Hello Puberty! What Took You So Long?

My son is now 11 and is beyond anxious for puberty. He is the only person I know who wants to go through all of those nasty changes. Every day he performs a detailed check for arm pit hair. So far, he believes he has 3. Notice I said "he believes he has 3". This is because no one else has ever seen them. He does offer to let anyone and everyone touch them but I politely decline every time. He swears that his voice is already changing and that seems to make him very happy. Is this possible? Yes. It is probable? No. Not even close.

His feet are as big as mine, he eats everything he can get his hands on and smells just like a boy's locker room in a junior high school. The sign that tells me he is ready for puberty is that he LOVES to use Axe. That is a junior high school requirement right? He's ready.

For me, I guess this means I have to do some quick research and learn what is actually involved with puberty for boys because we only have girls in our family. Oh boy, that sounds fun. I'll let you know how "the talk" goes and if I survived. Until then, pray hard!

Hmmm I Never Knew

We have had some significant life changes recently. Most were not by choice but they have turned out to be good. My family has learned so many things through this adventure (notice I called it an adventure instead of the really stinky trial that it appears to be). We all have a new appreciation for things like hot water, a washing machine, 2-ply toilet paper and personal space. We have learned that we can do without so many things like TV, a dishwasher, lots of space, and Internet (although that one has been very tough on me). We have relearned to be creative, kind and appreciative. We have relearned that it is ok to rely on good friends every once in a while, in fact they like to help! It has been humbling, frustrating, relaxing, stressful and amazing. I would not change a thing.

By their own admission my kids were spoiled. In fact, all three of us were spoiled. We have learned that blessings and true joy do not come from material things. We took so much for granted. We did not take time to stop, evaluate and be thankful for what we did have. We are fortunate and our desire to help others has increased.

Life does not have to be so complicated. We can have a great time talking to each other and it is wonderful to be in bed before 10:00 pm! Imagine that! We do not have to be glued to our cell phones and computers. We can actually walk outside at night, stare in wonder at the stars and truley appreciate our Creator.

It is all in the perspective. I know I keep saying that but it is true. Until you learn it, you can't really understand what I mean. We could easily decide to wallow in our misery and misfortune. No one would blame us for feeling bad about our situation. OR, we can decide to learn from it, count and give continual thanks for our multitude of blessings and grow closer as a family. All three of us are picking option A. We are feeling thankful every day. We are doing for others. We are seeing the glass as half full.

Blessing Abounding

We have had some major changes in our life recently and I could easily decide to be upset, depressed, lost and fearful as a result. However, I am enjoying all of the unexpected blessings that are so abundant. It is very humbling to not be the "helper". It has been a learning experience and it makes me want to do even more for others knowing how it feels to be on the receiving end.

Life is all about choices and perspectives. You can choose to please yourself or please others. You can have a selfish perspective or think of others. The choice is yours to make and it can make all the difference. Just for today, try thinking about someone else and see what happens!

I Love Kinders!

Two weeks ago I subbed for a kindergarten class for the week. It has been a very, very long time since I have been in a kinder classroom. I realized that kinders really do know far more than we give them credit for. Can they tell you the speed of light? No, neither can I. Can they explain why the sky is blue? I can't either. However, here are the important things they can tell you that will change your life.

1. Arguments really can be solved with a hug and a sincere apology.
2. A forgiving heart is a choice. You either forgive or don't.
3. If you do forgive, forget.
4. Use the buddy system, everything is more fun with a friend anyway.
5. Take time to run, play, swing and be silly. You don't need much, just 10 or 15 minutes will do.
6. Share. Everything you have ultimately belongs to God anyway, so share.
7. Snacks are amazing.
8. Reading is fantastic and so important.
9. It doesn't matter your skin color, your economic status, your hair color, your size or anything else, everyone has the ability to be a friend.
10. A short nap can change your perspective and refresh you for the rest of the day.

Thank you to the wonderful kinders who helped me remember what is so great about them. I love you all!

I'm a Starter

Our house is up for sale and that means I have to prepare to move. I hate moving although I have done it too many times to count. I should be an expert but I am not. I hate packing because it reminds me of all the junk that I hold onto for no reason other than, "I plan on finishing that project soon!" I have come to realize - ok, I have always known that I am great at starting things. I have thousands of ideas, some crazy, some not so crazy, creating chaos in my brain. I am very good at thinking up ideas but not so great at the follow through. If I were to take a look in my garage I would find the following:

A) lots of stamps, paper and gizmos for making cards, etc.
B) lots of jewelry that I tried to sell at home parties
C) lots of home decorative items that I also tried to sell at home parties
D) lots of crafty items that were purchase because I had a great idea to make something fabulous
E) lots of candles because I just can't resist good smelling things
F) lots of note cards, thank you cards and stationary because I am always having good intentions of sending little cards to people
G) lots of things to make my own jewelry

The list could go on and on. I get started on an idea and I rush out and get whatever I need to accomplish the task but usually lose interest before things are finished. I am not proud that I am like this, it's just a fact, a crazy part of me, like it or not.

In my own defense I can finish some things. I started, stopped, started, stopped, started, stopped, started and finally finished school. I now have my official diploma for my Masters degree to hang on my wall with my Bachelor's degree. They look nice together and they are a great reminder to me to keep pushing on the important things no matter how long they take. Now, if they would just help me get a job!

The Greatest Spectator

Today, some of my friends ran in the Long Beach Marathon. I was so proud of everyone who participated. My son, my daughter, and her best friend have decided they want to do a half marathon now. As for me - well, I'm a great spectator. I stood along the side of the raceway and tried hard to cheer every single runner on. I yelled until I had no voice. I cried every time someone said, "thank you!" when I had just yelled, "you're doing great, keep it up!". I know, I know, but if you really know me you had to expect that.

The world is a balance, there are givers and takers, mean people and nice people, good things and bad things, participators and spectators. I am doing my part to help balance the world when I decline the opportunity to run for miles while sweating (ew, gross!), hurting my knees and feet and jiggling all over the place in public for everyone to see.

So for now, I will keep making crappy looking signs, and cheering strangers on to greatness from the sidelines. It works for me.

I'm a Football Wus

There are not two ways about it! I am a football wus. While I do enjoy the Sunday afternoon football game on tv, I am not a fan of in-person football. On tv, I am warm and comfortable. There are commercials for bathroom/food breaks and announcers who tell me what's going on. The biggest plus - the camera guy keeps my eyes on the ball! Way to go camera guy!

Last night, we went to the "Pinked-Out" football game at Murrieta Mesa High School. I loved the school spirit, everyone was wearing pink to support breast cancer (well, almost everyone C.B.). I enjoyed watching the band but I have to say, I am a wus! The benches are hard, I can't follow the ball and I have no idea what the hand signals and flags mean. It got cold (well, 65 is cold for this Cali girl) so a little into the third quarter, I made my way to the car with my blanket and took a nap! It was perfect! I am proud of myself for waiting that long.

I am very thankful my daughter plays volleyball (indoor) and my son plays baseball (summer). I am the biggest fan of those sports. So for all of you football fans, and I by that I mean in-person, game watching fans, good for you! I admire your spirit. I will admire it from my couch or my car every week the season is on.