I've moved... to my sister's blog

Mama thought it would be easier to keep up with everyone (and everything else) in one family blog. Please continue reading my Moose adventures but over at Footsteps with Grace at belzerblessings.blogspot.com.

Grace's BIrthday Party for Jack

I know its not quite Jack's birthday yet, but we have medical commitments that day. So this morning, Grace had planned a birthday party for Jack since we opted to cancel his. It just wasn't logistically working out for my brother, the grandparents and Daniel and I. But this morning was cute. Grace wrapped his two gifts that she had picked out to give him, they played, had birthday bananas and french toast, played and now while Jack is napping, she is making birthday cards. Her cards have boy bugs on them with slime puddles. (So, yea.. Papa, apparently the circles around the bugs are slime puddles and "boy" bugs are ear wigs, roaches, and spiders. She wants to make mac and cheese and have noodle salad for the lunch party. Grace spent all afternoon yesterday icing cupcakes and helping me make Ramen Noodle Salad. Then Grace wants to do the party activities we had originally planned to do after lunch.

On his actual birthday we are going to attempt to make a visit to the VA Aquarium after our errands at the Navy Base, and then we have a big lacrosse weekend to follow it up.

Almost A Year!!!

Well, we know we can communicate with Jack. But not sure anyone else can. He likes to call Grace -- Booga (after a game they play in the mornings that Grace has called Booga Booga). He is picking up on the word "up" and the signs for please and no. He no longer says duck. He is starting to let go of things and he will take one or two steps before sitting down and then crawling. Jack has also mastered the stairs at his grandparents' house and now has 9 teeth.

We took the kids to the zoo and Grace saw a chipmunk and says "Awwww, that's so cute!" Jack pounded away on his stroller and said "CKKKKKKKKKK!!!!" which we interrupt to mean "smash".

Next week Jack will turn a year. We are keeping his birthday quiet and calm with just the four of us. Grace and I are going to make some cup cakes and I am going to take the kids to the Aquarium in Norfolk while Daniel is taking care of some business at the Navy base.

When all else fails-- Grace says check the toes

So Jack was in rare form for most of the day. He was just a Mr. Grouchy Gus. This evening, I just gave up after 8 hours and I knew all his immediate needs had been meet and stuck him in his crib to cope by myself. Grace says "Mama, maybe you should see if he as toe jam. Toe jam could make you mad."

Birthday Letter

Dear Jack,

Congratulations on the first of one of our favorite family traditions-- the birthday letter! Our first year with you has been particularly joyful and blessed. You have added so much to our family and have rounded us in great ways. My favorite time with you is in the early morning, when my heart pounds to see you joyfully greet me at your crib. I have so many wonderful memories of the past year! There are four things we want to impart to you.

1. God designed the family to be our stabilizing unit in our culture in which to build vital relationships. Your family is where you are going to learn how to be you and what it means to be you, where you will learn how to live in peace with others, where you will learn how to give and receive love, and how to care for others. Galatians 6:7 says we reap what we sow. This is especially true of family relationships. It is also why I have found a deep fulfillment and satisfaction in exercising my gifts and strengths to bless our family and friends from the strength of our home.

2. We are instructed to set our hearts on choices with eternal results. (Matthew 6:21) You will become a treasure in heaven if you indeed learn to love and serve God with your whole heart. I love and serve God each day through you and remembering to have integrity and patience in the small moments of our day and by serving our family as I serve our Heavenly Father.

I appreciate the beauty and wisdom of my God-given assignment of being your mother. Experience has taught me to treasure each moment because I know you will not stay young forever. I am blessed and thankful for my free spirited son who generally thinks outside the box.

3. In regards to you and your sister, please keep the following in mind. My heart is undivided when it comes to you both. With the privilege of having children, comes the responsibility to care for them. I promise you a whole- hearted motherhood. I have made a personal commitment to you both to be there for each of you regardless if I am at home or back in the classroom. You will also learn the next five things are important when learning to live with a sibling.
1. Fair is not equal.
2. You will always have the right to disagree with your Papa and I respectfully, but we will not change our positions.
3. Any feelings you experience are ok, but you may not overindulge them.
4. You don't always have to love your sister, but your Papa and I will both require that you learn to cooperate.
5. We will not to pigeon hole you according to your place in our family.

4. Now, in regards to your father, there is one thing and one thing only that you need to ALWAYS remember. He has been set by the grace of God to be the head of our household and we MUST always honor that position.

God as been more than merciful and loving to give me this entire first year with you. I have enjoyed every moment we have shared. I have seen it as a truly unique blessing and gift. I admire, cherish and enjoy you and how you are growing into a wonderful and curious pre-toddler.

With endless love,
Your Mama.