We live in the age of technology right? It is supposed to make life easier, make us more social, more efficient...more happy too, right?
I don't think so.
I heard a statistic on the radio, "They have found that if you have ____ number of "friends" on facebook you are more likely to be depressed." Guess...700, 1,000?
No...just 300 friends. If you have a facebook account and you aren't either of my parents than you probably have more than 300 friends - it's not that hard. And I can see why the statistic has some weight to it. They stated the reasons being that you are constantly viewing what others are doing in their lives - usually positive and wonderful things that they want everyone to know about. Very few people post horrible or boring activities (well a lot of my facebook friends seem to) but there are a ton of "my husband just bought me a dozen roses," "Date night," "I just bought a new car," "Had the best girls night out with my favorite friends." I guess reading that everyday from 300 people would make a person a little blue.
But it's not just facebook that has got me thinking. It's texting. The new form of carrying on a friendship.
Now a-days when you see someone (I mean actually see the person in real life in front of you) they will often start in with, "did you read what I posted on facebook? or if not they will start the conversation out with asking you about something you posted concerning your crazy dog or sick kid last week. But lets say you don't see the person - because honestly how many of us actually SEE any of our friends that often? Then you do what everyone in the country does...you text them.
Texting is the new way to communicate. Letter writing? I'm sorry what is that? Does anyone even buy stamps anymore? Then there is e-mailing - that is usually resorted to for "catching up" or "letting someone know what you really think about them at the moment" but for staying in touch with friends on a daily/weekly basis...it comes down to texting.
No one calls anymore. You have a thought pop in your head about someone...text them.
You got a quick question...text them.
You want to let a friend know you miss them...text them - God forbid you actually dial their number and push send to make an actual voice connection and let them HEAR that you miss them - no, you write in shorthand, "tnking abt u. Need to get 2gather soon - call me!" and push send message. And it goes back and forth a few times until a child needs you or the stop light turns green or the doctor calls you back to the room. And life continues.
I confess there have been times in my life where I had a quite moment (literally a moment) and I picked up my phone and texted multiple friends telling them I missed them, wondering how they were, reminding them we should make time to talk. Then waited excitedly for the bing of my phone to show that someone out there was taking the time to write a quick note back in agreement. What a pitiful social life.
My theory is that people will soon forget how to have conversations. We will begin to talk in shorthand and not know how to make eye contact. We will just resort to sitting around a dinner table and texting each other. It's quicker right and then everyone can say what they want without having to wait too long for anyone else to talk. Get to the point...not too many details...
It's sad. It can be lonely I humbly admit. I miss long conversations with girlfriends on the phone or more importantly sitting around a table at McDonalds and talking while the kids ran around the playground. We are growing up I guess...life is getting too busy...and besides we always have technology to stay in touch.
Feb 27, 2012
Feb 13, 2012
Pinterest Addiction
Pinterest is my new addiction. Yes, I found this idea for Valentines cards on it and for less than $1.50 I made Elizabeth's class cards (with just her and the giant heart)!
Since coming down from my high of taking statistics - well that was a low but completing it and getting an A was a high- I have found myself this semester twiddling my fingers. DON'T ROLL YOUR EYES!
Yes, I still have things to do like teach preschool, taxi cab boys around town after school, play princess with Sister Girl, be our housecleaner and cook and most importantly cheer lead my husband on while he trudges through his diseration!
But I have lost the "important" feeling I had last semester - and so I'm twiddling my fingers. I can't help it that I have my mother's genes in me. We don't know how to sit still! Seriously...
So, I have discovered Pinterest. I waited until I received my final grade in December before logging on. I knew I wouldn't have enough will power to withstand the pull of craftiness from fellow peers. I'm glad I did so.
Since entering the world of Pinterest I have spent an entire month (every night for hours on end including all day Saturdays) to paint and glue bead board onto my kitchen cabnets. See picture below...
Let me say I couldn't have done it without the help of my husband, his saw and his caulking skills. I LOVE my kitchen now!!!!
