For Smoky

Last night Noah and I were practicing writing letters and words and then we started drawing pictures.

Noah: Mom, can you draw a farm?
Jeana: I can draw a barn...
Noah: Yeah, draw a barn. With a chicken in the window!
Jeana: Okay, how's this?
Noah: Yeah. Now can you draw a tractor?
Jeana: Here, does this look like a tractor?
Noah: Yep. Now we just need the people.
Jeana: What people?
Noah: Smoky and me!
Jeana: Do you love Uncle Smoky?
Noah: Yeah. I really, really do.
Jeana: Me, too.

This morning, Uncle Smoky passed away. The feelings are...confusing. We are sad. At the same time, it was awful to see him suffering and weak. One thing is clear: We always loved Uncle Smoky and we cherish the memories we have of him. Rest in peace, Smoky.

He's sooooo considerate...

Today while I was taking a nap Noah approached my face and patted my cheek. "Mom! MOM! Wake up!"

Jeana: MmmnogoawayI'mstillsleepinggrrr..
Noah: Mom, I just went potty!
Jeana: Great, I'm really proud of you, but I'm still taking a nap.
Noah: I know. That's why I didn't flush the toilet. Because I didn't want the noise to wake you up.

I can hug my three year old.

Sometimes I get a big head and think I'm the best provider for my wife and three year old. Maybe I am. But as Lebanon's conflict flares up I realize thousands of fathers, right now, are struggling. Their children (this applies to Israeli fathers too) are accidentally facing down shrapnel wounds. What makes my fatherhood so easy? I must be superior. That's it. I am just a better provider for my child cause I am American. What!!??

Maybe all fathers need help providing for their children?

I got an alert from Worldvision. They already have staff on the ground in Lebanon and they are frantically giving emergency supplies to families. Check out this website if you want.

Mark 16:16

Five Years

Pump It Up!

Noah's friend Andrew invited him to a party at Pump It Up! It's a playzone full of bouncy toys! They had a blast and I wish I had brought socks with me so that I could jump around with them. Yes, adults are allowed to play, too! I'm thinking of having Noah's next birthday party here, since there isn't really any outdoor activity stuff to do in late November.

Please excuse the blurriness of these pictures. As you can imagine, all the bouncing doesn't lend to good pictures. But at least you can get an idea of how cool this place is!

This bouncer had columns you could bounce off and a small slide inside.

This bouncer had basketball hoops on the ends and was full of beach balls to throw.

Best buds outside the bouncy obstacle course. Andrew raced through it twice but Noah got stuck somewhere in the middle and had to be rescued by staff.

If there is a car to ride in, Noah will find it.

Noah: Let's have a race!

Andrew: Okay, but I want to be first!

Noah: Okay!

Andrew climbed and zoomed down the big bouncy slide about a million times in a row. Later, he said it was his favorite part.

Noah said his favorite part was the giant bouncer with a bouncing pod in the center. My favorite part was how well Pump It Up got the "hypers" out of 2 of my favorite boys.

Bob the Tomato Lacks Listening Skills

Noah has been listening to a Veggie Tales CD which has his name mentioned throughout. For example, when the CD begins Larry the Cucumber says, "Hey Noah, great to meet ya!" and then "introduces" Noah to Bob and the gang. Then they sing, "If Noah likes to talk to tomatoes, if a squash can make Noah smile..."

Last night I heard Noah interacting with the CD from his bed.

Bob: Would you like to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with us?
Noah: No thank you. Not tonight.
Bob: Great! Here we go!
Noah: I said no thank you!
(After the song) Bob: Noah, you are great singer! You did great!
Noah: No, I didn't. I didn't sing with you. I told you I wasn't going to. You need to learn to listen or next time I will listen to Wiggles.

We're Still Here

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted! Things have been busy with work, but its going well. We are super close to paying off one credit card already! Yay, for us! It's nice to have some extra cash for fun stuff, too. We purchased a portable DVD player and it made our trip home from the farm this weekend a little more enjoyable for Noah.

Yes, we went to the farm last weekend! It was fun to hang out with all the relatives and enjoy the outdoors. Although, I did take an allergy pill on Saturday that just knocked me out. I ended up sleeping on the couch while Lila and Nila entertained Noah. When I was able to wake up and go back outside, Noah said, "Mom, I want you to leave us alone! Go lay back down!"

It was kind of bizarre to see Uncle Smoky and think that this might be the last time we see him. I don't quite know how to process those feelings. For those of you who don't know, Smoky has lung cancer and these are said to be his final days. I've never really had a chance to get to know him deeply, but I've always admired and liked him. I know he has a special place in Geary's heart and I was really proud of Geary for the way he affirmed Uncle Smoky while we were visiting him.

Geary and I have been having some discussions about where we think God is directing us. Nothing is solid yet so I'm afraid I can't really share any details. But if you think about us, please pray that we would be on the same page and that any leading from God would be crystal clear.

Pedopalooza July 7th Winner

I can't believe I forgot to post who the winner was on Friday. It was...

ME!!! (Jeana!)

However, I'm off to a miserable start this week. I completely forgot to wear my pedometer yesterday so zero points were recorded. Hopefully, I can make it up today.

In other news:

• Geary is serving on Jury Duty this week.
• Big Lots opened and I am also covering 3 other stores while another merchandiser is on vacation. Four stores! It's going to be busy for the next few weeks!
• Noah has had another vocabulary explosion and is saying words like episode, cooperation, and interesting.

A Potty Story

A few days ago I was playing iSketch when I heard Noah call, "Wipe, please!" I said, "Okay! Just a second!" and went back to finishing my draw. I promptly forgot about my son in the bathroom until I heard his little voice say, "This CANNOT be happening!" I rushed to the bathroom to find him bent over, holding his ankles, with a bright red face from all the blood draining to his head. He had been in "wipe position" that whole time! Poor little guy! I've noticed that in the past couple of days whenever he needs a wipe, he just stays seated on the toilet until I come...

American Greetings Update

Well, it looks like I'll be merchandising AG cards at a Big Lots in our town. The store is opening this Saturday. I'm really happy to be getting a brand new store--all fresh and clean! For the past couple of weeks I've been covering for people on vacation, so I've worked at several different stores. I think things are going really well. It helps that I have the experience from my years at Evangel and I'm catching on to the AG way quickly. It still amazes me how it all came together at at the perfect timing, too. It will be great to get into the swing of things while Geary's home for the summer. Then by the time school starts I'll know exactly what I need in terms of childcare.

Thanks, God! I know it shouldn't suprise me when you meet my exact need for the millionth time in a row, but I'm still in awe of your pursuit of me. Thank you for chasing me down with your goodness and mercy.