I failed to put some other things on the Top 10 list.
Kylie started kindergarten. She really likes it.
Kylie started Kids Network (before and after school care) -- I think she likes this part of her day even more than actual kindergarten.
Davin started Sunday School. It's pretty cool when he shows off his papers and things he has made after Sunday School.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
My top 10 list of 2008
It may seem kind of lame to be typing a blog at 11:30 p.m. but actually this has been a fabulous day. Jen and I just finished watching "Burn after Reading" on DVD. Now we have 30 minutes left in 2008. Jen and I were sort of talking about the top 10 things of 2008. I figured I would document it -- to look back on years from now.
10. Joining a golf league for the first time ever. It was a church golf league, and it was so great getting to golf each week and getting to know some guys from church.
9. A trip to Wisconsin. Jen was taking a graduate class and was 8 months pregnant, so I ventured to Wisconsin with just Kylie and Davin. I was worried about how the car trip would go, but it was awesome.
8. Jen concluded her 2-year stint as Sunday School superintendent with a nice appreciation brunch. I think one of Jen's greatest achievements was a simple suggestion she made to Pastor David. Instead of having just cookies after Sunday School mostly for the kids at 10:30, why not have treats for everyone after 1st service before Sunday School opening and Sunday School. It has created a real nice social time for church members that really didn't exist so much before.
7. I took over the role of song leader for Sunday School opening this year. It's been really fun leading both Sunday School students from age 3 - 5th grade and their parents in singing a few songs before they go to Sunday School. It reminds me of the days when I was a church camp counselor.
6. Having the Milwaukee Brewers make the playoffs for the first time since 1982 (I was in 5th grade). Not only did Kylie get to see her first Brewers game in person, but Andy and Joel were visiting us here in Omaha as we watched a Brewer playoff win.
5. Making a presentation at NILA where I presented to world language teachers on "Don't Entertain.... but Engage your students." I was fortunate enough to have more than 15 people attend my presentation, and I enjoyed the trip to Crete, NE.
4. Playing golf at Tregaron with Andy, Jen, and Judy. We played 18 holes and played terrible golf. But it was an amusing day.
3. Our New Year's Eve. We simply ran a bunch of errands with our kids today. We opened a savings account for Claire. While we sat in the banker's office for 10 minutes, Kylie and Davin played "haircut" They really charmed the banker. We had a great lunch at Panera; the kids played on the balls at Oak View Mall, we were going to buy a Wii, but Best Buy was sold out. So instead of playing that with the kids tonight, we had pancakes and sausage, played Disney Scene It! with the kids, counted down the new year at about 8:15, and danced in the new year with kids to an entire Wiggles CD. It was just great to see the joy on our kids' faces.
2. Claire's baptism weekend. I just love special occasions where family comes together. It was often having our family here. I'll always remember the family kickball game in the backyard. Kylie and Davin were captains. I loved it when Davin picked Rex (Joel and Brooke's dog) for his team. Grandma Hope played. I loved it when she kicked her ball over the fence. Kylie yelled with glee "automatic out!" - since those were the rules.
1. The birth of Claire Elizabeth Seeger on July 22, 2008. She has been a complete joy. She just got tubes put in yesterday. Just like I will hopefully have Andy and Joel as best friends and brothers for most of my life, I'm excited to think that hopefully Claire, Davin, and Kylie will also have each others as siblings and best friends for all of their lives.
Happy New Year everybody.
10. Joining a golf league for the first time ever. It was a church golf league, and it was so great getting to golf each week and getting to know some guys from church.
9. A trip to Wisconsin. Jen was taking a graduate class and was 8 months pregnant, so I ventured to Wisconsin with just Kylie and Davin. I was worried about how the car trip would go, but it was awesome.
8. Jen concluded her 2-year stint as Sunday School superintendent with a nice appreciation brunch. I think one of Jen's greatest achievements was a simple suggestion she made to Pastor David. Instead of having just cookies after Sunday School mostly for the kids at 10:30, why not have treats for everyone after 1st service before Sunday School opening and Sunday School. It has created a real nice social time for church members that really didn't exist so much before.
7. I took over the role of song leader for Sunday School opening this year. It's been really fun leading both Sunday School students from age 3 - 5th grade and their parents in singing a few songs before they go to Sunday School. It reminds me of the days when I was a church camp counselor.
6. Having the Milwaukee Brewers make the playoffs for the first time since 1982 (I was in 5th grade). Not only did Kylie get to see her first Brewers game in person, but Andy and Joel were visiting us here in Omaha as we watched a Brewer playoff win.
5. Making a presentation at NILA where I presented to world language teachers on "Don't Entertain.... but Engage your students." I was fortunate enough to have more than 15 people attend my presentation, and I enjoyed the trip to Crete, NE.
4. Playing golf at Tregaron with Andy, Jen, and Judy. We played 18 holes and played terrible golf. But it was an amusing day.
3. Our New Year's Eve. We simply ran a bunch of errands with our kids today. We opened a savings account for Claire. While we sat in the banker's office for 10 minutes, Kylie and Davin played "haircut" They really charmed the banker. We had a great lunch at Panera; the kids played on the balls at Oak View Mall, we were going to buy a Wii, but Best Buy was sold out. So instead of playing that with the kids tonight, we had pancakes and sausage, played Disney Scene It! with the kids, counted down the new year at about 8:15, and danced in the new year with kids to an entire Wiggles CD. It was just great to see the joy on our kids' faces.
2. Claire's baptism weekend. I just love special occasions where family comes together. It was often having our family here. I'll always remember the family kickball game in the backyard. Kylie and Davin were captains. I loved it when Davin picked Rex (Joel and Brooke's dog) for his team. Grandma Hope played. I loved it when she kicked her ball over the fence. Kylie yelled with glee "automatic out!" - since those were the rules.
1. The birth of Claire Elizabeth Seeger on July 22, 2008. She has been a complete joy. She just got tubes put in yesterday. Just like I will hopefully have Andy and Joel as best friends and brothers for most of my life, I'm excited to think that hopefully Claire, Davin, and Kylie will also have each others as siblings and best friends for all of their lives.
Happy New Year everybody.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
enjoying the present
There is so much to enjoy every day. Why are some people always so grumpy? If you are a grumpy person, maybe you can pause and think about how many of these things you have the privilege to enjoy each and every day. Although every person's list is different, I bet your list might include some of the same things as mine.
Things I look forward to and enjoy each day (well, at least most days)
1. a warm shower
2. a cup of coffee
3. a bowl of cereal (Raisin Bran, Grape Nuts, Lucky Charms, Golden Grahams, Frosted Mini-Wheats)
4. Reading a short section of the Bible (I am working my way through the whole Bible -- I found a cool resource on reading the Bible in a year. This included reading three different chapters from three different books each day. I only do one chapter each weekday morning, so it will probably take me 5 years)
5. Waking my kids up for the day
6. Getting to plan and teach a German lesson each day
7. looking at the beautiful sky (sunrise) on the drive to work
8. one-on-one conversations with students, teachers, friends, neighbors
9. listening to stories at the lunch table (when there is a group of more than 5, I end up listening more than talking, but it's cool getting glimpses into the lives of others)
10. driving home and looking at the trees (everybody loves the colors of spring, but I think trees in winter are beautiful too)
11. picking up the kids from daycare and Kidsnetwork (after Kindergarten care)
12. making a supper for the 4 of us -- (usually it's pretty simple, but it's fun to call the kids up for supper and have their drinks, main course, vegetable, fruit, chips, etc. )
13. reading the comics and a couple articles in the paper (Omaha World Herald)
14. watching a TV show or two (The Office, Worst Week, Brothers and Sisters)
15. an afternoon cup of warmed-up coffee
16. reading a few pages of my current book from the library (Paul Theroux - The Elepahnt Suite) I usually get this reading done in the bathroom
17. a beer, glass of wine, or margarita (yes - or (not - and))
18. a phone call with my folks or my brother
19. filling in and reading the highlight calendar - We have this cool perpetual calendar - thanks to Nate and Becky - where you can record your highlight each day - each year. Then you flip through it each year and see what you were doing on this exact day two years ago, five years ao, etc.
