Asher is Double Digits!!

Dear Asher,
I cannot believe that you are 10 years old already!

It seems like only yesterday that Dr. Nilson put you on my chest to snuggle, when all of a sudden, you pooped all over me!! HAHA!  I will never let you live that down! You were such an amazing kid from day one, making your mark on the world (pun intended! LOL)!!

You have always been the sweetest, most caring child I've known. You will give the best hugs and snuggles without even being asked. I asked you recently if you'll still hug me and snuggle next to me on the couch when you are 16 years old and think parents are dumb, YOU SAID YES!!! In fact, you told me that you'll never think I'm dumb! I am totally going to hold you to it... It is now officially in writing so we can look back to this year and remember that, it was when you were almost 10 years old that you said you'd never think I'm dumb!!

You are in the 4th grade, and you are loving it! Your teachers are all amazing, and every one of them sing your praises! It makes me proud to have THAT child that the teachers love! You love to write. Last year, you bought yourself a hand-sewn leather journal, and you take that thing everywhere you go. Whenever, wherever, you are inspired, you write.

You like to write fantasy stories, and they are always so entertaining! You love to dress up. Your favorite thing to wear, and you would wear it daily if I'd let you, is blue jeans and "a handsome shirt." This means that you either want a button-down, dress shirt or a polo shirt. I typically let you wear whatever, but there are days, like when it's 100+ degrees outside, that I tell you to wear shorts. You'd think I was pulling your eyeballs out though... you HATE wearing anything other than jeans! I get it, I love jeans too... but seriously!?! For over 3 years, you have slept with your Scentsy buddies- Birch the Beaver and Gilly the Monster. You love those things; they are pretty worn out, but you love them! I love that you love them...it's cool to me when kiddos have something they cling to for comfort! You love your grandparents and you look forward to time spent with them! Your favorite thing to do with YaYa and Garry is to go out to the lake! Building a fire in the fire pit or going on the lake- either way, you love the campgrounds. 


Over the years, you have become a child with so much personality. For the rough start you had in those first few years of life with anxiety, I have loved watching you blossom into an amazing kid with so much life! The picture to the left shows the awesome difference over the years. From pre-K, when you were Mr. Grouchy`Pants to third grade when you were so full of life!  I love the transformation! You've gone from a kid who wouldn't speak to one who sometimes doesn't STOP talking! It makes me smile when you get so excited to tell a story...even when that story takes 10 minutes of non-stop, non-breath-taking talking!! Your teacher was super excited one day when she told me that you did the group presentation in class. She said, "He talked in front of class today... he spoke in a British accent the entire time, but he did it!!" LOL... I was soooo proud of you! It's so funny how well you speak with a British accent- it almost seems like you were born in England. It's almost like that accent is your security blanket when you have to talk in public... it's okay though, whatever works!!

I am so proud to be your mommy, and I love you OH so much! I can't wait to see how much more amazing you become over the future years! You are so smart, passionate, kind, and you make me smile every single day! I love you, Asher Monroe Boni!

Love, 

Mom

-------------------------------------------

20 QUESTIONS: 

8 years old- Green; 9 years old- Blue; 10 years old- Red;  

1. Favorite Color:  Green  Orange  Green

2. Favorite Toy:  Birch the Beaver   Birch the beaver  Birch the beaver

3. Favorite Fruit:  Oranges   Oranges  Oranges

4. Favorite TV Show:   Liv and Maddie  Lab Rats   Jessie

5. Favorite Lunch:  Lunchables   Spaghetti  Spaghetti-O's

6. Favorite Clothes:   Star Wars Shirt   Jeans and t-shirt  Jeans & a handsome shirt

7. Favorite Game:   Moo Cow (tag)  Call of Duty  Minecraft

8. Favorite Snack: Cool Ranch Doritos  Turkey Sandwich   Popcorn

9. Favorite animal:  Dinosaurs   Cheetah  Eagle

10. Favorite Song:   Light 'em Up  Down to the River Throne Room

11. Favorite Book:   Henry and Mudge   The White Fox  Left Behind Kids

12. Best friend:  Conner   Jacob   "I don't have a best friend, just friends"

13. Favorite Cereal: Fruity Pebbles   Marshmallow Cereal   Lucky Charms

14. Favorite thing to do outside:  Snow Ball fight   Ride my scooter   Walk

15. Favorite drink:    Mellow Yellow   Orange pop   Dr. Pepper

16. Favorite holiday:  Christmas   Christmas  Christmas

17. Favorite thing to have in bed:  Birch the Beaver Birch the Beaver   Birch and Gilly

18. Favorite breakfast: Cereal   Cereal   Eggs in a Basket or Lucky Charms

19. Favorite Dinner: Lasagna   Lasagna   Spaghetti

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?: Chef   Chef   Chef

Through the Fog

I was driving down the highway this morning before sunrise, and 

IT.WAS.FOGGY!

