Step into the past

My youngest brother recently sent me some pictures, among them one of my Dad when he was a baby.  Just thought I'd share. 

Art Explosion

Last night they had the Art Explosion event at Connor's school.  The kids get to go and do various art activities that they can then give to their family or friends for Christmas.  Even though we got there as soon as it started, we were unable to finish all the 10 projects in the hour and a half allotted. 

Falling Leaves

Today we set out to clean up the yard and carport of their large piles of fallen leaves.  My two helpers, Kyle and Nicholas, were very excited to get to work.  Although, as you can see from the videos, they were not the very best helpers-- but hey, they tried!

 Ooops... some leaves fell on his face as he tried to put them in the green bin.

This worm was a great distraction. I think a piece of it got severed, but they were convinced it was a Mommy worm and her baby worm.  If it were not for this worm, my yard work may have never gotten done today!

Of course, we couldn't leave Connor out... so I took some pictures of him when he got home.

 Here he was doing some kind of dance move.

 He looks so focused on his moves!

Christmas card

Given our leisurely day today, we took it upon ourselves to get the Christmas card pictures done.  I brought out my yellow blanket and Connor and Nicholas instantly knew what time it was.  I made them sit for me one at a time since I figured all together would be a nightmare.  Connor went first, then Nicholas, and I left Kyle for last.  While I was taking the older two's pictures, Kyle kept leaping in and getting in the shots.  Of course, when it came time for his own turn, he kept running away.  Nicholas, Connor, and Charlie all tried to get his attention and get him to sit and smile, but to no avail. I gave up and went to see if there was any I could work with or if I needed to re-take any of them.  After I looked through the shots, I knew I had to try again with Kyle because all of his were pretty bad.  I decided to do the only thing I could-- bribe him.  I brought out the can of whip cream and showed it to him.  I sprayed a tiny bit in his mouth.  He was hooked.  I told him if he wanted more, he was going to have to sit and say "Cheese" for Mommy.  Thankfully, this worked!  I got my shots and now Costco will have my Christmas cards ready tomorrow.  I tried to order some for my Parents from Sam's Club, but it wouldn't let me since apparently Sam's Club has to actually be open for me to order some cards. 
In the end, I did try some shots of the three together.  That was soooooooo fun.... in the not so fun at all kind of way.  Whip cream was used, but unfortunately it was not as effective as it had been earlier.  To be fair, there were too many distractions outside with passers-by, birds, and dogs.

Nicholas was desperately trying to help by dragging Kyle away and trying to keep him occupied, 

but as you can see-- it was not really working all that well.

 Here you can see a tiny bit of whip cream that failed to be eaten.

 

 Here Kyle is asking for more whip cream.

 Maybe if I sign "please"?

 Here are my attempts at a group shot.

 Kyle is in different places in the shots because he kept running away.

 Once again, asking for more whip cream.

Angry Hats

The boys really love Angry Birds, though they have never ever played it.  They found hats the other day, and so they had to have them.  They used their own money and they were really warm hats, so I allowed it.  Nicholas picked the green piggy only because he loves green.  Connor picked the red bird because that was the only other option.  Kyle saw me get out the camera and decided he had to be involved too.  Then when I tried to get him with a hat, he refused and ran away.

Leslie

Today I said good-bye to a very dear and wonderful woman, Leslie Ann Chen.  She passed away on November 12th, ending her battle with cancer at the young age of 44.  Her loving husband, Howard, said that even though she was in so much pain at the end, she was able to maintain a smile.
Everyone who spoke at her service today had basically the same things to say about her, because we all knew the same Leslie;  She was nothing but genuine with everyone and she had so much kindness in her heart.  When you spoke to her, you knew immediately that she loved her family very much, that she loved God very much, and that she wanted to help wherever and whomever she could.
I met Leslie 4 years ago when her son, Scotty, was in my Second Grade class. She was always coming to class to make special projects with the kids and they all loved it when she came to visit.  At the end of the year, she bestowed upon me a beautiful scrapbook that all the students contributed towards making.  I still cherish it to this day.
Needless to say, today was difficult.  I cried many times.  The Pastor who led the service said to us that he knew we all had pain and sorrow in our hearts over the loss of Leslie, but that we must look at it that the measure of our sorrow and pain is also the measure of love that we had and will always have for her.  Just the thought of that gave me some comfort.
I am grateful to have known her and to have been a part of her beautiful family's life. I know that the world is better for having had Leslie in it; just listening to all those who spoke today gives proof of that.  I know that Howard, Scotty, and Kristy can never doubt how much love she had for them and will continue to have for them from Heaven. 
Rest in peace, Leslie.  We will all strive to live our lives as you did-- with courage, with faith, with generosity, and above all with genuine love.  

. 

Young Love

I have to say I was not ready for my baby boy to have a girlfriend at age of 7.  I figured I still had a year or two before that was even remotely a possibility, but no... the day has come and I'm so freaked out!  HA!  It started last week when Connor announced that he finally knew who he was going to marry.  I asked him who and he said, "Rachel."  I asked him why he wanted to marry her and he said, "Because we like to play the same games at recess, we always sit together at lunch, and she's my best friend."  I left it at that, but when he told Charlie about it, Charlie asked him, "Well, what about Delilah?  She's your friend too- why aren't you going to marry her?"  Connor responded, "You see Dad, the problem is that Delilah and I are just stuck at being friends... that's all we are ever going to be."  Charlie and I shared a look and that was all, or so we thought. 
This morning, Connor's teacher came up to me and said that she just wanted to let me know that Connor has been holding hands with Rachel during recess.  She asked if I knew anything about it and I said yes, kind of--- a little bit.   Miss Slusher told me that she thinks it is very sweet and kind of funny.  Meanwhile, I'm dying inside! I'm standing there thinking, "Okay.... I need to talk to him about boundaries before I regret having ignored it as just sweet and funny."  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Rachel.  She is a total sweetheart and if someday she is indeed my daughter in law, I could not be happier.  I just want my baby to be my baby a while longer!  Pray for me people!