Preparing.

Our house is very busy as we prepare. We are hitting many milestones in the weeks to come with Andy. Don & I have made the effort to remain strong in our faith and leading by example to the boys. On Palm Sunday Andy will be Confirmed. I tell people this they just look at me and smile and say....Ohhh that's nice. Nice? He will standing up before God and the members of our congregation speaking for himself what we spoke for him on this baptism day. This will be the day he begins his own faith walk. Will he stumble? Yes. Will he doubt? Yes. Will we be there praying for him? YES! Will we continue to encourage him to base choices in life on his faith? YES! I am thankful that we live in a country where we are allowed to join with or friends and worship a God that is my rock. Monday we register Andy for High School! We pick his classes. We become tuition paying parents at the school Don teaches at. We will have a child at Lutheran Northwest for the next 9 years....sometimes 2 boys at a time. This terrifies me! Again it is time for my boy to fly....time for me to let go and stand by and watch him make choices that will shape his future. I will stand on the side and be there to help. He will need help. He will need his Mom. He will be happy in the path HE chooses, not me. Let go, Mom! Let him fly!

Happy New Year!!

I am a lot late for the happy wish of a joyful new year to my friends & family. It is now April 2! SO very much has happened in 2011 so far. I make the attempt to recap by the month but I can barely remember what I ate for dinner yesterday,so here we go!!! I am at a loss....so I pulled out my calendar. January.....we enjoyed our time off together for break and no one was ready to go back to school and work. Andy played basketball....he was part of the team and made a few shots, but this is clearly not his sport. I went back to COLLEGE!! This was a sacrifice for our entire family and I have decided I will never return. Mike & Jake started playing Upwards basketball. It was Jake's 1st time on a real team. Let's just say....adults are SOOOOO rude. My baby had to hear grown Christian adults question his age & higher ability level. He had fun moving up to his brothers team, but will not play again next year. We started preparing our Science Fair projects.....of which 2 of my boys will never have to do again. (yes I am very happy) February.....This month was filled with nothing but basketball and school for all of us. Don turned 39 and we went out to dinner. :)

March.....Basketball is over!!!! I finished school, got all A's, am on the President's List, and have a perfect 4.0 GPA. I am very proud because this was the hardest 10 weeks for all of us. I have decided not to return, but now have enough Early Childhood credits to keep my job. So I will work until Don tells me I don't have to. HA! We are crazy busy with Confirmation prep for Andy. This is a family quest and I will be glad to see the day when he professes his faith. Love him! April....The year is 1/4 over...I took a math class to figure that out. This is the month we register Andy for High School. I am sick to my stomach. He will be Confirmed the 17th and we have family coming into town & I will begin my bitchy cleaning quest. I don't know why I bother cleaning like a mad woman...no one really cares do they?

Blog Abandoned

I blog...then I don't. I think about it...then I don't. I love reading other blogs and think to my self I really need to update my own. But then I get lost on Facebook and before I know it someone needs somthing or life calls me away.

Today is Christmas Eve. I think the Santa joy has escaped my boys. They truly don't care. They just want a present. All the work and secrets I go thru so they can act suprised is wearing on me. I think this will be the last year I keep up the drama. I will come clean. They are getting a karaoke machine from the jolly old guy this year. I think I will enjoy it very much.

Eating! I do like to eat....but preparing the food is such a drag. This is a one woman show in this house. I gather, prepare, clean, and repeat. Finding exciting menu items has become a chore and no one really cares. They would be thrilled with sandwiches and pizza every day. No suggestion for meals are offered and to be quite frank...I am growing tired of the sad faces when dinner is served. Soooooo.....in the new year each boy will be in charge of making one entire dinner each week. Problem solved!

It is the crack of dawn on Christmas Eve and off I go to collect the meal. Of course I have found a partner in crime...my dear friend Kim. Thanks Kim!

Catching Up!

Soooooo.....the playoffs didn't go our way. The mighty Crusaders lost and it was ugly. I saw tears, smiles, handshakes, and a great display of Christian values. Planning for next season is already underway & for the first time one of our sons will finally be putting on a Crusader uniform. Yep! Andy will be a freshman next year, a player of his Dad's, and a high school student (GULP!).

The 1st Quarter is already over for the boys. They are all doing very well & seem to be on track. Just the basic pay attention, work slowly, and hand stuff in comments. We can live with that.

Mike has started basketball is the one of the Captains for his team. He loves basketball and from what I can see he does a pretty good job. It is 5th & 6th grade.....so I guess it is still more of a "fun" sport...although winning the first game was pretty great.

