We sing that around the house these days while in a Conga line. Noah has officially began potty training. He has started peeing in the potty quite regularly. And yes we also sing "PeePee in the Potty". On Saturday, he began "Doin his serious business" in the potty. He's super proud when he goes in the potty. He runs in there and tells Jenna. For some reason he won't let Momma put him on the potty. So lucky Daddy gets to be on potty duty. I guess we all have to be good at something.
Final procedure
I'm sitting here in Dr. Atwood's (Jenna's plastic surgeon) back room writing this while Jenna gets her last procedure. This is the coloring of her nipples by tattooing. All I can think is this has got to be cleanest and brightest tattoo parlor in America. There isn't a stitch of neon anywhere.
Seriously I'm proud of Jenna throughout all of our ordeal and this is her absolute last step on the journey. At least where Dr.'s are concerned:)
Seriously I'm proud of Jenna throughout all of our ordeal and this is her absolute last step on the journey. At least where Dr.'s are concerned:)
NO...MORE...PACIFIER!!!!!
Noah's pacifier was scheduled to meet his demise last weekend. Jenna was going to Kansas City for the weekend and I had been researching various pacifier 'accidents.' I was seriously leaning towards tying it to a couple balloons and letting them go. He loves balloons and then I could shrug and say 'Pacy went bye-bye,' point to the sky, and then he'd happily roll over and go to sleep. Ha! I was never that deluded but it was the plan nonetheless.
Then everything got messed up with Papaw's passing last week. Noah ended up staying in ElDorado for a few days after we left and then was going to Texarkana for a couple of days. The first full day we were gone was Friday and I talked to Mom that afternoon. Noah had lost his 'pass' that morning but wasn't too upset. Later, Holly found it but he was no longer asking for it so she put it away so he wouldn't find it. Then Holly went to Mamaw's to help out and then it was time for nap and Magga didn't know where the pacifier was. I told her this was the weekend 'pass' was going bye-bye. She paused and said, "Well we can try to break him of it, if that's alright." Alright? Alright? Alright! Of course it was alright. I told her if she sent Noah home broken of the 'pass' then she'd officially get "Grandmother of the Year!"
Well she related the plan to Holly and "Operation GMOTY" was born. I knew the hardest moment would be that first nap and Magga had a plan. She took the nap with him :) . That night he cried a little bit but they just told him, "Pass is gone Noah. You're a big boy." He replied "Pass gone, Big boy" through his tears. They claim the next day he never asked for it until that night when "Pass gone, Big boy" was repeated. Then the next day he never asked for it at all. Magga said a few times during the day he'd come up and say "Pass gone" and then "Big boy" but he never cried again for it and he never asked for it.
We were nervous when he went to Texarkana but he did just as good there. He got home Wednesday and he never uttered a word about 'pass.' That is until last night. It was the first night we were pretty close to our regular routine of play, eat dinner, walk the dogs, play, bath, reading, singing, prayer, and then bed. Except when I went to put him over the rail into bed he started to cry and said "Pass Daddy pass" Jenna and I looked at each other with eyes the size of saucers. We said "Pass is gone Noah. You're a big boy." Well either Noah doesn't have the same appreciation for this phrase from Mom and Dad or Magga and Holly are lying because there wasn't a calm repeating of the phrase. He started to cry. I mean cry. But then something weird happened. As soon as my brain wrapped itself around the idea of this being a long night, Noah said "Bed" through his tears. Jenna put him into bed and he curled himself up into a ball, still crying mind you. We covered him and left. The tears were soft sobs at this point but I think he was mourning for 'pass.' The funniest is that he wanted to be left alone while he did it.
I'm home with him today. Kind of a boy's day out before school starts full time. He hasn't said anything about it and I don't think he will. I think last night was his final goodbye to his beloved 'pass.'
Then everything got messed up with Papaw's passing last week. Noah ended up staying in ElDorado for a few days after we left and then was going to Texarkana for a couple of days. The first full day we were gone was Friday and I talked to Mom that afternoon. Noah had lost his 'pass' that morning but wasn't too upset. Later, Holly found it but he was no longer asking for it so she put it away so he wouldn't find it. Then Holly went to Mamaw's to help out and then it was time for nap and Magga didn't know where the pacifier was. I told her this was the weekend 'pass' was going bye-bye. She paused and said, "Well we can try to break him of it, if that's alright." Alright? Alright? Alright! Of course it was alright. I told her if she sent Noah home broken of the 'pass' then she'd officially get "Grandmother of the Year!"
