Safe Keeping

Today, the Lord, saw fit to spare the lives of my boys and I. There is NOTHING else that could have stopped the events of today. No one.

While driving down the road this afternoon, with the boys, I was frustrated. The boys were being silly and fighting. While in the store, they spilt their drinks twice. We had to let a friends dog out, the boys let him out the front door. It was just one of those days. My fuse has already been abnormally short lately. I've stayed on edge. I've spent far too much time yelling and fussing at my boys.

It was really sunny this afternoon too.

I was driving, into the sun, and fussing at the boys. I was approaching a railroad crossing. One of those awkward ones, in the middle of a main road...one of those dangerous ones, with no gate that comes down - just flashing lights. I was paying attention to the road and watching traffic. The car in front of me kept driving. I happened to notice that the cars, on the other side of the road had stopped, that's when I heard the train honk. I looked up, just in time to see a train, approaching at full speed.

In that split second, I thought for sure, we were going to be hit. I knew if I gunned it, I wouldn't clear the tracks and the train would hit us head on. I immediately slammed on the brakes and yanked the wheel to the right. Instead of going on the track, I went down into the "ditch" alongside the train - the spot between the train track and the signal pole. If I would have rolled down my window, I could have touched the side of the train as it roared passed.

Something in my, in that split second knew, I had to NOT go on the tracks. I knew, that meant serious injury or most likely death for me and the boys.

I sat in the van. I didn't move. I didn't try to back the van up and get back on the road. I did nothing. After a second, the kids had calmed down and I had gathered my thoughts, I calmly got out of the car and got in the backseat with the boys. I immediately told them what had just happened. I told them that the Lord, saw fit to save us. To spare our lives. We stopped and prayed and thanked God for HIS protection.

The train conductor stopped the train a bit down the tracks. He walked back to the van to check on us and be sure no one was hurt. I apologized profusely and explained to him what happened. With the sun shining you couldn't see the flashing lights. I just missed it. The car in front of me must not have seen the lights either because he blew right over the tracks. He told me that people were on the way to get me out of the ditch and to come and help.

Within a few minutes the police had arrived and some more people to inspect the train - which broke something when it braked to try to miss hitting our van. The second train driver came back and talked to me for a minute - well, he talked and I cried, a lot. He told me, he was shocked that I didn't hit anything. He also wanted to be sure that the train didn't hit us at all. He was shocked. He thought for sure we would hit. He was so very kind. He said hello to the boys and asked them if they were ok. They assured him they were fine.

After we determined, my van was indeed stuck, the tow truck came to get me out. The driver of the tow truck was also extremely kind. He was patient and helped explain everything to me. He was telling me how he had to charge me, but to send the bill to my insurance and they'd pay us back. He also only charged me half of what he normally would. He told me he was glad we were all ok and that he knew I must be really scared.

The police officer, who wasn't quite as friendly, told me that he wasn't going to give me a ticket - even though he could have. I told him I understood all of that and that I really couldn't see the signal...he told me I might have been daydreaming. I didn't argue. I was too overwhelmed. He told me that the mental anguish of what just happened would probably be enough. He wanted to be sure I really understood what had just happened. I assured him I did understand. I told him, the Lord protected us and kept us safe.

I'm convinced someone else took control of my car in that split second. What made me choose to go off the road, along side of the train, I'm convinced was not me.

The Lord, for some reason, chose to spare our lives today. It isn't the first time God has spared my life, or the lives of one of my children. It is however, the first time, that an event, this large in scope has happened. Myself and my boys were a split second from being hit, tboned, by a freight train. A split second reaction changed that.

I struggle with why the Lord chose to spare us, when so many people will loose loved ones today. There is a purpose and a plan that God has for us. I'm certain of that. I thank and praise Him for allowing us to live.

Silly Phrases

*Matt was watching The Polar Express with the boys. There is a scene at the end where the reindeer at tired from pulling the heavy sleigh. M made us all laugh when he announced: If I was a reindeer, I'd totally hit Santa with my antlers for making me pull that heavy sleigh around! We all died laughing!!!

*O has recently learned how to play a few games on the computer. The other day, he wasn't allowed to play computer. When I told him no, I wouldn't turn a game on for him, he told me...That's fine, I'll just watch the blank screen.

*One Saturday morning, a construction crew was across the way. It was early and they were LOUD! Loud enough to wake several of us up, quite early, on a Saturday...but I digress... M, woke up scared to death. He started crying. Finally, Matt figured out where the noise was coming from and I was able to explain it to M. His answer made me chuckle...Oh good (insert relieved sigh here), I thought it was an alien ship landing in our front yard to come and take us!!

*S, has gone from saying lots of funny things...to lots of profound, sassy and silly things! He's getting to the age where he's far more serious than the other two about things.

