Kickin' it JCA style...

Every Friday night we try and go out to dinner with the kids and all of our friends with kids that one of my friends commonly refers to as "The Rossi Posse". Tonight we tried something new and brought pizza for everyone at the JCA (Jewish Community Center) and ate by the pool. As the night came to a close at a startling 6:45 (because of the Jewish sabboth), I couldn't help but feel a little warm inside...or maybe it was the hot weather. Either way, I felt a true sense of community tonight. A feeling that I feel often now, but used to long for. God has been so faithful in providing such a strong community of believers that I can truly be myslef around. Ironically, we happen to have a lot of fellowship at the JCA, but I almost think that says something. I am not sure what, but surely it is worth something. And yes, while our big night out only lasted an hour and a half, it is worth so much to know that everyone is in the same boat. That all my friends are going straight home to bathe their children and put them to bed. I have never been more blessed, especially as a family to have such great people just AROUND us...surrounding us...supporting us.

"Don't Cry for Diego"

As I sat this morning with Tommy, my three year old, at the Go Diego Go, Live show, I found myself fighting back tears. I was so caught off guard that I actually stopped crying to try and figure out why exactly I was choking up. As I observed the things that were going on around me, I realized that this was a first for me. Let me start by describing the scene for you. Big, beautiful theatre in downtown Jacksonville, 1500 preschoolers, and anticipation on my little boy's face like I have never scene. We also took Tommy's little friend "Johnny Vodenicker" as Tommy refers to him often. I guess the wonder of it all in their little eyes just rubbed off on me a bit. I felt so priveledged to be able to see such joy in my son's eyes. I felt so blessed that we live in a country where we actually spend $15 a ticket for a three year old to be entertained. I felt releived when I realized that he did actually know this was a big deal and that he wouldn't take it for granted, at least not today. I guess the whole thing was just one of those moments that as a parent, you think back on and try not to forget. The way the velvet chair swallowed up their little bodies. The way they waved their baby jaguar masks in the air and roared with passion. It was truly one of the cutest things I have ever seen. It reminded me not only how much I love Tommy, but how much I love children. I love the simple pleasures that they point out, I love the hundreds of questions that they ask, yes...during the show. And I love how silly they get just by going in an elevator. So a tear or two might have dropped at the start of the show, but after that, it was mostly laughter.

Oh they are coming...

The thoughts...they are so many and sometimes none at all. Did I mention that I have a three year old and a one year old? It will be supernatural if these thoughts I keep talking about ever actually get written. But God does crazy things and I am learning that He does them in my life too! Just wait...they are coming.