The Cearley 5

Gracie Rides

2012-01-02T19:14:00.001-06:00

I taught Gracie how to ride a bike without training wheels this weekend. It was awesome.

I was completely stressed about work - in fact, I had just gotten off of a phone call that sent my blood pressure way up - and was not really patient with Gracie. She sensed it. She didn't want to have anything to do with it. She was getting frustrated with the bike. But really, she was getting frustrated with me.

Then, I let it go. I said, Mike, this is one of those moments. This is a life moment. I will never have this back and if I don't make it now, I don't know when I will. So, I just forgot about work and all of the other nonsense that was clouding my ability to teach her how to do this.

Pedal and steer. Pedal and steer. That was the first thing.

I ran so much, hand on the bottom of the seat. Run, run, run. Pedal and steer.

She made it a few feet by herself before she would go right into the grass and fall over instantly. But we got right back up and did it again. And again. And again.

She really didn't get the steer thing down that day, but she got pedal, pedal, pedal. Just keep pedaling, Gracie. A few feet turned into 10 feet and 10 feet turned into 20 feet and 20 feet turned into halfway to mom. And about an hour later, she rode down the entire sidewalk all by herself. No dad runnig beside her. No training wheels. No accidents. It was awesome.

She was so proud. And so I was I. I was so happy that I didn't let work get in the way of this.

This past week has been filled with special moments - Les Mis with Steph, Christmas at home with our family, getting a huge raise at work, feeling blessed at everything we have - but teaching my daughter how to ride her bike was, by far, the highlight of this holiday break.

Once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget. That's what they say, right?

Well, Gracie Jane can now ride a bike. :-)

PS - the next day, we went out again, and she rode around the entire huge bike path at the park all by herself. All by herself.

Star Wars Infatuation

2012-01-02T19:05:00.000-06:00

About a month ago, I introduced the boys to Star Wars. Our friends, the Schwarte's, have a son (Jackson) who is infatuated with Star Wars so for the last year or so, the boys have been exposed to Star Wars through him - through his legos and stories. Well, one Saturday, I noticed that episodes 4, 5 & 6 (the best ones, of course) were on back to back. I recorded them. Then, we watched them. One by one.

Max is Lupe (not Luke) Skywalker and Nick is Obi Wan Kenobe. And he has recently picked up talking Chewbacca all the time.When we ask him something or when we introduce someone to him, he just gives the Chewy response. I don't even know how to write that orI would attempt??????

They love the light sabers and Dark (again, not Darth) Vadar, and of course, Gracie is partial to Princess Leia.

Star Wars was my childhood. I remember going to see The Empire Strikes Back with my dad at the movie theatres. Other than Savannah Smiles with our elementary class, that's the first movie-going experience I can remember. And TESB is much cooler than Savannah Smiles, so that's what I think about when I think about my first movie. And I had all the figures. Man, if I still had those...

It's awesome to go through this phase with them. I sure do hope it lasts a long time.

PS - Damon is a Star Wars freak and he was here mid-December and we all watched Return of the Jedi. He thought it was the coolest experience, watching his favorite movie with his little nephews. :-)

Personality Updates

2011-10-30T08:54:00.000-05:00

As the kids grow, we are seeing more and more their personalities forming into little humans.

Gracie is shy. Like really shy. She must get that from me.

Nick loves music and loves to sing. He just starts singing on a whim and he's good.

Max is obsessed with motorcycles. There is wonder in his eyes every time he sees one. Sigh.

Gracie's 1st Day of School

2011-08-22T19:36:00.000-05:00

Gracie's first day of school today. 1st grade. Public school (Cox Elementary). Sigh.

It's been a busy, eventful summer. One that I have not chronicled here. The daily activities of living in a house full of 5, along with work, have taken precedence over taking the time to write.

Gracie's 6th birthday came and went. She hosted a princess party here at our house, where all of the moms came in their best dresses and made up the girls' faces with makeup and nails with paint. My dad was in town so he was able to spend that day with her, although boys were not allowed for the first part of the festivities. It was good to see him and I know that it was important for him to be here, with her, on this day. Even though she might not think anything of it. Birthdays with family are always the best. Ange and the girl cousins drove down from Houston to make sure that was the case. I think she loved every minute of it.

