Off Season Prep

We knew after last golf season, the way Ethan was growing, that new golf clubs were in the near future. He literally just got the clubs he had, but he would probably need a new set before his 8th grade season. I can't get over the size of this child, all around. I mean he's 11 1/2 men shoe, taller than me, and almost taller than his dad even, at this point. He's 12! OMG!! Anyway, we knew it was coming and had to be done during the off season, so that he'd be ready to go in the spring. Well, Brenton set it up for this past Sunday and our thoughts were meant with the facts....yes, he definitely needs new clubs! 

After an hour with Jeff, Brenton was able to get everything Ethan was going to need ordered. Golf is definitely not a "cheap" sport, I can tell you that much...lol! However, seeing how happy this sport makes my boy, just makes me smile from ear to ear. We will move heaven and earth to provide the opportunity for him to be the best he can be at it, too. I'm just so thankful Brenton and I both work, so it makes these types of things a little easier on the wallet!☺

God Is Good

I know I've mentioned this in previous posts, but I'm going to say it again...I'm so thankful that we have been able to find a church home base! It's not traditional and wouldn't work for everyone, but for my family it's an answer to a prayer.  For many years, I always felt we had to be in a "church" on Sunday morning to be able to fulfill my Christian duty, if you will.  We went different ways, Brenton and Ethan would go and I would stay back and listen to Dwight, all while Colin was in his element.  We tried, all 4 of us on several occasions, at various churches and that didn't work out. It seemed Brenton and I were always running back to the room for Colin and would miss the message or what have you, to the point that you're dripping in sweat through the stares, because you're trying to get him calmed down. It just wasn't working and we were on different paths, for a while, since we were going in different directions on Sunday mornings.  However, a couple of years ago, it hit me something had to change and I was led to Matthew 18:20. After reading, I knew that our home would become our church and our couch would serve as our church pew on Sundays, from that point forward. AND, I knew God was just fine with it, because the Bible told me as such! Besides, he's the one that blessed us with Colin, so I knew he would truly understand.  I didn't know it then, but an answer to a prayer was being formed and a couple of years later, it all fell into place!☺

Last Sunday, when we logged on and casted to our TV, it was a little different. It stated NEWPOINTE ONLINE and I wasn't sure what was happening, but I thought just a new format or something no big deal. However, when the service started, the "online pastor" appeared (new element) and explained that we are the 7th location and will be known as NewPointe Online was when it hit me! Oh my goodness, how awesome is this!!! We all were pretty excited, because we are now "official" and part of the church. Not that we weren't before, but this made it real and it felt good. We've always sent our tithe and tried to stay a part, but this new format is making it so that we are fully a part and know exactly what is going on, so we can be a bigger part of the church as a whole.  I am so excited about it and look forward to growing even more, as a family. This was an answer to a prayer, for sure!

Since we've been doing this, we've been working with Colin to get him to understand church and what it entails. We pray with him every day & night, so he does get that and let me tell you, hearing his little voice say prayer is a pretty awesome thing. However, this past Sunday, was pretty awesome too. This little guy, sat for about 15 mins and he even sang along, as well. Huge, Huge, Huge! We'll get there with him, but for now we are embracing it and thanking the good Lord for giving us this option so we are able to be a family unit and continue to grow spiritually!

God is good!♥

Memories

Memories! As Webster states, memories are the things learned and kept in the mind. As I'm typing this that resonates with me. Very much! Ever since I was little, I've tried very hard to always find something to remember the moment that I was in. Looking back, especially this time of year with Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, I have been remembering many things from years past.

Brenton and I have grown up together, no joke, we have! I was 12 when I met him and I've got to watch the boy, grow into the man that I deeply love with every ounce of my being.  I've been very blessed and I have memories, good & bad, that help me stay grateful for this man of mine.  He's my person! The one person that I truly can't imagine my life without, believe me I tried, but it turns out the good Lord had plans and it's been proven he is truly meant for me! The awesome thing about our journey is that we had time to make memories from each stage we've been in together. Again, good and bad ones, but regardless memories that we cherish to this day. Once we were blessed with our boys, its been our mission to enjoy this journey with them and make as many memories, as humanly possible, with them. It's crazy how fast time goes, but when you sit down and reminisce the memories just flood our minds.

