Nothing as Constant as Change

     We are stuck inside today due to a winter storm. Saturday morning, Cole and I were supposed to head to breakfast with Santa at the St Joseph Country Club. Unfortunately, Santa had car trouble, so it was cancelled. So, we stayed home, had pancakes and sausage for brunch, and sat in front of the fire and opened an early Christmas present. It was Battleship! We all had fun playing that and then the boys went outside and played in the ice/snow. Our driveway is like a skating rink.

That afternoon, we headed over to Nana and Papa Pattersons to watch the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats play in the national championship football game. They won, by the way. Dad went to school there for one year after high school before he transferred to UMKC when Mom started college.

     Jackson went out and shoveled Nana and Papa Patterson’s driveway. What a sweet boy he is growing up to be. As I watched him outside in the cold, cold, snow still coming down hard, I am amazed at how tall and adult he looks. Long and lean and not an ounce of baby fat on him!

     We did get to the mall this weekend, and Jackson sat for the obligatory Santa picture (I had to bribe him with a frozen lemonade). Cole also got a haircut while we were at the mall. His biggest concern was whether Nana Patterson would like it-she prefers his hair long-like really long!

After the mall, Jax found some friends in the neighborhood, and they went around shoveling driveways.

Cole and I stayed home in the warm, and watched Home Alone!

I fear these moments are going to become scarce sooner rather than later.

     It’s getting harder to pick Cole up. He is heavy and long and I find myself wondering how much longer I have of being able to lift this boy of mine. For almost seven years, I've picked him up and while I have known for a while it would be ending soon, here we are: I cannot pick him up as easily. After almost seven years of carrying him until my arms hurt, bouncing him and squeezing him, holding him cheek to cheek and picking him up just to kiss his sweet face, carrying him in a sling and on my back or on my shoulders, carrying him up the stairs and from his bed to mine, this phase has nearly passed.

He and his brother sat for the annual photo with Santa this past weekend and when the photo was printed and given to us, I was struck by the length of his legs. Did they simply look so long because he had black pants on? I don’t know. Seven years ago, his legs were curled as he was tucked in my womb making it uncomfortable for me to sit because his little butt and feet were so high up into my ribcage. How are they so long now?

Where are his squishy baby feet? Those little feet I would hold in my hand and squeeze and kiss and blow raspberries on to make him laugh. I have mentioned before his squishy forehead. It is long gone, and oh, how I miss it. There is nothing squishy about this boy. Long arms, long legs, flat tummy, mischievous smile. But he will still climb into my bed in the middle of the night to cuddle his Mama, and I will take it every chance I get!

There is nothing as constant as change. I feel like I see him changing everyday right before my eyes. I will watch as he grows and changes and while things might change, this fact remains: my love for this child with the no longer chubby cheeks and his older brother is more than I could have possibly envisioned or fathomed. And that God thought I might be the right person to form him (them), to raise him (them), to love him (them) up astounds me! I am so Thankful to have the opportunity to love these two young men I was blessed with.

Years ago, pregnant with first his older brother and then him, I remember being so thankful for each of them, each a child I didn't know yet but had always dreamed of. Now, years later, I may not be able to carry him as easily I once did, so I will kiss his cheek, and hug him every chance I get. Because change is inevitable.

Daily Reminders

The day after Thanksgiving. The day after all the food, all the Family, all the craziness. Yesterday, we were reminded to be Thankful, but I needed no reminder. I am grateful everyday for this really incredible journey of being your mother.

When Dad and I arrived home last Sunday from a trip to Mexico with friends, I climbed in bed with each of you and just allowed myself to be. Each of you curled your little (yet not so little anymore) bodies up against me, and I knew I was in the exact place I was supposed to be-home with all of my people.

Jax-your feet are officially bigger than mine. How did this happen? It seems only yesterday I was looking at you for the first time, staring in wonderment at all that dark hair and olive skin. Little did we know we’d get dimples, too. Lately, your friends have been coming over to our house everyday (and I mean literally everyday) after school. I like being the home where you and your friends congregate. I hope this will mean I will always know your friends, and that they will be comfortable in our home. You are loud boys and you all eat all my food. And I love it!

Cole. The little brother. You are so excited about so many things about the upcoming Holiday season. Santa. The Elf. Wrapping presents. Snow. Christmas Music. I would love to bottle your enthusiasm, because I just know someday I’m going to want it back.

