Hoffman's Hideaway: March 2009

Saturday, March 21, 2009

What I have learned in 9 years. (Happy Birthday Cole!)

Happy Birthday Cole!

In nine short years, I have learned some amazing things and been truly blessed by my special son. I thought to honor him today I would share some of those special things about him that I am so lucky to see everyday.
1. Starting with the obvious! How can you not love those blue eyes and blond hair! I just love the glimmer in his eyes and you know just what he's thinking every time he looks at you.

2. His heart of gold. Cole has more empathy than almost anyone I have ever met adult or child. He has this special way of knowing how others will feel and react. Even though I know his little sister just bugs him like crazy some days, he rarely shows it and can often be heard spontaneously telling her how much he loves her.

3. From Cole I have learned perseverance and inner strength. From swimming to football to basketball and school, I have watched him struggle to overcome his small size in sports to be successful. He never quits, always tries and is supportive of those working hard around him. I've been so proud to watch him congratulate others on their successes even as we celebrate his own. There are adults I know that are not as gracious as he is when something does not go their way.

4. Also from Cole, we have experienced the gift of having a true boy in the house. Lego's EVERYWHERE! Little half built projects in various stages of being finished, pocket knives, muddy shoes, papers crunched between the bed frame and mattress, papers half shoved in a backpack and the constant words of a son... huh? We have had hearing tested only to learn that boys have a unique ability to tune any female out of their brain.... but I have also learned that mom's, sisters and Nana's also get the best hugs and 9 year old boys still give really good hugs!

Happy Birthday to my precious boy. It's been an awesome 9 years and the next 9 will be even better!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Catching up!

Since the Tea Party, Cole's swim season has officially ended. He has SEVERAL ribbons on the fridge - which considering I thought he was going to drown for the first several weeks is awesome! He is looking forward to spring break and prepping up for the summer football season.

He's been helping daddy outside. I'll post some wonderful pics of the hole they dug together. Yes, he is officially his daddy's boy when he loves digging!

Shelby has been busy at school and has transitioned nicely to the three's room. She is sleeping in her bed thanks to Joy the wonder pet who now sleeps with her. Joy really stepped up to the plate for this! Joy is now the first kid in bed and the last one out! We have simply taken Shelby's pretty bedspread off and replaced it with old blankets because of the dog hair.

Troy and I are quickly joining the ranks of facebook addicts! Troy has his sent to his phone and uses his Itouch to connect. It has allowed us to connect with classmates and friends we have not seen in years and we're having a great time with it. So between the blog, facebook, email, and myspace I'm beginning to think we're pretty hip.

Cole has taken to playing games on Troy's Itouch. I can see this becoming a present soon if i wasn't so freaked out about him on the Internet.

I am now back in Tipton County as a supervisor, however the job has been posted so they will have their own. I do kinda like the hour drive back and forth and it gives me time to think! Stay tuned for upcoming posts about TROY THE CHICKEN FARMER. Yes, it's as bad as it sounds.

This pic would be Shelby waiting for her bubba to get off the computer and play with her.

Look dad, a hole!

A Prayer for Children

A Prayer For Children

We pray for the children who sneak popsicles before supper,who erase holes in math workbooks,who can never find their shoes.
And we pray for those who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,who never "counted potatoes,"who are born in places where we wouldn't be caught dead,who never go to the circus,who live in an X-rated world.
We pray for the children who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.
And we pray for those who never get dessert,who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,who watch their parents watch them die,who can't find bread to steal,who don't have rooms to clean up,whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser,whose monsters are real.
We Pray for the Children who spend their allowance before Tuesday,who throw tantrums in the grocery storeand pick at their food,who like ghost stories,who shove dirty clothes under the bed,who never rinse out the tub,who get visits from the tooth fairy,who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool,who squirm in church and scream in the phone,whose tears we sometimes laugh at and whose smiles can make us cry.
And we pray for those whose nightmares come in the daytime,who will eat anything who have never seen dentist,who aren't spoiled by anybody,who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,who live and move, but have no being
We pray for the children who want to be carried and for those who must,who we never give up on and for those who don't get a second chance.We pray for those we smother and for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.

Our Pledge to our Children

The Parent's Pledge
I will set a good example for my child. I will show my children I love them every day through words and physical affection. I will listen to my children and let them know I value what they say. I will praise my child's accomplishments and efforts towards those accomplishments.I will have realistic expectations for my children. I will allow them to make their own mistakes and learn from those experiences. I will avoid being too critical or focusing on my child's shortcomings. I will encourage my child to meet new challenges and have new experiences. I will respect my children as individuals even if I don't always agree with them. I will enjoy my children and make time to share interests and appreciate one another. I will love my children unconditionally. I will let them know they are lovable, worthwhile and valuable human beings.