The post in which I say a lot of nothing

I have a bunch of posts swirling around in this head of mine...

...but right now none of them really make sense.

Does that make sense?

What I will give you is a few observations as of late:

• I think the world needs to make a few more unscheduled cameos in each other's lives.  And we need to make sure we make people comfortable when they make cameos.  I was gifted with this sweet hospitality Sunday night.  My friend has the gift of hospitality and of making people feel comfortable.  I appreciate that.

• I think the world needs less passive aggressive facebook posts, conversations, and texts in general.  If you have something to say, say it.  Say it TO WHOM you need to.  Be done with it.

• The world needs people to be nicer to each other.

• Perhaps the world needs less facebook in general.  (?)

• The other day, my husband was talking about how I lack filter with my words.  I later informed him that I DO filter my words...and that if he actually heard the words that don't make it out of my mouth, he would be ...what's the word.... frightened?  Appalled?  Terrified?  Entertained?  Yes, I'm a straight-shooter....and I'm honest.  This is scary to a lot of people.  BUT, I do tame my words.  And I do not lack empathy.  So...that's me.

• Dave and I took the Meyers-Briggs personality test.  I am ENFP, he is all-the-way ISTJ.  Can we say opposites attract?  I knew our personalities before (hello...we've been married for almost 13 years), but it has helped me take a step back in our conversations and help me see things from his point of view.  Or at least, it helps me tailor my words so he will better understand where I'm coming from.  It also helps me figure myself out better. :)

• Some of my favorite kids go off to college this year. Some just got engaged to be married.  Some are just moving far far away to start their careers after graduation. I'm excited for them to begin their lives, but holy cow.... if that doesn't give a fresh bit of enjoy-today-for-these-days-go-fast, I don't know what does.  Some of these kids I remember teaching art to in 3rd and 4th grades.  One I remember in pig-tails so vividly....oye.

• Our church has a new pastor.  And new people.  And some old people.  Either way, I'm encouraged.

• Do you know anyone looking for a 5 bedroom house in my area?  There's a great one that will be on the market shortly.  Great neighbors!  (Must have children and be normal- yes, there WILL be a screening process...)

Seven

Oh, my dear sweet middle child.

How is it that seven years have passed since the day of your birth?

SEVEN.

So much has happened in your little lifetime,

and yet, your life is still just beginning.

You are right in the middle of your childhood,

and you're dedicated to enjoying every minute of it.

You add a level of fun and chaos that no one else does.

You keep us on our toes.

You keep us laughing.

You keep me sighing.

You remind me to be patient.

You love music.

You love to laugh.

You're up for...well, just about...anything.

You are task-oriented, and love to be helpful.

You appreciate small things.

Even something as small as spoons from Mr. Bahr on your summer birthday.

You can find joy anywhere.

Even in a corn box.

or with hats...

ANY hat.  :)

You are giving and thoughful of others.

You attract attention wherever you go.

Ahem.

As the middle child, 

you take your role very seriously.

You are equal parts

pesky-little brother

big brother's fan,

protective loving big-brother, 

and I'll-teach-her-a-thing-or-two big brother.

You love and respect your dad with a fierceness that few other children your age understand.

And you melt my heart.

My sweet boy,

On this, your seventh birthday, I just want to say a few things to you.  (And, you know..blog about it for the world to see as well.)  You are such a gift.  Your presence- whether crazy insane, or calm and focused, always carries a warmth with it.  Everyone is a friend, and everyone is included.  You have such a big heart, and you love people with a fierceness that is unparalleled.  You try hard, work hard and play hard.  In everything, you give your all.  I love you for that.  For all of it.

As you continue to grow (side note:  please stop...just for a bit...or slow down the growing-stuff...my heart breaks a little bit with every birthday...), I pray that you will always know who you are.  I pray that you will always know Who you can turn to, and that God is always with you.  I love how much you love God, and I pray that you will always continue to grow.  I hope that you will always be thoughtful of others and continue to have a generous heart.

My promise to you as you grow, in years past, today - your birthday - and in the future, is that I will always be here for you.  With a warm hug, with a prayer, with a smile...or even a box of tissues.  I promise to pray for you - without ceasing.  I promise to keep teaching you about God and His unending love for you.  

I promise to be your biggest fan.  

Today is your seventh birthday.  Seven years ago (right around this very minute) we first laid eyes on each other.  My heart leaped.  I was instantly in love. 

 I'm so grateful that I get a front row seat to your life, C.  

I know God has special plans for you.

With all my heart,

Mom

 

Just some observations #hashtagedition

1. A. has a crazy skinned knee that keeps getting banged up every time he turns around.  #chicksdigscars  (right?????)
2. C. has taken up skateboarding.  He's really enjoying it, and really getting into it.  Then...I step back and remember the skater-dudes from my high school days and want to torch the darn board.  #hopefullyskaterfashionsarentwhattheyusedtobeinthe90s
3. I went to Menards yesterday.  It's not the same store I worked at when I was in college.  #thankgoodness  And I had good customer service! #nicechangeofpace
4. Happy Birthday, Liam!  #eightisgreat
5. Dave and I took a personality test- the Myers-Briggs test. Ever heard of it?  I'm a pretty strong ENFJ and Dave is hard-core ISTP.  #oppositesattract #keepslifeinterestingtosaytheleast
6. We attended Coast Guard Festival in my hometown last week.  I got to see Gina- which is always something to look forward to and enjoy. #lovethatgirl
7. There are a few different kinds of people in life.  Those that don't want to do anything (either by lack of generosity or lack of give a sh*t), those that want to do things but never follow through, and those that do. They just don't know the meaning of word "no.". They see a need and fill it.  It doesn't matter if it's in their "job description" or in their wheel-house... they just do it.  Without need for glorification.  #weneedmorepeoplelikethisintheworld
8. School starts in just over 2 weeks.  #julywashardbutimnotready
9. I won a gift certificate from our auction for 3 hours of housekeeping time.  We used it 2 weeks ago.  It was lovely.  I enjoyed a blissful quiet afternoon of a clean house, boys at a friend's house and a sleeping baby.  Those 90 minutes were good for my soul.  Now, my house is dirty again (#welivehere), and I'm ok with cleaning it.  I want to show my kids how to take care of things we own, how to be hospitable for guests, and how to not have such an inflated ego that we're completely incapable of doing the yucky tasks for ourselves.  That said, I wouldn't mind having a deep clean done once a year. #wouldntmindatall
10. C. turns 7 in 6 days.  I am not ok with this.  #timeslowdown