Willing

I met a young man yesterday, a soldier.

He appered to be Nathan's age.

He was, in fact not much older.

He wore full camo,

his name proudly displayed on the front pocket.

He was quietly wrapping up last minute details;

he leaves for Korea today.

I told him about my Dad serving there.

He shyly looked me in the eye and said

"I'm actually excited"

as though trying to convince one of us

that he was not nervous.

I thanked him twice

for his service and sacrifice.

He wouldn't look me in the eye

as I said it was nice meeting him

and I'd see him around next year.

He walked away

and I cried. 

Pity Partay

My last post ended at Great Wolf lodge I think.

That was the last time our family was all healthy.

AJ never had a cake party. 

She became sick. 

She gave it to me.

I can't even remember who had what when

Because some of us have gotten better then went right back to something new.

AJ falls into that catalog.

We just made that special

Late night run to Urgent Care

Because ear aches do NOT wait until

normal business hours.

Doug simply cannot shake his Bronchitas.

He has never been this sick.

We are a sorry bunch, most likely one of the very few families

staying in Michigan for Spring Break. 

Poor us.

Singing and Soccer

Indoor soccer is difficult to photograph.

Especially from behind the safety glass.

 ***********

 Solomons music program.

Such sweet, loud voices.

 Happy Birthday cakes.

 Barefoot out and backs.

We did have to file a report with the nurse

for the teeny, tiny scrape on someones finger.

 Happy Birthday AJ

(Princess Squirt)

Happy, Hot Humid Birthday Adrianna

It may not be 78 degrees outside like it was in 2000

but it is lovely on this 13th Birthday of Girl #2.

I know. I should have painted my toes.

 AJ has been asking all winter go invite a few friends to

GWLodge.

I thought the idea would die out.

It did not.

 Yesterday, 5 girls and I packed into the truck

(now it's the brakes on the van)

and enjoyed a quick trip north.

I say quick because

A. We did not have to make 1 single stop

B. My ears were constantly filled with voices, stories and song

instead of my usual worries.

C. I never heard those words that have always been repeated

every time we have made this trip:
"are we almost there"?

 Once the magic card gave us access to our room

the girls began preparing for what comes first.

This, they assurred me was "Mrs. Joung sanctioned".

If it's okay with Becky, then it must be okay, right?

 Every time I have been out with Carolina,

she runs into someone she knows.

This lifeguard really enjoyed the girls,

especially when they were boarding a raft.

Dry.

He admits to "really loving his job".

 After pizza in the room

I was treated to a production from Just Dance.

What is it with needing to hang tongues out for pictures?

I really just don't get it.

 "You don't know you're beautiful".

Yea.

Watch for further updates.

Finally.

After reading books, following schedules, posting charts, checking lists,

rewarding and lecturing on the benefits of simply

picking up and putting away.

It really can be this simple!

************

I'm excited.

This girl is about to become a teenager.

Even bigger than that,

is a very important fact about her birthday.

On March 6, 2000,

IT WAS 78 DEGREES.

Anything is possible.

**********

One last post from this grimy, grey time

then I'm back to lots of posts that never were

from summer 2012.

Short of it:

Doug, Solomon and I are headed out the door for groceries.

I ask Nathan if we can take his Jeep

and he replies that we can but we will need to get gas.

He is certain there is enough to get to Big Curve.

This is where we coasted, just into the Big Curve parking lot

before the Jeep died.

Apparently, vehicles have a limit

once the needle is on E.

I've always thought they would automatically

keep going until you reached the pump.

 At least we made if safely off the road

before losing steering ability.

That's Doug and Nathan (above) walking up to borrow a red can.

Apparently these days gas stations do not keep cans around

except the brand new ones that you can buy for $6.

You know, the same exact ones that fill 2 entire shelves

in our tool room.

Below is Doug carrying such a red can

that some super guy happened to have in his truck

and generously offered when overhearing our plight,

saving the $6 for my Starbucks.

Nathan still believes I made up this entire story.