We are approaching 2 months since we began this fun little journey of faith. Here are the roads we have traveled so far. Some have been alone while others all together.
*Bogey*
Again I have to say he has taking on so much, but he keeps it all together and going. He set a booth up of Tonedeafcomics at two Music Educator Convention. In January he set up at the FMEA, which was good because it was in Tampa so he was able to commute back home at the end of the day. Although he did let me know he has no desire to travel that route for a while;) He was very happy with the results and the merchandise sold. In February he went to KMEA. This was not as easy of a commute. This was in Louisville. He traveled about 15 hours with all his booth gear, which meant our poor VUE was packed quite strategically:) He traveled a day early so one of the big pluses was that he was able to visit with his family in Ft. Mitchell. Also while at the convention he was able to catch up with some friends who were attending the convention. Not to mention he did partake of a meal from Skyline while in the area:) He liked the results from the convention. He did noticed there were a few disadvantages at this convention, but it seems like those are being worked out for the future conventions. The good thing he was able to get the comic out there to what seemed to him to be a new group of readers. He already has plans for the 2012/2013 convention year so watch out MEA's tonedeafcomics might be coming to your town:)
I must say I am so very proud of him. He did this ALL by himself. He never ceases to amaze me with his vision for this. All I can do is just say "What can I do?" and let him do the rest. Along with all of this prep and delivery he was and is still maintaining the Comic, Composing Music, Working at Apple, and he still finds time to spend with us too:) And I've said it before, but that is one of the many reasons I love him!!
 |
| Bogey in his work blue |
*Shelley*
It goes without saying that I love being at home with the boys (I guess I'll say it anyway). Currently my biggest challenge is one with myself. My productivity or at least what I assume my productivity at home with regards to chores and organizing should be is lacking. So to overcome this I have decided to give myself lists be it for the day, week or month what I feel should be accomplished. This is not good territory for me. You see I'm not a list maker nor am I good at marking off my list:) However I have dedicated to grocery shop only with a list, and to my surprise I have been very successful with keeping that maintained so I think this is something I can (and will) adapt too:) My hope is that this will motivate me to use my time more efficiently during the weekday so that when Daniel is home from school & Bogey not working my focus on chores & errands are at minimum. Actually to be nonexistent would be great, but I'm not fooling myself about that one.
The only other thing that has been an adjustment for me is dinner. I think I took for granted the fact that we always sat down; the four of us and had dinner. I mean it is fine just me and the boys, but I do miss Bogey at the dinner table with us. I have decided that this is not a permanent thing so I need to savor when we are all four at the table together. Breakfast, lunch or dinner. And I guess that is it for me right now. So as I get my list making and doing revved up I'll enjoy the moment and do my best to allow myself to focus less on the what chores should be done, and more on the time that is here right now to spend with the boys. Because right now they WANT me to play with them, read to them, sing to them, sit close to them. Who knows they may always be this affectionate with me, but just in case I am going to try to savor every moment;)
 |
| My Danny boy |
 |
| Sweet Jackson |
*Daniel*
Living like a 2nd grader. He just completed his 2nd grading period on A honor roll. Two in a row, Woo hoo!! He started with the Alpha program this year. He is really liking this. Although sometimes he misses going to P.E. with his class, but for the most part he is really enjoying it. His favorite topic they have studied was Astronomy. He has become very interested in the constellations.
At the first of the school year he joined Cub Scouts. He is a Wolf Cub. He is getting a lot out of it. He participated in a Pinewood derby and with the exception of a little help from Bogey and Uncle Jeff that car was all done by Daniel. He would even remind us "Remember I am suppose to do this" whenever we would "suggest" something. So we made sure to keep it HIS car:) He won out of all the Wolves and 3rd overall for the pack. He was able to go to district where he decided to place his car in the design category instead of racing it and he won 1st place!!
He will begin Soccer in March. He wanted to play this year so of course I said "YES!!" Anytime he asks to do something I try to make it happen. As long as there is not too much. I am a bit nervous with Cub Scouts, soccer practice and games.
That sums up what Daniel does when he is not at home playing the Wii, playing his DS, watching the crazy antics of Phineas & Ferb, enjoying the adventures of those fearless Jedi's from Clone Wars (although truth be told he is truly a Grevious fan), building his LEGOS, reading books, being Jackson's big brother or our Sweet Danny boy!
I know I am biased, but this kid is truly amazing. Don't get me wrong we have challenges, but what kid doesn't. So I'll say it again. This kid is amazing!!!
 |
| @ the Pack Derby |
 |
| @ District |
 |
| Building one of the Star Wars ships |
 |
| The Boys! |
*Jackson*
Oh my goodness!! Where do I begin.....This little guy is a high octane, cuter than can be, curious, sweet smilin', eye batting, smart, chatty, all boy 2 year old.
When I went back to work after my Maternity leave in 2009 I felt like he was changing every time I blinked. I don't know why it seemed hard. I did get to experience most of his milestone form baby to toddler, but I still felt like I was missing time with him. Well now that I have said that let me just say he is still growing up. Everyday it seems like there is something new he is doing or trying. Weather it is drawing a smiley face or attempting to draw a dog (he just did that this week), taking off his shoes or cleaning up without being asked. I find myself amazed with this little person still forming in front of my eyes.
Not unlike most younger siblings, Jackson has a hard time realizing that he is only Two and sometimes that comes some slight limitations. He is not quite as tall as Daniel nor does he have the same dexterity and coordination. However does that stop him? As Jackson likes to say "Nope." I love his determination and my goodness when he succeeds.....There are few things as bright as his sweet smile:) Our biggest challenge is the "P" word. Potty training is going very slow. That is the one thing he really hasn't cared to be a big kid (of course). We have had some very consistent days the past week, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for the end of May we will be all good with the Potty (Gotta have faith people)
So before I wrap this up here is what Jackson is doing theses days. He loves to color (when he can use markers it is major props for him), build LEGOS, ramp cars, run outside, chalk drawings on the drive way, puzzles, bubbles, watch Little Einsteins, watch anything that Danny boy watches, play with Daddy, pounce on Daniel, lead Momma by the shirt to "Come watsh dis" (Come watch this). I love this stage he is at right now. I couldn't think of any other place I'd want to be:)
For me Jackson like falling in love with his Dad is an answer to a prayer I never knew I had, but one my heart did. Jackson is and always will be a reminder of God's Grace and Love for you even when you didn't know you needed it or even had it.
 |
| Two years old |
 |
| Puddles!!! We love them! |
 |
| Hanging in the tent coloring:) |
 |
| All that playing and Loving can wear a little guy out |
So that is us over the past few months. As always just living life the best way we can while trying to keep love our first priority with a little fun mixed in:)
Thanks for reading.
Until next time.