I have also made a picture frame weekly schedule, a weekly menu to hang on the wall, learned to fix my hair in new and crazy ways, baked home made crescent rolls for the first time along with other new receipes, completed preschool crafts with my 3 year olds that are adorable, among many other things!
I have a list of projects now to keep me occupied at night. From organizing my cabnets, making book holders for each child's bed, modgepoding scrapbook paper on my electric outlet covers, fixing my hair in cute little twists and braids, sewing Sister Girl the latest dress (well I would need to know how to operate my sewing maching to do that one), cook 1,000 meals, and about 500,000 preschool craft ideas I don't think I will be twiddling my fingers for a long time.
Not to say I want to fill my time reorganzing my life forever but at least until I can register for A & P sometime in the future I hope it will keep my brain busy!
Long live Pinterest!
Feb 8, 2012
Blessed or Victim?
Something about Wal-mart brings out the worst in sister girl and me.
I recently was at a Mothers of Preschoolers' meeting where there was a panel of married couples - seasoned ones I might add. They were giving us advice on our marriages and well everything else they felt led to tell us about.
This one woman started the show by saying, "After reading most of your questions I see a common theme here...you mothers look at yourselves as victims! Well let me tell you that you are not victims - you are BLESSED to have these children!" She went on to give some wonderful advice and charges to us moms (who were covered in grape juice, baby spit and had bags under our eyes)to buck up...get the dads more involved...and keep charging on!
I felt empowered from her speech until I went back to Wal-mart with Sister Girl today. Then my balloon popped and well I was back to being a victim!
About two or three months ago I took Elizabeth to the toy section of Wal-mart in search of a prize Barbee. The reward for successful potty training had been long anticipated. I of course made the mistake of all mistakes (and this is my third child....I'm losing it folks) - I told her "to pick out a Barbee" amongst the row of hundreds of Barbee's and hundreds of price differences. I had in mind that she would of course pick one of the few I was so cleverly pointing out to her under $10 but that isn't how Sister Girl's mind works. NO, she quickly fell in love with the most expensive doll on the aisle.
Long story short...we left Wal-mart by way of me carrying her out the store by the walk of shame - football hold - screaming "I WANT THAT DOLL!" It was the most horrific experience of my life...MY LIFE I tell you!!!!!! We still talk about that experience at Wal-mart where "you acted so terrible screaming through the store and momma was sooo mad at you!" Oh, she hasn't forgotten that day!
We have since been to Wal-mart and Kroger and Target without any fiasco's but I knew she was just saving up for me. And today was the day.
I was thinking about what a blessing my children were...all three of them...as they were in tow after school pick up. I only had to pick up some pictures - in and out - nothing to it. But then I got side tracked by the Valentine cards.
"Do you boys want to pick out some cards now?" I so sweetly asked them - MISTAKE #1.
Then after the lingering around the red heart pillows was too much for her, Sister Girl pleaded with me to get out of the buggy. She SWORE she would stay right by me and just LOOK! - MISTAKE #2.
It wasn't long before those red heart pillows got boring and she was ready to move on to bigger, redder and shinier objects in Wal-mart! And so the stand-off began.
Just imagine the next three minutes with me squatted down muttering expletives under my breath while smiling an evil "step mother/witch like smile" at the sweet little girl with the big bow tip toeing backwards away from me. With every inch I took closer to her she would get her arms up and feet ready to start a mile dash through the store.
For some reason the following threats don't work in a store...
"If you don't get back over here now I'm going to get you!"
"Young lady I will count to three and you had better walk back to me!"
"You are going to regret it if you run away from me!"
Then you start to get a little crazy (the teenage redneck girls laughing behind your back don't make the situation any better...nor does your eight year old son, oblivious to you crawling on the wal-mart floor trying to sneak up to your 3 year old daughter and catch her pant legs before she flees, who persistently asks you which valentines girls would like better!)and words come out like this...
"When I get you girl you will wish you had stayed in that cart!"
"I'm gonna take you into that bathroom and make you wish you hadn't stepped foot past those glitter heart pillows!"
All in the name of discipline and love mind you...and all knowing that I wouldn't dare lay a hand on my sweet child - in public - I JUST WANT HER BACK IN THE CART!
