Bringing It On The Mat

  It is that time a year again. Nope I am not talking about Christmas. I am talking about wrestling. Who knew I would be excited about the sport of wrestling? If you would of told me before 8 years I would be a Mom of a wrestler, I would of laughed in your face. I will be honest the thought of my son wrestling was not what I really wanted for him. I really hoped he would get into a different type of winter sport. Anything but wrestling to tell the truth. I heard about all horrible stories of wrestling (the sicknesses, the dieting, and so much more). 
  Four years ago I become "THAT" Mom. I became a "Wrestling Mom." I am one proud Wrestling Mom at that. Four years ago my son needed an outlet for all his stored up energy in the winter months. At 5 years old there was nothing for him. It was suggested to put him into Pee Wee wrestling, because they allow preschool aged children. So, I decided to give it a try. I will be honest deep down I hoped that my son would not like it. To my dismay my son feel in love with the sport, and I will tell the truth I have feel in love with the sport in a way as well.
  Joel has slowly improved year in and year out. I will be honest my son is not the greatest wrestler, but he puts work into so that someday he will be. He doesn't give up. That is what makes me so proud of him. Joel knows that he isn't as good as some other boys, but he strives to be just as good. Some day if he stays with it I know he will be that boy going to state in wrestling. Wrestling doesn't come naturally for him, but it eventually comes in his time of understanding. 

1st Year of Wrestling

  When he first started wrestling his mostly places 4th with a few 3rd places. He still at some tournaments have brought 4ths, but he has seen more 3rds and 2nds. His goal every tournament is 1st, but he knows no matter what he is a winner in my book for not giving up.

Joel Watching Iowa Wrestle

 As wresting has become more important each year to him. It has become more for me as well. So, basically he is in wrestling mode for 3-4 months. He has been able to even go see his favorite college team wrestle. He was so thrilled to see the Iowa Hawkeyes take on several schools in one day last month. Joel at one point said "Mom, someday you will be here watching me taking on other teams, because someday I will be an Iowa Hawkeye!"

Joel in 4th Year

  Last weekend Joel went to Anita, Iowa to wrestle. He went there two years ago, and took 2nd place. He wanted redeemption from the last time. He had lost by 1 point. The bracket he was in was good for him for his first tournament of this season. He went out there like he had a point to proove, and he was taking names. He pinned his first kid, beat the 2nd kid by points, and lost by points to the 3rd kid. When it came to the 3rd kid, Joel and I will admit he was good. He had pinned the other two boys in no time. Joel gave him a tough match. The kid tried several times to pin Joel, but Joel wouldn't let him. After the match Joel was a little tearing. He came over to me. As usual I gave him a great big hug, and I asked him what was wrong. Joel said, "Mom, I did my best, but I won't walk away with 1st." I told him, "Joel, I am so proud of you. You got out of the cradle several times, in which you had never been able to get out of. You take that 2nd place with pride, because you have improved so much."
  Being a "Wrestling Mom" is more than just being there to cheer on my son, because it is something that he wants to do. Being a "Wrestling Mom" for me means to be there for him, and to love it just as much. When Joel wrestle I feel like I am wrestling. I hurt when he hurts, I cry when he cries, and I rejoice when he does. So, go ahead tease me of being a Wrestling Mom!!!! I am proud of it.

Why Scouting

People ask me why I put Joel in scouting. It is a wonderful program. The programs has helped Joel so much. All the leaders whether they know it or not has helped Joel tremendously. I have watched my son grow since he started last year. Not just physically, because man he is getting taller all the time.
 Joel has grown in self-confidence, and in knowledge in things he is going he can do down the road. He is always excited for den and pack meetings. The only thing that he will miss cub scouts for is church. They way it should be. After all the first thing in the Cub Scout promise is "Duty to God."
  As many know that Joel's father has never been present in his life. It has always been him, and I. To be honest the thought of cub scouts, and having to be the parent that is there for him at scouts, made me cringe. The reason is because I know that many of the boys would have their fathers there. I also struggle with the thought that I can not do certain things like hiking due to my heart condition. Last year I was just his parent partner. After much talk, and pursuasion from the cub master, and other leaders. I am now co-leading. I am really enjoying getting more involved with Cub Scouts and having a closer relationship with my son. 
  Scouts has not only helped Joel, but it has helped me. I was a girls scout so I am familar with scouting in a way. Cub scouts is a whole new ball game. Yes, there are a few things that are same. I have had fun learning about the different things boys enjoy like knots (I don't remember learning in girl scouts). Man, the boys and their Pine Wood Derby. It is a very competitive thing in cub scouts, but boy the boys enjoy their cars racing down the tracks. The boys also take time to congrat those who move on, and say atleast you tried, and you will do it next year. I will be honest last year when Joel did his car I had no clue what in the world to do. Fortunately Joel has some awesome male role models to help him. So, yep again this year I will be calling on them again. 

