Diaper Dandy

It's basketball season...the most wonderful time of the year!!! Today Isaac made his hardwood debut. He is playing basketball for Wake Forest Parks and Rec and he is a proud member of the Hurricanes.

Discussing strategy with his buddies before the game...

And he even took time out for a photo with his biggest fan!

Warm ups went well...

and then it was game time. They told Isaac to guard the little girl in this picture. The two of them stood like this...in this exact spot...staring at each other just like this...for the first 6 possesions. That's right everyone ran up and down the court and these two stood here just like this. Hilarious!!! They did keep each other from getting the ball, so I guess in their book those first 6 possessions were flawless!!

After Isaac caught on a bit, he did a good job getting up and down the court. He even got to handle the ball a little bit.

He managed to get one shot off that just rolled off the rim before the end of the game, and he said he had a great time!! I think he learned a lot for his first game and his mom sure is proud of him!

We're looking forward to a fun season ahead!!

Neenie

They were my grandparents from day 1...Neenie & Ralph Jones...I was their little "Pookie". It was back in a time when you really knew your neighbors, and being that our extended family was all in Michigan, our neighbors became our family. I could write a book of all the memories I have of Ralph & Neenie's house...all the fun Anna & I had there over the years. To be honest, I've probably been through them all this week alone...

I dug for worms every summer day in their garden.

I learned to snap beans around their old cement table. I can still hear Neenie & mom screaming for my dad the day I saw my first real snake fall from a tree beside that table.

I played Rummy (and lost to Neenie) every single day on her kitchen table and I laughed every time she said "you'll be sorry" when I picked up a handful of cards from the discard pile just to get a match.

She made the absolute best desserts on the planet. Her coconut cake and her pound cakes were absolutely divine. After I got married, I called and asked her for her sour cream pound cake recipe. She told me to go to the store and get a box of Duncan Hines and the recipe would be on the side. I was shocked that day to find out that Duncan Hines bought her recipe! ;) (Not really, but I still can't get that box mix to turn into a cake as good as hers!)

She taught me all kinds of silly songs. Any time I hear Shirley Temple sing I think that she stole Neenie's songs. And for years, I thought Neenie made up the song "I want a Hippopotamus for Chistmas".

Christmas mornings were never complete until that phone rang and she told us to come over for breakfast.

One time, I even remember getting into trouble at home and my punishment was I couldn't go to Neenie's house that day. WORST PUNISHMENT EVER!

We spent every afternoon there and they spoiled us rotten like only true grandparents can do. As we got older, life got crazy and our visits were fewer and farther between, but they were always there. After college, I gave them my old computer and her daughter, Phyllis, set them up with email so that we could talk more often. Time gets away from you though and we didn't talk near as often as we should have. Ralph died in 2007 and a piece of our hearts went with him to heaven. Neenie kept going though, right along with us and just as strong as ever.

A picture of Neenie with her two pregnant grandkids in 2008. Isaac & Madeline followed soon after this picture.


Neenie meeting Isaac for the first time.


Neenie and Samuel (Phyllis' son) with baby Isaac


Neenie meeting Lucas for the first time.


We made sure to visit whenever we were in town. This picture was Neenie's 89th birthday.


This picture was taken this summer. My boys love Neenie as much as I do.
 

 A week ago, God  (& probably Ralph too) needed Neenie in heaven after 90 years here on this earth. While you can say that 90 years was a great long life...it was still too soon for her family that she leaves behind. It was too soon for me. I was blessed in that I got to see Neenie in the hospital the weekend before she died and I got the chance to tell her that Anna & I both loved her very much. Many people don't get that opportunity, and I know how lucky I am that I got that chance. Our last phone conversation was just a few weeks ago after Brian's dad passed away. We talked about heaven that day. I know she's there smiling down on us now.  

I found this picture when looking through my photos. I don't remember ever seeing it before, but I can honestly say it's my favorite picture of Neenie. That's my Isaac she's holding...but it could be any of us. That's my grandma...That's my Neenie...always good for one big snugly hug. 

 

I love you Neenie, with all my heart and I will see you again.
Love, Pookie

Boppa

I've tried for days to sit down and blog, but the words just don't seem to come. I'm not sure words can even cover the things my heart is feeling, but I've given up on the idea that this blog post is going to be perfect. The fact of the matter is that on Friday, September 13th my family's whole world changed. That is the night that God had a different plan for us and a greater plan for Boppa...it's the night that God called Boppa home. It was unexpected (a massive heart attack) and it was way too soon. We've all pulled together, leaned on each other, cried until you're too dehydrated to cry any more. But I think the part that would make Boppa most proud (and probably a bit embarrassed from all the attention) is that we've reminisced....told our stories of the great man he was and the legacy he leaves behind.