Steph had her 20 year high school reunion, we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversay and I turned 1 more year older - that's 36. All in one week. We went to Houston to spend more time with the family, which, to me, was the highlight. There was so much going on in those few days that seeing and spending time with Steph's family made it feel right. There was always a home to come back to. I hope that is what our kids feel when they experience 20, 10, and 36. I can't believe those numbers. I am a lucky man to have been blessed with Stephanie, Gracie, Max and Nick, and our families for a good portion of those years. Time just flies and before you know it, you can see that the majority of your life is spent with people who make up a new family instead of the one you grew up with. Per se.

Gracie's meet the teacher night was interesting. Going from a private school that houses a couple of grades to a public school that houses 6 grades is a little overwhelming. Cox is a really nice school. The parents seem super-involved, based on the impression of the night, and best of all, Gracie has a REALLY good teacher. She's going to learn so much from Mrs. Christian throughout the year. I expect she'll grow in many more ways than we can imagine right now.

Which leads us to today, her first day of school. As with all milestones, it's welcomed with mixed emotions. It's quite a transition for us and our regimented schedule, which will inevitably need adjusting. Gracie is ready and excited for this new stage in her life. She loves school and when she puts her mind to it, really excels at it. She loves being around people, too. I hope that she makes friends, good choices, and memories that she'll remember when she's 36. I remember peeing in the classroom when I was in 1st grade. I was really embarassed. And I remember walking outside of our portable buildings in Plainview (I think), TX to all of our other classrooms. There was a little girl who I had a crush on, but I don't remember her name. And although I might have been older than 1st grade, I remember having these awesome Dallas Cowboys cleats.

There are two stories from today that I don't want to lose. Right now, they are both on Facebook, but who knows what that will be in the years to come. First is from me:

Experienced the child/parent psuedo-embarrasment this morning, dropping Gracie off for school. I wanted to take a picture and give her a talk, she wanted nothing of it. She gave me the, "daaad." So, I let her go.

And the second is from Steph:

Gotta share: Mike drives off with our first grader this morning. I promptly start crying while walking into the kitchen to pour round two of cereal for the boys. Nick says, "what is it momma?". I say as I look at Gracie's empty bowl and cup, "Gracie's going to be gone all day, what are we going to do without the biscuit?". Sob sob. Max says, " Here, I do this." He hugs me. Then he says, "I go get my tools and fix it."

It's a big day, for sure. We just take it as it comes, do what we can to savour the moment and make the best decisions possible. Try to remain strong.

And whenever we can, take pictures with our kids in the bushes. :-)

Summer Vacation Favorite Moments

2011-07-10T07:47:00.006-05:00

Mark’s – sitting around in the carport on Wednesday morning not doing much anything at all but talking.

Kyle’s – Mark’s moment of honesty with Damon in the kitchen when Damon asked him to make pico and Mark said, "I really didn't come in here to help you guys, but if you need it, I will."

Mom’s – everyone working together in harmony in the kitchen the first night making fajitas and the works.

Steph’s – finding her sunglasses and watching Gracie surf.

Mike’s – watching Nick floating in the current in the lazy river by himself and loving every second of it and watching Gracie surf and really thinking that Damon’s middle name was Raymond, making his name Damon Raymond.

Gracie’s – surfing and going down the blue slide with Aunt Michelle.

Summer Vacation - Day 4

2011-07-10T07:47:00.002-05:00

Packed up and loaded everyone this morning. Stopped by Damon and Michelle’s house on the way. Nice little starter house. It fits them. They just got wooden floors put in. Looks real nice. Michelle then taught us all the beginning part of the High School Musical dance. It was awesome.

Summer Vacation - Day 3.5

2011-07-10T07:46:00.000-05:00

After sitting around all morning on Wednesday, almost everyone wanted to be in the water. Last year, we did Landa Park, but I think the kiddie part is too little for the boys this year and the big part is too big. Plus, it’s just a dirty experience. Thing is – it’s $3/person compared to $30/person going back to Schlitterbahn, even with afternoon prices. Despite the cost, we decided to go back to Schlitterbahn.

Mark came up with a brilliant idea – Schltterbahn should create a non-ride pass for a discounted price, say $20. This would give you access to the wave pool and lazy river, 2 of our favorite things to do with the entire family. Your pass just wouldn’t allow you access to any of the rides you have to wait in line for. It’s a great idea. I think I’m going to write a letter to them.

