Riding in trains with boys.....

At our local mall for the Christmas season there is something that appeals to all -- or almost all -- little boys. Or should I say boys of ALL ages. Eli has been staring longingly at this train everytime we've gone to the mall. So, the other day, we surprised him with a ride on this train.

The shining smile says it all!

He still talks about his train ride. I think it ranks even higher than seeing Santa! So, "thank you" Rosedale Mall for providing such a fun surprise for my little train enthusiast.

Sweetness

Whenever I have long stretches of non-blogging, it usually means something big is going on in my life. This time is no exception.



After 10 years of being a stay-at-home-mom, I have re-entered the working world. That's not to say that when I was home, I wasn't working. Those of you who have stayed at home and raised children know how much work it actually is!!!! I am incredibly thankful for those years with my 4 amazing children. I wish I could have had longer but God gave me the 2nd most perfect job for me. I'm working full time at the front desk (guest services) at Juut Salon and absolutely loving it.



It's been a HUGE transition for everyone. Surprisingly, the one who has had the most difficulty adjusting has been Joey. He has become a worrier -- so much so that he has stomach aches everyday. Some of them have been dibilitating enough that he has stayed home from school. He is afraid that if he gets sick at school that no one will be able to be reached to come pick him up. It breaks my heart to see him go through this and I wish I could take the fear away....but I can't. I can only reassure him that he's loved, cared for, and will be ok.


Noah gave me an early Christmas present today. If I had only been able to get a picture of his beaming face right before he gave this to me.....

It's a necklace he won in the arcade while at a birthday party today. He said he saw this necklace and really wanted it for me because "you deserve this, Mom, for all the hard work you do for us." Talk about a tear-jerker! What a tender heart in such an amazing young man. I love you so much, Noah. And I'm incredibly proud of the young man you are.