A group of wonderful friends spent an evening together making memories that will hopefully last a lifetime.
Pictured from left to right is Jamie, Bridget, Carly, Matt, Connor and Rachel.
This wonderful group of kids are all part of the youth group at our church. In fact five out of the six are on the student leadership team. What a blessing it is to know these are the people Connor chooses to surround himself with. Fun, warm, intelligent, kind heated, Christ loving kids! I am reminded of the friends I am still close with after all these years... Some of the kids pictured here could very well be that type of life-long friend.
Connor was so excited to see Rachel dressed so elegantly. Miss Deb (Rachel's Mom) did a beautiful job altering the dress and making Connor's vest/tie/pocket square to match. Traditional Elegance!
Carly and Matt displayed their White Sox pride. Earlier, they had taken Carly's dress and Matt's vest to a White Sox game to get them both autographed. Dedicated Elegance!
Jamie and Bridget went with a unique formal look. Jamie wore a kilt (borrowed from Matt's mom), while Bridget was able to create a coordinating shawl to go with her beautiful dress. Unexpected Elegance!
The three boys with Ian (our Youth Pastor).
Ian and the girls...
The entire elegant crew!
After prom, the kids returned to our house to continue the festivities. The girls kicked off those high heels, the boys slipped out of their jackets and they all curled up on the couch with blankets and watched movies, laughed and talked until the wee hours of the morning.
It has been a long time since my last post, but something happened today and I found myself saying "I have to write that down..."
This morning after the kids were dropped off at school, we received a phone call. Dave answered and I could immediately see his facial expression change. I could see the concern and bewilderment in his eyes as he said "Well that just doesn't sound right... I don't see how that's possible, we pick Jacob up after school... Here let me have you talk to my wife..." Dave's arm was extended towards me holding out the phone as he mouthed It's Mr. ________ the principal about Jacob.
My heart sunk as I said hello. The principal went on to explain that there have been some ongoing problems at school with Jacob, and although he was sure there were other kids involved, Jacob's name is the one that keeps coming up. There was a particular incident on Tuesday afternoon that resulted in student as well as another parent coming in to voice their concerns about Jacob calling others names/bad words, chasing other kids and shoving them. The principal wanted to set up a meeting early next week so that he could sit down with Dave, myself and Jacob's teacher to see what should be done. He mentioned hoping to find a way to motivate Jacob and make some changes. I agreed to a meeting Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM and hung up the phone dumfounded.
I looked at Dave and told him we were not waiting until next Tuesday to address this. I wanted to go and pull Jacob out of school and talk about this right away. Although Math and History are important things, an issue of character like this, my boy's heart, mattered far more than anything he would learn in class that day. Dave called back and spoke to the Principal again and explained that he wanted to address this with Jacob right away. The Principal offered to let Dave speak with Jacob over the phone saying that he was there in the office. Dave declined the offer saying that this was a conversation that needed to take place in person. He was coming to pick Jacob up and would be there in five minutes.
As I waited for their return, my mind was racing a million mile a minute. This didn't sound anything like my boy. He wasn't a mean kid, he doesn't use foul language, he doesn't push people around (well other than tickling his sister once in a while...). Jacob is the type of kid that gets along well with everyone, or at least that's what I always thought. I know that kids can act differently away from home... but this? How is it I could be so wrong about his heart?
As the car pulled into the driveway I looked out and watched Dave and Jacob get out of the car. Their expressions were not heavy. In fact they both appeared to be smiling. As they walked through the door Dave simply said "It wasn't him." I hugged by boy and cried. I was so happy to know not only that he wouldn't do something like that, but that I wasn't wrong about him... I do know my kid! Jacob reacted to my tears telling me that it made him want to cry too.
Turns out that when Dave went to the school office, Jacob wasn't there. The secretary, who knows our family, looked puzzled when Dave said that he was there to pick up Jacob after talking to the Principal. The secretary called down to Jacob's class and let him know he was going home. A few minutes later Jacob walked up the stairs smiling at Dave asking "what's up?". There was no guilt, fear or embarrassment one would expect to see from a child who had been called into the principal's office and had his parents called. Dave asked Jacob if he had been to the office that morning and was told "No, why?"
In reality, our Jacob has never been to the principals office. He had no idea what was going on. Dave smiled and told him it was his lucky day, and that he got to have a day off of school! He explained the course of events on the ride home.
Then we waited... Waited to see if/when the principal would figure out that a mistake had been made. Dave was willing to wait until next Tuesday and even attend the scheduled meeting if need be. Waiting was hard for me. I wanted to shout from the roof tops "You've got the wrong kid!" Dave was right, waiting was worth it though!
Around 10:40 the phone rang. It was the school. I answered saying "Hello" and immediately the apologies started. As we had figured, there was a mix up, and the Jacob who was in trouble was not our Jacob. The scene from Ferris Bueller's Day off kept plying in my mind. You know the one when he is talking to Sloan's "father"...