It was that scary kind of foggy that I'm pretty sure 

NOBODY 

wants to experience while driving!

I was taking the hubby to work, 

but first, 

we had to stop by the repair shop to drop off his car. 

As I was driving,

unable to see more than about 100 feet ahead of my car,

all I could think was 

"I have no idea where we're going!" -and-

"What if we miss the turn off?"

But as we drove closer to our destination, 

We could see the business perfectly, 

and there was no missing the driveway. 

As we got closer and closer, we could see clearly,

turned at the exact location,

and we arrived safe and sound

without a hitch.

-------------------------------------------------

Why on earth am I sharing this story? 

It seems silly and pointless to life, right??

Well, perhaps not!!!

Maybe, as you were reading about my morning drive

you caught on quickly to where I was heading with this post.

Maybe you were thinking:

"Why am I reading this pointless delivery of her experience?"

Here's the deal!

I was thinking about God and His plans for my life.

Sometimes, looking at the big picture of life is discouraging and scary!

Sometimes, as I go about my days and I look far into the future, 

I get overwhelmed!

I feel like I can't see where my journey is taking me; 

I may even wonder, 

"What if I miss something?"

Then, the closer and closer that I get to the plans 

that GOD has in store for me, 

I realize that I can see clearly!

I can see the twists and turns along the way!

I don't have to worry anymore about what lies ahead.

I cannot be consumed with fear for the future. 

I must live for today; 

with GOD as my focus in the fog!

With Him riding along side of me, 

leading and directing, 

I will never get lost or miss my destination!

God has a great plan in store for my life- 

and for yours!!

Just because we can't see every step of the way,

it does not mean there is no end goal.

Just because the drive is foggy,

it does not mean the way will remain hidden.

Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you! (James 4:8)

Have faith in His plan for your life,

and it will be revealed to you 

in the perfect time!

Xander is 12

Happy 12^th birthday, my very first pre-teen! Yes, I do realize that I am 1.5 months late, but better late than never!! LOL…

Xander, you are an amazing kid! You are growing into an amazing young man! I am so proud of you and the person you are becoming!

You are in the 6^th grade now, and doing well. You ended the 5^th grade with honor roll all year long! You are doing a great job in your classes, and I really hope that work ethic continues as you get into the more difficult years ahead! Your teachers this year are Mrs. Potts (language arts), Mrs. Myers (math), Mrs. Fallis (reading), Coach Dan (social studies), and Mrs. Eishen (science)- all of them seem very nice!

You have officially passed me in height. I try to not admit that you are finally an inch taller than I am; in fact, I keep asking you to stop growing. Every single time, you tell me, “NO!” I try to get you to drink lots of coffee to stunt your growth, but it hasn’t helped either! (kidding, kinda….)

You are an excellent big brother. I think I say it every single year, but I am amazed by your help! Many people talk about how, at this age, kids are so disrespectful and don’t do anything. But when I ask you to do something, you jump up and do it (most of the time LOL)! Strangers have even complimented what a respectful young man you are! Even though you tease and pick on your siblings, you would do anything for them! I love that too! You have such a big heart- never wanting anyone to be upset. I love that about you!

You love hanging out with your dad. The others do too, but you REALLY enjoy spending time with your daddy. You would pick him over me any day of the week; and while it might make me a little jealous, I am so glad that you have such a great relationship with him!

I love you so much, and I am SO excited to see what your teen years will hold!

-Love, Mom

Now, as is our tradition, your 20 Questions….

Xander first: Red- 9 years old; Blue- 10 years old; Green- 11 years old; Orange- 12 years old