20. Peeking at the kids who are sound asleep
21. Crawling into a nice warm bed next to Jen
My life isn't perfect. I'm so lucky to have been born into an amazing family, and I am lucky to be a father now in another amazing family. My social life may not be as impressive as many people. Sometimes I get depressed about this and that. Matt Staff knows about my mopy moods, but all in all - it's an amazing life. I hope we all take the time to enjoy the present - it truly is a gift from God. Ultimately nothing matters except our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ -- and then helps me to enjoy the present -- knowing what a great life this is and knowing what a great afterlife awaits us.
Things I look forward to and enjoy each day (well, at least most days)
1. a warm shower
2. a cup of coffee
3. a bowl of cereal (Raisin Bran, Grape Nuts, Lucky Charms, Golden Grahams, Frosted Mini-Wheats)
4. Reading a short section of the Bible (I am working my way through the whole Bible -- I found a cool resource on reading the Bible in a year. This included reading three different chapters from three different books each day. I only do one chapter each weekday morning, so it will probably take me 5 years)
5. Waking my kids up for the day
6. Getting to plan and teach a German lesson each day
7. looking at the beautiful sky (sunrise) on the drive to work
8. one-on-one conversations with students, teachers, friends, neighbors
9. listening to stories at the lunch table (when there is a group of more than 5, I end up listening more than talking, but it's cool getting glimpses into the lives of others)
10. driving home and looking at the trees (everybody loves the colors of spring, but I think trees in winter are beautiful too)
11. picking up the kids from daycare and Kidsnetwork (after Kindergarten care)
12. making a supper for the 4 of us -- (usually it's pretty simple, but it's fun to call the kids up for supper and have their drinks, main course, vegetable, fruit, chips, etc. )
13. reading the comics and a couple articles in the paper (Omaha World Herald)
14. watching a TV show or two (The Office, Worst Week, Brothers and Sisters)
15. an afternoon cup of warmed-up coffee
16. reading a few pages of my current book from the library (Paul Theroux - The Elepahnt Suite) I usually get this reading done in the bathroom
17. a beer, glass of wine, or margarita (yes - or (not - and))
18. a phone call with my folks or my brother
19. filling in and reading the highlight calendar - We have this cool perpetual calendar - thanks to Nate and Becky - where you can record your highlight each day - each year. Then you flip through it each year and see what you were doing on this exact day two years ago, five years ao, etc.
20. Peeking at the kids who are sound asleep
21. Crawling into a nice warm bed next to Jen
My life isn't perfect. I'm so lucky to have been born into an amazing family, and I am lucky to be a father now in another amazing family. My social life may not be as impressive as many people. Sometimes I get depressed about this and that. Matt Staff knows about my mopy moods, but all in all - it's an amazing life. I hope we all take the time to enjoy the present - it truly is a gift from God. Ultimately nothing matters except our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ -- and then helps me to enjoy the present -- knowing what a great life this is and knowing what a great afterlife awaits us.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
a busy week
Hi all. It was great seeing the brothers the weekend before last. We can't wait to see you all in 5 weeks, or so.
The conference in Crete went great. I had about 22 people attend my session, so that was cool. I presented on ways to not entertain but engage your students in a foreign language classroom.
Kylie's birthday party at the Mahoney State Park Activity Center was a success. I got to drive Kylie and 4 friends in our van. Jen and Pam took Davin and Claire in the other vehicle. The other 4 friends Kylie had invited came out with their parents. It was a fun place (and quite affordable) for a party.
Jen returned to work yesterday. Kylie now goes to Kids Network before and after school at a building across the street from her school. An adult walks her and the other students to and from the school each day.
We have parent-teacher conferences tonight and tomorrow night and the family music class on Thursday at church. Jim and Pam are babysitting tonight and tomorrow.
We went to Kylie's conference last night with her kindergarten teacher. That was fun. Kylie is doing great.
Although Friday is a comp. day for two nights of conferences, Jen works in the morning and I work in the afternoon. All teachers have to pick when they are working their 194th day on our contract. There are a variety of options of what sessions you can attend or on what you and a team of teachers can work on, so Friday was one of about 10 option days that we could work to fulfill that 194h day. We will both work 4 hours that day; then we each have another 4 days another day.
On Saturday, Kylie has dance. We switched her dance class from Mondays to Saturdays. I tried to practice helping her get her tights on for dance. I almost had that down. But I also had to learn how to do her hair. For dance class, you have to have your hair pulled back (ponytail, pigtail, or whatever). That was way too tough for me. So we decided instead of having crazy mondays with me getting her to dance class looking ridiculous, we switched her to an 11-12 dance class. (She also starts Daisies soon - the step before Brownies)
Kylie also has a birthday party to attend at some hair place on Saturday where all the kids get their hair and nails done and perform a talent show — or something like that.
We also may attend Touch-A-Truck — a free event that we attended last year that lets Kylie and Davin climb inside just about every type of vehicle you can imagine.
I knew it was a busy week, but now that I have typed it all. Holy cow — it's a busy week.
I'm trying to pull off a mini-surprise for Jen's birthday. After family music class, I take the kids home and go to bed. This Thursday the kids and I will try to pick up a cake, and have a little surprise birthday party in their room when Jen gets home. I bought her a new comforter for our bed — that was very similar to one she mentioned in a catalogue — I was actually paying attention. When she gets home, I hope to have the kids yell 'surpirse' and surprise her with a comforter and one of those goofy powerpoint albums I've made for others.
It was my turn to wake up with Claire to feed her last night, but she slept through the night!!
The conference in Crete went great. I had about 22 people attend my session, so that was cool. I presented on ways to not entertain but engage your students in a foreign language classroom.
Kylie's birthday party at the Mahoney State Park Activity Center was a success. I got to drive Kylie and 4 friends in our van. Jen and Pam took Davin and Claire in the other vehicle. The other 4 friends Kylie had invited came out with their parents. It was a fun place (and quite affordable) for a party.
Jen returned to work yesterday. Kylie now goes to Kids Network before and after school at a building across the street from her school. An adult walks her and the other students to and from the school each day.
We have parent-teacher conferences tonight and tomorrow night and the family music class on Thursday at church. Jim and Pam are babysitting tonight and tomorrow.
We went to Kylie's conference last night with her kindergarten teacher. That was fun. Kylie is doing great.
Although Friday is a comp. day for two nights of conferences, Jen works in the morning and I work in the afternoon. All teachers have to pick when they are working their 194th day on our contract. There are a variety of options of what sessions you can attend or on what you and a team of teachers can work on, so Friday was one of about 10 option days that we could work to fulfill that 194h day. We will both work 4 hours that day; then we each have another 4 days another day.
On Saturday, Kylie has dance. We switched her dance class from Mondays to Saturdays. I tried to practice helping her get her tights on for dance. I almost had that down. But I also had to learn how to do her hair. For dance class, you have to have your hair pulled back (ponytail, pigtail, or whatever). That was way too tough for me. So we decided instead of having crazy mondays with me getting her to dance class looking ridiculous, we switched her to an 11-12 dance class. (She also starts Daisies soon - the step before Brownies)
Kylie also has a birthday party to attend at some hair place on Saturday where all the kids get their hair and nails done and perform a talent show — or something like that.
We also may attend Touch-A-Truck — a free event that we attended last year that lets Kylie and Davin climb inside just about every type of vehicle you can imagine.
I knew it was a busy week, but now that I have typed it all. Holy cow — it's a busy week.
I'm trying to pull off a mini-surprise for Jen's birthday. After family music class, I take the kids home and go to bed. This Thursday the kids and I will try to pick up a cake, and have a little surprise birthday party in their room when Jen gets home. I bought her a new comforter for our bed — that was very similar to one she mentioned in a catalogue — I was actually paying attention. When she gets home, I hope to have the kids yell 'surpirse' and surprise her with a comforter and one of those goofy powerpoint albums I've made for others.
It was my turn to wake up with Claire to feed her last night, but she slept through the night!!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Where are the flying cars . . . I was promised flying cars
Where are the flying cars . . . I was promised flying cars
I've heard that line somewhere where someone is saying the technological advances we have in life here in 2008 are far different from what we thought they might be back in 1988.
I just saw an IBM commercial with Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates that touches on the future that continues this same imaginative look at the future. It's pretty funny.
Anyway, my point to day ist this: Back in 1988, if we could have looked at ourselves here at 2008, what would our response be? Sure, it's mindboggling all the technological advances we have made. But would we also laugh or cry at some of the side effects?
I'm 37 - not too old and not too young. But I feel like an old-timer when I think about some of the little day-t0-day things I see as a result of our technology. Oma used to say "The world's a different place." How true.