*S, has taken to wearing sports jerseys as much as possible. His friend gave him several once he outgrew them. I had to make him take his Michigan jersey off yesterday. It had been three days...and nights. I assured him, I'd have it washed in time for the "big game" on New Years. He's getting so big!

*S got all A's on his report card - we were so proud of him! He's a bright boy and a hard worker. His teacher said his behavior is wonderful too!

*M, also got what would be the equivalent of all A's - he still gets number grades. His teacher said we need to work on bringing him more into "reality" without squashing all his creativity...good luck with that one!!!

Growing Up

My babies are growing up...WAY TO QUICKLY!

We just had to buy S, some new clothes. If it isn't holes in the knees of his pants, his pants are too short on him. This seems to be a trend for him..buy him new clothes in the Fall - buy him the next size in the winter. I love that he's still not picky about what he wears. There are a few things, I know he won't wear to school, but other than that, he'll wear whatever I set out for him.

M, has taken to a new "fear" thing. I'm not sure where it's come from, but he's afraid to go in ANY room alone. I feel bad for him, but struggle to not be annoyed when he won't back to the entry way to get his coat by himself.

When we were talking about fear, we were remembering back to some of the things are boys have been afraid of...ants, birds, balloons, spiders, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, ANY costumed character really, these little "playdough" characters that used to sing on Nickelodean. Lots of fun things. One of my favorites, was when S, insisted he had a family of bears that lived in his bedroom. He was right around 3 at the time. The most "challenging" fear, was O's, fear of balloons...that was just obnoxious. Birthday parties were a nightmare. We had to walk on the far side of the hallway if a store had balloons in the entry.

The other day, I was dancing in the living room. I was messing around with the younger boys and doing silly dance moves - as if I know any REAL dance moves - S, looked at me and asked me to stop. I told him no because we were having fun. Then he pulled out the big guns..."Mom, your embarassing me"...WHAT!!?!?!? Have we already reached that point.

While playing cars with the boys, the informed me that I wasn't doing it right. When I apologized, S, told me, sweetly, Mom, don't worry, your only being about 2% annoying. Good thing, I was only being 2 percent annoying...Sheesh. I'm not looking forward to the day when I'm going to be 100% annoying!

S announced that he'd like to move to Virginia. We told him that we would be far away from our family here and he said...that's ok. They can just come and visit. Typical male...

M was at a party with us. There was a boy at the party who was tormenting him all night. Finally, after M had enough, he walked up to us and said: "Can someone just TELEPORT that kid outta here!"...and then walked away.

I was getting ready to drop O off at work with Matt on a Saturday. The older boys were already there helping him to some things. When we were getting ready to leave, O asked if daddy's black teacher was going to be there...I stopped for a minute, stunned and trying to figure out what he was talking about. Our older boys still haven't differentiated or called attention to skin color so we were a little surprised. After a few questions, I figured out who he was talking about. I told him what his name was and that we would call him that. O looked at me and smiled and said: "I hope he's there. I love him. I love black...it's my favorite color"

A few days ago, O was telling me that daddy plays trains with him. I've been feeling guilty lately about spending enough "quality" time with the boys, so I asked O what I do with him...he told me...sit on the couch. YIKES!! Score one for the mommy guilt.

The boys continue to do well in school. I love S's papers...105% on a Social Studies test, 106% on a spelling test...and he's getting A's on his Math tests too!
M is breezing through in his typical fashion. He still says he's bored and that the work is too easy - but he loves that he gets three recesses still.
O has been doing work with me at home and is learning the rest of his letters. I fear he's a little behind where the older boys are...in fact, I know he's behind M. M was reading by this age. I know all kids are different though. For all the letter knowledge O lacks, he has twice the common sense of his older brothers.

M's diabetes seems to be under good control and the doctors don't seem concerned with his B12 levels anymore. I think it was more of an oddity that they wanted to check out than anything.

All in all, we are a blessed family. We want for nothing - the Lord has continued to provide for us above and beyond what we need.

Sometimes

Sometimes, I feel like I'm flying by the seat of my pants.
Sometimes, My kids make me want to laugh, cry, scream and hug them...all in a span of 10 minutes.
Sometimes, I have NO idea what I'm doing.
Sometimes, I feel like I'll never catch up.
Sometimes, I think I'm too lazy.
Sometimes, I spend money I shouldn't spend.
Sometimes, I get REALLY excited when I get a great sale on something AND I have coupons.
Sometimes, I'm secretly proud that my boys ask if stuff is on sale and if I have a coupon for it!
Sometimes, I ignore my kids.
Sometimes, I feel guilty for ignoring my kids.
Sometimes, I enjoy doing ANYTHING alone...even if it's just going to the grocery store.
Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed with responsibility.
Sometimes, I feel like too many people depend on me.
Sometimes, I am amazed at my children's abilities.
Sometimes, I feel crazy.
Sometimes, I think I have it figured out...then I realize I'm wrong.
Sometimes, I take things for granted.
Sometimes, I say things I shouldn't.
Sometimes, I'm scared...of everything.
Sometimes, I let my mind run away with itself and don't trust in the Lord's protection.
Sometimes, I lack faith.
Sometimes, I'm rude.
Sometimes, I laugh until I get a headache.
Sometimes, I let my kids eat candy for breakfast.
Sometimes, I forget to set meat out for dinner...on purpose.
Sometimes, I take my husband for granted.

