Caleb's Party

Caleb's birthday party was so much fun! We went to Bounce World where Caleb bounced until he was covered in sweat. He invited his ENTIRE kindergarten class. And, surprisingly.... most of them all came! We also had Uncle Andy and Aunt Emily come to town with Kayla and Caroline. I think this party was everything Caleb had hoped for.

Uncle Stew represented the James family at the party. Now that he's a professional photographer (award winning in McKinney), I am anxious to see his pictures from the party. The boys ADORE their uncle!

This is Emily... also known as Caleb's best friend. Some in the class say they will get married. I'm not too sure about that. :-)

His cookie cake!

He really is happy. Just a little worn down from all the bouncing!
Happy Birthday, Caleb!!

What was he thinking?

Why on earth would a 32 year old man slide into 2nd base at a city softball game while wearing shorts? His reply... "well, I was able to score a run after that."
Hmmmm.... they lost the game 5-7. So, is it worth it?

Anyone want a dog...Part II

Elfy's out...that's all there is to it. I've tried to let her get better since December, but this isn't working out (this morning i found a couple of corners that she's apparently been chewing on and she continues to dig up my landscaping). I'm willing to give her to anyone (she's not for sale...this is a give-away) and am even considering the shelter option. Jenny says I have to find a 'good home' for her. I don't care whose home she's in as long as it's not mine.

So...if anyone wants a dog or knows of anyone who wants a dog, let us know. If we can't give her away, some of you may be reading the story on this blog in the next couple of months of how the dog simply disappeared one day while Jenny was out.

-Steve

Words of Encouragement

Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers for Caleb. Although we won't know anything until we go to the specialist on the 8th, I already feel like I have a team of family and friends praying specifically for this situation. I really do appreciate the individual emails and phone calls even beyond the blog comments... never knew I had so many readers!!

Here's part of one email I received. It's from my best friend's mother-

"...Caleb’s recent hearing test has placed all of you on my heart in the last few days. I understand what you went through in the doctor’s office. It is heart breaking when our children have challenges. I have been praying for all of you since I read the news and have been asking for something specific from the Holy Spirit. What seems to have come to me is the phrase found in several places in Scripture, “he who has ears, let him hear.” I know this does not mean a literal hearing, necessarily, but I am praying that it will be literal for Caleb. The other thing I am praying is that this phrase will be true for Caleb in the spiritual sense—that God will develop in him a gift of discernment that will allow him to hear and see spiritually. What a gift to be given! You and Steve are probably already doing this with both boys, but I encourage you to ask for specific Scriptures to pray over them. I know that He will provide new promises in this season with Caleb. Be encouraged! All will be well."

How neat that God is using this situation to not only be a time for us to trust in Him, but also allow us to be lifted up to Him by so many people. As my mother-in-law said, "We are moved to the top of the prayer list."

It's hard to think of my little boy beyond his 6 young years... that one day he will be a grown man... that the Lord has plans for him. And that He wants to see him not only physically mature, but spiritually grow as well.

This whole parenting business is much more emotionally taxing than I once thought, but I am encouraged in knowing that I am not doing it alone. Love you all!

Easter

It's time to add a little pink into the pictures. The one holiday where I get to dress my boys in the not-so-manly color! We had a very quiet Easter... weird with it being during spring break and the day after Caleb's birthday. We went to the 8:00 service and then enjoyed the rest of the day at home. Here's a few pics.

The Butterfly

The ButterflyNo, this isn't Steve, but there are many pictures in his scrapbook similar to this. This is the Butterfly stroke. And for those that swim this stroke you will appreciate it's true definition (as written on one of his old high school shirts)

but-ter-fly (but'er-fli') n. 1. A swimming stroke requiring (in theory) super human strength and extraordinary coordination, but characterized (in actuality) by randomly placed arm movements and erratic breathing patterns. Performance of this stroke is usually accompanied by incessant yelling on the part of the coach, sheer hysteria on the part of the parent, and near drowning on the part of the swimmer.