Well she related the plan to Holly and "Operation GMOTY" was born. I knew the hardest moment would be that first nap and Magga had a plan. She took the nap with him :) . That night he cried a little bit but they just told him, "Pass is gone Noah. You're a big boy." He replied "Pass gone, Big boy" through his tears. They claim the next day he never asked for it until that night when "Pass gone, Big boy" was repeated. Then the next day he never asked for it at all. Magga said a few times during the day he'd come up and say "Pass gone" and then "Big boy" but he never cried again for it and he never asked for it.
We were nervous when he went to Texarkana but he did just as good there. He got home Wednesday and he never uttered a word about 'pass.' That is until last night. It was the first night we were pretty close to our regular routine of play, eat dinner, walk the dogs, play, bath, reading, singing, prayer, and then bed. Except when I went to put him over the rail into bed he started to cry and said "Pass Daddy pass" Jenna and I looked at each other with eyes the size of saucers. We said "Pass is gone Noah. You're a big boy." Well either Noah doesn't have the same appreciation for this phrase from Mom and Dad or Magga and Holly are lying because there wasn't a calm repeating of the phrase. He started to cry. I mean cry. But then something weird happened. As soon as my brain wrapped itself around the idea of this being a long night, Noah said "Bed" through his tears. Jenna put him into bed and he curled himself up into a ball, still crying mind you. We covered him and left. The tears were soft sobs at this point but I think he was mourning for 'pass.' The funniest is that he wanted to be left alone while he did it.
I'm home with him today. Kind of a boy's day out before school starts full time. He hasn't said anything about it and I don't think he will. I think last night was his final goodbye to his beloved 'pass.'
Chad's new project...It's a biggee!
I kept waiting for Chad to post this news, but his mind has been on other things besides bragging on himself. After we returned from the beach, we had a message from Allison Levin, director of the Ozark affiliate of Susan G. Komen. She asked us to take part in a photo shoot for the Race for the Cure pamphlet. At the photo shoot in Rogers, while I was chasing Noah, Chad was making friends with some of the Komen people. While making what he thought was small talk with the 2009 Ozark Race for the Cure Chair person, Elaine Thompson, she had more pressing questions. She asked Chad if he would be interested in serving as her co-chair/vice-chair for next years Race for the Cure and although she kept talking, he stopped listening floored at her previous question. Long story short...The two of them met for lunch so that she could explain the details to Chad. He learned that by serving as 2009 vice chair he would then be the 2010 chair. Of course he accepted!!!
Chad is very anxious about this, but after his first official meeting, he is beginning to feel a little more comfortable. I have been cheering him on since he was first asked. I know it will be a huge undertaking and Noah and I will have to share him some; however, I am willing. I feel there is no better way for him to honor me and work for the bigger cause not to mention, the great example he will be setting for his precious son.
I have 100% confidence that Chad has the heart, personality, tenacity, and intellect to help make the Ozark Komen Race for the Cure a wonderful event. I am already so PROUD!!
Chad is very anxious about this, but after his first official meeting, he is beginning to feel a little more comfortable. I have been cheering him on since he was first asked. I know it will be a huge undertaking and Noah and I will have to share him some; however, I am willing. I feel there is no better way for him to honor me and work for the bigger cause not to mention, the great example he will be setting for his precious son.
I have 100% confidence that Chad has the heart, personality, tenacity, and intellect to help make the Ozark Komen Race for the Cure a wonderful event. I am already so PROUD!!
Cloise Rotton 1924-2008
I have started this thread about 5 times now and I've deleted it each time. I even tried to skip it and tell some good news about Noah but couldn't bring myself to move on until I said my piece/peace here.
My Papaw died last week. There I've said it. It wasn't as poetic as I would have liked but I really am having a hard time expressing this. You see this isn't just the end of the road for an amazing man but its the end of the most stable thing I've ever known in my life. Through everything I've ever seen, done, or experienced and everywhere I've lived, visited, or flown over I could always find Mamaw and Papaw at their house on the highway. After life's mistakes, hiccups, and heartaches, I could always find solace in their home and know the meaning of love and therefore life.
In my line of work I've seen more than my share of young life buried and burdened. When it became too much for me I would always call Mamaw and tell her what was going on. She'd always just ask the kid's name and then she'd say "We'll pray." When she spoke of prayer she always referred to the plural 'we' because they always prayed together. I think that is the most startling difference between them and every other couple I've ever known. They never hid their prayer. They always prayed aloud. They always prayed together. I know I share this memory with all the other grandchildren. You would spend the night with Mamaw and Papaw and as you lay there in the bed across from their room you would hear them start to pray. I do not know if they were sitting beside each other or if they were kneeling, but I do know everyone they loved was mentioned by name. It may seem strange but they had a symbiotic language where they both prayed at the same time either repeating the other's request for God or adding details of the person's specific need. They are the only people I've ever known who prayed like this and they are also the only people I've known who were married as long as they were. I do not believe that is a coincidence.