Well needless to say I entertained quite a few spectators and mortified her 10 year old brother. I won the stare down, lured her back to the cart where I pulled my mother's trick of taking all my frustration out through my hands with her famous "squeeze the legs (or arms or chin) maneuver" and placed a very pouty Sister Girl on my hip where I could manhandle her all the way to the photos and out the door!
So...blessed or victim? I'll have to think about that one...
Side Note:
I KNOW I am blessed beyond words - and I KNOW I'm no victim of my children - but I also KNOW that Wal-mart, Sister Girl and me don't make for a feel good parenting experience!
I recently was at a Mothers of Preschoolers' meeting where there was a panel of married couples - seasoned ones I might add. They were giving us advice on our marriages and well everything else they felt led to tell us about.
This one woman started the show by saying, "After reading most of your questions I see a common theme here...you mothers look at yourselves as victims! Well let me tell you that you are not victims - you are BLESSED to have these children!" She went on to give some wonderful advice and charges to us moms (who were covered in grape juice, baby spit and had bags under our eyes)to buck up...get the dads more involved...and keep charging on!
I felt empowered from her speech until I went back to Wal-mart with Sister Girl today. Then my balloon popped and well I was back to being a victim!
About two or three months ago I took Elizabeth to the toy section of Wal-mart in search of a prize Barbee. The reward for successful potty training had been long anticipated. I of course made the mistake of all mistakes (and this is my third child....I'm losing it folks) - I told her "to pick out a Barbee" amongst the row of hundreds of Barbee's and hundreds of price differences. I had in mind that she would of course pick one of the few I was so cleverly pointing out to her under $10 but that isn't how Sister Girl's mind works. NO, she quickly fell in love with the most expensive doll on the aisle.
Long story short...we left Wal-mart by way of me carrying her out the store by the walk of shame - football hold - screaming "I WANT THAT DOLL!" It was the most horrific experience of my life...MY LIFE I tell you!!!!!! We still talk about that experience at Wal-mart where "you acted so terrible screaming through the store and momma was sooo mad at you!" Oh, she hasn't forgotten that day!
We have since been to Wal-mart and Kroger and Target without any fiasco's but I knew she was just saving up for me. And today was the day.
I was thinking about what a blessing my children were...all three of them...as they were in tow after school pick up. I only had to pick up some pictures - in and out - nothing to it. But then I got side tracked by the Valentine cards.
"Do you boys want to pick out some cards now?" I so sweetly asked them - MISTAKE #1.
Then after the lingering around the red heart pillows was too much for her, Sister Girl pleaded with me to get out of the buggy. She SWORE she would stay right by me and just LOOK! - MISTAKE #2.
It wasn't long before those red heart pillows got boring and she was ready to move on to bigger, redder and shinier objects in Wal-mart! And so the stand-off began.
Just imagine the next three minutes with me squatted down muttering expletives under my breath while smiling an evil "step mother/witch like smile" at the sweet little girl with the big bow tip toeing backwards away from me. With every inch I took closer to her she would get her arms up and feet ready to start a mile dash through the store.
For some reason the following threats don't work in a store...
"If you don't get back over here now I'm going to get you!"
"Young lady I will count to three and you had better walk back to me!"
"You are going to regret it if you run away from me!"
Then you start to get a little crazy (the teenage redneck girls laughing behind your back don't make the situation any better...nor does your eight year old son, oblivious to you crawling on the wal-mart floor trying to sneak up to your 3 year old daughter and catch her pant legs before she flees, who persistently asks you which valentines girls would like better!)and words come out like this...
"When I get you girl you will wish you had stayed in that cart!"
"I'm gonna take you into that bathroom and make you wish you hadn't stepped foot past those glitter heart pillows!"
All in the name of discipline and love mind you...and all knowing that I wouldn't dare lay a hand on my sweet child - in public - I JUST WANT HER BACK IN THE CART!
