Our New Pool

Everyday Nate does something to make me smile, laugh, or just shake my head in resignation. He is so mischievous. He can be naughty. He is full of curiosity and will do things just because they look fun. Some days, Nate can bring me to the brink of exasperation. But just when I start to wonder if I'll make it until he's old enough to go off to college, he will melt my heart with a wiggly hug. Or sweet, little kisses. Or big, slobbery kisses. Or a softly spoken, "I love you, Mommy. I love you SO much."

Last week, Nate discovered that he could make his own "pool" by turning the hose on full-blast near one of our landscape drains on our patio. I was making lunch while he turned the hose on himself and filled up our drainage area.

This is how I found him--stripped naked, jumping and splashing in our "pool". He was so proud of his creation and assumed I would be just as enthusiastic as he was!



His little pool was still there after lunch, so he went back for more fun (with his clothes on, this time). He filled his little construction worker hat up with water and dumped it on his head and face, laughing each time.



Even Andrew got in on the action and had a blast. In our family, it's the little brother who teaches the big brother how to do crazy things.

The day Nathaniel was born, I knew he was going to be a feisty one. He cried for the first four months of his life (at least that's how it seemed). When he did start smiling, I noticed he did it with a sparkle in his eyes and a brightness that made me fall whole-heartedly in love with him.

He's my NaterGator. Nate the Great. Nateball. Nathaniel Cooper. And I love him!

I Got Inked!

I finally did it! After more than a year of wanting one, I got up the courage and support from my hubby to get a tattoo. I went to a place called "Seven Seas Tattoo". I was referred to the shop and the artist by my little brother, Andrew. Here are some pictures of the event:

Did it hurt? Yes! Was it worth it? Yes!

People have been surprised that it is as big as it is. I figured if I was going to get one, I wanted one that people could see, if I so choose.

Here is a copy of my MySpace blog explaining why I chose a hummingbird:

I love my tattoo. It's a hummingbird and some flowers (in case you can't tell). Why a hummingbird? Well, I could just say I think they're beautiful and that would be a good enough reason. Actually, there is more to it than that:

Hummingbirds have special meaning to me because I identify with their spirit and what they represent. Hummingbirds are tiny- anyone can see that. But did you know they are one of the bravest birds out there? They will take on birds much, much larger than themselves in order to protect themselves, their territory, and especially their babies.

Without going into too much detail (I really dislike pity), let me explain that my childhood years were not so great. Don't get me wrong... there is MUCH worse out there than I ever faced, but it was also far from ideal.

Basically, I was left by almost everyone who ever meant anything to me (except my Dad). I spent most of my childhood feeling like I was the only one I can trust. I was forced at an early age to be tough, independent, brave, and feisty.

I hold no grudges or bitterness. But I'm certain my experiences have shaped me into who I am today... and I like who I am.

So, when it came to choosing what I would have tattooed on my body, I chose the hummingbird because of its bravery, feistiness, and beauty.

While researching hummingbirds in my quest for the perfect tattoo, I learned that female hummingbirds are protective, nurturing mommies. This information only confirmed that this was the image for me! Being a Mom is the most important aspect of who I am. I want so much to be the best mom in the world for my boys. There was a time when I was afraid I wouldn't know how to be a mom. I'm far, far from perfect but by God's grace, being a good Mommy has come more naturally to me than I ever expected.

Finally, the hummingbird's small stature and brave spirit make me think of this verse from the Bible:

2 Timothy 1:7-- For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.

While this verse is specifically referring to sharing Christ with others, I know God wants us to be courageous and strong in Him. The hummingbird is a perfect representation of this: Tiny and fragile by itself, but bold and courageous with God's strength.

The flowers are done in my boys' birthstone colors. Garnet/red for Nate. Diamond (shown in the light blue flower) for Andrew. The purple bud on top represents, well.. nothing. It was just there and Dan surprised me with the color purple. I'll have to make up a story for that one, I guess.

So, there it is! The story behind my tattoo. It hurt like &%$@ but I'm glad I did it!

Thanks to Dan at Seven Seas... you are awesome!

Where Does it Go?

No, I'm not talking about money (although I wonder about that, too), or that matching sock, or that allusive sippy cup. I'm talking about TIME! I know you know what I mean. I thought I'd have so much extra time to blog since finishing the school year. Here I am, almost a month since my last post, at 11:00 pm finally posting a new blog.

So, what's been taking my time?

• The kids, of course.

• Life in general.

• In addition to these, I've been using my "me time" to work on a family website. Why? I don't really know... except to say that I must be neurotic and I decided that I have to learn the meaning behind all those mysterious html words. I'm happy to say that I made the site and it was actually fun! The problem I'm having is trying to get it published on my host (LunarPages). It's driving me nuts!! Once it's up and running, I'll give you the address. Everyone needs to have access to reading material to put them to sleep.

• Nate: He still thinks he is a baby bird. He still chirps and flaps his "wings". His "nest" is a pile of fluffy pillows on our bed. He calls me Mommy Bird and talks in a squeaky bird voice much of the day. It's all cute until about 5:30 pm, after he's been talking in a squeaky voice all day. Then it's just irritating.

• Andrew: I've started doing some school work with him, trying to get into a home-school frame of mind. I have been amazed at how well he reads! I had no idea- I was so consumed with how my students were doing in school, I didn't have the time or energy to notice how much my own son has learned! Well, no more of that! (No more being oblivious, that is... I'm not referring to learning!)

• Matt: Matt spent a few days at a worship leader's conference a couple weeks ago. He used to travel a lot for his job at Jazzercise so I'm used to him being gone. But, it can be tough being a single parent for any length of time.

• Me: I'm adjusting to life at home full-time again. I'm adjusting to not being able to go all over San Diego County to keep they boys occupied (gas is just too darned expensive so I've had to cut way back on our day-trips).
  

• Humming birds: I'm getting a tattoo tomorrow (Tuesday). So I've been spending lots of time trying to find the perfect picture/tattoo design of a humming bird. I'm so excited about getting a tattoo! My first. Matt is a little iffy about the whole thing (he's very conservative) but we finally came to an agreement regarding the tattoo thing. In case you haven't figured it out, I'm getting a humming bird tattoo.

OK, that's enough for now! I've got to get some beauty sleep. Catch ya up on us soon!

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