Tresolutions

Well, it's that time of year again . . . the end of the year. In my teen years, I was quite infamous for my New Year's resolutions. I guess the resolutions themselves were not so outrageous, but the fact that I actually carried them out to completion was what piqued the interest of others. My resolutions came in threes. You've heard of the Triple Crown and a Three-peat, well I had a Tresolution!

Year One: Pop
It all began with pop. Now, I'd never been a huge fan of carbonated beverages, but I'd have an Orange Crush or Sprite every now and again. One December, I thought it would be fun to attempt an entire year with absolutely no pop entering my body. The task ended up being a little tougher than I thought. I was always the only kid at a party bypassing all the shiny cans of bubbly beverages and wandering into the kitchen to ask for a glass of water. Even so, the year passed quickly and I had kept my resolution!

Year Two: Pop and Chocolate
Year one had been successful, but I needed a bigger challenge. What would be a true test of my will power? Chocolate! Oh yes, I went there. Giving up chocolate was tough. The absolute worst was any time my mom's side of the family would get together. I'm not sure how other families spend their time together, but we play board games and eat chocolate. That's it! This particular resolution did force me to broaden my dessert horizons, but chocolate will always be at the top of my list.

Year Three: Pop, Chocolate and Potato Chips
After successfully completing an entire year without chocolate, I was unstoppable! Why not go for one more year. Although nothing could top the no chocolate resolution, potato chips did run a close second. My biggest weakness was BBQ. Well, the year went off without a hitch. I specifically remember New Year's Day that next year. I'm pretty sure I ate enough chocolate to make up for the two years I had gone without!

As 2009 approaches, I am entering year two of my new Tresolution plan. This past year has been focused on developing a more consistent quiet time for bible study and prayer. 2009 will be focused on taking care of my body. I decided to get a head start and am already finishing up week 3 of an exercise plan a friend of mine developed for me. In true Tresolution fashion, I will be continuing to focus on my quiet times as well. Specifically, I'm hoping to work on scripture memorization during my time on the treadmill. Multitasking at it's finest! Year three is really going to be exciting-decluttering! Check back in December 2010 to see my progress!

Brotherly Love

Does it get any better than this?!?

Cookie Exchange

Miles and I attended our last Kindermusik class today. The instructor had organized a cookie exchange for the three moms in the class. Guess what . . . we all brought the same kind of cookies! How does that happen?!? Oh well, at least we all like what we got!

Tis the Season?

Is it just me or does the cold, harsh winter turn children against their parents? Lately, my boys are just not showing me the love. Yesterday, I went into Miles' room to get him up from his nap. I flung my arms wide and said "Give mama a hug!" Well, my little momma's boy just wasn't in the mood. His response, "No." He plopped himself down in the crib and just shook his head. After some begging and pleading, Miles did offer me some knuckles (you know, where you hit your fists together). Never did get that hug.

A few hours later, Owen decided to get in on the action. I don't even remember what he did or what I said. I do, however, clearly remember his crossed arms, pouty face and sassy comment . . . "I'm going to throw you into the lion's den!" Whoa! Although I am thrilled that Owen is learning some biblical truth, I was not expecting it to be used in quite this fashion.

Winter can be a cold and dreary time here in the Midwest. It is so easy to become depressed and lethargic during this season. We have to endure some cold, hard winters spiritually speaking as well. You know those times when you just feel stuck in your relationship with God and you just don't feel the love? Maybe you feel like God has abandoned you or that He isn't really on your side. Could it be that you just don't have the energy to reach out to Him?

So, how do you survive a cold, hard winter? You begin walking in the hope that spring is right around the corner. The bible tells us that in this world we will have trouble, but that we can take heart as we face the winters in our lives because Christ has overcome the world. Just as surely as I know that the snow will one day melt and the sun will shine again, I know that Jesus Christ is living and active in my life today and that one day, just around the corner, I will be with Him in a garden paradise where night (and hopefully winter) will not come.

Go Fish!

We had a blast at the "Go Fish" concert at church today. Owen wiggled and danced to some great songs and heard a great message about Jesus--the real reason for the season. The "Go Fish" guys bill themselves as "Great music for kids that won't drive parents bonkers!" Well guys, mission accomplished!

Bathroom Conversations

[Owen sitting on potty, Mom sitting on edge of tub]

Owen: Where does God live?