Our Little World

 Our little world has been a busy one since school started. Not only did school start, but fall sports, and another year of Cub Scouts. So, I tell everyone if you try calling me, or if we are not home; we are at school, volunteering, at sports, church, or at Cub Scouts. I love that my son is active, and is very outgoing. It is fun watching him be in things, and doing things that are fun to him.

Joel in his Flag Football Uniform

The past couple of years Joel has played fall soccer. At first he wanted to do fall soccer, flag football, and Cub Scouts. I told him I thought it would be too much specially with school and homework, but if he still wanted to I will see to it that he got to do all of it. He chose not to do fall soccer, and just concentrate of Flag Football and Cub Scouts. Which was nice since we were busy. He really enjoyed Flag Football. I was glad he wanted to try something new, and that he had fun doing it. He was on the Cyclone Team (Which was hard since Joel is a Hawkeye fan like no other). He mostly played the line, but he tried Running Back a couple of times. He can not wait until next fall to do it again. He will hopefully be playing soccer in the spring.

Joel in his Wolf Uniform

Joel loved scouting so much last year he decided to do it again this year. This year he is a Wolf Scout. So, far he is loving it. He has already sold popcorn. He worked very hard. He sold more than he did last year. Bravo!!! He can't wait to see how much he earns for camp. I think he is really loving scouting. I know he learned so much last year. There is some interesting things this year for him to learn and do. Right now they are learning on what to do if they go hiking. Hopefully next week they can go on a hike. 

Joel at his birthday party

Joel with his buddies

  Joel recently turned 8 years old. I can not believe that he turned 8. How time really flies. Joel had a wonderful birthday week. I try to do a little each day for his birthday. I took him out to eat one night for a nice birthday dinner the two of us. He got to pick out a small toy the next night at the store. We went shopping for party favors for his birthday party the day before his birthday. On his birthday his godparents surprised him with breakfast and a gift before school, and before they had to leave for work. Then I ate lunch with him and his buddy who shares the same birthday. I even took a cupcake cake that said "Happy Birthday" to the both of them. The following night Joel went and stayed with his buddy for his birthday party. Saturday my son had his buddy stay the night with us. Joel and I took his buddy out for supper somewhere for his choice, and got to take him to get a small toy at the store to give Joel's buddy his birthday surprise. Then the Sunday after his birthday we had a party at the church. Joel invited family, church family, and friends. We had such a blast.
  We have Trick or Treating tomorrow so pictures probably later. Joel is going as a Zombie Clown. It is kinda creepy. It shall be fun.

Joel last year wrestling

 Joel's favorite sport start in a few weeks. Yep, Joel is going into his 4th year in wrestling. He is very excited, but he is torn as well. We debated to go back to WCV like we did last year, because it costs cheaper to go there, or stay in Winterset, because I have a hard time driving at night and in the winter. With sad hearts we will not be returning to WCV right away. Someone generously said they would pay for Joel's wresting if he stays in Winterset this year. To a single Mom it means a lot, because we live on a fixed income, but I don't want to see my son be not able to do something like sports to keep him active. It is a true blessing. Travelling at night is very hard in the winter. Specially with me tiring easy at times. Plus he can be home to get a good nights rest for school the next morning after practices. I will probably post things through out wrestling season on Facebook. So, from the first week of November through beginning of March you can find me twice a week, and most weekends sitting either in a bleacher or next to a wrestling mat.

Moments Like These....

Riding Skylift as ISF 2015

Being a Mom is the greatest thing in the world. My son is such a true blessing from God. Joel has given me so much. He has taught me how to enjoy each moment of everyday. He gives me hope, happiness, and so much love. Each day is a gift from God. So we just live each day, and cherish all the moments Joel and I get together. It is fun watching him grow and learn, as watch him do new things all the time. I feel like times that I am still living my childhood through him. We may not have a lot of money, and I may not be able to physical to do certain things, but we enjoy the moments we do get to have fun.