I remember when cell phones started to become prominent. I was always somewhat offended when guests would come to visit - for dinner, perhaps. Their cell phone would ring, and they would carry on a 10-minute conversation with this person that had called. If it were an emergency, that's fine. But I always thought (and still think) -- Wait, you are here to visit me for the evening. How rude to ignore the people who have invited you and to carry on this conversation with this other person in this guest's home.
Of course, cell phones have taken over. Do you remember this scenario happening 15 years ago. You see some down the hall or down the street waving at you. A bit surprised, you wave back only to realize that person was actually waving at someone 50 feet behind you. Today's scenario: someone strikes up some sort of conversation with you. Perhaps it's a stranger. This happened to me on a shuttle going from the parking lot to the airport. I respond back, only to realize this person is talking on a hands-free phone.
Digital cameras. Sure, they are great. But I was just watching a Cubs game on TV. They showed some fans doing this: They take a picture of someone next to them and then immediately show them the picture. "Look - this is what you looked like 5 seconds ago when I took this picture - isn't that hilarious?"
What have we turned in to?
While we are connecting with people around the globe (I was so excited when I read my first comment on this blog from some stranger who acknowledged that he too played a card game called nerts. I thought it was cool that someone other than a friend or relative of mine stumbled across my blog). But while we are connecting with people around the globe, we are not connecting with people in our towns, streets, and neighborhoods.
There is a great book called Bowling Alone, which I read a couple years ago. It's an impressive piece of non-fiction that shows how people are less connected than they were years ago. One early cause is the introduction of the television, but it has just spiraled from there. People are on the cell phone while they check out at the grocery store. I was at Subway ordering for my kids. I had to discuss various menu options with them. As I did that (it only took 1 minute - tops) the kid behind the register was texting on his cell. School administrators are so busy on their blackberries they don't interact with students and staff as much as they should. Teachers in graduate classes are on their laptops while the instructor is teaching. Multitasking or just not showing common courtesies to others? But it's more than just common courtesies. We are just not engaged with others as much as we should be.
Of course, I'm as guilty as anybody. I have the TV on too much. I am blogging when I could be talking to my wife more about her day. (I do like this blogging thing. I"ve kept a journal for 15 years -- off and on - sometimes only 4-5 entries per year.) I don't hide my journal. It's on my bookshelf, but this blogging is faster - I type faster than I write, and I can share it with others. I love reading my brother Joel's blog.
But again, think back to 1988. Pretend we live in 1988 and we are glimpsing at life in 2008. We see kids walking home from school sharing headphones (IPOD) - each with one part of the headpiece in his or her ear. Teachers have these fancy Jeopardy games on their laptop and Epson projectors, but the clues are not very creative at all. I've heard the clues they give as I walk past their rooms in the hall, and it they are not nearly as cool as the 150 different categories my dad collected for his German classes for his German class Jeopardy. He wrote many, and students wrote many of the clues, and he passed them on to me when he retired. Thanks, Papa.
My point - put that blackberry, cell phone, text messaging, laptop down. Engage in life. Talk to your neighbor. Join a group. I need to keep reminding myself of some of those same things. Of course, I've never downloaded a song or received or sent a text message. But even in my 1988 world, I need to shut off the TV, turn off the car radio. Silence is a good thing.
And please, parents at the park with your kids. Shut the cell phone off. You are at the park. Either play with your kids, or enjoy watching them. They'll be grown up way too soon.
I've heard that line somewhere where someone is saying the technological advances we have in life here in 2008 are far different from what we thought they might be back in 1988.
I just saw an IBM commercial with Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates that touches on the future that continues this same imaginative look at the future. It's pretty funny.
Anyway, my point to day ist this: Back in 1988, if we could have looked at ourselves here at 2008, what would our response be? Sure, it's mindboggling all the technological advances we have made. But would we also laugh or cry at some of the side effects?
I'm 37 - not too old and not too young. But I feel like an old-timer when I think about some of the little day-t0-day things I see as a result of our technology. Oma used to say "The world's a different place." How true.
I remember when cell phones started to become prominent. I was always somewhat offended when guests would come to visit - for dinner, perhaps. Their cell phone would ring, and they would carry on a 10-minute conversation with this person that had called. If it were an emergency, that's fine. But I always thought (and still think) -- Wait, you are here to visit me for the evening. How rude to ignore the people who have invited you and to carry on this conversation with this other person in this guest's home.
Of course, cell phones have taken over. Do you remember this scenario happening 15 years ago. You see some down the hall or down the street waving at you. A bit surprised, you wave back only to realize that person was actually waving at someone 50 feet behind you. Today's scenario: someone strikes up some sort of conversation with you. Perhaps it's a stranger. This happened to me on a shuttle going from the parking lot to the airport. I respond back, only to realize this person is talking on a hands-free phone.
Digital cameras. Sure, they are great. But I was just watching a Cubs game on TV. They showed some fans doing this: They take a picture of someone next to them and then immediately show them the picture. "Look - this is what you looked like 5 seconds ago when I took this picture - isn't that hilarious?"
What have we turned in to?
While we are connecting with people around the globe (I was so excited when I read my first comment on this blog from some stranger who acknowledged that he too played a card game called nerts. I thought it was cool that someone other than a friend or relative of mine stumbled across my blog). But while we are connecting with people around the globe, we are not connecting with people in our towns, streets, and neighborhoods.
There is a great book called Bowling Alone, which I read a couple years ago. It's an impressive piece of non-fiction that shows how people are less connected than they were years ago. One early cause is the introduction of the television, but it has just spiraled from there. People are on the cell phone while they check out at the grocery store. I was at Subway ordering for my kids. I had to discuss various menu options with them. As I did that (it only took 1 minute - tops) the kid behind the register was texting on his cell. School administrators are so busy on their blackberries they don't interact with students and staff as much as they should. Teachers in graduate classes are on their laptops while the instructor is teaching. Multitasking or just not showing common courtesies to others? But it's more than just common courtesies. We are just not engaged with others as much as we should be.
Of course, I'm as guilty as anybody. I have the TV on too much. I am blogging when I could be talking to my wife more about her day. (I do like this blogging thing. I"ve kept a journal for 15 years -- off and on - sometimes only 4-5 entries per year.) I don't hide my journal. It's on my bookshelf, but this blogging is faster - I type faster than I write, and I can share it with others. I love reading my brother Joel's blog.
But again, think back to 1988. Pretend we live in 1988 and we are glimpsing at life in 2008. We see kids walking home from school sharing headphones (IPOD) - each with one part of the headpiece in his or her ear. Teachers have these fancy Jeopardy games on their laptop and Epson projectors, but the clues are not very creative at all. I've heard the clues they give as I walk past their rooms in the hall, and it they are not nearly as cool as the 150 different categories my dad collected for his German classes for his German class Jeopardy. He wrote many, and students wrote many of the clues, and he passed them on to me when he retired. Thanks, Papa.
My point - put that blackberry, cell phone, text messaging, laptop down. Engage in life. Talk to your neighbor. Join a group. I need to keep reminding myself of some of those same things. Of course, I've never downloaded a song or received or sent a text message. But even in my 1988 world, I need to shut off the TV, turn off the car radio. Silence is a good thing.
And please, parents at the park with your kids. Shut the cell phone off. You are at the park. Either play with your kids, or enjoy watching them. They'll be grown up way too soon.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Visiting relatives
As a kid and as and adult, one of my favorite things has always been visiting relatives. You hear stories about how some people either dread having to spend time with their relatives or how people just feel it's an obligation they must meet - spending time with their relatives on specific occasions and holidays. But it is something that I look forward to and something that I reflect back on. I'm always counting the weeks until I get to see my relatives again.
As a kid, I loved seeing the cousins (John, Phil, and Paul). We would play sports from dawn until dusk - only taking breaks to eat quick meals. I loved going to basketball camp at UND with cousin John. Having Cousin Todd come and visit for the weekend from Chicago. Going fishing with Uncle Jerry, Cousin Dewey, and Cousin David. Spending time at Uncle Jerry's cabin. Playing Nerts with Cousin Michelle. Seeing Grandpa (Martin) cry as we left after a week's visit. Playing Whist with Grandma and Grandpa. Playing Farkle, Uno and Shang-Hi with Oma and Opa. Going for walks with Opa collecting aluminim cans along the way.