Mom: In heaven . . . well, actually He lives everywhere. He even lives in my heart.

Owen: He lives in my heart too!

Mom: He does! When did you ask God to live in your heart?

Owen: Just now.

Mom: That's so awesome! Do you know what it means to have Jesus in your heart?

At this point, Owen was off on another topic. Only God truly knows the condition of this little guy's heart, but what a joy to sit in the bathroom and talk about Jesus with my son. I know the toilet is often affectionately called "the throne", but yesterday it looked a lot more like an altar.

The Girls

Once a month, I gather together with 5 friends to share a meal and study God's word. All of us work with the youth at our church (so we're all a tinge crazy) and each of us brings a unique perspective to whatever topic we discuss. I love these girls!!! Let me take a moment to share who they are with you:

Tona-Thoughtful and full of brilliant questions. Tona knows how to cut through the small talk and get to the real point of any discussion. Most people with this ability are loud and pushy. Tona somehow speaks her mighty words in a gentle, caring voice. Tona is such a dear friend and true partner in ministry. She is always teaching me with her life!

Beth-A no nonsense sorta girl, with a truly tender heart. A newlywed and a nurse, she cares for others with great skill and compassion. Although I haven't known Beth very long, I can see that she loves others deep and hard. She lives to please the Lord and longs to serve Him with her whole life. Oh, and she loves the rodeo too!

Erin-Passionate and giving. Erin loves with everything she's got. I've watched as she pours her life into family, friends and youth. She is an all-in kinda girl. This kind of intense passion can sometimes lead to deep pain and disappointment. Erin has faced trials with grit and grace. Her perseverance is building a genuine faith and character in her life. She is a joy to me!

Rose-Authentic to the bone! This Itailian knows who she is. Striving to live a life of integrity, Rose openly shares her struggles and victories in a way that gives God all the glory. Rose is funny, strong, opinionated and gives the best hugs! Rose has a heart for missions and is a prayer warrior in the making. I can't wait to see how God will continue working in her life!

Laura-A wonderful mix of . . . everything! There are so many things I love about Laura, but the most striking is her love for the church and her passion for the lost. She cares for people and loves them where they are at. She utilizes her planning and organizational skills to bring people together in hopes that relationships with one another might lead to a relationship with God. I am strengthened and encouraged through her example.

If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Ecc 4:10

October in Review . . .

• Visited the Pumpkin Patch with the fam


• Went to High School Musical 3 with a crowd full of giggly girls


• Attended the Gifted to Lead conference through Willow Creek Association


• Saw Hairspray at the Coronado with my mom and some friends


• Got 2 new stoves (long story)


• Had a Mommy and Miles lunch date at Chipotle


• Added 3 new students to my caseload at school


• Had a blast with my sister-in-law Nikki at the EWomen conference


• Ordered a picture of Owen's Mom's Day Out class, he is the one hugging the kid next to him!


• Attended a Circle meeting with some of the older women from my church


• Raced around Rockford for a scavenger hunt with my Jr High d-group


• Changed approximately 140 diapers


• Went on a date with my husband


• Visited the Belvidere Oasis with the fam (several times)


• Ate chili with cinammon in it (thanks Erin!)


• Watched 3 of my Jr High girls perform their hearts out in the musical Annie


• Took Miles to his 15 month check-up


• Finished a Bible study on the Psalms of Ascent and began a study on Paul


• Led a wild and crazy retreat meeting

To sum it up, October was super busy, but super exciting! I am looking forward to November when by little buddy will turn 4 and I get to eat GG's stuffing and some broccoli souffle for Thanksgiving!

Brandon

I love my husband! He loves me in such wonderful ways. From writing chalk messages on our driveway to watching the boys for the night so I can spend time with the girls . . . he is wonderful!

A Magnificent Monday for Mommy and Miles

My little Miley is a mama's boy! He loves his dad, he tolerates his brother, he adores his grammy and grampy, but he is especially attached to me. You will often find him crying at my feet, wanting to be lifted high into my arms. As the second child, Miles does not have the pleasure of my undivided attention. I do feel bad about this at times so I often oblige his requests for some up close and personal time with mommy.

