Updates on the Kiddles

I'm just so overwhelmed by the goodness of my 3 take-outs, I have to stop a minute and just blog about them.

To say I was overwhelmed at the prospect of having a 5 year old (to my ancient 53 yr oldness) is putting it mildly.

He has come a LONG way in 2 years, but somedays, I'm just hoping that the kid will be developed enough mentally to start kindergarten by the time he is 10.

About the same time I did.

So, imagine my delight and surprise, as I was driving his babbling butt to daycare (Pre-K) this morning, when out of the blue, the backseat booster seat boy throws out,  "Lolly, what do you do to make this car go?", followed by,  "and how do you make it stop?"

Well, slap my face and call me nancy.

Real LIVE cognitive thinking going on in that little Vietnamese head.  It was a PROUD mom moment.

I told him, "Gas means go, brakes means stop".   His repeated "Gas means go, brakes means stop", make me smile all over my face.   I have to tell you, that's the first time EVER he has ever reasoned anything out.  He basically works off visual cues on everything.   Since I'm filling out Kindergarten paperwork for him  (I know, I know), it's reassuring to know that he could ACTUALLY learn something next year.  So either he's going to be a really young car thief, or his cognitive reasoning is FINALLY starting to develop!  either way, he's a cute little sucker. 

Next, I want to talk about my Steven.  He's been playing basketball on two teams this winter season, and it's been an exhausting 3 nights a week practice and 2 games on Saturday.  (Really, what was I thinking?).  In one club he played age appropriate teams, and the other club he played against 7th graders (he's in 5th).  So it was WIN really big or LOSE really big.....not too much middle ground.

He is super duper fast, and can steal with lightning speed, and when he is "hot" at shooting, he can bang a three pointer in like an NBA pro.   Not bad for a boy that barely tops 4ft 7 inches.

He was released from his IEP (Indivdual Education program or placement I can't remember) at our last meeting.  He is working far ahead of schedule on math and science...just a whiz.  This is such a blessing.

He loves to clean and helps me with our house unbelievably.  I think he is so thankful to have a decent home to live in, and clean and ample clothes to wear, that he can never do enough to thank me.  I am grateful for my little "Vietnamese butler".

Our disabled neighbor saw Steven out working on his mad skills on his skateboard and called him over.  He asked him if he would like to have a job, walking his elderly dog everyday, as he just can't do it anymore.  Steven jumped all over that (ANYTHING to help anyone, he is there).  Yesterday, after he finished walking Remy, he delivered him home, and Jim tried to pay him.  Steven shook his head and said, "Oh, no Sir, It My pleasure".

That kid.  How much can you love someone?  He teaches me new heights every single day.

Now, Gina.

Here is my teenage flower blossom.  She's snarky, mellow, happy, sad, manic, loving big ole ball of mess.  She continuously amazes me.  She took pictures at Lacey's baby shower this past weekend, and what a great little photographer she is.

She built an amazing volcano (with the help of our friend and my right hand, Amanda) and wrote her paper, all on time.

She helped at Loveworks (an afterschool program ran by Journey church here in Norman) and helped put together a Culinary kitchen plan to help build at the center...and also helped them come up with a Salsa plan.  When she first started saying "salsa".... all I could think of was "So you think You can Dance".   NO, MOM, you know, salsa you eat!  Oh.

They are building a business plan and making models to present and sell.

What valuable tools they are learning at this magnificent program.

Gina was in Leadership early in the year in Loveworks, but then stepped down when she thought she needed to become the next Kevin Durant in Middle School basketball.  I was pretty sad because I knew she was going to miss out on the Leadership Spring break trip that they take over ....Spring Break  (hence the name).

Imagine my delight and surprise when the leader Mr. D called me last week and invited G-Dawg along with the leaders on their "Surprise" trip.  He invited us to the trip planning session this past Sunday and we found out that it will be an AIRPLANE trip and the meeting was a mock Security area and check-in for Southwest Airlines.   All of these kids (none of which have ever traveled), got to experience how to go through the checkout line, the security and shown how to pack and what to pack for a trip!

I don't have words to describe my girl's reaction to all of this.

I just hope they know what they are getting in to.  So I drop my girl off at 4:30 am next Wednesday and I will be given an envelope with their itinerary and destinations.  I think I might be as pumped as she is.

Three short years ago, this wouldn't have been possible for this girl, ever in her wildest imagination.  Now she is going to get on a plane, and learn practical skills that will serve her all of her life.  Thank you Loveworks, what a magnificent role you have played in this little girl's life.

She enrolls in HIGH SCHOOL this Friday.  Going to be in 9th grade.  She is doing so much better at her classes and works hard to understand and take in all it has to offer.  She's a skilled artist and the most friendly, gregarious kid you will ever  meet.  (unless it's asking her to clean her bathroom)

How fortunate that God put them on this earth for me.  And how fortunate I am, that I answered His call for my life.

If you want to be blessed beyond reason.....consider fostering kids.   It's something that will change your life for the better.