We had fun, but it sure is a lot of work keeping up with the kids. Gracie wants to ride all the big rides and she does a great job with them. But there’s all that waiting in line. The boys like to do the little bitty kiddie park, the medium-size slides and the wave pool and lazy river. But they’re both at that age where they don’t like to have their life jackets on and/or sit in a tube. They want to swim like big kids, but they just can’t right now. And even if they could, it’s not a great idea to let anyone but adults swim freely in those things.

Gracie got real upset with me because I wouldn’t let her swim in the swim-up bar as you enter into Surfenberg. (Which, by the way – they’re upgrading that whole entrance, putting in resorts and a few big tube rides. It’s going to be awesome. But I hear it’s ~$1,200/night at minimum.) I had told her that we could do it at the beginning of the day, but by the time we left, it was just time to go. She got so upset, she wrote me a note:

Broke my heart.

Summer Vacation - Day 1

2011-07-07T07:57:00.000-05:00

Today was our travel day. We woke up early in the morning and rolled out about 7 AM. The kids slept almost the whole way. It was bliss.

We stopped at Herbert's along the way. Everyone loved it. The kids sopped it up. It was Kyle's first time there, too. He loved it.

When we got to New Braunfels, we unloaded, chilled for a bit, then went to Clear Springs. Fried everything and it was awesome.

The kids took forever to go to sleep tonight. And the adults stayed up laughing while playing Catchphrase. It's so nice to have everyone here - me, Steph, the kids, Kyle, Mom, Damon, Michelle, and Mark.

Summer Vacation - Day 2

2011-07-07T07:52:00.000-05:00

All Schlitterbahn, all day. We got there when it opened and left when it closed. With a 2 hour break in the middle of the day, which was the best decision that we could have made.

Gracie surfed at Surfenberg. She looked the part. I surfed, too, along with Mark and Steph. I was able to get up on my knees. And give a thumbs up to Mark, behind me in line. You know it.

Gracie also rode the Dragon ride with Steph. Then, she rode the Master Blaster ride with Michelle. Nothing scared her and she loved it all. She swam by herself, without her floaties, in the wave pool, the lazy river, and the pool with the lillypads and rope.

Max wanted to be just like her.

Nick was satisfied, in his own little world, floating where the water took him.

Summer Vacation - Day 3

2011-07-06T12:39:00.000-05:00

Here I am, writing the first post on the third day of vacation. To say this is hard to manage is an understatement, but I know how important it is. And how rich it will be in the future. So here we are, in New Braunfels for the family reunion. Last year, we skipped the reunion on account of Michelle and Damon's wedding. It's nice to have the two of them - as the Knights - here with us this year.

Right now, it's 12:18 and we haven't done much of anything today. I enacted Operation Toy Hunt earlier this morning to get some things for the kids to keep them busy today. The boys' first guns.

Gracie got a Ken doll. For her Barbie Pool that Nana gave her earlier in the week for her birthday.

Operation was a success. They've been occupied all morning. But I think we're all getting cabin fever. I know I am.

Now, the kids are outside getting their faces painted. Butterflys, Rainbows, and hopefully something manly like Superman. Or something.

That's pretty cool. They look tough and full of personality. All bad and stuff.

Nick needs to go potty. Now. Bye.

Gracie's Graduation

2011-05-30T07:14:00.000-05:00

And Gracie has graduated kindergarten. I just can't believe it.

Last Thursday night. 6:30 PM. It lasted about an hour. Kyle and mom came in for the occassion. YiaYia wanted to, but she's travelling in Paris. My dad couldn't come either. His last day of school was Friday.

I volunteered to do the slideshow for the entire class. It ended up being frustrating at times. Especially with everything else that is/was going on at work. It's just been crazy with new business pitches and doing just about everything under the sun. It didn't help that I was in NYC Monday - Wednesday before the graduation. In the end, though, it was a special task to undertake. I was able to see 29 kids' lives from birth to graduation kindergarten. It's such an important milestone and I'm just grateful that I was able to document it for all of the children and parents. I got very sentimental a few times with Gracie.

Gracie said a bible verse and actually sang on stage this time. Not by herself, but with all the others, which is a departure of her just looking around and acting shy on stage while everyone else sings - that's seemed to the habit up until now. She also won the Little Miss Sunshine Award which is awarded to the person who is gifted at cheering people up and always having a smile on her face.

She walked in by herself, all the way up to the stage, in her cap and gown and got her diploma.

