kids on the team but their families as well. We have been so lucky to have great football families! We have been able to play with several of the same kids/families on many teams but have had a few changes over the years. Our very first year of football was when I was pregnant with Bailey, Bailey was born, and Bailey passed away. Our football family rallied around us and almost every single family from that team came to her viewing. My most vivid memory of that night, to this day, is of Parker and 4 of his team members standing around the casket looking at Parker's beautiful little sister while he showed them her tiny little hands and feet. His Head Coach was the first to get there that night and one of the last to leave. And, as I mentioned before, almost every single family came at some point during the night. I never would have expected that as it is somewhat hard for an 8 year old boy to understand - but they all came to show their support. It wasn't just attending the viewing, the Coaches were so great to help that 8 year old boy struggle through the emotions that he wasn't understanding for the rest of the season. There were times that I was scared of him taking his anger out on other players but those Coaches helped him channel that and taught him the right way to use that aggression. I could go on and on about that first "Football family". We continued to have great families as Parker progressed onto other Teams. Another Coach that I will be forever grateful to is Mick Tryon. He was the Coach of our Indoor team for a few years and he taught Parker so much about not just football but about life and how to be a good person. That's another thing that is so great about having a "Football Family" - you are all working together to teach kids how to be good people, good citizens, and to work together as a team. It's about respect and trust for each other. There are so many families that I could list that have influenced our lives and probably don't even know it. Again - thankful for all of our "Football families"!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Caleb's "tact"
I have talked to many of my close friends and family about this before but thought I would document here, as well. Caleb has always been very open and "matter of fact" when it comes to talking about hard things. With all of the many situations we have dealt with in our family, Chris and I have always felt it is best to be open and honest with our kids. This is probably a big part of the reason for Caleb's "openness". On the other hand, he is too young to understand that sometimes certain things make others uncomfortable so, while things aren't bad to talk about, sometimes you SHOULD "filter".
We have had many, many of these situations, but here is the most recent.
Yesterday Caleb had some outpatient surgery on his foot. While the Nurse is there prepping him she is trying to make him feel comfortable by carrying on a conversation. Eventually comes the question that always makes Chris and I cringe when asked of Caleb.
Nurse: "Do you have any Brothers and Sisters?"
Caleb: (Silence as he is trying to decide if he should "filter".)
Me: "He has a big Brother."
Nurse: "Oh ... No girls huh?"
Caleb: "We had one."
Nurse: (Looks at me with a confused look on her face.)
Caleb: "My Sister died."
Then we end up having to go through the normal reassurance that its ok she asked, it doesn't make us sad to talk about her, how old was she, how did she die, etc.
You would think we were out of the woods then, right? Nope! Not with Caleb.
Nurse: "You are so brave. I bet your Brother wouldn't be this brave. Is he staying with Grandma while you are here this morning?"
Caleb: "Nope. My Grandma passed away." (Yes, the 6 yr old says "passed away".)
Nurse: (Silent pause.). "Crap. I'm not asking anymore questions."
Lets just say it just kept going.
On one hand I am glad that our family is ok to talk about things. On the other hand, I sometimes worry that Caleb is somewhat calloused towards death. I guess that could happen when you are 6 and have attended 5 funerals of people close to you - 3 of them in the past 3 months. Not to mention the fact that he watched the care and decline of both his Grandma and Uncle first hand.
I guess, in a sense, death seems like a normal every day occurrence to him. Good or bad? I don't know. :/
Bless his sweet little heart. I love him to pieces!
We have had many, many of these situations, but here is the most recent.
Yesterday Caleb had some outpatient surgery on his foot. While the Nurse is there prepping him she is trying to make him feel comfortable by carrying on a conversation. Eventually comes the question that always makes Chris and I cringe when asked of Caleb.
Nurse: "Do you have any Brothers and Sisters?"
Caleb: (Silence as he is trying to decide if he should "filter".)
Me: "He has a big Brother."
Nurse: "Oh ... No girls huh?"
Caleb: "We had one."
Nurse: (Looks at me with a confused look on her face.)
Caleb: "My Sister died."
Then we end up having to go through the normal reassurance that its ok she asked, it doesn't make us sad to talk about her, how old was she, how did she die, etc.
You would think we were out of the woods then, right? Nope! Not with Caleb.
Nurse: "You are so brave. I bet your Brother wouldn't be this brave. Is he staying with Grandma while you are here this morning?"
