A Birthday, a Weekend Away, Soccer Games, and a Concussion

Yep, that about sums up our February. It was a busy month packed with events... some good, some bad... We celebrated Jim's 43rd birthday and attended 13 soccer games. I went away for a scrapbook weekend with my mom, my sister, and 2 friends, which was FABULOUS!... Then, there were all the doctor's visits after Ben got a concussion during a soccer game. We didn't realize it was so bad until he saw Dr. Lakhia at the concussion clinic 5 days after the kick to his head. Ben couldn't even follow the doctor's finger with his eyes. Very scary! As a result, he needed cognitive rest, which meant no school, reading, homework, texting, watching TV, video games, or computer time. What's a teenage boy to do then??

After Ben's 2nd visit to the concussion clinic, Dr. Lakhia released him to go back to school (after 2 long, boring weeks) with some accommodations. His teachers were supposed to exempt him from tests whenever possible, give him extra time to complete assignments, reduce his workload by 50% (or more), give him breaks as needed, and let him leave class a few minutes early to avoid the chaos in the halls between classes. I don't think Ben really minded all the accommodations. He was just happy to be getting out of the house! Who knew that sleeping in and doing nothing could get old??

The worst part for Ben has been not being able to play soccer. Even though he couldn't play, he's made a point to go to all his games (for all 3 teams). I'm really proud of him for his commitment to his teams. I know it hasn't been easy to just sit and watch and not be a part of the action. According to his doctor, he should be able to return to play in a few more weeks, as long as he keeps making progress. That means he should be able to play with his club team in their first tournament of the season on March 24-25. I know that I'll be a nervous wreck when he makes that first diving save since his concussion. That's okay, though. I think I'll be more excited than nervous to see him playing the game that he loves!

43 Reasons Why

For the last few years, I've composed a list of reasons why I love Jim and present it to him on his birthday. Before you think, "Oh, she's so creative," know that I stole the idea from a friend in Arkansas who does this for her husband each year. I've found that, not only is it nice for Jim to hear, but it also helps me to remember all those reasons why I love him. It's a sort of renewal. So, as Jim turns 43 today, here are (in no particular order) 43 reasons why I love him....

1. He works hard and is a good provider.
2. He's a wonderful dad.
3. He does dishes.
4. He goes with me on my large monthly grocery trip.
5. He cooks when I don't feel like it.
6. He's my computer repairman.
7. He makes window treatments for me (and my sister).
8. He loves me even when I'm not lovable.
9. He loves my family.
10. He clears his schedule every Friday so that we can have lunch together.
11. He indulges Ben on "Pizza Sunday."
12. He adopted Charlie for Anna.
13. He's made time to go on all but one of Kaity's college visits.
14. He helps me get the kids to all their activities.
15. He balances the checkbook and pays the bills each month.
16. He puts lotion on my back whenever I ask.
17. He puts the toilet seat down.
18. He likes that I enjoy trying new recipes.
19. He brings me flowers.
20. He writes poems for me.
21. He drives to UDF to get me a milkshake when I have a craving.
22. He's willing to eat out when I suggest it.
23. He always remembers our anniversary and my birthday.
24. He makes me laugh.
25. He can fix anything.
26. He sews buttons on our clothes when they fall off.
27. He polishes my shoes.
28. He encourages me to read (even though I have a hard time putting down a good book!).
29. He plays Words with Friends with me.
30. He takes us on family vacations each summer.
31. He's honest.
32. He's faithful.
33. He loves the Lord.
34. He parks on the driveway and lets Kaity and me park in the garage.
35. He encourages me to go on a girls' weekend away every year.
36. He takes me on dates.
37. He's always supported my desire to be a stay-at-home mom.
38. He shampoos the carpet when Charlie has an accident.
39. He shares popcorn with me.
40. He tells me I'm beautiful (even when I'm a mess!).
41. He forgives easily.
42. He's easy to scare. :)
43. He's affectionate.

Happy birthday, Jim! I love you.

Third Time's the Charm

Well, we did it. We finally gave in and adopted a dog for Anna. Jim and I had reservations because our last 2 attempts of being dog owners didn't go so well. Pepper was our first. She was a Standard Schnauzer that drove me crazy! She would pee on the laundry room floor while I stood and watched her. I think she wanted to take my spot under the alpha male! To say that she and I didn't get along would be an understatement.... A few years later we bought Sadie, a sweet, lovable, and extremely energetic chocolate lab. We used to joke that she thought she was a "lap dog." Sadie even made the move to Arkansas with us. However, when we discovered that Ben and I were allergic to everything under the sun (and even the sun, in my case!), we decided to give Sadie away. Anna was heartbroken, but we had to do it so that I could breathe!... On Friday, January 27th, we surprised Anna and adopted Charlie, a Cairn Terrier mix. I wish that I had taken my camera with me to the shelter; I've never seen Anna so happy and excited about anything! When she got out of the car, she ran up to Jim with tears in her eyes, wrapped her arms around his waist and said, "Thank you, Daddy! Thank you!"

So far, Charlie has been a sweet addition to our family. He's everything we've always wanted in a dog; he's sweet, cuddly, playful, non shedding, house trained, and he very rarely barks! We're all amazed and think he's too good to be true! I guess you could say that the third time's the charm!

Feeling nostalgic...

I've been feeling a little nostalgic lately. I'm not sure why.... Maybe it's because I just turned 42.... Maybe it's because Kaity's a senior in high school looking forward to college next year.... Maybe it's because Ben's 6 feet tall.... Maybe it's because my baby's looking like a young woman.... Anyway, I've spent some time looking through the kids' baby albums recently, and those photographs have brought back so many memories.... When the kids were little, they were best buddies. Oh, they argued and tattled, but, at the end of the day, they were best friends. As they've gotten older, their relationships have changed. They don't hand out hugs regularly or exclaim their love for one another these days. However, every now and then, I get a glimpse of how much they care about each other.... Like when Kaity invites Anna into her room for a movie or when Ben voluntarily goes to Anna's soccer game or when Anna gives up the "big" TV so that Ben can watch a soccer game.... I guess that's why this photo, taken just a few weeks ago, means so much to me. It's just a few minutes out of an ordinary day.... Sitting on the steps after school, talking and laughing... Just enjoying each other... And that makes this mom's heart happy. :)