Our BIG Day :)

Today was EPIC, BIG, Life-Altering, and simply AMAZING.  When I look back I feel nothing but overwhelmed.  Today I want to recap, journal, highlight if you will...so I never forget a single detail of today. 

I woke up and literally bounced out of bed, singing Pat Benetar's Heartbreaker at the top of my lungs...Selah just giggled and grunted a happy Good Morning to me.  I left Selah with her Grandpa while I ran some last minute errands and completed my must-to's of the day. 

Tom and I decided when we knew this BIG Day was coming that we would have a small family only event.  As it drew closer we realized, this is not like a birthday, this is a HUGE once in a lifetime event.  HUGE.  So we needed celebration.  I am more and more a believer in the fact that it takes a village to raise a child.  We need to be surrounding ourselves with "our village".  So we invited a small portion of our village since our humble abode can only handle so many. 

We received notification a few weeks ago that our daughters adoption finalization hearing was going to be held on April 16th, one day shy of her 5 month birthday.  When I received the letter I did all the things you are suppose to do.  Called Tom, family, friends...and then I felt nothing.  Yes, I said nothing. I told everyone I was elated, but honestly I felt nothing.  It wasn't until a little later in the day when I was in the shower that it all hit me.  And it hit me hard.  Since October when we first heard that Selah was going to possibly be a part of our lives I had begun construction.  Construction on walls and what ifs that would not fully allow myself to accept or acknowledge that this was a real possibility.  With each hurdle that we passed the walls grew a little weaker, I would often allow myself to feel just a portions of the joy, but I would not let myself fully go there, if you know what I mean. 

I was with her from the moment she was born.  I remember whispering to her, that no matter what happened we were in this together, that I would protect her and her best interests, and that I loved her so very much.  The hospital was very gracious to allow us to have our own room.  But that night I was scared.  Scared someone would come in and get her.  That they would say "just kidding"  this really isn't happening in your life.  I was scared to fall asleep.  So I set up an obstacle course of chairs, curtains, and her bassinet so I would be able to hear anyone as they came in, just in case I fell asleep.  I slept on and off throughout the night with her held tightly in my arms.  When we got permission the next morning to leave the hospital, I felt like I needed to run out the door just in case they changed their minds.  This was an EPIC gift.  One that I received with open arms.  But I was feeling unworthy.

As the day came and left that the birth parents rights expired, I felt a step closer to this being my reality.  And although we would have to do a lot wrong for the State of Minnesota or the Adoption Agency to say we were unfit parents for Selah, I still felt like until it was final I just couldn't completely move forward.  I haven't painted her room yet.  I haven't had our new family photos taken yet.

Please don't get me wrong I fully LOVE my daughter in a REALLY BIG way.  I have enjoyed calling her my daughter.  My love for her fills the empty spot in my heart that has always longed for a daughter.  And best of all I know she loves me.  I know she knows I am Mommy.  Its an overwhelming feeling.  BUT~ My walls were up, my insecurities have been on overdrive, my patience hanging on by a thread.  There is a little voice in your head that says "your not out of the woods yet.  Just in case this all falls apart be ready to pick yourself up and put yourself back together you have 3 other children and a husband who will not do well if you fall apart.  So just hold it together, hold on, its going to be a bumpy ride".....

So that day in the shower, I lost it.  It has been years, years since I have cried in the shower.  I mean I bawled til the water ran cold.  I hadn't really realized how I had simply not allowed myself to wrap my brain and my heart around this new reality of my life.  The court day was the "welcome to the rest of your life" turning point.  I didn't realize how much I longed for it.  And now that it was a reality and that I had allowed myself to go there....it was overwhelming. 