Another way I've attempted to assuage my guilty conscience is to devote a chunck of each Monday to my little Miles. Every Monday morning, I drop Owen off at Mom's Day Out. When Miles wakes up from his nap, we head off to a Kindermusik class. Miles and I love going to class together. He dances, sings, plays instruments and smiles at the teacher, the moms and the other kids. He is such a hoot! After class, I have the pleasure of eating lunch with my youngest. Today, daddy joined us at Potbellys. After lunch, it is time to pick up Owen from church.

Although the rest of the day is spent with the entire Early clan, there are still some special moments between just the two of us. Miles and I still find time for a dance or two in the kitchen. He lets me lead and often lays his sweet head on my shoulder. Even though he's one year old, I still let him drink from a bottle while I cradle him in my arms and stare into his blue-green eyes. Bathtime has also become a cherished mommy and Miles routine. My favorite part is watching him ditch the lion towel and run through the house wearing only a smile! Tonight, Miles threw in one extra special moment. As I was wrestling him into his pajamas, he pointed to something on the rocking chair in his room. "Babu." "Babu." I turned to see what he was talking about. On the chair lay his "Babu", his Bible.

Oh Miles, you are learning and growing so much each day. I love you to pieces and am so blessed to be your mommy. I look forward to walking with you throughout each new class, each new dance and each new word. You will always be my favorite Miles!

Silly Prayers

I don't know that silly prayers even exist, but recently I've felt like I've prayed some that were just that . . . silly. A few months ago, I attended back to back women's conferences in Colorado Springs. The first was a leadership conference and the second was a Beth Moore Living Proof Live event. Friday was a big day. I would spend the morning at the hotel finishing up the leadership conference, then later that evening I would attend a huge arena for the Beth Moore event.

As I stood in the bathroom getting ready for the day, I looked in the mirror and prayed. "Lord, I know this is silly, but it would be so cool if I could talk with Beth Moore today." I attended the morning sessions at the leadership conference and headed to the main session room for lunch. We had an unannounced, surprise speaker . . . Beth Moore! To make a long story short, there was a question and answer time and I was able to ask the last question.

After Beth Moore had left the room, I looked at the two women sitting next to me. "This is really silly, but this morning I prayed that I could talk to Beth Moore today." Well, get out the kleenex, these two women laughed and cried and were amazed at how God worked. One of the women, another Beth, said that my prayer was not at all silly and that God knew that I would talk to Beth Moore that day. She believed that God had prompted me to pray, knowing that He would provide. Wow, never thought of it like that!

A few days ago, I prayed another prayer that I would categorize as silly. Owen and I love to walk out to the mailbox together and get the mail. He likes to open the mailbox and carry the mail inside. Recently, he wanted a little more involvement. He wanted mail! Very sweetly he asked, "Mom, is there any mail for me today?" My heart was breaking! "Lord, that would be so great if Owen could get some mail of his own." I had it all figured out, I would send him some mail in the next couple of days. Then I remembered, God is in the business of answering prayer--even silly prayers! The very next day, Owen got mail! I don't know why these things continue to surprise me, but they do. Then, as if the postcard from his Mom's Day Out teacher was not enough, the day after that he received more mail, a thank you note from a friend of mine. Wow! Talk about pouring out blessings and giving good gifts!

I am so thankful that I serve a God who cares about every detail of my life. He knows me. He knows what I want, He knows what I need, He knows what is best for me. He loves to give good gifts to me, but He wants me to ask. It doesn't matter if His response is yes, no or not right now, I know He has my best interests at heart.

The Olympics

I am loving the Olympics! Whether it is swimming, running, volleyball, gymnastics or even wrestling, I will watch any and every competition with great enthusiasm. Why is it that every two years I am suddenly passionate about sports?

Maybe it is because the stakes are so high. This is a competition that only comes around every four years. Athletes have trained their entire lives for this one moment. The thrill of victory is so sweet and the agony of defeat is excruciating.

Show me the . . . medals! This event is not about money. There are no trades, no injury lists, no strikes. These athletes compete for the honor of receiving a gold, silver or bronze medal for their beloved country.

Possibly the biggest reason I enjoy watching the Olympics is because I know all my friends, family and neighbors are cheering for the same team. How often does that ever happen! I love going to Facebook and seeing friends in California, Tennessee and even Rockford, Illinois cheering on the same athlete, the same team, the same country.

Well, off I go to see who wins the men's marathon. Although the United States is not a top contender I'm still glued to the screen anticipating the thrill of victory and cheering on the world!

