Baconbits

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

GrandDougle

What do you get when you mix Black Reeboks with Black Socks and Pearly White Legs?
GrandDougle. (My Dad)

Tanner came up after church this week wearing this and I couldn't help think of my Father.

Sam at the beginning of 3rd grade:
A follower. Volatile. Silly.
Sam at the end of 3rd grade:
A Leader. Controlled. Silly.
It has been a big year for Sam. There was a whole heap of growing up here. With Christian and Tanner I rode them pretty hard when they were little and I believe it paid big dividends almost immediately. They were both so easy going, kind, content [and silly of course]. Sam was so different in so many way. As a mother I really struggled to discover what he needed and how he needed it packaged and delivered. The fruit of our labors came YEARS and years after the effort began. Very little of this accomplishement had anything to do with significant parenting by Eric or I, but rather with the right timing and lots of love.
I like the quote:
The most important thing to remember is this: To be ready at any moment to give up what you are for what you might become.
- W. E. B. Du Bois
This year was compiled of several of little moments.

Dirt and Rocks and Water--Oh My!

In preparation for the Father's and Son's campout this weekend, we drove to Palmer where our pop-up trailer had been slumbering all winter long. It was a beautiful drive, but the boys would all agree that playing near the Little Susitna River was their favorite part. At the base of Hatcher's Pass, and with the winds blowing straight off the glaciers, it wasn't more than 35 degrees out there. Our little boys were in boy heaven jumping from rock to rock. I love little moments like this where they are all so content doing something so simple.

Bills, junk, and "boring old people stuff" usually make up the contents of our mailbox. But once every couple of months we get these. . . the Lego Club magazine. It is a coming of age to not only receive the magazine but to be able to read the entire thing.

Sam and Hyrum

By the months end these magazines are ratty. Earmarked. Torn apart. Crumpled. Loved.
I remember when Christian and Tanner were little they loved Playmobil. We would go to the fancy toy store in Flagstaff and pick up the years catalog and they would pour over every page. At the years end we would usually get them a set for Christmas which ironically almost seemed a let down after all the looking and dreaming and imagining for an entire year. If I had it to do over, rather than giving the toy at Christmas I'd probably just give them the next years catalog and let the earmarking, crumpling and loving begin all over.

Monday, May 02, 2011

Sick

Throat Sore.

Ears Heavy and Stuffy.

Nose Running.

Sinus' Popping.

My Sickness Coping Skills:

Days 1-3 Complete Denial. I ignore everything, hoping that my symptoms will simply go away. I ALWAYS start in throat which moves quickly to the ears and then the sinus'.
Days 3-6 Embrace the sickness. I start taking naps. I take stock in all medications: Tylenol, Motrin, Sudafed, Nyquil, etc. I let out periodic sighs.
Day 7-9 Frustrated and Angry. I can no longer taste food. My teeth, in the morning, have paste on top of the paste. I could swear something in the back of my throat died.
Day 10 Chug the Nyquil. Pop the Ibuprofin. Inhale the Sudafed. Despite the drug induced stupor, finally some relief. Why do I wait so long to medicate?

Monday, April 18, 2011

Awesome

We've always known our Dad is awesome. . . it is nice that so many others think so too. Last night Dad received The Wolverine Achievement Award for Lifetime Achievement (38 years). He was the only award recipient that received a standing ovation. Here's to you Dad-de-O!!

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Posted By Steph and Eric to Dingleberry's at 4/08/2011 09:48:00 AM

April Fools Day

The Coons hosted a wonderful April Fool's Day celebration complete with "Cake" for dinner, Toasted Cheese sandwiches for dessert. . .

Lots of Cousin time:

Oh, yea, and Saran Wrapping Grampa's Car. . .

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Posted By Steph and Eric to Dingleberry's at 4/01/2011 10:43:00 PM

Male Bonding

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Posted By Steph and Eric to Dingleberry's at 4/01/2011 10:32:00 PM

Warner & Warner

Yup Jess. . . you were right.

We haven't captured the tickling on film,

but here are W & Grampa W. playing a duet on the organ together.

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Posted By Steph and Eric to Dingleberry's at 4/01/2011 02:55:00 PM

Overheard on Skype

Stephanie: Warner is quite fond of Grandpa Warner.

Jess: What do they like to do together? Tickle each other and play the organ?

Photo of the Month

My Little Lepracaun

One Man's Winter is Another Man's Spring

Spring in Utah

Spring in Alaska

Spring in Utah

Spring In Alaska

Spring in Utah

Spring in Alaska

Spring in Utah

Eric and I hiked to South Fork falls. It was gorgeous. We could see running water through ice windows in the falls.

Tipping My Hat

I'm tipping my hat to these two for being troopers during our TWO week stay. Thanks mom and dad for putting up with us. . . for eating outside when we thought it was summer and you were convinced it was still winter, for trying to smile when my kids threw up on the new carpet AGAIN, for watching the boys during the 4 hour pedicure, for hanging out at the park in the afore mentioned weather, for enduring the smell of dirty diapers, for turning a blind eye to all the toys strewn throughout the house, for listening to Warner's high pitched voice yapping and yapping and yapping, for letting Michelle and I scobb you at Rook, and for doing all of this over and over and over for TWO weeks. While it wasn't the vacation I had envision (because of those diapers, vomiting, and sleepless nights), there is nothing quite so rejuvenating as spending time with family. I love you both!

Crazy Hair Day

I've always admired my brother Greg for being one of the goofiest, confident kids I know. I think sometimes those people are born and some others need encouragement. And while to many this may look like nothing, it has taken me YEARS to get my kids to this point of reckless abandon. Years! But last week when Ravenwood Elementary was hosting crazy hair day SAM and HYRUM let me give them crazy hair.