The End of an Era.....sigh.......

Well, you may have heard the sad news....it finally happened. Brett Favre retired from The Green Bay Packers. I am somewhat shocked at how this made me sad. I joking predicted this event before last season. Kevin and Scout were very quick to tell me that would not happen, and they were right. To their delight, we enjoyed a wonderful 2007 Green Bay Packer Football Season. It was awesome! If you did not see the playoff game at Lambeau Field where Favre was covered in snow and loving every minute of it....truly missed a game!

For our family, Packer games are cause to celebrate. We even go to early church sometimes just to be sure we are home for kick off on Sundays. Seriously! We love getting together with Kevin's brother Ken in Nashville along with Kelly and our nephew Alec. Kevin's parents enjoy the games too. If we can get everyone together...that is big. One year for Superbowl we all met in Atlanta for the weekend just so we could all be together for Superbowl Sunday! What fun! The tailgating food is flowing....brats for everyone! It's a good time.

After school today, I broke the news to Scout. He was so sad. Emotionally, it took him a moment. He was hoping for one more season. He would and he has defended Brett's abilities against other QBs. After Scout heard the news and composed himself - I handed him a stack of Favre football cards. You see, when I heard the news earlier today, Kevin told me that Scout had looked at some cards at the trading card shop the other day and it might be a nice surprise to go pick a few up for him. So, after work I stopped by the shop to see what I could find. I introduced myself to the store owner and reminded him I was the mom of the boy always looking for Favre cards. His face lit up as he said, "You're Scout's mom. Wow, I thought about him when I heard the news today". I was shocked he remembered Scout, but then again, we are there quite a bit...usually looking for one player's card. Go figure. Anyway, he went into the back and came back with a stack of cards that he said he didn't think Scout had. He then told me I could have them all for $20. That was a deal...I took them!

When I handed the cards to Scout, he was so touched. He gave me a big hug...got kind of mushy and so appreciated the gift. I knew he connected with the thoughts that went into that gift. He felt cared for and special.

I was reminded today that even though I may not totally understand the depth of emotion one of my kids may feel for something, I can give them my attention and care about their feelings and situation. Scout doesn't know Brett, and this is not a life changing ordeal we are walking through. But Brett Favre was my son's favorite...and he is really bummed right now. If I can't care about the little things my kids walk through and get sad about, how can I be effective in the big things.

Showing our kids we love them and truly care about them means that we walk through their hurts with them daily and that we take them seriously. We know they'll get through these situations....but at that very moment....it is everything to them. The Proverbs 31 woman knows this. She takes time for her kids and her husband too. She speaks kindly to her children with understanding, she doesn't discount their feelings. I have to admit, I don't always live up to this. Today, thankfully was a good day. I hope for many more good days to follow.


Proverbs 31: 25 - 29

She is strong and is respected by the people. She looks forward to the future with joy. She speaks wise words and teaches others to be kind. She watches over her family and never wastes her time. Her children speak well of her. Her husband also praises her, saying "there are many fine women, but you are better than all of them".

Manly Things

I love manly things. I do! What I mean by this is that I love that my boys like manly things. I enjoy seeing them totally get into hunting and stuff like that. Maybe it makes me feel more feminine...I'm not sure. I truly embrace being a boy mom. Maybe because it's all I know....or maybe because God has placed that passion inside me. I'll go with that answer. My friend Julie and I talk about this alot. You see, we both have a house full of men. It's always loud and crazy and neither of us would trade it for anything! We enjoy paintball days as we watch our husbands and boys shoot each other and try to steal the flag from the other team. It's so much fun. I actually need a paintball Saturday sometime soon! It's almost getting too hot....how can Julie and I drink coffee and watch them play if we don't have at least a small chill somewhere! I'll have to talk with her soon about this!!!! Anyway, this past weekend Kevin took Nick on a pheasant hunt with some other men from our church. It was great. Not only did they come back with 6 pheasants, but Nick came back with so many stories and memories. He loved being with all those men. I am thankful he has respect for men that are his elders and that he recognizes their authority over him. With each of our boys, I want to be sure we are teaching them to have respect for their elders. I find that the younger generation is truly misplacing the ideal of respect. So many young adults feel respect is something you give only after you've received it. Something is wrong with that. I want my kids to give it freely to others, even when at times they may not deserve it. Sometimes you have to give respect in spite of age, position or anything else that you feel should go along with the courteously of respect. You know? When I think about that, one of my most favorite verses in the bible comes to mind.

