Treat others the way...

Treat others the way you would want to be treated


Please click on the above link and watch this amazing moment in time.  My heart has a very special spot for those with special needs.  I would like to believe that each one of our boys will be the kind of boys that would do just what this young man did at the end of the game.  I pray they are....

I Don't Want to Raise Tolerant Kids

Loved this from a Blog I recently started following....The Farmer's Wife Tells All

The Farmer has this farmer friend who has this thing he says. Whenever you ask, “How’s your family/girlfriend/job?” he answers,

Tolerable.

Merriam Webster says that means -

tol·er·a·ble: adj. capable of being borne or endured <tolerable pain>

tol·er·ate: v. to put up with tolerate

 one another>

Given those definitions, I sort of chuckled to myself the other day when I drove past a local school whose marquee said,

Practice Tolerance

It struck me as odd. Have you ever been in the company of someone and you could tell they were tolerating you? It’s not a good feeling! I don’t want to be tolerated! I want to be accepted and loved and valued, which is a far cry from, “put up with.”

Why, oh why, are we teaching our children to tolerate one another? I mean, I guess tolerating someone is a good alternative to kicking someone in the shin, but is that really the best we can do?

I don’t want to raise kids who tolerate others.

I want to raise kids who love other people as Christ loved them.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. – John 15:12

I want to raise kids who look at others and recognize that they were made in God’s image.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27

Christ saw the person before he saw the sin. I want to raise children who do the same.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8

The Christian community has a longstanding history of being irritated with the term, “tolerance.” However, that irritation usually stems from the idea that if we tolerate people we are condoning their sin. We want to teach our kids to take a stand for what’s right! And don’t make us bust out the Jesus-in-the-temple example! Nevermind all the examples of Jesus’ anger with the Pharisees. 

Does a sinful world really need my kids to remind them of their sins?

Or – does a sinful world need the people of a loving, accepting Savior to *ahem* love them? What the sinner really needs is Jesus, not people telling him how to clean up his act [unless said sinner is a fellow believer, according to Matthew 8:15-22.]

 See, the person isn’t the sin. The sin is the sin.

I don’t preach  moral relativism to my kids or tell them that they should just tolerate all things. I’m not talking one bit about tolerating things. I’m talking about people. I am not encouraging them to tolerate all beliefs and lifestyles. It’s okay to look at something and believe it’s wrong. It’s not okay, however, to let that belief interfere with your love for the person living that lifestyle. I also believe it’s not my place as a Christian to let everyone know what all their sins are.

I love how Billy Graham put this after President Clinton’s scandal in the ’90s. When asked why he still supported the President, he answered,

It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge, and it’s my job to love.

I don’t want to raise tolerant kids. I want to raise loving kids.

Wet Oatmeal Kisses by Erma Bombeck

ONE OF THESE DAYS YOU’LL EXPLODE AND SHOUT TO ALL THE KIDS,
“WHY DON’T YOU JUST GROW UP AND ACT YOUR AGE!”
AND THEY WILL…

OR, “YOU GUYS GET OUTSIDE AND FIND SOMETHING TO DO –
WITHOUT HURTING EACH OTHER.  AND DON’T SLAM THE DOOR!”
AND THEY DON’T.

YOU’LL STRAIGHTEN THEIR BEDROOMS
UNTIL IT’S ALL NEAT AND TIDY,
TOYS DISPLAYED ON THE SHELF,
HANGERS IN THE CLOSET, ANIMALS CAGED.
YOU’LL YELL, “NOW I WANT IT TO STAY THIS WAY!”
AND IT WILL…

YOU WILL PREPARE A PERFECT DINNER
WITH A SALAD THAT HASN’T HAD ALL THE OLIVES PICKED OUT
AND A CAKE WITH NO FINGER TRACES IN THE ICING
AND YOU’LL SAY, “NOW THIS IS A MEAL FOR COMPANY.”
AND YOU WILL EAT IT ALONE…

YOU’LL YELL, “I WANT COMPLETE PRIVACY ON THE PHONE.
NO SCREAMING, DO YOU HEAR ME?”
AND NO ONE WILL ANSWER.

