Even though there is so much to be thankful for, and 92 years of life to treasure, it was still hard saying goodbye to my Grandaddy this weekend. He was such a joy to be around. He always made you feel like he was glad to see you. My dad put together a video of snapshots to celebrate a long & blessed life. I enjoyed seeing so many pictures of my mom as a small girl. From the looks of it, they took many trips to the beach! There are several images with my boys, but a couple in particular with Jack that I'll treasure forever. What a blessing to have had his great grandfather for 5 years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3DBk3jziO4&sns=em
Monday, December 24, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Running All The Way
His peace & comfort has come. Our hearts may ache, but my Grandaddy's joy is overflowing. Surgeries attempted to replace aging knees & hips over the last several years. He hasn't gotten around well in a long while, but now he's completely restored. I have no doubt he's dancing & leaping alongside the Savior, and I know he went running all the way.
We love you.
We love you.
Crash
The commotion was loud from the adjacent room. I was busy trying to get ahead of the game with some of my baking and cooking for the weekend. With my youngest down for nap, I assumed a five-year-old could entertain himself for a little while. He's certainly done it before.
My initial reaction to the sound of smashing and breaking was to yell; I won't lie. My heart got the better of me though, thankfully. As I began to survey the damage, I knew I couldn't be trusted to hold it in, I asked for a brief synopsis of what had happened and then Jack to go to his room until mommy to cool down and clean things up. He'd been playing with a tiny slinky and a happy meal toy. Then his imagination asked the two objects to swing from the stockings hung from the mantle.
I saw my two Christmas plates that had been sitting in a stand on the mantle now in dozens of pieces. The stocking holders, plate stand and garland had all been carefully intertwined weeks earlier at the start of the Christmas season. So tightly woven, they all came tumbling down together.
The plates were not repairable They weren't special heirlooms. They weren't even a gift. They were merely something I'd picked out last year to add to the mantle decor. Still I was sad to see them broken. As I picked up the pieces scattered across the hearth, the floor and from beneath the nearby Christmas tree, my mind couldn't help but think of the two dozen mothers who'd have given anything to be in my very moment. Mindlessly sweeping up a small, meaningless casualty their five-year-old had caused. Picking up pieces of china between presents that will be opened excitedly on Christmas morning.
It's been an emotional week for a lot of people, but especially parents of young children. My heart has ached many times for the families forever altered by recent events, but I have ultimately numbed myself to the real pain. I convinced myself it was easier that way.
A couple of weeks ago, I stopped by to see my aging grandfather at an acute care center where he was supposed to be recovering from recent hip replacement. At 92, any surgery is risky and the rehabilitation required to successfully come back from hip replacement is a tall order for him. He knew the risks and the immense rehab that would need to take place, and he was adamant anyway. Unfortunately, his body can't seem to get in good enough working order to even attempt the rehab. He was pretty pitiful when I saw him. He just wanted to go home. Unfortunately, he was in no condition to begin rehabbing at home. Still, that was his most persistent request. I left in tears. I prayed to God to allow him to come home.
Nine days later, after a return trip and layover in the hospital, he's home. I wanted to thank God and praise him for granting this simple request. But, he came home under hospice care. He's nearing the end, and instead I'm turning to God again. I'm asking for peace and comfort only He can bring.
I know many, many families that would gladly take 92 years with their loved ones. Especially those dozens that only received six with their sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, grandsons and granddaughters. So, I won't complain about the incredible life God has allowed my grandfather to live. He's been an exemplary patriarch and a faithful servant of God. I'm thankful for the many years we've had together. Still, I pray God will bring him an extra dose of grace in these final days.
As I finish up this post, God has sent the most beautiful sky. After a cold and rainy day, the sky is a mass of fiery red clouds and bright blue sky, giving way to billowy pink clouds and the fading sun. He is still in control. He has not deserted His people. He still gives us the most magnificent displays of His affection, whether through a bright, sun-streaked, cloudy sky or the reminder of His most perfect gift those thousands of years ago when a baby boy was born to save me!
My initial reaction to the sound of smashing and breaking was to yell; I won't lie. My heart got the better of me though, thankfully. As I began to survey the damage, I knew I couldn't be trusted to hold it in, I asked for a brief synopsis of what had happened and then Jack to go to his room until mommy to cool down and clean things up. He'd been playing with a tiny slinky and a happy meal toy. Then his imagination asked the two objects to swing from the stockings hung from the mantle.
I saw my two Christmas plates that had been sitting in a stand on the mantle now in dozens of pieces. The stocking holders, plate stand and garland had all been carefully intertwined weeks earlier at the start of the Christmas season. So tightly woven, they all came tumbling down together.
