A Week of Firsts

Where have my babies gone??? All of a sudden they are growing up and I want to push the pause button but I can't. We've had a week of "Firsts" around the Mieska household lately. Birdbaby had his 'first' haircut (finally at 17 months old!)- as most of you know Birdpapa like his hair a little long and he was starting to look like a girl. We'll have none of that in this house :). Birdboy #1 went to his first over-night cub scout camp (in 100 degree heat) and loved it! He also had his first experience at mowing the lawn- or acreage for that matter, and loved it! Queenbird kept a close look-out and followed him on the mower. It's bad enough that I'm worried about his hearing, let alone the tractor tipping over on him. Poor kid- I'm such a helicopter mom! Birdboy #1 also signed up for his first tackle football season and got all the gear. UGH! Do you suppose it would be wrong to stand in the huddle each time before a play and see if he's alright? Oh Vey... Slow down, boys, slow down!

Slow Down and... Swing!

Last night was a great life lesson and a funny one to boot.

I work with a population of infants, children, teens and adults with special needs. Working with the hearing impaired and deaf usually there is a disorder, disease, syndrome...you name it that accompanies a little hearing impairment. Most of my kids have more severe problems than hearing loss, Goldenhar Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, childhood cancer that results in hearing loss due to chemo etc... It's rare that I have a 'normal' child or adult with a loss. That being said I've prided myself on raising my kids to be sensitive to those with special needs. Being in a small community such as Treynor my boys aren't exposed to a diverse population so we're a work in progress :) But I digress...

Last evening we were travelling through Treynor, all 3 miles of it, and we passed a beautiful corner farm house with a giant tree swing right off the country porch. I've often admired this home as it is perfectly manicured, decorated with bright geraniums, and holiday decor year round. I've never seen anyone on the tree swing until last night. A petite white haired woman with capris and the most gigantic smile on her face with a laugh that would put a giant to shame was pumping her legs so hard and swinging so high in the air I had to stop and watch her for a minute. She instantly brought a smile to my face. Luke turned to me and asked, "mom, is she special?" I said "no, honey...she's just enjoying life and slowing down to swing.

AHHHH! Note to self...slow down...and swing.

Ozark Snapshots

We had another memorable trip to one of our favorite family vacation spots. Lake of the Ozarks is so much fun for the Mieska 6. We were able to travel with our great friends, the Lang Gang and enjoyed lots of crazy boat rides, lake and pool swimming, parasailing for 3 excited little boys, and relaxation. Until next time...