As we were getting out the Christmas trees and ornaments this week, Jackson was being very helpful and bringing up my tubs of ornaments from the storage room. One of the tubs was placed on the dining room table, and when I came downstairs to start trimming the tree, I noticed a long, fairly deep scratch in the top of the dining room table. After a few deep breaths, and counting to 10 in my head, and both Jax and Cole asking “Mom, what’s wrong?”, I showed them the scratch. Jax was very remorseful. A scratch in the dining room table. This can’t be fixed. And Thank Goodness for that, because in 10 years, when Jax is gone to college, or 20 years, when both boys are gone and we have an empty nest, and TJ and I are trimming the tree without the help of little hands, I will be able to look at this scratch and remember the excitement, the wonder, the little hands that were so eager to decorate the tree and do all things Christmas. Like a physical scar, it will always remind of an event, a time, a place. I am so grateful this memory will be attached to what is otherwise just an inanimate object.

The root of joy is gratefulness...It is not joy that makes us grateful: it is gratitude that makes us joyful. -David Steindl-Rast

Dinner time.

 Family dinners are a favorite of mine. Everyone around the dinner table, laughing, talking, telling stories. Growing up, we sat at the dinner table to eat as often as possible, and this made a lasting impression. I have tried to make this a priority in our home, as well. I hope that Jax and Cole remember sitting around the dinner table talking about our days and all the various things that are going on in our lives. Fantastic and mundane. Surface and gritty.

Last night, at the dinner table, both of the boys were so very animated. Jax was telling us a story about The Great Pumpkin (a decorative pumpkin his music teacher has), and Cole was explaining to us that his art box has completely disappeared from his desk. Without a trace. Huh. We also talked about Halloween and broken garage doors and hunting and spelling words.

We even had a teaching moment. TJ had the opportunity to provide assistance to a woman in need yesterday while out shopping. The young mother in front of him in line at the store was trying to pay for formula for her very young baby and did not have sufficient funds. She was nearly in tears, and TJ was able to step in and pay. The young mother was very grateful, and we all learned a lesson about how we can consistently find ways to help others, even when we are not looking.
Every morning, when the boys walk out the door, my directive to them is: Be Kind, Be Brave, Have Fun, and Help Someone.

I truly believe some of the most important conversations we will have as a family will occur at our dinner table. Our happiest moments, our heartbreaking moments, and everything in between.

Parent teacher conferences

Last week, we had parent teacher conferences, and you boys made out like bandits.

Jax-Mrs. Brown is very impressed by you and thinks you are such a smart, sweet boy. I think she is provinding such a fantastic learning environment for you and really seems to understand you and your quirks.

Cole-Dr. Moore loves your little personality and commented that while she can teach a lot of things, you already have respect for others and authority and that is hard to teach! Dr Moore was jackson's 3rd grade teacher, so we already hold her in such high regard.

With Halloween coming up this weekend, we have carved one pumpkin so far, made two trips to the pumpkin patch, and roasted some pumpkin seeds, but you are both ready to carve again, so that will be a weekend project for us.

Last night, Jax had a 50’s themed musical at school, and rocked it wearing a leather jacket, white t-shirt and rolled up jeans.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.  -Nelson Mandela

My (not so little) helpers.

 You can't possibly know the depth of my love for the both of you. But every day you find little ways to show me how much you love me. Today I said I was going out to work in the yard. And, here comes Jackson right behind me ready to pull weeds and trim bushes. He pulled up what was left of the garden. Then, here comes Cole ready to help as well. He helped me cut back hostas and then cut me some beautiful hydrangeas.

We have had a fun filled weekend. Yesterday was a trip to the pumpkin patch in the morning followed by soccer for Cole, and then the amazing Habiger Halloween party. Always a hit. This year mom and dad went as the Black Swan and the White Swan. It was epic. After that, the boys and I made a quick stop by a wedding reception for a coworker, and then headed back home.

Today More soccer for Cole, a bike ride on the parkway, and a trip to the park. Top it off with some football in the yard. And a little bit of blitz ball and it's been a fantastic day.