1. Favorite Color:  Red   Red   Red  Purple

2. Favorite Toy: Legos  Lego   Pokemon   Pokemon Cards

3. Favorite Fruit:  Apples  Apples   Apples   Blueberries

4. Favorite TV Show: Max Steel  Mighty Med   Lab Rats  Impractical Jokers

5. Favorite Lunch:  Ham  Baked Potato   Eggs in a Basket Pizza

6. Favorite Clothes:  Minecraft Shirt   Star Wars shirts   Jammy pants & t-shirt   Silky shorts/t-shirt

7. Favorite Game:  Assassin  GoldenEye   Call of Duty   Call of Duty

8. Favorite Snack: Blueberry Muffins   Baked Potato   Cinnamon Toast   Baked Potatoes

9. Favorite animal: Giraffe   Lion   Kangaroo   Wolf

10. Favorite Song: Everything is Awesome   Stitches   Can't Stop the Feeling   24K

                     11. Favorite Book:  Baby Mouse   Cat in the Hat   Hatchet    Night of the Twisters

12. Best friend:  Abbey & Josh   Josh  Josh and Ace   Ace

13. Favorite Cereal:  Corn Pops   Cinnamon Toast Crunch   Corn Pops   Cocoa Puffs

14. Favorite thing to do outside: Water guns   Ride my scooter   Ride Bike   Swim

15. Favorite drink: Orange Juice   Mountain Dew   Mountain Dew   Iced Coffee/Frappe

16. Favorite holiday: Christmas   Christmas   Christmas   Christmas

17. Favorite thing to have in bed: Pillow  Bear   Legos  Blanket

18. Favorite breakfast: Chocolate Mint-Chip Donut    Cinnamon Toast Crunch   Eggs in a Basket  Fried Egg Sandwich

19. Favorite Dinner:  Ham   Lasagna   Lasagna   Lasagna

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?: US Army Soldier  US Army Soldier   US Army Soldier  IDK**
(** I have to admit, I’m kinda sad that this one changed….)

It's JUST holding hands!

Some of you know the story of Tim and me when we were dating. Just in case you don't, here's a QUICK recap: 

At our first dinner "date," Tim told me that he would not kiss anyone until his wedding day!

I figured I would change him, but 

NOPE!!

So, for three years and 4 months 

(but who's counting) 

we didn't kiss! 

We snuggled on the couch;

we held hands; 

we DID NOT kiss!

One day, a few months into our relationship, Tim stopped holding my hand. If I tried to grab his hand, he pulled it away! I was so very sad! You know how your mind works- I ran through every possible scenario that I could imagine of WHY he quit holding my hands. I came to the conclusion that he must not want a relationship anymore as I had thought. But, as one last attempt, I sat him down (after a couple weeks of not holding my hand) and asked him WHY!?!?

This was his answer: 

I want to kiss you SO BAD!

When we hold hands, it really makes me want to do more. 

So I decided that I'm not going to hold your hand until I know that I can do it and resist the temptation to kiss you!

My insides melted! I was soooo happy! Every terrible thing that my mind played out was wrong! He took away the itty bitty temptation so that he wouldn't fall into the bigger one. 

Is holding hands wrong?   

NOPE!!

Is kissing wrong?   

NOPE!!

Is it wrong to do exactly that which you believe in your heart that you should not do?  

YEP!!

-------------------------------------

Why am I telling you this story?

I was able to use my silly dating story to relate it to a much bigger issue.... 

A family friend of ours likes a nice, cold beer at the end of the day. 

Over time, that ONE nice, cold beer has developed into quite a few drinks at a time. 

Now, he is struggling with a drinking problem that has affected not only his life, but the lives of his family, friends, and career. 

He asked,

"Why can't I have just one cold beer?"

My answer?

If holding hands (1 beer) is too much of a temptation for you and may lead to kissing (several beers) then you need to stop holding hands! If you don't even intentionally allow yourself to be in the position to hold hands, you will never have to worry about kissing when you know that kissing is NOT what you want to do!! 

-------------------------------------------------------------

I don't know if this sounds like a bunch of hog-wash to you, but it totally makes sense in my mind! 

I hope it'll help you or someone you share with! 

Pierogi Lasagna

Oh my buttery deliciousness!! 

This meal was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G 

and a bit sinful! 

Okay, truth be told it was VERY sinful. 

Look at this picture:

The butter just poured out when I cut into it! 

Who doesn't love butter?

 I think next time, I might need to add some extra carbs to our dinner (Thanks, Kaye!)!!! 

HA!!!

I took several pictures, but unfortunately, not one of them really did this meal the justice it deserved.

 If you love pierogies, then you'll love this!

 Tim loves researching new recipes, and I thought this one was pretty genius...then tonight, I made it happen! I looked through a bunch of recipes online- 

TRUST ME, THERE ARE TONS!

And then I compiled the best ideas from each of them and made my own concoction! 

Here's what I came up with: 

Ingredients

*10 lasagna noodles

*2 sticks butter

*12 servings prepared instant mashed potatoes (real potatoes would probably work fine, but this was quicker!)

*1 large onion diced and cooked in 12Tbsp. butter

*1 16 oz. polish sausage link sliced thin

*2 cups shredded cheddar

*Seasoning (as desired) - I used salt, pepper, Nature's Seasons (Morton), garlic powder, and Italian seasoning

9x13 baking pan

350 degrees for 30 minutes

------------------------------------

Layer in pan :

Butter (small pats of the remaining 4 oz. not cooking with onions to "grease" pan)

Noodles

1/3 Potatoes

1/3 onion/butter mixture

1/2 smoked sausage

Cheese

Then repeat from noodles to cheese

Top layer:

Noodles

Potatoes

Butter/onion mixture

Cheese

-------------------------------------

Okay, here is the picture of the Kraft Foods recipe ....

while their picture is purty, I think mine looks more sinful delicious!! 

