Saturday, February 25, 2012

Unanswered Questions

It is 11:30 at the end of a long, joyous day for our family.  It is also 11:30 at night for another family whose day started out with the exact same expectations as ours, but ended with a completely different outcome. 

Why the difference?  Well, I'm afraid none of us will know that answer until we meet our maker ourselves.  I know the first thing I'd like to ask him is why?  I'm so thankful that it wasn't us, but really, why them and not us?  Is there a lottery up there in heaven?  What good can come from letting a mother carry a precious baby daughter for 9 months and then claiming her for your own on her day of birth?  My faith reminds me that there is indeed a greater purpose for us all, but to tell you the truth, I'm having a hard time relying on that faith today. 

I cannot even bring myself to imagine the pain my friends are in.  In fact it would be much easier to just put it out of my mind completely and celebrate our good fortune.  What I don't want is to ever take for granted this wonderful gift God has chosen to share with us today.  Obviously, we need to be thankful for every second we are given with our loved ones, because you never know when that time will end. 

Rest in Peace little Aubrey Jane, I'll think of you often.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

For What It's Worth

This whole Whitney Houston drama has me thinking, so I guess I'll share.

Yes, she was a pop icon with a wonderful gift.  Yes, she entertained millions in the 80s and 90s and was loved by many.  Does all of that make her worthy of being honored by flying flags at half-staff?    Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought the flag rules mainly applied to heroes and those who have served their country.  I don't think entertaining the masses can be considered serving your country.   And I guess it is her family's prerogative to allow television cameras at her funeral, but I won't be watching.  And I hope the networks have the good sense not to carry it, but I'd doubt that will happen. 

And while I think her drug problem is tragic, I don't think it negates her accomplishments prior to the drug use.  Addiction is a disease, and we are all susceptible.  I wonder, what if she hadn't met and fallen in love with Bobby Brown?  Would she have fallen victim to the pressures of the music business and her personal problems?  Drugs are everywhere.  Anyone could have introduced her to them.  I think he's probably shouldering much more blame than he deserves.  I wish she could have been cured of her disease and gone on to live a long and happy life.  Unfortunately, not everyone gets their happy ending.

RIP Whitney, your troubles are all behind you.

And now I'm going to get busy cooking!  Frozen Crock Pot Meals, get ready -- I'm headed your way!

Happy Saturday faithful readers!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Carterday

I’m back to share this week’s Carterday with everyone. The morning started off by going to feed cattle with PaPa, as usual. He told me he made the tires spin – wheee! He also told me he had a snowball fight with PaPa. We didn’t have much snow left, but there were a few patches – enough to make him happy!


When they got back he played in the house for a bit, but then started asking to go back outside. I helped him get his boots and coat on, and he headed out while I finished getting my own self ready. When I went back out, he had wandered across the yard, and this is what I saw.



Ahh, the joys of potty training. The funniest part was when I got out there he was shivering so, he was unable to do anything. Next up was more snowballs. He may need to practice making them a little, but he’s got the right idea!



And what’s better than snow? Why, mud puddles of course! Good thing he was wearing his rubber boots!


Moving on – he wanted to go into the shop and see what PaPa was doing. When he saw the old orange truck torn down he was very worried about it. “PaPa! What HAPPENED to your truck?” Of course Greg goes into detail telling him how the head was cracked and he had to replace a piston, blah blah blah. He even got the old piston out to show Carter the crack. Not sure he was too impressed with that. He did, however, enjoy Greg’s magnet stick thingy (whatever, I’m not an expert on tools people) you use to pick up nuts and bolts and STUFF off the floor. Or maybe you use it to retrieve that stuff when if falls in your motor? IDK. Carter didn’t care what it was for, he just liked carrying it around!


but what is it???



ohhh - it's a drum stick?



Lucy's VERY worried about the situation....

Back outside for more snow and puddle fun. Maggie has been at the farm now for a couple of weeks, so they had fun playing with each other. Her favorite thing lately is barking at all the birds in the trees. Doesn’t take much to entertain her!





