Wrestling Season

 Well, it is that time of year again. Not only is it the Christmas season, and winter season. It is WRESTLING season. So, in between the cold snaps and snow storms we will travel here and there across Iowa. 
  This is Joel's 3rd year of wrestling. He loves it. To tell the truth if you would of asked me before 3 years ago that I would love being a Wrestling Mom. I would of asked you if you were crazy, and I wouldn't let my son wrestle. I have come to love the wrestling sport, and being a Wrestling Mom. Joel tells me I am his #1 cheerleader. To tell the truth I don't know if that is bad or good. If you haven't seen me at a tournament warning I am loud when cheering on my little favorite wrestler. 
  The sport has taught Joel so much. It teaches how to compete as an individual as well as a team member. It teaches self-confidence as well as respect. Your probably thinking how does wrestling teach that? Well,  Joel has learned that no matter if you win or lose; as long as you did your best it is what counts. Even when he has had a tough match he doesn't give up. He keeps fighting. It is all about having fun at this age. Joel has learned to respect his opponent, the ref, the coaches the other and his own, and to himself. His first year of wrestling was hard when he lost. He would run off the mat, not shake hands nothing. Now he takes each loss with pride that he did his best. He shakes hands, says good job, and thank you.  His first year of wrestling he won I think 2 matches out of all them. Last year he won probably 12. So, far with 2 tournaments his is 0-5 matches. He has had really tough opponents this year. He is in a new age level, and weight class. He hasn't given up. He is doing very well on his basic wrestling techniques. Now he is trying to strengthen his new ones he is learning. He is a true fighter for sure.
  Not only is Joel in a new Age bracket and weight class, but Joel is wrestling for a different club this year. Do to many circumstances we chose to not wrestle for Winterset's club this year. This year he is wrestling for WCV Mat Pack in Stuart. He actually went to them starting middle of last wrestling season when Winterset was done with their little guys, and Joel wanted to continue wrestling, and learning.  So we just decided to stay with WCV since their program goes all wrestling season. Be honest Joel has seemed to love it there more than he did at Winterset.
  Yes, traveling 40 minutes 1-2 times a week specially this time of year can be hard, but if my son is determined, and wants to put in the effort there is nothing wrong with it, and it is worth it. Joel gets 2 hours of solid practice each time he goes. Joel feels like part of the team. Not just somebody. Everyone is friendly and caring. Real down to earth people. I even feel more comfortable being there. It isn't about money it is about teaching and giving children something to do besides sit at home playing video games, or getting into trouble. 
   Last night at Joel's tournament in Indianola I will be honest. It let me know that Joel and I changing wrestling clubs was the right thing to do. Joel is a lot happier at WCV, and so am I. After I left high school and became a Mom; I would of never thought I would go back to where I graduated. I am happy that I have. Thank you to all the WCV Mat Pack coaches, and parents that have made us feel welcome, and letting Joel be part of the team. 

Joel Turns 7

It is so hard to believe that just a few weeks ago my little guy turned 7 years old. The time has really flown by. I have cherished each and every moment. I am so blessed to have Joel in my life. He has brought so much happiness and joy that words can describe. I love being his Mom.

There has been people that have said my son is a spoiled child. Really he isn't. My son is really loved. He is given what he needs, and he earns the rest. 

I will admit at times I feel like I have to go above and beyond for my son. Not because I want to spoil him, but that I need to make up for him not having his paternal side involved in his life. One thing is I never put my son's wants above his needs. His needs come first. To tell the truth 90% of the time his needs will come before my own (that is just the Mom in me).

What many do not know about Joel is that he is not like most children. He can careless about the newest toy or in thing. He is happy with what ever. He thinks before he spends money. Take for instance last year with his birthday money. I asked him what he wanted to do with it. Most children will say new toy or new game. Not Joel. His response was.... "Mom, what do I need the most." I told him that he needed winter boots, and shoes for wrestling." He said, "Okay, Mom since I WANT to do wrestling I will pay for my shoes." Yes wrestling is a want to do and not a need to do. I believe every child should be able to do sports or activities that they love. I makes them grow and learn. Even though the winter boots were a need in a way the wrestling shoes were too. But my son paid for them on his own.

Also what people don't know is that my son has saved money for 6-11 months. He saved earnings from losing a tooth, wrestling pins and wins, soccer goals, and helping people that chose to pay him for little kindness he does. He called it his Wii fund. He has wanted a Wii for so long. He knew that I could not afford it. Plus he knew that I will buy what he needs before his wants. So, my little man pinched and saved. Even sometimes in his savings he would donate a little bit of it to special offerings at church "Alabaster (help build buildings in mission fields around the world), and World Broadcast (help people hear the love of Jesus through radio). " Finally my son earned enough for his Wii this year for his birthday. I surprised him. He had not a clue until he opened his gifts. I took his money and bought him a "Gently Used" Wii. My son didn't care that it was used. He just was happy he had one, and he earned it himself.