Here is a continuation of my list (of things I like):

31. Snap peas

32. Slim Fast with Coffee mixed in.

33. Counting down the day until Christmas vacation.

34. A day with no crying.

35. I really like grapes.

to be continued...........................

Playoffs.....or bust!

He did it! It's a 3-peat! For the 3rd year in a row Don and his mighty Crusaders have advanced to the playoffs. I bubble with my love for my husband. I love him! I love the passion he has for his team. He loves those boys and as his soul mate for the last 20 plus years I can tell you being a coach is his passion. I often joke I will be wheeling him out to coach as we age and that his ashes will be sprinkled on the field. What I think is most amazing is that Don always keep Christ 1st. They pray before they play and when they are done no matter if it is a win or loss. I love this public example and I think it shows those who are not Christians why we are they way we are....we give the glory to God in good times and in bad. Sometimes I do not like the comments I hear in the stands or as I walk to my car following a game. When I share this with Don he never seems to care and I finally understand that is because he is doing what he loves and is making choices based on that. He is truly happy in his career path and I can not imagine not joining Don in this amazing journey of being a Lutheran Educator and coach. I will always be his biggest fan and support unitl the day I die. We are right where God wants us to be and no matter the outcome of playoffs I know we will praise God for the opportunity. ( the coaches wife in me thinks a win would be great...please....please...please)

Some days.....

Some days I like to sit and think about the little things I realllllly like. I thought I should make a list...just in case anyone ever wants to surprise me. I am not a girl who needs the big stuff (well I do love my Flex) but a girl that loves little random acts of fun.

1. Crunchy Peanut Butter (even though it is horrible for me)
2. Cheetos
3. Coke Zero....fountain pop. That is hard to find so I actually travel extra distances to get my fix
4. Good quality tissue for my nose.
5. I really like fresh flowers
6. Crazy socks
7. Fun headbands for my curly hair
8. STARBUCKS!
9. Tank tops....any color except yellow.
10. Gelato
11. Fuzzy yarn
12. Gum...but nothing fruity or spicy
13. Popcorn combo at Target...whattta deal
14. My own pen
15. Glitter
16. Soup....pretty much any kind as long as broccoli is not involved
17. Salvation Army....I could spend HOURS sifting thru for great deals
18. Pink nail polish
19. Iced Coffee....I guess this would go along with Starbucks....but I really like McDonald's
20. A plane ticket to visit San Antonio....this is pricey, but I really miss those nieces
21. Silence
22. Underwear that are comfortable. Cotton.
23. A new pillow case
24. A little mirror to keep in my purse
25. My very own Catechism
26. A new weed whacker
27. Verizon ear buds & phone protector...I think sharing ear buds is as gross as a pot luck
28. A night out with Kim
29. A day where I am not asked to analyze. Kids poop, pee, sleep, and eat....some days they don't
30. A day with my husband all to myself. He loves his job people, but I really think calling my house late at night or stalking me to get info is a bit much. ;)

Well 30 seems like a fine number to stop at. I'll continue my list when my dishwasher & dryer are not both buzzzzzzzzing.

Back....again!

Better late than never...a line I find myself saying more and more often.

We have started school and are nearly half way thru the 1st quarter. (so far...so good) Andy is in 8th grade and will be Confirmed April 17, 2011. Our focus this year us to get this kid to high school....so his Dad can see him in his academic excellence. ;) Mike is in 6th grade and is finding that it is best to actually make a little effort when going to school. Athletics is the center of Mike's existence at the moment. He would rather just play all day and really thinks school gets in the way of fun. Jake...Jake...Jake...my baby. He is now in 3rd grade and let's us know he is NOT A BABY. He is a big boy and wants to be treated that way. Of course, he still loves to be hugged and loved and as his Mom I just think he wants to act big. All 3 boys get daily kisses on their noggins from me...and I have told them they will until the day I die. :)

Don is in nearing the end of his crazy busy football season. A win this coming weekend will let the season continue and he will lead his Crusaders to another chance in the state playoffs. He loves football and I love him....so I guess I love football too. It will, however, be great to have my hubby back....I miss him soooooo.

I am back teaching the little ones at Our Shepherd. I once again have my very own room of 12-18 month olds and I love that I get to share Jesus every single day. I have taken up making scarves....with my brand new Knifty Knitter. Yes, I have been told that I am cheating, but I don't care. I love turning a ball of yarn into something to give a friend. I only do scarves...nothing else. Scarves are one of my favorite things. If you get one from me you are one lucky duck, because I am also very slow. ;)

Ahhhhh...Back to School!