Then there was this morning...joy overflowed my body, followed quickly by the little voice.  I hate that voice...but I understand it.  I prepared food, myself and all of the children.  My parents and cousin were at my house they too put on their best outfits and prepared themselves for a day none of us would miss at any cost.  We were ready to go and on time (rarely happens with 4 kids)

Arriving at the courthouse Tom's Mom and Dad were already there.  Seeing them dressed so nicely and smiling from ear to ear made my heart skip a beat.  When we got to the court administrators window, I saw a familiar face, in an old friend.  Her kind words broke me and I had a mini-meltdown in the bathroom.  Selah needed a diaper change and a bottle.  I tried very hard to make eye contact with her so we could have a moment (LOL) but she was too busy checking out the new surroundings.  It hit me just how oblivious she really was to all of this and that in her view, this was a done deal a LONG time ago.  As we sat and waited for our attorney to arrive and our hearing to happen, I felt a lot of pride.  I looked around the waiting room and it was full with our family and our friends, our beautiful boys bouncing from grandparent to grandparent, impatiently awaiting the BIG event.  Just moments prior to the hearing our attorney pulled us in to go over what he would be asking us on the stand.  I was in shock, I had no idea I would have to say anything other than "I do".  So I was feeling unprepared.  We waited for what felt like an eternity and our friends snapped photos for us while we waited.  Our attorney sat across the aisle from us instead of with us which also felt weird.  Then our Judge was announced and it began.

Our judge was an adoptive parent, which I knew from a mutual friend.  I felt a certain amount of ease and relief knowing she had been on our side of the situation before.   I was sworn in and didn't have to leave my seat or stand because Selah was in my arms.  Our attorney began the questioning, name, address, basic info.  I answered most uncomfortably not knowing if I needed to lean into the mic or if I could sit back, I could feel my families eyes on me-especially the boys, all in all I was feeling very awkward.  He came to a question of what have I been doing with Selah.  I wanted to say whatever you can with an infant.  Fitting her into our lives and fitting our lives around her.  Caring for her the best way I know how.  But I all I could come up with was bonding...lame but "bonding".  Oh my.  The pressure was getting to me.  Then the question that earlier put me into a sense of shock, 'Why do you want to adopt Selah?'  I wanted to say, because she's mine, because I love her as if she came out of my body, because she completes our family, because we've prayed for her for years.  But all that came out of my mouth was "its meant to be".  Oh my.  I am not very good at this on- the-spot stuff.  And I CRIED through my answer!  Had to stop catch my breath made my Mom, Mom-in-law cry, even my attorney got teary.  Geez...not good at this at all. 

Then it was Tom's turn.  I had this rush of admiration, love, and pride that this was my husband sitting next to me.  Tom joked all day that he would bring in his brief case and shout out that "you cant handle the truth" he also hummed the People's Court theme song...ALL DAY LONG!  Love his sense of humor.  When it came time for him to be sworn in, I was literally overwhelmed with the sense that I was exactly, EXACTLY where God wanted me to be.  That this was part of the plan for our marriage and our family, and it was a darn good feeling.  He did a good job answering all the questions.  He too stumbled over the later questions and fought back some tears when sharing the whys.  How could you not?  The whole time he spoke to the court, I could not stop staring at him, it was a huge moment and I wanted to remember his face, take it all in, soak it all up. 

She then addressed our families, and Tommy spoke on behalf of his brothers that it was "Awesome" to have a little sister.  He sounded nervous and I could see him fighting back the emotion in his face.  But I was so proud of him.  His face summed it all up with his ear to ear grin.  The other boys sheepishly smiled and shook their heads with approval. 

Our judge seemed to intuitively know that there was more to the story.  She asked all the right questions and we were able to share how the whole adoption came to be since we were not actively on an adoption journey.  I am so glad she did.  I was able to redeem myself.  I shared the reasons, said all the things I wanted to say.  She came to the end of the conversation and said this was definitely meant to be and that a bigger force was orchestrating it all.  What a relief...she GOT IT!  She then called it official and said she needed to hold Selah and the photo sessions began. 

We all breathed a sigh of relief and welcomed the start of the rest of our lives.  Leaving the uncertainty and doubt behind.  Thank you GOD!!