Well needless to say I entertained quite a few spectators and mortified her 10 year old brother. I won the stare down, lured her back to the cart where I pulled my mother's trick of taking all my frustration out through my hands with her famous "squeeze the legs (or arms or chin) maneuver" and placed a very pouty Sister Girl on my hip where I could manhandle her all the way to the photos and out the door!
So...blessed or victim? I'll have to think about that one...
Side Note:
I KNOW I am blessed beyond words - and I KNOW I'm no victim of my children - but I also KNOW that Wal-mart, Sister Girl and me don't make for a feel good parenting experience!
Jan 7, 2012
"Oh, to turn back time."
I grew up with them. Nate grew up with them. It's part of being American for crying out loud. We held out as long as we could. The silent thought between both of us was, "our kids are too much work as it is!" Then Elizabeth turned three and the boys kept begging. So we gave in...oh, if I could turn back time!
I put out feelers and got more advice on "finding the right dog" than I cared for. Asking dog lovers for opinions on their furry friends is like asking Democrats and Republicans why their side is better for America.
In true Sarah fashion I jumped at the first free puppy I could find that of course reminded me of my favorite delicacy - chocolate. A friend of a friend...only three hours drive...and the puppy was said to be the 'calmest of the bunch.' Oh, if I could turn back time!
I would compare getting a puppy with birthing a toddler at the terrible twos, so you fall in love at first sight(when they are all shy and reserved) and then 24 hours later their little personalities come right out (as they feel so welcome in your quiet and orderly home)and you begin to think twice about the whole situation.
Now I KNOW we are in the puppy stages! I KNOW! I KNOW! I KNOW! But.....
I never expected our puppy to be a flesh eating piranha. I never expected our puppy to attack my children and rip their pants apart instead of chase the ball being thrown. I never expected our puppy to get some weird parasite (CALLED THE MANGE) and chew all of her hair off!
But...we live and learn...well, rather we cave in to our children's pleadings and empty promises (I PROMISE I will clean up the dog's poop mom! And I PROMISE to play with the puppy everyday without being asked mom!) and then we learn (when people look at you with a twitch in their eye and say with gritted teeth, "Of course a dog is something you have to do for your children at some point...you will love it..." we should pick up on those nonverbal cues better).
Yes, Bella (that is the attack dog's name) has her super sweet moments - usually when no small children are present. Yes, my chocolate lab/Aussie mix has great potential (for a shark impressionist). And yes, my fuzzy, long eared, no tail canine can fetch a ball and then quickly turn on you to fetch your pants, rip them off at the cuff and run away leaving you naked before you can say "heel".
Though it was the boys who begged and pleaded for a dog it is Sister Girl who has taken to her the most. I think the small, fuzzy, ball of cuteness had something to do with it at first - or the fact that someone in the house was now smaller than her and she could boss (or so you thought) it around. Of course within a matter of weeks the puppy is now able to stand up and hug Elizabeth around the neck (then knock her off her feet and try to chew her face off). This doesn't phase my tough girl one bit - after letting out some screams of terror she quickly scolds Bella and tries again to force a tutu around the puppy's head.
The boys too are coming around. Eli is getting quicker at running up the slide out of reach of Bella's fangs but also getting bolder at saying 'no' at a more audible command than before. Ian has taken to teaching her to sit and stay for treats (and I wondered why our puppy was growing at an astronomical rate).
We did break down and spend a preschool's day wages on the dog whisperer to come to our house (we were at a low point)so she could show us how to be the Alpha Male - too bad Nate and I are competing for this position so as not to be eaten on a daily basis. But the bell on the back door has worked (Bella rings this to let us know she needs to go out and relieve herself) and well...yeah, that bell works real well. Oh, to turn back time.
I'm sure I will have many adventures with Bella now as she has somehow made her way into our hearts and become our 4th child (yes, waking us up at the crack of dawn and begging to be played with; making us schedule our activities to come home and relieve her from her kennel; and begging friends and neighbors to 'babysit' her when we go out of town for the day).
At least I can say I am now giving my children a complete American childhood, right? Oh, to turn back time...
Nov 16, 2011
I had three years before life returned to normal...