The one thing, right now in this part of our life, I'm so grateful that I have a hubby who feels the same about not taking trips, just him and I.  Not that it's wrong or anything, I know lots of people who do it, but for us it's just not what our life is about, at this moment. Our boys, LOVE to go and explore new places or revisit old ones with us and in the grande scheme of things, that is what this moment in our lives is about, enjoying our life with our boys. I can't imagine going someplace without them right now. I really can't! I hear people say all the time, "you need that time with your husband." I just look at them and smile and realize that really, no I don't! Brenton and I are really good at making sure to keep each other a part of our daily lives, right now, in the moment we are in.  We don't need an extravagant place to go to when we have boys that still need us in their day-to-day. One day, yes, we will get to do those things and God willing, we will get to take trips alone together; however, that will be when we are in the next phase of our lives together. Right now, we LOVE (yes, both of us and I'm not putting words in my husband's mouth) making memories with our boys together the 4 of us, sometimes 5 if we take Katee, too! I do look forward to the day that the 2 of us can hop in the car or on a plane to take a trip, but right now, we are still in the phase of raising children and that means this dad & mom include them in everything! I've learned it's important to live the every day life with your spouse! Enjoy the little trips to the store together, lunch on a Friday afternoon, because the kids are in school, or just a little down time on the front porch chit chatting while the boys are playing during this phase of life. It's the little things that will get you to the next phase, together, holding hands and smiling while you're loading your car for that trip that you talked about so many years before all while little feet were still running around your house! I just don't want to miss anything, because if you truly think about it we've got 18 years and we're already in year 12 & 10! Yikes!!! We have made ourselves a priority and because we are both on the same page, truly are enjoying this journey! We'll get there, I promise maybe even with a little bit more money, so we can take the ultimate trip to Ireland and treat ourselves for raising our boys and surviving it! LOL!!

Well, I got off on a little tangent now didn't I, so let me regain my whole thought process for this post...hahaha!

This past weekend, Brenton and Ethan were able to make some more of those memories that I talked about above. We purchased tickets for the Ohio State/Maryland game and at first, Brenton and I were going to go. Yes, together; however, Ethan, without even knowing we had these tickets, made a comment about "how awesome it would be to go with daddy to a game this year." So, that led to a conversation and guess what, we made it happen for him! Yep, that meant that I forfeited my ticket and allowed my son to go in my place to enjoy the day with his dad.  Nothing else I'd rather have done! It is so important for memories to be made and I knew this would be a day Ethan would really enjoy. Mind you, this wasn't his 1st game or anything, but it was still important to give him the opportunity.

The day was exactly what I thought it would be, too!  It was going to be cold, but that makes for great football weather. So, Friday night, Brenton and I (yes, alone...lol) went to the store to find all the necessities they would need and got them both ready for game day! They were up, bright and early, Saturday and headed out about 6 AM to get down to the stadium and enjoy the whole atmosphere. That atmosphere is electric and we just love it, so with every picture I received I could feel the emotion and the excitement from them both. They had the best time together and that, my friends, is what it is all about! 

So Important

As our parents get older, Brenton and I are determined to make sure our boys have adequate time with them to make memories.  I have fond memories with my grandparents, more so my mom's parents, but nonetheless memories with my grandparents that to this day I cherish.  I love to travel back to Freeport and reminisce on a time that I will never, ever forget! Grandparents are an important role in a child's world and I love seeing my boys with theirs.

This past Sunday, my dad called wanting to take Ethan to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the Veteran special he was able to receive. Though I wanted Ethan to go, I had just told my husband that him and Ethan had to be back in time for church, because it was a new series on anxiety that I wanted Ethan to hear. So, when my dad asked, I instantly felt this "oh shoot" feeling in my stomach! However, I knew Ethan needed to go, because making these memories are so important.  Though the timing wasn't in my favor, I knew he'd be able to listen to the podcast when he got home and with this just being the 1st day of the series, I knew Dwight was just laying the foundation.  In the end, it worked out well. Yes, I wanted Ethan here with us to see the service, but being with his grandfather was also very important and an experience that doesn't happen all that often these days the older he gets. They had the best afternoon together and for that, I'm so thankful!♥

🎃Halloween Tradition🎃

Halloween, the actual day, fell on a Thursday this year.  The nice thing, the boys had no school on Friday and that meant we could enjoy the evening to the fullest! Trick-or-Treat was done, that was on Tuesday evening, and so that meant we had time to just enjoy and have some fun. It was cold and rainy, so I decided to keep the fun indoors for the most part.  I really, really enjoy making each holiday a fun experience for my boys.  Ethan, is 12 now, and he doesn't care to go trick-or-treating (his own decision he made last year) and I tell ya, this growing up thing really plays tricks on your heart. Man, it came all to quick for me, so I had to establish a new way that allowed me to still hold on to tradition a tad bit longer, yet allow him to grow up too.