My boys were lucky to have a grandfather like Boppa. From the moment they could hold their heads up he had one of them on his hip all the time. I always told him he was spoiling them by holding them all the time, but I'm so glad he did.

On our last trip to the beach, he took Isaac out fishing. The picture I took that day is etched in my mind now. In my vision of heaven, Boppa is standing just like this surrounded by kids teaching them to fish. I'll be honest, I'm jealous of those kids.


He also took us out on the boat. He held Lucas out over the side so he could touch the spray. I can still hear the two of them giggling in the back of that boat. It really was such a fun day.


This past summer we happened to be down at the beach for his birthday. The kids all decorated his birthday cookie and were so proud to take it over and sing happy birthday to him. Here he is with his 4 biggest fans. 

 

 And just some other random pictures I've found while going through things in the past week.
Boppa (in Audrey's cupcake hat) on Lucas' 2nd birthday....Lucas on his hip. 

Isaac with Boppa last Christmas just being goofy.
Even at 4 years old Isaac still liked Boppa carrying him around! 

We're so lucky in that we have so many wonderful memories that we've made with Boppa over the past few years. But in the same breath, I'm heartbroken because there should have been so many more. I struggle to understand why things happen the way they do, but I try to remember that God has a plan...one in which He evidently needed our Boppa for something bigger and better than the things he could have done here. I know in my heart that we'll see him again one day...but until then Boppa, just know we'll be talking and remembering and passing on your legacy to the two little boys who love you most. We love you and we miss you and as the boys pray every night "we hope you're having fun in heaven".

 

Let's Ride

The kids were up bright and early ready for our annual 17 mile ride down the Virginia Creeper Trail. Oma kept them all busy playing while breakfast, trail mix, and ride preparations took place!

Before every ride there is the family photo op!

The whole crew ready to ride!

 The kids waiting patiently at the top of the mountain for the bikes to be unloaded.

 Today marked Isaac and Madeline's inaugural trip riding their own bikes down the mountain. They were so excited!

They both did great too! We had a couple crashes but no major injuries. They just hopped back up and off they went. But Madeline ended up riding too fast for her tires ;) and got a flat after 6 miles down the mountain. So, she hitched a ride with her dad in the extra kid seat we thankfully took along and her bike hitched a ride with uncle Brian!

Isaac with Uncle Mark cruising off one of the many bridges.

Lucas got tired a few miles later and dozed off. We stopped to take a break and he never woke up, so we just laid him down in his seat.

He had one REALLY good nap!

17 miles later, everyone was smiling. It was a great ride!

Somehow even after all that riding they still found energy to play for the rest of the afternoon and they all want to ride again tomorrow! I love that they enjoy our adventures as much as the adults do! 

Player of the Game

Isaac had his very first tee ball game last night. He was so excited because not only was it his first game, but he was playing his best buddy, Faith's team!

On his first at bat, with the sun in his eyes he knocked the ball over 3rd base and into the outfield!

He's doing better running the bases. We laugh because he's a pretty fast runner, but when running the bases it's like he's posing for a photo op....very pronounced, in perfect form, and not in a hurry at all! It's cute. And in looking back at the pictures last night, I saw his smile when he's running in this one, and that's all that matters to mommy! He's having fun!

Outfield in teeball is a little boring but he did good paying attention and fielded the balls that came his way.

After the game, the coach picked the "Player of the game". We were so proud when he called Isaac's name. Isaac was pretty excited to, especially since he won a pack of gum! (& yes, for those of you who know me... I even let him chew it!)

After the game, he posed for some pictures with his biggest fans, Aunt RaRa and Aunt Cindy!

And his friend Faith...

It was a great night and a great start to the season!

First Day of Kindergarten

Today was the BIG DAY...Isaac's first day of kindergarten....and I couldn't have asked for it to go any more smoothly. He was up, dressed and had breakfast in plenty of time to get before school pictures!!

With his 1st day of school sign...



Looking like a big boy with his backpack on!


With little brother, who was just as excited as he was!

 

Giving the "I'm ready for school" thumbs up! 

With his Daddy.

And his favorite one...with his muscle backpack on his front and up so high just like the real Superman!!

Then it was in the truck and off to school. Mommy was nervous the whole way. Yes, he went to daycare when he was little so it's not like I've never left him somewhere before. But for 3 years at daycare, Daddy was in charge of dropping him off because Mommy couldn't handle it! In my defense, Isaac always turned on the tears when Mommy dropped him off because he knew there was a chance I'd cave in and not leave him. The only time he didn't cry when I dropped him off was when I was able to leave him at school in the morning with his best buddy! Well, his best buddy isn't at his school in Wake Forest, so yes, Mommy was worried about drop off. But much to my surprise, once we got there, this is the new version of Isaac that came with us!!

