He'll Solve Your Problems

I've always known Andrew's aptitude for being in control. As the oldest child, he loves to tell me when anyone else breaks the rules and continues by telling me how they could improve. He's been doing this since he was three.

When he came home with a form to be a Peer Mediator at school, I knew he had met his calling. Andrew has been spending 1-2 recesses a week in training to be a peer mediator; he will help the younger students solve their disputes on the playground.

Last week he had a little ceremony at school where all peer mediators were honored.

You can identify Drew by the beautiful Peer Mediator sash he is wearing.

In this video clip, you can see (but barely hear) a small portion of the skit Andrew wrote showing how the be a peer mediator.

After the ceremony, we took pictures of the whole big group.

I could only get Andrew to smile for a few pictures. Then, he just held his certificate up and effectively wrecked all the other shots parents were taking.
(*Note that his certificate is even upside down!)

The very next day Andrew had his first moments on the playground as a mediator and was able to resolve many conflicts. He was thrilled!

Now, maybe I can get him to mediate problems with him and his brothers sometimes!

A Bust

The moment I knew that the Cavs had signed Shaq to their team, I began looking for tickets when the Cavs played the Bucks. I was anxious for the once-in-the-lifetime experience of seeing LeBron and Shaq play together.

The date of the game we purchased tickets for rapidly approached, and much to our chagrin, Shaq got injured a week before the game occurred. While the boys were bummed-- as was I--, we still felt good knowing that we would get to see one of the best players in the game of basketball: LeBron James.

Last Saturday, we donned our Cavs gear and headed to the Milwaukee pumped up for the epic night to come. The excitement continued to build as we were inundated with a plethora of Cavs fans walking around also wearing their Lebron and Shaq shirts. Easily, there were 50 Cavs shirts to each Bucks shirt.

The seats we bought that night were close to the court- only five rows up from under the hoop. We snapped a couple of quick pictures and waited for the guys to come running out. When the announcer called the Cavs to the floor, we were somewhat disheartened not to see LeBron run out, but we assumed that he was just being "celebrity"-like and would come when he felt like it.

As the Star Spangled Banner played, I began to get worried. I mean- I hadn't laid eyes on Lebron yet. . Then, a guy screams from his seat: " Where's LeBron?" As I looked around a little, the guy behind us explained that Lebron had hurt his foot the night before. I was stunned.

Then, I looked at the youthful, excited faces of my little guys and had to explain to them that LeBron wouldn't be playing after all. Bummed, they hung in there and tried to enjoy the game. Andrew actually had a great time- even though he was right next to the Bucks Band. (He said that if we go back again, we need to get quieter seats.) Brendan cheerfully and (as usual) oppositionally cheered for the Bucks despite wearing a Cavs shirt, and only he left pleased that the game ended as it did.

Evan, however, was sad about the lack of LeBron and Shaq. He curled into my lap and asked me to take him home to read books. Ultimately, he even fell asleep in my lap before the end of the game.

Despite not seeing LeBron play, we did see him on the sidelines and excitedly pointed and took pictures. For now, this will just have to suffice.

Big Day for B

Part of the joy of being a third grader in the Methodist Church is the long standing tradition of getting your Bible during the year. Brendan was able to reap this benefit this past Sunday.

To start the day at church, he was able to acolyte for only the second time. He cautiously stepped to the front of the church, carrying the light for the candles. Beaming, he looked at me the moment he was done, showing elation at his success.

However, I think I was caught emotionally offguard on Sunday as I watched him get called up to receive his Bible. Brendan sauntered to the front of the room, so obviously proud of his being old enough to receive this honor. I sat there watching him look so grown up in the front of the church, and I wondered where all the time is flying to? He is eight already and maturing at insane rates. Tears filled my eyes and threatened to slide down my face as I watched. (However, I did keep my composure.)

So, as he was called up, the pastor gave each child their book.

Then, she challenged each of them to look up a Bible verse in their brand new Bible.
Here is Brendan enjoying the success of his find!

It was a great day for Brendan, and a day that I reveled in his maturity! (Chalk up another victory for mom. I held in my tears and retained dignity for at least another day.)

10 Years Ago. . .

10 years ago today, I became a mom.

All mothers remember that moment when your first child cries for the very time after being born and the first time that this innocent little baby looks toward the face he has been hearing for months and months.

Yet, I also remember the fears of that inaugural day of motherhood with Andrew. I was lying in bed- sore and tired-- and everyone else was out of the room. The nurses were with other patients, Chris was napping after my long night of labor, and my parents were making phone calls to all the relatives. Andrew was placidly lying in his little baby bed next to my hospital bed. He stirred for a brief second, and I watched him. At that moment, an epiphany occurred to me: this baby was mine, and I had to take care of him no matter what.

I know that seems obvious, but at that moment, I was tired and truly not sure if I was capable of walking over to him if he cried. The enormous gravity of motherhood hit me in that hospital room. Truly, I was scared, so nervous about doing it all right. Luckily, he didn't cry. We both slept, and my first moments as a mom were peaceful.

10 years ago, I had Andrew and my journey as a mom began.

Andrew was an angelic baby. Sure, he cried a little, but he was a joy in my world. Before I knew it, however, he was crawling and my innocent baby had grown. The next nine years seemed such a blur of activity.

I can hardly remember the time when Andrew was not in school even though it has only been five years. (And- my digital camera is only five years old so I don't have any electronic pictures either!)

This was the earliest birthday picture I could find. From the candle count, I am guessing he turned six. (The other birthday pictures are not electronic. . .)

And here he is now. A very independent, intelligent, athletic boy- well on his way to becoming a teenager.

Andrew's 9th Birthday

Andrew pitching last summer

Andrew's first love: Golf

Andrew looking like a grown boy, playing football. . .

Yet, when I look at him, I still see that tiny baby that I held in my arms ten years ago. That little baby that changed everything about my world, making me a mom for the very first time. That little baby whose every smile seemed a miracle.

Ten years ago my life changed because of Andrew. Happy Birthday baby!

What Kind of Medal is That?

Our family was fanatic about the Olympics this year. We loved watching every event and the intense competition that ensued. The boys would -- and still-- pretend to be speed skaters and race around our kitchen, giggling hysterically.

One more after a kitchen speed skate race, Evan looked at me and said, "Mom, what place medal is the LeBron medal?"

"The LeBron Medal?"

"Yes," Ev said, "LeBron."

"Oh Honey, I think you mean the Bronze Medal. That is for third place."

"No, I mean LeBron, and I would have thought it was for first place."

Yes, he is a Cavs fan! Love it.