After nearly 2 weeks off the house is once again quiet. Just me and the very fat cat and the quietness. I do miss the boys and Don but love the sounds of nothing. :) Nothing sounds great. Especially great since no laundry will be getting done thanks to a small electrical fire in my dryer. No worries...our clothes & house are fine & a super big dryer is arriving Friday. Yahoooo!

I have a nervousness in my tummy. Andy was the top finisher in the school Geography Bee. This week he will take a test to see if he will qualify on the top 100 in the state of Michigan. NO PRESSURE for the kid at all! To most people this would be just another step for their smart kid. Difference here is that Andy is often regarded as the kid with no friends, gets in trouble alot, is quirky, and is butt of a lot if jokes. He is not noticed by his peers as the smart kid. We know how brilliant he is and hope this is a way to let the rest of the little world know too. GO ANDY!!!

Just a few side notes: working midnights is kicking my butt and putting a damper on my church attendance , I am ready for summer, I love my Flex, and Slim Fast is tasty.

Happy New Year!

I have been non-bogging for the past few months. I have taken a leap into the world of Facebook & have not been the blogger I meant to. New year...new blog. :)

We have been enjoying our Christmas Break the last 2 weeks. No school, no schedule, no rushing around, and no crazy loads of school uniform laundry. No CHRISTMAS LETTER! WOW...this is a huge thing in the world of the Justice Clan. I have done a letter every year for the last 15. Guess I was so wrapped up in family stuff I just didn't make it a priority. I did send out a few Christmas pictures of the boys. I need to get some more made to send out with New Year's cards of the people I forgot to send cards to. Actually, I have lost my address book & couldn't send card to my usual peeps. So I hope they send me a card. :)

We spent a few days in Frankenmuth at The Bavarian Inn. This place is the place where it is Christmas 24/7 and heaven on earth in the world of kids. A hotel with 5 pools and yummy food.

School gets going again on Monday & I have to admit I am counting the days until Easter vacation when we will all be home together for 2 weeks. I have come to cherish family time the last year or so. Not sure why. I just do. I have said no to friends, not answered my phone, and have turned down activities just so I can be with my family.

I get so sick of listening to people talk about new year resolutions. Boooooring. I have goals that I'd like to meet but don't care to share with the world. I really like silent victories & don't feel the need for a cheering section. Yikes...that sounded mean. :)

Non-Blogging

I have not been sharing myself for nearly 2 months....wow. We had a wonderful end to our summer vacation after celebrating Jake's 8th birthday July 23rd. I was so busy I didn't even take many pictures. My Facebook page documents the few I did take. I cherish my children and the time I get spend with them. They are each such different young men & I spent my summer getting to know them better than I thought I already knew them. I was sad to see summer vacation end and for school to begin. I have never felt this before & I really miss them when they are gone at school. They complete me and I thank God for them. We did so many fun things that I will share later on, but for now I am just greatful for the time I was ablw to spend with my babies.

Don & I had a great summer as well. He took every Tuesday & Thursday off to spend with family. This was INTENTIONAL. Never ever in all the years we have been married has he done this. He is very devoted to his job & is passionate about the "kids" and coaching he is able to take part in. Time. It is the best gift. One that I didn't even ask for. I had been praying for more time with my husband without him knowing for some time now. We celebrated 15 years of marriage June 18th & I think the most wonderful memories I have are times spent with Don. Love him!

Stay tuned for summer detailssssss...or maybe not.

Happy 8th Birthday Jake

Happy Birthday Jake! You turned 8 today & I love you. You are such an amazing little boy. You are funny, loving, sensitive, quirky, strong, adorable, & you have Jesus in your heart.

Thank you for letting me be your Mom...I am so honored & blessed.

Whoa....

1. Eating @ Culvers 2. During our putt-putt outing. 3. The hole in one! 4. Trip to the Detroit Zoo.

1. Me & My Dad on the 4th of July 2. A visit from Rex McLouchlin 3. My new Ford Flex 4. Troy Nature Center

1. Very wet aftre fireworks in Rochester Hills. 2. Jake fishing @ Spencer Park. 3. Downtown Rochester 4. Hiding from rain @ fireworks.

Woah!!! It has been a loooong time since I updated. We have been soooo busy with summertime fun. May I just say, I love summer and wish I could keep the boys home with me forever. My hubby, being an educator and all, would not agree with my feelings and thinks school should start ASAP so we can once again have a strict schedule. BOOOO! You are boring Mr. Justice. This summer is the first time in 15 years of marriage he has scheduled time off during the summer. We get him all to ourselves every Tuesday & Thursday. It means the world to me he is choosing us and not work. We have been to the Detroit Zoo, Spencer Park (several times), putt-putt golfing (never again), Troy Nature Center, and have just been enjoying being together. We see Don so little during the school year and even the boys have said how great it is to have their Dad home to play. Love him! The pictures are from some of our outings...enjoy!

