Airports

This week finds me in airports in Atlanta, Washington DC, Charlotte, and Dayton. By Friday, it will be a blur of angry parents and sock footed elderly people trudging around the various security installations through which I'll have passed.

This afternoon, I was able to catch an early flight from Charlotte to DC, so I jumped into the "TSA Pre" line to bypass security in hopes of making my flight. I had my carry-on suitcase with me, containing two suits, an extra pair of shoes, and all of my toiletries. Needless to say, it was stuffed to capacity. I threw my bag on the conveyor, passed through the metal detector, and all was looking good, until I saw two TSA agents carefully eyeing something on the X-ray screen in my bag. I immediately knew what it was -- a full sized bottle of contact lens solution.

Recently I've switched to using a hydrogen peroxide solution to soak my lenses, and since I've passed through security without issue with multi-purpose bottles of contact solution, I didn't think the new cleaner would be an issue. "Is this your bag sir?" "Yep." "Mind if I open it to search it?" the TSA agent inquired. "Nope." As she began to unzip the bag, I blurted out, "Oh be careful...when you unzip it it will explode."

Not good. She immediately hopped two feet back from the bag, and as she looked ready to draw her non-existent weapon on me, I said, "Oh...no. I'm sorry. Terrible choice of words. The bag is really full so it may, uh, expand dramatically as you open it."

Having narrowly escaped cavity search #1, she pulled out the solution and said, "I'll need to test this." As she sprayed the hydrogen peroxide on her "shoe bomber detection science kit" test strip, it turned a bright blue. She again gasped and drew away from me. She started yelling "I NEED A SUPERIOR. NOW!" Luckily her superior was calm about the whole thing and informed me that while normal saline solutions are permitted, the hydrogen peroxide is not, unless you have it in a Smurf sized container. No sweat.

As I walked away from security, I could feel the screener's eyes examining my shoes, jacket, etc. making sure she hadn't missed anything. The only thing she probably couldn't catch would have been my belt buckle, as even I can't see it at the moment.

One Special Little Thing

Grace was one of four kindergarteners selected from her school to have her art work displayed in the Community Art Show!  Her cat, in the upper left, is based on the work of Gustav Klimt (one of my personal favorites!).  She was so proud... and so were we. 

But, I will tell you, I have never been more proud of this little thing than I was today.  A parent in Grace's class, who happens to be her doctor, told me the most amazing story.  She said that her daughter was upset one day, to the point of sobbing.  And as she was sobbing, Grace, who had just been able to cash in all her "good behavior tokens" for a prize, came up, grabbed this friend's hand, started talking and walking with her, and gave the little friend her hard earned prize.

In the words of the parent, "What five-year-old does that?"

I know one.  And I thank God every day that He has a hold of her heart and is molding her into a selfless person who considers others before herself.

Updates--the bad Mommy edition

I'll blame it on the feet of snow piling up around my house.  I'll blame it on the polar vortex.  I'll blame it on being really, really busy.  Whatever the reason, our poor blog has suffered.  And, what's worse--I have taken like 12 pictures in the last two months--shameful.  For what it's worth, here's a quick update: 

Grant:

Our seven-year-old had his first friend party in which he invited all of his classmates.  We had it at a local dojo, which was perfect.  The kids were able to run around like mad (after being cooped up for weeks), had pizza and cake and a tae kwon do lesson.  This momma had to do virtually nothing!  Best. Mom. Decision. EVER. 

He also competed in his first Pinewood Derby.  His car came in a consistent 5th.  Not the worst.  Not the best.  Loads of fun if you're seven.  Not loads of fun if you're not. 

Grace:
Grace continues with dance class with her big recital coming in April.  Other than tearing up kindergarten (she's the kid who LOVES school and homework), she is the best helper ever!  Trent adores her; I rely on her--she's a gem!  Here's a recent picture of her from our cousin tubing adventure 2.0!  Yep, that's all I've got for 2 months... and I didn't even take the picture!  Thank you, Mary Hawkins!

Trent:
Trent has TURNED THE CORNER, ya all!  We are thankful beyond measure for answered prayers!  Trent has been in therapy for half a year, and we were just told by his therapist that he can move on to less therapy!  He still pretty opinionated and struggles with a variety of sensory issues, but he is no longer violent.  Did you hear that?  No more hitting.  No more head butting.  He's starting to trust more and freak out less.  He's making huge strides, and this momma is thanking the good Lord everyday!