Train up a child in the way she he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

It takes a village

This was a fun and full weekend at our house! They say it takes a village to raise a child, and Yesterday we proved that is the absolute truth. Mom and Dad had tickets to the Missouri Tigers Game and finding childcare for the two of you proved to be very difficult. Usually, we would just call Nanny Lauren, and she would handle it, but with her leaving for college, we feel left in a lurch! So, Grandma came over for a few hours, then your cousin Alexandra took over for the afternoon, and finally, Aunt Kerry came over around dinnertime and hung out and put you both to bed. Wow!
Today, Jax had two flag football games-he played awesome, with at least 7 receptions, 3 for touchdowns! After that, we came back home for a bit, and then decided to go to the Leblond Carnival. We had a lot of fun there, the very long slide was the favorite attraction. We also rode a ride, that took our stomachs and Cole was not pleased (even though he rode it last year and loved it), and I am trying to comfort him and then so is Jackson (proud mama moment right there). I look over and Jax is saying “Hold my hand, Cole. You’re OK”. I was practically in tears on the ride.  What a sweet boy I am raising! After that, Jax headed to baseball practice and Cole and I came home. The weather was so beautiful, we were all outside until 9pm, even though it got dark around 7:45. Summer is coming to a close, and we will miss it so much.

These amazing boys!

Cole, your reading is getting better by the day. Dad and I are very impressed by how well you are doing!
You are doing great in 1st grade, and while your teacher just loves you, she has pointed out your orneriness. Nothing we didn't already know there!!
    Before bedtime, each of you get to watch about 20-30 minutes of television. Cole, your favorite TV show right now is Wild Kratts-it is a great show that highlights different obscure and not-so obscure animals and gives many interesting facts about them throughout the show.
     Jax, this morning you woke up and went downstairs and did your homework without being prompted. I love seeing glimpses of you becoming more responsible. You are getting fantastic grades so far this year, and your math skills are stellar. Jax, you love watching a series on how things are made. Right now you are really enjoying How it's made: Dream Cars.
Actually, both of you seem to have an affinity for math. Which I love, but you get it from Dad!
Both boys are playing baseball this fall and really enjoying it. When we are not at some kind of practice (Cole is also playing soccer and Jax is also playing flag football) or game, you can find us outside playing blitz ball (glorified whiffle ball) or riding bikes or some other activity. We do not spend much time being idle.
    We had royals season tickets this year, and had such a fun time going to games with you boys or with friends. The boys love playing in the outfield and we all love cheering on the Kansas City Royals.
I came across this today:
I have heard people say love is weak but they're wrong – love is strong. In nearly everyone it trumps all other things – patriotism and ambition, religion and upbringing. And of every kind of love – the epic and the small, the noble and the base – the one that a parent has for their child is the greatest of them all. -Terry Hayes

Little stud

This evening, we were at the pool and Cole was standing beside me at the pools edge eating a pulled chicken sandwich. Well, Gibson Meierhoffer, who is 2, came up behind him and pushed him right in, full force, both hands! But Cole was a freaking rockstar!! He went all the way in and all the way under, but with one arm straight up in the air somehow keeping his sandwich completely dry! No joke. He just turned around, came to the edge, handed it to me, climbed out, dried his hands, accepted gibson’s begrudging apology with grace, and continued eating his sandwich. I was practically rolling!! He’s such an amazing little stud!

#brownheerenpattersonkids

Amanda and her kids came to stay this week while her Mom and Matt went to Arizona to move Brittney and her husband back to Kirksville (she was there for 2 years for Physical Therapy school). They arrived Wednesday evening, and the kids played til late, and then we figured out sleeping arrangements and put the kids to bed.  On Thursday morning, we got up, had cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and then got the kids ready and headed out the door to meet Jana at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. After a fun and full day hanging with most of the Brown family, we headed back to St. Joseph.
We did some swimming that evening at Robertsons house and they were worn out.
On Friday, we had a pool day at the country club and some time at the park! The kids had so much fun together. I worked Saturday morning, so TJ and Amanda hung out with the kids in the morning and the Heeren's went home mid day.
I’m so glad that my children are being raised closely with my two best friends children! What a blessing.

Roots and wings

7/5/16:For the longest time, Cole would use the word “unless” anytime the word except would be considered appropriate. Ex. “I found all of the socks unless one”. So, he heard Mommy say except a lot. I would find reasons to use the word except. This just started and was just resolved in the last few months.

