Can you smell the air?

Oh, I am really enjoying this time of year. We are experiencing a real Spring. The air is fragrant and not too hot. The evenings are still cool. There was just a evening shower, and I can smell the moist earth. I never noticed this stuff before. I love that I have learned to take time, even with all the stresses out there, to smell the air.

I sat at the ball field and watched my oldest son play baseball. It was great. Tom was on his game. I not only was able to take in the game, but think about a new product/offering I am putting together for my business. I put it out to the universe; what I wanted to accomplish and sat there with a pad, and waited for Divine inspiration. Every time an idea came, I jotted it down. I know in no time I will have my ideas all put together so I can create something awesome. And still I had time to watch Tom hit a double, tag someone out at third and come home on an RBI. How cool is that?

Make Time for Dinner with Kids

I just read an article that confirmed what I already knew. Taking time to eat dinner with your kids in important. In fact, it may be one of the main factors in preventing addictive behavior. The information is so important I am including it in it's entirety here. So take time and dine.

Study Shows Dining With Family Reduces Teens' Risk of Addictions Back By Ed Thomas June 16, 2006 (AgapePress) - According to one national organization's research, eating dinner together as a family is not only good for bonding between family members but also cuts down on teens' risks of alcohol and drug addiction. The Columbia University-based National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse has made the link between eating dinner as a family and teens' alcohol and drug addiction risk through analysis of eight years of results from an annual survey of teens. Center president Joseph Califano says the questions on the yearly survey of 12- to 17-year-olds have pointed to a clear pattern since the initial year of the study. "One of the things we've noticed in our surveys, beginning in 1996, was that the more often kids have dinner with their parents, the less likely those kids are to smoke, drink, or use drugs," Califano explains. Meanwhile, he notes, the survey has shown that "kids who have dinner with their parents less than three times a week are much likelier to smoke, to drink, or to use drugs than kids who have dinner with their parents five to seven times a week." Those teens who ate with their families five to seven times a week received the maximum benefit, the Center spokesman points out. He says this group enjoyed relief from the primary risk factors of stress, boredom, and pressure from academic demands in school. "And we find that the family dinner is on the wholesome side of every one of those pressures," Califano emphasizes. Eating together as a family, he asserts, "helps to reduce stress, it helps reduce boredom, and it certainly relates to a kid's academic performance." Because of the these findings, members of a supermarket industry group called the Food Marketing Institute are helping to promote the Center's "Family Day" on September 25. This initiative will encourage parents across the nation to eat dinner with their children on that date and to be aware of the benefits of dining as a family on a regular basis. © 2006 AgapePress all rights reserved.

Spring has Sprung

I am sitting at my computer next to the window which is open. I can feel a gentle breeze and smell the freshness of the cool evening. We just came home from a great baseball game. My boys love baseball, which is great because so do I. I find myself content in this place. Yes, there are challenges; and yet, in the quietness of this moment, they are but a grain of sand on the beach. For I am blessed with opportunities and abundance. As I breathe deeply, I meditate on my blessings.

From the mouths of boys

I have to share these awesome and funny moments with my boys.

First, Thomas is reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It's all the rage at school. He tells me this joke from the book that just tickled his fancy. You know it has to do with funny noises or body parts. In the book a boy says to his doctor (by way of a comic that is drawn in the book) "Doctor I need a new butt." The doctor says "Why?" The boys say, "Mine has a crack in it." Ba rump bum.

Well you can imagine the chuckles that brought our household including my 5-year old, David. Of course we coached him on not sharing this joke with his classmates in school who are not ready for such grown up humor. Speaking of David, he decided to become a vegetarian this weekend. I informed him that would be fine, but he would have to eat enough vegetables and protein so he would have a good diet. He was ok with that. Then I made ham steak last night, his favorite. He said "Mom, why did you have to make my favorite meat when I decided to become a vegetarian?" Well it was just too cute. We of course worked through that event.

My last story for this post is about a joyous moment at Dairy Queen. Tom had a cool night with a church group of older kids. David was feeling a bit deflated because he could not go. So I offered to have a special treat of Dairy Queen. He ordered a special waffle cup filled with his favorite, chocolate/vanilla swirl and multi-colored sprinkles. He ate the ice cream in no time flat. I suggested he eat the waffle cup on the way home. As I strapped him into the car for our ride home, he had the most joyous, innocent look in his face. He said to me, "Oh the sweet life."

Now you understand why my life, though filled with challenges, is focused on joy.