We enjoyed having friends and family over to celebrate this joyous day.  My meal was a disaster.  But all in all it really didn't matter.  What mattered was we were overwhelmed by love, joy, and peace in knowing that although there will be bumps in the road we will handle it all as a family of SIX!  I am so grateful, overjoyed, and my cup runneth over. 

Thank you to everyone who prayed and supported us in this journey.  We are completely overwhelmed. 

I am BACK!!

Oh, Blogging!  How I have missed you!?  I have often had an opinion to voice. I have had BIG statements to make.  But I have been missing my outlet :)  SO...now I am back.  Changed the name.  Changed the layout...for now!  I am going to try and find one I really like.  I have a lot to say and am working on organizing my thoughts so I can share it with those of you who are willing to "listen"!  YEAH!

GOODBYE BLOGGING WORLD ITS BEEN FUN!

So I am just saying goodbye to the world of blogging for now, maybe forever, but for sure for now. 

Reason #1             I have been busy with the 4 kids :)
Reason #2             This blog needs to be renamed now that I have a little princess in the mix.
Reason #3             The adoption will be final this Spring and until then I just dont really feel comfortable posting pictures or telling you about how amazing she and the boys are getting along.  (Peachily I must add)

So until the Spring or maybe this Summer...I will be working on a new name and a new blog...maybe...I am currently experiencing commitment issues haha!

I must say blogging has been A LOT of fun!  I am grateful for Freedom of speech and the ability for me to openly express my opinion.  Thank you for reading :) 

Rachel :)

Psychosis

Psychosis is kind of a scary word.  Ok well its super scary.

When I used to teach medical terminology at the Massage Therapy school in town.  We would break scary words down...so here goes... Psych--meaning mind.  Osis--meaning abnormal state of.  So Psychosis simply means abnormal state of mind.  PHEW! 

SO the fact that I have diagnosed myself (thank you Web MD) with psychosis is ok.  I am in an abnormal state of mind.  Its much happier sounding to think you are just in an abnormal state of mind instead of suffering from psychosis. 

Here is the real deal.  No I am not mocking anyone.  I am just struggling.  This is hard.  Harder than I thought it would be.  I let the joy of adopting a daughter, completing my family, creep into my soul on occasion.  As soon as I start to feel it swell, as soon as my heart feels it...I FREAK OUT!!  I stop, call it a protection mechanism, call it self preservation, call it what you will...but it is what it is.  When you think of and pray for an adoption you imagine the end result, not the process.  I am trapped in the reality of the process and longing for the end result. 

I am feeling isolated...Really?! I am adding to my family and I am feeling isolated and alone.  Its true.  Not pretty but the reality of this.  I feel like no one gets it and yet I know everyone gets it on some level.  I just also understand that not everybody walks in my shoes everyday.  So it is what it is. 

If there was a recipe for a smooth adoption it would be posted on the Internet by now, there likely would be a you tube video.  But this isn't like roasting the perfect chicken here.  This is people, emotions, reality.  Its hard, gritty, awkward, and uncomfortable. 

Stuck in the process.

Can not wait to tell you what the end process feels like.

Then I will need to rename my blog!  Ideas anyone??

Choices

Choices....

Everyday we make choices...pants or a skirt, this route or that, coffee or tea....if only all choices were that simple.  That is just not the case often times choices are painful, create stress, change.  Sometimes its a matter of choosing what you have always asked for when its finally offered up to you.  Oh the proverbial fork in the road.  You asked to be on the journey, you maybe even asked for a specific result.  But when faced with the reality of it, what you asked for scares you.  You begin to doubt yourself, can I?  Am I capable of this?  Should I take the road to what I want or should I just take the easier route.  And then He shows up and asks you to TRUST to not put Him in a box.  He reminds you that He is bigger than any of your fears, any of your doubts and He knows exactly how its all going to work out.  He has your back.  And when He is for us, well who can be against us? 

