Meant to Be

...just because this is a beautiful song that fills my heart with thankfulness for my children who were "making dreams come true before they drew their first breath"...

"God wanted to give a gift to the world so He wrapped it up in you"

First Day and Football

Summer ended early for us. Olivia started school the end of July. She was really excited about being a 1st Grader. Her favorite skirt, new yellow polo and of course a pink belt and sandals made up the first day of school outfit. Notice the "fashion-ista" pose...we see this pose a lot :)She picked out this backpack and was very excited about it. It looks so big on her back but she insisted that a 1st grader had to have this kind. At school she first noticed the aquarium with several fish and an albino frog. I confess the frog had my attention as well.
She is loving 1st grade. There are no words to describe the joy and being read to by your child.


Alex started school the next week. He is in 8th grade and loves his school (he really does love it but if you asked him he would deny it). He was probably most excited about football. He played for the first time last year. This year he would be a quarterback instead of wide receiver. He was pumped, as his Dad would say.
As the first game approached, I was a little emotional (see previous post). Alex was a little nervous but still really excited. I was worried about the pressure of the position and of course the fact that every time he took the field there were 11 other kids looking to take him down.
The first game did not go our way. In fact the score was a little ugly but you know what, I couldn't be more proud. He played hard, he followed the coach's instructions and took some hard hits (I am not real thrilled about that but his Dad tells me that is quite the "man-thing").

On a personal note...when a fantastic play in which he ran and then passed for lots of yards was called back, I didn't yell at the referee AND when he was injured near the end of the game, I did not storm the field... pretty good on my part :)

I know it was not the first game he envisioned I am proud none the less.

Walking out as a team captain...#22 is my favorite Eagle!!

Calling it in the air...Eagles won the toss!

Checking his armband for the play call.

This is a video of Alex's first play as quarterback. Can you say OH YEAH!!

Promise to My Son

On Monday night before Alex's first football game we had special family dinner. I grilled steaks and baked potatoes, two of his favorites. As we ate I fought back tears as I remembered the little boy who used to cover himself and everything around him in spaghetti, the little boy who couldn't quite pronounce "r" or "l" sounds, the little boy who idolized the Crocodile Hunter and Scooby Doo. That little boy filled our hearts and home with joy. Now in front of me was this teenage cool guy who spends more time on his hair than his homework. In less than 24 hours he would take the field as a quarterback for his middle school team. Where did the time go? As we sat at the table I made several promises to him...

Alex, I promise you I will not stand at the fence and yell for you to come give me a hug.
Alex, I promise you I will not stand at the fence and tell your coach what to do.
Alex, I promise you I will not yell "that's my Al-Poo" from the stands.
Alex, I promise you I will not charge the field if another player tackles you a little too hard.
Alex, I promise you I will not run onto the field if you get hurt...unless your coach tells me to :)
Alex, I promise you I WILL be praying for you every time you run onto the field. If you are ever in doubt, remember your mother is praying for you and you are God's child...He will always lead you, strengthen you and hear you when you call on Him.

I loved my sweet little boy. Even more I love the handsome, incredible young man that sits at our table now. I am proud to be your mom, Alex!