Family, Holidays and a Child's Innocence

Not unlike what most people experience, the end of the year bring about a time for reflection. I find myself doing more and more of that every single day and not necessarily when something momentous occurs and here lately, my mind has been very active.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. I had 4.5 days with family. I was productive, I shared time with my husband, my kids, my parents, my in-laws, etc. I spent time on the ranch and watched my kids climb on hay bales, marvel over baby calves and watched wild cats climb pieces of wood with the freedom and grace of a gazelle. I spent time at my parents home and watched my husband fish in the pond. I spent time with friends, shopped, drank wine and ate good food. I prayed. I'm grateful, my cup runneth over.

And today my son turned 10 years old. I don't normally get emotional about such celebrations. My mom always taught me that we parents spend our lives preparing our children so we can bless and release them. And yet this one is hard for me for whatever reason. It's double digits. It means that he has fewer years remaining in my household than he's had with me thus far. It means he's approaching the teenage years. And even at his birthday party I was amazed at the transition he and his friends are going through. They all came with their iPods, iPhones, etc. and yet they weren't too cool to play hide-n-seek, Army men, or go to a PG rated Christmas film. I am so incredibly proud of my little man and I cannot wait to share the next decade watching him grow into a man. I am so proud. My cup runneth over.

God & Me Ceremony

Dakota was recognized this past week for the completion of his God & Me series with pack 10 at Asbury United Methodist Church. Dad was his mentor during this self guided study and I am so grateful for the time the two boys had to bond together in their readings of Christ. Our son is turning into an amazing young man and I couldn't be more proud.

The group of God and me students and their mentors were brought to the alter for a brief prayer and recognition of their achievement. The scouts were awarded a God and Me medal and a dog tag necklace with Mark 19:26 engraved on it. The scripture reads "With God, all things are possible".

The Doctor crew (minus one) was in attendance and we are very grateful for the support they showed Dakota that evening.

And here we are...our fam (minus one) in honor of Dakota and his mentor (Doc) for the successful completion of an amazing program.

Mornings with my son.

It's pretty rare that I have Dakota all to myself. Elle is spending the night at a friend's house and Doc just left for the gym. Dakota and I snuggled in bed while I watched a movie on my laptop and he watched another on his PSP. We shared time over cereal at the breakfast table and now I'm enjoying the quiet that exists in the home whenever it's only him and me. Serenity with my boy...I love it.

Dakota's Tiger Cub Graduation

Congratulations to Dakota! He graduated from a Tiger Scout to a Wolf Scout just this past weekend. He seems to be enjoying this program so far. We had to try something different since soccer didn't seem to interest him much anymore. He's a little timid of other sports activities so we're taking a break and doing Scouts for now. Hopefully we can add another activity into the mix come fall. He's going to be a 2nd grader in August and I cannot believe it. Time really does fly!

Dakota's TV Appearance

BAPS District Art Show

Dakota was one of only several 1st graders from Westwood Elementary to have a copy of work on display at the 2009 Broken Arrow District Art Show. He told us that this was his "Fall Drawing". You might notice that he colored a brown person inside the house and he told us that his dad inside. And he's the "peach" colored person driving the car! He even decorated the lawn with a few harvest gourds.

We're so proud of our little artist!

7 Years, Where does the time go?

It was seven years ago at this very moment when I gave birth to my handsome little boy. The surprise that we were having a boy was told to us even before we heard his first cry. That's the case when a baby who is frank breach is taken from his mother's womb during surgery. I can remember it pefectly..."It's a boy!" said the doctor. Jason and I immediately started to cry and laugh at the same time. "Is everything alright? I don't hear him crying." I asked. "Everything is fine. We just haven't delivered his head yet." Everything was more than fine, it was perfect.

Dakota is now a first grader and is wise beyond his years.

He loves to read and ride his bike and like most boys his age, he loves some time on the Playstation. We're proud of Dakota and his academic accomplishments and even more so of his gentle disposition. His teacher tells us that he has a natural ability to lead and there are times that we're fortunate enough to witness his peer interaction and see the potential this young man has.

Dakota is growing although I suspect he'll always favor his grandpa Herman and have no trouble maintaining a respectful weight. He's about 45" tall now and weighs about 42.5 pounds. Unlike most first-graders, he hasn't lost a single baby tooth yet!

This past year, Dakota experienced several firsts. He witnessed his first (and second) NBA game watching both the Spurs and the Thunder. He learned to ride his bike. He went to the circus. He learned to tie his shoes. Dakota attended his first outdoor concert, went golfing with his dad and learned to drive the golf cart solo. And the list goes on...