My memories with relatives aren't about visiting exotic travel destinations or about having the newest toys to play or anything like that. It's just that I genuinely enjoyed spending time with them.
Life goes on. I've lost some of those relatives -- all of which I'll never forget.
I'll never forget Cousin Dewey helping the cousins and me tape our first ever Seeger-Kvidt show.
I'll never forget Grandma and Grandpa's tiny house. The house never felt tiny to me as a kid. I just remember the smells and tastes of the homemade donuts, lefse, lutefisk, etc. The games of croquet and Whist. Every Christmas in Twin Valley -- that was the highlight of every year being with Grandma and Grandpa and the uncles, aunts, and cousins.
I'll never forget Oma and Opa. I'm so glad Jen got to know Oma. Golfing with Opa. Listening to Oma and Opa's stories. Watching Wheel of Fortune with them.
I'll never forget Uncle Dave. He came to visit me in Waverly once or twice while I was at college. He was in town for the horse auction, and we ate at the Country Kitchen in town. What a fascinating guy to sit and talk to.
New relatives have entered my life. Of course, our three cool kids. Joel married Brooke. I hardly knew Brooke 6 years ago, although they had been dating for a couple years. But it was great having them here in Omaha. Our late-night relay race/obstacle course events -- usually a drink or two involved. Our kids are just totally in love with Grandma Hope, Opa, Joel, Brooke, and Andy. Andy continues to create great games for our kids that they always talk about.
Jen's side of the family. At first it took me a while to really feel close to this whole new side of the family.
I hadn't known them all my life, and it always takes me a while to feel comfortable with new people.
But they have definitely become relatives that I look forward to spending time with, as well. We love spending the night at Grandma and Grandpa's in Bellevue on occasional weekends. Judy, Michael, Barbara, Dennis, and Jane have also been so kind to travel all this way to Omaha from the East Coast for baptisms so that we've seen them fairly regularly, and it's just awesome to see them.
I'd also include our baptismal sponsors among our relatives. Nate, Becky, Allison, and Andrew remain life-long friends from college. Now Dayna and Bastian have joined our family by being sponsors for Claire.
I guess what I"m trying to say is -- thank you to all my relatives. You all mean the world to me. If I don't make to Australia or London or California, or Washington D.C. it would be OK. My Grandpa Martin served in WWI, but I don't think he traveled very much outside of MN/ND except for during the war -- I'll have to ask my mom about that. But he always seemed like the most genuinely, content, happy, gracious person I can ever remember. He died when he was about 15, so I don't have that many years of memories with him. But he seemed so genuinely grateful for his family, his life, and his faith in Christ. He remains my role-model today -- to keep treasuring each day of life. It's OK to cry -- he also showed me.
As a kid, I loved seeing the cousins (John, Phil, and Paul). We would play sports from dawn until dusk - only taking breaks to eat quick meals. I loved going to basketball camp at UND with cousin John. Having Cousin Todd come and visit for the weekend from Chicago. Going fishing with Uncle Jerry, Cousin Dewey, and Cousin David. Spending time at Uncle Jerry's cabin. Playing Nerts with Cousin Michelle. Seeing Grandpa (Martin) cry as we left after a week's visit. Playing Whist with Grandma and Grandpa. Playing Farkle, Uno and Shang-Hi with Oma and Opa. Going for walks with Opa collecting aluminim cans along the way.
My memories with relatives aren't about visiting exotic travel destinations or about having the newest toys to play or anything like that. It's just that I genuinely enjoyed spending time with them.
Life goes on. I've lost some of those relatives -- all of which I'll never forget.
I'll never forget Cousin Dewey helping the cousins and me tape our first ever Seeger-Kvidt show.
I'll never forget Grandma and Grandpa's tiny house. The house never felt tiny to me as a kid. I just remember the smells and tastes of the homemade donuts, lefse, lutefisk, etc. The games of croquet and Whist. Every Christmas in Twin Valley -- that was the highlight of every year being with Grandma and Grandpa and the uncles, aunts, and cousins.
I'll never forget Oma and Opa. I'm so glad Jen got to know Oma. Golfing with Opa. Listening to Oma and Opa's stories. Watching Wheel of Fortune with them.
I'll never forget Uncle Dave. He came to visit me in Waverly once or twice while I was at college. He was in town for the horse auction, and we ate at the Country Kitchen in town. What a fascinating guy to sit and talk to.
New relatives have entered my life. Of course, our three cool kids. Joel married Brooke. I hardly knew Brooke 6 years ago, although they had been dating for a couple years. But it was great having them here in Omaha. Our late-night relay race/obstacle course events -- usually a drink or two involved. Our kids are just totally in love with Grandma Hope, Opa, Joel, Brooke, and Andy. Andy continues to create great games for our kids that they always talk about.
Jen's side of the family. At first it took me a while to really feel close to this whole new side of the family.
I hadn't known them all my life, and it always takes me a while to feel comfortable with new people.
But they have definitely become relatives that I look forward to spending time with, as well. We love spending the night at Grandma and Grandpa's in Bellevue on occasional weekends. Judy, Michael, Barbara, Dennis, and Jane have also been so kind to travel all this way to Omaha from the East Coast for baptisms so that we've seen them fairly regularly, and it's just awesome to see them.
I'd also include our baptismal sponsors among our relatives. Nate, Becky, Allison, and Andrew remain life-long friends from college. Now Dayna and Bastian have joined our family by being sponsors for Claire.
I guess what I"m trying to say is -- thank you to all my relatives. You all mean the world to me. If I don't make to Australia or London or California, or Washington D.C. it would be OK. My Grandpa Martin served in WWI, but I don't think he traveled very much outside of MN/ND except for during the war -- I'll have to ask my mom about that. But he always seemed like the most genuinely, content, happy, gracious person I can ever remember. He died when he was about 15, so I don't have that many years of memories with him. But he seemed so genuinely grateful for his family, his life, and his faith in Christ. He remains my role-model today -- to keep treasuring each day of life. It's OK to cry -- he also showed me.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Ordinary man's ordinary day
One ordinary man’s ordinary day
This is about the fourth time I’ve done this. At the end of the day, I have reflected on everything I’ve done throughout the day. It’s really an amazing exercise that I would recommend to others to do. First of all, it’s kind of a neet snapshot for you or others to look back on years from now to see what your life was like back then. Secondly, it’s mind-boggling how much stuff you experience in a 24-hour period.
My July 29th began by waking up around 1:30 a.m. I am blessed to have three kids. My third child was born a week ago today. Her name is Claire. She was 8 lb. and 4 ounces. So I woke up up when she started fussing because she was hungry. That’s what newborns do, after all. I changed her diaper and make up four ounces of formula and headed downstairs to feed her.
Our remote control is really not working. We tried changing the batteries, but it didn’t help. I have to watch TV while I feed her. I’ve done that with all our kids. I supposed I should be enjoying the moment of feeding our babies. But usually she has her eyes closed. She usually drinks an ounce and then falls asleep. The formula is good for an hour. So then the next 45 minutes are spent burping her, letting her sleep on your lap, trying to wake her to drink another ounce. Repeat steps above. I’m not trying to overfeed her, but I don’t want her to wake up 60 minutes later feeling hungry again.
Actually, we’ve been lucky. She’s been a great baby so far – not very fussy at all.
Since our remote wasn’t working, I had set up a tape to watch in our combo VCR/DVD player that I got from my brother Andy to videotape shows for him from time to time. I had checked out four different videos and DVDs from the library several weeks ago. TV in the middle of the night is pretty lousy, so I thought this was a good idea. Plus without a remote that worked, I couldn’t channel surf easily. So I watched the rest of a PBS Frontline special on video called “Is Wal-Mart Good for America”. This Frontline program is great. I watched one called “Sick around the World.” Actually I taped it thanks to a tip from my brother, and I show that video in my German class. That program discusses health care plans in 5 different countries in order to consider how other countries offer quality health care to all its citizens. Anyway, this Wal-Mart Video was good too. You always hear about the evils of Wal-Mart. We shop there some. I probably will still shop there some – maybe a bit less. What I found most interesting is that our trade with China consists of this: We ship raw materials to China. China produces things cheaply that they then ship back to America for purchase. Obviously many point to Wal-Mart as one company that is making many American companies go bankrupt and lay off workers because other countries, like China, pay its workers much less which makes producing things less expensive. I’m no expert, but it was interesting.