NO MORE PLASTIC TABLECLOTHS STAINED
NO MORE DANDELION BOUQUETS.
NO MORE IRON-ON PATCHES.
NO MORE WET, KNOTTED SHOELACES,
MUDDY BOOTS OR RUBBER BANDS FOR PONYTAILS.

IMAGINE…. A LIPSTICK WITH A POINT,
NO BABYSITTERS FOR NEW YEARS EVE,
WASHING CLOTHES ONLY ONCE A WEEK,
NO PTA MEETINGS OR SILLY SCHOOL PLAYS WHERE YOUR CHILD IS A TREE,
NO CAR POOLS, BLARING STEREOS OR FORGOTTEN LUNCH MONEY.

NO MORE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS MADE OF LIBRARY PASTE AND TOOTHPICKS,
NO WET OATMEAL KISSES,
NO MORE TOOTH FAIRY,
NO MORE GIGGLES IN THE DARK,
SCRAPED KNEES TO KISS OR STICKY FINGERS TO CLEAN
ONLY A VOICE ASKING, “WHY DON’T YOU GROW UP?”
AND THE SILENCE ECHOES: “I DID.”

Birthday Celebration

Last night before dinner we had a chance to sit down and celebrate my Love.

Considering Max had just woken up from a nap and wasn't in the mood for pants...and I wasn't in the mood for the battle.  But he was in the mood to open presents.  He picked out the paper and all for his Daddy.  :)

 We got Daddy a weighted blanket for his legs, he loves to sleep with something heavy on his legs and I had seen this at my friend Erin's house, Max liked laying on it.  It has beans or something in it.  

 The Boston Creme Pie.....this year Max added Mater and Lightning McQueen sugar decorations.  Daddy got teary when we sang to him...I know what was going through his mind.  What a blessing to have our healthy, our parents, our boys, our marriage....God is good.

And the Buckeyes played basketball right after his favorite dinner and his favorite cake was eaten.  Doesn't get much better than that for him.

love you

A letter from Scott's Mom

On February 20, 1954 a 10lb. 4oz. boy was born at Dunlap Hospital in Orrville. He was a big guy and a great addition to our family. His big sister Kathy was so excited when we brought him home. He was always so busy as a toddler, in grade school, and high school. Loved his animals and always liked to speak in 4H and FFA going to State in 4H speaking. He had Grand Champion Steer at the Wayne Co. Showed corn there and at the Baughman Grange for lots of year. Played Little League baseball and was in track at Smithville. Also wrestled.

Helped Dad with farming worked at Smith Dairy summers and Spring and Christmas breaks while going to Ohio State. He was on the Ohio State Meat and livestock judging teams was one of the top ten students in Agriculture at Ohio State. Won awards in the Little I.

We are very proud of him. He got married to a very sweet and beautiful girl from Minn. They have 4 great sons that we are very proud of and love very much. We wish you lots of wonderful years.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A WONDERFUL SON.

Mother & Dad

Birthday day

Today is Scott's birthday.  We are waiting for him to get back from his meeting somewhere close to Iowa City.  We are hoping he will make it in time for a late lunch.  Max has grand things planned.  I think this is the first birthday since we have been married where he hasn't been home in the morning.  We called and sang to him, but it just isn't the same.

We have a Boston Cream Pie in the works and his favorite dinner brewing as well.  Pot roast, mashed potatoes, corn, creamed spinach...some things never change.  Which is one of the MANY reasons I love him.  He is steady and predictable.

Max has already told him what his birthday gifts are, you would think I would have learned NOT to take him shopping with me.   Oh well.

More pictures later...after we celebrate.

We love him so much.