The plates were not repairable They weren't special heirlooms. They weren't even a gift. They were merely something I'd picked out last year to add to the mantle decor. Still I was sad to see them broken. As I picked up the pieces scattered across the hearth, the floor and from beneath the nearby Christmas tree, my mind couldn't help but think of the two dozen mothers who'd have given anything to be in my very moment. Mindlessly sweeping up a small, meaningless casualty their five-year-old had caused. Picking up pieces of china between presents that will be opened excitedly on Christmas morning.
It's been an emotional week for a lot of people, but especially parents of young children. My heart has ached many times for the families forever altered by recent events, but I have ultimately numbed myself to the real pain. I convinced myself it was easier that way.
A couple of weeks ago, I stopped by to see my aging grandfather at an acute care center where he was supposed to be recovering from recent hip replacement. At 92, any surgery is risky and the rehabilitation required to successfully come back from hip replacement is a tall order for him. He knew the risks and the immense rehab that would need to take place, and he was adamant anyway. Unfortunately, his body can't seem to get in good enough working order to even attempt the rehab. He was pretty pitiful when I saw him. He just wanted to go home. Unfortunately, he was in no condition to begin rehabbing at home. Still, that was his most persistent request. I left in tears. I prayed to God to allow him to come home.
Nine days later, after a return trip and layover in the hospital, he's home. I wanted to thank God and praise him for granting this simple request. But, he came home under hospice care. He's nearing the end, and instead I'm turning to God again. I'm asking for peace and comfort only He can bring.
I know many, many families that would gladly take 92 years with their loved ones. Especially those dozens that only received six with their sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, grandsons and granddaughters. So, I won't complain about the incredible life God has allowed my grandfather to live. He's been an exemplary patriarch and a faithful servant of God. I'm thankful for the many years we've had together. Still, I pray God will bring him an extra dose of grace in these final days.
As I finish up this post, God has sent the most beautiful sky. After a cold and rainy day, the sky is a mass of fiery red clouds and bright blue sky, giving way to billowy pink clouds and the fading sun. He is still in control. He has not deserted His people. He still gives us the most magnificent displays of His affection, whether through a bright, sun-streaked, cloudy sky or the reminder of His most perfect gift those thousands of years ago when a baby boy was born to save me!
Monday, November 12, 2012
It yooks yike a...
Sam is a talker. He tells you everything he knows. You never know what will come out of his mouth next. One of my favorite things is that he can't say his L, instead it comes out with a Y sound.
A couple of weeks ago, the boys & I were leaving one of our favorite lunch stops, Chick-fil-A. Sam was still working on his Ice Dream cone when we began to make our way home. The cone had been gnawed into a somewhat interesting shape. Leave it to the two-year-old to put it into words,
"Mommy, it yook yike a toy-yette!"
Translation: "Mommy, it looks like a toilet!"
Well, go ahead, see for yourself. Yep, he's pretty much a genius. Now, if he could only figure out what toilets are for! :)
A couple of weeks ago, the boys & I were leaving one of our favorite lunch stops, Chick-fil-A. Sam was still working on his Ice Dream cone when we began to make our way home. The cone had been gnawed into a somewhat interesting shape. Leave it to the two-year-old to put it into words,
"Mommy, it yook yike a toy-yette!"
Translation: "Mommy, it looks like a toilet!"
Well, go ahead, see for yourself. Yep, he's pretty much a genius. Now, if he could only figure out what toilets are for! :)
Fun in the Sun
We took our annual trip to Amelia Island the last weekend in October. Our agenda included some beach time, catching up with friends & watching a little football game. 
Friday, October 19, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Savoring
Maybe it's a season, but for whatever reason, blogging just isn't a priority. It certainly isn't that I don't have much to blog about because we've been going full speed enjoying the start of fall...football, the fair & lots more.
Sometimes I feel too busy, but mostly I just feel grateful. Grateful for this life, this season, that incredible hubby of mine, these high energy boys, all the things that require my time & energy. So, I'm praising God for it all. Sometimes, it doesn't always look like a life of praise, but I want it to be. So, I'll just keep savoring each & every one of these moments.
Here's another great perspective:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/devon-corneal/parenting-lasts_b_1874086.html
Sometimes I feel too busy, but mostly I just feel grateful. Grateful for this life, this season, that incredible hubby of mine, these high energy boys, all the things that require my time & energy. So, I'm praising God for it all. Sometimes, it doesn't always look like a life of praise, but I want it to be. So, I'll just keep savoring each & every one of these moments.
Here's another great perspective:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/devon-corneal/parenting-lasts_b_1874086.html
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Breakfast like Buddy
May I begin by saying if you've never had the privilege of watching "The Elf," starring Will Ferrell. You are really missing out. It's a movie that we love dearly in our house. In fact you may recall one of Jack's funny musings from way back when he first was introduced to the Christmas comedy.