Some choices in retrospect you look back on and you smile knowing it was the right one.  Tom would be one of those choices I can definitley look back with confidence knowing that choice was the right one for me.  I was recently talking to an old friend and she reminded me of her doubts of Tom and I.  She was suprised and relieved to know that he was the type of man that he is.  She apologized for the unfavorable vote she gave our relationship nearly 16 years ago and blessed me with knowing that she was very happy to be wrong.  On November 28th we will have been married for 13 years, together almost 16.  I cant imagine this journey without him.  I am so proud that he is my husband, partner, and greatest supporter. 
My husband, like I have told many of you, is not necessarily as open as I am.  He actually HATES facebook and doesnt like it when I get personal on there.  He thinks its weird that I blog...but he respects and understands why I do.  He knows its important to me.  My choice to share with my little corner of the world what is happening in my life is a big deal to me.  To be surrounded in prayer is something I feel the need to ask for and no matter the outcome albeit good or bad, I often just need people to know whats going on. 

Back to choices...Remember the day that you and your spouse chose to spend the rest of your lives together. Your giddy almost over the possibilities of what your family is going to look like.  You dream of where you might live, where you will vacation, holidays, and of course children.  How many, what you'll name them and where they will go to college?  Ok maybe not the college part but being SIOUX fans, we did :)  Tom and I discussed that we would have 3 children, primarily boys (carry on the Alderson name) then we would maybe someday adopt or maybe do foster care.  We both just adore children.  Tom is often called the baby whisperer as all babies love him and I am kind of known to have a few extra kids with me no matter where I go.   Even before we had kids of our own, I would ask people if I could babysit their kids!   

Something happened to us the moment we became a parents.  It was almost cellular.  There was a shift in our hearts and our souls that was unrecognizable, unlike anything we had ever experienced before.   Our love for children was magnified by 1000 and we knew we were doing what God had intended us to do.

The day we had Tommy was life altering, he taught us unconditional love.  To love someone so much that you would literally be willing to lay your life down for them, from the moment you lay your eyes on them.  That was a powerful emotion!  An earth shattering life changing experience. He taught us so much, namely to be a family.  We learned that the word sacrifice was interchangeable with Mother/Father.

After Tommy was born we reprioritized moved back to ND from Colorado, so we could be closer to family.  Tom was headed back to college so that we could provide a stable future for our beautiful son.  We would wait to add any more additions so that we would be able to accomplish our goals.  Then tragedy struck and my brother passed away.  We suddenly had this urgency to live life to the fullest and to value every moment given.  We decided to trust God to work out all the details.  He brought us Caleb within less than a year of my brothers death. 

Caleb was angelic as a baby.  My round faced cherub was a joyous addition to our family.  Adventuress, into everything, 100% BOY!!  A pure delight.  God did work out all the details and Caleb went to daycare very little.  Tom and I worked out a tag team type schedule.  Tommy was an amazing big brother.  Caleb taught us to trust and what blind faith looks like in the day to day things of life. 

Then came Luke.  I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with Luke.  Caleb was only 11 months old and sitting in a highchair eating cheerios.  Tommy cheered.  I cried.  I wasnt ready. I wanted more children. JUST NOT SO SOON!  But we were reminded about trust and blind faith.  Luke taught us that sometimes the best things come when you least expect it.  He also taught us that we are not in control, and he tries to reign in a little control of his own every chance he gets.  haha!

My pregnancy with Luke was so difficult, I went into labor early with him. I was on bed rest, had my gall bladder removed during the pregnancy.  I was miserable.  I knew that I would never physically have another baby. Luke and Caleb were only 20 months apart.  Three boys was all I ever believed I wanted.  I knew boys, I knew how to do that.  We made a decision to end our ability to produce more children shortly after Luke was born.  It was the right choice.  In our minds we would maybe some day adopt a child, probably from a foriegn country.  Tom has two cousins that came from Korea.  They are his FAMILY in every sense of the word.  Adoption felt like a natural way to grow our family, if we ever felt the need to.

