10

I wanted to do a special post for my boy who recently turned 10.  Yes, we have now entered the double digits.  Just the thought of him being 10 has had me very emotional.  He will no longer be a single digit number.  He will be a teenager in just 3 years and able to drive in 6.  It's hard to imagine.  I keep thinking of that sweet little baby and want that back but at the same time I enjoy watching as he grows up.  He is quite the young man already. 

This handsome boy is very outgoing at home but shy at school.  I wish he was more outgoing in school but I understand the shyness and don't want to push him to be anything outside his comfort zone.  He does well in school, in fact, he's smarter than I am, especially with math.  Oh, I hate math.  He can solve math problems in his head so quickly.  I'm jealous.  His teachers always have so many wonderful things to say about him.  He is shorter than the average 10 year old but that was expected when having a mother who is 5'3" and a dad who is 5'6".  I tell my kids that their height doesn't matter and they should find the positives in being short.  It doesn't help when others make comments about it.  Seriously, it's rude to call someone fat so it should also be rude to call someone short.  Just don't do it.  He recently told me the kids at school ask him why he's so short and he started crying as he was telling me.  I have no problem with being my height.  He shouldn't either. 

He is so sensitive and caring.  He always tries his best and when he can't get something done correctly he gets upset with himself.  He also has great manners and I never have to remind him to say please and thank you.  He cares for others.  He's been a great son and big brother.  I am so incredibly proud of him. 

He's also very active.  Even on cold days he wants to be outside playing.  He loves football and baseball.  He plays baseball in the fall and spring and gets better and better each season. 

He's also in his fourth year of cub scouts.  Because of the scouts he has been able to do lots of activities such as the wreath laying at The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery. 

He also took on something new this year: the trumpet.  He wanted to try out for the trumpet this year in music class and made it.  He does well.  Last year he played the recorder and is able to take what he's learned on the recorder and play on the piano.  It's amazing.  He does need to practice more with the trumpet and I'm not sure if this is something he will stick out in the future but I'm proud of him for giving it a try. 

It's been so easy raising this boy.  I'm so blessed that God gave him to me.  When it comes to cleaning or doing what's told he doesn't argue or make an issue of it.  He's a great kid and I know he will someday be an amazing man.  I can't wait to see what he will do with his adult life but I also wish I could hang onto these years a little longer. 

I love you, kiddo!  Happy 10th!!!!! 

Thanksgiving And A 10th Birthday

This is my last day of my 6 day vacation.  It's been wonderful.  Some moments have been relaxing while other moments have been busy.  This time off has been needed.  I'm lucky to have a job that's only 3 hours a day but it's nice to have time off.  The vacation started last Wednesday.  The kids were invited to play with their friends Elee and Max, which allowed me to get some things done around the house and relax.  I told Elee and Max they could come over today so they will be over at 2:00. 

Thursday was Thanksgiving.  I usually do the cooking and have my parents and my husband's family over.  I don't mind cooking but this year I decided to take a break and we had dinner with my parents at a place called The Eden Resort.  This is where my husband and I had our wedding reception.  It's such a beautiful place and they had a huge buffet set up with lots of food and live piano music.  It was nice.  I wish I would have taken more pictures. 

The bad part of not cooking Thanksgiving at home is not having any leftovers.  We usually have enough to live on for days.  The good thing is not having all the mess to clean up.  It was nice to have a day out to enjoy and not have to stress over the cooking. 

Friday was my son's 10th birthday.  Oh my goodness.  These 10 years went by so fast.  If I can give advice to new moms it's that "time flies" isn't just a cliche it's the truth.  The waking up throughout the night for feedings, the constant changing of diapers, the feeling of being stuck at home and lacking adult interaction, the crying, etc., it all does end and you will miss it.  So embrace every moment. 

My son wanted to go to a place called Go'n Bananas.  We had never been there before but heard it was fun.  There was a lot to do and the kids loved it. 

We stopped at my parents' house because they had bought a cake.  We spent some time there and then went to a hibachi restaurant.  My son went to this restaurant with a friend a few years ago and loved it.  I had never been to a hibachi restaurant before and it was a lot of fun.  The kids loved it.  I think my daughter got a kick out of the chop sticks.  

We sat at a table with a large group who were there together.  They were very nice.  The one man asked who had the birthday.  My son told him it was him and they were talking about the day.  My husband and I looked at each other and whispered "how did he know?"  That was weird.  Then when we went to leave they insisted on paying for our meal.  As we left we saw them all get into a van with a Missouri license plate.  Whoever they were THANK YOU.  We are now fans of people from Missouri.  I'm a believer in pay it forward so I hope to be able to do the same for someone soon.  

On Saturday we took my husband to his physical therapy appointment.  He had shoulder surgery a few weeks ago.  Then we came home to decorate for Christmas.  I haven't finished so when I do I'll be sure to add the pictures here.  I cannot believe it's almost Christmas.  Where did this year go?  I'm trying to get into the spirit of Christmas but it's not quite there yet.  

On Sunday I dropped the kids off at my parents' for a sleepover.  I had a relaxing evening at home with my husband.  This morning I drove him to work and will be picking him up at lunch time.  The kids should be home about that time too and then their friends are coming over.  

And just like that vacation is about over.  The kids go back to school tomorrow and I go back to work in the cafeteria.  I will have plenty of activities and events coming up to write about.  Stay tuned.