InstaMonday

Dumping some iPhone pics....from the past week

 Not feeling great, busy busy boy...sleeping HARD at night this night

 Another breakfast in MN at OPH (Original Pancake House) with Papa

 The big boys went to the Iowa/MN game on Sunday with our friends the VanSoelans.  Thanks to our friend Joe they had amazing seats...

 Someone has been fighting daily naps, but this day he crashed before lunch watching a show.

 MN on Saturday night at DQ with Grandma and Papa for dinner

 Does he look tired to you?

In MN sleeping on the pull out

 The whole reason we went to MN was to celebrate my dear friend Julie's 40th birthday.  It was wonderful to be there and celebrate her.  It was a quick, less than 24 hour trip.

 Drew's head on TV under the 3:00 talking to our friend Joe

 Think this is called blackmail.

 Tommy in the back right, behind the Big 10 broadcasters...proudly wearing his Gpa's favorite teams tee

And nope my 15 year old is not too old to make me a Valentine in Spanish class.  :)  Optional he says...."You are special, I love you very much.  Happy Valentine's day"

Love that boy...

Tilahun

Meet Tilahun, our newest Sponsored child.  He lives in Ethiopia as our Compassion girl Yenenesh does.  He lives in a different area (we think) and we are Sponsoring him through a different organization called Hope Chest and his school is called Trees of Glory.  I heard about this through another blog I follow, J Cooper Photography.  Oddly enough they have the same last name...hmmmm  Another interesting fact, his birthday is on our Anniversary, April 1st.  :)  Coincidence?  Don't think so

We are excited to contact him and get to know him.  This organization personally delivers care packages twice a year and photographs your child with the package.  The boys are excited about that.  They also allow you to go on a trip to visit once a year...maybe down the road it will be part of our Missions trips.

Valentine's Day

It was 19 years ago today that Scott first told me he loved me...we had spent the weekend attending the NBA All Star game and dunk contest in Minneapolis...romantic isn't he?  He gave me this crystal heart.  I KNEW I would marry him.  And here we are...

Last night we snuck out for a Valentine's day dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, 801 Chop House.  We hadn't been there in over 2 years.  We usually go there on our Anniversary but for some reason had not gone.  It's SO yummy and it's SUCH a treat.  We had a fun evening together.  I love him so.

 

Beautiful tulips delivered by him yesterday

Today was our day to have sweet Hinckley over to play with Max.  So I had 2 little guys to love on all day...we made cookies for Tommy's spanish party, brought him lunch and snuck out to Chick Fil A to celebrate together.  

I came home to cupcakes and a Starbucks hot chocolate waiting for me after picking up the boys at school.

It's quiet now, all of the boys are at the High School basketball game but Max.  We are home, he is quietly playing and I am about to get jammies on and snuggle up with him to watch a show.

Valentine's day is a bit overrated to me, but I do LOVE the memories it brings of Scott first telling me he loved me.  And the funny thing is...I know I didn't say it back to him that day and I cannot remember when I first told him I loved him.  I was playing hard to get I guess.  But I sure love him now...through it all...the ups and downs...the smiles and tears...he is steady and strong...

Princess

Last week in the car...

Max:  "Momma have you ever been a princess before?"

Me: "Yes, but now I'm a queen because I'm a Momma"

Max: "...and you're a pretty queen"

Sigh...melt my heart

Sweet baby

Most of you know I am a BABY lover....yesterday my friend Erin brought her newborn baby boy Cameron David over for some pictures.  Sigh...be still my heart.  Could he be any more beautiful?

 Max couldn't resist him either....

Look at the peace, content and joy in his Mama's face.  Sigh....

Oh how I love adoption and the calling some people really have to adopt children.  We have other good friends who just announced to us yesterday they are about to file paperwork for their own adoption of a little guy.  

While I was making dinner last night Scott came over to me, with a little fear in his eyes...checking in to be sure I wasn't on the adopt a child mode now.  He knows how I love babies.  He knows I am excited to Visit Orphans with Drew...he also knows how overwhelmed some (many) days are for me, how tired I am, how we can hardly manage the emotions, arguments and schedules of these boys we have already been given. Of course God knows that too.   I could see the look on his face as he awaited my response.  