When Luke was about 2 I started to have a stirring in my heart to adopt a daughter.  The idea of never having one was sad to me.  I have such a GREAT relationship with my parents and I wanted to have that with a daughter as well.  Dont get me wrong I absolutely love being a mom to 3 boys, its amazing!  They take care of me, and I like being the Queen Bee :)!!  But there is something about little girls that is just so wonderful.  The idea of watching Tom walk her down the aisle.  The new dynamic of our family.  Our boys being protective of a little sister.  Its all appealing to me. But more importantly that stirring that we felt was undeniable.

Then Tom was laid off when the market took a crash.  Although he never missed a beat and was employeed full time shortly thereafter, two months was a hit on us and it took sometime to dig out.  When Luke was 4 and a half we started talking about foster/adopting.  We have a very dear neighbor who works for the state of MN and reminded us that if we chose to foster we would be getting involved in a system that has a different end goal then us.  The purpose of foster care is to get the children back with their biological parents in hopefully a happy healthier enviornment.  Not to have the foster parents adopt them although that can happen.

SO we CHOSE to be satisfied.  We have 3 beautiful healthy boys. We are blessed!  This is what our family is suppose to look like.  Honestly, it hurt a little.  But we tried, it just seemed that this was not the choice for us.

We closed the chapter on the idea of growing our family beyond a family of 5 a few months ago. 

Then, well then God showed us no box can contain Him.  That His timing is perfect.

In early October I received notice that a young woman was having a little girl and was choosing not to parent.  That she had been told about our family from a mutual friend.  I was asked to meet her.

I came home from a work event and sat down with Tom in the kitchen.  I started the conversation with...'want to hear some life changing information?'  I proceeded to tell him the few details I knew.  He proceeded to tell me NOTHING.  Thats right NOTHING!  AHHHHHH!  I knew I didnt marry a talker but I was literally needing to verbally explode and my very calm and rational husband, asked me to be quiet.  He asked me to pray.  That night neither of us slept.  We had so much to say. But remained silent. I went through a plethera of emotions.  It was everything from there is no way we can do this, to we have to do this.  The next day, the rollercoaster continued.  It ended with the realization that I should meet her.  So I did.

We met and spoke briefly.  It was easy.  Our views on adoption similar.  We both wanted a closed adoption.  That was a big sigh of relief for me.  It was easy, too easy.  The baby girl is due on November 28th, our wedding anniversary.  The legal, financial, medical details all fell into place swiftly.  Many details are still in process. But things are moving along with few bumps in the road.  We have the support and approval of our families.  All the "signs" and prayers point to this being the right choice. The right choice for this young couple.  The right choice for my family.  The right choice for this baby girl.  Choices.

Life is hectic 3 school age boys with a  wide range of activities.  A new business with 14 staff members.  A full time (plus some hours) career.  Now an adoption.  Preparing for a new baby.  Can we handle this?  Will we go insane just trying to keep up?  Our priority is these children, but even that requires some balance because you must work to care for them.  To say I am fearless would be a lie.  I am human and although I like to think I have it all under control I know that is far from the truth.  We are not perfect, we struggle.  But to not take the opportunity to have a prayer answered seems ridiculous to me.  To walk away from a blessing, not on my radar.  People say to us when we tell them.  'Oh, you are such good people for taking on this baby'  We are not that great of people.  We are just people who want a sense of completion when it comes to our family.  To follow what we believe God has intended in our lives all along. Someday I will blog about how at every turn there is confirmation that this is what is meant to be. There are a dozen or so blog posts in my head for this.  Take these topics for example:  If she is born on her due date, the day she will officially become ours would have been my brothers 32nd birthday.  We found a social worker, lawyer and finalized the details to make the adoption work over a 2 hour period.  We instantly agreed upon her name.  2 years ago I bought 6 stockings for Christmas time just in case.  We found a birth mother whose idea for adoption match up perfectly with what we are looking for.  And so many more stories that I could spend hours telling you about. 

