Sisters

There is nothing like having a sister. Nothing! I am so very thankful for these two women in my life. Our relationships have grown--with ebbs and flows, up and downs--but they are a constant in my life and I love them dearly. Each of us has our own personality...we are all so very different, but we have a few things that keep us bonded.

Danyelle is the oldest---I won't tell by how much---she is a "C" personality -- organized, cautious, together, passionate, unique, adores children, takes things slow, and plans out everything she possibly can. She is the "older sister" and has always been. She has had her eye out for us ever since I can remember--looking out for all of us.

I am the middle--I am an "I" personality -- spontaneous, not very organized, people-oriented, trusting, exxagerater, fun in the sun (literally in the summer!), and energetic (think of the energizer bunny). I am the peacemaker.

Tami is the youngest---she is a "DI" personality -- fun, direct, spontaneous, outgoing, loves projects, endlessly the life of the party, and has a sweet sensitive side. Tami is the girl whom everyone wants to be friends with.

It is funny how we all came from the same genes, yet we all handle life so very differently. I love them so much as they meet me on so many levels. If you want to know what unconditional love is, the three of us have it. I am so very proud of our relationships with each other and so thankful that we have what we have.

I love you both, you gorgeous girls!

A New Era

Well, I am sure some of you are wondering what happened to my blog. I have not posted in months as this summer has been the absolute busiest, craziest summers of my life! I will try to make time for the writing, but there just has not been a lot extra of that lying around.

In two days my oldest son, Jordan will start his journey into the land of public education--he starts school. Tim and I have just been walking around in disbelief about it. We cannot believe we are the parents of a school-age child. It seems surreal that we are old enough to be in this position.

Friday night was "Meet the Teacher" night at school....I am walking in with Jordan attached to one hand and Titus holding the other. It is very crowded as all of the other students and their parents are there for the same reason. We arrive and walk through the double doors of this brand new facility and I am immediately overwhelmed. When we reached Jordan's classroom, my throat closed up and my eyes filled with tears. This is it. His first classroom.....his first experience with the influences of this world away from the safety and comfort of family. WOW!! What a sobering moment that was for me.....meanwhile, Jordan is combing the room for all the cool things that await him. At one point, he even made this statement upon finding a flannel board easel topped with individual alphabet pieces, "Ooooh, look at this creative little thing." He's so funny!!!!!

Jordan has been an amazing child to parent in the five + years we have had him. As a baby, he was easy...he was loving, (he has always loved people), obedient, fun, and charming. As a toddler, we absolutely loved watching him explore and experience new and interesting things. We would find cows while driving down the road and go into a chorus of what all the different kinds of animals say. His favorite book in those days was "Goodnight Moon". I think I could still quote it if asked.

As he transitioned from toddlerhood into pre-K and the big brother stage, his little personality just blossomed. He is a kid who likes to have fun, he loves to be around people, he is big on quality time with those he loves, he is very intelligent, he is focused, he is highly energetic, he is a charmer, he is a great negotiator, he is a Superhero and Star Wars lover, he likes to be good at things, he likes to try new things, he is forgiving, he is frustrating to his little brother and LOVES to antagonize him.....he is my adorable first born and the one I will always share that experience with.

I love him on so many levels. I am so proud of him. I stand in amazement that God has blessed Tim and I with these two precious lives--my Jordan and Titus. As "Big J"/"T-Bone"/Jordan begins this school era I am sure to shed tears and remember so many things about his little life so far. The anxieties about this chapter in his life are too numerous to count. However, I know that his life is not mine, he belongs to God and I trust Him.

So, Jordan -- have fun, be good, remember "it's all about choices and the consequences to those choices!", be your own person, don't be afraid of individuality, stick up for yourself, be gracious and kind.......wow....that is a lot for him to remember....oh, how I pray he does!!!!

I love you, buddy. You are my absolute favorite 5-1/2 year old!