Philippians 2:1-4
If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. (The Message)

I love that! Could this be any clearer? I mean, it says it so plainly. If Christ's love has done anything for you.....anything!!!! Put yourself aside - how awesome is that? I want to teach my kids to do that...I want them to see that in others too. Lord, help me to show that each day as I live. Sometimes it's hard...but because you have done so much for me - it's the very least I can do!!!

Looking for a good book?

Hello Friends!!! Let me first say I am having MUCH fun writing these fun little blogs. I also enjoy your comments whether you are posting them or emailing...thank you! I wanted to get something out today regarding the resources some of us have been talking about. There are a bunch of books out there....but I have a few favorites. Vicki Courtney is an author that has written many books on raising her children. Mostly girl related...until she wrote a book not too long ago called Your Boy. One of the first books I read that made me think yeah.. this is such good stuff that can actually help me in raising my sons. She gets it in my opinion and has a parenting style that helps us all learn to parent in today's world. I like her. Well, one of her newest books,

Logged On and Tuned Out

is perfect for learning about your kids generation. It covers everything from myspace to facebook and other online opportunities. She even talks about text messaging. I definitely recommend that one. www.loggedonandtunedout.com check that out when you have a few moments for more information on all of this!

If your child is going to have a Myspace or a Facebook - this pretty much means that the parent also has one. If they are posting things for everyone in the world to see, the parents definitely need to keep up with it too! We've told the boys that they need to represent themselves as Christian young men at all times. So, if we ever find anything that is to the contrary, they can lose all privileges. They are responsible for telling their friends the same thing. Meaning - if they have friends that insist on posting foul words, pictures, or anything we disagree with, they will be the ones to endure the consequences. We want them to feel responsible for telling their friends that offensive behavior will not be tolerated. We also tell them that nothing is private on the Internet so do not publish words that are hurtful or harmful about anyone. Even if they might be joking - you have to be extra careful because posted words are words that reach farther than you probably ever expect. If you wouldn't say it to someone's face....DO NOT TYPE IT!

A basic rule - that we figure our kids know...but a good one to check and brush up on is check the information that our kids are giving out. For example, Nick has used Myspace and Facebook for while now. We've been over the basics. Looking at his page about 6 months ago I guess, I found out what color hair he had, how much he weighed, his city, school, after school schedule etc. I was shocked! I told Nick if I was a predator, I would know exactly where to find him and what he looked like! He changed it, but to be honest with you, there is a part of Nick that thinks I am ridiculous when I bring up stuff like that...because he truly believes that could never happen to him. He is invincible remember.....aren't they all? So, that just means we have to keep thinking for them at times in situations like this and stay on top of what they are putting out for the whole world to read. Remember, its our job to teach them how to use it....they'll be out from under our roof soon enough and we have to make as much stick as we can.

Well, that is all for today - pick up the book - or at least visit Vicki's webpage on being logged in and tuned out! It's a good one.

And you know what? If your kids are always logged on..... log everyone off one night this week and play a game as a family! Laugh until it hurts....and remind them that they have fun parents!!!

Teaching a boy to love a girl....

