Perspective

It has been awhile since I have written. Life has been busy with tennis, travel, school starting back up and new projects in progress around the house. Jason and I got motivated to tackle some long awaited home improvements. Last week, we re-covered the kitchen chairs - now that I see how easy it is, I should have done it years ago. And then last weekend, we ripped the floor out of our boy's bathroom and are in the process of laying laminent floors. It is just not right to have carpet in a bathroom that is used by boys. Unfortunately since we live on a hill, our foundation is not perfectly level...so getting the floor level enough to lay laminent has been more of a challenge than we imagined. I can't wait until it is finished. Our list of desired home improvements is long, but this is just one more step to get our home the way we want it.
Foster got hurt this past Monday worse than he has ever been hurt. We were at Lowe's and he got his fingers rolled over by our cart that was full of flooring material. It deeply slices two of his fingers and almost pulled the nail completely off his pointing finger. I realized that even though I am a nurse, I have no stomach for pain in my own children. Inside I was panicking. I really thought I was going to throw up...not because it was gross; I just couldn't handle seeing him hurt. As much pain as it caused me to see him hurt, it is nothing compared to the pain in a parent's heart as they sit with their child after being diagnosed with cancer or after a car accident. I feel like God used this situation as a lesson in keeping proper perspective. No matter how bad your day is, there is always someone hurting worse.
It is so hard to keep good perspective in the world we live in. We live in a world where "it is all about me". I am trying to do a better job of taking a step back and acknowledge all that I have been blessed with. When I find myself wanting to complain because my day is just not as perfect as I wish it were, I try to remind myself that it isn't all about me. There is pain all around me. When I find myself mad or frustrated, the truth is, I am focusing on myself instead of others - time to fix my perspective!

This clip was sent to me by a friend. If you don't know the story of Dick and Rick Hoyt, watch the 2nd clip first. Rick was born with Cerebral Palsy and his dad became his hero. This story moved me because both Rick and Dick could live life as victims - like they were just dealt a bad hand at life, but they chose to have a great perspective and make the best of life. What a great example. If you have ever made excuses for yourself, get ready to be humbled.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE

I don't have a Top Ten tonight. There is just a lot floating around in this brain of mine. Love to all. Until next time....
Becca

Pictures!

I had a wonderful time with my sister, brother-in-law and my new niece, Maggie in Orlando this past week. Maggie is the sweetest little angel. She had her days and nights switched, so our challenge for the 3 days I was there was to keep her awake during the day so she would sleep at night. Get 3 redheads in a room and we can sure battle it out. It was the two adult redheads against the very strong little one...it was a touch competition, but I think we won the battle. My favorite thing I did with Maggie was our morning walks. For me it was a great time to bond with my little Maggie. For Amy and Scott, it was a chance for them to rest in silence.

I survived the airports on the way home. I flew back on Friday, the day after the foiled terrorist plot. It really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I was happy to give up my bottled water at the price of safety and security. I don't know what Caleb is going to do on our trip back to Orlando in September without his milk on the plane, but we will face that challenge when it comes.
For those of you who have requested more pictures; these pictures are what happens when your husband is a graphic designer and has an employee at his office with some pretty cool software and a camera. I was literally laughing so hard, I was crying while we took these pictures. I am only showing a few pictures because they are probably only funny to me.

Top Ten Things I am Thankful for Today:

1. Maggie Olivia Lee and the best sister anyone could ever ask for.

2. Coming home to my 3 boys. Caleb has hardly lets me out of his site. What a gift God gives us with children who love us so unconditionally.

3 Having the opportunity to go out tonight with girls from church. We had so much fun laughing and getting to know each other better. Yet once again, I am thankful for friends!!!

4. School starts tomorrow!!!!

5. I get to play 2 hours of tennis tomorrow. I have not played in over a week - that is just way way too long.

6. Jason's company is really growing and I love seeing his excitement and focus. If you have never checked out his website, you should www.thinkdesignco.com

7. That we have an air conditioner that works. I went to see a patient on Sunday whose air conditioner went out. It was so hot in their house. We take so much for granted in our lives. We complain about small things and forget to pay attention to all the blessings we have been given.

8. Caleb stood up on his own for about 15 seconds Saturday. He didn't know he was doing it. As soon as he realized I wasn't holding him, he sat down immediately. I am so thankful for the fun things Caleb is learning and doing each day!