I just can't believe that this time is here. The sobering realization that we can't any of the time - captured by 8 pictures of Gracie in the slideshow - before Thursday night back. It's a reminder to do whatever I can to be present while I'm with the family. Because I just can't get the time back. And it's just too precious.

I just can't believe it.

Gracie's Sunday

2011-05-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

Goodness gracious Gracie. That girl and her clothes. She got new pink flower sandals yesterday. We told her that she couldn't wear them to church this morning because it was cold and rainy. So, she didn't wear them. Until we got into the van where she had stashed them in her purse. We look down in church and see that she had changed into them. And there, in her purse were her mary janes. Oy vei.

After church, she said that she would get a sticker if she was able to recite the Lord's Prayer next Sunday. So we asked her if she knew it. And she started reciting it. She recited the whole thing with a little help from me and Steph. Already.

And then at dinner tonight, she started saying it, but left quite a bit out. We'll work on it.

Great Wolf Lodge

2011-05-01T21:20:00.000-05:00

We did the Lodge! Last Tuesday, we met Andrea,YiaYia and the cousins at GWL and spent a couple of days with them. It was such a great break. The highlights:

1. On Monday night when I told the kids I had a surprise for them, they waited with baited breath (Stephanie screaming from the other room, "Don't say it!!!). I wasn't going to. I told them, "Daddy's going to pick you up from school tomorrow." And they all screamed with joy and rolled on the bed together! It was an awesome moment.
2. They didn't know where we were going until we picked them up from school on Tuesday. Eventually, Gracie guessed it. She's a detective. Got her dad in her that way. I love it.
3. Gracie and Nick love the water and waterparks. Max not so much.
4. Gracie went down every single slide that she could, without fear. There were only two that she couldn't go down and she really wanted to. Nick went down all of them he could, which were only a couple. We basically threw Max down the same ones. He didn't voluntarily go on them again. He was just fine floating around the little kiddie area and climbing on and off the jetskis.
5. We didn't play the wand game and thank goodness (although I was fascinated w/ the technology). Kids were running up and down the different floors of the hotel doing this thing and I can't imagine what it would have been like wrangling our 3 doing that thing.
6. One night, two half days there is the perfect time. And it was great only having to drive 1 hour back home.
7. Downtown Grapevine is charming. Alot like downtown Wylie. We ate at Napolis. Great canolis. Everything else was just OK.

And we probably won't go back anytime soon. We came, we saw, we kicked it's butt.

Sigh

2011-04-06T20:40:00.001-05:00

Max punches.

Nick fusses.

Boys.

Big deal at the Dr.

2011-04-06T20:36:00.000-05:00

The boys peed in their cup today at the dr. office. No dripping. No mess. No nothing. All in a cup. 1st time they were ever asked to do that. Big deal.

Max weighs 33 lbs., 37 inches tall. Nick weighs 27 lbs, 36 inches tall.

Max is Bob W. Nick is Joe C.

The boys best phrase 2

2011-04-06T20:34:00.002-05:00

Max - "Look, I show you."

Nick - "I'm midah In-kwe-bul." (translation - "I'm Mr. Incredible.")

The boys best phrase 1

2011-04-06T20:33:00.001-05:00

Sitting in the car seat, buckled in, ready to get out:

"Buckle me out."

Typical Gracie

2011-04-06T20:32:00.000-05:00

Gracie: "Momma, um, I have something to tell you."
Steph: "Yes?"
Gracie: "I have so many nice things to wear in my closet that I don't even know what to pick out for tomorrow."
Steph: "Don't worry. I'll pick it out for you."
Gracie: "OK. Just don't pick out anything cute."
Steph: "?"
Gracie: "FANCY."

Happy #3

2011-03-18T22:28:00.002-05:00

My oh my. Just like that, February has come and gone and here we are at birthday #3 for the boys. It's difficult to believe that they are 3, but at the same time, they are so grown up that they ought to be 3. Our boys. Growing up. They are on the tail-end of potty training, they got big boy beds (bunk beds unbunked right now), they're becoming more and more independent each day. Even Nick.

This has all happened so quickly. It's what you hear when you have kids - they grow up quick and when you're living it every day, it feels anything but quick. However, the overall time goes by in a flash.

