Evan and I had a conversation this morning in the car. He heard me leaving a phone message for my mom and asked if I was leaving a message for Dad.
Me: No, I was leaving a message for Grandma.
Evan: Are we going to see her?
Me: No. Do you want to go see Grandma?
Evan: Yes.
Me: Do you miss Grandma?
Evan: Yes.
Me: Do you miss Grandpa?
Evan: Yes.
Me: Do you remember why we can't see Grandpa anymore?
Evan: Yes, because he died.
Me: Where is Grandpa?
Evan: He is in Heaven with God.
Me: Do you think Grandpa is happy?
Evan: Yes, because so many people still love him.
Me: You are right.
Evan: Hey, look at that tractor!
Four-year-old simplicity at its best. The conversation made me smile. Yes, Little Man, a lot of people still love Grandpa.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Checkin' Out Books
Evan earned the privilege of receiving his very own library card today. Our summer school class took a walking field trip to the downtown library. It was a nice walk that took us about 20 minutes each way.
Evan is no stranger to the library, but I've never bothered to get him his own card. Truth be told, I never even thought about it until my principal told the summer school kids that they could all get one by filling out the form. Hmmm, I thought. Maybe the Peanut would like his own card. Oh boy did he ever!
Here he is with his card. He informed me earlier that he was going to put his card in his wallet. I told him he didn't have a wallet. That didn't deter him. He replied that when he gets older he will have a wallet to put lots of cards in like Mom and Dad. I thought that was pretty cute. Wallet or not, he hung onto that card all afternoon.
The first books officially checked out with the new card.
And what did my Catholic boy pick out as one of his first books? Well, none other than the classic, "When Mindy Saved Hanukkah." Let's not forget Mommy's absolute favorite, "Star Wars The Story of Darth Vader." Let's just say that I refuse to ever watch Star Wars again. NEVER. In my entire life I will never voluntarily watch those movies ever again. Yes, there is a reason behind that. Maybe I'll share it another time. The third book is some pirate chapter book. Perfect choices for my random child.
And this is how I look after a day of walking with 15 kids to the library, spending a few more hours with the summer school kids doing computers, water play, money counting, and computer time, shopping for a refrigerator (for school, not for me), getting an ice cream with Evan, picking up Hudson, running to the grocery store, running over Evan's fingers with the cart (another story for another day), cooking dinner, doing dishes, and putting children to bed. At least my hair looks kinda pretty fluffed up around the pillow!
Evan is no stranger to the library, but I've never bothered to get him his own card. Truth be told, I never even thought about it until my principal told the summer school kids that they could all get one by filling out the form. Hmmm, I thought. Maybe the Peanut would like his own card. Oh boy did he ever!
Here he is with his card. He informed me earlier that he was going to put his card in his wallet. I told him he didn't have a wallet. That didn't deter him. He replied that when he gets older he will have a wallet to put lots of cards in like Mom and Dad. I thought that was pretty cute. Wallet or not, he hung onto that card all afternoon.
The first books officially checked out with the new card.
And what did my Catholic boy pick out as one of his first books? Well, none other than the classic, "When Mindy Saved Hanukkah." Let's not forget Mommy's absolute favorite, "Star Wars The Story of Darth Vader." Let's just say that I refuse to ever watch Star Wars again. NEVER. In my entire life I will never voluntarily watch those movies ever again. Yes, there is a reason behind that. Maybe I'll share it another time. The third book is some pirate chapter book. Perfect choices for my random child.
And this is how I look after a day of walking with 15 kids to the library, spending a few more hours with the summer school kids doing computers, water play, money counting, and computer time, shopping for a refrigerator (for school, not for me), getting an ice cream with Evan, picking up Hudson, running to the grocery store, running over Evan's fingers with the cart (another story for another day), cooking dinner, doing dishes, and putting children to bed. At least my hair looks kinda pretty fluffed up around the pillow!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Kidney Update
Eric had a follow-up today after his procedure a week and a half ago. It was decided to do another CT scan. Then he'll have his kidney removed. Now we are looking at late August, early September for surgery.
A good piece of news is that the tiny tumor they found in his bladder came back negative for cancer. That has lowered his odds of having kidney cancer down to 70 percent from 90 percent. He may indeed just have a cyst. The kidney still has to go, however.
We are blessed to have found this early. We are blessed to have good insurance. We are blessed to have time to handle it properly.
A good piece of news is that the tiny tumor they found in his bladder came back negative for cancer. That has lowered his odds of having kidney cancer down to 70 percent from 90 percent. He may indeed just have a cyst. The kidney still has to go, however.
We are blessed to have found this early. We are blessed to have good insurance. We are blessed to have time to handle it properly.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Family Bath Time
Bath time around here is no private matter. In fact, it's the opposite. The kids think nothing of tearing their clothes off the minute they hear the shower or bathtub running, even if the bath is NOT for them!