Three years ago in October I told myself these very words, "Sarah (I like to call myself by name - it feels more personal)you have three years to get through this and after that your life will return to what you know as normal!"
Yep...three years of starting over with the baby thing. Leaky boobs, sleepless nights, building arm muscles from toting a baby carrier then a toddler. Three years of rocking, soothing, feeding another person at the table, not talking to your friends at restaurants, buckling car seats, bathing, buying diapers. Three years of self-sacrifice! You can do this!
And I have!
Sister Girl is now 3! And I am patting myself on the back and taking a sigh of relief. It has been quite fun, challenging, exciting, dramatic and scary!
But now life is calming down. I have officially changed my last poopy diaper (from a child I birthed that is); no more feeding children (although you will still find me on occasion shoving food down Elizabeth's mouth); I can sit at a restaurant with friends and have a conversation (even if there will be an inch of chips crushed under our feet and a few staring customers); I can have wonderful conversations with all three of my children now (including "my left ear hurts!" - always a joy to know).
So to celebrate this milestone in the Callender household we allowed Sister Girl a real Princess birthday party. And thanks to my mom who swooped in on a work related trip to Nashville I had motivation to decorate over the top and plenty of extra party favors (you gotta love grandparents!).
And this is what happened...
Short and sweet - packed full of "preschool" games (Pin the crown on the Princess, Prince - Prince - Princess (duck, duck, goose), Pass the Glass slipper, and hide and go seek the missing royal items). All the little princesses had a wonderful time and Elizabeth only screamed at one child when she tried to take her present away after opening it.
Happy Birthday to my sweet Sister Girl! It has been quite a ride the last 3 years and I look forward to many more...
Yep...three years of starting over with the baby thing. Leaky boobs, sleepless nights, building arm muscles from toting a baby carrier then a toddler. Three years of rocking, soothing, feeding another person at the table, not talking to your friends at restaurants, buckling car seats, bathing, buying diapers. Three years of self-sacrifice! You can do this!
And I have!
Sister Girl is now 3! And I am patting myself on the back and taking a sigh of relief. It has been quite fun, challenging, exciting, dramatic and scary!
But now life is calming down. I have officially changed my last poopy diaper (from a child I birthed that is); no more feeding children (although you will still find me on occasion shoving food down Elizabeth's mouth); I can sit at a restaurant with friends and have a conversation (even if there will be an inch of chips crushed under our feet and a few staring customers); I can have wonderful conversations with all three of my children now (including "my left ear hurts!" - always a joy to know).
So to celebrate this milestone in the Callender household we allowed Sister Girl a real Princess birthday party. And thanks to my mom who swooped in on a work related trip to Nashville I had motivation to decorate over the top and plenty of extra party favors (you gotta love grandparents!).
And this is what happened...
Short and sweet - packed full of "preschool" games (Pin the crown on the Princess, Prince - Prince - Princess (duck, duck, goose), Pass the Glass slipper, and hide and go seek the missing royal items). All the little princesses had a wonderful time and Elizabeth only screamed at one child when she tried to take her present away after opening it.
Happy Birthday to my sweet Sister Girl! It has been quite a ride the last 3 years and I look forward to many more...
Nov 9, 2011
The countdown begins
December is fast approaching...and no that doesn't mean a countdown to Christmas (although delightful as it is) but rather a countdown to when I'm over the hill...over the bump rather...(okay, all those friends of mine who are older just go ahead and roll your eyes now)the bump of 35.
Yes, I'm one of those women who contrary to popular belief couldn't wait to be older. I have always longed for the next big birthday whether it was 10 (2 digits), 13 (teenager), 16 (could drive), 18 (well, yes I could go to Century 21- the night club in the middle of the cotton fields of West Tn.- good times, good times) and then I'm sorry to say 21 for obvious reasons. Then I graduated college and got married and not long after had a baby so I couldn't wait to be 30 so I was no longer considered "young". Once 30 came and went I looked forward to turning 35 b/c then I wasn't lumped with the "young 30 year olds" but rather could be in the mature and wise category (quit laughing at me)!
