YODER YEARS

Friday, September 10, 2010

Saturday, September 4, 2010

FIRST ADVENTURE FOR RIGGS

Riggs is getting close to 5 months old.

And, its time.

Time for his first traveling adventure.

Riggs and I are flying to Florida this morning.

My Pop Kouns is not doing well and I want to see him.

And, I would like for Riggs to meet his Great-Grandfather.

Pop is a very witty, funny, outgoing, people charming, stubborn, music playing, word maker-upper, gadget fixing, 'Gerry-rigger' making, story telling, puppy feeding, loving man that weighs almost as much as a paperclip.

He is my grandfather and I love him for all that means in itself.

But he was also so much fun when I was growing up ~

except for when his rooster attacked me in the backyard.

No. Not kidding.

Fear of birds to this day.

(Grace, maybe that is why I don't eat much red meat. Revenge.) HA!

There was his trampoline (no sides, no pads - we were a lot tougher back then), the pool, the Orange Beach adventures - boat rides, feeding frozen mullet to a wild crane in the backyard, the wheelbarrow rides, the jokes, his 3 arms, the pulling off of the thumb trick - got me every time, the cracking of his nose - now I know it was his nail on his teeth, trying to decipher what he was talking about because he is the best at making up words and talking in circles, watching him make life long friends out of the waitress at the restaurants we went, the obsession of making sure my grandmother always had a drink to keep her cool and being terrified for my life while driving in a car with him....

HAD to be first off the line at red lights & was always down shifting to get more power.

I loved every second of it!

He is a very special man.

Scott said, "Pop is probably my most favorite person I have met."

So, we are off....to visit Pop!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

IT'S JUST US

Well...for a couple hours two times a week.

But, still.

What do you think we should do, Riggs?

THERE GOES ANOTHER ONE

SEPTEMBER 1ST

Alex is off for her 1st day of pre-school.

She is nervous and way apprehensive about the situation.

As much as I have considered her more outgoing...

she can actually be quite timid.

Especially in new situations. Like everyone, I suppose.

She is trying to convince us that she is really excited.

But, a mom can tell.

When I talk to her alone, she admits to being nervous....even scared.

And, tears start.

I love my little girl.

She wants to be so brave but is also able to be honest in sharing her real feelings.

I pray that she will always be able to do that.

Be brave in living life but always honest about how she really feels.

And, so...here goes another one out into the world.

Brooklyn gives Alex a big sister good luck hug.

Introducing...my pre-school girl, Alex! (crowd cheers)

Lord, I pray that we, as parents, have given these little ones you have entrusted to us the foundation that is needed. I pray they have the courage to stand for what is right. The assurance in themselves to be the leader and not follow others into things they ought not. I pray for your protection over their little hearts from the hurtful things of this world. And, give us the wisdom and guidance in helping them navigate through it all. Amen.