My Papaw was a quiet man. He spoke plenty but he never filled a room with the sound of his voice just to hear his voice. Maybe it was because he had 4 daughters that I'm sure as they grew up spoke plenty. Years later it could have been because all his grandchildren developed the ability to 'gab' from their mother's. Jenna refers to this as my ability to 'talk to a wall.' I also blame my bad habit of interrupting people on eating dinner at Mamaw and Papaw's with the whole family there. You see there were no breaks in the conversation so you had to interrupt or never be heard. Papaw would always just sit there at the table and pretend he wasn't listening. You knew he was pretending because once in a blue moon somebody would say something to spark his interest and then he'd speak up. Of course, it was when his voice spoke up that everyone else was quiet and listened and they never interrupted. This was repeated if the conversation were in the den where the TV was located. He'd sit in his recliner and watch TV while everyone around him 'gabbed.' The volume of the TV was like a barometer of his interest in your conversation. If he was interested in what you were saying then he'd turn the TV down, if he wasn't then the volume would go up to drown you out. The whole time his eyes never left the TV. I strayed from my point a little, because I was trying to tell you that I never heard my Papaw yell. I saw him annoyed and even angry a few times, but I never heard him actually yell at anyone. That's remarkable.
I also remember his wallet growing up. That's a weird thing to remember but let me explain. I grew up thinking my Papaw was a wealthy man because when he pulled out his wallet to pay for something it was literally filled with money. It honestly wouldn't close at times. There had to be several hundred dollars in cash in his wallet at any time. When I was pretty grown (college or so) I made a comment about this to my sister. She looked at me like I had two heads. You see my Papaw sold insurance and he sold a lot of insurance in the African-American community. He began doing this back when my mom and her sisters were little. This was a time in America where African-Americans couldn't get bank accounts so he would go 'collectin' and take cash payments from them and then when their premiums were due he would pay their premium for them. Of course, it all made sense to me after my sister explained this to me. I remember growing up we'd drive through African-American neighborhoods looking for catalpa worms or dropping off extra tomatoes from his garden and everyone we saw would come out of their homes to speak with "Mr. Rotton." I never thought it was odd that so many black people both knew and genuinely loved my Papaw. I guess looking back that would have been odd in 1970's America. Not two weeks ago, Papaw's hospice nurse was talking to my Mamaw and they were talking about Papaw's life. When the combination of Reliable Life and an old picture sparked her memory and she figured out who he was and couldn't believe it. She remembered Papaw (she called him 'Mr. Ro') coming to see her grandfather when she was little and how he always had candy and pencils for the children while they talked. In hindsight it sounds just like him to do something for people when plenty of his peers (not to mention society) wouldn't and it seems even more like him that I never heard the story from his own mouth.
He wasn't much for giving advice or telling you what you should do. No one else in the family ever picked up that skill since we all have an opinion and are just waiting for an opportunity to share :) The only thing in my life I ever did that he spoke up about was breaking up with my high school girlfriend. Of course, he even did this in his own way. For several years after the event, he would still pull me aside after dinner and say "I saw -----'s mother the other day at the drugstore. She said ----- is comin' home this weekend. Maybe you should give her a call." I'd remind him that I had a girlfriend and she had a boyfriend and it had been 5 years since our breakup and he'd say "I'm just sayin." I knew after I had met Jenna and he never mentioned ----- again that he approved of Jenna. It's a quirky way of knowing but I knew nonetheless.
I feel like I'm just rambling and honestly I could tell little stories about him and his personality all day because he's just on my mind all the time now. Thinking on his life makes me wonder what my legacy I leave to this world will be. I hope it is half the legacy Papaw leaves behind. I'll never go fishing, pass a catalpa tree, or even go to church without thinking about him and getting a chuckle. He lived a full, wonderful life that we should all strive to attain. There is much to celebrate about his life and his passing, but I still find some selfish tragedy in his death. I think its tragic that Noah will grow up in a world where he doesn't have vivid memories and stories of his Papaw Rotton. We'll all just have to pitch in and make sure he knows them just the same.
My Papaw died last week. There I've said it. It wasn't as poetic as I would have liked but I really am having a hard time expressing this. You see this isn't just the end of the road for an amazing man but its the end of the most stable thing I've ever known in my life. Through everything I've ever seen, done, or experienced and everywhere I've lived, visited, or flown over I could always find Mamaw and Papaw at their house on the highway. After life's mistakes, hiccups, and heartaches, I could always find solace in their home and know the meaning of love and therefore life.
