Karaoke Night

Here are some pictures from Karaoke night. We had tons of fun singing together as a family. Sammi is a crack up she really gets into it swinging her head around and being all serious about it. Daniel cracks me up when he sings "in my daughter's eyes" with Sammi. It is way too funny. They are both so fun - I love them so much! Oh, and Charles is also quite entertaining when he is given a microphone. I am sure the neighbors love it!

The other day we were organizing our home getting ready for the new semester to start. I sent Charles out to look for some drawers and he came back with a bunk bed. We have been looking for one for along time and he finally found a good deal. The kids were growing out of their baby beds and we needed to find a way to make more space in their room since it is also their toy room. It is so fun for them, they really love it. I remember I loved having a bunk bed. They are both thrilled to have big kid beds.

So we had an interesting parenting experience today. Sammi came home with a note from a boy that said, "I love Sammi, I am her boyfriend." Yup, that was a shocker. So we sat down with Sammi and talked all about things that are appropriate and not. We ran through different scenarios with her and Dan, like what to do and say if a boy tries to hug you etc. We also talked to her about not letting other kids bother her when she is trying to do her work at school. Anyway, we ran through tons of different examples with her and she would respond in the correct way. It is so empowering for them to know the right thing to do so they can do it! She was happy to learn all about it. We were happy to teach her. We shall see how it works, and hopefully this boy will not bother her again, otherwise I may have my first chat with the teacher! I am so happy to be there for her always, that I can see when these things go on and I can help her and Dan to be prepared for their lives. It gives me great satisfaction and hope as a parent to help my children find their way in the world.

Another funny thing. Charles was in an accident the other day with an old lady. She ran into his truck on the way home from work on his birthday. Anyhow, long story short. Old ladies insurance company calls Charles to chat about who was at fault. They said the old lady claimed Charles was in the wrong lane or something. Charles quickly and firmly stated, "look, I prosecute traffic tickets for my job, etc." As soon as he said that the lady on the phone said, "Oh, well then, you would know traffic laws, we are liable, what damage was done we will pay for." Nice, very nice. It was a very funny conversation to listen to. I was surprised that the little old lady would try to blame Charles for this particular accident. I mean she was driving her daughter's car, she was old, it was dark, she ran into him, etc. She should not be on the road. Anyhow, it was amazing the reaction he got from the insurance company. They were very eager to fix the problem! Sometimes things do work out, eh?

So I ran today pushing both kids in the stroller. It was quite the experience. It was a pretty warm day so that was helpful. As I was running I realized, man, my body is changing! It felt so different. But I slowly and surely placed one foot in front of the other and I did it. I took myself away from what I was feeling at the time and I thought of all of the strong days I had running the same road in the past. So strong, I was getting so fast and it used to feel so great. I would even race with Charles and keep up! Now, it is slow potatoes - like turkey trotting. But I can do it - that is the amazing thing. I felt ulta-amazing pushing the 100lb stroller thinking I am about 6 months pregnant and I am pushing my entire family all by myself! I never would have thought myself capable of such a thing.

It can be done, whatever it is you want that is good, and if your body is not falling to pieces, than amazing things can be done! Most physical things are truly a mental battle. I have broken through wood with my bare hands. Not because I was strong physically, but because I could see my hand going through the wood. I watched as many people would scrape up their hands and not even crack the wood. Their vision would stop at the barrier of the difficulty of the task - the wood was too strong. You must have a vision of success. See through the wood, the trials, the pain. See through to the other side and you will make it! Hooray!

Lots of love!