I told him while I LOVE babies, and LOVE watching children being adopted into loving homes and how God has taught me SO much about adoption this past 6 months...I do NOT feel led to adopt a child in our home.  I feel like my job is to love on those children who need love, visit them and support them and most of all pray for them.

I think he slept better.  :)

Of course never say never right?  :) That should keep his mind spinning.

Surprise RIDE

For a very long time we have been doing "Surprise Rides"..it's where we simply get the boys in the car and announce SURPRISE RIDE and off we go to an adventure that is unknown to them.  No matter how old they get, they LOVE them.

Thursday Tommy and Drew had an early out due to conferences and then no school on Friday.   Thursday was also Alice's 5th birthday and I knew Charlie would have a hockey game that weekend.   I decided a couple of weeks ago it would be a great excuse to surprise everyone and head to Minnesota.  Scott was out of town all week so it would be a longer time away from him, but surely he would enjoy a weekend home alone by himself too.

So I got the boys off to school on Thursday...dropped Max off at his friend Hinckley's house and proceeded to run around like a crazy woman to get everyone packed up and the car loaded up by 1:30. 25 trips up and down the steps...yes I have a fitbit that keeps track so I know that was accurate.  And I had the car ready and loaded to go.

I picked up Jack early from school with the story of a dentist appointment...and we picked up Max from  Hinckley's house...then we went to get the big boys at school.  Jack didn't notice all of the stuff in the way back of the car when I picked him up, he was too busy complaining about the dentist appointment I hadn't warned him about.  :)  The uber observant oldest child of ours opened the front door of the car and immediately saw the car was packed up for a trip.  There was serious cheering and celebrating in the car!  SURPRISE RIDE I announced...to where?  they asked....then they saw Alice's birthday present and knew immediately where we were headed.  So off to Minnesota we went to surprise everyone else.

I hadn't told my Mom, Dad, Mike, or anyone that we were coming.  We found them celebrating sweet Alice's birthday at McDonalds play place and shocked them all with our arrival.  So much fun.  Jack captured a couple of pics...blurry but classic.  I especially LOVE my Dad's face....I LOVE how much they LOVE us.

We had a great time in Minnesota.  Friday morning we hit our favorite breakfast spot, Original Pancake House, did a surprise visit to Papa's office at the bank...then we dropped Max and Grandma back home and the big boys and I headed to the MOA.  We had so much fun poking around, it wasn't crowded and we didn't have to wrangle a sweet 3 year old.  We hit all of the stores they wanted to and were out of there by noon.  Swung through for lunch some at Five Guys and others to Potbelly's....headed home and had Green Mill Pizza for dinner...yum...and then played at Mike and Cara's house.

Papa's office

Made him pose by the cool princess thing at the Disney store

Stopped in the Hello Kitty store...never had been there, so fun

Saturday morning we facetimed with Daddy,  Papa made his famous pancakes...we all went to cheer Charlie on in Hockey, he was the goalie and alternated between waving and playing.  He was SO excited to have a cheering section.  The boys and I went to see our friends the Ericksons...had lunch with them.  Then home for naps and dinner at DQ Grill and Chill and more play time for Max and Alice while Grandma and Papa took the others to see Parental Guidance.  I got to paint a little girls nails which was fun.

 Max opened his birthday present at DQ and was THRILLED beyond THRILLED to have his own Hockey set.  

 Saturday night, Max asked Papa "Can we have some Oreo's Papa"....hmmmm they did their evening ritual of dunking Oreo's together.

 Church on Sunday morning...I snapped this one of Papa and Max

Sunday we went to church...another meal at Original Pancake House....and then off to drive home to Iowa.  In the sleet and snow.

We made it home in time for our class Red Card at church and to meet Daddy there.

What a fun whirlwind Surprise Weekend.  I LOVED it...