In my line of work I've seen more than my share of young life buried and burdened. When it became too much for me I would always call Mamaw and tell her what was going on. She'd always just ask the kid's name and then she'd say "We'll pray." When she spoke of prayer she always referred to the plural 'we' because they always prayed together. I think that is the most startling difference between them and every other couple I've ever known. They never hid their prayer. They always prayed aloud. They always prayed together. I know I share this memory with all the other grandchildren. You would spend the night with Mamaw and Papaw and as you lay there in the bed across from their room you would hear them start to pray. I do not know if they were sitting beside each other or if they were kneeling, but I do know everyone they loved was mentioned by name. It may seem strange but they had a symbiotic language where they both prayed at the same time either repeating the other's request for God or adding details of the person's specific need. They are the only people I've ever known who prayed like this and they are also the only people I've known who were married as long as they were. I do not believe that is a coincidence.
My Papaw was a quiet man. He spoke plenty but he never filled a room with the sound of his voice just to hear his voice. Maybe it was because he had 4 daughters that I'm sure as they grew up spoke plenty. Years later it could have been because all his grandchildren developed the ability to 'gab' from their mother's. Jenna refers to this as my ability to 'talk to a wall.' I also blame my bad habit of interrupting people on eating dinner at Mamaw and Papaw's with the whole family there. You see there were no breaks in the conversation so you had to interrupt or never be heard. Papaw would always just sit there at the table and pretend he wasn't listening. You knew he was pretending because once in a blue moon somebody would say something to spark his interest and then he'd speak up. Of course, it was when his voice spoke up that everyone else was quiet and listened and they never interrupted. This was repeated if the conversation were in the den where the TV was located. He'd sit in his recliner and watch TV while everyone around him 'gabbed.' The volume of the TV was like a barometer of his interest in your conversation. If he was interested in what you were saying then he'd turn the TV down, if he wasn't then the volume would go up to drown you out. The whole time his eyes never left the TV. I strayed from my point a little, because I was trying to tell you that I never heard my Papaw yell. I saw him annoyed and even angry a few times, but I never heard him actually yell at anyone. That's remarkable.
I also remember his wallet growing up. That's a weird thing to remember but let me explain. I grew up thinking my Papaw was a wealthy man because when he pulled out his wallet to pay for something it was literally filled with money. It honestly wouldn't close at times. There had to be several hundred dollars in cash in his wallet at any time. When I was pretty grown (college or so) I made a comment about this to my sister. She looked at me like I had two heads. You see my Papaw sold insurance and he sold a lot of insurance in the African-American community. He began doing this back when my mom and her sisters were little. This was a time in America where African-Americans couldn't get bank accounts so he would go 'collectin' and take cash payments from them and then when their premiums were due he would pay their premium for them. Of course, it all made sense to me after my sister explained this to me. I remember growing up we'd drive through African-American neighborhoods looking for catalpa worms or dropping off extra tomatoes from his garden and everyone we saw would come out of their homes to speak with "Mr. Rotton." I never thought it was odd that so many black people both knew and genuinely loved my Papaw. I guess looking back that would have been odd in 1970's America. Not two weeks ago, Papaw's hospice nurse was talking to my Mamaw and they were talking about Papaw's life. When the combination of Reliable Life and an old picture sparked her memory and she figured out who he was and couldn't believe it. She remembered Papaw (she called him 'Mr. Ro') coming to see her grandfather when she was little and how he always had candy and pencils for the children while they talked. In hindsight it sounds just like him to do something for people when plenty of his peers (not to mention society) wouldn't and it seems even more like him that I never heard the story from his own mouth.
He wasn't much for giving advice or telling you what you should do. No one else in the family ever picked up that skill since we all have an opinion and are just waiting for an opportunity to share :) The only thing in my life I ever did that he spoke up about was breaking up with my high school girlfriend. Of course, he even did this in his own way. For several years after the event, he would still pull me aside after dinner and say "I saw -----'s mother the other day at the drugstore. She said ----- is comin' home this weekend. Maybe you should give her a call." I'd remind him that I had a girlfriend and she had a boyfriend and it had been 5 years since our breakup and he'd say "I'm just sayin." I knew after I had met Jenna and he never mentioned ----- again that he approved of Jenna. It's a quirky way of knowing but I knew nonetheless.
I feel like I'm just rambling and honestly I could tell little stories about him and his personality all day because he's just on my mind all the time now. Thinking on his life makes me wonder what my legacy I leave to this world will be. I hope it is half the legacy Papaw leaves behind. I'll never go fishing, pass a catalpa tree, or even go to church without thinking about him and getting a chuckle. He lived a full, wonderful life that we should all strive to attain. There is much to celebrate about his life and his passing, but I still find some selfish tragedy in his death. I think its tragic that Noah will grow up in a world where he doesn't have vivid memories and stories of his Papaw Rotton. We'll all just have to pitch in and make sure he knows them just the same.