Leadership

I love coordinating our church's annual women's retreat. As the retreat coordinator, I lead a team of about 20 women. We have a great team and it is a joy to serve. A few weeks ago, the women's ministry director at our church gave me a book to read. The book is "Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-Linear Leadership" by Nancy Ortberg. I'm a little over halfway through the book and have already learned so much. Two statements have hugely impacted me.

1. Have the conversation.
-I avoid conflict at all costs. As a leader, I do not have that luxury. It is my job to deal with any issues or problems that arise. I know that this statement will be popping into my head when my heart wants to turn and run the other way. If I allow God to lead through me and deal with difficult situations in a loving and compassionate way, our team and ministry will be healthier and stronger.

2. The intersection of vision and reality may be one of the greatest tests of leadership.
-This portion of the book really hit me hard. I love to dream. I love to hope for the best. I love to see what could be. Unfortunately, I can't live in this world. I need to dream, I need to hope, I need to see what could be, but I also need to live in reality. Nancy Ortberg says this, "It is having sober eyes and an optimistic spirit, and refusing to chose between the two. It is the good news--bad news moment when you cannot allow one to dismiss the other. They are both true--where we are heading and where we are--but we have to walk through reality in order to move toward the vision. Without that, vision becomes a simple addiction to the emotional high of an imagined future."

Coming this Fall

It's August! My brain hurts a little thinking about all the upcoming changes and new routines in our lives. I was talking to someone on the phone today about my schedule. I told her that there is a lot going on, but it's great! In a few weeks, our schedule will look a little like this . . .

-Mom's Day Out for Owen on Monday and Friday

-Kindermusik for Miles (and mommy) on Monday

-Work on Tuesday and Friday

-Heartbeat (Jr High) on Wednesday

-Bible Study on Thursday

-Church and Jr High Small Groups on Sunday

-Retreat planning sprinkled throughout

Weeds

This morning, Brandon, Owen and I decided to do some yard work while Miles was napping. Brandon and Owen worked on removing a dead tree while I did some weeding. Here is what I learned:

1. The right plant in the wrong place is just another weed.
2. It takes time and skill to pull up a root.
3. Sometimes you have to dig up some of the good to get to the root.
4. Any unfilled space usually fills itself with weeds.
5. Weeds are hard to spot when they're growing among the grass.
6. When you go digging, you will find more problems than you bargained for.
7. Even if you think you've finished, if you look harder you'll probably see more weeds.
8. Sometimes the gloves gotta come off and you need to get a little dirty!

God spoke to me through the weeds today! Each of these points is so true on a spiritual level. The sins or weeds in our lives are varied, inconvenient, difficult to remove and just plain dirty. We need to be on guard against the weeds taking root in our hearts and trust the skillful hands of God, the Master Gardener, to skillfully remove those sins all the way down to their roots.

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Beetlemania

We are under attack! The dreaded Japanese beetles have descended upon our neighborhood in full force. Yesterday, I tried to set up our little swimming pool for the boys. I put the pool under the birtch tree in our backyard. My first clue that there was a problem--bugs dive-bombing me. If any of the neighbors were watching, I looked like a crazy lady jumping around and swatting at the air. Next, I went up on our deck to get some toys for the pool. Our deck box was totally covered in beetle droppings, gross!!! Later that day, I was driving through our neighborhood and noticed the infamous green and yellow "beetle bags." The bags are equipped with a special scent that attracts the beetles and lures them into the bag. You could just see dozens of beetles swarming around the different bags.

Brandon has been on a mission to buy a beetle bag for our backyard. He was unable to find any of the disposable beetle bags because they were completely sold out! This morning, he stopped in at Farm and Fleet and shelled out $20 for a non-disposable beetle container. The good news--you can use it forever and just refill the scent pack once a year. The bad news--you have to empty the container yourself. Brandon is totally in charge of the entire process. He has already emptied the bag twice today. I can not even describe the horror of seeing a plastic bag full of creepy crawly Japanese beetles. He brought it in the house to show Owen. I tried to be a brave mom and put a positive spin on the situation. "Hey, those bugs are having a big party. Let's thank dad for saving our tree!" As soon as Owen turned his back, I mouthed to Brandon, "Get those things out of here, that's so disgusting!" I hope this beetlemania ends soon.