Gender Lesson

Carter and I had errands today... lots of them. He's such a trooper. I stopped by the US Post Office to mail some things and buy some stamps. There's a postal worker at the Flower Mound office named Steve who is a man's man.... kind of a mix of Mr. Clean and a Harley guy. Carter looked right at him and noticed his pirate-like hooped earrings and announced in his not-so-quiet voice, "HE'S A GIRL!" After a quick explanation that guys can wear earrings too we left before I could be further embarrassed.

Doctor Appointment

I took Caleb to his 6 year appointment today. He's just at the 50% in weight and height... so he's on track to becoming his daddy... as if I had any doubts.

One of my major concerns was his hearing. Last year he completely failed his hearing test, but the nurse just said sometimes 5 year olds fail b/c they don't really understand how to take the test. I didn't quite buy her theory b/c Caleb is a bright kid and surely understood what to do. I just thought he couldn't hear anything but didn't argue the point. Fast forward to today...

So, I requested a hearing test a paid the additional money to have it done. I have thought he's had hearing issues. Some may call it selective listening and others may call it daydreaming, but I honestly have thought he's not hearing me. Well, the nurse put the beeping thing in his left ear (yes, I don't know the name for the beeping thing) and told him to say "beep" when he heard the sound. She started the test and after 20 seconds of Caleb just sitting there she asked him, "How many beeps did you hear?" He proudly said zero and my heart just broke. See, I know my baby is telling the truth and not being a smart-aleck. He heard no beeps.

She looked at me puzzled and said "let's try the right ear"- so a few seconds into it his eyes lit up and he said "beep" followed by one more "beep"- not sure how many he was suppose to hear in that 20 seconds, but he failed on that ear as well. She went back to his left ear and turned the frequency up to the highest possible level and repeated the test. He heard one beep. My heart is broken. I tried not to show it. He was so proud of his 3 beeps. His charts show that he failed the hearing test in both ears.

We are now being sent to an audiologist. I got an appointment in a couple of weeks. We'll be going back to the same man who gave him tubes when he was 10 months old. His first 10 months of life was one huge ear infection. I don't know how many are in his chart, but I don't remember a doctor visit without an infection... so many that no antibiotics worked. I'm wondering if he has hearing loss due to all his infections or it's something else. Hopefully we'll get some answers soon.

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

Here's our surprise baby... Caleb Aubrey.... born March 22, 2002 weighing in at 8lb. 11 oz. 6 months old and still bald.... he did not get hair until after he turned 1. He was always so happy!
Even smiling with a broken leg. 17 months old and in a cast for 3 weeks. He was at Nanny and Papa's farm for the weekend and came home to us with a broken leg. :-)

My cowboy turns 2.

Caleb becomes a big brother in the summer of 2004.

Caleb is always happy to have his picture taken.

Caleb turns 4!

Spring 2007

March 2008
What a wonderful 6 years! Caleb is the sweetest boy. He is so kind and respectful. He is a very loving boy who always wants to give kisses and hugs. He loves to learn and loves to teach his little brother. His organization and neatness inspires me. We are beyond blessed! Happy Birthday, baby!

My Steinway!

Here's the details:

Beautifully rebuilt 1917 Steinway & Sons Model "M" grand piano. The color is red mahogany and it is 5'-7" in length. It plays and sounds like a Steinway grand should. Just now professionally restored. A great piano for the demanding player/investor as this popular model seems to rise in value each year. It comes with its matching original bench.

It was delivered here tody from New Braunfels, TX. Steve has enjoyed a concert free of charge all afternoon. I'm sure it was nice background music to the NCAA tournament.

My front room is officially a conservatory. Both pianos sit in there.... one to teach on and one for me to play. My students will get a chance to play the Steinway, but it won't be where our lessons are done. Feel free to come by anytime to see it for yourself. And, if you're a pianist then bring your music so I can sit back and listen!

Another Hint...

Well, it's here and it's beautiful... Anymore guesses?

A Dream Come True

Today is the day... something I've been wishing for and dreaming about for 20 years is coming today. A few of you know what I'm talking about, so SHHHHH you can't spill the beans on what it is. I'll post a picture once it's here.

Here's a hint... any guesses?

