Gus's new hobby

Me: Gus, why are you going through my purse?

Gus: 'Cuz it is like a 'wonderland'.

Being 10

Jack has turned 10 today.  There was not much fanfare since he had to share the day with his sister's first day of school as a senior in high school, his brothers first day as an 8th grader and the regular chaos that normally ensues on the first day of school.  Poor Jack. His birthday always comes during one of the busiest times of the year:  the beginning of school.

As usual, we have to postpone Jack's party until the weekend when we will take Jack and a few of his best buds to the cabin for a few days of swimming, boating, making smores and riding the ever-popular go-kart.

But because of the timing of Jack's  birthday, I always try harder to make his birthday DAY special.  I try to find gifts that he will especially like, a cake that is his favorite flavor; a dinner that makes him smile....mostly because I feel guilty that he may feel overlooked.  But Jack is always content and happy with what his mom and dad provide.  I see it in his smile and his sweet nature.  But I always have that nagging feeling that I fell short.  Very short.  Maybe there was not enough attention paid to the day Jack graced our lives forever.

I forget that Jack is probably one of the most content children in the family...much of it due to the fact that he knows how to entertain himself in a family of extroverts.  He is very good at  reading, playing with friends and hanging with his brothers. He's a happy kid.

Later in the evening after presents, dinner and cake...Jack says to me much to my surprise, "It was the best  birthday ever!"

Well, it wasn't much hoopla, but we did mark the day with hugs and kisses in thanksgiving for our content child, Jack.  (John Christoper)  And it was apparently enough for him!

Happy Birthday Jack!

Sad Eyes

Henry: (pretending to cry) Mommy, my eyes are crwying.

My baby, all grown up

My baby. My first.

She's all grown up. And is a senior in high school. A SENIOR!

Just a few years ago, my days were long, exhausting days with my new baby, new husband, new life, new world. And the days went by very, very slowly. Today, as I look at this picture of my first born, playing the life out of her trombone; I reflect back to those early days when so many people would tell me how 'fast time flies' and that 'before you know it, she'll be off to college'. I remember patiently nodding my head at them in agreement; shifting my baby from one hip to the other, but inside thinking they were crazy. "Oh, they are just nostalgic for their younger days." I would think.

Well, they weren't crazy. Time does go faster as the kids get older, and 17 years later I am jolted to the core as I stare at a picture of my daughter fully grown, doing what she loves (band), with her back turned in the picture as if to tell me: "Mom, it's time for be to get ready to go. I'm ready to walk away from you and dad and enter the vast world."

I have one precious year left with my daughter at home and I plan to milk each and every minute of it. Every concert, every practice, every quiet moment I will relish because she's my #1 child...my guinea pig for all the other babies and a good one she was.

And the moment she does walk away from me...I'll be able to say that she gave me a life worth living, a new perspective, and wild and fun ride into what raising children all about. And that hopefully will get me through MY moment of nostalgia....when I see that mom with a baby on her hip..and I say, "before you know it, she'll be off to college."

Enjoy your children everyone...time DOES go by fast.

Becca's band friends come over....

Gus:(hiding behind the bookshelf) Mom, we're being INVADED!

Me: Really? By whom?

Gus: Teenagers!

Love = Reading to your sons!

Well, summer has been humming along over here at the Clemens house, and school begins the end of August (not that I'm counting or anything). It is getting to the point that I am desperately looking for projects or outings that the kids will enjoy and that I will not lose my mind planning. Oh, we've been to the museums, on walks, fishing, swimming, camp, hiking, baking bread, and on and on, but one of my favorite summer things we have done together is READ.

Jack and Gus are totally engrossed in the Percy Jackson book series which begins with the book, "The Lightning Thief". There are a total of 5 books in this series and each one is just as creative and adventure filled as the next. I find myself hurrying the boys to their baths and bed-time routine so that we can meet together in my King Size bed for our reading time. I so enjoy hearing my boys laugh out loud as I read the latest adventure. We even guess what will happen when the foreshadowing of an event occurs in the book. What fun!!

If you are an adult, go and get yourself the first book in the series and read it. You will enjoy it as much as the kids! It is such a pleasure to find a book series that brings all ages in our home together for quality time. Reading time is MY favorite summertime activity with the kids, and I don't even have to leave the house!