Then I went back to sleep. I heard Jen get up with Claire around 5:00 to feed her. I had forgotten the formula canister downstairs. So after Jen changed Claire, she returned Claire to our room while she got the bottle ready. I brought Claire down to Jen in the family room to feed her, and I went back to bed. At least I think that’s what I did; I was kind of groggy.
If I remember correctly, Claire wasn’t falling back asleep after the feeding. Or she woke up soon thereafter. I must have come down with her around 6:15 a.m. – after Jen fed her. Jen is still recovering from her C-Section. She is still having some pain so I sat in the recliner with Claire. I sort of remember my 3-year old son Davin waking up and coming down around 7:20 a.m. He talked to me and I said that Claire and I would get up in about 5 minutes. He said OK and wandered off to play. Then about 8:30 a.m. – an hour later – I woke up again. Davin was still playing happily, and I think I heard Jen and my 5-year old daughter, Kylie, just waking up.
I haven’t slept that late most of the summer, but having a baby puts your sleep schedule a bit off.
Then what. I got Davin a cereal bar (“Breakfast bar,” he said – he now calls it a breakfast bar and corrects me when I don’t say that.) and apple juice. Kylie went to the bathroom. Jen came downstairs. Claire was fussing for a bottle. Jen fed Claire, and I warmed up the last 2 pancakes for Kylie. They were the pancakes that my Mom had made when she and my dad were here next week. For some reason, I like it when there is some food left over from when my parents have visited. I don’t care if it’s something my mom baked or something my dad bought on his trips to SuperSaver and left for us. It’s just a tangible sign that my folks were here recently to visit. I always keep track of how long it is until I get to see them again (They live 8 hours away.) I will see them in one month for Claire’s baptism.
Wait. I guess I fed Claire. Jen made us eggs and toasted the last pieces of cinnammon raisin toast that I bought at Great Harvest where you get great bread and large free slices of bread.
I shaved (I only shave every other or every 3rd day during summer vacation.) The kids were playing a Dora the Explorer video game. As soon as I was down in the bathroom, I took the kids outside to play. We saw Mark across the street so Kylie invited him over to play. Zach stopped by. We played ball tag for a while in the back yard. Claire sat in her stroller. We switched pretty fast to kickball. Me against Kylie, Zach, and Mark. Davin was on my team, but he doesn’t quite have the rules down to kickball yet. After one inning, we were tied 1-1. After 3 innings, Kylie and I were drenching in sweat and I had lost 17-3.
Kylie took a shower with Mom’s help. After Jen helped her shower, I guess she told Jen “I can handle it from here. I need to practice doing this on my own for when I move out.”
Lunch time was when we had Pokemon mac-n-cheese (purchased by my dad) and frozen carrots and peas. Fine dining! We also had fairy bread. Kylie had learned about that from Vacational Bible School yesterday. It’s really hard to make – bread, butter and sprinkles. It was surprisingly good.
Jen went shopping with her mom for more infant clothes. We have about 12 big tubs of clothes that Jen spent one week this summer labeling to have lots of clothes for Claire. But we don’t’ have much 0-3 month stuff. And she is too little for most of her clothes, so we thought we’d get her a couple more outfits. Since Jen’s mom went along, they probably got even a little more, which was a nice bonus – and a nice thing for her mom to do.
While Jen was out, Claire and Davin napped. Davin and I read Jack and the Beanstalk before his nap. He really got into that story. Kylie played computer during their naps so that I could prepare for Vacation Bible School. I am leading the songs this week. It runs from 6-8 each evening this week. I have limited experience leading the music, so I ran through the music several times. I also tried to figure out some actions to do with the songs. There was a great sign language site that had a big dictionary of words that you could click on and then see a 2 second video clip showing how to do the sign. That was a huge help.
Jen and her mom got home with several bags of clothes. When they walked in the front door, Claire was just beginning to fuss while she was lying on her blanket in the living room. Davin was in the living room too with no pants or underpants on. Why? He had just gone potty. He takes off his pants, sits on the toilet but then still needs help getting his pants back on.
We quickly had PB & J sandwiches before leaving for VBS. We got there early to set up for the music. The world map (The theme for the week is “Where in the world is St. Michael?”) banner had fallen off one of the posts. It hangs outside where we sing. It’s a huge map that I had to try and tie back onto the post. I found some rope from the secratry. I tried to get it tied back on – with little success. After a bit, the pastor’s son and guitarist helped me put it back on.
I sent Kylie and Davin to the fellowship hall to sample the food they had on hand to represent the country for today (Burma). Kylie ate a plateful of it; Davin had no interest in it. I left them to keep setting up the music. Luckily our church is nott too big. We know many of the families somewhat, so I could leave them there and trust them to make their way with the crowd out to me when the singing would begin.
The music went great. We sang “I believe, I do believe”. I taught them “Make me an Instrument of your love.” We sang a few others . Of the 60 kids, probably about half of them were into the singing and doing the actions. Some parents watched the opening from behind the kids. It’s a lot of fun to see the kids join in the singing. On the first day, the kids were just learning and hearing the songs for the first time. But today they were really learning the songs.
Then I had 1 ½ hours to kill before the closing. Chatting with different adult helpers and parents here and there. Many congratulated me on our new baby. I listened in on the speaker from Burma who taught the kids about Burma. The kids go to 4 different stations: country information, Bible story, crafts, and games. We closed with the same songs. It’s really pretty fun We brought home tons of the leftover food that some volunteers had made. Sarah, the VBS coordinator, didn’t want the food to go to waste, so I drove home with 4 or 5 containers of food.
We got home at 8:20. The kids ate cheese crackers on the way home. We listened to Disney radio and a Raffi CD to and fro. When we got home, we each had a cookie. Brushed teeth, went potty, kids to bed. It’s awesome how the kids take a couple books to bed with them. They sit up and read them (tell the story) to themselves.
I zipped down to catch the end of the Cubs-Brewers game. I rarely get Brewers games out here in Nebraska. The Brewers haven’t made the playoffs since 1982. They are now 3 games out of first but one game ahead in the wild card race. But they lost 7-0. Bummer.
Then I typed this account It’s 10:30. Jen is feeding her bottle. She has only had 2 of the 4 ounces. Time for bed to go and read a few more pages of Schulz and Peanuts, a biography.
Good night.
This is about the fourth time I’ve done this. At the end of the day, I have reflected on everything I’ve done throughout the day. It’s really an amazing exercise that I would recommend to others to do. First of all, it’s kind of a neet snapshot for you or others to look back on years from now to see what your life was like back then. Secondly, it’s mind-boggling how much stuff you experience in a 24-hour period.
My July 29th began by waking up around 1:30 a.m. I am blessed to have three kids. My third child was born a week ago today. Her name is Claire. She was 8 lb. and 4 ounces. So I woke up up when she started fussing because she was hungry. That’s what newborns do, after all. I changed her diaper and make up four ounces of formula and headed downstairs to feed her.
Our remote control is really not working. We tried changing the batteries, but it didn’t help. I have to watch TV while I feed her. I’ve done that with all our kids. I supposed I should be enjoying the moment of feeding our babies. But usually she has her eyes closed. She usually drinks an ounce and then falls asleep. The formula is good for an hour. So then the next 45 minutes are spent burping her, letting her sleep on your lap, trying to wake her to drink another ounce. Repeat steps above. I’m not trying to overfeed her, but I don’t want her to wake up 60 minutes later feeling hungry again.
Actually, we’ve been lucky. She’s been a great baby so far – not very fussy at all.
Since our remote wasn’t working, I had set up a tape to watch in our combo VCR/DVD player that I got from my brother Andy to videotape shows for him from time to time. I had checked out four different videos and DVDs from the library several weeks ago. TV in the middle of the night is pretty lousy, so I thought this was a good idea. Plus without a remote that worked, I couldn’t channel surf easily. So I watched the rest of a PBS Frontline special on video called “Is Wal-Mart Good for America”. This Frontline program is great. I watched one called “Sick around the World.” Actually I taped it thanks to a tip from my brother, and I show that video in my German class. That program discusses health care plans in 5 different countries in order to consider how other countries offer quality health care to all its citizens. Anyway, this Wal-Mart Video was good too. You always hear about the evils of Wal-Mart. We shop there some. I probably will still shop there some – maybe a bit less. What I found most interesting is that our trade with China consists of this: We ship raw materials to China. China produces things cheaply that they then ship back to America for purchase. Obviously many point to Wal-Mart as one company that is making many American companies go bankrupt and lay off workers because other countries, like China, pay its workers much less which makes producing things less expensive. I’m no expert, but it was interesting.