I am so proud of my 7 year old. He is such a sweet young man. He is unselfish. He embraces the love of God, and it shines through him. Yes my son had 3 birthday parties so what. Do you know that each party was simple? He wanted to make sure he celebrated with all his family, and even a few of his friends. He cared less about getting gifts. He just wanted to be with the ones he holds dear to his heart, and thank them all for being involved in his life. I can not imagine my life without Joel. These last 7 years have been precious the good and bad. Really the bad is nothing. They are precious moments too that are dear as well. I try seeing the joy in it all. I can not wait to see what this next year will bring. Looking forward to next year when he turns 8.

Just to let you all know about another milestone real quick. Joel will probably be asking Santa for his two front teeth. He lost his 4th tooth end of last week. So proud of my little man he even let me help take it out. No tears even.

My Cub Scout

Well, Joel has started a new chapter in his life. This year Joel was old enough to sign up for Cub Scouts. We both were very excited. He is in the Tiger Den group. Many of his friends are also are with him. 

I think that it is good for him to be in Cub Scouts. I was a Girl Scout, and my brothers were in Cub Scouts. Scouting teaches so much. I believe it helps teach life long skills that will go with him through the years to come. I am really excited to watch him flourish through the year and years to come.

Our neighbor boy is also in Cub Scouts. He is in Bear Den group. Due to his Mom with a busy work scheadule, and car issues. I make sure he gets to go to his meetings and events as well. Since I do that. Joel will sometime get to do activities with the Bears. One Saturday the Bears went to the park to clean up trash. Since I had to take our neighbor boy, they let Joel go as well. Both boys had a blast. Joel did an awesome job keeping up with the older boys. They all did a good job of picking up trash.

Right now for the next 1-2 little man is selling popcorn for his den. So, if you want some popcorn, or donate let me know. I will need the money soon.

Change of Seasons

  Well, it is that time of year. The change of seasons. Not the typical change of 4 seasons (Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall). There is what I call the 4 Mommy seasons (well what this Mom goes through anyway). In this family we also have Fall Soccer Season, Wrestling Season, Spring Soccer Season, and Summer Activity Season.

  Well, it is a change of season for sure for us. It is fall soccer season. Joel moved up to U8 this year. New team, new coach, and new rules. Joel is having fun this season. He is improving more and more each week. The play 4 on 4 with one being goalie. He has practice once a week, and a game once a week.

  The team had a rough first couple of games, but they are improving each week. Joel has played goalie a couple of times, but he does really good in all areas that have to be played. He is has also scored a couple of goals this season.

Watching him this season has been a delight. I am a proud Mom. He has taught me so much this season. Not about how to play soccer either. He has taught me so much more. Joel has showed me the joy of having fun even when you are having a bad day. He refuses to give up. He loves to be challenged. 

Soccer season only lasts 6-8 weeks. It is a lot of fun. This has been a busy season for sure. With practice and game on seperate nights it has us running for sure. Tuesday and Thursdays are short nights for us due to soccer, but atleast we are together at the games. 

We are both looking forward to another change in season soon as soccer gets done. We will have about a week, and then it is wrestling season. Then for 3 months or more it is running to more practices, and tournaments.

The change of seasons is so worth it all. Every goal, washing uniforms, sitting in the cold watching my son play is pure enjoyment. I love being there for my son, and watching him participating in things that he loves the most.

First Day of School: First Grade for Joel

  Well, the summer had finally come to an end. Joel started another year of school. I can not believe my boy is in the first grade. The time has really flown by over the years. 

  While we were on our summer vacation we found out who he had for his teacher this year. To our suprise Joel got Mrs. Gibson. YAY!!!! Joel was really praying all summer that he would get her. Okay, I was too. Mrs. Gibson was Joel's preschool teacher. Last year when Joel went to Kindergarten she began teaching first grade. So, we knew that there was a chance. It was a small chance. God answered little man's prayers. 

  Even with this being his 2nd year going to big school; I still teared up, but didn't show it until he left on the bus. I still do it every time he gets on the bus (since this is being written a month and half later). As a tear drips down my face I just pray "God protect my little man, his teachers, the staff, and the other children." I know that Joel is in God's hands of protection, and Mrs. Gibson's. 