I love to do holiday buckets for my boys.  Halloween though, we really didn't do a bucket when they were little, because treats were given from our neighbors.  However, a few years ago when trick-or-treat and Halloween were on different days, we decided to create a scavenger hunt, with a bucket filled with their favorite treats as the prize, to be able to enjoy Halloween day, as well.  My boys, including my husband who helped prepare the hunt (lol), absolutely loved it and so a tradition was created! I now have a bucket and decorations for each holiday, LOL! If you know me, you know I'm all about traditions! I absolutely love them and it did my heart good, especially when Ethan out grew dressing up and going around town, to have this tradition still on the table.  I love this time of year and I loved preparing our Halloween fun this year....

Trick-or-Treat

For, as long as, I can remember Brenton and I have loved Halloween and when our boys came along, we loved it even more! We literally start talking about it the beginning of every year. LOL! The negative, it seems to always come and go so quick!

This year, we ordered Colin his school costume the beginning of October and were slowly gathering candy here and there to pass out.  That was our game plan, since Ethan no longer goes trick-or-treating, stay home and pass out candy.  Colin, doesn't like costumes with masks or if I'm being honest, never really cared for Halloween. So, the store costumes don't really work for us. We've ran the gamut on all those options you find there without a mask like vampires, scarecrows, army guy, and Superman. I wanted something different this year, so I started early searching and found a soccer ball costume. It was perfect and I knew he'd wear it. Even if for a short time, but he'd wear it!  When he was little, we dressed him up and would walk around town when we lived in Phila, but when we moved to Gnaden he had no interest at all. I'm not sure if that's the autism in him or if he just simply didn't like it, because I knew of a couple typical kids who didn't trick-or-treat either and we just never pushed it.  So, this year, was going to be the same! 

I was preparing for the week on Sunday by getting Colin's class treats, teacher treats, and costume ready when Ethan approached me asking to take Colin out to trick-or-treat. I instantly felt this knot in my throat, "Oh buddy, you know how your brother is, I'm not sure about that he's never liked to do it." However, Ethan was determined, "But mom, it's my dream to take him. Can I please just try?" How in the world do you say no to that? I couldn't, because deep down I would love for him to take Colin and give Colin the experience. Yet, it would be up to Colin!  So, we decided, if on Tuesday (the day of trick-or-treat) if Colin put on his costume without a fuss and headed out just fine, then he could take him.  Daddy was going to go along and with the both of them, if Colin would, then I knew he'd be well watched.  How sweet is my oldest son?! I mean he loves to be the "big" brother and teach Colin new things and for that I'm so grateful. Ethan absolutely adores his brother and I know that feeling is reciprocated from Colin.  These 2 boys of mine are each others greatest gift! 

Tuesday arrived and when the boys got home from school, Ethan was so excited.  He still wanted to take Colin and with a quick prayer, I so hoped it would work out the exact way Ethan had been planning in his mind. So, I got my candy situated outside and started to prepare for all the trick-or-treater's about to hit my door, when it was time to approach Colin and see how he would respond? I wasn't sure, but I just didn't make a big fuss and just told him it was time to get ready. AND, it happened, take a look at the below pictures, he was pretty cool with becoming a soccer ball. ☺ Not so much all of mommy's pictures, but being a soccer ball was no big deal! In Colin's words he was, "I soccer." With that, the guys headed out and I headed to the porch!

ready to go

And, he's trick-or-treating...yayyy!

Love this!

My boys

This is a HUGE moment for our family! Colin, did it! He did really well out there with the other kids doing exactly what everyone else his age was doing, trick-or-treating! This totally warmed my mama heart and Brenton just loved watching him do his thing. How awesome is this?! Ethan, was the absolute best teaching Colin! And, thanks to his big brother for having the idea and wanting to take him, because Colin found that trick-or-treating is actually pretty fun! 

I love this journey we are on together! We each play a key role in Colin's growth and I'm so very blessed to have all 3 of my guys in this life! ♥

🌰Memories Made🌰

Last weekend, was the perfect fall weekend! The weather was beautiful! It was going to be a busy weekend, but one we prepared for all week. For some reason, Ohio State played Friday night and we made plans with friends to watch the game, so the boys went to my parents for the evening. Brenton took Saturday off at the golf course, because our plan was to go down to Columbus to look for his birthday gift; however, when we woke up we thought we might just change the plan and stay home. The weather was beautiful and we thought our annual Halloween scavenger hunt would be fun, so after breakfast we headed to pick up the boys and let them know what our plans were.