Recently, he asked if he could eat the same kind of breakfast that Buddy has. In case you've forgotten, elves stick to the four main food groups: "Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corns & Syrup." So, Josh promised him that the next time we had spaghetti, he could make a Buddy-like breakfast for his dessert. Fast forward a couple of weeks and spaghetti was on the menu for dinner. Unfortunately, I had to scoot off to a meeting before plates were clean that night, but Josh did manage to capture it for posterity's sake.
Josh swears there were some spaghetti noodles under there somewhere. I guess it was good, although he hasn't asked to do it again...yet.
Josh swears there were some spaghetti noodles under there somewhere. I guess it was good, although he hasn't asked to do it again...yet.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Big Fat Spider
Sam likes to sing, and sometimes makes up his own words to some classic tunes. Hence the creation of Big Fat Spider, borrowing the tune & most of the lyrics of Itsy Bitsy Spider. Enjoy!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Back to School
So, I'm a couple of weeks behind. What else is new? The boys are back in
preschool. This year Jack is in pre-K and is at school four days a week
until 1 pm. Sam is enjoying his class two days a week, and we have fun
playing, grocery shopping and running errands on our mornings without
big brother.
Day two for Jack, First day for Sam:
Monday, August 20, 2012
Summer Recap
Like I said earlier we did not spend our entire summer in Germany. It merely took me all summer to blog about the enormous fun we had on our grand adventure. We did manage to squeeze a lot of other fun into our summer, like a trip to Rome to see and play with family.
Bike night at church was big fun. Sam thought the bike was optional and was not so sure about the prizes awarded for race participation.
One of the highlights of our summer was having some friends meet us for an all day outing that began at Babyland General and later there was tubing on the Chattahoochee. The fun finished perfectly with ice cream for everyone!
We also enjoyed a great visit from some old friends, the Senkels. It was such a treat to have them make time for us in their travel schedule before the headed back to Texas. Jack & Elijah picked right up where they left off 2+ years ago when the Senkels said goodbye to their stay in the North Georgia mountains. The kids convinced us we needed a fire in the firepit despite the 90 degree temperatures, and of course s'mores quickly followed. One of the little ones even uttered the words, "this is the best day ever!"
We also made a trip to INK (Interactive Neighborhood for Kids) in Gainesville with Mema. The boys loved the imagination playground. The grocery store was a hit. Sam loved shopping, and Jack loved tossing everything up on the conveyer belt. Jack's favorite was the bank. He thought the fax machine and computer keyboard were awesome. They both loved the restaurant and spent forever cooking and serving.
What is summer without a trip to Goats on the Roof? Jack really loved feeding the goats that were on the rooftop, but they especially loved the goats that they could get up close and personal with. The fun ended with yummy treats Mema bought.
Just before school started, we boarded the bus with friends and took a daytrip to FernBank Museum. Jack loved the dinosaur displays. Sam just loved running free, which made for a less than optimal learning experience for big brother, but fun was definitely had. The hands-on portion of the museum was a hit, especially the giant bubble making station (read: completely messy, soapy station). We took in an IMAX film on the Artic, which was a challenge for active Sam. Our final exhibit was "the Scoop on Poop." Heralded as the #1 exhibit on #2, it was entertaining for little minds.
Bike night at church was big fun. Sam thought the bike was optional and was not so sure about the prizes awarded for race participation.
One of the highlights of our summer was having some friends meet us for an all day outing that began at Babyland General and later there was tubing on the Chattahoochee. The fun finished perfectly with ice cream for everyone!
We also enjoyed a great visit from some old friends, the Senkels. It was such a treat to have them make time for us in their travel schedule before the headed back to Texas. Jack & Elijah picked right up where they left off 2+ years ago when the Senkels said goodbye to their stay in the North Georgia mountains. The kids convinced us we needed a fire in the firepit despite the 90 degree temperatures, and of course s'mores quickly followed. One of the little ones even uttered the words, "this is the best day ever!"
We also made a trip to INK (Interactive Neighborhood for Kids) in Gainesville with Mema. The boys loved the imagination playground. The grocery store was a hit. Sam loved shopping, and Jack loved tossing everything up on the conveyer belt. Jack's favorite was the bank. He thought the fax machine and computer keyboard were awesome. They both loved the restaurant and spent forever cooking and serving.
What is summer without a trip to Goats on the Roof? Jack really loved feeding the goats that were on the rooftop, but they especially loved the goats that they could get up close and personal with. The fun ended with yummy treats Mema bought.
Just before school started, we boarded the bus with friends and took a daytrip to FernBank Museum. Jack loved the dinosaur displays. Sam just loved running free, which made for a less than optimal learning experience for big brother, but fun was definitely had. The hands-on portion of the museum was a hit, especially the giant bubble making station (read: completely messy, soapy station). We took in an IMAX film on the Artic, which was a challenge for active Sam. Our final exhibit was "the Scoop on Poop." Heralded as the #1 exhibit on #2, it was entertaining for little minds.
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