All smiles and excitement!!

He was with Ms. Marven today. She gave him a big hug and showed him to a cubby first thing.

Then he gave Daddy, Lucas, & Mommy a big hug and off he went to color with his classmates! So simple, so easy. As we walked out of the room, I looked at Brian and said "wow! what was that?"....it was way easier than I had anticipated. (Which by the way proves my theory correct....if you worry and dread something enough it hardly ever turns out that bad!)

So just like that, I have a kindergartner! A happy, excited one at that. I could not ask for anything more!

Lucas and I had a fun day together. He did manage to get himself a new toy truck at Walmart today and we had a lunch date that kept us busy too. It was different without big brother around, but definitely not quiet. Lucas found that he actually got time to talk...and talk he did...until he exhausted himself and fell asleep!

I had to wake him up to head to the bus stop to pick up Isaac. The bus ride home went great. Isaac sat right on the front seat and said he had a special seat with a buckle which I thought was really nice. The driver and her assistant took great care of him. 

 

I asked him how his day was when he got off the bus. He replied "It was fun. I was there for a long time!"

A couple other facts from the day:
1) He made some fun friends but he doesn't remember their names yet.

2) His favorite part of the day was recess. Especially when they climbed under the swing set in the shade. He said they shouldn't let them go outside to play when it's so hot!

3) He told his teachers letters, names, and colors. He also counted to 90. (which he refuses to do for me!)

4) He ate 3 chicken nuggets (the 4th dropped on the floor), pineapple (which he refuses for me), and milk for lunch.

5) He rested during nap time.

6) The crackers I bought for him to eat at snack were not the ones that GG had at the cabin Michigan, so we need to go back to the store tomorrow and try again.

7) When they walk in the hall the teacher said to catch a bubble in your mouth. (sneaky idea to keep them quiet!)

He said he had a great day and is looking forward to going back next week! I'm so happy for him....ecstatic for me...and finally able to exhale now that I know this whole kindergarten thing is going to be alright. I think we're all going to be just fine!

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts, texts and prayers over the last couple of days. I would have been admitted to the funny farm without my great friends and family! You all are the best!

Last Day of Summer

Today was the last day before this big guy heads off to kindergarten!

Okay, so let me not be too dramatic here. Tomorrow is Isaac's first day of "staggered entry" kindergarten, which basically means he goes to school tomorrow and is then home until real kindergarten starts next Tuesday. I'm assuming "staggered entry" is a good way to 1) introduce kids to school and 2) to make sure one teacher doesn't get stuck with all the wild children! In any case, tomorrow is Isaac's first day and he could not be more excited!

This little guy...


well, I don't think he quite understands what's going on quite yet. Brian mentioned Isaac going to Kindergarten to Lucas a few weeks ago and told him that he would stay home with mommy by himself and that sent him into a crying fit! So who knows, but starting tomorrow he's in charge of keeping Mommy busy all by himself!

To be quite honest, I'm not sure how tomorrow is going to go for me either. So I treated today like the few times I got sent to summer camp...stay busy as long as possible so you don't have to think about it. Isaac got to pick our destination, and since the weather was nice we went hiking and picnicking at Blue Jay Park.



Hanging out with my goof balls down by the lake.


Isaac enjoyed climbing on the tree roots and jumping on the rocks. Lucas, as always, did his best to keep up!

They were all about the camera today, so there was no way i was going to let that opportunity slip by!

After lunch, we headed back up to the playground to run and slide for a while. Crazy shot of Isaac getting stuck in the middle of the slide!

Our pre-nap snack was Yogurt City! These two ate enough yogurt and toppings to last them the rest of the year.

 '
And while Lucas napped, Isaac asked me to teach him how to play chess. He looks like he's seriously contemplating his next move, but he's really just trying to remember the name for the "bishop"! 

Since it was his last day at home, I even gave in and let him play video games on my tablet for a while. (I just realized in this picture that he's wearing his hiking boots on my bed. Oh well!) 

 

 He ended his day at teeball practice and headed to bed on time for the first time in months ready for his first day of school tomorrow.

I have mixed emotions about his first day and what tomorrow will bring. I will admit that I have already shed a few tears and anticipate more where they came from, and I'll also admit that tonight my neighbor caught me sitting in a bag chair in the garage sipping the last of the wine out of the bottle. My baby is growing up, something no mom is ever ready to admit, but I know he's ready and I pray that Kindergarten is every bit as fun as he has dreamt it up to be.