Waiting for Rodeo

Getting ready for Mutton Busting

  Growing up I got to enjoy some neat things, and I love sharing some of my childhood moments that I go to do with my son. I remember going to a rodeo when I was younger. I had so much fun. While we were in Mena, Arkansas visiting our family for a week's vacation I got to take my son to an outdoor rodeo there. It was so neat to see my son have so much fun watching the rodeo. He enjoyed watching the bulls and bucking broncos. He got to participate in the calf scramble and mutton busting they had for the kids that came. It was neat because even though we got to do something I did as a child, he ended up doing something that I never got to do with the fun kids activities. It may of cost me a little for the mutton busting, but it was worth it watching him try something new, and have a blast doing it.

My Trickster

Trickster

 Watching my son grow and do new fun tricks is so fun. Yes I get very nervous when he does the tricks. But, I have learned that I need to let him try. If I don't he may never learn the many talents God has given him to use to better God's kingdom. As we were traveling to see our family this summer, we stopped at a hotel for the night. Joel decided to do some jumping tricks into the pool. I had so much fun watching him. I was always too timid to do tricks into the pool when I was younger. Joel on the other hand loves taking chances. You could days he is my dare devil. I have learned from my son that it is okay to take chances at times. You never know if the outcome will be worth it.

2nd Grader

A Family Photo before off for 2nd grade.

 I am such a proud Mom. It is moments like these that I will hold in my heart forever close. My son began another new journey this fall. He started the 2nd grade. He already loves it. He has a wonderful teacher. It is funny that two years in a row he talked and prayed for the teacher he wanted. God answered the prayers of a young boy again this year. He got Mrs. Benshoof as his teacher. It makes me love my son more that he doesn't leave God out. He relies on God even when it comes to getting the right teacher for him to have. I have learned that even the smallest things need to be prayed about from my son. I pray my son has an awesome school year in 2nd grade. 

Keeping Up With Summer Fun

  Our summer has been busy one this year. It is hard to believe that with in a month my young man will be returning to school. Even though it has been busy for the two of us, we have enjoyed every minute of it. We have done several spurt of the moment things which is nice. We are going to miss them when Joel returns back to school. We have a few things left to do this summer yet.
  Right before our school let out our Grandparents from Arkansas came up to visit us. We went and visited graves one of the days when they were here. When we went that day we took our Grandparents to our favorite Mexican place to eat. They loved it. So, hopefully the next time that they are here we will go back. We tend to spoil them when they are here. Okay we get spoiled too.

While our Grandparents were here we went on a weekend trip to Kansas to visit family. Our Uncle turned 70, and Grandpa wanted to be there for the big special day. It had been almost 7 years since we saw them last. Joel was just turned a year old the last time we were there. So, it has been a long time. Joel loved hearing about our Uncle's time spent in the military. Usually children get board of hearing stories of that kind of stuff, but not Joel. I think our Uncle could tell him for days. He was so interested. Our Uncle even showed him where he was stationed, and even a tank that is on display now. 
  Since Joel loves history, and learning about the former Presidents. So, our Grandparents, our Aunt and Uncles, and I took Joel to the Dwight D. Eishenhower museum. Joel loved learning about everything that day. He soaked everything in. So, now we have seen two Presidents things. Joel wants to see more. Hopefully I can take him to see more someday. 
  While we were in Kansas we got to celebrate our Uncle's birthday at a party. We went to our cousins house in the country. Joel got to meet his cousins that were around his age. They had fun playing. Joel also got to have fun swimming in their pool. It was his first time in the pool of the summer.

 Soon as we got back from out mini vacation Joel started swimming lessons. He worked very hard. He even practiced when he just went to swim and have fun at the pool. He hard work paid off. He passed again this year. So, on to level 3 next summer. His goal is to pass each year, and go through all the levels so some summer he can be a lifeguard. I am very proud of him.
  This summer Joel got to Boy Scout Camp over night with his godfather. Joel earned enough for both of them to go through his fundraisers. I was so proud of him. They had great bonding time. Joel got to prove to his godfather that never underestimate him. Joel wanted to shoot an adult size bow that was about as big as him. Well, Joel shot it, and hit the bulls eye. Way to go Joel!

