What's Going On?

What's going on? Good question. I ask myself that many times a day now it seems. Let's back up to Mother's Day.

Mother's Day was great. I am so blessed to have two little boys who call me mommy and one big boy who calls me...well we won't go there (but it's all good). Lots of hugs and kisses on Mother's Day. Ian enjoyed telling me about 50 times "Happy Mother's Day" Mommy. So sweet. Mother's Day is tough for me (see previous post). But not just because of my mom...but because I know that there are two other young women who won't get to celebrate Mother's Day with my two precious little men. Even though I'm a bit selfish and Mother's Day is about me...my mind still drifts to the birth mothers of Ian and Drew.

How are my boys? Another good question. Ian is great. Doing well in Pre-K and loving it almost every day. On the way home in the car I usually get to hear about his day and how this one or that one is his best friend...or not his friend at all. It changes almost daily. He's picking up some words that I'm not too fond of for a four year old. Tonights word...stupid. That was a new one. His best friend "Tezzie" taught him that. It seems like sweet little Tezzie teaches him lots of things. Tezzie has two older brothers, so I'm not surprised. Ian has his 4 year old check up next week and he'll see the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist too. His tubes never fell out of his ears, so Dr. Vaydia will have to remove them and possibly put a new set in. Fun, fun, fun.

Speaking of ears....that's a great segway to Drew. Last Thursday was Drew's day. He has tubes put in his ears and his adenoids removed. I knew it would be different from Ian's experience for a couple of reasons...one, more was done and two...Drew's more dramatic than Ian. I was right. Drew was a little trooper though before the surgery. He got right into the Tigger hospital gown. Sat in the chair like a big boy and walked around while he could. Dr. Vaydia came in to see us prior to the surgery, shook Charlie's hand, then my hand...then sweet Drew put his little hand out for him to shake his. Too cute. Shortly after that they gave him his goofy juice. He rode around in wagon until it was time for him to go to surgery. His little face had this glazed over look. After the surgery, we met with the doctor. Everything went as expected. In a little bit (like 5 minutes) they asked us to come to the recovery room. Drew was awake and screaming (to be expected). But as I imagined...it was much worse than Ian's experience. I was able to calm Ian down pretty quickly when he had his surgery...but not Drew. He cried and screamed and screamed. So, so sad. He's so strong. I thought I was going to drop him a couple of times. He wouldn't let Charlie hold him at all. He finally calmed down some and we headed home. He cried all the way to the pharmacy. Charlie drove around for a minute while I went in the store for a few things. He had a pretty rough weekend and so did I. He was so clingy. I couldn't get out of this sight or he'd cry. I know he's been in pain. We've tried to stay ahead of the pain, but with a little one it's hard to gauge. He's doing better this evening. Hopefully he'll sleep better tonight.

Charlie and I are doing well. Both of us have had sinus / allergy stuff going on. It's just that time of year.

We're getting geared up for Vietnam Family Weekend and India Heritage Camp. Both are in June. I'm excited because Ian will actually get to be a "camper" at India Camp this year. Vietnam Family Weekend is sure to be a blast. I'm lucky to be working on the planning committee for Vietnam Family Weekend. We have a great committee and have had so much fun planning. I can't wait to see everyone.

So...now you have it....that's pretty much what's going on in our world. Pictures soon....I promise.

On The Eve Of Mother's Day

It's almost 11pm on Saturday night. I should be sleeping...the rest of my family is. But, I'm enjoying the quiet time. I've been wound pretty tightly the past couple of weeks. But, one thing I know for sure is...I do love being a mom. Not every day is a bright day...there are some days when I want to run screaming into the night. The boys can be challenging. Ian is 4...barely...so some of his terrible three's still creep in from time to time. He can be as sweet as peaches and also a crazy brat. Drew is reaching that stage where he is testing us...just seeing how much he can get away with. When we tell him no, he immediately starts to cry and look to see if we're paying attention. If I only had an ounce of their energy life would be grand.

With all of he craziness, we have a lot of fun. Charlie worked for a few hours this afternoon. Ian, Drew and I danced in the living room for a long time. My boys both love music and it's so much fun to dance with my boys. Drew has learned how to give real kisses...not just the lean and slobber kind. So sweet. Ian constantly just walks up and kisses me or hugs me and says "love you mommy". Precious.

All of the ups and downs of parenthood...who really knows what it's like until you're a parent? I know I certainly didn't. I wonder sometimes if I'm truly being a good mom to my sweet boys. I wonder if I'm giving them the tools they're going to need to be good, Godly men. Am I being the kind of mom they'll be proud of?

I had the greatest mom ever. She taught me so many things...so many. But the one thing that I know I learned from my mom was how to love. She loved me so deeply. I miss her terribly and it's always hard around Mother's day. She went home to the loving arms of Jesus the day before Mother's Day in 1994. Since then, this special day has been a struggle for me. But, you know God...he puts people in your life to put things in perspective. A few years ago, a dear friend of mine lost her mom on Mother's Day. I was so sad for her. But she said to me..."what a great reward...my mom got to see Jesus on Mother's Day." I had never thought about it that way before. The year after that....I was able to celebrate my first Mother's Day as a mother. This year, I'm a mom to two wonderful sons. God made me to be their mom...a mom that will love them, care for them, teach them and cherish them forever.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the fabulous moms out there. It's a day to celebrate and be thankful for.

Question Of The Day

Ian...."Hey mommy, what do you want to be when you grow up"? :)

Surprise...Ian Style

Last night, Charlie, Ian and I were in bed. Just getting ready to turn over and go to sleep. Out of the blue Ian says "mommy, when we went to the store today we got your present"...Charlie quickly says "Ian"....Ian continues...."mommy, we got your present today"....Charlie again says "Ian lets go to sleep"....Ian can't wait to continue...."mommy we got your present today...it's a camera. It's in the car".

I was laughing and Charlie said "Ian, remember Daddy said not to tell mommy"......I continued to laugh because Charlie LOVES to surprise me. He hates it when I ask too many questions. Charlie has decided that Ian cannot go Christmas shopping with him this year.

Oh...the present....yes it's a camera. A new Flip Video camera. Can't wait to try it out.

Twenty Two Years and Counting

It's been 22 years since Charlie and I said "I Do". We have a date night planned for Saturday to celebrate....can't wait!

Happy Anniversary Char...I love you!