9. I am thankful for my parents. They are always so willing to help watch the boys and help me out in any way they can. They are such amazing grandparents. On the day I was coming home from Orlando, my friend Kelly said to Foster "your favorite person in the whole wide world is coming home, guess who it is!" He yelled, "Papa!!!" Just shows where I stand. Surely I am a close second to Papa.

10. The storm that I hear forming outside my window. I am praying for lots of rain! Not only do we need the rain, but it is good sleeping weather and I am ready for bed.

Hope all is well with everyone. With much love, Becca

2 Teeth

FAMILY: Caleb has 2 teeth now...ok, that's an exageration. He has 2 little nubs coming through the bottom gums. I hope he doesn't bite like Foster did. Nothing like doing all you can do to control yourself when the nape of your neck is bit by your beloved son. Those were trying time in our family, but thankfully they didn't last long. Foster is already starting to pick on his brother. I already feel like are referee sometimes - trying to figure out who made the first "illegal move" against the other. I literally need eyes in the back of my head these days. It is hard because I know Foster is not the one causing all the trouble between the two, but he is so much easier to correct than Caleb. I don't want to hurt Foster by not being fair. I am praying for wisdom and patience. This is the juggling act of every parent of two boys. Thankfully Foster is very honest (I pray it lasts). He will tell me what he did wrong. It is just a matter of time before Caleb will be able to defend himself...Thank God for the blackbelt I have in karate. I have a feeling it might come in handy as the boys get bigger and stronger :)


COMIC RELIEF: Here is a little comic relief for those interested. This shows a snapshot of my sense of humor...I figure if you can't laugh at life, it is not near as much fun. Of course it is a lot more fun laughing at things when they happen to other people than when they happen to me, but either way, you gotta laugh. Just click on the links to watch the videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl70ns0m3gg&search=squashing%20grapes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEPxhjjzDtA&search=gay%20climber

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkcOPujtXmY&search=dad%27s%20changing%20diapers%20and%20gagging

TOP TEN THINGS I LOVE TO DO (in no specific order)

1. Getting away for a weekend with Jason and flyfishing.
2. Going on walks as a family. It is nice to be away from distractions and just get to know each other better.
3. Playing golf in the early morning when there is still dew on the putting greens.
4. Working a puzzle with my mom - even though she hums the whole time and it drives me nuts.
5. Playing games with friends and laughing until my stomach aches.
6. Watching the excitement on Foster's face when we are at Disney World or Sea World as a family. We are going to Orlando in September to spend time with Amy, Scott and Maggie and of course we are going to Disney World. For the past 2 months, nearly every day, Foster has asked if it is September yet.
7. Doing anything with my sister.
8. Getting to know someone especially if they are hard to get to know. I love a challenge and love to break down walls in a person. Usually those friendships are the best.
9. Playing tennis (I know that is a shocker). I think I could play tennis 7 days a week and not think twice.
10. At night, I lay in Foster's bed and ask him what he wants to talk about. I love the conversations that take place. It is so cool to hear what is important to him. I know I am giving him a gift by showing interest in what he finds important. But I am the one getting the best gift of all...I am getting to know my son. I hope this tradition lasts forever. I will do this with Caleb as soon as I can make sense of what he is saying :)

For all these things I am thankful!!!
Becca

Little Maggie

Here are some pictures of my new niece. I just can't believe it! She is the cutest thing. OK, maybe I am a little biased, but that's an Aunt's right. Now I really can't wait to hold her. Unfortunatly my parents could not be there for the delivery either. I think my Dad is about to bust a seam wanting to be there to hold his first granddaughter. It may be Thanksgiving before we are all together. Wow, is she going to be spoiled - in a good way, of course.
Anyway, thanks for letting me share the photos. Like it or not, there will be much more to come, especially after my visit.

Maggie Olivia Lee

On 8/1/06, at 9:30 pm tonight (Orlando time), my sister gave birth to her baby girl, Maggie Olivia Lee. Amy and Scott went to the hospital at 3:00am this morning. They had a long day of walking and waiting to dilate. Finally around 3:45 pm she was instructed to start pushing. After 5 hours of pushing and some pulling on the doctor's part, baby Maggie was born weighing 8 lbs, 13 ounces. She has light red hair and blue eyes. I heard her crying on the phone when I talked to Amy tonight. Wow...I absolutely cannot wait to hold her in my arms. It will be love at first site. I will post pictures as soon as possible!