You know as parents, we teach our kids the right manners, obviously right from wrong...and the spiritual truths of course. However, as my boys grow up I become even more aware of how we teach them to be future husbands and fathers themselves. We all know that they look at us as authority and we hope role models too...but what kind of role models. I don't think of it often - though important - that when my boys see me, sometimes they think...is that what a wife/mom/woman is supposed to look like? Now, of course they will marry someone they fall in love with, but if we as mom's model good examples of who we are called to be, they will look for the right people and something inside them will click if they become involved with people who aren't necessarily good for them.

Having boys, we are focusing more on the side of how to cherish and respect a girl. How to treat her like she is special and all those things. In our home, our boys see this firsthand. I am blessed to be loved by an amazing man. Those of you who know him, know what I mean. He is crazy about me and never passes a chance to tell me so. Sometimes I think that because he is always that way...I forget that is not the norm. I have had eternal displays of love for me etched in wet cement at many gas stations, on church stage props....you name it. It's actually a game during musical season at church. Four letters and a symbol.... KJ (heart)SJ. That is what he paints/draws, reminding me that he loves me. I see this at a gas station on Acton road - right by the pump - Kevin loves Shannon. How fun is that for me? I am not that crazy...but I do leave notes for him on an old mirror in our bedroom. Our boys see this - they roll their eyes. But they know that their dad loves their mom. They see us cuddle on the couch, dance in the kitchen and have date night. That is so important. Now, I could tell you something else...but I am not sure it stays within the realm of things you should post on a blog for others to see, but it would be quite funny. But, maybe Max singing that awesome song Viva...something....just wouldn't be appropriate. You know, I wish they wouldn't make catchy songs about crazy products....anyway, let's get back to the subject at hand. What I am trying to say as I get caught up in ways my husband shows his love for me is that our boys see that we have fun and that we love each other. They in turn, look forward to getting married and plan to have fun. I hope they see that when they get married, they are to keep pursuing their love and keeping romantic gestures a part of their life. I don't want them to think that once they 'catch her' the chase is over. As women we long to be pursued. That is how we are wired, I am thankful I have a chaser.....

Scout, Max and I were home alone last night and we enjoyed my latest show of love from my man. I have begged for a long time to have a TV in my room. Just to enjoy a movie or some quiet tv when Guitar Hero 3 is blasting in our family room and flows into most every other area in our home. That's all.... Anyway, before Kevin went on a hunting trip with Nick - I received a wonderful flat screen TV that is pretty enough to kind of fit in my girl room. So its Friday, Max, Scout and I are all cozied up in my bed. All Max said is, Mom, I am so glad Dad is in love with you. He gives you good gifts. You know, he is right! He does.... and I wonder if Kevin knows he is giving our boys a gift. The living example of a man who loves his wife and truly cherishes her. Kevin is teaching them daily how to be a wonderful husband.

Kevin and I love to go to bookstores - and just read, drink coffee, look around. Well, around Christmastime, we found a devotion book for couples that we bought. Songs in the key of Solomon. It is written by well known Anita Renfroe ( women of faith) and her husband John. Inside we found many romantic devotions that remind us and married couples to connect in romantic ways each day. I am reminded that I need to do that more. I want our boys to continue seeing a love that has sparks in their parents marriage. What about you? If you are not getting enough....oooo you two.....that is gross comments from your 9 year old....maybe you need to turn up the romance too. :) Just saying.... Read the scripture below, if this is not something you want to read with your spouse.....take a heart check and go away for a weekend alone - no kids. A healthy marriage is just as important in your home as keeping your kids away from bad movies, language, drinking and drugs....I promise! :)

(The man) Oh my dear friend! You're so beautiful! And your eyes so beautiful - like doves!
(The woman) And you, my dear lover - you're so handsome! And the bed we share is like a forest glen. We enjoy a canopy of ceders enclosed by cypresses, fragrant and green. I'm just a wildflower picked from the plains of Sharon, a lotus blossom from the valley pools.

(the man) A lotus blossoming in a swamp of weeds -that is my dear friend among the girls of the village. Song of Solomon 1:15-2:2