 More to come.  I swear.

How?

He's gone and done it again.... turned another year older!  How is it possible that this little guy...

turned into this seven-year-old guy?

His "big present" has yet to arrive (thank you, polar vortex of doom), but he was pretty happy to open a few little gifts today with the big one (a real live, shoot 'em dead crossbow--I ain't raising no city boy, here) to come any day now.

Love this kid.  To. Pieces.

Polar Vortex

I enjoy when my kids are out of school.  Like last summer.  When we tackled our list of 100 summer bucket items.  Great times.  I remember them fondly.

But, there's something about my kids being out of school and being stuck in the house for five solid days that has me pulling out my hair.  In fact, that seems like more fun right now.  As does poking out my eyeball with a fork.  The pinterest worthy mom showed up for day one with games, loads of baking, and creative indoor solutions.  On day five of being snowed in, it's a mad house.  Like Lord of the Flies.  Only worse.

Want to watch TV for 12 hours?  Sounds good.  Play video games until your brain oozes out?  Why not?  Want to eat frosting out of the tub for breakfast?  Good plan.

I have never more needed to go to Target or get my oil changed or, heck, visit the obgyn.  Really, anything seems like a better option...

Views of the peaceful outdoors:

View of the not-so-peaceful indoors (forgive my half painted walls and messy kitchen and radiators without covers):

I should tell you that I am thankful that we have heat, that our pipes haven't burst, and that we have a fully stocked fridge or three.  And I am.  But, I'm begging for some warmer weather... or heck, for school to start back up--whichever comes first.

Catch up...

This is what's happening today.  It's all that's happening.  This view, out to our front yard, is just the start of the largest snowstorm of the season (or seasons, really), which would be fine... except that the coldest front in over 20 years is coming too, and it's just a matter of time before our power goes out (thanks to being at the end of a country line), and we'll be looking for shelter.  Don't be surprised, indy friends, if we end up knocking at your door!

                                      

Just a few pics from Christmas, while I still remember, for the sake of posterity only... well, and a cute one of Trent.

Christmas morning tradition: opening stockings in Mommy and Daddy's bed...

Grace enjoying her new Kindle Fire....  

My favorite gift I gave: sitting unopened on the floor amid toy unwrappings.  Seriously, if you have a son, this is the book of childhood...

Trent... who loved, loved, loved opening presents

Grace's gift from Santa: some kind of messy craft thing Mommy will have to scrape off her new countertops!

Watching the shrinky dinks shrink... still fun even decades later!

Year in Review

2014.  How did that happen?

I worked a lot this year.  I worked on our house.  I worked on our field.  I worked at work.  It was a good year for work.

It was also a good year for the kids.  I don't want to slight Grace or Trent in any way, but I think that perhaps Grant has changed the most this past year.  All semblance of "little boy" is pretty well gone now.  When he hits, he HITS.  When he runs, he RUNS.  When he jokes, he sounds like an idiot.  But isn't that how it works for a 7 year old?

This year will be another big one for us.  With any luck, we will finish out the house renovations (are they ever truly done?), Trent will become a real walking, talking human, and Grace will enter first grade.

But what of Erin and me?  I'm continually reminded that I married the right person, and I will continue to try and convince Erin that she did the same, often through her tears and uncharacteristic swearing.  We're a good match.

I will refrain from making any resolutions, because who are we kidding?  You either make the choice to work harder at something, or you choose stasis.  If I want to be healthier, I'll work harder at it.  If I want to be a better manager at work, I'll work harder at it.  If I want to be a better father and husband, I'll spend more money next Christmas.  But I don't think these are really "resolutions."  Just choices.

All in all, life is as it should be.  Perhaps I've finally found the "normal."  Perhaps I'm finally settling into the life that God set out before me, realizing that I've been given more than 99% of the people in the world have been given.  And maybe that's all I really need to focus on in 2014.  Anyone would be lucky to have my wife, kids, church, job and home.  So I remain thankful, and I wish you all the best in 2014 as well.

Cheers.

Catch up

Some recent happenings:

The best kid snow ever has invaded the midwest, and my kids have played in the glorious, mommy-keeps-her-sanity white stuff everyday.   Trent isn't a huge fan, but he's fine to sit in the sled and watch, as long as the sled does not move.  at. all. 

