I have realized that I am having blog apathy lately.
I could write about the latest book I've read, The Color of Water, which was amazing. Or the book I am currently reading, The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd (author of the Secret Life of Bees.) Both great books, but I'm not feeling it.
I could write about Ann Curry's Dateline interview last night with the infamous Octuplets mother. But, I don't feel like bad-mouthing a woman that just gave birth to 8 babies regardless of the fact that she is un-wed, has 6 other children and living off of disability checks and food stamps.
I could write about the devastating blow my family felt this week. My Dad's cousin, David Ryan, was killed in a freakish house fire leaving a wife and 3 teenage kids. My Dad was extremely close to David. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it yet. David was larger than life and nothing about this seems real. My Dad always has a way of putting everything into beautiful perspective. He wrote about his feelings in a touching tribute to David on his blog. So, I'll let my Dad do the writing on this one. Please read it.
My friend Jenni and I are in charge of our boys kindergarten Valentine party on Friday. Maybe I'll have some cute pictures to share in a more uplifting post next time.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Update
I haven't blogged in a while. Don't know if it is because I've been too busy, or just not had anything worth blogging about!
So, here's an update for what it's worth:
Will
Will continues to love school with an intense joy. One of the aides in his building told his Meme that she has never seen a child love school as much as Will. You have no idea how happy this makes me. His reading and math skills continue to grow, but he got into the car on Friday very excited about how they learned to make paper airplanes! My house is filled with paper scraps made into airplanes. I am having to hide the "good" paper!
Ryan
Ryan continues to make me laugh constantly. He is still devoted in his love for football and superman. However, he has recently asked to watch hockey and bull riding on ESPN. We honestly have no idea where he gets this stuff! This is what makes Ryan, well, "Ryan." He doesn't have the intense love for school like Will, and I forever feel like I am slacking in teaching him at home like I did with Will. Thus the plight of the second child.
John Will
JW has been extremely busy this past month. He has had some very big projects at work (that he will not disclose anything to me about at home.) He has also started a mandatory trial practice class once a week at work. We are extremely grateful that he is busy at work. We do not dare complain about the long hours. We are happy he is needed and wanted at a job where he gets to work on interesting projects with top-notch people. And he still manages to play basketball every Thursday morning at 6am with some guys from church.
Ginger
Mom and I painted the foyer this past month and did a pretty good job.
I hosted a small baby shower for my friend Stacey.
I spend much of my time trying to cook healthy food and worrying that Ryan is on an eating strike.
I am fighting a losing battle trying to keep a clean house.
I am anxiously awaiting the births of two of my best friends babies.
I am getting ready for 3 consignment sales.
I am still loving my book club and read every night. (but, I have also discovered American Idol.)
I am hoping I am on the tail-end of my sinus/ear infections. (I have an appt. in the morning with an ENT.)
I actively try to avoid the Brentwood Police since I have gotten 2 tickets in the past couple of months. (Neither of which were my fault!) I now think they are watching me.
Greta
I can't forget about my Gretagirl. She continues to be a free-range schnauzer. She continues to eat UGO's (unidentified ground objects) and come inside and throw-up (sometimes on my bed!)She desperately needs a haircut. She has horrible breath. She will be 8 in April. She continues to be a thorn in my side. For some reason, I love her anyway!
So, here's an update for what it's worth:
Will
Will continues to love school with an intense joy. One of the aides in his building told his Meme that she has never seen a child love school as much as Will. You have no idea how happy this makes me. His reading and math skills continue to grow, but he got into the car on Friday very excited about how they learned to make paper airplanes! My house is filled with paper scraps made into airplanes. I am having to hide the "good" paper!
Ryan
Ryan continues to make me laugh constantly. He is still devoted in his love for football and superman. However, he has recently asked to watch hockey and bull riding on ESPN. We honestly have no idea where he gets this stuff! This is what makes Ryan, well, "Ryan." He doesn't have the intense love for school like Will, and I forever feel like I am slacking in teaching him at home like I did with Will. Thus the plight of the second child.
John Will
JW has been extremely busy this past month. He has had some very big projects at work (that he will not disclose anything to me about at home.) He has also started a mandatory trial practice class once a week at work. We are extremely grateful that he is busy at work. We do not dare complain about the long hours. We are happy he is needed and wanted at a job where he gets to work on interesting projects with top-notch people. And he still manages to play basketball every Thursday morning at 6am with some guys from church.
Ginger
Mom and I painted the foyer this past month and did a pretty good job.
I hosted a small baby shower for my friend Stacey.
I spend much of my time trying to cook healthy food and worrying that Ryan is on an eating strike.
I am fighting a losing battle trying to keep a clean house.
I am anxiously awaiting the births of two of my best friends babies.
I am getting ready for 3 consignment sales.
I am still loving my book club and read every night. (but, I have also discovered American Idol.)
I am hoping I am on the tail-end of my sinus/ear infections. (I have an appt. in the morning with an ENT.)
I actively try to avoid the Brentwood Police since I have gotten 2 tickets in the past couple of months. (Neither of which were my fault!) I now think they are watching me.