Did you say MOO?

When I found out that Lacey was all set to attend her first childbirth class by herself, because Tyler was out of town with the men of the church, I offered up my services.

I remember 30 short years ago, when my mama accompanied me to my first childbirth class, big and pregnant with Lacey, because her dad was on TDY in some other state. 

Memories.....

I remember sobbing to my mom, on the way to the car after that first class, slightly hysterical by the scenes still graphically in my mind....."I'm NOT doing this!!!!!   I'm going to become an Elephant, and carry this baby TWO years!"  

And my mom's calm, assured,  "Oh, you can do it".  

So, fast forward thirty years.  Lacey & I, walking in, clutching pillows to her very first childbirth class. 

This pregnancy so different from the last.  No classes, No nursery preparation.....this time, so much joy surrounding our days....building baby beds, buying bedding......all the things we so carefully avoided last time. 

But tonight.  I learned two things I did not know from my childbearing days. 

First off.   You can be 75 years old, and still manage to hook and marry a 50 year old.  True story.  Our spry little instructor, on introducing herself, made herself out to be a cougar, and by golly, the gal owned it. 

Secondly.   Mooing is relaxing. 

If you don't believe me, just try it. 

There is never a time I'm with my eldest child, that I don't laugh, cry, snort and have the perfect movie quote. 

Ever. 

And, her face, watching "The Video".....the whispered,  "I'm definitely having a c-section", to the ashen face, "Oh my gosh"...... to finally,  "I'm not going through that, I'll have an epidural". 

So funny, everything so precious to me......what an enjoyable evening with my silly. 

Tomorrow, our Kip will be home and Saturday we are going to celebrate with many friends and loved ones, the beautiful joy of a new little boy entering our lives.

How magnificent.

God is good, all the time.

Discombobulated

addle, baffle, bamboozle, beat, befog, befuddle, bemuse, bewilder, buffalo, confound, confuse, disorient, flummox, fuddle, get, gravel, maze, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, pose, puzzle, vex

This is how my Monday was yesterday.  

Which was ironic, because in my Monday conference call, the word of the day was discombobulate.

Let me just tell you about my last few days.  

First off, Mother Nature has done lost her mind this year.  One day I am out in the backyard sweating, in shorts, mind you, raking leaves, and the VERY NEXT DAY, it is snowing ice pellets.  

So there's that.

Hallie had a volleyball tournament in Denver this past weekend, and, me, being the ever savin' dollar conscience mom that I am, decided Hal & I would fly out (so I could work up until we leave), and then drive back on Sunday with friends from the team.  

This is a great plan, except for the whole "driving" thing.  I firmly believe that if you can't get anywhere in 3 hours by car, you better have your butt in a plane.  I am not a happy passenger.  And 10 hours in a car, with Hallie sharing my seat (all 74 inches of her, in which 72 of that is legs) trying to "get comfortable".......  For.The.Everlovin.Love.of.love.  (and trust me, we were in a great big vehicle, with super wonderful folks).  As we rolled in at 1 am on Monday am....I knew things could get weird.

Discombobulated.

The neat thing about the volleyball tournament, and playing in a NEW division this year, "Open", which is code for "Outstanding Players Everywhere Nobiggie", is that you get a bunch of college coaches standing at your court, watching your kids play.  Very very cool.  and nervewracking.

The girls won a bunch of games, then lost a bunch of games, and came out of it with a higher expectation of themselves.  It's so amazing watching these girls figure out this game, and work to reach their maximum potential.  Absolutely a blast to watch.  (mostly)

It was wicked cold in Denver.  We had to walk about 5 blocks to the convention center to play, and I found myself walking top speed, longing for a beach and sand.  

Yesterday, still recovering from the late night, in texting Steven's basketball coach, Shannan, griping with him about the refs this year.....telling him that I can't believe how calm he stays..

Now THERE is a text every parent should send to a coach.

You have to know I didn't type LAME, because I was more concerned with the You'Re usage.  I'm serious, I chortled and guffawed over that for awhile. (still blaming autocorrect on that one)

Discombobulated.   

Then, watching Steven play his playoff game last night (different coach, yes I have him on 2 teams, I don't understand either, because I'm just made of time lately) (and runon sentences)

THE REFS!   AGAIN, with the refs.   I had issues this weekend with the refs at the VB tournament, and then, I swear, they followed me to Oklahoma and showed up at the 5th grade basketball playoffs.    And no matter how hard I try to control thy tongue (WWJD, WWJD, WWJD), I end up being tacky.

For example.  Why oh why would an opposing team parent set in the other teams seating area? Not cool.  Yes, I used sarcasm asking them to please stay seated and not follow us (when we move to other side after each game).   WWJD WWJD WWJD WWJD.   I try to be a good Christian, but sports brings the ugly out in me.  

I was talking to someone (there goes my alzheimers again), and they said instead of WWJD at games, it's probably more like  WWLD?  (what will Laura Do).   

Oh my.  

Discombobulated.   

Just pray for me.