Letters to my Son #2

Prelude --- I think I will most likely always connect my letter to a song! I just love how songs give you the words it is sometimes hard to say or know how to say!  I just love songs with a hidden meaning (or blatant meaning!!!)

 To my little man,

The other day you felt discouraged, defeated and unsuccessful.  You cried and yelled about not being able to do it.  We talked about practice and patience.  As you described your feelings I saw so much of me in you. That desire to be perfect, to please your father.  I saw the look of failure in your eyes and the sorrow of defeat.  I wanted to lift you up and stroke your ego, but I let you go through the emotions you felt.  I let you cry it out, lay there and think.  Eventually you came out of your room, ready to try again.  I knew that you knew I loved you - no matter what you accomplished; and I always will but one thing I desperately hope for you is to continue to take that chance, to seek something better, to continue to be free in your thoughts and imagination!  It makes me think of one of my favorite songs "I hope you dance."

It shows a mother and her girls, but the message resonates with any mother.  We all hope that our children will go out into the world and "dance."

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Always keep that curiosity of yours - why are things the way they are.......
Keep God in your heart and your mind......
Continue to stand near the ocean and look at it with amazement and wonder.....
But when you get the chance to do something you may not otherwise get the chance to - DO IT!

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'
Don't let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

Don't ever give up - not on your faith, hope, life or yourself - you are stronger than you think!
Follow your mind and follow your heart.... mistakes are about learning; without them we can never better ourselves.
Don't let someone define you or your life; don't let them bring you down or defeat your soul.
Look up every once and awhile and think about those who love you in heaven - God, Jesus, Gigi, Susie....... they are always looking out for you!

Again -- take those chances; have faith in yourself - cuz you can do anything you set your mind to, with patience and persistence the world is yours for the taking!  Sometimes a momma has to let you figure that out on your own, but I hope you always know that I am always here to listen, to advise and to cheer you on.

Love, Momma

Photo Book

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The new way to make a photo album: photo books by Shutterfly.

Kindergarten here I come.....

Guess who started Kindergarten!?!??! That's right...... he's that big! I know, I know - I can't believe how fast the time has flown either. 

So over the summer we talked a lot about how he would be going to Kinder now and how exciting it would be.  We are actually zoned for another school, but since Trevor has attended BCE since 6 months of age we figured this would be the best choice for him.  But as we passed VVE he told us that "That's where D_ is going to grow up." referring to his little friend from CDC.  I love that he looks at it that way -- where he will grow up. 

His teacher is Ms. Isom (the Teacher of the Year for 2011) and he even has a few friends from last year in his class.  When asked how he likes Kinder he replies with the usual "good" or "Yes" (to if he likes it) but I love that he told me on day 3 "Do I have to go to Kindergarten today?"  I said "Yes, I thought you liked it."  He said "I do but it's sooo long.  There is no rest for me."  lol  of all things he misses nap!??!?! 

 

Teacher gift for the first day

We filled up a drink cup with Chocolate covered Almonds and a Starbucks gift card.  The note states 'I am "brewing" with excitement to be in your Kindergarten class.'  We hope the teacher enjoyed it!

First day of school

I really thought that I would cry like a baby as I watched my son achieve this monumental milestone and I will admit that the car ride to school that morning brought a few tears to my eyes and a couple deep breathes.  As I composed myself to leave my son with a whole "new" program I walked away happy.... it truly was a bittersweet moment.

So you may be wondering how the first 2 weeks have gone.... he says great! Mom says "good with a few hiccups!"  He tattles on himself telling me all the "trouble" he gets in to.  He has needed a few "hard reminders" about some behavior but overall he is doing well! We have our first homework "assignment" and can't wait to bring home a Library book! He is so excited about that!

Some other things going on: Tball has started!! We are with OHYSA this year; team Aeros!  We have been reading the Children's Bible and he is soaking up all the stories about God.  He asked me today "Can we learn more about God?"  He is gearing up for our trip to Hong Kong and is already planning his Christmas List! 

Letters to my son.........

I want to start a monthly (maybe more recent) "Letter to Trevor" ritual.   I actually "pinned" an idea like this about writing in a journal at each birthday as a form of keepsake letters for your child.  So after hearing this song I felt compelled to actually do it -- write certain thoughts, wishes and dreams down for my baby boy.

Dear Trevor,
I may be your mommy and be a little partial to how cute, wonderful, amazing and special I think you are, but I really hope you see the beauty that I see.  The words of this song say it all when describing the inner beauty a soul possesses. Listen sweetly, contently and fully my sweet boy :
"Oh, you know, I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searching for then just stay the same
So, don't even bother asking if you look ok
You know I'll say
When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because boy (girl) you're amazing, just the way you are
The way you are, the way you are
Boy (Girl) you're amazing, just the way you are"

There are going to be people who make fun of you, who shun you, who try to push you down.  People who will laugh and stare; those who will turn away from you; hurt you; and try to hold you to a standard not for you.  There will be those who try to get you to do things you THINK are not ok; things that ARE NOT ok; pressuring you to be in the "in crowd."  People who will not understand, call you names and will only see your weaknesses.  These people do not matter in this crazy life, but at times they will possibly sadden you, shame you, guilt you, hurt you, and defeat you...... I hope you don't let it define you.

You are AMAZING just the way you are!  I wish I could protect you from all of those people.  I wish I could say "never let it bother you" and have it be that magic wand that makes everything better.  I wish I could rid the world of people who only see outer beauty as who a person is...... but I cannot.  I can only hope to instill a confidence in you to look the other way; to see the inner beauty in others; morals to withstand the pressures of the world and your friends; and the strength and faith to speak out against injustice and wrong doing.