Then I went back to sleep. I heard Jen get up with Claire around 5:00 to feed her. I had forgotten the formula canister downstairs. So after Jen changed Claire, she returned Claire to our room while she got the bottle ready. I brought Claire down to Jen in the family room to feed her, and I went back to bed. At least I think that’s what I did; I was kind of groggy.
If I remember correctly, Claire wasn’t falling back asleep after the feeding. Or she woke up soon thereafter. I must have come down with her around 6:15 a.m. – after Jen fed her. Jen is still recovering from her C-Section. She is still having some pain so I sat in the recliner with Claire. I sort of remember my 3-year old son Davin waking up and coming down around 7:20 a.m. He talked to me and I said that Claire and I would get up in about 5 minutes. He said OK and wandered off to play. Then about 8:30 a.m. – an hour later – I woke up again. Davin was still playing happily, and I think I heard Jen and my 5-year old daughter, Kylie, just waking up.
I haven’t slept that late most of the summer, but having a baby puts your sleep schedule a bit off.
Then what. I got Davin a cereal bar (“Breakfast bar,” he said – he now calls it a breakfast bar and corrects me when I don’t say that.) and apple juice. Kylie went to the bathroom. Jen came downstairs. Claire was fussing for a bottle. Jen fed Claire, and I warmed up the last 2 pancakes for Kylie. They were the pancakes that my Mom had made when she and my dad were here next week. For some reason, I like it when there is some food left over from when my parents have visited. I don’t care if it’s something my mom baked or something my dad bought on his trips to SuperSaver and left for us. It’s just a tangible sign that my folks were here recently to visit. I always keep track of how long it is until I get to see them again (They live 8 hours away.) I will see them in one month for Claire’s baptism.
Wait. I guess I fed Claire. Jen made us eggs and toasted the last pieces of cinnammon raisin toast that I bought at Great Harvest where you get great bread and large free slices of bread.
I shaved (I only shave every other or every 3rd day during summer vacation.) The kids were playing a Dora the Explorer video game. As soon as I was down in the bathroom, I took the kids outside to play. We saw Mark across the street so Kylie invited him over to play. Zach stopped by. We played ball tag for a while in the back yard. Claire sat in her stroller. We switched pretty fast to kickball. Me against Kylie, Zach, and Mark. Davin was on my team, but he doesn’t quite have the rules down to kickball yet. After one inning, we were tied 1-1. After 3 innings, Kylie and I were drenching in sweat and I had lost 17-3.
Kylie took a shower with Mom’s help. After Jen helped her shower, I guess she told Jen “I can handle it from here. I need to practice doing this on my own for when I move out.”
Lunch time was when we had Pokemon mac-n-cheese (purchased by my dad) and frozen carrots and peas. Fine dining! We also had fairy bread. Kylie had learned about that from Vacational Bible School yesterday. It’s really hard to make – bread, butter and sprinkles. It was surprisingly good.
Jen went shopping with her mom for more infant clothes. We have about 12 big tubs of clothes that Jen spent one week this summer labeling to have lots of clothes for Claire. But we don’t’ have much 0-3 month stuff. And she is too little for most of her clothes, so we thought we’d get her a couple more outfits. Since Jen’s mom went along, they probably got even a little more, which was a nice bonus – and a nice thing for her mom to do.
While Jen was out, Claire and Davin napped. Davin and I read Jack and the Beanstalk before his nap. He really got into that story. Kylie played computer during their naps so that I could prepare for Vacation Bible School. I am leading the songs this week. It runs from 6-8 each evening this week. I have limited experience leading the music, so I ran through the music several times. I also tried to figure out some actions to do with the songs. There was a great sign language site that had a big dictionary of words that you could click on and then see a 2 second video clip showing how to do the sign. That was a huge help.
Jen and her mom got home with several bags of clothes. When they walked in the front door, Claire was just beginning to fuss while she was lying on her blanket in the living room. Davin was in the living room too with no pants or underpants on. Why? He had just gone potty. He takes off his pants, sits on the toilet but then still needs help getting his pants back on.
We quickly had PB & J sandwiches before leaving for VBS. We got there early to set up for the music. The world map (The theme for the week is “Where in the world is St. Michael?”) banner had fallen off one of the posts. It hangs outside where we sing. It’s a huge map that I had to try and tie back onto the post. I found some rope from the secratry. I tried to get it tied back on – with little success. After a bit, the pastor’s son and guitarist helped me put it back on.
I sent Kylie and Davin to the fellowship hall to sample the food they had on hand to represent the country for today (Burma). Kylie ate a plateful of it; Davin had no interest in it. I left them to keep setting up the music. Luckily our church is nott too big. We know many of the families somewhat, so I could leave them there and trust them to make their way with the crowd out to me when the singing would begin.
The music went great. We sang “I believe, I do believe”. I taught them “Make me an Instrument of your love.” We sang a few others . Of the 60 kids, probably about half of them were into the singing and doing the actions. Some parents watched the opening from behind the kids. It’s a lot of fun to see the kids join in the singing. On the first day, the kids were just learning and hearing the songs for the first time. But today they were really learning the songs.
Then I had 1 ½ hours to kill before the closing. Chatting with different adult helpers and parents here and there. Many congratulated me on our new baby. I listened in on the speaker from Burma who taught the kids about Burma. The kids go to 4 different stations: country information, Bible story, crafts, and games. We closed with the same songs. It’s really pretty fun We brought home tons of the leftover food that some volunteers had made. Sarah, the VBS coordinator, didn’t want the food to go to waste, so I drove home with 4 or 5 containers of food.
We got home at 8:20. The kids ate cheese crackers on the way home. We listened to Disney radio and a Raffi CD to and fro. When we got home, we each had a cookie. Brushed teeth, went potty, kids to bed. It’s awesome how the kids take a couple books to bed with them. They sit up and read them (tell the story) to themselves.
I zipped down to catch the end of the Cubs-Brewers game. I rarely get Brewers games out here in Nebraska. The Brewers haven’t made the playoffs since 1982. They are now 3 games out of first but one game ahead in the wild card race. But they lost 7-0. Bummer.
Then I typed this account It’s 10:30. Jen is feeding her bottle. She has only had 2 of the 4 ounces. Time for bed to go and read a few more pages of Schulz and Peanuts, a biography.
Good night.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Treasure those people
Treasure those people . . .
Treasure those people around you.
Treasure the guy with the spiky hair
Treasure every hello
Treasure the co-worker who complains all day
Treasure the partial conversation you hear as you pass by folks you don’t know very well
- try to fill in the missing pieces in their conversations as you walk past
Treasure that friend who roots for the same team you do . . . or for your team’s rival
Treasure every conversation
Treasure the compliments you get (whether unspoken or just thought)
Treasure the answer to your question
Ask a new question to somebody today
- How many brothers and sisters do you have? What job do/did your parents have?
Treasure going to new places with those around you
Treasure seeing the kids playing outside – and even join them for a game of kickball
Treasure singing in church with those around you and treasure hearing their voices – no matter how good or off-key they may be
So what does it mean to treasure all this? Realizing that all these people you see around you every day are treasures. Even if they are , family close friends, acquaintences, or people you rarely talk to. Think back 20 years. Think ahead 20 years. No matter what your current age, it’s likely that most of those people around you now (in your home, in your school, in your workplace, in your church, in your community, in your neigborhood) will not be around you in 20 years or were not around you 20 years ago. Circumstances change. You move. You graduate. You get a new job. You retire. OR They move. They graduate. They get a new job. They retire.
We all need to treasure the people around us. Yes, there will be other wonderful people around us in 20 years (when we are lucky, some of those around us will still be around us in 20 years, but many will not) So treasure those people around you today.
Treasure those people around you.
Treasure the guy with the spiky hair
Treasure every hello
Treasure the co-worker who complains all day
Treasure the partial conversation you hear as you pass by folks you don’t know very well
- try to fill in the missing pieces in their conversations as you walk past
Treasure that friend who roots for the same team you do . . . or for your team’s rival
Treasure every conversation
Treasure the compliments you get (whether unspoken or just thought)
Treasure the answer to your question
Ask a new question to somebody today
- How many brothers and sisters do you have? What job do/did your parents have?