Ten on 10

Ten pictures of my 10th on the month:

Perfect start to my morning

My morning scripture

My favorite dentist

The faculty bathroom-where Christmas trees go to die

Handwriting worksheets for kindergarten

One of my favorite people!
Also, Bella's teacher

Two more of my favorites-
Jonathan's teacher & Xander's old 3rd grade teacher

A beautiful evening

Bella's hair

A bedtime story

Is it worth it?

2nd post from my 300 Writing Prompts book:

 "Write about something that is presently in your life that is 'worth it!'"

The very first thing that came to my mind when I read this prompt is my job as a teacher's assistant at my kids' school.

I worked for Wal-Mart from 1994-2015 (with about 1 1/2 years off from 2000-2002). I worked a total of 20 years for the same company!!! I'm pretty sure that is a big deal- especially in my generation. I don't know anyone my age who can say they've worked somewhere for THAT long! I loved what I did for Wal-Mart- I was a Customer Service Manager for the vast majority of my years. 

I am a control freak.

I love power.

I loved having all the answers.

I enjoy bossing people around.

I really enjoy helping people understand how to do their job by teaching and training new employees, and I love helping people who need assistance. I knew my job inside and out! 

I always told the scared new cashiers, 

"There is nothing you can do on this register that I cannot fix!" 

And I didn't say that to be prideful or boast-y; I said it because it was just the facts.... I knew my job THAT well!

Wal-Mart is not known for its high paying positions, but I made a decent amount of money working there after all those years. 

When I had my twins in 2008, I cut back from full time hours to only working weekends when hubby was home. In the 2013-14 school year, I was a parent volunteer while the kids were in school. Then in 2014-15 school year, I became a substitute teacher. So, I was working overnights on the weekends and substitute teaching up to 4 days during the week! I was exhausted... BUT during those two years, I realized that the school is my passion. It is where I longed to spend my days! 

History:

I have always had a passion for kiddos! 

I taught Sunday school at my church for years- because it was all about the kids!

I once wanted to be a child psychologist- because it was all about the kids!

Then, I went to Bible College and studied children's ministry- because it was all about the kids!

Then, I thought I wanted to be a Peds nurse- because it was all about the kids!

So, after volunteering and subbing for 2 years, the principal hired me on as a Teacher's Assistant! SO, I left Wal-Mart... my good-paying job... my job that paid me TWICE/hour what I get paid at the school... so that I could work full-time at school! 

Now, here I am.... working at a school for my 2nd year-

BECAUSE IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!!

The question posed in this post is "Is it worth it?"

My answer:

a resounding 

YES

Do I wish I still had the rate of pay that I gave up? Of course, but working at the school makes my heart happy. THIS is what I am called to do- working with kids, shaping our upcoming generations, being a model of how to live for children who may otherwise never see it... 

IT IS SOOOO WORTH IT!

Lazy Days

Day one of my "300 Writing Prompts" book: 

What is your favorite way to spend a lazy day?

The best way to be lazy is to "just be," but I have trouble with this concept.

You see, for as long as I have known my husband, he has told me that I need to learn how to BE. I don’t enjoy just sitting around while doing nothing. I always feel like I SHOULD be doing something. It doesn’t even have to be something productive like cleaning my house… I just prefer to go, go, and then go some more.

So, I have been trying this concept of “BE-ing,” and while it is difficult …

 Sometimes I find myself twitching a little and gnawing off my fingernails …

It is starting to be a little bit more enjoyable!!

So what do I do? Well, if I know that the day ahead of me will be a lazy one, I start out by telling my kiddos that I don’t want to be awake until at least 9 a.m.!! Fortunately, they are old enough nowadays that I can say that, and it will typically happen that they will self-entertain until about 9:01!!

I will gradually arise, but not very quickly. For example, I may sit up in bed until around 9:30 or so before I will even consider speaking to another soul. Then, by around 9:45 or 10, I will finally emerge from my sleeping quarters ready to sort-of face the world! 

Oh, but wait, this is a LAZY day…. I don’t have to face the world! 

It’s a cereal day for breakfast and a DIY for lunch (for example, kids make their own sandwiches or spaghetti O’s or ramen).

So, my preferred lazy day would consist of toe socks- now that I write this I realize I need some more toe socks… a girl can never have too many toe socks!

(Wow, that’s the most I’ve said the phrase “toe socks” in one paragraph in my life! Toe socks; toe socks; toe socks)

Secondly, my preferred lazy day includes my all-time favorite coloring tools:

And my favorite coloring book:

I love to brainlessly color. I love how detailed the pictures look when they are completed.  I also love to crochet- I can do that pretty brainlessly as well!! 

The only problem with these things is that I am fairly certain that coloring and crocheting are not “just be-ing” activities...

 Oh well… those are ways that I love spending MY lazy days!! They’re mine, right? So I can do whatever I want when I’m just be-ing... So THERE!!! 

How do you prefer to spend your lazy day?