I am so very proud of my children. Literally, my chest swells with pride when I think of them.
As I mentioned earlier in the week, the boys have stepped up to the plate once again.
They do what needs to be done.
They do what is best for their family.
They did not learn these things from their father. In fact, he taught them the opposite. They figured it out on their own. They know the value of family. They honor their family. They love their family.
And my daughters, they are spirit and light. They are fighters. They are real women. Like their mother, if you knock them down, they will get right back up.
I am so very blessed.
Truly, no one is more blessed than I am. My children and I have been through numerous challenges, including a trauma of one of our own. Many people would expect me to be displeased with the way my life has proceeded. Not so. Think: do the people who have everything and want for nothing realize the strength that they possess? For that matter, can they really possess strength if they have never been tested?
I am blessed.
My children are my heart.
Oh, happy day! Hannah asked me if I had a book of poetry that she could read. Boy, do I! I sent her Mary Oliver’s way this morning.
Hannah was working on a poem two nights ago. She hasn’t done that for awhile. I hope that she keeps up with it.
Lizzy writes poetry and fiction. She used to write a lot of fan fiction.
John writes poetry. I have some of his tucked away.
James wrote a poem in elementary school that was wonderful. Really! I need to find it because I want to frame it.
James called me to let me know that he has the job! Go, James!
That boy deserves to have good things falling in his lap!
It also puts my mind more at ease in regard to my move. He’s had so many challenges recently.
I said, “I told you, you are great!”
He said, “Actually, I think I’m just a smooth talker.”
He’s a smooth talker who is absolutely GREAT!
My eldest son, James, called me just a few minutes ago to share some good news. He had a court date this morning. A few months ago he was driving his girlfriend’s car on icy roads. He was heading for work. As he was making a turn, the car slid into a parked vehicle. James spoke to the owner of the other car and that person agreed to let James pay him for the damages rather than turning it in to his insurance company. BUT…(enter grumpy policeman)…there was an officer who refused to even get out of his vehicle because of the ice. Yet he saw fit to give my son a ticket for reckless driving??? Reckless driving? One slot under DUI in the rankings???
James had asked for two continuances in hopes of retaining an attorney. Today, still without legal representation, he didn’t hold out much hope for another continuance and just pleaded guilty. He explained to Judge LaGrasso that the roads were so icy the officer wouldn’t get out of his car and that he had been driving slowly and carefully. He also explained that he had paid the individual for the damages in full. Still, he pleaded guilty as he had no evidence to back up his story nor an attorney. Then the prosecutor spoke up. (There he was to save the day!) The prosecutor said that they had received a letter from the owner of the other vehicle who stated that the ticket for reckless driving was unwarranted and James should not be found guilty. Judge LaGrasso looked at James and said something along the lines of, “James, it looks like you’re not guilty!”
God is good. Bad luck has been following James for awhile. Now the sun is finally shining for him again! He had no idea that the other gentleman had sent in a letter on his behalf. 
Isn’t that funny, though? “Guilty.” “I’m sorry, son, but you are mistaken. I find you not guilty.”
Curses! I am trying to simplify my categories and in doing so now have John, Hannah and Elizabeth listed under family, but James and Rebekah are lost somewhere in cyberspace, presumably under the umbrella of family, as well. Funny, they aren’t listed. Nor will the widget allow me to add them as they have (supposedly) already been added.
Curse you, internet gods!
But wait! I think I’ve figured this out! Hold on…
Nah. Oh, well. I’ve reworked it to the best of my ability.
I love it. My boys have heart. Out of all of the gruesome action DVDs that we have, John chose to watch The Notebook today. James really likes What Dreams May Come.
I’m proud of my sons for many reasons. Their inherent sweetness is one of the reasons.
Hmm. Bubby (our car) is in need of some brake fluid. That is to be expected, as he has a slow leak. James will be over tonight to add the fluid. But there is more! The passenger door is refusing to shut! Ahh, Bubby…what am I going to do with you? So there will be no more driving until after James fixes the door this evening. Isolation! Nooooooooo! Not that I get out a lot, mind you, but that I like to be able to go when I want to go.
Bubby only needs to hold out for another 8 weeks. I know that he can do it! Once the girls and I have made our Great Move to Chicago, we will no longer need a car. We will be downtown riding the bus, the el and taking taxis!
Hang in there, Bubs. And thank you, James, for letting us ‘borrow’ him.
James spent the night again last night. It is so nice to see the boys so often once again. His delight at the cinnamon rolls that I made for breakfast was priceless.
I am truly blessed. Chris had sworn when the boys were toddlers that he would make sure they grew to hate me. Didn’t work! What Chris failed to keep in mind was that God is far more powerful than Chris and His resources are far more abundant than Chris’.
Family Pics
Tags: boys, CDs, comments, FaceBook, family, girls, pictures
Yesterday I posted several photographs onto Facebook from CDs. It’s been years since we have seen these pics. The girls and I had a great time bantering back and forth on the picture comments. In fact, it’s still going on this morning.
I’m confused as to why I have so few pictures of the boys during this period. I’m guessing that it’s because they were ALWAYS off building tree houses, riding bikes and shooting firecrackers! ALWAYS!
I love these kids.