The ups and downs of life

When I was 18 I took a trip to Mexico with my college roommate.  He was from the valley and took us across to the many wonderful cities that our great state border.  If you have ever been down there you know what I am talking about.  I remember when we crossed the border that my first thought was how poor these people are.  I vividly remember getting lost in Reynosa and traveling the back roads of the city in the middle of the night.  I vividly remember seeing a tin house with a single light bulb hanging in the middle of the room.  The reason this image is trapped in my mind is because there were about 4 or 5 little kids laying on the floor.  I remember the young kids as young as 6 or 7 selling gum on the sidewalk to the American party goers in the middle of the night.  I left Mexico on the first trip thinking "man I have been really blessed my entire life".  We didn't live in the biggest home, or had the biggest cars or the money to do many things, but compared to those who live south of the border we were rich....It is a lesson I have tried to remind myself my entire life....

The boys had their best day yet waking up and getting ready for school.  We didn't have to cajole them at all.  The only bad thing is that both of them had Doctors appointments and didn't get to school until after lunch.  These are healthy boys (although a little short!) Cayden was 3'5 and 43lbs while Cam was 3ft and 37lbs.  I got them to the doctor and back to school in time to meet Rebecca for lunch.  After lunch I went and picked up mom from the airport.  She is kind of going through the same thing we are right now.  On a normal visit, mom is able to come here and unwind.  She is able to just relax in the quietness of our home.  This is not the case anymore!  It was funny on the way to dinner tonight every kid in the car was talking to her and she had a look on her face like "I need more ears".  I really am glad she is here and I know the girls are excited to see her.  She is so great around our girls. 

Cayden wanted some iced tea today and I would not let him have it.  I'm not a big fan of giving kids sweets just because they want them.  It's not that I am cruel, I just don't think they need it.  Well he got upset with me and started pouting.  My first thought was Mexico.  I pulled up some pictures of kids who would not only love some iced tea but would die for just a sip of water.  I think it hit home because his attitude change immediately. 

The great thing about Lubbock is the evenings.  It cools off here pretty well so tonight we decided to hang out outside.  My friend brought over a bike for the boys the day they got here.  Cayden jumped on it like he had been exposed to riding a bike before.  I didn't think much of it.  He wasn't able to really ride but he tried and tried.  Well tonight was different.  He jumped on the bike and took off.  He didn't make it far before he fell and got up and tried again.  I noticed he really wanted to ride so I grabbed him behind his seat and pushed him.  10 minutes later is was riding all by himself.  He was so proud.  Cam had a great day.  I haven't been around very many young kids but if we could multiply him our world would be a better place.  This kid has a huge heart.

Tomorrow night is football night.  We are going to watch the Tigers play.  I am excited to have some male companionship with me at the games.  It should be a fun day.

To be continued.....