Today, on their 3rd birthday, we went to Heritage Farms in Plano, this little museum, outdoor area with animals and old houses. Gracie loved it. The boys were interested in it for about an hour. Then, I took Gracie to pick out presents for her brothers. She got each of them an apron (fitting because everyone except the boys have aprons), whiffletree ball baseball bats and balls, a precious book, some gummie worms and a balloon. Perfection.

Steph made them a sweet little chocolate cake that was a street/racetrack thing and they thought it was the best thing ever. Besides Gracie's presents, of course. We went outside and I taught them all how to swing a baseball bat. Awesome moment. Gracie and Max actually did really well for their first time. Nick wanted to swing on the swing more than anything.

It was a fun day.

You guys mean everything to us, you should know.

I love you with every bit of my being.

Happy birthday.

Our First Rodeo

2011-01-31T20:52:00.005-06:00

We went to the Ft. Worth Rodeo this past weekend with my cousin Jennifer Sue and her hubby Jesse. I thought it was really cool. First up was the actual rodeo. 2 hours of riding horses and roping cows. Gracie and the boys got bored. I actually liked it.

From the time she saw the cotton candy, Gracie wanted it. But we got there at 10 AM and would not give it to her until after lunch.

So, after the rodeo, we went to the petting zoo. Actually, everyone except dad and Max went to the petting zoo. Dad and Max went to the roller coaster.

He didn't know what to really think about it while we were riding, but he didn't cry. He didn't get scared. He just gripped the bar really tight. He was pretty happy when it was over.

By this time, we were 3 hours in (at least) and ready to eat. Plus, there were LOTS of people there and we were tired of fighting the crowds. And Gracie still wanted cotton candy. So, we had to get something to eat.

After lunch, we walked around the barns. Saw goats and baby piglets and baby ducks sliding down slides and baby chickens hatching from eggs. By that time, I was tired of pushing the double stroller through all the crowds and I was really ready to go. But we promised Gracie cotton candy. Steph and Jennifer found the candy apples on the way.

Then, Gracie finally got her cotton candy.

And then it was time to go.

Goodbye to a great Cearley

2011-01-30T15:10:00.000-06:00

On Sunday morning, January 16, we got a call from my dad giving us the news that our Grandaddy Mervyn had passed away. It was a long and tough road for him over the past 4-5 years, and his heart just couldn't keep it up any longer. We think he passed in his sleep, in peace and pain-free.

The day before was a blessed day, one that was filled with joy and love. My dad and Jeff and Nancy and grandmother spent the entire day with grandad, at his home, watching football, talking, laughing and carrying on just like any normal day. We are so thankful that he was able to spend his last day like that, with family, truly doing what he wanted to be doing in his favorite place of all - home.

We all drove up there for the funeral - 8 hours in the car with the kids wasn't as bad as we thought it would be - and stayed a couple of days. It was hard, for sure, seeing grandad like that, the first time in a few years. I was really disappointed that I hadn't taken the boys up to see him because he'd been asking me ever since they were born. We had planned to go up there this weekend for my grandmother's birthday (Friday). He just didn't make it until then. That will be one of my BIG regrets for the rest of my life.

It's a lesson in not being selfish. I'd always thought that it was such a long trip and that the kids would be a nightmare in the car for that long, but in the grand scheme of things, it would have been nothing (and really was nothing).

It was so nice to see all the family. We hadn't seen everyone in so long. It's just not right to let that much time slip away without seeing each other. We will make it a point to see everyone on that side of the family that we can see as often as we can. Mike & Jenny and Jennifer & Jesse just live an hour away from us in Coppell, so there's no excuse.

Grandaddy was THE Cearley man that I knew all my life. There are so many things about him that I have in my bones and all I can do is thank him for what makes me up and do the best I can to do it all right. I love you, Grandaddy.

My Take on Leadership

2011-01-17T21:43:00.000-06:00

Another one of my work posts. Every Friday, I write a series called Friday's 4-1-1, where I point out 4 of the best things I saw/of note during the week, followed by the the best of the best ("Uh-huh") and then the not-so-best ("Duh"). This was was titled Friday's 4-1-1, Leadership Style.

My daughter is 2 classes into taking ballet class and as a 5 year old, it’s less about the finer points of ballet and more about dressing up in tutus and dancing around the room with all the other little girls. She also has 2 younger brothers – twins, 2 1/2 years old – who do everything that she does, except participate in ballet, of course (although my wife has a hard time keeping them contained during this class.) We talk to her often about being a leader, particularly when the boys are rowdy and/or rough and/or tazmanian devils and when she chooses to be a leader, she doesn’t add to the mayhem, she helps stop it. This whole thing occurs many times during the week and sometimes she wants to be a leader and sometimes, she just wants to be a 5 year-old causing ruccus with her brothers.