But now all that is over...I'm at the top of this tall roller coaster that I have been trying to reach for so long and I see the clouds and I see miles and miles of land stretched out before me but wait...I...have...to...start...falling...down...the hill! (oh my goodness this sounds so dramatic - y'all know I'm chuckling to myself as I write this).
What will happen as I race down this roller coaster?
And then I realized I will just have to climb yet another steep hill- full of more adventures. I now have 3 kids who can use the bathroom by themselves, eat by themselves, almost brush their teeth and hair by themselves-yes, my 8 year old still needs assistance =). I am for the first time planning for my future and what I want to do with my life beyond mothering. I am facing this next birthday and the next five years as a time I will truly be in the running for a new me.
When will I reach the top of this next big hill on the roller coaster? 40! You got it! But hopefully as I'm dramatically crying over starting a new decade in life I will be finishing college with a new degree and the beginning of a new career - I will have a son in high school learning to drive and God forbid dating...I will have another one in Jr. High and my sweet sister girl will be settled into elementary school.
We had our first night of a college host family with two young men from Nate's department who came over. I cooked everything I could find in my freezer and threw in a homemade apple pie and gallon of milk and nervously waited for them to arrive with my rug rats running around the house and finishing up homework.
Of course they were the cutest young men - looked like both of them stepped out of a GQ magazine but boy were they young. When I asked what year they graduated from high school the more talkative one said "last year!" all proud of himself and the other boldly stated "2008...I'm an old man" - oh dear me...I'm so old I thought as I chuckled out loud.
They called me ma'am and complimented my cooking while they talked about air planes with Nate and played video games with the boys (and sister girl somehow ended up shirtless and dancing around the living room...blowing kisses to them when they walked out the door - I better keep my eye on that one). I realized that yep, I'm older now. I'm now where I so longed to be for so many years of my life.
I am mature (although I admit there is always more maturing one can go through) - I am slowly gaining wisdom - I am experienced in the ups and downs of life - I am at a place where I can sit back and love on my family but have enough life under my belt to partner with Nate and love on some strangers who might just need a little extra attention in their own lives.
And even though I'm called Ma'am, I have about 43 wrinkles around my eyes when I smile real big, I don't get carded when I buy a bottle of wine and I'm staring down 40...I guess I kind of like it.
Yes, I'm one of those women who contrary to popular belief couldn't wait to be older. I have always longed for the next big birthday whether it was 10 (2 digits), 13 (teenager), 16 (could drive), 18 (well, yes I could go to Century 21- the night club in the middle of the cotton fields of West Tn.- good times, good times) and then I'm sorry to say 21 for obvious reasons. Then I graduated college and got married and not long after had a baby so I couldn't wait to be 30 so I was no longer considered "young". Once 30 came and went I looked forward to turning 35 b/c then I wasn't lumped with the "young 30 year olds" but rather could be in the mature and wise category (quit laughing at me)!
But now all that is over...I'm at the top of this tall roller coaster that I have been trying to reach for so long and I see the clouds and I see miles and miles of land stretched out before me but wait...I...have...to...start...falling...down...the hill! (oh my goodness this sounds so dramatic - y'all know I'm chuckling to myself as I write this).
What will happen as I race down this roller coaster?
And then I realized I will just have to climb yet another steep hill- full of more adventures. I now have 3 kids who can use the bathroom by themselves, eat by themselves, almost brush their teeth and hair by themselves-yes, my 8 year old still needs assistance =). I am for the first time planning for my future and what I want to do with my life beyond mothering. I am facing this next birthday and the next five years as a time I will truly be in the running for a new me.
When will I reach the top of this next big hill on the roller coaster? 40! You got it! But hopefully as I'm dramatically crying over starting a new decade in life I will be finishing college with a new degree and the beginning of a new career - I will have a son in high school learning to drive and God forbid dating...I will have another one in Jr. High and my sweet sister girl will be settled into elementary school.
We had our first night of a college host family with two young men from Nate's department who came over. I cooked everything I could find in my freezer and threw in a homemade apple pie and gallon of milk and nervously waited for them to arrive with my rug rats running around the house and finishing up homework.