Is It Me . . .

or is the world just getting a little crazy! Imagine taking your preschooler to get their hair cut. After some research in the cool magazines in the shop your son says "Mom, this is really cool, can I get this cut?" Keep in mind he's in preschool, not looking for a job. You say, "Sure, why not." After all it will grow back, right? Now picture your son feeling pretty cool about his new look. He's styling! He cannot wait to go to school and show all his buds. "You're the best mom!" is what you hear as you drop your child off at school. You would think the school would see the joy and the exuberance in his face and greet your son with the respect and jubilation due a preschooler. That was not the case for one young man. I am sharing a link to this story because there are times when you just have to wonder, have we gone too far. This boys was crushed by the response. Now his mom is left to pick up the pieces of a little boys moment of glory.

Read for yourself: Preschooler banned for trendy haircut

Sister, I'm There

Have you seen the commercials where the actors say "I'm There." The one scene that caught my attention was the father standing their while his teenage daughter was practicing driving with a diving instructor. While she was knocking down cones he was thinking how did she go from my little girl to an almost driver. I have those moments every day. My boys are growing up so fast, maturing and already I am seeing the signs of moving toward peers and away from mom. I am trying to stay in the moment and enjoy the time we have now. Enjoy the hugs when they come. Enjoy the silly sounds followed by the giggles. Enjoy the hugging that turns into wrestling. Why, because one day I will wonder where the time went and when will they slow down long enough for a hug.

That's What I'm Talking About

Okay pinch me, can this be real. I had the best day today. What was so special? Well I realized again, but at a much deeper level that I am living my dream. The best part is that my husband will soon be able to live his dream.

This morning I dropped my boys off at school. They waltzed in with great joy and anticipation of a great day. I then had two meetings with two of my favorite clients. I was then off to pick up those awesome little guys and we were off to a joint play date and business meeting. While I was enjoying my time with my colleagues in business, my boys played together with fellow entrepreneurial kids. By 5:30 I was on my way home to feed my kids and enjoy a quite evening home with the family. Of course once the boys are in bed I love to catch up on emails and continue to create my lifestyle.

I mean when I think about how hard it would be to juggle a "job" and kids, it just boggles the mind. This month at school has been a challenge for several parents at school because the flu hit. One mom is convinced she is losing her job because of all the time she has taken off to care for her son. Here I am building a big business, a great team and raising a great family. I really have to pinch myself to see if this real.

Thank you for the blessings, may they continue and may I continue to deserve them.

Happy Valentine's Day

Well it's here again, Valentine's Day. I really love this day for lots of reasons. I love the whole idea of love. I was married on Valentine's Day so you can see I am hopeless romantic. In fact, my husband is way more romantic than me. That is the best. There are times when I realize that I don't deserve such a great man and then I realize that we compliment each other. My strengths are not his and the opposite is true.

Now I have two great little guys who I love and love sharing Valentine's Day with them. Today consisted of class parties with cup cakes and drinks. It is always awesome.

I hope you enjoy your Valentine's Day. May you love your self first and then share your love with the world.

Lia

Did I Mention Sameh Got Out!!!

Although his troubles are far from over, Sameh Khouzam, my Egyptian friend, was finally released from prison. He's slowly trying to assimilate back into society and get his life back in order. I thank God for hearing our prayers. We continue to pray that he gets some closure and can really start to live without fear of the other shoe dropping.

Back on Roller Coaster Ride

It is hard to believe it has been seven months since my Egyptian friend was put back in prison. Finally yesterday we received great news, he was to be freed immediately (forthwith). We all stood at the prison with bated breath and great enthusiasm waiting along with the news crew for the gates to open when the news was received that he had to stay five more days while the opposing team had time to decide what to do next. Imagine the emotions of everyone, especially my two small boys who wanted to give Sameh a hug and play chess with their best friend. Please don't forget about Sameh Khouzam and keep up with updates on his case by going to http://www.savesameh.org/.

Some Random Thoughts To End the Year

It's hard to believe 2008 is only days away. I find myself feeling a bit melancholy. I think this is normal. This has been a challenging year and one filled with a myriad of emotions and experiences. I feel good about where I am, and yet I know I could have been so much further along. I only have my behavior and attitude to blame. That is actually good news. That means I can change my behavior and attitude to do better next year. With that thought in mind, I wanted to share this poem with you.


If you think you're beaten you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win, but think you can't,
It is almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost.
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are,
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win that prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But sooner or late the man who wins
Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN !

