Ticket

I had a perfect driving record until yesterday. I was driving the mini-van, Mike was reading in the front seat, and the kids were quiet in their car seats. We were travelling to eat dinner with many of Mike's parents' friends.

The policeman asked me if there was a reason I was speeding. I told him I was "zoning." I really was. He asked me how fast I thought I was travelling. I had no idea.

I have more of a lead foot since living in Michigan. Seventy-five miles an hour just feels normal! Yeah, that's not too good when the speed limit is 55.

Oops.

I have to pay $110 this holiday season.

Ouch.

You won't hear me bragging about my perfect driving record anymore.

A Wedding Shower

We celebrated my friend, Jana, today. She's getting married on December 30. Congratulations, Jana!

Even Helio Can't Change His Mind

Mike and I took ballroom dance classes when I was pregnant with Jonah. I loved the class; Mike hated the class. I was in my element. Mike was far removed from his--

I was reminiscing about our class on Monday while watching Dancing with the Stars. I love the show. Mike hates the show.

Do you see a pattern?

I have a favorite couple this season: Helio and Julianne.

I thought Helio could lure Mike into the show. Mike has a family history of attending the Indianapolis 500. He loves the race, he loves the traditions associated with the race, and we were at the brickyard when Helio won both of his Indy 500 championships.

"That doesn't matter," he says.

Bummer.

Our Harmonica Band

Animal Sounds

Lydia is learning her animal sounds so, naturally, we spend a lot of time saying the sounds out loud.

But what sound does a rabbit make?

I say "ribbit" almost every time.

Ra-bit
Ri-bit

It makes sense to me.

Why?

It has begun.

"Jonah, we need to wash your blanket."

"Why?"

"Because it's dirty"

"Why?"

"Because you sleep with it every night."

"Why?"

"Because it brings you great comfort and helps you relax."

"Why?

"According to my research, the growth and change you're experiencing can give you a sense of mental chaos and uneasiness, and your blanket can be comforting...."

*********

What did he want me to say?

All in a Day's Work

I worked yesterday. I enjoyed myself.

I was overwhelmed while interviewing a 17 year old boy with a brain tumor. It's benign, but he's had two brain surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy and sat in the office telling me all about it.

He's partially paralyzed on his right side as a result.

So much of what I normally discuss in an interview seemed trivial. What's his potential for leadership, academic success, etc.? While his peers have been involving themselves in activities to fatten their college applications, he's been in physical/occupational therapy sessions, learning to walk again.

We had a good conversation about the ways he's been able to see God at work, but he was slow at answering my questions due to his brain's inability to process information quickly, and I wanted to be sensitive to the effort it took him to have a conversation.

Interviews like this remind me of why I love working in admissions. I felt challenged to live life with a positive attitude, I felt intense love for my own children, and I felt so thankful that I have a healthy family...all in a day's work.

Farmer Steve

A man named Steve farms the land surrounding our new subdivision. Mike asked Farmer Steve if Jonah could have a ride in his combine. They took about a 45 minute trip. What a great experience in our front yard!

Nightmare

I'm a little late in telling this story...

It was Halloween night. Jonah was having a nightmare. I rushed to his side, cuddled with him for a bit, and returned to my bed. I lied in bed thinking, "Did they talk about something in reference to Halloween at school?...should we rethink our family's decision to participate in trick or treat?...I hate that I can't shelter him more." The next morning I asked him about it.

Traci: You had a nightmare last night, Buddy. Do you remember what it was about?

Jonah: Little People


Oh, what trauma!

This May Not Look Like Much to You...

...but it's a big deal to me!

Jonah has been playing outside with our new neighbors. They have three boys, and he gets so excited to spend time outdoors with them. He's constantly asking if he can go outside and play with Dawson, their four year old.

I've been waiting for the day when he would want to explore our "backyard."

They were marching with weeds in their hands and "fishing" in a small puddle.

I'm not accustomed to him playing apart from me. It's a wonderful thing.

Old Navy Disaster

Jonah's head got pinned under a cart at Old Navy this morning. I saw it happen. While I waited in the check-out line, he walked over to a cart and tried to stand on its side. The cart was empty and fell over, knocking him down with his head stuck under it.

His nose bled, and he cried hard for about.... 10 seconds.

The manager wanted to fill out an accident report. I said it wasn't necessary.

I asked if he wanted to stay at the mall or go home. He wanted to stay at the mall.

He's a tough kid.