Treasure going to new places with those around you
Treasure seeing the kids playing outside – and even join them for a game of kickball
Treasure singing in church with those around you and treasure hearing their voices – no matter how good or off-key they may be
So what does it mean to treasure all this? Realizing that all these people you see around you every day are treasures. Even if they are , family close friends, acquaintences, or people you rarely talk to. Think back 20 years. Think ahead 20 years. No matter what your current age, it’s likely that most of those people around you now (in your home, in your school, in your workplace, in your church, in your community, in your neigborhood) will not be around you in 20 years or were not around you 20 years ago. Circumstances change. You move. You graduate. You get a new job. You retire. OR They move. They graduate. They get a new job. They retire.
We all need to treasure the people around us. Yes, there will be other wonderful people around us in 20 years (when we are lucky, some of those around us will still be around us in 20 years, but many will not) So treasure those people around you today.
Sunday-Monday
Sunday evening / Monday evening
Disney Playhouse Live! On Stage came to town. Tickets were only $20. That’s not too shabby. Let’s go. Let’s invite Grandma and Grandpa. Four shows in one. Mickey Mouse and Friends, Handy Manny, Tigger and Pooh, Little Einsteings were all in the show. How cool is that? And it really was pretty cool. Of course, there were the expected frustrations. Guys, stop jumping and skipping and just walk normally. Wait over here while I get the tickets at Will Call. And there were those moments when we saw utter joy on the kids’ faces as one of their favorite Disney characters appeared live on stage. There was the thrill of seeing the kids do the hot dog dance and trying to do the nature sound song with Tigger and Pooh. Then there were the tears because we weren’t going to buy the souveniers like the $15 dollar light toy (We got one of those at Elmo Live a couple years ago already). We weren’t going to buy the $12 cotton candy that came with a Handy Manny hat. Yes, there were tears. There was some pouting. Overall, the night was enjoyable. It was a memorable evening although a bit stressful.
Monday evening was also just as enjoyable. Instead of costing $160, the required extra supplies cost next to nothing. We needed three pieces of paper and a flashlight. I can’t remember whose idea it was, but we decided to make paper airplanes. My first airplane was a dud. I checked on line quickly and found a cool site. While others may have gone for one of the fancy ones, I just needed to perfect the folds of the simple paper airplane. I did it. I made two pretty good ones. The kids had a ball going up to the landing and seeing how far they could throw them. If fact, I think I saw similar expressions of joy and enthusiasm as their airplanes flew and landed on the Green Bay Packer bear or when it sailed across the living room and it the opposite wall. That’s your best throw yet. Then it was time for the flashlight. They took turns holding the flashlight while the other tried to stand wherever the light was shining. Sure we had moments of fighting over the paper airplanes or flashlights. But it was a fun evening as well.
I wouldn’t go back and undo either evening. Going places with little kids usually ends up being stressful at times. Staying at home and playing can be stressful at times. But every day has its moments of simple joys and pleasures and experiencing them with these two kids is the most amazing gift in the world.
Disney Playhouse Live! On Stage came to town. Tickets were only $20. That’s not too shabby. Let’s go. Let’s invite Grandma and Grandpa. Four shows in one. Mickey Mouse and Friends, Handy Manny, Tigger and Pooh, Little Einsteings were all in the show. How cool is that? And it really was pretty cool. Of course, there were the expected frustrations. Guys, stop jumping and skipping and just walk normally. Wait over here while I get the tickets at Will Call. And there were those moments when we saw utter joy on the kids’ faces as one of their favorite Disney characters appeared live on stage. There was the thrill of seeing the kids do the hot dog dance and trying to do the nature sound song with Tigger and Pooh. Then there were the tears because we weren’t going to buy the souveniers like the $15 dollar light toy (We got one of those at Elmo Live a couple years ago already). We weren’t going to buy the $12 cotton candy that came with a Handy Manny hat. Yes, there were tears. There was some pouting. Overall, the night was enjoyable. It was a memorable evening although a bit stressful.
Monday evening was also just as enjoyable. Instead of costing $160, the required extra supplies cost next to nothing. We needed three pieces of paper and a flashlight. I can’t remember whose idea it was, but we decided to make paper airplanes. My first airplane was a dud. I checked on line quickly and found a cool site. While others may have gone for one of the fancy ones, I just needed to perfect the folds of the simple paper airplane. I did it. I made two pretty good ones. The kids had a ball going up to the landing and seeing how far they could throw them. If fact, I think I saw similar expressions of joy and enthusiasm as their airplanes flew and landed on the Green Bay Packer bear or when it sailed across the living room and it the opposite wall. That’s your best throw yet. Then it was time for the flashlight. They took turns holding the flashlight while the other tried to stand wherever the light was shining. Sure we had moments of fighting over the paper airplanes or flashlights. But it was a fun evening as well.
I wouldn’t go back and undo either evening. Going places with little kids usually ends up being stressful at times. Staying at home and playing can be stressful at times. But every day has its moments of simple joys and pleasures and experiencing them with these two kids is the most amazing gift in the world.
Stages of life
Stages
Elementary to middle school,
What! No more recess?
Middle school to high school,
Feeling so self-conscious.
High School to college,
Moving to a brand new town.
College life suits me fine.
I never want to move on.
Really hits home on graduation day;
My suitemates and I are all moving away.
My first teaching job at a new school.
It’s tough getting students to obey my rules.
This teaching job is at first so tough;
No wonder so many leave saying that’s enough.
Slowly getting better at this teaching thing.
My wife tells me we are expecting.
Becoming a parent is a pretty big job,
But having a daughter is just so cool.
Reading books, making her laugh is a delight
Despite wiping butts and cleaning up drool.
Now our son shares a room with his sister.
It’s fun eavesdropping on their conversation.
Playing ball tag, making lunches, doing laundry
Forget about any time for relaxation.
Our third is due near the end of summer break.
Our oldest in preschool is already five.
This stage of our life will soon pass.
Man, we are so lucky to just be alive.
I’m not yet forty, still quite young.
Many more challenging stages in store.
I’ll try and enjoy each moment to the fullest
Until it’s time to open the next door.
Step out of your life for a moment
Just reflect on all of its stages.
It’s an amazing life we all lead
A book full of memorable pages.
Elementary to middle school,
What! No more recess?
Middle school to high school,
Feeling so self-conscious.
High School to college,
Moving to a brand new town.
College life suits me fine.
I never want to move on.
Really hits home on graduation day;
My suitemates and I are all moving away.
My first teaching job at a new school.
It’s tough getting students to obey my rules.
This teaching job is at first so tough;
No wonder so many leave saying that’s enough.
Slowly getting better at this teaching thing.
My wife tells me we are expecting.
Becoming a parent is a pretty big job,
But having a daughter is just so cool.
Reading books, making her laugh is a delight
Despite wiping butts and cleaning up drool.
Now our son shares a room with his sister.
It’s fun eavesdropping on their conversation.
Playing ball tag, making lunches, doing laundry
Forget about any time for relaxation.
Our third is due near the end of summer break.
Our oldest in preschool is already five.
This stage of our life will soon pass.
Man, we are so lucky to just be alive.
I’m not yet forty, still quite young.
Many more challenging stages in store.
I’ll try and enjoy each moment to the fullest
Until it’s time to open the next door.
Step out of your life for a moment
Just reflect on all of its stages.
It’s an amazing life we all lead
A book full of memorable pages.
Kickball in February
Kick ball in February
I left school, picked up the kids and got home about 4:45. Four neighbor boys were outside playing. Can I play outside, asked Kylie. Me too, said Davin. Davin already had wet clothes clothes from playing outside at daycare. Kylie had nice preschool clothes (and of course, I did too – well, high school teacher clothes). OK, we’ll be out in a few minutes. Can you play too, a neighbor asked me. Well, not today, I said. After all, it was a slushy, muddy mess out in our front yard. Sure, I played a dozen games of wiffle ball and kickball with the kids last summer, but not today.
We zipped inside. No Davin, you can keep your shoes and coat on. We’ll be going right back out. Kylie headed upstairs to change clothes and use the bathroom. It’s amazing how much you can get done when your five-year old is getting dressed and going to the bathroom. I went to the bathroom, changed my clothes, clipped my fingernails, folded a load of laundry, and did my taxes (OK, I may have exaggerated a bit.) During a busy morning rush, it can be frustrating, but at other times, it can help me get stuff done. Before kids were born, I would try to do housework during commercial breaks. Now I use my daughter’s getting dressed times. By the way, our house was and is a mess about 95% of the time.