(Rudyard Kipling)

I figured it out -- I need a wife

I know that sounds strange, but after the last few weeks I realized was just what I needed. We just got through the our Christmas play at Church. The kids were amazing and were filled with the meaning of Christmas. We have been rehearsing since August, and I have to admit there have been times when I wanted to quit. It took a lot of prayer and determination to help the boys stick with it (and there were times they did not want to.) It also meant giving up every Sunday afternoon for play practice. That is a big thing for me. My Sundays are precious. I tend to unwind and get ready for my week. It meant hustling to coordinate work, home and kids. The last week was the worst. We had the play practice practically every night and the nights I did not have play practice, I had meetings. Needless to say the house was a bit of a wreck and our schedules were shot. Now add to that the Grandparents where coming in from out of town to see their darling in their first play. Did I mention the house was wreck? That is when it came to me, I needed a wife.

Even after all three performances, one Saturday and two Sunday, I found myself wishing I had a wife planning dinner or at least making lunch for the boys and I. Oh well, I will just have to clone myself.

Juggling is not just for the Circus

Today I was preparing dinner, giving my son a pre-test for spelling, loading a dryer, setting the table and checking email. That was done all within two minutes of each other. I suddenly realized I had become a master juggler. Now honestly I think I am more suited for the clown antics, but in the meantime I might as well hone these skills. You never know when you are going to need them.

When I finally sat down to dinner, I found myself relaxed and ready to enjoy my few minutes with my family. In our house family dinners are sacred times. We try to eat together as often as possible. Right now that is about five nights a week. I think that is pretty good. They are always home cooked meals. When I realized that I was relaxed, I knew that I was in my groove. During the juggling time I don't know that I was feeling much of anything but the pure adrenaline of getting things done. But when I was spending time with my family, I was able to be present and enjoy.

I guess mastering the art of juggling is all right and it's even okay if I drop a ball or two. As long as I take time to enjoy the quite times.

Did you say November?

I had a seminar today that I was putting on. I went to pick up the food for the meeting and the nice lady at Subways said: "It's November 1." I looked up at her in complete confusion. How could it be November already? The boys just started back at school, right?

The older I get the faster time flies. I really try to enjoy my moments with the boys. It really did seem it was only yesterday when I was nursing them, and now there shoes are the same size as mine. When did that happen?

Take time to enjoy because in a flash it will be all a faded memory.

To Trick or To Treat or To Not . . .

We chose not. We happen to be in the minority of those families that chose not to honor this day. So instead of being out trick or treating we took the boys out to dinner. It has been a nice family tradition. It is a bit hard for the boys but they understand and have grown to appreciate it. What is nice is that all the restaurants are slow this night. We tend to eat at restaurants we would not normally eat at because of long waits. They are quiet, and we have a great family night out. I have to say, I like creating our own family traditions. What are yours?

If it's to be, It's up to You!

This was my prayer tonight.

There are days when I just want to hit the button on my recorder to play the words I say over and over again to my boys. I have read lots of books on parenting, even Bring Up Boys, by James Dobson. They all say this is normal. They did not say it would be easy.

Oh, for the Grace to stay calm and the ability to show Mercy. There are days when I just want to give myself a time out. Thank you Lord for these quite moments of reflection.

Working Mother

The phrase "working mother" is redundant. ~Jane Sellman

Why can't they just get along??????

Argh!! I love my boys with all my heart and soul. Yet, there are moments when I feel frustrated. Yes, even angry. Now it is not all the time, but there are times when it seems their whole purpose in life is just to annoy each other. I have seen glimpses of hope where they almost act like friends. But I have to say those are more rare.

I guess it is back to the books. I must be doing something wrong. This sibling thing is a bit of quandary to me. Being the way I am, I know there has to be an answer out there and I am determined to find it. If someone out there has already conquered this one, please let me know. And if by some off chance I figure it out, I will pass on the information.

Whew, it was a great day!!

As you know, I was a bit concerned about Parent Teacher Conferences. As always any fears and concern where unfounded. Both my boys are doing great. They are having mostly good days. A few issues, but all are manageable and expected for boys their age. One thing I learned is what a difference it makes when your kids go to a great school with great teachers. Both teachers see my boys for the whole person. They do not focus on the negative. They work on channeling energy to help them be the most they can be. I truly feel blessed to be a parent of great boys going to a great school.

Wish me luck!!!

Tomorrow are the Parent Teacher Conferences. Now I am not saying I am dreading them, because I know my boys are great. However, I will admit I have some trepidation. After all, they are not perfect. It is hard to stay objective when you hearing about those areas where they can improve. All in all, it has been a banner year. My biggest concern so far has not materialized. So I think we are going to have a good year. I will let you know tomorrow.

Remember when you go to these lovely events make sure you are prepared as well. Ask questions, make observations and be proactive. Find out what you can do to help at home to work with the teacher as a team. So far that has been working for us.