A few things....

Our friends, Jim & Fatime Scheuer, Logan, Brett, & Katherine, were here for a few days to visit. We had such a great time. They arrived on Wednesday the 17th and we had a BBQ & bonfire...in the mist from a rainy day. It was still nice. Thursday...which was also our Anniversary, we went to Frankenmuth. No matter how many times I go I love it more and more. The Cheese Haus, Bronners, and the FUDGE shops are my fave. We ate lunch at Tiffany's that day. Friday we stuck close to home, went out for lunch, fell in love with Trader Joes.

Thursday, June 18th, we celebrated our 15th anniversary. We spent the day in Frankenmuth and had a wonderful time. I love my husband more and more every day. He is such a rock in my life and I thank God for him every day.

A few things....

I just realized I did not update my blogging about the state track meet. Mike & his 4 x 200 team are 7th in the state. He was over the moon excited....but put on a cool front as to not act too excited. Silly Mike.

Today some awesome friends from Wisconsin are stopping by for a few days. The Scheuer Family are people we met when Don accepted the call here to the Detroit area nearly 13 years ago. The have since moved back to Wisconsin and are such a blessing to us. We have awesome memories with this group are will cherish the time. <3

Ohhhh, the bordom!!!

Well, here we are on day 4 of our summer break. I have been classified as, "THE MOST BORING MOM EVER." I am boring because I will not haul myself out in the rain to take the boys fishing. We are due to have rain showers all day long and sitting in a very small foldable chair on the banks of the Clinton River are not at all high ranking. So....I now have 4 (because an extra is sleeping over) crying, complaining, moping, very irritable boys on my hands that have crown me...THE MOST BORING MOM EVER! BLAH!!!

Summertime, Summertime, Summertime

We are on day 2 of our summer break from school. It has been a jam packed 2 days...of fighting. Geesh!!! Yesterday, Monday, our summer jobs began. Easy enough...have your little body fed, teeth brushed, bed made, dirty clothes in the laundry room by 10am and you are rewarded with a day of fun. Day 1 was great and we went out to lunch, to the library, and fishing. Day 2...we are home all together because some un-named kiddos chose to not get the behinds in gear. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. :)

The Last Days of School

Today was one of the last 1/2 days of school. They are days filled with nothing but play and cleaning of the classrooms. The picture above is of Mike & his very best friend Ben. These two seem to think with one brain and love each other very much. I am so glad my Mike is able to go to a school and learn about Jesus every single day and have great Christian friends. I was around today to help with the 4th grade party and was happy to see Andy got recess at the same time. Love him!

YEAH FOR FIRST GRADE!!!!

This was one of my favorite days at the boys' school. In 1st grade they learn a lot thru song. The song on this video is by far my favorite and I just happened to be strolling by when they sang it today. LOVE IT!!! 1st grade is great and Jake had an awesome year. He is not one that usually sings and dances in front of others, so I am so glad I was able to capture this moment.

Last night was the final athletic banquet of the 08-09 school year. Don is the Athletic Director so he works for days and days making sure everything is organized and ready to go. WOW!!! Did he ever get a shocker last night. His football team presented him with an autographed and encased football honoring the winning season. The Lutheran Northwest Crusaders were, Metro Conference Champions, had a perfect regular season (10-1), made it to the 1st round of state playoffs, and Don was voted by his coaching peers as coach of the year. The players said some very kind words and that meant more than any award. :)

Weekend Fun

We had a really fun Memorial Day weekend with friends. Friday, I kept the boys home from their 1/2 day of school and we went to spend the day with The Kruse Family in Grosse Pointe Park. My friend Toni, is in the fight of her life. She has ALS, and will be traveling to Peru this Wednesday to to receive a stem cell transplant. She has 2 kiddos that are near my boys ages and it was fun to spend the day with them.

On Saturday we had about 25 people over for a BBQ. It was a fun night with our friends. The top picture is of me and my friend Sue. The bottom picture is me with Kim & Christi.

Sunday.....hmmmm, recovery day.

Monday, Don worked all day getting ready for the end of school. I spent the day working around the yard and we ended the day with a BBQ with just us. I am so glad we have only a few days of school left....love the time with my boys.

TRACK STAR!!!!

My Little Track Star Michael James!

I am one proud Mom! My middle one, Mike J has qualified to run in the state track meet. This is no small feat, as he is the only 4th grader from our school to qualify. He will run his little heart out on Saturday, the 30th, in the 4x200 with 3 other boys. GO MIKE!!!!