Big Event on Kensington
Since we moved into the new digs on Kensington we've been wishy-washy about it being 'home.' We've discussed with each other the way the house is 'too big' at times and 'not cozy' at others. I think it's just been different. Jenna thinks it's because the 20 ft. ceilings don't fit our stuff we bought for the 9 ft. ceilings at Cambray.
Tonight we threw our first big event. It wasn't exactly a 'house warming' party or a 'meet the neighbors' type party. We threw a shower for our friend Caroline whose getting married next month. We're so happy for her. She has met a really good guy and they honestly seem to be perfect for one another. But enough about them... :) We busted our butt all week to get the house ready for the party tonight. Projects we put on the back burner we suddenly needed to get done. I refinished Jenna's grandmother's buffet and finally got it in the house.
The short of the story (like I can tell a short version of anything) is the house really felt like home tonight. We got several compliments on the house and the yard. I'm really proud of all the hard work we put into the yard. If any of you saw the yard when we moved in, you know what I mean. Anyways the night was wonderful. We had almost 30 people here and I was proud to welcome each one of them.
Tonight we threw our first big event. It wasn't exactly a 'house warming' party or a 'meet the neighbors' type party. We threw a shower for our friend Caroline whose getting married next month. We're so happy for her. She has met a really good guy and they honestly seem to be perfect for one another. But enough about them... :) We busted our butt all week to get the house ready for the party tonight. Projects we put on the back burner we suddenly needed to get done. I refinished Jenna's grandmother's buffet and finally got it in the house.
The short of the story (like I can tell a short version of anything) is the house really felt like home tonight. We got several compliments on the house and the yard. I'm really proud of all the hard work we put into the yard. If any of you saw the yard when we moved in, you know what I mean. Anyways the night was wonderful. We had almost 30 people here and I was proud to welcome each one of them.
Answered prayer?
I think Noah prayed for the first time last night. What's crazier is the prayer was answered...I think. It's hard to figure out what a 2 year old means when he talks sometimes but I'll explain what happened.
Almost 2 months ago, Noah lost his 'blue pass' (blue pacifier) so he's been making do with his 'why pass' (white pacifier). We haven't bought any new pacifiers because we are trying to ween him off of them. The problem is the more we try to ween the more possessive he becomes. He had pretty much forgotten about the 'blue pass' until a few days ago when all of a sudden he started talking about it. 'Blue pass gone' has been uttered a few times. Well last night he mentioned it to Him.
Each night after we put Noah in bed we say a prayer. Jenna and I each say the same prayer with him. It's short and simple and when it concludes Noah repeats 'Amen' and then adds a 'Night-night Ga' (Goodnight God). However, lately I've said a real prayer after the other rote prayer. At the end we still say 'Amen' and goodnight to the Almighty. Last night it was different though. I prayed to God with Noah and then before I could say 'Amen,' Noah blurted out 'Blue pass gone Ga, blue pass gone.' Then I said Amen to be repeated by Noah.
I walked down the stairs chuckling to myself. I don't know if Noah was praying to Ga (God) for the return of his pacifier or just letting God know since Noah likes to keep everyone in his life informed. Just the other day he told the cashier at Sam's her shirt was blue, so maybe he was just letting God know in case He missed it with all the other things He has to keep up with.
Flash forward to this morning. Jenna calls me at work and says 'You'll never guess what Noah found underneath our dresser!'
Of course, I knew exactly what he found and I bet you know too.
Almost 2 months ago, Noah lost his 'blue pass' (blue pacifier) so he's been making do with his 'why pass' (white pacifier). We haven't bought any new pacifiers because we are trying to ween him off of them. The problem is the more we try to ween the more possessive he becomes. He had pretty much forgotten about the 'blue pass' until a few days ago when all of a sudden he started talking about it. 'Blue pass gone' has been uttered a few times. Well last night he mentioned it to Him.
Each night after we put Noah in bed we say a prayer. Jenna and I each say the same prayer with him. It's short and simple and when it concludes Noah repeats 'Amen' and then adds a 'Night-night Ga' (Goodnight God). However, lately I've said a real prayer after the other rote prayer. At the end we still say 'Amen' and goodnight to the Almighty. Last night it was different though. I prayed to God with Noah and then before I could say 'Amen,' Noah blurted out 'Blue pass gone Ga, blue pass gone.' Then I said Amen to be repeated by Noah.
I walked down the stairs chuckling to myself. I don't know if Noah was praying to Ga (God) for the return of his pacifier or just letting God know since Noah likes to keep everyone in his life informed. Just the other day he told the cashier at Sam's her shirt was blue, so maybe he was just letting God know in case He missed it with all the other things He has to keep up with.
