Jeans & Genes

The other morning was a bit cooler so I told Sam to go put some long pants on. When he had changed, I couldn't believe the state of his pants...ready for a flood perhaps? What happened? GROWTH SPURT...AGAIN!!!

I've always been one of these people that loves genetics...how and why people look and act like they do. This is a frequent topic in our home, perhaps yours too. One Grandma says Sam is built just like his Uncle Mike. Another says it is because he is part Dutch and "they" are always on the taller side. Summer's nose and mouth...Grandpa U's & Dad. Summer's speed & easy flow when running...Aunt Tricia. Let's not forget Sam's big bottom lip - says Bulthuis all over it of course!

How about personality traits? Sam was 4 years old the first time he stomped to his room and slammed the door when he was mad at us. After he did this Mark turned to me and said "You know he gets that from you!" Okay, so I've been known to slam a door or two in my life but hey, I didn't start until I was 16! Summer loves to chatter and play. She is a lot more of a free spirit than her older, more serious, quieter brother. Sum loves to have people watch her do things, Sam gets nervous when he gets that attention. Summer is happiest playing with others, Sam is content to be by himself. Mark often comments that our kids are miniature us...only in the opposite sexes.

As neat as it is to witness all of these traits it makes me really pause and think. What other things are my children getting from me? How do I treat others on the highway? With a different skin color than mine? Do they see me praying, doing devotions? My attitude about work/going to church/helping others? How do I handle stress? What words come out of my mouth? Do I shine my "light" in this dark world?

In Genesis 1:27 it states that "God created man in His own image." Let that statement sink in. We look like HIM! The creator of the universe, who is seated on THE throne made us and only us to take HIS image! The thought of that makes me feel pretty special and priviledged.

I am happy our children have traits found in their genetic relatives. What I will be most happy with is if they grow up to realize they are an image-bearing child of the KING, and treat ALL men as their brothers and sisters...minus the teasing, of course!

S & S

Okay, so I am a tad biased. I think these photos are cute...or should I say the subjects of these photos are.

After enduring a year of a mouth appliance and brances on his four front teeth, Sam is tickled with the smile that has now appeared. Dad & Mom are pretty happy too. Sam's dentist doesn't think anymore mouth work will be needed in the future! Now that is something to cheer!

Summer loves the pink outfit above. The shirt not only sparkles (which is a big deal when you are 5) but says "Cool Summer" too. She believes it was made just for her...it sure was little one.

The photo of S & S together is a new favorite for me. I hope yall like it too.

This Team's Mom time-out has ended so back to the playing field for me. Thanks for checking in!

Trampoline Fun

For Summer's 5th birthday we splurged and found a gently used trampoline. To say Sam & Summer (plus the neighbor kids) enjoy it would be an understatement. Having the sprinkler going underneath it on a hot day seems to be quite a hit. That, and having Dad jump with the kids sending them flying in all directions. Thank goodness for the net! Here are a few photos of part of our Team in action.

JOY

I must admit I am enjoying this blogging thing. Perhaps it is because I am new to it, or maybe I have found I enjoy writing some of my thoughts down. I am not a "diary" or "journal" type of gal...this is as close to it as I'm going to get.

JOY is one of my favorite words in the world. When we were expecting our daughter and were kicking around names, Mark mentioned the girls name Summer. Right off the bat I had a middle name picked out - JOY! Not only was JOY always one of my favorite words, it was also after my mom, JOYce, and I wished it had been my middle name too (sorry Dad...Sue is nice too.)

My question to pose to you today is "What brings you JOY?" As you can see by Summer Joy's face above, she gets a ton of joy hanging out with C., our neighbor boy. These two were born only days apart, in different towns, by different parents, yet could certainly be twins. Whenever they see each other they are full of JOY! Whether they look out the window and see the other outside, bike together, jump on the trampoline together, or just sit snug eating a s'more on the 4th of July. Oh, to have that joy all the time!

I am my father's daughter - I find alot of my joy very much in nature, God's creation. I love going for long walks outside. I am in awe of the blue color of the sky on a clear sunny day, the sound of the birds singing, and how delicate and beautiful the various flowers are. Another big joy-bringer for me is the sound of "Mom". After trying 4 years and thinking we'd never have children, hearing my two blessings call me "Mom" is a HUGE joy for me. (I'll admit, "Mom" when said by two children at the same time, about a dozen times or so, sucks the joy right out of it!) So, what about you? Does a corn field that is way past "knee high by the 4th of July" bring you joy? How about that certain knowing glance from your mate or a late-night talk where you really connect? Any chocolate lovers out there? That's been known to bring me joy a time or two...especially when it covers ice cream.

The next time life's joy-suckers hit like: bills, sick kids, telemarketers, an unhappy boss or customer, etc. try to get back to what brings you joy. Life is to short to not have it abundantly. As for now, I might try a few of Summer & C.'s tricks on the trampoline, under tonights sunny blue sky, while hearing "Mom" and let the JOY wash over me.

Favorites Game

Are you looking for something to do around the supper table or in the car with your little ones? When Sam was a mere toddler sitting in the tire swing in our backyard, I started doing the "Favorites Game" while pushing him towards the sky. I'm not sure where this idea came from but one day I started asking him things like: "What's your favorite color?" "What's your favorite thing to eat?" "What's your favorite tractor?" As time has quickly passed, we now ask "harder" questions to the kids, ages 9 & 5. "What is your favorite Bible story?" "Bible character?" "Favorite thing to do with Grandpa, Dad, etc.?" "Favorite thing about living here?" "Favorite thing about being an American, your school, being a friend, being part of this family?"

I've found in the 7+ years we've been doing this game it is amazing to hear the different responses coming from around the table, or the backseat. The kids think it is fun, plus I believe it lifts the shade up a bit and lets us peek into the window of who our children really are, what they think, how they think.

So, the next time there is a lul in conversation at the supper table, or instead of putting a DVD in the car, how about trying the "Favorites Game" with your family and see where it takes you? I started doing this game 7 years ago and plan on doing it for at least 77 more. Look out grandkids, Grandma Mary will be asking you someday! Now, on to one of Team Utzig favorites....hitting the pool on a gorgeous summer day.

I Did It!!

Hello All - as I am typing this I can hardly believe that technically-challenged old me has figured out how to make my own blog. Believe me when I say this, for this Gen-Xer this is a BIG step.

So, why a blog and why name it "Team Utzig?" Since moving to our grand city almost four years ago, leaving behind many family & friends; I thought this would be a nice way for yall (as my Southern neighbor would say) to keep track of what is happening in our neck of the woods.

"Team Utzig" is a term we use around our home often. As we seem to be running kids to one sport or another (depends on the season) there is alot of talk about teams. We stress teamwork, being a team-player, cheering others on your team on, always working together for the benefit of the team. Not to mention, when it is time to leave anywhere I round up the kids by saying "It's time to go Team Utzig!"

So, here it is, the "birth" of the Team Utzig blog. I hope to post photos, thoughts, stories, whatever comes to mind. I hope you'll cheer this team on and follow our wins, losses, and everything in between. Thanks yall and have a great day!