Of course they were the cutest young men - looked like both of them stepped out of a GQ magazine but boy were they young. When I asked what year they graduated from high school the more talkative one said "last year!" all proud of himself and the other boldly stated "2008...I'm an old man" - oh dear me...I'm so old I thought as I chuckled out loud.
They called me ma'am and complimented my cooking while they talked about air planes with Nate and played video games with the boys (and sister girl somehow ended up shirtless and dancing around the living room...blowing kisses to them when they walked out the door - I better keep my eye on that one). I realized that yep, I'm older now. I'm now where I so longed to be for so many years of my life.
I am mature (although I admit there is always more maturing one can go through) - I am slowly gaining wisdom - I am experienced in the ups and downs of life - I am at a place where I can sit back and love on my family but have enough life under my belt to partner with Nate and love on some strangers who might just need a little extra attention in their own lives.
And even though I'm called Ma'am, I have about 43 wrinkles around my eyes when I smile real big, I don't get carded when I buy a bottle of wine and I'm staring down 40...I guess I kind of like it.
Oct 19, 2011
Actions speak louder then words
I'm running like crazy around here...studying (I am half way through the class from H*LL and I have an A!!!); baking 4 dozen cupcakes for Fall Festival; teaching 3 year olds about cowboys, rattlesnakes and prairie dogs; raising a 10 year old boy who wants to shower all the time, an 8 year old boy who likes to tell me my breath stinks when I kiss him good night, and a soon to be 3 year old "princess" who threw my first ever experienced Wal-Mart Holy Terror Tantrum (as in..."I want a BARBEEEEE" all the way through Wally World out to the van and continuing to our house 15 minutes later where I finally let out my breath and beat...I mean taught sister girl that Momma Don't Put Up With That Kind Of Mess!) I am smiling now don't worry about me...
But amongst all of this we in the Callender household have learned a very real lesson in life and love and compassion---
My husband shaved his wonderful head of hair because of this sweet little ten year old boy, Preston. Preston is on Nate's soccer team and he is fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He is currently going through chemo but yet still wants to play soccer each Saturday. And when his hair started to fall out and his mother told Nate about Preston's anxiety over being around the other boys on the team well you know what my husband said.
It was the night before the game when Preston would show up with his shaved head (because in deed his hair was starting to fall out) and Nate went out into the back yard and started buzzing it off. I joined him with a mirror and some extra batteries and we had fun making Mohawks and taking pictures before it all came off.
The boys were a little shocked to say the least but Sister Girl thought it was hilarious. Preston walked up to Nate the next morning and said, "You look funny!" And then the next week he had made (yes, sewn himself) Nate a soccer hat. (He's sewing them for other cancer patients that are in the hospital!)
This has taught our family a lot about compassion - it's not always enough to use words but at times actions speak a lot louder. Preston's dad died last year of cancer...Nate's actions have spoken pretty loud and clear. We are all praying for this sweet little boy with a heart of gold and the will power of a super hero!
But amongst all of this we in the Callender household have learned a very real lesson in life and love and compassion---
My husband shaved his wonderful head of hair because of this sweet little ten year old boy, Preston. Preston is on Nate's soccer team and he is fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He is currently going through chemo but yet still wants to play soccer each Saturday. And when his hair started to fall out and his mother told Nate about Preston's anxiety over being around the other boys on the team well you know what my husband said.
It was the night before the game when Preston would show up with his shaved head (because in deed his hair was starting to fall out) and Nate went out into the back yard and started buzzing it off. I joined him with a mirror and some extra batteries and we had fun making Mohawks and taking pictures before it all came off.
The boys were a little shocked to say the least but Sister Girl thought it was hilarious. Preston walked up to Nate the next morning and said, "You look funny!" And then the next week he had made (yes, sewn himself) Nate a soccer hat. (He's sewing them for other cancer patients that are in the hospital!)
This has taught our family a lot about compassion - it's not always enough to use words but at times actions speak a lot louder. Preston's dad died last year of cancer...Nate's actions have spoken pretty loud and clear. We are all praying for this sweet little boy with a heart of gold and the will power of a super hero!
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