Happy Birthday Nephew

Today your turn one.
We waited patiently for your birth.
You mommy struggled to bring you into this world.
It was all worth it when she held you.

Today you...
Crawl because it's faster than walking
Love food
Laugh and smile
Are happy, when you get your way
Are a little stubborn
Have an ornery grin, like daddy
Already push and test your boundaries
Are sweet
Gave me a big hug (you don't give hugs like that very often)
Love to be a part of your cousins play
Like to hear music
Can say "ball" "dog" and we think you say "Josh" instead of daddy
You shake your head 'no' or laugh when asked to say mommy (Stinker!)

I wish I could be with you more,but I cherish the time I have with you.
You're going to be a good big-brother.
You're going to challenge dad and mom.
You're so loved by this family God has placed you in.

Happy Birthday little buddy

Sledding

Christmas Day 2009

The ground blanketed in snow, and the snowflakes still falling
You awoke from your rests energized and ready to brave the cold
We bundled up - you both dawned your new snow boots, and wore two-pairs of gloves
It was only a few blocks to drive, but we slid most of the way
The long green sled cradled you both, and you squealed with joy as you slid down the hill
Over and over you raced up, just to slide down again.

Ethan you would hurry your climb up the hill so you could sneak in an extra slide before Charlie traipsed back up. For almost every one ride you shared with Charlie you went one by yourself - from pure hustle.
Charlie you loved it and after a very teary first experience almost one-year ago, you only cried once. With a face full of snow, following a tumbled-landing "daddy, I need a towel" you said, and when daddy could not produce a towel you were reduced to tears. Mommy's damp scarf made due and you continued to play.
I took lots of pictures.
You tackled daddy - he let you
We threw snowballs, we made snow angels
We marched through the snow back to the car
We cuddled on the couch under an electric blanket and enjoyed a dinner of popcorn and hot-chocolate.

Merry Christmas

I kissed my family goodbye

And braved the snowy weather

Tonight I tucked in the sick, and the hurting

The snow falls and the wind whistles

Tick-tock, Tick-tock the clock whispers

The hour to day-light draws near

Christmas is almost here

Memories

I want to remember
How Charlie looked while standing in her chair today at Mawna's to perform:
"I have a little turtle, his name is tiny Tim
I put him in the bathtub to see if he could swim
He drank up all the water, he ate up all the soap
And now he's home sick in bed with bubbles in his throat
Pop-Pop-Pop!"

How her hands scooped the air and her body swayed with the motions.
How she smiled with pride
How we clapped for her
How much joy she brings me!

I want to remember the glow that illuminated Ethan's face as he described the"great adventures" he had outside with Jacob.
Exploring the fields, jumping the creek, climbing in the tractors, rummaging through the barns.
How he hugged me, nestling his cool cheek into my neck
How much he appreciates nature
What a caring big-brother he is

I want to remember the faces of my grandparents
They seem older than I remember them, but they radiate joy and pride in their family
I want to remember the legacy they have started
I want to continue it
I want to remember how grandpa cares for Mawna and how she respects him
I want to remember how Jacob wrapped his arms around me and held me tight

Things I miss about working nights...

My tired mornings with the kids before they go to school
My phone conversations with Amy on the way
Afternoons with the kids
Kissing Jacob goodbye after our 5-min daily report
Molly

Ethan asked "Mom, do you have to go to work again in the morning"
Me - "yeah, buddy - I do"
Ethan - "awwwwwe"
Me - "do you like it when mommy works nights or days better"
Ethan - "I like it when you work nights, mommy"

Just what I needed...

Tonight you pulled me close and hugged me tight
You breathed in deep and whispered - "you smell good"
I giggled, and said - "what do I smell like"
"HOME" - you said

I love you