We visited Santa where he lives, outside of the Walmart photo area.  Again, Trent voted "no."

Our little Wei is going to be the bestest momma one day.  She is the most amazing big sister, and I often find these two snuggled together with Grace patiently reading and rereading the same page again and again.

It pays to be a boy scout, especially when your den leader is some Lucas Oil Stadium big shot and gives an all access, backstage tour which includes the locker room and running plays and sprints on the field. Very cool for a six-year-old.  And his 38-year-old daddy.

Snow Giggles

This is what happens when the season's first real snow comes... giggles by all... but especially Trent.  He's so darn cute! 

Three Acres

Leaf piles as high as the sky are the norm when you leave on three acres full of trees.  Fun for kids.  Less fun for adults.

Halloween 2013

Trick-or-treating was postponed until tonight (tornado warnings last night), but the kids didn't mind, and I was thankful for a crisp but dry evening.  I was so proud of Grant and Grace: they were very thankful at every house, wished everyone a "Happy Halloween," complimented other kids on their costumes, and shared all of their candy with each other and anyone who wanted any.  Sooo very blessed...

Grace, my angel.

 Grant, a lightening storm

Trent, my little dino who even roared (to die for cute)

Pre-Halloween

Grant just informed me that he's thinking of changing his Halloween costume.  I asked him what he would wear.  He told me black sweats and a black shirt.  I asked him to explain his costume.  "That's easy, Mom.  I'd be the invisible man."

Quiet Afternoons

Daily afternoon reading time--today by the fire.  Doesn't get much better!

Disney

We arrived reasonably rested on Saturday, and aside from checking in and braving the worst grocery shopping experience known to man, there is little to report.

On Sunday, we met up with our good friends for some swimming, pizza, and downtown Disney, which was on fire with loads of street performers (very cool).

On Monday, we had breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto. The kids had a blast, and even Trent loved seeing the characters... from a distance. When they approached, he would dive for Mommy's arms. He almost gave Mickey a high-five but decided against it at the last possible moment. After more swimming and time with our friends, we called it a night.

Trent loved the maraca parade

Grace's favorite: Stitch

Bret with no money left!

One of my favorite pics from the trip

On Tuesday, we hit Gatorland, where Grant and Bret were slated to zip line over the gators. Grant was fearless, even offering to go first. He ran off the end of that six story tower like a pro, flung his arms out wide, and had a blast. He even had the guide fling him as fast as possible a few times. The guides told Bret that he was in trouble that Grant was so fearless. Bret, on the other hand, held on with both hands like his life depended on it.

Getting ready to get bit!

One of Grace's favorite experiences all week. 

Grant and Bret racing on a zipline over gators!

Another trip favorite!

Grant wasn't scared this time; see last time's photo HERE)

On Wednesday, we hit the Magic Kingdom.  Again, thanks in part to good timing and good planning, we didn't wait over 15 minutes in any line.  We rode tons of rides--including a few new ones, watched many a parade, and played the new game, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.  The kids had fun, and despite the exhaustion that comes with Disney parks, it was a great day!

A cool shot before we go in!

Getting ready to ride the new Little Mermaid ride!

Grant is the WORST driver ever!

Riding Mommy's favorite ride (The Peoplemover) while Grant and Bret ride Space Mountain

Trent's favorites: The Country Bear Jamboree, The Tiki Room and It's a Small World

Grant and Grace opened secret portals all over with the new card game

Getting ready for the fireworks (behind the castle--which was AMAZING)

Cotton candy before bed: no problem!

A great ending

On Thursday, we recovered.  We didn't get out of jammies until noon.  We swam and had dinner with friends, but there was little we wanted to do beside relax after two powerhouse days back-to-back.

On Friday, we spent more swimming time with our dear friends.  After a much needed nap, we hit Disney's boardwalk for some fun and food!  We watched the most amazing surprise reunion of a serviceman and his young wife.... such an amazing thing to witness.

On Saturday, we headed home.  We are blessed to have three amazing car riders in our kiddos.  We did tire out around Bowling Green, where Bret proceeded to pick the worst hotel KNOWN to MAN to call it a night.  I'll let him post on that later.

We had a great time... and seeing our friends was an extra, extra bonus.  And seeing how we were able to stick so perfectly to our budget, another Disney trip is already in the works (Spring 2015)... gotta go before we actually have to pay for Trent.