Flash forward to this morning. Jenna calls me at work and says 'You'll never guess what Noah found underneath our dresser!'
Of course, I knew exactly what he found and I bet you know too.
Tellin on Mama
Noah had his first moment where he ratted out one of his parents when they did wrong. Almost every night when Noah gets ready for bed I brush his teeth. For whatever reason, Jenna almost always forgets to brush his teeth. The other night, Jenna was getting him ready for bed and I was downstairs cleaning. When it was time for night-night he called downstairs to me "Nigh Da!" I called up "Goodnight" and he went off to his room. Then he came back out and said "Teeth Da, teeth!" I said "Didn't your Momma brush your teeth?" He replied, "Noooo Da. Teeth Da!" Jenna started laughing in the other room. She came out and admitted she hadn't brushed his teeth. So I went upstairs and we got those chompers clean. I don't think Mama will forget anytime soon.
The Beach Part Deaux
We went to Fort Morgan, Alabama a couple of weeks ago for Noah's second trip to the beach. The first time he was barely crawling so this was kind of like the first time for us to experience it. It took him a couple of days to warm up to the idea but after he got used to it he really had fun. He loved low-tide where he had a 20 yard expanse of ankle deep water rolling in as the waves broke further out. While we were there, starfish had come to the shallows in droves to mate so he and Jana had a blast finding starfish and putting them in their buckets. All the poor critters survived but it's definitely hard to get over a curious two year old. Of course, he called them 'Spongebob' because he calls every character on the show 'Spongebob.' He also learned he still likes to be wrapped in towels. Our house was right off the beach so we'd walk home and then have to 'shower' off before going inside. So we'd dry him off and wrap him in a towel. He then would just fall asleep wherever you put him. Now at home he wants a towel instead of a blanket when he goes to bed. It's pretty cute.
Little Griffey Jr.
Noah has taken an interest (some would say obsession) with his little tee-ball set. I'm a firm believer in letting kids hold bats (or clubs) however they want to let them figure it out. I don't know if its from seeing his Yankee action figures in his room or TV, but the kid has a good stance and swing. In fact, he hits left handed and holds his hands high in a way that reminds me of Ken Griffey Jr. If I can get him to release the bat with his left hand after impact, I think he has a future in the sport :)
Congratulations to the Rotton's on 60 years
My Mamaw and Papaw had their 60th wedding anniversary the first week in July. We had a big party for them with almost all of their clan there. Unfortunately Papaw was in the hospital for the big day but the rehab department at the hospital was kind enough to let us use their break room for the get together.
As a gift everyone pitched in for a huge 19" digital picture frame that's nicer than my TV. Each family contributed 100-150 pictures so in the end they had 700 pics of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. You don't realize who large your family is until you add up the 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 7 greatgrandchildren. After spouses, the room was quite full I promise you. It was a wonderful moment that was over far too quickly
As a gift everyone pitched in for a huge 19" digital picture frame that's nicer than my TV. Each family contributed 100-150 pictures so in the end they had 700 pics of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. You don't realize who large your family is until you add up the 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 7 greatgrandchildren. After spouses, the room was quite full I promise you. It was a wonderful moment that was over far too quickly
Been awhile
I haven't posted in awhile. It seems everytime something happens I want to share I was nowhere near a computer for a couple of days. I'm going to post them in a series of small posts now instead of one long post. Just remember these have all been over the past month.
One Year Later...
Well today is the day. A year ago at this time I was scared out of my mind and had no idea what the future held for me. Now I know I may go tomorrow for some reason but it won't be due to breast cancer. I have been released from my plastic surgeon with good results. I do still have the tatooing left (in case anyone wanted to know) but that is just a minor office procedure. I joined a gym this summer in attempt to get in shape again and try to make friends with my new reoriented lat muscles as breast implant holders. It is a very odd and unnatural feeling, but one that will feel normal soon enough. I have to say that this summer so far is leaps and bounds above last.
This particularly has been a big week. On Monday we sold our Cambray house and closed the deal. One house payment is good, but that house holds many dear memories to me. Next to my parents house, it is the only other place I have lived in for an extended period of time. Oh well, moving on...Tuesday I had an interview with the asst. superintendent for human resources in Rogers Schools to discuss a job there. I accepted feeling as if I really needed a change and an opportunity to stretch my professional skills. I have learned so much working in Springdale and hated delivering the bad news to my supervisors on Wednesday. They wished me well. This brings me to today, which was typical so far for this summer, but I felt a tug at my heart knowing what I was hearing and facing on this day last year.
