The Joy of Grandparenting

Taylor

I visited my good friends, Lynn and Leann, last week. It was a bit chaotic with the kids, but I'm so thankful for their friendship through the years.... and hairstyles.... and boys.... and life changes....

Here's a picture of
"Little Leann:"

Bummer

My running partner, Carrie, and I had a great 12 mile run yesterday in preparation for the mini-marathon that takes place next Saturday. We ran conservatively and were still on track to beat our 13 mile goal next week. I returned home, visited with our new neighbors, did a little landscaping, and felt great.

Unfortunately, I ended up in the emergency room at 10:00 p.m. last night about six hours after we finished running. I'll spare you the details, but I have gastrointestinal bleeding and they're not sure what's causing it right now. The doctor mentioned the words "ulcer" and "gallbladder" but he also repeated, "I just don't know...I just don't know." They ran plenty of tests and most of them were okay. A specialist is supposed to call me today to schedule an appointment.

I asked about running the race on Saturday. He smiled and looked at me with a smirk. He recommended that I don't run.

So seven weeks of hard training, a great 12 mile run yesterday, and what could have been my fastest time yet-- it's a bummer.

It's so random, but as I put the pieces of the puzzle together with how I've felt after the long runs during the past couple of weeks, it's making some sense.

I'm weak today, but life goes on.... two little people are depending on me!

Gabe and Kailey

I photographed my friend's kids today for a mother's day present. They're adorable, aren't they?

Lydie Lou

A College Reunion

I was blessed to spend time with many of my good friends from college this weekend. For more details you can read Amy or Melynie's blog. I'd love to write thoughtfully about our time together, but my mind isn't working very well and I want to get these pictures posted!

Melynie posing after our long trip to the bookstore.



Jana's ring down in the Olson lounge!



Suzie's adorable baby, Jay.


Heather playing with her new camera too.


Walking the loop--


Holding a baby on First East; my how things change!

Picture of the Day

David Cook

I haven't commented on this season of American Idol. David Cook has been my favorite since I heard him sing "Hello."

Mini-Marathon

My training is in full-swing. It's a bit consuming right now but I feel good.

Three cheers for ibuprofen, a great running partner, and a supportive husband!

Family Time

We enjoyed our Sunday at the park:

Friends

We enjoyed a Saturday with our friends, the Ulicznys.

My favorite picture of the day-- Eliza with her clown sundae:

Mistaken Identity

Check out this site--

Look at the video of Matt Lauer with Chuck Lofton, a weatherman in Indianapolis. Watch the whole thing. It's very good.

Mike and I started the book today. It's emotional, engaging and answers so many questions.

Our Little Ladybug

My mom just took this adorable picture:

Books

I subscribe to a magazine called Cookie that I actually don't like. It's very "New York" and is filled with over-the-top children's clothing, furniture, toys, etc. There was a recent article, though, that I enjoyed entitled "The Unheralded Classics: The 33 Best Children's Books You're Probably Not Reading. Yet."

I get tired of the same books so I thought I would pass along their suggestions to you. Maybe you can take this list to the library on your next visit:

Ages 2-4
Ask Mr. Bear by Marjorie Flack (1932)
Little Pea by Amy Krouse (2005)
Round is a Mooncake by Roseanne Thong (2000)
Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh (1989)
Little 1 by Ann and Paul Rand (1962)
The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton (1942)
Jenny's Birthday Book by Esther Averill (1954)
The Backward Day by Ruth Krauss (1950)

Ages 4-6
Crictor by Tomi Ungerer (1958)
Amos and Boris by William Steig (1971)
The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord (1972)
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson (1999)
Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber (1972)
Nimby by Jasper Tomkins (1982)
Mole Music by David McPhail (1999)
The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller (1998)
That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown by Cressida Cowell adn Neal Layton (2007)
Miss Esta Maude's Secret by W. T. Cummings (1961)
How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long (2003)

Ages 6-8
The Raft by Jim LaMarche (2000)
Animus by Seonna Hong (2005)
The Wonderful Flight of the Mushroom Planet by Elenor Cameron (1954)
No Flying in thh House by Betty Brock (1970)

Core Problems

What do the Wal-Mart cashier, the bus driver, the Schwan's Man, and the admissions secretary all have in common?

I'll give you one guess....

****

They've all thought I was pregnant.

I was on the treadmill a few nights ago. I was in a groove. I was running eight minute miles. I was feeling great.

The admissions secretary touches my stomach and says, "What's this?"

"Leftovers," I admit.

"Oh, that isn't leftover. You're daughter is almost two, isn't she? Isn't it about time for another baby?"

I'm training for this 13 mile race. I'm feeling great. My training is going well. And they still have to ask if I'm pregnant?

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Tyson and Leslie

I know a lot of my friends are aware, but for those family members that read Troy's blog last week about his roommate, Tyson, please check out their blog for an update on Leslie's surgery... and then pray, pray, pray.

Pudding

It was her first pudding treat--

and it was so good!

Today

A brief conversation this morning:

Jonah: Mom, can I play the computer or watch TV?

Me: No.

Jonah: But Mom, I need computer skills and TV-watching skills.

*****

Oh, gee.

In Praise of Yo Gabba Gabba

It'll probably only happen once. I thanked God today for "Yo Gabba Gabba," a ridiculously wild show on Nick Jr.

We went to the mall this morning. I fell on the ice while carrying Lydia and landed on top of her. I was crying, she was crying, and Jonah was choosing to disobey my commands to get back in the car while I tried to regroup. It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad morning.

We returned home. I turned on the television, looking for a moment to breathe. Lydia retrieved our plastic tablecloth from a bottom drawer, desiring a "picnic" in the living room. I set up the tablecloth, started making lunch, and heard the song on the TV.

I literally said, "Thank you, Jesus." (What can I say, it was a rough morning.)

My kids were happy. They devoured their lunches-- green beans, carrots, etc.

We'll be singing it for the next four days.

Beware: You will too.

The Blogger Trap

I don't intend to just post pictures. I really do like writing on my blog, but I don't know what to write anymore.

Here's my problem: As an English teacher, I would talk to students about writing to their audiences. I don't know how to write to my parents, old friends, great uncle, cousins, childhood friend's mom, strangers, grandmother, and best friends, and find something interesting to say to everyone-- or something that I'm willing to share with everyone.

So I'm stuck.