Now for the scariest part of it all.  She could change her mind.  This dream could crash around us in an instant.  Which is why my husband would prefer that I just zip it until she is here and home with us.  But I cant zip it.  I am scared.  I am scared of the heartbreak potential for all parties involved.   My heart longs for my daughter and to have her in my arms.  To show her love and a sense of family.  To tell her how she grew in our hearts from the day we decided to become a family over 13 years ago.  To look into her eyes and let her know that she is right where she belongs.  To tell her that her big brothers have been asking for her since Luke was old enough to say baby sister.  That this was no fluke, no coincidence, but God's undeniable plan for our family.  So I need to tell you, so you can pray with me, if you will....  That it all goes smoothly.  That this baby is healthy.  That the birth parents will have support, love and confidence in knowing that they made one of the most difficult and brave choices that any young person should have to make. 

Its November 1st and it marks a countdown to a lot of change for us.  We are frightened and hopeful.  Cautiously optomistic.  Prepared for the worst and hoping for the best.

So for now, we choose faith.  We choose trust.  We choose love.

**It would not let me spell check and its too late at night for me to use my brain so I ask for some grace when it comes to spelling, punctuation and grammar--Thank you in advance :)**

Mediocrity

Are we raising children in our society that will cure cancer?  Maybe children that will be able to find the next energy source?  Children that will be the next president??

Or are we raising middle of the road regular people? 

First of all let me say that there is 100% NOTHING wrong with being a middle of the road regular person. If that's what you want to be.

BUT I am a believer in the idea that there is SO much more to life than just being average.  I think people are happiest when they are pushed to do things they didn't even know they could do.  That when we put in the time and effort to accomplish goals or difficult tasks, we have a certain special self pride. 

Goal setting is important.  If you say your going to do something and then you don't do it, it doesn't feel good.  We are trying really hard to hold our kids to their commitments to see what its like to set a goal and accomplish it, even when its hard, even when you think you don't want to.  This has been an awesome experience for Tommy.  He is the only one who is old enough to have set a big goal and accomplish it so far.  The past two years he has committed to shooting 100 pucks a day for the 100 days of summer and therefore shooting 10,000 pucks.  There were A LOT of days where he skipped and  A LOT of days he had to do more than 100 pucks and A LOT of days he second guessed himself.  We were always willingly let him off the hook, but he was bound by his commitment in his mind and always found a way to get it done even when it was hard.  He has enjoyed the weight of the accomplishment and what it has meant for his game. 

Our kids go to a school where they are rewarded for "getting caught doing something good"  Now I like the idea of this.  But unfortunately it is not for when a kid goes above and beyond, its for the everyday norm.  Caleb got a reward for walking nicely in line.  Luke got one for helping a friend put his backpack away.  I have also been told that some of our kids have gotten candy for turning in assignments and homework.  I know I am going to ruffle some feathers but I am NOT ok with that!!

Let me just say that I recognize that this is not the fault of the school.  I understand why they implement programs to reward kids.  If you reward good behavior it breeds more good behavior!  Unfortunately not enough parents teach kids to listen to the teacher, to be respectful, to be kind to others.  So the schools are having to come up with plans on how to teach what should be taught in homes.  (And we wonder why our schools aren't measuring up. But that's a whole different days subject)

I am worried that if we continue to reward our kids for doing things they SHOULD be doing we are creating "regular people".  A society where just getting by is good enough.   I never got candy for turning in my homework! Or rewarded for walking in the hallway nicely.  Or for helping a friend.   I just knew I should turn it in, walk nicely, or suffer the consequences.  I helped friends, well, because they are my friends and my parents taught me to treat people well.

Consequences are frowned upon or feared, I am not sure which, maybe both.  But in my opinion consequences teach people boundaries.  Boundaries are important.  Think about a relationship you have that lacks boundaries and I am sure its not your favorite relationship.  If we reward a child for doing what he is suppose to do, instead of going above and beyond.  You will breed entitlement.  If Luke's walking nicely in the hall and gets a reward, well that's not fair because Sally was walking nice so she deserves one too.  Really deserves one for doing what they are suppose to?!  In fact we were at Luke's 'Kindergarten Round Up' and a mom very innocently said.  "My daughter is very upset because she hasn't gotten a reward yet!  What does it take to get one?"  I think we are missing the point.  What she was saying is my daughters good and wants to be rewarded too.  Entitlement.  Yikes.