Greta
I can't forget about my Gretagirl. She continues to be a free-range schnauzer. She continues to eat UGO's (unidentified ground objects) and come inside and throw-up (sometimes on my bed!)She desperately needs a haircut. She has horrible breath. She will be 8 in April. She continues to be a thorn in my side. For some reason, I love her anyway!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Any Similarities?
I have been trying to figure out who Ryan looks like for 2 1/2 years now. This is me at 2 1/2. What do you think? Anything? Please? I know he doesn't look like JW. The only thing is those eyes. He has his Meme's big dark eyes. At 2, my eyes were clear bright blue.
Well, I'll keep him anyway. Just thought this would be fun.
Well, I'll keep him anyway. Just thought this would be fun.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Next Day
The day after I stood with my boys on the Airbus 320 in the post below, I watched news coverage as another USAirways Airbus 320 landed in the Hudson River. I knew my Dad was at work, but didn't know his exact location. I immediately called my mom and she told me he was in Charlotte in a training session. I then called his cell phone and left a message saying "I'm glad you are not in the Hudson River."
Read his blog for a well-written account from someone who could have very easily have been the Captain on flight 1549.
I later expressed my feelings to him once again that I was very thankful he didn't have to land that plane in the Hudson River. His reply was "oh, it wouldn't have been so bad. It would've been kinda neat." This is obviously the confidence of a man who graduated at the top of his Air Force flight class and the kind of pilot that you want flying a plane when both engines fail. I'm thankful that there are highly skilled pilots like my Dad and Captain Sully out there in the skies. But, I'm still glad he didn't have to land that plane in the Hudson River!
Read his blog for a well-written account from someone who could have very easily have been the Captain on flight 1549.
I later expressed my feelings to him once again that I was very thankful he didn't have to land that plane in the Hudson River. His reply was "oh, it wouldn't have been so bad. It would've been kinda neat." This is obviously the confidence of a man who graduated at the top of his Air Force flight class and the kind of pilot that you want flying a plane when both engines fail. I'm thankful that there are highly skilled pilots like my Dad and Captain Sully out there in the skies. But, I'm still glad he didn't have to land that plane in the Hudson River!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Day at the airport
My boys had a really neat experience yesterday. We met my Dad, an airline pilot, at the airport for a tour of an airplane. The word "excited" does not begin to describe it.
Getting down to the gate was just the beginning. We had to get "tickets" and go through security. We all had to remove our shoes and the whole nine yards. We ate lunch at the food court and just made a really fun day of it.
Waiting for Bebe's plane
Will and Nonnie
These two have a really special bond. And I think he looks just like her.
Bebe finally arrives. As he pulled the plane to the gate, he was waving to the boys watching for him from the window. It was really, really neat. Then he got a rousing welcome the entire terminal could hear. It was straight out of a Hallmark commercial.
Ryan checking out the cockpit.
Will in the cockpit
Will checking out the rest of the airplane.
Getting down to the gate was just the beginning. We had to get "tickets" and go through security. We all had to remove our shoes and the whole nine yards. We ate lunch at the food court and just made a really fun day of it.
Waiting for Bebe's plane
Will and Nonnie
These two have a really special bond. And I think he looks just like her.
Bebe finally arrives. As he pulled the plane to the gate, he was waving to the boys watching for him from the window. It was really, really neat. Then he got a rousing welcome the entire terminal could hear. It was straight out of a Hallmark commercial.
Ryan checking out the cockpit.
Will in the cockpit
Will checking out the rest of the airplane.Will was much more interested in seeing the rest of the plane, working the seatbelts and wanting to actually fly somewhere. Ryan, however, just wanted to learn how to fly the plane. That's my 2 year old- he thinks he 18!
Dad's entire crew made us feel very welcome. The flight attendants made the boys goodie bags with their name on them filled with snacks and juice. Very sweet! We had a great time. Thanks Dad!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
My Favorite 2 year old
I love this little stinker. He's the funniest kid I've ever met. I'm so thankful he's mine!Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Recent Reads that Rocked- UPDATE
The Abstinence Teacher is the January pick for my book club. Our meeting is tonight and I am actually bringing the discussion questions. Guess this means I am leading discussion.
This is no fantasy, feel-good read. Perrotta digs deep into themes of organized religion, Christianity, sex, and politics.
A very interesting read that made me feel sorry for people leading empty lives void of Christ.
Very interesting meeting last night. Some in the group did not like the book and found some parts edgy and down right offensive. Yes, I can agree with that. But, I think Perrotta is an excellent writer and should be appreciated none the less. This all made for an excellent discussion. The kind book clubs are meant to ignite.
My thanks at this time go out to Dr. Kimberly Reed for her Literary Criticism class I took my Senior year in college. Most of the time I sat with a dazed and confused look on my face as she discussed Deconstructionism as I would discuss making a chicken casserole. Maybe something sunk in after all.
After falling in love with Perrotta's writing style in The Abstinence Teacher, I read Little Children in the matter of a few days. It knocked my socks off. He microscopically examines suburban America with a dark humor and constructs a range of complex characters all struggling with their own individual sins.
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