I must admit, I was smiling from ear to ear. I accepted the apology and just asked that he tell Jacob personally that he was sorry for the confusion. The principal mentioned that Jacob was the type of kid that should be called into the office to get an award, not because of trouble. He was more than happy to talk to him over the phone now and at school next week.
The relief and joy I feel this afternoon is priceless. I have been blessed with wonderful kids, and every once in a while it is a great thing to be reminded of how much I have to be thankful for. Here's Jacob... about as "bad" as he gets!
On Sunday Emilia and I attended a birthday party for a friend who was in town from Seattle.
Izzy is an adorable, sweet funny four year old who we have been blessed to know through an online community created to support families affected by PHACE Syndrome.
All four girls in this picture share the unique bond that is PHACE Syndrome. Each one has faced more than their share of battles over the last several years. Each one strong and vibrant and beautiful. Each a true miracle!
This is the birthday girl, Izzy. She turned four years old while in Chicago with her Mom Wyndi for a wedding. Her Aunt Sherry was gracious enough to open her home and host this party the day after her son's wedding.
This is Elyse and her mom Christina.
Emilia has called her "Baby" Elyse since the day she first saw her picture online. It doesn't matter that Elyse is now three years old, she will always be Baby Elyse to Emilia.
This is Alyra. It's hard to believe she is two years old already. I can still remember holding her when she was a tiny infant the first time we had a PHACE Family get together.
It was a wonderful afternoon. Wonderful to watch the kids run around and play. Wonderful to sit in the same room with these women and actually hear their voices. Wonderful to see how each one of these families have survived and thrived despite some difficult times.
Today I put together my list for the grocery store. I organized my coupons and headed out the door.
I was so excited with my bargains I had to line them all up on the counter and take a picture.
Dave thinks I need help. Emilia on the other hand is my shopping buddy and agreed that a picture was indeed necessary.
Pictured is 5 boxes of Fruit Roll Up's, 12 boxes microwave popcorn, 14 cans of Healthy Choice soup, 7 packs of pudding cups, 4 packs of yogurt, 10 cans of 100% juice concentrate, 10 loaves of garlic bread and 1 package of crab meat.
Spent a grand total of $22.35 including tax. Saved $139.70. And to make things even better, I still have coupons totaling $13.50 off the next purchase.
I guess that means Emilia and I should head back out shopping some more. There were a few more things left on the list...
Lauren turned 10 on Sunday... or 2 1/2 depending on who you ask.
Lauren was born on Leap Day so we have always chosen to celebrate her birthday on the last day in February. She's not opposed to celebrating it on March 1st as well. Actually, I think Lauren would be just fine if we celebrated her birthday for an entire week. This year, we stuck with February 28th, as the day to celebrate with family. We were lucky enough to have some family in town from Minnesota as well. My cousin Nic and his wife Ashley along with their two kids Caden and Gracie.
Sunday morning was a busy one. Dave was playing at church both services. Lauren and Jacob were signing to one of the songs in adult worship. I had lessons prepared and was scheduled to teach both services and Connor was set to help teach during the first service. Nic was going to be joining in playing with the worship team both services and my parents and Nic's family would be attending the 11:00 service. After we would all head back home for a special birthday lunch complete with cake and ice cream.
Here is a small group of kids who were asked to help sign during the song "Pray".
Jacob was given the opportunity to say a prayer in front of the congregation during the 9:30 service and Lauren during the 11:00.
Two of our Pastor's celebrated birthdays this past week, and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to them during the 9:30 service. During the 11:00 service Nic led everyone in singing "happy Birthday" to Lauren. She was so surprised!
Nic sang one of his original songs for us during communion. It was beautiful!
Emilia was in heaven holding baby Gracie!
Miss EJ was sweet enough to make Lauren's cake for me since I was recovering from a concussion earlier in the week. EJ makes the most beautiful cakes and has her own business EJ's Delightful Delicacies. Lauren was thrilled with the cake telling us it was "perfect"!
There's Jacob making silly faces for the camera. You would think he would have learned his lesson after the Christmas card picture!
Although Caden thought that the Italian Beef sandwiches Lauren requested for lunch tasted like caterpillars, he thought the cake tasted pretty darn good!
All in all, Lauren had a wonderful birthday surrounded by people who love and cherish her.
A few weeks ago, Connor came to us and asked how we would feel about him dating. The initial reaction was feeling old. Where has all the time gone? How can Connor be sixteen? And dating...
But we put on a calm face and said that, given the right girl, we thought it would be okay.
Dad was quick to point out that dating is a big responsibility, especially since Connor is the oldest of our kids. Dad explained that lauren and Emilia would be watching everything he did and said. That how Connor treats a girlfriend will influence how his little sisters will expect to be treated one day when they are in a dating relationship.