The Wristband

Every morning and afternoon, Owen and I cuddle up on the couch in the basement and read from "The Beginner's Bible." This kid-friendly bible does a great job of introducing young children to various bible stories using simplified language and cartoonish pictures. We have read through the entire book several times. One of the featured stories is about twin boys named Jacob and Esau. Esau was the older brother and a hairy man.

This morning, I was sitting in the living room with the boys. Owen found one of Brandon's wristbands on the floor. He put the fuzzy, red wristband on his arm. "Mom, I'm like Esau!" Children are constantly watching, listening, and learning. What a great privilege and responsibility to work with children. I am so thankful for the nursery workers, Sunday School teachers, Mom's Day Out teachers and the many other men and women who take the time to build into our children.

Garage Sale

Brandon and I are having our very first garage sale this weekend. The sale has not yet begun and I am already exhausted. I spent the majority of the day organizing and pricing items. I actually enjoyed the organizing part, but the pricing was just not my thing. After lunch today, Owen wandered out into the garage. He sweetly commented "It's beautiful!" Let's just hope the greater Rockford area feels the same!

One Year

What a difference a year makes! One year ago today, I was sitting at my computer typing the following blog . . .

July 2, 2007 - Monday

Waiting

Well, I've entered my 10th month of pregnancy. Not a goal I ever hoped to achieve! We see the doctor tomorrow. Hopefully, he'll have some insight into when this baby might be ready to make an appearance.

Brandon and I aren't the only ones eagerly awaiting this baby boy's arrival. The other day we were finishing up a nice dinner at home. Out of the blue, Owen asked if he could pray. Brandon and I were a little puzzled by Owen's request. Whenever we pray before our meals, Owen typically wants mommy or daddy to say the blessing. We all closed our eyes and joined hands.

Here is Owen's special prayer . . .
"Dear Jesus, Thank you for this day. Thank you for this food. Please help my baby brover to come soon. Amen."

It is exactely one year later and I am thrilled to say that God indeed answered that prayer. Miles Lee Early arrived the very next night, July 3, 2007. As we prepare to celebrate Miles' first birthday, I can't help but be amazed at God's great blessings. Miles is a joy to our family. He is my "Smiley Miley," Daddy's "Milo," Owen's "My Baby," and Grammy and Grampy's "Little Guy." He is the spitting image of his earthly father and I pray that one day he will be a reflection of his Heavenly Father. This is my prayer for Miles . . .

"All good gifts come from you Father. Thank you for your gift of our sweet baby Miles. I pray that he will know your love at an early age and that he will grow into a man who loves you with all his heart. Amen."

Heaven

Today my thoughts turn toward Heaven. It's a place I often close my eyes and attempt to visualize. Kirsten, Grandpa, Baby, Mel & Berneice--you are greatly missed, yet your lives reminds me daily of the great hope I have in Christ.

Death was not intended.
God intended life.
Sin entered the world;
Death followed--
A horrible, yet just price.
God surveyed the scene,
Had mercy on our plight.
A solution then He offered,
His Son would pay the price.
Death was not intended,
Yet Jesus Christ succumbed.
To give us life eternal
And bring his children home.
Now He’s gone before us
He’s prepared a heavenly space.
We must accept the invitation
To see His holy face.

Ecc 3:11 . . . He has also set eternity in the hearts of men . . .

Smiley Miley

My last two posts have been a little Owen focused, so I thought it would be fun to spend a little time documenting a day in the life of our sweet baby Miles. Here are a few tidbits . . .

-As a family, we typically pray before eating lunch each day. Generally, Miles becomes a bit agitated during this time because he is hungry and ready to eat. There was an odd silence during our time of prayer the other day. When I looked up, I saw Miles sitting quietly in his high chair, hands folded in prayer.

-Miles is a hit in the nursery at church. Each week I get a report of how happy and smiley he was for the workers.

-Miles is loved by his big brother Owen. Let's just say that sometimes . . . love hurts. I joke that while I was pregnant with Miles I prayed for Owen to love his little brother. Unfortunately, I didn't think to pray for our new baby to love his big brother. I'm working to correct that!

-Miles loves teddy bears. There is one bear in particular that Brandon gave me while we were dating. It is about the size of Miles! Anyway, he lays on top of the bear and just gives him the biggest squeeze. It is the cutest thing!

