A Card A Day

Over the summer we were fortunate to have about 6 weeks to live in WNY with Nathan's Aunt Linda.  I don't think there was a day that I didn't see her mailing at least one card to someone--more often there were a few.  Having been a part of his family for almost 8 years, we have been the recipients of several of these cards and packages.  They are always encouraging and we are always appreciative of them. 
Last February our church, did a series entitled "I Prefer Sticks and Stones," and one of the messages talked about how powerful your words can be in building people up.  Then, this fall there was a message on building disciplines.  Our pastor challenged us to practice habits that build the character traits you desire in yourself.  If you want to be more thankful and grateful, then practice things that build gratitude and thankfulness. 
I watched Julie and Julia last week and thought it was interesting how the lead character, Julie, used her blog to keep track of her project and gain support through an online community.  Both of the women in the movie had the support of their husbands, as do I (which will be important as this project continues). 
So, that brings me to now...this isn't a New Year's Resolution.  It is practicing two specific character traits so that in a month or six months or a year, I can look back and say I am more grateful/thankful and more encouraging then I was in December of 2009.
So, my plan is to write a card a day to someone in my life who I need to encourage in a specific way or that I need to thank in a specific way.  I started yesterday with a thankful note.  Today is another thankful note.  Tomorrow is an encourager.
I will keep you up to date.  ; )

For Grandpa

Charlie Bit Me!

Today, Jonathan and I were watching You Tube together.  It wasn't the first time we had seen it, but we ran across this.  Jonathan laughed and thought it was funny.
Later on I was getting ready to give him a bath.  I went into the other room for a moment and he started to take his pajamas off.  As he did, he had a mishap with the zipper and he zipped his skin.  He sort of yelped and said, "Charlie bit me!" and started chuckling at himself, inspite of the pain.
Clever!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  Here are some pictures of our holiday!

The highlight of Christmas for Jonathan--a four wheeler from Uncle Ron!  He loves it!!

Left handed/ Right Handed

This one is for Uncle Ryan who gave me stats about the value of being ambidextrous (you know, for when JPA becomes a rich and famous athlete). He encouraged us to work on this with Jonathan.
Well, it seems that Jon sees the value in it, too. This summer he tried to eat his cereal with his left hand and continually got frustrated when he couldn't do it! Hilarious!
The other day he tried to write on his magna-doodle with his left hand. He had a conversation with his hands.
To his left hand, "I write with this hand."
To his right hand, "This hand doesn't help."
He started writing with the left and had difficulty and then his right hand moved over to help out.
"No, this hand do it by itself!" he scolded his right hand, while holding up his left.
Where does he come up with this stuff????

He's Two, Part 5!

Today Jonathan had an appointment with the pediatrician to get his booster for the H1N1 vaccine. I told him last night that he had the appointment and would be getting a shot. He said shots hurt and he didn't want one. I told him that he would have to get it.
I picked him up from my parents' house to take him this afternoon and again he told me that he didn't want to get a shot because they hurt. I told him that he would be alright and that I would be there with him (insert all the things that moms say in a situation like this here).
We had the same conversation when we got to the doctor's office. He did get distracted when we got inside with books and tv.
Finally, though, the nurse came out and said, "Jonathan?" Before I could even realize what was going on, he had run as fast as he could and was almost out the door, yelling, "NNNNNOOOOOO! I DON'T WANT IT!" The people working in the reception area went from shock to laughter. I grabbed him and said he had to get it.
We went back to the room and he resisted by squirming, as is to be expected. Then, the shot came. He whinced and then said, "That wasn't too bad!" And just like that, it was over.
When we went to the check out several people commented that he wasn't even crying. He just smiled and said, "It wasn't too bad!"
This child is a whoot! I love being his mom!

Hanging Around

Jonathan loved the phone at Nana & Papa's house. Here he is calling Auntie Becca!

Watching the birds with Papa!