EXCELLENCE should be rewarded!  Mediocrity should not!

The other day Caleb had a friend over.  I was on the elliptical in the basement listening to them play.  The friend was sad because Caleb was winning at the games they were playing.  Caleb tried to teach him to play a game that the friend had never played before.  He explained with some practice that he would get better.  The friend wanted to play something different.  Which is totally ok.  He was not whining or complaining just wanted to play something else.  I did hear Caleb say while they were playing, things like "how about if we pretend you win" or "how about if you start with a score of 6 and I start with 0"  Later after the friend left I told Caleb it was ok to be good at a game and win.   He said "I just don't want him to be sad"  I told him "do you think the teams who beat the Twins or Vikings worry about the Twins and Vikings feelings?!"  I could not believe the next words came out of my mouth or that they even had to be said, but I said..."its ok to be the best, its ok to win!"  REALLY?!

I am a BIG believer in the idea that we all have gifts.  God given gifts that come in different sizes, packages, etc. Sometimes we don't know what those gifts are until we get older sometimes we know them our whole life.  But we are all here for a reason, to contribute.  I want my kids to work hard, to be the best when they can, and if they can't to know that they tried their best.  To use their gifts to better themselves and others.  I don't want them to worry about everyone's feelings or apologize for excelling.  I want them to set goals accomplish them and be proud, but humble.  

So my advice to my boys and to anyone else that wants to hear it....Don't miss the boat or allow your children to miss it because they are afraid to be the best or win at something because of someone's feelings!  Life is not fair, its hard and its not always butterflies and gumdrops.  So learn how to fail gracefully and don't be afraid to get up and try again!  If you leave every task knowing you gave 110% you can leave it with your head held high.  But always remember to display grace and humility.  Life is tightrope...remember BALANCE :)

OH LUKEY!

Dear Luke,

Now that you are a kindergartner you are getting more adventuress!  Here are some examples of what I mean.

The other day you were told you had to a raw vegetable with your pizza.  You were given the choice of cauliflower or cucumber, you chose cucumber, it was two whole slices,  you thought you might die.  You gingerly ate the first slice along with your pizza.  When it came time for the second slice you decided you just could not do it.  Which put me in a tough position.  You see your brothers ate their choices quickly and then finished their pizza.  It would just not be fair for me to let you off the hook.  You said, but mom its disgusting.  I insisted.  So Dad offered you dipping sauce... again a challenge because you are my kid who doesn't like to dip, NOT ketchup, NOT ranch, and definitely NOT barbeque sauce.  So you chose syrup....yep maple syrup.  That last slice was gone in no time flat!  All I could think was I am glad its done, but man that is "disgusting".

You also have earned yourself two REBEL REWARDS so far this year.  Those are tickets for being caught doing something good.  Good Job LUKE!  But you also earned yourself a green slip.  You called me promptly when you got home to explain that you had not been listening at rest time and that you got in trouble with the teacher, you then proceeded to inform me "But its okay Mom because I am so over it"  IF only it were that easy buddy.  When I wouldn't let you play outside with your best friend Brevin later in the day you repeatedly shouted..."BUT MOM I AM OVER IT"

You recently announced that you wanted to be a police officer.  Dad and I asked you to maybe choose a profession that was a little safer.  Afterall you are our baby!  You shouted "ok then I will be a racecar driver!"  LOL

Recently we had a situation where we had to choose whether or not to cheer for the Bison or the Gophers...every Sioux fan's nightmare.  When I explained that it made me a little sick to my stomach to choose between them and asked you who you would be cheering for you said "I don't know mom I am too obnoxious"  I later realized that you have a little trouble with the word nauseous and it often sounds like obnoxious :)  Never a dull moment bud!

Here's looking forward to more funny moments with you.

Love you!
MOM :)