And so it begins...

You see that boy with his arms in the air? The one most excited about the goal? That is my boy. That is Oldest Son at his first soccer game. My heart swells with pride at this photo. No...he did not score the goal. One of the other boys did. That did not stop his joy. Simple. Pure. Joy.

He had joy when he had the ball. (Note the grin on his face.)

He had joy as he lined up the dreaded "Soccer Triangle." (Love that sweet look on his face.)

More joy as he kicked that ball down the field...the wrong way. (He had the ball! Who is he to care what way it goes? I don't think he even heard all the shouting that he was going the wrong direction.)

And the ball...the soccer ball. I never wanted to do this. I never wanted to spend my weekends at games and my weekdays at practice. And I ask myself...why do I do it? And the only answer I can come up with is for the joy. The joy Oldest Son has when he plays. Simple joy. How can a Mama ask for more?

So...go the wrong way if you like. You never have to make a goal for me. You don't have to be the biggest or the best. You just have to be you...and keep your joy. (And when I cheer and shout...just know that is the competitive side of Mama. I always enjoy a good game and taking sides.)

Yes...that is me at a soccer game. (I guess Husband had to document this.) And sweet Youngest Son. Poor boy. It is rough being the little brother at a soccer game. Especially when they break out the treat bags! Hang in there little one. You will grow up all too soon for this Mamas liking!

Keep smiling Oldest Son. Keep running and playing with all your heart. I sure do love it!

And while all your teammates are focused on getting warmed up...you just turn that little head and smile. The smile that melts me every time I see it. The smile that came when I least expected it. One of the best smiles to enter my life. The joy in your spirit is unique and rare and wonderful. Smile on Oldest Son...and Hello Soccer.

Gratitude Monday...Crescent Bar Style

80. Sometimes the best things in life are the little things in your life. (This is all the kids on the last day of our "Friendcation.") I sure do love all the little things in my life. They are pretty sweet most of the time and a little sour some of the time!

81. The joy of watching Husband and Friends Husbands as they work on Project Sandbar Waterslide 2010. Just good, albeit gritty, fun!

82. Pulling Husband in the early morning sun behind the boat he loves!

83. Oldest Son and his sweet smile.

84. The simple happiness that is having both Oldest Son and Youngest Son looking at the camera at the same time! (This happens only once or twice a year at best!) (They love the boat too! Like Papa Like Sons.)

85. Sweet Youngest Son and his love of the "Pool."

86. His too cute for words goggles.

87. The way he says "Look at me Mama!" (Said just before diving under the water and popping his head up to quickly look and make sure I was looking!)

88. Youngest Son and his sweet soul. I am afraid he is getting older.

89. Two of my three sisters.

90. How we all wore black swimsuits on the same day...without planning.

91. The help those two girls give me on vacation. They are truly a blessing.

The Rose Parade

Oldest Son and Youngest Son watch the Portland Rose Parade. The fact that they are both in the photo and that it is not blurry is a small miracle.

Youngest Son looks onward with one of his Cousins in the background as well. It makes you wonder just what a parade looks like through the eyes of a two year old boy?

Loved this float. Love Portland Town. Such a great place to call home.

My sweet little Niece. It was her birthday this day. I bet she thought the parade was just for her! Happy Birthday to Me!

Oldest Son loved his free red balloons. I let him pick a chocolate from Moonstuck. We had come with Grandma Grape. There were too many fun things to count!

"Time Is of the Essence" by Irene Foster

Now is the time to get things done...

wade in the water,

sit in the sun,

squish my toes,

in the mud by the door,

explore the world in a boy just four.

Now is the time to study books,

flowers,

snails,

how a cloud looks,

to ponder "up,"

where God sleeps nights,

why mosquitoes take such big bites.

Later there'll be time

to sew and clean,

paint the hall

that soft new green,

to make new drapes,

refinish the floor -

Later on...when he's not just four.

"Can we go at the dead end again?"

papa’s day

as i sit in my bed

exhausted after a long day of life

i listen to the sweet voice of our papa

words of curious george bring laughter

soft and loud

silly and sweet

though bedtime should have come

they have found their way back

to our bed

he found then and met them with patience

and offered them one more story

i am so thankful for him

when i have no more

when i am done

he pulls through

he brings much needed relief

i love that papa of ours

he is truly the best

always

 

I Heart Safeway!

I got off work about an hour early yesterday and made my way over to the Salmon Creek Safeway for a little weekly grocery shopping. I was not planning on getting a lot, but one thing led to another and this is what I ended up with.

Pep Farm Crisps

(3) Hamburger Helper

Honey Nut Cheerios

Trix

Molten Choc Cake (2)

Wheaties Fuel

Jolly Time Kettle Corn

Cheetos (4)

Tortilla Chips

Snyder's Pretzels (4)

Sobe Life Waters (6)

Vitamin Waters (3)

Simply Potatoes (2)

Whole Milk (2)

Quik Choc Milk (2)

Yoplait Yogurt (10)

Fage Greek Yogurt (2)

Frozen Dinners (2)

Always Pads

LA Looks Gel (2)

Stayfree Pads

OB Tampons (4)

Alice in Wonderland Blu-Ray DVD $24.99

Bananas (5)

Green Onions

Romaine Lettuce

Cilantro

Whole Rotisserie Chicken

Total: 36.72 OOP

(My total before all the COUPONS was about $137.00!)