Independent Little Man

Zane was gone for 9 whole days. It was a nice break but I really started missing him around day 7. Although he said he missed me and asked for me at times, he was not ready to come home. After being at my sisters for 5 days and my parents for 4, I thought for sure he would be ready to come home to be with his mom and dad. I met my mom in Columbus to pick Zane up and have a little lunch before we headed back on the road again. I was so excited to see him and he ran to me, jumped in my arms and gave me a huge hug and kiss. He talked non stop about all the fun he had with his aunt Melanie, his cousins and his NUNU and DA. He was so excited and had to tell me everything fast and made sure that I was listening and looked interested. He was cracking me up. He held my hand into Schoebles and in the line to get our food. He usually never does that. He kept telling me I looked cute and that he loved me. After we ate it was time to switch over all of the things that he took there and all of the new things that he acquired (thanks Caleb and Chrystian)! Before we got into our car he said, "Ok, Mom I got to see you. I want to go back with Nunu again." Dear baby boy, your dad would have been so upset if I wouldn't have brought you back home.

I am so glad that he is able to go away and have fun with his grandparents, aunts and cousins without me always being there. I truly don't think he would be able to be so independent and courageous as he grows up without these experiences. As parents we have to allow our children to spread their wings and fly even when it is killing us inside. 9 days was a long time for me and I didn't think he would be able to make it, but he did and is ready to go back again WITHOUT MOMMY, he says!

A few funny things he said on the trip was:

Melanie, I'll start calling you Ant Melanie. She said OK and he said FIRE ANT MELANIE!!

He wouldn't get dressed one day and my mom said what are you going to do then. He said drink coffee and sit around all day like my mom does.

Getting in a fight with his cousins and then saying, "Do it again and see what happens!" (the other boys are 12,11, and 9)

Seeing a overweight person at the snowcone stand and telling Melaine that the lady had a baby in her tummy. My sister had to explain the concept of being overweight. He then told my mom that there was a baby in her tummy even after the explanation. Nunu laughed and said no that is just FAT.

The pictures are the things that he did at my sisters.

WHILE THE KIDS AWAY THE PARENTS SHALL PLAY

On June 15th Lance and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary; it happened to be Father's Day as well. So, not much kissy kissy was going on that day, but this week we have more than made up for it!! Let's just say we celebrated our honeymoon. Last Monday I took Zane to Waco to meet my sister, Melanie, and my nephew, Caleb. He stayed with them from Monday until Friday. Friday he went to my mom and dad's to get spoiled some more. I will pick him up in Columbus on Wednesday and I can't wait to see my little man. I sure have missed him, but I have enjoyed my time with my husband as well.
I think it is so important in a marriage that a husband and wife continue to spend time together and grow with one another rather than apart from each other. As a wife and mom I get so caught up in being the mom that I forget how to be the wife at times. I once heard from a christian marriage counselor that the children are a welcomed guest in your marriage. I love that statement. One day our children will grow up and have their own lives and we are stuck with this individual that we once knew so well but have to get to know all over again if we continue to stay wrapped up only in our children's lives. Like I said this is hard for me. I have trouble turning off the "Mommy Switch" most of the time to be the woman that my husband desires. This time alone has been so good for me because it has taught me that I need to learn to separate the two. I know it will not be easy but I can try.

So your asking, is that all you two did? Absolutely NOT. We took walks together, sat in the river and talked, danced in the garage, had no interruptions at dinner, went out with friends, watched movies and just spent time together.

My favorite day of all with out Lance was sitting on my back porch while it rained reading a book and having a glass of wine. My favorite day with Lance was chillaxin at the River. While Zane is off making memories with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, I'm making memories with the man I love and my best friend.

What you are called to at an early age

This past Friday our MOPS group had our Planning Retreat for the year. I have been so excited to be part of this group and this year to Co-coordinate with an amazing person. I was having doubts on myself if I could lead this group to be successful. Before the meeting started I spent time praying for our group and my abilities. God never speaks to me about me or I don't listen. He usually speaks to me about others and in dreams, but never directly to me about me. As I began to question myself God reminded me about when I was younger planning and leading family activities and picnics in our local parks. I was so young and I had completely forgotten about those times. He told me that at a young age I was a leader and a planner. He had called me to be those things and not to fear for fear is of the Devil and with God all things are possible. He totally "Wowed" me. Sitting and reflecting on that, I began to think about the characteristics of my son, Zane. What does he do and act to show me what God has called him to do. He loves music with all of his heart and soul. He is truly gifted. He sings, plays the guitar and drums and is good at it. He is a social butterfly and compassionate for those truly ill and for people that he loves. He loves babies. He loves to make people laugh. He loves words of praise and encouragement. I believe that is one of his love languages. I have no idea what God is calling him to do, but I do believe that it is great and mighty things for his kingdom. When he was born I believe that Satan tried to destroy his life , but God did not allow it. In my heart I feel that his love for music and people is what his ministry will be. I look forward to watching the Lord mold him and shape him into what he wants for him and what he has called him to be. One day may my son look back and the Lord speak to him to reassure him that God called him at an early age!

Girl's Night Out

Finally seated waiting for the movie to begin!

Waiting in line to be seated
Denise and Leona
Leona and Linda
Denise, Leona and Me

Denise and her sweet Mom Janie

Sandy and Kendra
Me and Leona
Toasting to a night out Sandy, Kendra and Me
It is Starting soon
Well, the M&S Girls had a night of team building for themselves. The wives of the company that Lance works for all decided to get together for dinner and a movie. Some of us brought some more girls along for it was a "girls night in the city." We had a great time getting out of the house and away from kids. We enjoyed a meal at PF Chang's. The best part was that we didn't have to cut any one's food up and remind them to take one or two more bites. It was relaxing. Then all of us headed to see the much awaited for SEX IN THE CITY. Because I have watched most of these on TBS now, I had forgotten about all of the scenes that well, I could have lived without. The movie was long and the story line was ok. Beginning of the movie was great they just dragged it out way too long. All in all though, it was a movie with all the girls and I didn't have to get up to take anyone to the bathroom. Let's do it again M&S WIVES!!!

Zane's Last Day of School

Zane had his last day of school on the 30th of May. He doesn't quite understand that he has to take time off from school. He really enjoyed this Art Time class. He tested his teacher a lot though. Next year we want to put him in a different school if we can afford it. We are praying hard for this to be possible. Zane is the type of person who will enjoy school; I just haven't figured out if he likes it for the social aspect of it or the learning.

Zane getting his end of the year medal

Zane with his classmates and teacher
Playing the Drums
The Boys: Zane, Hunter and Dillon
Listening very Intently