Master Noah is in full blown 2 year old mode. He wakes go and blowing immediately. His two favorite words are no and mine. He tests the limit constantly and he sometimes beats us. His current favorite "I am two here me roar game" is throwing his dinner dishes off his chair tray along with his utensils and sippy cup. Hitting is also a recent problem, but he quickly apologizes by touching you ever so sweetly and saying "sawie, Momma". Oh yeah, and then he thinks its all better. So this a battle I am constantly applying my behaviorism and psychology on him. Poor kid.
Chad's granddad is in the hospital and is recovering from surgery. It might be cancer and we are waiting to hear the final word. Chad is going for a short visit tomorrow. Please say a prayer for Papaw.
This particularly has been a big week. On Monday we sold our Cambray house and closed the deal. One house payment is good, but that house holds many dear memories to me. Next to my parents house, it is the only other place I have lived in for an extended period of time. Oh well, moving on...Tuesday I had an interview with the asst. superintendent for human resources in Rogers Schools to discuss a job there. I accepted feeling as if I really needed a change and an opportunity to stretch my professional skills. I have learned so much working in Springdale and hated delivering the bad news to my supervisors on Wednesday. They wished me well. This brings me to today, which was typical so far for this summer, but I felt a tug at my heart knowing what I was hearing and facing on this day last year.
Master Noah is in full blown 2 year old mode. He wakes go and blowing immediately. His two favorite words are no and mine. He tests the limit constantly and he sometimes beats us. His current favorite "I am two here me roar game" is throwing his dinner dishes off his chair tray along with his utensils and sippy cup. Hitting is also a recent problem, but he quickly apologizes by touching you ever so sweetly and saying "sawie, Momma". Oh yeah, and then he thinks its all better. So this a battle I am constantly applying my behaviorism and psychology on him. Poor kid.
Chad's granddad is in the hospital and is recovering from surgery. It might be cancer and we are waiting to hear the final word. Chad is going for a short visit tomorrow. Please say a prayer for Papaw.
It's late and I'm old
I can't sleep so I was surfing and thought I'd share a terrible letter I got the other day. Apparently Blue Cross, Blue Shield hates to inform me that "Donald C" has an impending birthday that puts him in a greater risk category for hypertension and heart attack. Apparently, this means Mr. Man at Blue Cross needs to raise my rates since age is one of the determining factors used in price of coverage.
Not 2 weeks ago I was asked about the big 3-5 birthday coming up and if it bothered me. Of course, I laughed and said 'No.' The thing was, I was telling the truth. Then Mr. Man at Blue Cross has to go and basically say, 'Dude your old as hell. Remember how you treated your body in your twenties? Well now its time to pay up.'
Not 2 weeks ago I was asked about the big 3-5 birthday coming up and if it bothered me. Of course, I laughed and said 'No.' The thing was, I was telling the truth. Then Mr. Man at Blue Cross has to go and basically say, 'Dude your old as hell. Remember how you treated your body in your twenties? Well now its time to pay up.'
Happy Mother's Day
I know I'm a day late but I spent the majority of the day yesterday on the road and wasn't able to write a post.
I wanted to take just a moment to thank all the mothers in my life for their amazing sacrifices, love, and support. I think Jenna and I are very contemporary parents who do a good job of splitting our household tasks. Even still, when Noah falls down he wants his 'Momma' to hold him and make it better. It's amazing to see the power of a mother to comfort their child at any age. I remember about 7 years ago, I got strep throat and called Mom that day to make me feel better. Mom's just have the ability to make us feel better just by knowing we are hurt. Hats off to you guys and I hope you had a great day.
I wanted to take just a moment to thank all the mothers in my life for their amazing sacrifices, love, and support. I think Jenna and I are very contemporary parents who do a good job of splitting our household tasks. Even still, when Noah falls down he wants his 'Momma' to hold him and make it better. It's amazing to see the power of a mother to comfort their child at any age. I remember about 7 years ago, I got strep throat and called Mom that day to make me feel better. Mom's just have the ability to make us feel better just by knowing we are hurt. Hats off to you guys and I hope you had a great day.
Noah Turned 2!!!
Noah's birthday has come and gone. He had his party on May 3rd and his actual birthday was on May 8. We went to ElDorado this weekend and saw most of his family that didn't get to be at his birthday party.
Here are some pics from the party and his actual birthday.
Noah eating cake with his cousin Jana.
Noah playing in the yard with Jack.
Noah playing with his train table with Mackenzie.
Noah always wants bubbles so on his birthday before bedtime he got BUBBLES!
He had a blast.
Here are some pics from the party and his actual birthday.
Noah eating cake with his cousin Jana.
Noah playing in the yard with Jack.
Noah playing with his train table with Mackenzie.
