One thing I've learned...

A friend recently put a quote on her wall saying "The days are long but the years are short" in reference to raising kids. How true. Here are some "BO FACTS" • He has two modes: ON and off. When he's on, he is pure energy. When he's off, he sleeps. • He's a great eater. He'll try anything. He may not like everything, but he will try anything. • He will be a fantastic athlete someday. As fast as he can run from me when he's in trouble, he will be great. • He doesn't listen. • He has what we call the "Sunshine Smile". If he flashes it, watch out - it will make you melt. • He can turn any household item into a weapon to go after Jack and Ellie. • He can hook the camper up the the truck by himself - not that we let him, but I know he could do it if he wanted to. • He loves hitches on cars - he loves the idea of towing ANYTHING.

Under the weather

Stress.
Our family has had such a busy past couple weeks. I know everyone has. It is funny how I thought January and February would be a prime time to catch up on house projects, cleaning out, etc. I didn't realize what an impact having more than one child playing sports could do to a family schedule :)

Unbelievable Blessings.
On the flip side, I have seen my boys develop athletic skills that are amazing. We have spent Saturdays and many weekday afternoons together at practices, games and sports activities. They had a blast! Drew's team went undefeated all season. Jack's team ended up ranked second. And I developed a terrible case of super-competitive-momness. I became THAT mom. Yelling for the kids. Trying to help them with where to defend. Perhaps telling the scorekeepers when they missed adding a score to our team. Lesson learned: they are kids. Drew's team didn't win the extra tournament, and it was a good serving of humble pie for him AND me. Will they play again? They can't wait. Will I be less competitive next year? I'd like to think so, but I doubt it. I just don't know where that mama bear instinct of "don't mess with my babies" comes from. Yikes!

Lent.
We have started Lent. I could not be more proud of the respect that all of the kids have for the season. Even Bo understands the importance of getting ready for Easter. Jack has given up eating dinner in the living room. Not that they do that much, but he loves it when they get to. Drew gave up his iPod. Seriously! He hasn't used it since. John and I have given up snacking between meals. Tough with the sport schedule at times - not getting home till 8 for dinner! So far, this has been the best Lent - we are all constantly thinking about the season because of our fasting.

Big Girl Bed.
Finally, Ellie has asked us to give her a big girl bed. That may not seem significant for most folks, but we've had a crib up in this house for almost 10 years straight. I know she is almost ready. But am I? Where does the time go?