1240-jax is at church camp and I just got off the phone with Him-he sounds excited, but this momma is seeing future years flash before her eyes, and it is making me a little teary. Like I might be holding back tears right now. I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. They immediately laid him on my stomach, and I remember thinking I didn’t know you could love someone from the very first moment that you saw them. That seeing this person take their first breath would so completely and utterly take my breath away. That I would never be the same person again, because every time he is out of my arms, or out of my sight, or walks out my front door, or bikes away to meet up with friends, part of me goes with him, and it doesn’t return until he does. I hope I have and can continue to give him roots and wings.

Grandpa on duty

Today, the boys went and spent the day with my dad. I traded into a shift at work, Tj was out of town, mom was in Chicago for work, and the nanny, unavailable! They had a great time riding 4-wheelers and playing outside. Going to the pond and seeing the fish. Helping Grandpa with any farm things that needed done. Watering the garden, etc.

Little boy hands

This weekend, we divided and conquered.
I worked during the day, so on Saturday Dad was home with the boys. When I got home, he and Jax headed to Blue Springs for a basketball tournament with the HOYAS. Which left Cole and I to fend for ourselves for the evening. I really treasure the rare times I get with just one kid.
     First we got dressed up and went to a wedding, where Cole was an absolute delight. He sat on my lap during the wedding so he could see, and during the reception, he entertained everyone at our table with his talkativeness and general pleasant social demeanor. He had the person next to him (someone he had never met before) laughing and spoke to everyone like a little adult. I love that he has such a fun, happy personality. My mother always tells me that as a child, I never met a stranger. Cole is very like me in this regard (and very like his father in almost all others). He can make friends with anyone and wins them over quickly.
     After we left the reception, we decided to go for a walk/hike on the Missouri Western trails. So, after running home for a quick change, we headed out there. Cole wanted to hold my hand the entire time-be still, my heart. I will never tire of those sweet little fingers in my hand. They are not the chubby fingers of a baby or toddler, but they are most definitely not the long, slim fingers of a grown boy. They are perfectly sized to fit in my hand, as they were the day he was born, and as they still will be for as long into the future as I can fathom. Just as his arms will always be the perfect length to fit around my neck, and his little (and then not so little) body will always be the exact size that fits onto my lap.
     There are many things that I will and already do miss as my boys grow bigger, stronger, taller, but I hold onto the truth that no matter how big, how old, they will always be my little boys.

Get summer started 2016!

      Last weekend, we spent 4 glorious days at the Lake Of The Ozarks. We drove down right after I got off work on Thursday, and arrived about 8:30pm. The boys were so excited to be there!
Some of their favorite things to do at the lake are walk the docks, ride the waverunner, and (new this year) fish.
   
      Friday morning, bright and early, those two little monsters had Papa down at the docks, ready to take the waverunner out! Apparently, they don't tire of this. We made a quick trip across the lake to check out Under Armour and Nike outlets (Jax birthday is right around the corner), and had some lunch, and then back to the condo. It wasn't quite nice enough to take the boat out, so we hung out on the docks, fishing and lying in the sun. On Friday evening, we went to our absolute favorite restaurant at the Lake, Baxter's. The food is fantastic, and the view is amazing!
     
      Saturday morning, I got a 6 mile run in and the boys got some more waverunner time. Then lots of fishing time. Lunch at Redhead Yacht Club, which has a great (heated) pool for the kiddos. Back to the condo, more fishing and lying in the sun! Burgers on the grill for dinner, and then some cards (Old Maid-this was hilarious, because Cole would laugh hysterically if he knew who had the Old Maid-but then was super bummed when he got it!), And then a couple of games of Apples to Apples. Also so funny, since Jax didn't know any of the people on the cards, but used them anyway. Getting the kids to bed is always a challenge, but after days spent in the sun and on the water, it was slightly less challenging, and they both went down pretty easy.

      Sunday morning, and guess what the boys wanted to do-fish and ride the waverunner. So, that's what we did. Lunch at the condo, boat all afternoon (the kids got in the water, actual water temperature 68 degrees Fahrenheit-no thanks), more fishing, and then to Backwater Jack's for dinner.