You are AMAZING just the way you are!  Even at 5 you are a bright personality of love and laughter.  You care deeply and are a friend to many.  Your passion about animals and learning is inspiring.  I love all of your freckles and tried to name them, but soon there became too many! (You are like your Daddy there -- he was a freckled nose little boy too!)  When you smile I smile; when you laugh I laugh (and you LOVE to laugh); when you love and protect my heart grows bigger.  When you cry I hurt; when you're hurt I cry.  You are creative, bossy and a born leader!  Your imagination is wild yet tame.  You hate when I touch your cute little feet and love for me to scratch your back.  (Mommy likes that too and can remember doing that with your Gigi!)  Your spirit is sweet yet full of fire! Most of all your heart is bigger than imaginable! I love you JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!!

Only you can truly DEFINE you ..... but if you ever need a sweet reminder listen to that song or just come give momma a hug!

Always and Forever -- Momma

Someone turned 5!

Who can't believe that 5 years have already passed? um this mom!  Where did the time go?  One minute I am soothing a crying baby, then watching him learn to walk, and now getting ready to send him off to Kindergarten. 

So to begin the festivities we headed off to Seaworld for our annual trip.  This time we went with dear friends, again spending 2 days.  Aquatica was open and boy was it fun!  We splashed, watched shows, fed/petted dolphins, fed sea lions, touched stingrays, swam, laughed and had a blast! Trevor just reaffirms his new amibition of becoming "someone who helps animals."  He just loves learning about new animals and seeing his favorite ones in action.

 For his birthday we did Kung Fu Panda (Asian inspired theme.)  I attempted a few Pinterest creations (some bombed others succeeded!)  My dad even attempted to teach 15  2years - 8 year olds some kung fu moves.  lol He realized quickly that my job as a teacher wasn't easy peasy every moment!  Trevor had a ton of fun showing off his moves and spending some time with his best pals. 

My attempt at Nutella/Jam "sushi rolls"

Bamboo from the road!

Goody bags inside!

California........knows how to party!

For our first Summer adventure we went to California.  We were blessed to get some airline tickets to wherever we wanted but decided to spend them visiting family!

So we jumped on a plane and headed to San Diego, CA to visit Justin's paternal grandma and grandfather.  We visited about 3 years ago and did all the local theme parks, so this year we had a few different things we wanted to see and some repeat ones!  Mostly we wanted to enjoy some quality time as a family.

Some of the sites and sounds we participated in was..... of course Seaworld!

Trevor admiring "Shamu"

 San Diego Zoo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Momma and baby Hippo

Birch Aquarium

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier

USS Midway (air craft carrier)

Trevor loved doing the audio tour and climbing in the jets, helicopters and more!

Whale Watching (our attempt to ..... we only saw dolphins and sea lions)

Newport Beach Whale Watching tour....

Beaches, beaches and more beaches!

Carlsbad beach

Newport Beach

Coronado Beach

But mostly we spent time with Grandma Gail, Grandpa Jim and Flash the dog!  Went on a walk around the neighborhood, Putt Putt, home cooked dinners, and quiet (lol) chats on the patio!  We are so blessed to have such caring and loving family.  I hope that Trevor treasures his family and the opportunities to spend time with those that love him to pieces. 

It was super nice to get away for a while but I will admit coming back took me a bit longer to adjust this time!  But Trevor didn't skip a beat, ready to head back to Summer school.  I dove into party planning mode for his birthday.  So be ready for that next adventure.........

Party Hearty!

What a beautiful day for a celebration!  June 2 flew in and out but not without some fun by all!
We spent most of the week outside getting the yard in tip top shape, plus ensuring that the "redneck swimming pool" was ready for action!  Justin busily raked leaves, mulched flowerbeds and got rid of junk.  All while I scrubbed the house, created the decorations and prepped the food!  It really was a nice little bash if I do say so myself!  If you missed out -- so sorry :( 

But here are some pictures of the decor and activities.......
I made Seuss like signs welcoming people to the house! We called the water play area "Horton's Water Hole" -- Green Eggs and Ham Cafe was where the food was being served.  The Grinch Grotto was for the parents who didn't want to be soaked with water and "Poo-ville" well I hope I don't have to explain that one! lol

 I got so many ideas from Pinterest!  It was my saving grace! lol  From the Pom pom deco to the bookmark favors..... I even found a great printable quote from the book that I framed! 

 Trevor loved having his friends over to play and swim.  They got to slip and slide, throw water balloons, squirt water cannons and swim.  I think the parents had fun too!!!  For cake, we sang "For he's a jolly good fellow" and announced that Trevor had gotten his transfer request approved.  He will be continuing at Barton Creek Elementary instead of going to his home school.  We were so excited to make the announcement I think some people might have thought we were crazy!

 It was so nice to have a few of Trevor's Preschool teachers join us for the festivities.  MaryLou was his 3rd year teachers, Ms. B was this past year and Ms Vera was his very first teacher, at 6 months until he was 18 months.  We were said some of his other teachers couldn't make it, but thankfully each year I have had them sign a special note in the book "Oh the Places you'll go" by Dr. Seuss.  What a treasure!  We even had the guests write down a special dream or wish for Trevor as his grows.  It will go in a memory box that he will get when he gets a bit older.

 I love these flowers I found that totally matched his colors!  What a day...... I am so blessed to have great family and friends who have supported us these last 5 years with Trevor and his school!  It eases a working mommy's heart to know that he is loved by so many!!!!!  Now it's off to Summer!!! More school, some vacation and lots of loving!  Cuz sure enough the months will fly by and I'll be walking him into school as a Kindergartner!