  It is really nice this year that I didn't have to explain Joel's allergies and other things. Since Mrs. Gibson already knows it pretty much. The sad part this year is Joel got seperated from most of his friends (but is making new ones in his class). That includes his little girlfriend (friend that is a girl). They had been in preschool and kindergarten together. Both were sad, but they get to see each other every day at recess.

We are excited to see what First Grade brings for Joel. I know that he is excited for sure. I will also be excited as I will be volunteering off and on through out the year in the classroom. 

Slushies, Animals, Grand Stand, and so Much More

Well, did you figure out where this adventure took us???.... You probably guessed it. We took out yearly trip to the Iowa State Fair. We had so much fun. We did it on a budget too!!! So, anyone who says the Iowa State Fair is expensive well, if I can do it; anyone can. 

The Iowa State Fair is a family tradition that has been passed down the years. I still keep the tradition going year after year. It is so fun sharing this family tradition with my son. I just keep a tight budget. I know what we can and can't do. Both financially and physically (why I had to have a scooter for my heart).

I remember as a child going down the giant yellow slide. It looked a lot big when I was my son's age for sure. It isn't so giant to me now that I am an adult. It was fun to ride it down with my brothers, or with my father. The sad thing is I don't get to enjoy the experience with my son. Due to my heart condition I am unable to make it all the way to the top of the stairs, and plus the trip down maybe hard if I would fall off and hurt my chest. So, my brave son did it on his own once again this year. I waited patiently at the bottom. That is the hardest is waiting.

As usual we went to our usal areas that we love to see. We visited the different barns to check out the animals. We love to see the biggest bull, boar, and ram. Since we live in town, Joel really enjoys getting to be around farm animals. We went to the military area. Joel smiled as he sat in a army vehical. It was one of the things he asked to go see. One place Joel really loves, and I have had to come to love all over again is the Snakes Alive exhibit over the years. We got our usal picture taken with a snake. Everyone thinks I am crazy, but when it is something that will make my son happy. I am all game; even if it means a snake around my neck.

Well, this year when we went to the Iowa State Fair Joel got to something he hadn't done yet. This year was his first time going into the Grandstands. I entered a contest to win tickets to go see "Duck Dynasty" at the fair. We love Duck Dynasty. Joel really does. It is one show reality show that I will allow my son to watch at home. Why??? It is because it is family friendly, and the people love God!!! So, when we won the tickets we were so delighted. Our seats sucked, but what can I say they were FREE! It didn't matter to Joel where we sat. He got to go into the Grandstands and see people from one of our favorite shows in person. It was just the Duck Dynasty Band, Willie, Uncle Si, and Willie's wife Kori. It was neat to hear them talk, share stories, and hear people stand up for what they believe in. This will be an adventure that Joel will have memories for a lifetime.

Summer Vacation Part5: Harry S. Truman Museum

One of the last stops on our summer vacation was near Independence, MO. We decided to check out the Harry S. Truman Museum and Library. Joel loves anything that deals with science and history so this was a perfect fit for him. It is not free, but it is cheap. It is well worth it. They have many interactive areas that children young and old will enjoy.

 Joel really loved being there. It took a couple of hours to go through. Usually when we go sight seeing, and look at things I have to tell Joel to slow down, and take time to look. Well, this time I didn't. He was a little sponge trying to soak everything up. I actually had to tell him we need to pick up the pace a little so we could get back on the road.

It was so neat watching my son be so enthused with all that was there to see. He asked 100 million questions; which was alright with me. We could of went with a tour group with a guide, but I thought it would be good to go at our own pace. I really didn't know how Joel would do.

This was a first time for either one of us here. So, it was a good family memory together. We loved every moment that we shared that day. We had fun, and Joel learned things at the sametime. 

There has been some that has judged, because of what my son and I do. Yes, I am a single Mom with a disabiltiy, and we live on a fixed income. SO WHAT!!! My family has the right to have joys and vacations like any other family. We don't go on expensive family vacations. A family vacation does not mean blowing lots of money on this and that. It is just being together and making happy memories. So, if I spend $5.00 for my son to get into a historical museum oh well. He got to learn about history. To me it was priceless to watch my son have a wonderful vacation, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Summer Vacation Part 4: George Washington Carver

 Usually on the way home from Arkansas we love to go sight seeing at interseting places together. Last couple of years we were usually with family, because they would come and get us, and then bring us back. This year since we got a car in Arkansas it was just Joel and I coming back. So, as tradition goes we decided to sight see just the two of us. We try to find places that are free, or very cheap for the most part. Even though it is only 8 hours between our Grandparents house, and us; it takes longer for us. Probably because we love to sight see, and plus I have to get out to walk my legs so I don't get blood clots. We usually have to make it in two days. Which we did this time by staying in Missouri. 