     Monday, same deal, different day. Lots of fishing, waverunning, boating...
On Monday evening, at the spur of the moment, we decided to go to the Opry. I always think its a great show! The theme this year was fun, 60's, 70's, 80's hits. The kids didn't know many of the songs, but still had a good time. Every year, at the end of the show, they do a tribute to the Armed Forces, singing the song for each branch of the military, and having any members of that branch present stand and be honored. I do not even make it though the introduction, and tears are streaming down my face by the time the first veteran is on his feet.  I am humbled and in awe of their service, and always wish I could thank each one personally ( I just shake the hands of the ones nearest us and thank them for their service.) Words cannot describe how grateful I am for this selfless act.  As Memorial Day is approaching this weekend, I am reminded that so many of our fellow Americans have fought and died to protect my Freedom and the Freedom of my children! And for that, I am so very thankful.

On Tuesday morning, we got up, packed up, and headed home. Poor Jax didn't feel well (combination of lack of breakfast and poor roads), so we stopped a few times to get fresh air. BUt we all made it home in one piece, and basketball camp started the next day for Jax, with golf clinic on Wednesday for both boys. Full Steam ahead, summer has arrived!

God Bless America by Karen White

God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above

From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home

From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
God bless America, my home sweet home

Grandparents are a blessing.

Grandparents are such a blessing.  I know someday you boys will appreciate how amazing your grandparents are, but for now, I am going to tell you.  My grandparents and great-grandparents have played a huge role in my life.  Although I only ever met one of my great-grandfathers, all four of my great-grandmothers were living until I was in high school (women have long life spans in my family, I guess).  I remember very distinct things about each of them. 
Great Grandma Iola Harper (Grandpa Harper's grandma on his Dad's side) loved to crochet and knit, and she and her daughter Aunt Dorie Lowther would do it all the time. 
Great Grandma Hazel Long (Grandma Harper's grandma on her Dad's side) lived in St. Joseph, so we got to see her fairly frequently.  She was a tiny little lady, with a very soft voice.  She always had candy for me and Ryan.
Great Grandma Fern Stufflebean (Grandpa Harper's grandma on his Mom's side) lived in Brookfield, MO (where Grandpa Harper grew up).  She collected salt and pepper shakers.  She was also a crocheter.  She lived just down the street from Grandpa Harper's parents (Jacks and Shirley Harper), so I saw her very often growing up, too.  She died of Alzheiner's Disease while I was in high school.
Great Grandma Pearl Lajoie (Grandma Harper's grandma on her Mom's side) also lived in St Joseph.  She always claimed we are related to John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed), and Henry Lajoie (I guess he was a famous babseball player).  I will have to look into that someday.  One of the things I remember most about her was her love for cats and birds.  She collected china dolls, among other things-which is probably what prompted my collecting them when I was a teenager.  She died when Jackson was a baby.
All of these women were such blessings to me.

On to my grandparents:
I have one living grandparent: Grandma Catherine Virgene (LaJoie) Round, better known to Jackson and Cole as Grandma, Too!  She lives here in St. Joseph, so she gets to come over and play with you guys and babysit sometimes.  I remember getting to stay with her in the summers as a kid.  We would play, swim, go for walks, and read books.  The ones that come to mind are the "Thingamajig" books.  She always knew the most fascinating people.  One summer I met a man from Czechoslovakia, and he taught me some words in his language. 

Grandpa Eugene Round (Grandma Harper's Dad) was an amazing man.  He was in the Air Force when he was young.  He lived in Illinois and Kentucky for most of my life, so I did not get to see him as often as my other grandparents.  He always tried to make it back to Missouri for graduations and other important events.  He came back for my wedding.  He got to meet Jackson a few times, but sadly, died (after a long struggle post open heart surgery) when Cole was only 8 weeks old-having never gotten to meet him. 