We celebrated with his friends at the Tulsa Air & Space Museum and that was a huge hit. I recommend stopping by sometime.

We're proud of our little man. Happy Birthday son!

Proud Parents

I realize that some of you will think that I utilize this space to boast about my children and I promise that I try to include other interesting topics. But in this case, I just can't stand not saying anything.

Last year we would walk the halls of Dakota's school and I'd see kid's names posted to the wall on trophy laminated cut outs. The trophies are awarded year-round once kids read a certain number of books or reach a certain level or score a certain amount of reading points. Last year I scanned the walls for signs of my son's name until finally I inquired about why he wasn't there. Well, it's only for 1st thru 5th grader recognition. I would have been searching for a long time.

Five weeks into first grade and Dakota was posted to the wall! He must been recognized just yesterday because surely I would have noticed it before now (given my tendency to scan the wall on a daily basis). He is one of only three 1st graders with a trophy and I couldn't be happier!

Remember when...?

Do you remember the time when we were trying to teach Dakota how to ride a bike and it was a complete emotional disaster for both he and us? It was almost exactly one year ago today. Well, it's finally turned into success.

Dakota's been doing really well but mostly staying on the sidewalk and eventually began making the turn at the end of the sidewalk. He had been less inclined to venture into the street or make a U turn to get going another direction. Instead, he would bail off, turn the bike around and go again. He also has insisted that his dad or me help him get started. Despite our efforts to teach him how to start with the pedal upright and one foot on the curb, he still preferred a jump start.

Dakota's buddy Garrett came to spend the night and he brought his bike along with him. He said he would "teach" Dakota how to ride. Keep in mind that Garrett is 6 months younger than Dakota so I guess he wasn't too keen on having Garrett show him the ropes. Instead, he was off! He's starting himself and riding all over the place...making U turns and all. He's off the sidewalk and owning the rode. I couldn't be more grateful that the tears are gone and husband isn't having to carry him to the bike while he kicks and screams. Thanks Garrett!

He didn't believe us when we told him it would be fun once he learned how to ride. And now we can say "We told you so!". Now that's what I call success.

The Pirates 1st Fall 2008 Game

The Pirates are official! They're wearing real uniforms this year and we even have a real referee. Watching Dakota play soccer is suddenly much more entertaining. His father got to serve as the coach this weekend because the coach was away for a family emergency. I think he did a fine job of filling in and making the kids enjoy their first time on the U7 soccer fields. Gammy Sandy and Auntie Shara even came to watch his Fall 2008 debut. And he scored a goal!

The fields are much larger this year which is great because there are less throw ins as a result of the ball going out of bounds so much. And the size of the field gave the kids more freedom to move around. Dakota took a good tumble on this one but he bounced back up and went after it again.


Coach Doctor doing his thing. The little guy to Dakota's right (left on screen) is one of his friends from school. They're quite good buddies.

Childhood Memories

Quick Sand

We went to the Boomershine's house last night to celebrate Chigger's 1.5 year old birthday (the 1 year party was delayed because they were moving, etc.). The big kids went outside to play in the sand pile and someone had the brilliant idea of getting the water hose and making the sand more

like quick sand. We made the kids strip down on the porch and hosed them off before making a dash for the bath tub.

The kids had a blast and I couldn't help but think how playtime like this turns into lasting childhood memories.

1st Day of First Grade

It's hard to believe that Dakota is now a 1st Grader. I remember when he first started Kindergarten. It seems like just yesterday. This is a new year and now he has Ms. Auer as a teacher and he'll be learning all sorts of new things. Mom and Dad will have all sorts of new challenges. He had homework on the first day and we already witnessed the crying and pouting that goes with not wanting to do homework before playing video games or eating dinner. I'm mean seriously, who needs green beans and pork when you have Lego Star Wars?

The first day was a success and he quickly fell into step. He reconnected with several of his Kindergarten friends although only two of his previous classmates are in his current class.

Elle is SO ready to be a big girl. She made me pack her a lunch box on Dakota's first day of school and included all her breakfast items for daycare. So cute.

Meet the Teacher

Today was "Meet the Teacher" day at Dakota's school. We were pleased to meet his new 1st grade teacher, Ms. Auer. We will greatly miss his teacher from last year, Miss Smith but we're looking forward to a new experience. Dakota has three girls from last year's class in his first grade class and zero boys from last year in his class. Luckily, one of his buddies is in the connecting room and another is just across the hall. Reminds me of that song..."Make new friends, but keep the old. Some are silver and the others gold". Oh well, hopefully they'll be some cool kids for him to share in his learning experience. Tomorrow is the first day of school so I'm sure there will be more to share in the days ahead.