And then we quizzed Connor as to who it was that he was interested in dating. Much to our delight Connor was interested in a girl we have known for more than ten years. Rachel is a lovely girl from our church who we know, and know her family. If my boy was going to have feelings for someone, Rachel is exactly the kind of girl I would have hoped for.
After about a week, Connor finally got up the nerve to ask the girl to a movie... and she said yes! Since both kids have grown up in the church, and both have families who are quite involved at church, it didn't take long before everyone knew. Both were radiant and bubbly and nervous and excited.
Before the date, Connor was being advised by a multitude of people. Parents, friends and even little sisters. Connor came home from school one day and Emilia walked right up to him and said
"Chocolate"
"You want a piece of chocolate" Connor asked her?
"No." Emilia replied. "Girls like chocolate. You should get Rachel chocolate."
"What kind of chocolate" Connor inquired?
"Girls like all chocolate" Emilia explained.
And so, for their first date, Connor brought chocolate (Emilia helped him pick it out). He also brought a rose (he was informed by friends that yellow roses are Rachel's favorite). The yellow flowers weren't looking too good, so he settled on a pink one. And there was also a stuffed "Chewie" (Connor and Rachel had done a drama sketch at church a year ago about dating and Chewbacca had a role in that "date").
Since neither of the two can drive yet, I had the pleasure of providing car service. It was so sweet to see the two of them so nervous and giggly. They were both talking about a comment by a mutual friend at church. Apparently this friend mentioned that "you know everyone will be watching the two of you as an example of what dating should look like?" Nothing like a little positive peer pressure!
As the car door closed and the two walked towards the mall, I rolled down my window and called their names. They turned and saw me with my camera. I smiled and said "Dad told me to get a picture."
They obviously weren't too upset because they let me snap one more picture before I pulled away. Connor's used to me taking pictures all the time. I guess Rachel better get used to it now too!
A family friend is finishing up her last few weeks at a local cosmetology school. She needed to complete a certain number of services before she would be able to graduate.
The idea came to me.. A day at the spa for my girls. It would be the perfect Valentines gift. They both LOVE styling and dressing up, doing their nails and all that "girly" stuff. I called and made appointments for both of them on a Monday afternoon to get haircuts and styles as well as manicures.
Emilia had been sick on and off all week, but she seemed to be feeling well on Sunday, so we hoped she would be even better the next day. Unfortunately, Emilia woke up Monday morning with Pink Eye and a fever. There was great sadness and many tears when she learned that her spa day would have to be rescheduled.
Lauren tempered her excitement as to not make her sister feel any worse, but it was obvious she was walking on clouds.
Here is the before picture. Lauren had been trying to grow her hair out long enough to donate to Locks of Love again (she's done it twice already) but she opted to go ahead and have her hair cut shorter.
Miss Delaine talked with Lauren about how she wanted her hair styled and the two of them came up with a plan. Mom sat off in the waiting area, sneaking over once in a while to snap a picture or two.
Next it was onto the manicure station. Lauren commented how much she enjoyed the hand massage that went along with the purple polish she picked out.
Just look at her! Cute and sassy and smiling from ear to ear!
And can you believe it, the afternoon of papering cost under $15. Affordable and Adorable!
It doesn't get much better than that... unless you're Emilia, then it's "just not fair"! A rain check has been issued and even though Miss Delanie will have graduated and will no longer be at the school, she said that Emilia will still get her day. Even if it has to be done at her house... What a great friend.
One evening when we came home to a driveway full of snow, Lauren decided that she wanted to do something nice for her Dad. She decided that she would shovel the driveway, knowing that is a job her Daddy hates. Jacob and Emilia decided to pitch in and join the efforts.
The snow was quite a bit heavier than expected.
The work was hard.
Emilia "helped" by decorating the front yard with snow angels.
Lauren decided that decorating was easier and more fun than shoveling.
Jacob never gave up. He worked and worked until the snow was cleared.
At the end of the evening our driveway was shoveled and the yard was beautifully decorated, and Dad was pleasantly surprised and appreciative of both!
Emilia was sick with a nasty virus for almost two weeks... Connor asked a really sweet girl on a date (his first)... I managed to fall and give myself a concussion... Lauren turned ten.
I am hoping to gather my pictures together and post a bunch of updates before I forget some of the delightful things that made me smile... like Lauren's Grand Prix Racer and Emilia's dating advice for Connor.
The kids bought their car kits last week at club. They planned, they created blue prints and traced out their designs onto the blocks of wood with care and precision.
On Friday we attended the "Pit Party". It was an evening for kids to come to the church and used power tools they might not have access to at home. My kids took full advantage.
Lauren had her car cut and then did the sanding herself.
Jacob sanded and sanded. There was concern that he took it a little too far, but Dad helped out and the end result was even better than planned.
Dave really wanted a chance to play around with the tools anyway.
Connor and Emilia are entering a car together. They collaborated on the design and it is sure to be the most beautiful, sparkly muscle car ever.
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