Maybe this is my fault because I often would take a bath with them when they were babies. It was easier to clean a slippery, wiggly little body when I was physically in the tub as well. Maybe they just instinctively remember those days and want to continue the memories?
I gave Hudson his bath this evening (I was not in the tub with him), and then it was Evan's turn for a shower. They used to bathe together, but then Evan turned four and decided that he was grown up enough to take a shower. Eric usually sits in the bathroom supervising, but not helping...because Evan can do it by HIMSELF!!! (Evan's words, not mine.) However, this didn't stop the rest of the family from joining in the fun in the smallest bathroom around.
I know Eric is sitting on the toilet, but I swear he is fully clothed and just watching Evan in the shower! Hudson's bath was over, but he still had to be a part of the bathroom action. Apparently Mac T needed some attention as well. It's a grand old party in there!
Hudson was also playing with a light saber. Perfect toy to play with in a tiny bathroom. There's absolutely no chance of poking someone's eye out!
Hmmm. Maybe he does mind having his private bath time invaded!
This is Hudson's excited face. It's also the expression he makes when he knows he did something wrong, but he thinks he's getting away with it. Whatever the reason, it always makes me smile.
Maybe this is my fault because I often would take a bath with them when they were babies. It was easier to clean a slippery, wiggly little body when I was physically in the tub as well. Maybe they just instinctively remember those days and want to continue the memories?
I gave Hudson his bath this evening (I was not in the tub with him), and then it was Evan's turn for a shower. They used to bathe together, but then Evan turned four and decided that he was grown up enough to take a shower. Eric usually sits in the bathroom supervising, but not helping...because Evan can do it by HIMSELF!!! (Evan's words, not mine.) However, this didn't stop the rest of the family from joining in the fun in the smallest bathroom around.
I know Eric is sitting on the toilet, but I swear he is fully clothed and just watching Evan in the shower! Hudson's bath was over, but he still had to be a part of the bathroom action. Apparently Mac T needed some attention as well. It's a grand old party in there!
Hudson was also playing with a light saber. Perfect toy to play with in a tiny bathroom. There's absolutely no chance of poking someone's eye out!
Hmmm. Maybe he does mind having his private bath time invaded!
This is Hudson's excited face. It's also the expression he makes when he knows he did something wrong, but he thinks he's getting away with it. Whatever the reason, it always makes me smile.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Circus
We went to the circus this afternoon. It was a good show, but it was bittersweet for me. My dad always liked the circus, and we went many times as kids. I found myself crying in the middle of Selland Arena.
I know my dad hasn't been gone that long, but I wonder when these "kick in the gut" moments will stop. I guess every holiday, event, and show that we see without my dad will get easier. It's just painful going through the process.
Eric and the boys before the circus began. It was hard to get good pictures because there were so many people wandering around down on the floor of the arena. Hudson had enormous eyes taking it all in.
I happened to catch a clown nose while we were walking around on the floor. I think Eric would make a great clown!
I know my dad hasn't been gone that long, but I wonder when these "kick in the gut" moments will stop. I guess every holiday, event, and show that we see without my dad will get easier. It's just painful going through the process.
Eric and the boys before the circus began. It was hard to get good pictures because there were so many people wandering around down on the floor of the arena. Hudson had enormous eyes taking it all in.
I happened to catch a clown nose while we were walking around on the floor. I think Eric would make a great clown!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy Fourth of July
Hudson says, "Happy Fourth of July!"
We spent a nice Fourth of July together as a family here in town. My mom and sister joined us around noon, and we enjoyed time eating, playing a game, watching the kids swim, and oohing and aahing at fireworks.
Hudson and Evan really enjoyed running and jumping into their little baby pool.
Hudson tried to escape.
Back inside, Evan serenaded us with a song or two.
Hudson loves his Aunt Tiffy.
It wasn't until my mom and sister left for the evening that I felt sad that my dad wasn't here. It's just strange not having him sit in his spot on the couch or enjoy the fireworks outside. He especially liked patriotic music, and he always loved eating Eric's tri-tip.
I made the comment to Eric as we watched the Boston Pops on tv that I wished the pride that we see and feel on the Fourth of July would last all year. Imagine if people felt this proud on a random day in October or March. I just know that I am proud to be a citizen of the greatest country there is.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Bowling
Evan and I went bowling today with the summer school class. Evan had a rough start, but soon was throwing several spares and even a strike! He is such a competitive little bugger.
Since the bowling balls weigh about one-fourth of his weight, it was a little hard for the child to get a proper hold on the ball. He had this weird way of swinging his whole body into it. Several times he'd fall over from the momentum, but he didn't seem to mind.
His method was working for him. He scored in the high 80's on both his games. Man was he ever proud when he bowled that strike!
I had fun as well and even scored a 124 on my second game. I definitely want to get my own bowling shoes. What do you think of these little beauties? If I ever do buy a bowling shoe, it has to be pink!
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