The funny thing about having a plan and talking about it all week long, is that one boy was pretty stoked about it and thought about it all week. So, he was not buying into our change! He loves our scavenger hunt, but he "was so looking forward to going to Columbus and really wanted to go" and with that, we headed home to unpack and get Ohio State garb on! 

I could tell, right away, as we stopped for gas and everyone got a snack that it was going to be a good day.  Colin is so fun right now!  He is definitely changing and at a stage where he just loves to go "ride" and loves adventure. We listened to music and sang the whole way down. Now, my husband, the minute he turns into the Woody facility, turns into a complete kid! It is hysterical! He has no care in the world and has no idea what he mind find when he gets there, but he still loves to just go to see what is going on. As we were pulling in, I could see there were cars in the gated area where the football players park, so I knew he was hoping to see some.  Guess what.....he did!

Chase Young #2 DE & Ethan

Baron Browning #5 LB & Ethan

It never fails, lol

 

After the excitement at the Woody, I mean who would've thought Chase Young would be there at the very moment we were?! That was definitely a surreal moment! This kid is a beast on the field and one we talk about every week, so to be able to see him standing right in front of us was pretty cool! Brenton is hilarious, the man truly seems to be able to be at the right place at the right time. LOL!

Now, it was time to head over to The Shoe. We were all still in disbelief that we got caught up in our chatting and Brenton missed the turn, so we had to turn around to get back on course. Our goal was to find Brenton's brick that was laid this past summer, so once we got the car parked off we went. It was a fun little scavenger hunt that we found ourselves in. The location map we received in the mail, led us to the vicinity of where the brick was, but we had to look through a good many to find his specific one......

We found it! It was the perfect location for Brenton too, because he loves Buckeye Grove and his brick is right in front it.  Now, the biggest Ohio State fan I know, is a permanent part of the stadium that he loves.  Great birthday idea my mom had this year!

Now, I had nothing to do with this next part! Colin had enough after Buckeye Grove that he was ready to "go car" but Brenton and Ethan were wanting to walk around the stadium. I wasn't feeling the greatest, thanks to a quick lunch at McDonald's, so I took Colin back to the car while the other two headed to explore....explore they did, too! After about 10 mins or so, my phone started dinging and once I glanced at the pics I could see they made their way inside! OMG, my heart started racing and I'm thinking my goodness they're going to get in trouble, yet my calm husband was in his glory w/ his son on the 50 yard line! WHAT? How does he do this stuff?!?! I mean it, it never fails that this man is able to pull off some crazy stuff every time he is there.  I don't condone it, so don't get me wrong, BUT it was definitely a memory Ethan will never, ever forget and for that I do smile. What a great day, so glad we stuck to the original plan!!

To finish off such a great weekend, last Sunday, we were invited to a hayride at our friends farm. I knew it would be fun, festive, the weather was awesome, BUT these types of things make me really nervous! It's a new environment, lots of sensory going on, and I just don't know how Colin will react? There was going to be a lot of people there I didn't know, so how would they be with my son who might not like it? Would people stare and not understand? However, our friends are amazing people and I knew, regardless of the outcome they would completely understand and with that I knew it was going to be ok. So, I put by big girl pants on and off we went. I couldn't worry about the folks I didn't know, besides I was already expecting the worst and we hadn't even arrived yet. I sensed the negative thoughts, so I said a quick prayer for the good Lord to switch my thinking and allow this to be a positive experience! Guess what...prayer answered, because Colin was in his glory! Not one thing phased that kid, he waited patiently and once we started to roll he just looked and enjoyed every piece of scenery that he saw. He absolutely LOVED it!

We are at a stage now that we have to try these things with him. We have to expand his horizons and allow him to feel all the sensory that comes along with each new thing, so he learns to adapt. He's doing amazing with it, too! I'm loving this new place we are in. It's so fun and challenging all at the same time! It's so great that he has an awesome big brother who helps him and watches him like a hawk. And, a dad, the calm one, who just stands back and allows him to explore and be the boy that God made him to be. These two, help me so much! They give me the courage and the strength to take on these new environments and push through, so that Colin gets to be involved and have fun, too. Yes, our life is a bit different from the average folk; however, with my guys (all 3) I know we can handle whatever comes our way! I'm so grateful and know that I'm truly blessed!

What a great weekend! ♥