Grandma Shirley Lee Harper (Grandpa Harper's Mom) was a lung cancer survivor.  After smoking for 30+ years, she quit cold turkey and found out she had lung cancer 13 years later-boys, never smoke!  She first got lung cancer when I was a senior in high school.  After surgery to remove part of her lung an 56 weeks of chemotherapy, she was declared to be in remission.  She was diagnosed with lung cancer again about 8 years later.  At that time, she was living in a nursing homedue to her Alzheimer's disease.  When I found out I was pregnant with Jackson, I was so excited to tell her she was going to be a great-grandma.  I told my Dad, who visited her often, not to tell her I was pregnant.  I wanted to tell her myself.  So, I made plans to visit her on her birthday, November 3rd.  I walked into her room, she looks at me (don't forget, she has Alzheimers), and says 'You're gonna have a Baby'.  I was a bit taken aback, since I was not showing at all at this point.  Come to find out, Dad had told her I was pregnant, thinking she would forget, and get to be pleasantly surprised twice.  Well, she never did forget.  Every time I would see her, she would tell me 'Bring me that baby when he is born, I am going to meet him'.  We were told she wouldn't make it through the winter that year with the cancer being back and her having emphysema and Alzheimer's.  Jackson was born May 29th, and on June 17th, off he went to visit his Great-Grandma Harper.  She was ecstatic!  She said 'Ashley, Jack would be in hog heaven right now, he would be so proud'.  She died four days later, peacefully, in her sleep, knowing she was a Great-Grandma.  I absolutely believe she was waiting to 'meet that baby'.

Grandpa John (Jack) Wesley Harper (Grandpa Harper's Dad)
I don't know where to begin. 
He used to swing me!  I don't mean, like, go to the park, get on the swing, stay for 15 minutes.  I mean, for hours he would swing me.  We would swing so long I would fall asleep (happy as could be) on the swing as a child.  He was still swinging me as an adult every time I would visit.  I wonder how many times I said,  'Grandpa, will you swing me?'  I don't think he ever told me 'no'.  We were kindred spirits. I can think of no other way to describe our relationship-we were so close. I could go on for hours about this man who was quite literally the heart of my heart. He was my person. 
I spent weeks at a time at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Brookfield. Much of my childhood was spent in their home and that backyard swing. So many memories were made on that half-acre of land and the surrounding town.
Grandpa-isms:
Grandpa would say "You know what?", to which I would always respond, "What?", and he would say, "I Love You", and I would say, "I know."
Grandpa would always tell me he wouldn't trade me for a ranch in Texas, apparently to him that means I'm priceless. 
Grandpa would tickle me until I couldn't breathe, and then stop when I begged, only for me to take a deep breath, and tell him to "do it again".
 Sadly, Grandpa died just a few short months before my wedding, so did not get to meet these two amazing people we created. He would be bursting with joy and pride.

The Dash
by Linda Ellis copyright 1996

​I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on the tombstone
from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth
and spoke the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that they spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved them
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real
and always try to understand
​the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before. 

If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

​So, when your eulogy is being read,
with your life’s actions to rehash…
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent YOUR dash?

School's out for the Summer.

So, far too long since I last posted. I feel like I should start over.
Those two sweet little boys I started writing about years ago are now 6 and nearly 10.

      Jax has just finished his 4th Grade year at Oak Grove Elementary, the very new school that was practically built in our backyard. He is getting so tall and I see glimpses of the young man he is becoming. He has a little attitude with TJ and I at times, but when reminded to get it in check, he can pretty quickly. His teacher says he is always surrounded by friends, and that people seem to be drawn to him. I hope that continues throughout his life.  He loves life, and is such a sweet young man. He intends to spend his summer playing golf, swimming, and playing with friends. He is playing competitive basketball, but really he's just biding his time until flag football (his one true love at this point) season starts again. We hired a nanny for the boys last summer on the days I work, and she is coming back this summer! The boys love her, and she keeps them busy, which I love.
     
     Cole is now 6!! And his last day of kindergarten was yesterday (insert me being emotional here). Last fall, on his first day of kindergarten, I wore sun glasses to drop-off, and needed them. With school being so close to our home, I walked home slightly lost without my little boys' hand to hold.
Cole thrived in kindergarten. His teacher, Mrs. Lowe, says he is an absolute delight to be around, and has a great personality. He doesn't love school, but I get it. That whole sitting 7-8 hours a day thing isn't for me either, and I am an adult (most days). But by the end of the school year, he had tested into the 1st grade reading level, and is a math whiz (like his father). Cole, like Jackson, intends to spend his summer being a beach bum, golfing, and hanging out with Mom and Dad.

I intend to soak up every minute of my summer with these two little people and TJ, because it will go by in a blink, and I will miss them when school starts again. We have a couple of trips to the Lake of The Ozarks planned, and we went to Arizona in March for Royals Spring Training. We also hiked South Mountain while there and took a helicopter tour of The Grand Canyon-simply breathtaking.


So, let Summer begin!!