Go Pirates!

Spring 2008 has been an exciting soccer season. The Pirates have only won a couple of games but Dakota is playing so well. This is the first season that he has really shined. He has been hussling, scoring, blocking and having many touches on the ball. We are so proud of how well he's doing and we're beginning to think that soccer may be his thing. I'm am an official fan and proud of my soccer son.

Success

YES! Dakota has learned how to tie his shoes. I kept telling him that it was important that he learn this skill during Kindergarten (I don't know why but it seemed like the appropriate time). It's my fault that he hadn't known before now because I didn't take the time to teach him. He would just take his shoes on and off but keep the laces tied the entire time. So yesterday morning I made him try. It didn't go well because he got whiny and said "I can't" which I hate. So I got frustrated and he cried. Reminds me a bit like the bike riding exercise.

But last night I made him try again just before sleep. I told him he had to try three times and then he could go to bed. By the second try, he was doing it on his own. And again this morning, success! He doesn't even need my coaching or assistance. I'm so proud that he tried and he's so proud of his accomplishment. It's amazing how a little confidence can make a child feel so strong.

Typical Man

There's really nothing to say...you all get the point.

Kindergarten Biography

Dakota's Classmates made a list of things to they like about their fantastic friend. Here is a list of his peer review. Simple, but flattering....especially the first one that says "He's good at cleaning up". WHATEVER!

Baby Needs Shoes...not really, just sympathy orders.

WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY PTA is having a fundraiser. You can shop online! Westwood Elementary receives profit from the sale and Dakota will receive prize credits.

Seller: Dakota Doctor

Seller ID: wes1654

Thank you for your support.

ALSO AVAILABLE...Cookie Dough and miscellaneous bread and dessert mixes are also for sale via my brochure. For more information, contact my mom.

*****Note from Mom

So, I noticed that the brochure actually discourages door to door selling (picture a big circle with an line thru it like a no-smoking sign). Naturally any good parent wouldn't send their child into the neighborhood to take on the sales task by himself. But I seem to recall that it was these face to face cold calls that helped me learn my communication skills. I mean, what better way to practice casting away ones fears and teach a kid that life is full of rejection? It worked for me and I feel all the tougher for it! I think he and I will knock on a few doors when the weather permits. I'm such a rule breaker!

Craft Project

My friend Krystal started a monthly eNewsletter centered around craft projects you can do with your kids. I am really excited about it because it's rare that I have time to research ideas myself. Her first eNewsletter featured a Crayola project using old discarded broken crayons.

I tasked Elle with going up to the playroom to pick up all the broken crayons she could find.

Mind you, there were plenty because she like to test her physical strength by breaking them in half any time she can get her hands on them. The next step is to unwrap all of the paper from the crayons. While this sounds simple enough, it was actually a long and tedious project. Elle's patience quickly wained while Dakota remained my trooper and helped until the very end.

After peeling the paper, we loaded the naked crayons into muffin tins.

Then bake them on 250 degrees for about 15 minutes and the end result is these really cool multicolored funky shaped "crayons" you can use when coloring. The final product was so cool, Dakota ended up taking three of them to school as his "show and tell".

Thanks Krystal for sharing your talents with us. And if anyone else wants to sign up for her eNewsletter, you can email her.

H. E. Double Hockey Sticks Begins

So why am I complaining? I do it to myself. I signed up as a volunteer on a Tulsa Area United Way Community Investments panel (on top of everything else) and now I've signed both children up for spring sports. I re-enrolled Dakota in spring soccer and I'm hoping 2008 is nothing like 2007. In 2007, we froze our arses off in 20 degree weather with negative degree winds and poor Dakota cried he was so cold. But fall soccer was such a positive memory that we're doing it all over again (only spring...and friggin' colder).

And Elle expressed some interest in dance lessons. So naturally, I did an impulse stop at the dance studio less than a mile from our home to inquire further. Only $135 later, I have a recital costume purchased as well as five week of classes pre-paid. But oh how beautiful she will be. The recital is May 31st if you want to come. Just let me know.

Did you know that my mother (Nana Ellen) was a professional ballerina with Tulsa Ballet Theater several (okay, many several) years ago. She danced for them for a short time before my father swept her off her feet and eloped with her after a few short days of courtship. But alas, they're in love...

More ballet and tap pics to come... and more freezing cold soccer pics to come as well. What the H.E. Double Hockey Sticks was I thinking?