Joel has enjoyed getting outside, and having fun. He has enjoyed riding his bike. Any given day he is having a blast just riding up and down the street. This year he decided to start trying to do tricks. The first few times he fell, but he kept trying over and over. Now he is doing different things. Thank goodness he wears a helmet, and I have ice packs and bandaids. Oh, and we live in a town that has a 24 hour ER.
  We probably will go fishing a few more times yet. We have plans to go to Arkansas, and spend time with our family down there. Also end the summer vacation by going to the State Fair to wrap every thing up hopefully.

Our Busy Time

 Joel and I have been busy these last few month since I wrote on here last. It is great to stay as busy as we can. It is fun to watch my son to grow and enjoy different things in his life, and even try new fun things. Joel is growing so fast, and changing all the time so I try to enjoy the little moments with him of family time. 
  Joel has stayed pretty busy with Cub Scouts still. He got to carry the American Flag during a flag ceremony at a Pack Meeting in February. His Tiger Den went bowling as well in February. In March he had the Pine Wood Derby for Cub Scouts. His car didn't race well, but he got two 1st place awards for Most decals, and for Most Scout Spirit. I was very proud of my son for enjoying having fun with his buddies even though he didn't do well. In April Joel got to me Iowa US Senator Joni Ernst at a Quilts for Valor with his Cub Scout Den and his cousins Den from their town. This this month Joel got his Advancement and Achievement awards from Cub Scouts. I was very proud of how hard Joel has worked this year for cub scouts. He earned his Tiger Achievement Badge and Paw, he also got 24 belt loops and pins. He also has some beads coming soon. It is nice being a stay at home Mom because I can help him with his Cubs Scout things. 

  Joel has had a good school year. It is hard to believe that Joel only has 5 days of school left for the year. In April Joel had his Spring Concert this year Joel had a speaking part. It was fun watching him and the rest of the 1st graders. They had a theme of Tall Tales. I think there was more speaking parts than there was of singing. Oh, well it was still awesome to listen. Joel had a field trip to the Blank Park Zoo this month, but I wont go into detail of that really. Atleast I got to spend time with my son that is the main part.
   Joel started soccer in April. It is actually almost over. Joel has had a good season. He is getting to play on the same teams as a few of his buddies that he loves to hang with. He has improved all season. He has scored a few goals over the season. Even when he has loss a game he has still stayed positive. His next game is his last. He has to play against a good friend. 
  Joel has also learned how to shoot a bow and arrow this spring. He Uncle taught him a few weeks ago. Joel still is excited for doing it. He can't wait to do it again. I was so proud of him, and I think his Uncle was very proud to teach his nephew something that he loves to do. Next thing I know is my son will want to go Bow Hunting with his Uncle. Hopefully not for a while though. Joel also has went fishing recently. The little man caught a good size large mouth bass (with help from his Momma of course). It is the first time he has been able to catch a keeper. Joel even cleaned, degutted, cooked, and ate his fish (with my help again). 

Raising Someone's Prince Charming.

 Happy New Year to all our readers. Joel and I made really no New Year's Resolutions but to grow closer to God, and continue to having fun adventures with each other. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful boy in my life. He is such a Little Prince Charming.
  Talking about Prince Charming. I remember as a little girl I always dreamed that I would find my own Prince that would sweep me off of my feet, and make me his queen. I never dreamed that I would be raising someone else's prince charming. It is neat though raising a Prince Charming, but in a unique way at the same time. Nope my son is no where being raised in a rich home with all the luxuries like an actual Prince. 
  We don't have all that stuff. We have each other and our love. Every since Joel was born I have raised him in church. I wanted to raise him and teach him how to be a man of God. Only to be a Prince to the real King and that is God himself. 
  Joel is such a respectful boy. He is also very honest. Yes, he has a little naughty side to him, but what boy doesn't. One thing he is not naughty about is his respect for girls, and ladies. He would rather walk away than to hurt a girl. If he sees a girl being picked on by a boy. He will step in front of the girl, and tell the other boy to back off. He is a friend to girls and boys. He loves including girls in game of tag, or even inviting them to his birthday party. 
  Right before school got out for Christmas break one of his friends that is a girl was involved in a bad accident which really looked bad. When Joel got home I talked him about the girl and what happened. Joel automatically asked if he could pray for his little friend. He wont admit it but he had tears in his eyes (he turned away from me, and wiped his eyes before giving me a hug after he prayed). Joel then told me, "She is a strong girl, and to stubborn. If anyone would make it through it would be her." By the way his little friend made it through, and doing well.
  Joel is a little prayer warrior. He believes deeply in God. What people don't know about Joel is that he prays every day and night for his family and friends. Last he prays for himself. 
  I am doing my best to raise him not to be like his biological father. Who has never been around, and don't care. Instead I am raising him like his Heavenly Father, God. Someone who is there, and cares about the ones He loves and adores. I do have help with his godfather, and other male figures in his life. We don't have lots of money. It don't matter because money isn't always there. Love is always there. So, that is how I am raising Joel. I am raising him to be loving and caring of others. So, who ever my son decides many years down the road to be his Queen. Know that he will be charming, caring, and be a man that GOD wants him to be.