Anyway, by the time we headed outside only two neighbor boys were still outside. I had my Green Bay packer windbreaker and old faded jeans on. I decided to play – I had to be outside anyway with my two-year old. Why not play? Plus once you start getting into the spirit, it’s kind of fun.
They had already set up the bases. They asked if it could be them against us. So we had the teams. Kylie (age 5), Davin (age 2) and Dad (age 36) against the two neighbors (grades 5 and 3). Kylie pitched and the first three kicks for their team sailed over my head into the street for home runs. We were a little outmatched. On the fourth kick, our neighbor let Kylie tag him for the first out. Then I pitched from the outfield. Kylie wanted to dig holes. Davin was having fun on the patches of snow. With one neighbor on base, I made a pretty good catch and doubled up the runner on base. Three outs.
We are up to bat. Kylie gets to second base. She’s pretty good. I lined out. Kylie ran and got picked off from second base. She had forgotten that rule over the winter to not run if it looks like the ball will be caught. Two outs and our two-year old is up. He kicked the ball and ran straight for the pitcher’s mound despite our yells to run to first base.
Overall it was a fun 30-40 minutes. Kylie and Davin were muddy and wet, but we had fun.
I left school, picked up the kids and got home about 4:45. Four neighbor boys were outside playing. Can I play outside, asked Kylie. Me too, said Davin. Davin already had wet clothes clothes from playing outside at daycare. Kylie had nice preschool clothes (and of course, I did too – well, high school teacher clothes). OK, we’ll be out in a few minutes. Can you play too, a neighbor asked me. Well, not today, I said. After all, it was a slushy, muddy mess out in our front yard. Sure, I played a dozen games of wiffle ball and kickball with the kids last summer, but not today.
We zipped inside. No Davin, you can keep your shoes and coat on. We’ll be going right back out. Kylie headed upstairs to change clothes and use the bathroom. It’s amazing how much you can get done when your five-year old is getting dressed and going to the bathroom. I went to the bathroom, changed my clothes, clipped my fingernails, folded a load of laundry, and did my taxes (OK, I may have exaggerated a bit.) During a busy morning rush, it can be frustrating, but at other times, it can help me get stuff done. Before kids were born, I would try to do housework during commercial breaks. Now I use my daughter’s getting dressed times. By the way, our house was and is a mess about 95% of the time.
Anyway, by the time we headed outside only two neighbor boys were still outside. I had my Green Bay packer windbreaker and old faded jeans on. I decided to play – I had to be outside anyway with my two-year old. Why not play? Plus once you start getting into the spirit, it’s kind of fun.
They had already set up the bases. They asked if it could be them against us. So we had the teams. Kylie (age 5), Davin (age 2) and Dad (age 36) against the two neighbors (grades 5 and 3). Kylie pitched and the first three kicks for their team sailed over my head into the street for home runs. We were a little outmatched. On the fourth kick, our neighbor let Kylie tag him for the first out. Then I pitched from the outfield. Kylie wanted to dig holes. Davin was having fun on the patches of snow. With one neighbor on base, I made a pretty good catch and doubled up the runner on base. Three outs.
We are up to bat. Kylie gets to second base. She’s pretty good. I lined out. Kylie ran and got picked off from second base. She had forgotten that rule over the winter to not run if it looks like the ball will be caught. Two outs and our two-year old is up. He kicked the ball and ran straight for the pitcher’s mound despite our yells to run to first base.
Overall it was a fun 30-40 minutes. Kylie and Davin were muddy and wet, but we had fun.
A trip to Kmart
A trip to Kmart
I took my 1 ½-year old son to Kmart with me to get a birthday card for Opa, whose birthday happens to fall on Valentine’s Day – every year even.
Normally I carry him in and plop him into a grocery cart and away we go. He’s a good little shopping-cart rider. But today I thought – why not let him walk around a bit?
So right inside the store, I stood him on the floor. He froze for a few moments – unsure what to do with this new freedom. He has rarely been given the opportunity to roam around at a department store or grocery store before. After that momentary hesitation, off he went.
We were able to go right to the card section and find a good card for Opa. Since Mom and Kylie were working on Valentine cards at home for family and friends, I was in no rush. I soon decided to not buy the laundry detergent we needed, but instead to just let Davin roam.
He took off with delight for the south end of the store. He turned right and walked to the southwest corner of the store, not even noticing the four toy aisles we passed. After spending just a moment or two in the hardware section of the store, we turned right and headed for the opposite corner of Kmart. (But we would be returning to this section before long). Whizzing past the electronics and books, we soon arrived at the northwest corner of the store – the men’s department. On the way, I heard comments from other families like “I need a big-girl bike” and “Stop whining. Other people can hear you.”
When we reached the men’s department, we took an immediate right and headed for the baby section. Davin noticed Elmo right away on various signs and boxes. But before long we were retracing our steps back to the hardware section. We had hit all four corners of Kmart. That’s a lot of steps for a little guy.
We spent the next 10 minutes in about four different aisles. Davin loved the vacuum cleaners. He loves to follow Mom around when she vacuums. He pointed at the different ones and waited for me to say the color of each one. Then came the storage bins, which were good for drumming. Next he saw the garbage hits, which were also a big hit, because the garbage cans had swinging tops. Then we came across shelf liner. That was a big hit with Davin. Boy, what a ball he had picking up a roll and then putting it back in its place just right. Finally after trying on a wicker basket as a hat and some banging on the metal store shelves, I thought we had better start heading for the exit.
I thought he might try screaming, but it was no big deal. He handed the cashier the $10 bill for the card, but I took the change. And we were off.
It was a simple outing, but it’s a stage in Davin’s life that he won’t be in for much longer. It’s that stage of just pure joy or glee of exploration. He didn’t need toys, games, or candy to be happy. He just loved the adventure of exploring the aisles of Kmart. We all need that -- the sheer joy of life and all of its little adventures.
I took my 1 ½-year old son to Kmart with me to get a birthday card for Opa, whose birthday happens to fall on Valentine’s Day – every year even.
Normally I carry him in and plop him into a grocery cart and away we go. He’s a good little shopping-cart rider. But today I thought – why not let him walk around a bit?
So right inside the store, I stood him on the floor. He froze for a few moments – unsure what to do with this new freedom. He has rarely been given the opportunity to roam around at a department store or grocery store before. After that momentary hesitation, off he went.
We were able to go right to the card section and find a good card for Opa. Since Mom and Kylie were working on Valentine cards at home for family and friends, I was in no rush. I soon decided to not buy the laundry detergent we needed, but instead to just let Davin roam.
He took off with delight for the south end of the store. He turned right and walked to the southwest corner of the store, not even noticing the four toy aisles we passed. After spending just a moment or two in the hardware section of the store, we turned right and headed for the opposite corner of Kmart. (But we would be returning to this section before long). Whizzing past the electronics and books, we soon arrived at the northwest corner of the store – the men’s department. On the way, I heard comments from other families like “I need a big-girl bike” and “Stop whining. Other people can hear you.”
When we reached the men’s department, we took an immediate right and headed for the baby section. Davin noticed Elmo right away on various signs and boxes. But before long we were retracing our steps back to the hardware section. We had hit all four corners of Kmart. That’s a lot of steps for a little guy.
We spent the next 10 minutes in about four different aisles. Davin loved the vacuum cleaners. He loves to follow Mom around when she vacuums. He pointed at the different ones and waited for me to say the color of each one. Then came the storage bins, which were good for drumming. Next he saw the garbage hits, which were also a big hit, because the garbage cans had swinging tops. Then we came across shelf liner. That was a big hit with Davin. Boy, what a ball he had picking up a roll and then putting it back in its place just right. Finally after trying on a wicker basket as a hat and some banging on the metal store shelves, I thought we had better start heading for the exit.
I thought he might try screaming, but it was no big deal. He handed the cashier the $10 bill for the card, but I took the change. And we were off.
It was a simple outing, but it’s a stage in Davin’s life that he won’t be in for much longer. It’s that stage of just pure joy or glee of exploration. He didn’t need toys, games, or candy to be happy. He just loved the adventure of exploring the aisles of Kmart. We all need that -- the sheer joy of life and all of its little adventures.
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