X-mas Fun

It was a fun year for Christmas this go. Both boys really had a good idea of what Christmas and Santa were all about. We even got to sing Christmas Carols with the boys. It was fun driving to the various celebrations singing Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls over and over and over again. Our Youngest was especially excited. After every package he opened, he exclaimed in the most excited voice, "Oh! Just what I always wanted!" It was awesome. Oh! Just what I always wanted! Hey, I think I heard the reindeer last night on the roof! Feeding the reindeer magic corn. Dad? Do you hear the sleigh bells too?

Mr Gentleman and the Lovebug

Around 2:30 this morning, HL came into our room and said he was scared. "Will you please come sleep in our room, mom?" Normally, I would say no, but Hubby is really sick and I figured he would probably sleep better by himself anyway. So I agreed. "Thanks mom!" And off he goes... ... only to return a minute later: "would you like help getting up?" My little gentleman. Shortly after waking up, but before climbing out of AW's bed, I wrapped my arm around him and whispered "I love you." Then started removing my arm to get out of bed. AW quickly grabs my arm, and wraps it as tight as possible around his chest. "I want you to stay here with me forever." "Because I like you, mom."

Money. Who needs it?! Part 2

We are getting into a real routine of being broke now and I have to admit that I am really surprised by how many things the average person considers to be necessities that are actually luxuries. And not needed at all. What's even more surprising to me is that it's all okay. Yes, there is terrible stress surrounding bills and such, but being broke, in and of itself, is not all that bad. I am finding that one becomes more focused on what's important. It's ironic, but I almost feel that money loses its luster the less you have (to a point, of course). I noticed the opposite of that as a teenager babysitting: the rich parents always paid less than the rest, as though they get taken over by the money. They have to have more more more! The one thing that does make me sad right now, though, is the fact that I can't do any Christmas shopping. One of the best parts of Christmas is finding gifts for people. I love the atmosphere, the challenge, the thrill of finding the perfect gift for someone. And I miss that.

Wrestling Update I

Here's a wrestling update: HL did indeed go to the next wrestling practice... however... he did not participate in it. At all. He stayed right in front of me and occasionally mirrored the warm-ups. Oh, I was frustrated. It angers me when he doesn't try. But I told myself that the last practice was a little scary, he just needed some time. The following practice began much as the previous one. He had convinced himself to just do some warm-ups right by mom on the sidelines. Fine. At least he was doing something. It was when the kids were all in their great big circle doing stretches that it really got cute- with each stretch, HL inched just the tiniest bit closer to the circle. By the final one, he was- get this- actually a part of the practice! I was thrilled. For the wrestling portion of it, he tried, but it was apparent that the other kids have been wrestling longer. But, he stuck in there. And on the way to the car, he told me how excited he was for his first meet. Yes! The bug had gotten him! He liked wrestling! At the next practice, he jumped right in there for warm-ups and excitedly waved to me each time he jogged by. And during live wrestling (at the end, they get to wrestle as though at a meet), I could see that he was really putting some effort into it. Yes, he got pinned a lot, but he always jumped right up and immediately faced his partner for the next round. At this point, I was bursting. This is exactly what I had hoped for. It was pure joy for me to see. Then, it was time for the team photos to be taken. HL got a team singlet (thank you mom and dad!!!!) for his photos and was absolutely ECSTATIC! He eagerly stood in line for photos and posed like a true wrestler. ( I can not wait to see these photos!) He insisted on keeping his singlet on so he could show it off to daddy when he got home. And in the car, HL exclaimed "now I'm a complete wrestler!" Oh, he was in heaven. It was this last practice we attended that has left me absolutely frustrated and confused.... We arrived at the gym, struggled with his too-big (but free!) wrestling shoes for several minutes, only to have HL absolutely refuse to participate again- and I thought I was frustrated the first time he pulled this- HA! This, right here, is something that vexes me to the hilt. I just get so worked up when my son won't apply himself. Watching him, I believe it stems from a fear of failure or embarrassment. He will often wait and watch until he is confident he can perform well and then will hesitantly join in. If he is bested, he just gives up. When we got home, his dad told him how not participating was actually the worst thing he could have done. That when you find yourself in a situation where other people know more, or perform better than you, you have to try harder. Practice even MORE. Never give up! So, as the next practice looms closer, I wonder what will be the best strategy; should I just go with him and hope he joins in? Or do I drop him off so that he doesn't have the safety of mom? (check back soon for more on this subject)