Caleb: "Nope. My Grandma passed away." (Yes, the 6 yr old says "passed away".)
Nurse: (Silent pause.). "Crap. I'm not asking anymore questions."
Lets just say it just kept going.
On one hand I am glad that our family is ok to talk about things. On the other hand, I sometimes worry that Caleb is somewhat calloused towards death. I guess that could happen when you are 6 and have attended 5 funerals of people close to you - 3 of them in the past 3 months. Not to mention the fact that he watched the care and decline of both his Grandma and Uncle first hand.
I guess, in a sense, death seems like a normal every day occurrence to him. Good or bad? I don't know. :/
Bless his sweet little heart. I love him to pieces!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
More Thanks
Day Eight: I am thankful for my Husband. He has always stood by my side no matter what, through happy times and sad, through my good moods and bad. Chris and I have experienced many challenges together and, despite them all, he is still here supporting my crazy ideas and actions whether he agrees with them or not.
Day Nine: I am thankful for peppermint. Yep - peppermint. It tastes yummy and reminds me of the Holidays which makes me happy.
Day Ten: I am thankful for "football families". I'm sure everyone has heard it before but until you actually live it you don't understand "football families". Our Bingham football family was with us through the birth and death of our daughter and my scare 10 days later, our HAVOC football family has played an important part in Parker's growing and development and self-esteem, and our Herriman football family has always been there for us with smiles, hugs, welcoming arms, encouragement, and friendship. We have been so lucky to have incredible Coaches and Parents and friends who treat our family as their own. So blessed!
Day Eleven: Thankful for my kitty, Lily. Lily came into our life VERY unexpectedly and everyone that knows me knows I am a DOG PERSON. However, since I work from home most of the time now, me and "Lils" have gotten pretty close. She snuggles, kisses, and gives me unconditional love - even when I might not deserve it.
Day Twelve: My sweet boy, Caleb. Caleb is the happiest, most loving 6 year old I know. He loves to snuggle, gives me numerous hugs and kisses every day, and always has a smile on his face and a song on his lips. He LOVES to bake with me and is always looking for ways to serve others.
Day Thirteen: My big, strong 12 year old, Parker. He has always been such a good kid. He is so caring and kind to everyone. He has friends of every type. He knows right from wrong, makes good decisions, and is an example to those around him. He always has a hug for his family members, a smile or joke for his friends, and encouragement for teammates. Even though he is only 12 he acts so much older. He is not only my Son but one of my best friends. I love you, Parker!
Day Nine: I am thankful for peppermint. Yep - peppermint. It tastes yummy and reminds me of the Holidays which makes me happy.
Day Ten: I am thankful for "football families". I'm sure everyone has heard it before but until you actually live it you don't understand "football families". Our Bingham football family was with us through the birth and death of our daughter and my scare 10 days later, our HAVOC football family has played an important part in Parker's growing and development and self-esteem, and our Herriman football family has always been there for us with smiles, hugs, welcoming arms, encouragement, and friendship. We have been so lucky to have incredible Coaches and Parents and friends who treat our family as their own. So blessed!
Day Eleven: Thankful for my kitty, Lily. Lily came into our life VERY unexpectedly and everyone that knows me knows I am a DOG PERSON. However, since I work from home most of the time now, me and "Lils" have gotten pretty close. She snuggles, kisses, and gives me unconditional love - even when I might not deserve it.
Day Twelve: My sweet boy, Caleb. Caleb is the happiest, most loving 6 year old I know. He loves to snuggle, gives me numerous hugs and kisses every day, and always has a smile on his face and a song on his lips. He LOVES to bake with me and is always looking for ways to serve others.
Day Thirteen: My big, strong 12 year old, Parker. He has always been such a good kid. He is so caring and kind to everyone. He has friends of every type. He knows right from wrong, makes good decisions, and is an example to those around him. He always has a hug for his family members, a smile or joke for his friends, and encouragement for teammates. Even though he is only 12 he acts so much older. He is not only my Son but one of my best friends. I love you, Parker!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Thankful Days 6 and 7
Day Six: I am thankful for a beautiful, safe neighborhood/community to live in. I have done a lot of traveling in my life and I have seen many different types of neighborhoods - some much nicer than mine, some the same as mine, and others way worse than mine. I am so thankful for a beautiful neighborhood that is safe for my kids to play in, walk to their friends houses in, and for us to LIVE in.