Noah always wants bubbles so on his birthday before bedtime he got BUBBLES!
He had a blast.
Thanks to the Breast Brigade
I know Jenna sent out an email to everyone on the team and she is now handwriting Thank you notes to each of you, but I'm nowhere near that good. I do want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who participated with the Breast Brigade directly or indirectly. Being the first race we were 'in charge' of a team was a learning experience that had Jenna (and us) teetering between wanting to do something awesome and wanting to put our head in the sand and wait for it to be over. I think Jenna showed a tremendous amount of courage. It's one thing to lay in bed and say you want to have a team but another to put yourself front and center and be the 'poster survivor' for the team. In case it wasn't evident to those of you there that day, the survivor parade should have shown you how raw some of the emotion still is for Jenna and our family.
Enough of that, I really do appreciate each of you for loving my wife and my family and next year we are going to celebrate the race in a big way.
Love,
Chad
Enough of that, I really do appreciate each of you for loving my wife and my family and next year we are going to celebrate the race in a big way.
Love,
Chad
Shhhhh!
I've been laughing all day going around pointing at my nose. Here's why.
Noah and I have been playing this game lately where I hold him we 'sneak' up on Momma and 'Get her.' By getting her you grab a hold of her and give her a quick hug, kiss, or pat while she's not looking then you giggle uncontrollably while Daddy runs away with you. To get him in 'sneak' mode I put my fingers over my lips and say "Shhhh, we're gonna get Momma." To this he squeals and imitates the gesture.
Well the funny part is I guess he thought my finger over my lips was me actually pointing at my nose so he just points to his nose from the side and says "Shhhh." Now he walks around on his own 'sneaking' up on us by crouching down, pointing at his nose, and saying "Shhhh."
It's hilarious.
Noah and I have been playing this game lately where I hold him we 'sneak' up on Momma and 'Get her.' By getting her you grab a hold of her and give her a quick hug, kiss, or pat while she's not looking then you giggle uncontrollably while Daddy runs away with you. To get him in 'sneak' mode I put my fingers over my lips and say "Shhhh, we're gonna get Momma." To this he squeals and imitates the gesture.
Well the funny part is I guess he thought my finger over my lips was me actually pointing at my nose so he just points to his nose from the side and says "Shhhh." Now he walks around on his own 'sneaking' up on us by crouching down, pointing at his nose, and saying "Shhhh."
It's hilarious.
Meet at the Sullivan's on Thursday
I know Jenna is sending out an invitation to the team members, but I know not everyone is an email king/queen.
You can come by the Sullivan house on Thursday between 5:30 and 7:30 to pick up your Komen package and if you ordered a Breast Brigade T-shirt you'll get that then too.
We'll have some snacks and I'll hopefully have a race day plan. If you can't make it that day, we'll still pick up your Komen package and we'll set a time and place prior to the race for you to get your stuff. That will help you avoid the long lines. I'm expecting craziness since this event is typically huge and its in a new spot for the organizers.
I'll be the race-day organizer so look for posts and emails from me giving out the details as race-day approaches. Remember that race day isn't just about honoring the survivors and remembering those that weren't as lucky. It's about a day when this race won't be necessary. Try to keep in your prayers that the message won't be lost on our community.
See ya Thursday and Saturday.
Chad
You can come by the Sullivan house on Thursday between 5:30 and 7:30 to pick up your Komen package and if you ordered a Breast Brigade T-shirt you'll get that then too.
We'll have some snacks and I'll hopefully have a race day plan. If you can't make it that day, we'll still pick up your Komen package and we'll set a time and place prior to the race for you to get your stuff. That will help you avoid the long lines. I'm expecting craziness since this event is typically huge and its in a new spot for the organizers.
I'll be the race-day organizer so look for posts and emails from me giving out the details as race-day approaches. Remember that race day isn't just about honoring the survivors and remembering those that weren't as lucky. It's about a day when this race won't be necessary. Try to keep in your prayers that the message won't be lost on our community.
See ya Thursday and Saturday.
Chad
One week to warm up...
Hey guys. For any one you who were unable to sign up for my team, but want to walk, I am pretty sure you can still sign up as an individual. We would love to have any extras walk with us in support of Komen.
Who knew that one name would mean so much to me in only a year? It is amazing what can happen in a year. Be sure not to sweat the small stuff and take time to smell the roses! I felt this so strongly after my initial surgery. I wish I could bottle that feeling.
Hope to see many of you this weekend! Jenna
Who knew that one name would mean so much to me in only a year? It is amazing what can happen in a year. Be sure not to sweat the small stuff and take time to smell the roses! I felt this so strongly after my initial surgery. I wish I could bottle that feeling.
Hope to see many of you this weekend! Jenna