After lunch, we watched Home Alone 3 again……. Funny note here – when Carter spent the night last weekend, he kept telling me he wanted to watch “ERIC” or at least that’s what I thought he was saying. I quizzed him about it, and still couldn’t figure out what he was talking about. We even called Mommy and Daddy to see if they could understand him, but it sounded like ERIC to them too. Finally, he told me there was a MOM and a DAD in the movie, and I remembered when we watched Home Alone 3, the little boy’s name in the movie is ALEX. When I said “oh – you mean ALEX?” his face lit up and he said YEAH! ERIC!

When we left to go home, we barely got out of the driveway before he was sound asleep. He really fights taking a nap in the afternoon now, so that was the result. He’s a stinker, but he’s OUR stinker, and we love him to pieces! Never a dull moment, that’s for sure!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

She's baaaaack!

I spent last night at Mom’s house, and here’s what she told me this morning:


“I can’t even describe how good it feels to get up, get dressed, make my bed, and start a load of laundry without having to sit down and rest.” This from a woman who just a week ago couldn’t even get dressed without having to lay down and rest. I think it’s safe to say she’s back to her old self.  See – I told you she’s not down for the count just yet!

I still went ahead and spent the day with her -- just cause I could.  Erin and Carter stopped by for a visit, no better medicine in the world than a hug and a kiss from that little boy!  He even helped her open her mail today.


 
Carter came home with me later.  Mommy and Daddy were headed to Topeka to get groceries, and I know how much smoother that goes without "extra help" so he was more than happy to come to the farm.  Especially since it meant getting to see Maggie, who's been here since we started baby-watch 2012.  Speaking of which, doesn't seem like there's much to report in that area.  Poor Erin is miserable, while apparently, baby girl is in no hurry to meet the rest of us!  Carter even whispered to mommy's belly today "come out and play with me".  Maybe she'll listen to big brother!
 
WOW, just heard on the news that Whitney Houston died.  Wish I could say I'm surprised.  She started down that road a long time ago.  Such a waste of talent.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The Big Three

Tonight's blog is coming to you live from 115 E. Jackson Street, Burlingame.  Last week Mom reported to us that she'd been having severe pain down her leg on one side, and in her neck and arm on the other side.  What that means, simply put, is she is unable to lay in bed and sleep, since no matter which side she lays on, it hurts.  No sleep for several nights is starting to take its toll, and she's become very weak.  Add to that stomach problems that make it hard to eat much at one time, and you've got someone having a hard time taking care of herself.  We took her to the Dr. and he prescribed something for sciatica, but is unable to determine why she's having near blackouts.  Since then, Jan's been staying with Mom at night and staying close during the day too.  I was busy last weekend helping Erin with Carter's birthday party, so I'm thankful Jan could be here.  Now we're trying to split the time, with me staying the nights when I don't have to get up and go to work the next day.  No telling how long this spell will last, but I do think it will pass.  Mom's said several times she's no where near ready to move out of her house, and honestly, moving to the Sr. Apartments here in town doesn't really benefit her any.  I'm pretty sure, when she's ready (or when she has no choice) Assisted Living will probably be her next stop.  For now, I'm just going to enjoy spending time with her!  Seems like whenever I stop by I'm always in a hurry to get somewhere, so it's nice to have time to just chill. 

So I mentioned Carter's Birthday --  that would be tomorrow!  His party was Sunday, and he thoroughly enjoyed everything about it.  He asked for a bulldozer cake, and his talented Mommy came through like always.  Not only did it look awesome, but it tasted every bit as good as it looked!




Blowing out the candle!


Bring on the presents!


ooh!  FUN! 


Whatever it is, looks like someone better get it for Hallie for HER birthday!


Hands down his favorite gift of the day!



Anybody remember the Christmas Video I posted?  Carter's favorite part was when "Papa rode the guitar like a horse" and he couldn't wait to show us his version of it! 




Birthday parties are exhausting!


The one thing no one got a picture of and I wish we had, was when his best friend Hallie arrived.  She came running in the door and they ran to each other and hugged like they hadn't seen each other in years!  It was the sweetest thing! 


Plans for tomorrow include lunch with Carter and Erin, probably pizza, since that's his favorite (well that and mac and cheese)  Where we have lunch will depend on how Erin's feeling, and more importantly, on how well baby girl is behaving.  Some days we think we're on the verge of running to the hospital, and other days maybe not.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring!  Carter may be getting the best birthday present ever; his baby sister! 

Stay tuned.......