Day Seven: I am thankful for my friends. Friends who have been there through many challenges, friends who are new, and friends who are old. As I have gotten older I have realized how very special those friends are that are there no matter what. Those that I can call out of the blue because I need to talk. Those that I can call at the last minute and ask for help. Those that I know would be there - no matter what. How lucky am I to say that I have people like that in my life???? I love you, my friends! <3 p="p">
Day Seven: I am thankful for my friends. Friends who have been there through many challenges, friends who are new, and friends who are old. As I have gotten older I have realized how very special those friends are that are there no matter what. Those that I can call out of the blue because I need to talk. Those that I can call at the last minute and ask for help. Those that I know would be there - no matter what. How lucky am I to say that I have people like that in my life???? I love you, my friends! <3 p="p">
Monday, November 5, 2012
Thanksgiving posts (Days 3 - 5)
Day Three: I am thankful for a good job. Everyone has those days at their job where they wish they weren't there. There are even those moments when I wish soooo badly I could quit my job and focus on being a better Mom and spending more time with my kiddos. However, despite those thoughts, I know how very lucky I am to have the job I have. I have had it for over 23 years and I do know what a blessing it is to be able to help support my family and provide for their needs (and some of their "wants"). Not only that, it gives me the opportunity to learn new things, see new places, and keep my brain working. Thankful for my job with Xerox Services.
Day Four: I am thankful for my sweet Angel daughter, Bailey. I miss her every day of my life but also know that she is watching over us at all times. Thinking of her makes me remember to try to be a better person. Without the experiences we went through when she left us to go to Heaven, we wouldn't be the family we are today. I love my daughter and know that she is watching over all of my family and waiting for the day we will be able to hug her again.
Day Five: I am thankful for trials. This goes along with my Day Four "thankful" but expands. Yes, I am crazy .. I am thankful for trials. Without them we don't have the opportunity to learn and grow and become stronger people. While I may not be thankful for them when I am going through them, I have looked back on more than one "trying" experience in my life and been able to realize that there really was a reason for going through what I went through and, believe it or not, I have learned from it. I have also had so many opportunities to be able to take what I have learned through trials - big or small - and been able to help someone in the future. Without "living" through things, we can not always support those we love.
Day Four: I am thankful for my sweet Angel daughter, Bailey. I miss her every day of my life but also know that she is watching over us at all times. Thinking of her makes me remember to try to be a better person. Without the experiences we went through when she left us to go to Heaven, we wouldn't be the family we are today. I love my daughter and know that she is watching over all of my family and waiting for the day we will be able to hug her again.
Day Five: I am thankful for trials. This goes along with my Day Four "thankful" but expands. Yes, I am crazy .. I am thankful for trials. Without them we don't have the opportunity to learn and grow and become stronger people. While I may not be thankful for them when I am going through them, I have looked back on more than one "trying" experience in my life and been able to realize that there really was a reason for going through what I went through and, believe it or not, I have learned from it. I have also had so many opportunities to be able to take what I have learned through trials - big or small - and been able to help someone in the future. Without "living" through things, we can not always support those we love.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Month of "Thanksgiving"
So, many of my friends have decided to do a post a day about what they are thankful for on Facebook. I decided I would rather do it here. I'm a day behind so here is Day One and Day Two to start.
(P.S. These are in no particular order - just whatever comes to mind on any given day.)
Day One: I am thankful for a warm house in which I can be comfortable and know my family is safe. A place used not only for shelter but for gathering family and friends.
Day Two: I am thankful for a good head on my shoulders. Does this come from genetics, upbringing, education? I don't 100% know that answer. What I do know is that I am thankful for Parents who taught me right - to learn all I can, think rationally, and use common sense. They taught me to have a good work ethic and to think before I act. Ok, so I guess this kind of sounds like I am thankful for my Parents, huh? But that will come later. This is just one thing of many that I am thankful to them for!
Until tomorrow - Love, Jenn
(P.S. These are in no particular order - just whatever comes to mind on any given day.)
Day One: I am thankful for a warm house in which I can be comfortable and know my family is safe. A place used not only for shelter but for gathering family and friends.
Day Two: I am thankful for a good head on my shoulders. Does this come from genetics, upbringing, education? I don't 100% know that answer. What I do know is that I am thankful for Parents who taught me right - to learn all I can, think rationally, and use common sense. They taught me to have a good work ethic and to think before I act. Ok, so I guess this kind of sounds like I am thankful for my Parents, huh? But that will come later. This is just one thing of many that I am thankful to them for!
Until tomorrow - Love, Jenn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