Bye 2014 and Hello 2015

  Joel and I can not say that 2014 was a bad year. To us it was a decent year. God blessed us with another year together. What ever happened good or bad we were truly thankful to God for what took place. Spending time with each other making wonderful memories has been awesome. Our Mother- Son relationship has grown, and been blessed because of the Lord.
  Don't get me wrong it was a long up and down year for us, but we knew that God had reason for everything that took place. Joel and I have learned to pray in the hard times, and thank God for them because we knew something better was going to happen. 
  It was also a pretty busy year for us. As most people know even with my heart condition Joel and I stay pretty much busy all the time either together or not. Joel saw his year in Kindergarten end, and his year in 1st Grade begin. He rejoiced because he got Mrs. Gibson again. It has been neat seeing him grow in learning. He loves to be challenged. It was neat to see him in his first spring concert this last year.
  We also stayed busy with sports. Joel played spring and fall soccer. Which getting ready to sign up for spring soccer again soon. He is in his 3rd year of wrestling. Soccer is just in town, but wrestling had us traveling to different places in Iowa. Joel has swimming lessons over the summer. He doesn't like Tee Ball so he didn't do any summer sports. He is waiting to be able to play regular Baseball. 
  Since Joel didn't play any summer sports it gave us chance to do other fun things. We went camping with Joel's godparents. We also made our annual trip to Arkansas. We went site seeing to new places that neither one of us seen before. We went to the George Washington Carver Museum, and the Harry S. Truman Museum and Library. I would recommend both if you are travelling in Missouri. Joel and I like to see things that are free or very cheap. Both places are educational for young and old a like. Joel enjoyed both places. The George Washington Carver was free, and the Harry S. Truman was cheap about $11 for both Joel and I to go through. It was neat to share something together neither one of us had seen before.
  While we were on vacation in Arkansas we also got to do some fun things. We went back to Hot Springs to go through Bathhouse Row. We got to go swimming at the pool in Mena. Joel, my Dad, and I went and collected crystals from a crystal mind in Board camp. It was so much fun. Digging for the crystals was not cheap, but it was so much fun to do together. Every once in a while spending a little extra is so worth it. Even if this Mom get totally worn out. 
  There were other neat things that happened in 2014. Joel started Cub Scouts. He loves it. He is looking forward to camp, and things. We also got to go to the Iowa State Fair as usual, but this year was Joel's first year in the Grandstand. We got to see Duck Dynasty live. FYI: Yes, Uncle Si is just a funny on stage as in the show. It is nice to see a family talk about their faith in front of people at the Iowa State Fair. I also watched Joel go from a 6 year old to a 7 year old. This year he got to have more than one birthday. One for family and the other with friends. I thank God every day for my God filled, fun loving boy. Who knew that a little boy would change this Mom to love so much things she never thought she would. I can not wait to see what 2015 brings for us.

What We Thank God for in 2014
- A new vehicle since our broke down
- A new place to live that we could afford that was bigger
- No surgeries or long hospital stays for me that would keep me away from Joel
- Joel was pretty healthy all year, even if he had a fever all afternoon New Year's Eve this year, but thankful in a few hours he broke it. It was nice just to spend quality time just the two of us.
What We Wont Miss of 2014
- Moving
- Family Drama (want to know just ask)
What We Are Looking Forward to in 2015
- What ever God has planned
- Going to Arkansas 2x once is spring, and this this summer for Grandpa's 80th Birthday ( we are so blessed he is still with us)
- Joel has plans to go skiing and snowboarding with is godfather
- Joel going to camp
- Sight seeing across Iowa
- Sports ( Joel finishing wrestling season, then has spring soccer)
- Joel will be doing football instead of fall soccer
- Joel finishing 1st Grade and Head to 2nd Grade
- Doctors figuring out what needs to be done to keep my heart from getting worse so Joel and I can make more memories