Well, the moment of note, here in this story, happened a couple of nights ago in her ballet class. The teacher was trying to get all the girls to stand in an orderly fashion – in 1st Position – so they could practice moves one-at-a-time across the dance floor. Well, half of the class was bouncing off the walls, playing on the mats, and half of the class was running around the class, and my daughter was in the middle. And in this moment, she was confused because she was listening to the teacher, but what she was seeing out of one eye was mat playing, and out of the other eye was running around, and she didn’t know what to do. But in that one moment, she chose to be a leader and do what the teacher was asking, and wouldn’t you know it – one by one, the girls saw what she was doing and stopped what they were doing and got in 1st Position right behind her and there was a semblance of order restored to the class.

It just made my week. I think any parent, when you experience something like that, is overcome with a sense of pride and accomplishment. It really is great. But you know, it breaks being a leader down to a few simple components and that’s what I want to focus on in today’s Friday 4-1-1.

1. Choices in Moments - the littlest moments in our lives are often the ones that have the biggest impact. They define us more than we realize. In each of those moments, we have a choice to either lead or follow. I don’t believe that you always have to lead or you always have to follow, but there is always an active choice to make in those moments.

2. Leaders Model – it’s one thing to talk, it’s another thing to do. I’m a huge proponent of modeling and to me, there is no better way to exemplify leadership. Actions are key. How you act in those moments, when you make those choices, is just as important as the choices themselves. I always think that I have 100 eyes on me at all times. And then I ask myself, “what is it that they are seeing? And is that something I’m proud of?”

3. Active Awareness – I think the best leaders are aware of their decisions, their actions, and the consequences of both all the time. They might not know how everything is going to end up based on that one decision in that one moment in time, but they sure are aware of the immediate impact.

4. Nothing More Important than Grace – there is a right way to be a leader and a wrong way. Same can be said about being a follower. And in my opinion, it has nothing to do with skill. It’s all about grace. Being graceful in any situation, to me, is what separates great from good.

“Uh-huh” – this week, my team at work had a leadership moment. They were faced with something and in that moment when they had to decide how they were going to react and then act, they chose to band together and lead. And by choosing to do that individually, the team became united and really showed what leading is all about. They put the team above each of themselves. That’s another key to leading – selflessness. It makes you stronger.

“Duh” – leading is not all serious all the time, it’s meant to be fun. It’s OK to play on mats and run around the room. People can learn a lot from that, too. It shows that there is joy in your life and that you’re a person. And in the end, all leaders are just people.

This week, my daughter, and then my team, reminded me of how simple it is to be a leader. It’s not something that you have to work all your life to do. It can happen right now, in this very moment.

So, go on now.

A Joyous Start to the New Year

2011-01-09T20:13:00.000-06:00

So, first post of the year on the 9th - could be worse I suppose. I had every intention of posting on the 1st, then the 2nd, then it all got away from me. It's felt like 9 weeks since the beginning of the year, not 9 days.

ccb ghd - I stepped away from the computer, and Miss Gracie wanted to start poking on the keyboard, so this is her contribution, "ccb ghd."

We sat down to talk about our resolutions on New Years Day and it was actually a short reflection time and conversation. The resolutions are pretty simple - continue being wise about our money, spend more time with our kids, and make smart decisions. Finding a church home is high on the list, too.

Our Christmas decorations are still up - 9 days into the New Year - and work is a killer - just a week back - but we have experienced some nice joys in this brand new year.

Gracie started ballerina class this past Thursday. Santa brought her a ballerina outfit and lined up classes for her, paving the way for the first ever organized class-of-the-arts for any of the kids. Although it was hard to get any pictures of her in action, wrangling th boys, too, Steph was able to capture the moment before the class.

And as you can see, by the running - or dancing - off to the right, she was pretty active in her first class.

When I got home from work that night, she did a performance for me and she knew all the moves. Instead of her running around doing free-form dancing (like she's always done), she actually had a little structure this time. Alot of structure, really. She picked it up real good for a first timer. I think she's going to be a wonderful dancer.