-Miles is a loud crawler. Sometimes you hear him coming down the hallway just grunting uhuhuhuhuhuh. I wonder how that will translate into words someday!

-Miles has several nicknames: Miles Diles, Milo, Mi Mi, Little Guy, Miley, Smiles, Smiley Miley. He has truly earned the name Smiley Miley. He can melt your heart with his toothy grin. I just love that kid!!!!

Family Fun Day

There is an event in our family called "Daddy-Owen Fun Day". The tradition began when Brandon and Owen would spend Fridays together while I was at work. The boys have had some pretty fun and exciting experiences during DOFD. One adventure is even posted somewhere out in Youtube land.

Since Brandon is in Kentucky this week, I thought we needed to have a "Mommy-Owen-Miles-Daisy Fun Day". After dinner, I announced the big event. "Owen, go potty and get your shoes on. We are having MOMDFD!" I was running around the house getting myself and Miles ready. A few minutes later I checked on Owen. He was in the process of putting on his shoes, but they weren't just any old shoes. He was lacing up his "shiny shoes" from a wedding he was in last year. My response "No, not your shiny shoes. Put on your light up shoes." As you can see, I am clearly a novice at MOMDFD. This day was all about fun and to Owen, shiny shoes were fun. So, we headed to the mini-van shiny shoes in tow. With Daisy the wonder dachshound riding shotgun and the boys strapped into their carseats, we were ready to go. Now . . . what to do.

Owen is practically obsessed with the highway. Anytime we drive over or near the interstate he asks if we can join the mad dash of cars and trucks streaming up and down I-90. With gas prices up over $4 and tolls doubling every other minute, we don't often joyride up and down I-90 at the request of our toddler. However, today was MOMDFD. Highway, here we come! Before leaving the lowway (as Owen calls any road that is not a highway), we made a quick stop at one of Owen's favorite hangouts--Starbucks. His drink of choice--chocolate organic milk. With a tall double chocolaty chip blended creme frappachino and a chocolate organic milk box in hand, we headed for the highway.

We arrived at our destination. As we merged into traffic at the State Street entrance, we were delighted to be passed by a UPS semi-truck with a double trailor. Does is get any better than that? It sure does! Not only did we see bulldozers, steam rollers and dump trucks, we saw a huge digger actually digging! All this excitement occurred during the 5 glorious minutes we were on the highway. As we exited at Route 173, Owen could only say . . . "I wanna go back on the highway." Sadly enough, this was not possible. We had one last stop to make.

I'm not quite sure how this fits into MOMDFD, but I learned that if you drum up enough enthusiasm, anything can be considered fun. We stopped by my mom and dad's house to water the plants. We were able to turn on the big, green hose and use the watering can . . . yahoo!?! We talked about how much fun it is to be part of a family and to be able to help each other. I know this might be a bit of a stretch for inclusion in MOMDFD, but like I said, it's all in the presentation.

Well, that was my attempt at MOMDFD. It's amazing what a fun day looks like to a child. I can learn a thing or two from my three year old who finds pleasure in the simple things in life as long as he's with mommy or daddy. God has created a big, beautiful world for us to enjoy if we simply take the time to explore. So, when you have a chance, gather up your loved ones, put on your best shiny shoes and hit the road!

Happy Mother's Day Dad!

The Early clan celebrated Father's Day a little early this year. Brandon will be in Kentucky with the Jr Highers for the week and will miss his big day. Since Brandon will be out of state for Father's Day, I thought it would be fun to give him a fancy smancy card that records your voice and plays a little song. Cheesy, but fun! Owen and I practiced his big line a few times before I hit record. Here is what was said . . .

Me: Ok, say "Happy Father's Day Dad, I love you!"

Owen: "Happy Mother's Day Dad!"

Me: "No, it's Father's Day, not Mother's Day silly goose! Try it again!"

Owen: "Happy Mother's Day Dad!"

Me: "Owen, say Father's Day."

Owen: "Father's Day."

Me: "Okay, now say Happy Father's Day Dad, I love you!"

Owen: "Happy Mother's Day Dad, I love you!"

At that point, I gave up! The card was delivered a few hours later and Dad of course loved it!

Facebook

Well, just made a Facebook page. Hope it will be a good way to stay connected with people from all different parts of my life.