Baby Kayli

Here are some pictures of baby Kayli. The boys were infatuated with her. They were so excited to finally get to see her in person. They sweetly kissed her on the forehead and touched her round cheeks. We had a great visit with Sunni and her family. Next time I'll try to get pictures of the 2 of us as well.
Steve is the baby whisperer.... seriously, this guy can get any baby to fall asleep at any moment.

From one brother to the next...

Caleb got a Nintendo DS for his birthday from Grammy and Grandpa. Guess who gets the Gameboy now? It's a happy birthday for all of us!

Choo Choo Cake

Shereda had this really great idea for Caleb's birthday cake. She made cakes in mini bundt pans and then let Caleb choose what colors he wanted to us to decorate the train cars. She used an ice cream cone and marshmellows for the smoke stack and pretzel sticks and animal crackers for the animal train car. Then they poured rice krispies on top of another car to look like a coal-carrying car. Caleb had a great time carefully decorating his cakes.

Spring Break Continues...

We are now back in Waco with the boys. We had a great time in Spicewood.

On Monday we went to New Braunfels to visit Steve's grandparents. Granddaddy is 93 years old now and in lots of pain which keeps him in bed most of the time. I think we were able to bring a little sunshine to both Grandmother and Granddaddy by stopping by for a visit.

We stopped in Gruene (pronounce Green for those of you unfamiliar with the Hill Country) and Wimberley to look in at the cute shops. Many of my friends would love these towns. They are similar to Fredicksburg.

The last few days we've eaten at 2 Texas BBQ places and an Austin roadhouse. We certainly will be hitting the gym harder in the next week.

This morning I went with Shereda to her Mom to Mom meeting where I got to meet some of "her moms". It's very similar to a MOPS group but run more like a bible study. They are watching a video series by Linda Alexander. I got to sit in on a great discussion with all of the other moms. Seems like no matter the city we all are dealing with the same issues. :-)

Bears Claw Their Way Into the "Big Dance"

After 20 years, my Baylor Bears are finally going to the NCAA tournament. Our men are an 11 seed and are playing 6 seed Purdue tomorrow at 2ish. We watched the NCAA selection show and they showed live shots of our team and fans in the Ferrell Center waiting for the announcement. They announced 64 other teams before FINALLY getting to us. CBS had every intention of making the Bears wait to be the last team announced. Steve and I kept looking at each other getting more and more worried as the hour-long show went on. Although I really want to win tomorrow, I'm just excited for us to make it!

As far as our Lady Bears.... we are a 3 seed and should win our first 2 games... I say the word SHOULD. If that happens then we'll be facing Stanford which would be a super-hard game for us since last time we played them we lost by over 20.

Let the March Madness begin! Just glad to have both our teams in the tourney!

Spring Break

This week could not have come soon enough! I think we have all been worn down by school, work, and all other commitments.

We left Saturday morning for Waco where we got to meet sweet baby Kayli. Sunni is in Waco while Brad is working in Temple. (I have pictures to post later) Then my Mamaw and Aunt Karen came over to visit. Last night, Steve and I went to the Baylor baseball game. My cousin, Leah, joined us as well. We sat right in front of my Papaw. Baylor beat Oklahoma State 3-0. It was a great night for baseball.

This morning we got up and drove to Spicewood- to the lake house- between Marble Falls and Austin. I just woke up from a wonderful nap and am watching the Kansas/TX Big 12 tournament championship. Next will be the NCAA selection show. It's just so nice to relax and do nothing.

Hope you all are enjoying your spring break as well!

Sunday School Class Egg Hunt

We had wonderful weather for our annual egg hunt with our Sunday School friends. Some of the moms shared the Easter story while the dads his the eggs. We split the kids into 2 age groups to make it more fair and less chaotic. Here are some shots from the afternoon...

Here are the boys in their required brother picture. I had to threaten Carter to stand in the picture... "no picture, no eggs"

The younger kids lined up ready to go- Carter is part of this group.

The older kids are off and running trying to get the best eggs!

Steve and Caleb posing for a nice picture while Mr. Moody refused to move any closer.

I just grabbed him and made him be close to me. There's a smile hidden under those lips. Caleb is always ready to give us his best smile.

Sack Race time- Caleb is very quick! Everyone thinks we practice thoughout the year since we own the sacks. (Carter opted not to participate)

Blogging Book Tag

Ok, it's another tag.