The Rambling Post

O, shouted out the window the other day, to the boys principal no less...."See ya wouldn't wanna be ya"! Yep, that's my 4 year old.

M, after dancing like a maniac at my brothers wedding, was walking to the car with me. I stopped him and told him that he was a dancing fool. He looked at me, with all seriousness and told me: "Mom, I told ya I got the moves!". He does have the moves too!

O has taken to asking, since we drove through 6 states in 12 hours, on the way to my brothers wedding, if we are in Michigan all the time. If we drive for more than 10 minutes, he wants to know if we are still in MI. Poor kids confused I think!

The boys were great travelers. I'm quite sure they did better than Matt and I!

I wish I didn't struggle so much with motion sickness. I find it is getting increasingly worse. I hate it.

I've decided that my dream home will have a first floor laundry room and two bathrooms. My wants are simple.

I've become increasingly grateful for my husband. The man works hard and comes home and plays with our children, helps around the house AND is working on his Masters.
The Lord has richly blessed me with a wonderful husband and father.

We can't decide on whether or not we should get the boys DS's for Christmas this year. We are pretty anti video game around here, but think that having these little games might be nice for the kids. We'd have to put some strict limits on them with the boys....who knows. I will ashamedly admit, that in the back of my mind, I've thought it would give me leverage as a punishment sometimes. I'm a mean mom.

I'm thrilled that we've found another babysitter. A responsible young lady from church, who is able to care for M's needs. She grew up with a mother who had Type 1 diabetes, as well as an insulin pump. She's no stranger to the signs and symptoms of hypo/hyperglycemia. It's so wonderful to have someone else to call for help!

I bought my boys a $5 movie while away for the wedding. It was Flushed Away. We'd never seen it. I think my boys watched it 4 times on the way home. I've never heard such belly laughing in all my life. I love that sound...except for when we've been in the car for 11 plus hours....then it gets a little old.

I love Glee, but was a bit "put off", but their photo shoot for GQ, though not surprised. I was MORE outraged, by the fact that, a photo that my sons would have NEVER seen, a photo that was meant for a magazine that we would never purchase, was plastered all over my TV screen all day long, on channels that are often on for us to check weather and such. At one point, I had to quickly turn it off when I saw my 8 year old son glued to the TV set.

I also had an interesting conversation with my boys last week. They had some questions about someone that we saw at my brothers wedding. There were some questions as to a guests gender and the way that they were behaving. The kids wanted to know why a boy would want to look and act like a girl. I was thankful, after a brief prayer, that I was able to answer the boys in a way I felt proper. I told them, in a nutshell, that we should be thankful for the gender that God made us. That he made boys to act/look like boys, etc. I told them that we need to be sure that we act/dress like the sex that we are as well. I was also sure to tell them that although we don't agree with their choice, we don't hate people who choose that life style, nor do we make fun of them or call them names. They responded very well.

I am happy with the pictures I was able to get of my brothers wedding and of our boys while we were there. It was fun to be able to get some nice pictures of my children, instead of someone elses for a change!

Mouth of Babes

O, asked me last week if I could change his brain to blue. He informed me that he was done having it red and would like me to paint it blue. Alrighty then.

M, after getting all ready for picture day at school, looked int he mirror and proclaimed...WOW, I really look like a man mom!

S, told me that my idea for his costume this year was, in no uncertain terms, LAME. Lame...seriously. He's 8...isn't everything lame when your 8?!?!

O, told me that when he grew up he wanted to be big like me. When I told him, he would probably be bigger than mommy, he said, he wanted to be big and fat just like me. Yep...big and fat.

M, informed us that all of the kids think his shoes are "sweet" and that is why they all play with him and want to follow him around. He's also convinced that it their was a power outage or a lock down drill that they would call on him to have his "sweet Sketcher Illuminators", lead the way through the dark!

O, told us that his favorite Grandma is Grandma Venita...not because she loves him or spends time with him or anything like that...it's because she has a "Hi phone" - translated I phone.

S, told us that he was moving in with some family friends. When I asked him why...his answer was simple - they have TWO I phones, a Wii, lots of ice cream, and a HUGE snack basket that you can get stuff out of whenever you want. I told him I wanted to move in there too. He didn't think it was funny.

Just a FEW of the things my kiddies have been saying lately.