Our first stop on the sight seeing tour was the George Washington Carver National Monument near Diamond, Missouri. It is a little ways off the interstate, but worth it. It is a free thing to see and do. They have interactive, and other things the children of all ages will love. Besides hearing about the history of him, and all the wonderful things he did. I was really surprised by Joel. At age 6 almost 7 I couldn't believe how interested he was in everything there. Listening to a recording of George Washington Carver's voice, to him pretending he was a raido talk show person. He loved every minute of it. Watching him soak everything up was amazing. He as so many questions even some adults would ask. Like I said in a previous blog post Joel loves history and science.

  Spending time with my little guys is so wonderful. I know that some day probably my son will care less about going sight seeing with his Mom. As for right now I will soak up every minute I have making wonderful memories with my son. We don't have a lot of money, but we have each other. We have more fun doing free and cheap things than spending tons of money. Doing cheap and free things gives a chance to do more things. Than to spend a whole bunch of money on one thing.  Really truthfully Joel didn't care about what we did as long as we were with each other, and we had fun. 

Summer Vacation Part 3: Spending Time with The Cousins

  One of the highlights of our vacations is always getting to spend time with family. This summer vacation were not only blessed to be able to spend time with our Grandparents, and my Dad, but we also got to spend time with our cousins that live in southern Arkansas. We had lunch at my Grandparents house, and then we went to the park to let all the little ones play. I think both the big and little kids had fun.

  For me it was good to see them. My cousins's Mom (my Dad's 1st cousin) died earlier this year. She was a neat woman. She loved God, and she loved her family. I know I didn't see her much because we lived apart, but we were always in each others thoughts. She would ask our Grandparents about us, and vice versa. I hate to admit it the last time I saw Julie was when her Mom died a couple years ago around Easter, and she came and stayed with me. I wanted to see my cousins to see how they are doing, and letting them know how much they are loved, and they are not alone.
  
  The last time I saw Freddie and Daniel was when they came up for the Grandma's funeral. They too stayed with us. I hadn't seen Alicia since she was beginning her teenage years. So, way too long. Now they have their own families. I hate to admit it but we (my cousins, and I make very handsome, and beautiful children). 

  We all had fun talking and getting to know each other again. I am very proud of my cousins and their families. I wished I was closer because Joel sure had a blast playing with his cousins. I think they enjoyed Joel as well. We are now able to keep more in touch thanks to facebook. We are hoping that the next time we can get down to Arkansas; we can spend time with them again. We are actually planning on Joel and I going down to where they live in Arkansas, and spend some time there. Plus maybe do some sight seeing in Southern Arkansas. 

Summer Vacation Part 2: Day in Hot Springs

  While we are visiting our family in Arkansas we always love to sight see even if we have been there before. Our Grandma had a doctor's appointment in Hot Springs, Arkansas so we made a day of it. We went to the historical downtown of Hot Springs. It is a lovely place to go. There is a lot things to see and do while you are there, but I love the historical downtown. It is neat to see and feel the warm springs (even on a hot day). Joel loves the fountains and everything as well. It is different from Iowa for sure. Fountains here are cold usually. You can actually drink the warm spring water. Just have to find the right drinking fountain. Joel and I do every time we go there. It actually had been a couple of years since we had been to Hot Springs so we were actually looking forward to it.

  We decided to tour Bathhouse Row again since it been a few years, and go into the museum to see how much Joel remembered, and to see what he liked this time around about it. He was a little more observant, and asked lots of questions this time around. He loves to contantly learn about things. I swear he is going to be a book or history and knowledge. Joel loves history and scienctific things to do and see. Which is just fine with me.

  So, once again we decided to enjoy seeing what a bathhouse looked like back in the day compared to what one looks now. It is truly different now than what it use to be. Many things have improved. Still one thing remains the same the water use comes from the Hot Springs. Now there is only one bathhouse that remains used as a bathouse. The others have been turned into different things that deal with pleasure. One is a museum showing what things were like (the one we went through), one is a hotel, one is an art gallery, one is soon to be the small version of the children's science center.


  There are many other things to see and tour in the historical downtown. You can make a whole day of it. There are walking trails that are very beautiful, but stay on the given path. There is a wax museum (we yet to go through). There are also shops and places to eat that are awesome. I suggest if you love good southern cooking go to Granny's.

Summer Vacation Part 1: Spending Time with Papa Rick

  Well, Joel and I got to take a summer vacation. As you can tell we went to Arkansas to spend time with our family. We had a lot of fun being with them. We were there for around 9 days. The longest visit we have had down there with them. We did so much in the time we were down there. 