Then, today, we experienced our first snow of the season. It's something that we knew about late last week and anticipated all weekend. It was supposed to rain all night last night and then get cold enough to turn to snow by the morning. We all woke up like it was Christmas morning, wanting to run to the window and see snow on the ground. But all we saw was rain. It just wasn't cold enough.

After church, we walked out and there it was! So, the kids wanted to do nothing but play in it, but there really wasn't enough on the ground to do anything other than get them real wet. It kept snowing though, and after nap (at least Gracie's nap), there was plenty. Steph took her over to the Schwarte's (Alecia was put on bedrest this past week and hasn't been a very good patient - Steph went over to keep her company and make sure she didn't do anything.) The kids played in the backyard and built snowmen.

(That's Jackson and Katie along with Gracie.) Steph even bundled up to help.

I love that Gracie can experience snow like this - even if it is just a little - while she's young. That's one thing that we miss about New York - exposing our kids to things like snow. All the other stuff, not so much.

Steph's Nouna is coming in town next week, so all in all, it's shaping up to be quite a beginning of the year. I just pray that we're as blessed this year as we have been in the past.

One Final One in 2010

2010-12-31T23:18:00.001-06:00

There have been posts that I've written for my work blog that I have posted here. Few and far between, but I recently wrote one that I wanted to share here. Here you go, as it was written on my work blog:

For the next 15 days, I’m going to participate in Reverb 10. It’s an open online initiative that encourages participants to reflect on this year and manifest what’s next. It’s an opportunity to retreat and consider the reverberations of your year past, and those that you’d like to create in the year ahead. We’re connected by the belief that sharing our stories has the power to change us.

Today’s Prompt – FUTURE SELF: Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead?

The first thing that popped into my head this morning after reading today’s prompt was Desiderata. It’s a favorite of mine. There are so many things that are right in line with my thinking and beliefs – it just speaks to me. I always find it refreshing when I look back over it periodically, and what I find is that it always grounds my perspective. Do you have something like this that keeps you grounded?
Today’s prompt calls me to write my own version of Desiderata. So, here you go, the advice for myself….
——–
Maintain and grow the relationships you’ve built up over the past year and pay special attention to your long-lasting relationships. Those need just as much nurturing as new relationships, sometimes even more. Know that those who you can call friends are special and not to be taken for granted or advantage of. You are only part of this. Do your job. Nurturing is active. It’s not a passive exercise. And it’s not a standard message & click.

Aim to be kind to all those you come into contact with. For most of those people, you’ll only have that one moment in time to leave your impact on them. Make it a positive one.

Breathe. Before speaking. Collect your thoughts. Stand in your power.

Knowledge is precious. In everything, you have an opportunity to teach or learn. Recognize this and as much as you can, do one or the other. You are doing a disservice to you and those around you if you do not.

Be gracious.

Slow down. Smell the roses, even when there are no roses to smell. The machine that you’re a part of is a magnificent one and it will keep running if you take a moment to recognize where you are and how you got there. Without looking around, you will not see the beauty in what you’re responsible for. Do not rest, though, because the machine keeps running. And there is always someone else who thinks they can keep it running faster, better, more efficient, and more powerful than you.

Take care of your business always. Commitments are made to be kept. They’re tied to your word. Don’t minimize those words because they’re important. Follow them up with action. Consistent. Persistent. Relentless. This is critical.

The world is a balancing act and your world is no different. Know your limits and boundaries. Your sacrifices have consequences, big and small. You must be OK with them.

Don’t lose sight of your passions or your dreams. Both are unique to you and once they’re gone, it’s almost impossible to get them back. Keep them burning however you need to – write, read, talk, create – this flame cannot go out.

Remember that faith enables real magic to happen. Continue pushing and taking risks and know that you can’t control everything. Sometimes shutting your eyes is all you can do to let everything take its course.

Most of all, do not forget that life is a joy, even though it most often feels like job. Don’t take yourself so seriously. You are a speck. Laugh. Smile. Pay attention to others doing the same.

And know, in your heart, that all will be good.

New Year's Eve

2010-12-31T23:11:00.000-06:00

New Year's Eve and we're in bed at 11:10. It's late.

We spent the evening with the Schwarte's. They're so great. I love having close friends who are in the same life-stage as us, living a minute a way from our house, and wanting to spent special times with us like New Year's Eve.

It sure was nice. We have lots to be thankful for this year. We can only hope that 2011 is as good to us as 2010 was.

And maybe I'll blog more.