Elizabeth and others tagged me with this book meme. So, if your reading this then you're tagged too.

The rules:
"Look up from the computer, look around the room where you're sitting and pick up the closest book. And closest really means closest. No cheating by running to another room to pick out a book. Open the book, turn to page 123, count down to the fifth sentence on that page, and then post the next three sentences."

The closest book for me was a Max Lucado's Cure For The Common Life. I actually bought it after the Women of Faith conference when he came and spoke. I had just finished my latest Patricia Cornwall grisly crime novel and this was the next book sitting there to be read. You all lucked out that I'm not quoting her book about some CSI murder scene, but instead some encouraging words from Max Lucado. So, I turn to page 123 and this is what sentences 5-8 say:

"Childhood tendencies forecast adult abilities. Read them. Discern them. Affirm them. Cheerlead them."

That's actually through sentence 9, but it finishes the paragraph.

Tag you are it, leave me a note and let me know if you are going to play.

Our Hard Working Kindergartener

We had Open House last night. I was excited to see all of the things Caleb's been doing this year.

One of the programs at his school is Reading Counts- some schools call it Accelerated Reader (AR)- basically it's a reading program where kids check out books that are marked with different levels and points. After reading the book, they take tests on the computer and earn points. Each grade level has set reading goals for their students.

So, I've been asking Caleb for the last few months about his Reading Counts progress. He always looks at me as if he has no idea what I'm talking about. He's never said a word about Reading Counts.

So, back to Open House... Caleb showed us all the wonderful things going on in his room and all the cute kindergarten things he's made. While looking around the room the Reading Counts chart caught my attention. Thinking this would be my chance to explain to Caleb how the program worked, I was stunned to see that Caleb had checked off all of his goals and had a big smiley face at the end of his chart. Apparently Caleb knows exactly how Reading Counts works and has already finished his goal for the year! He apparently is the quiet, busy worker. He's an exact copy of his father and grandpa.

Caleb's Poster

Caleb and I finished his poster today so he can take it to school tomorrow. He helped me pick out pictures and then wrote about each photo. He is very excited to be star student of the week!

My Identity = My Schedule

I went to the Women's Conference at my church last night and today. We got to choose 2 breakout sessions that were taught by women in our church. One of the ones I attended was titled "Too Much To Do?" I thought this would speak to me more than any of the others... and boy was I right. Here's a little of what I learned:

Our roles drive our schedule.

When I take on a new commitment, I need to drop something... just like when I buy my boys a new toy, I need to get rid of an old one. One thing in... one thing out.

There comes a time when it's necessary to say NO to things.

Why do we pack our schedule? Here are some reasons:
* Definition of Success
* Sense of Accomplishment
* Fear-Constant Comparison
* Pride- Multi-Task and Proud of It!
* Adrenaline Junkie- It Affords of Avoidance of Other Real Problems
* Impatience
* Misguided- There's No Alternative

For me personally, I think I pack my schedule because I feel like I've accomplished something. I can look back on my week and list all the things I've done. Yet, when I get too much on my schedule I'm "2 miles wide and 2 inches tall" as Beth Moore would say... How can I make an impact when I'm spread too thin in so many areas?

Proverbs 16:4
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Am I really committing my schedule to the Lord? What or Who is driving me?

What is NOT the solution?
NOT more hours in the day
NOT a better day planner
NOT more time management strategies

It is living a Spirit-Led Life.

Texas Blizzard

There were rumors of possible sleet or snow today, but no one expected this.

4 1/2 inches of snow in our front yard.

Steve stayed outside with Caleb for an hour working on our snow men and having a snowball fight with the boys. The snowball in hand was NOT used in the snowball fight.

You can see the huge flakes coming down! I've never seen snowflakes this big!

Here's Carter molding his own snowball.

Here are the 3 snowmen that the boys built. Let's hope they last through the morning!

Carter and the Twins

Carter went home with Tessa and Lana today because I was stuck in McKinney due to weather and a lengthy window treatment installation project at Stewart's house. I am so thankful for friends that will come to my rescue. Carter had a great time playing with the twins. The snow was unbelievable today!