  One of the things that Joel wanted to do while we were down there was to go on a motorcycle ride of his Papa Rick's motorcycle around the block (only how far I would allow). I think both of them had a blast together on the bike. I know that Joel loved to be on the motorcycle, and my Dad enjoyed that he got to so something he loves with his grandson. Watching Joel on the motorcycle flooded memories of when I was a young girl around his age, and got to ride on the motorcycle. I use to love it. So, yep I got in the action, and even took a couple of rides on the motorcycle with my Dad. I enjoyed it, but except that I didn't have a hair tie to to put my hair. So, it ended up getting tangled.

 One of the things we decided to do for fun was to go dig for Crystals. Arkansas is know for their crystals and diamonds mines. We went to a crystal mine dig place in Boardcamp, Arkansas just 10 or so minutes away from Mena where our family lives. One bad thing is that it was a hot day. We thought it was underground when it said crystal mine. Nope it was above ground. It was Joel, my Dad, and I. It was definately a new and fun thing to do together. Grandma and Grandpa didn't feel like they could handle it. So, they stayed at home. We walked away with almost a bucket full. We found so many shapes and sizes. Joel didn't want to quit, but with my heart I was starting to wear out. We are hoping to save some money, and the next time we go down in the summer or early spring (when it is cooler); we may try to go to one of the diamond mines near our family in Arkansas.

Joel and I also went fishing with Papa Rick. My Dad loves to fish, and Joel is just getting to enoy fishing. I am not a lover of fishing, but if it makes my son happy, and get to spend time with him and my Dad I will fish. I think we went fishing almost every day. We didn't catch a single fish. We did get bites. BUG BITES EVERYWHERE! Even though we didn't catch a single fish we had lot of fun. We tried Lake Willamena, the lake at the college, the Casastot River (which we ended up swimming into since it was so low), and we went to another lake. Watching Joel and my Dad bond was so neat. Both were sad that we didn't catch a single fish, but both went away happier by spending time together fishing. Hopefully the next time we go down we will get that BIG Bass that Joel wanted.

Quality Time WIth Grandparents

 Grandparents are a true treasure. Joel and I are blessed to have our Grandma Lil and Grandpa Bob. I was around my son's age when I lost both of my Great- Grandpas about a year or so apart. I was blessed because my Great Grandparents lived in Iowa; where I could see them when I wanted to. Joel's Great- Grandpa and Grandma live in Arkansas. So, we mostly talk to them on the phone, and see them a couple times a year at least.

  Grandpa Bob and Grandma Lil are my Father's parents. I never met my Grandpa on my Mother's side because he died when my Mother was really young, and my Grandma on my Mother's side died one month before Joel was born. I tell Joel many stories of all his Grandpas and Grandmas that I knew about. So, anytime we get to spend with our Grandpa Bob and Grandma Lil is precious. We enjoy them coming and visiting us, and us going down to Arkansas to visit them.

In July Grandpa and Grandma came up during the county fair time. We had so much fun with them. We didn't do a whole lot, but we had some quality time together. They watched Joel while I helped the ladies from the church in the food booth at the county fair. We took them to the county fair to see different things. Grandpa, Grandma, and I went and decorated graves of differently family members (Joel was with his godparents).

Joel had so much fun taking Grandma and Grandpa to the county fair. Grandpa I think enjoyed it just as much as Joel did. He use to work on a farm; so seeing the different things made his day. Joel and I enjoyed listening to his stories about tractors, and farm animals. Grandma also had a good time at the fair as well. She mostly enjoyed watching Joel and Grandpa talk about farm life.

  Our time with our Grandparents didn't end when it was time for them to go home. Joel and I packed our bags to go with them to Arkansas for our summer vacation. It was such a joy that we got to spend 12 days together a few here in Iowa, and most in Arkansas visiting them. Grandma Lil and Grandpa Bob loves Joel and I. They also love their other Grandchildren and Great- Grandchildren. Even though I am 34 years old I am still a Grandpa's Girl, and always will be. My son is a Grandpa's boy too. Joel does the same thing I did (okay sometimes still to this day, but do to kidney stone issues I don't do it as much.). Sneak and drink Grandpa's tea out of his glass when he isn't looking. We also enjoyed talking and cooking with Grandma over the 12 days. It is fun now that Grandma is now teaching Joel different arts of cooking and baking like she did me when I was his age. I think she was loving every minute of it too.

Our Grandparents mean the world to us. It is wonderful to spend time with them when we get to see them, and it is wonderful to hear their voices on the phone when we cant see each other.