"I WILL!"

Because I took my eyes off my two-year-old for a few moments the other day, this is what I found. After taking her picture, I took her down off the table and told her she needed to clean up the crayons. "I WILL!" was her response. It had the snyde teenage tone to it. Again, I repeated that she needed to clean up the crayons. "I WILL!" was the same response with the same defiant tone. After I encouraged her to say, "Yes, Mommy," politely and obediently as she should, she obeyed. I even helped her clean them up.

What will I have to deal with when she is a teenager?

Purchasing a Swingset

We've tossed around the idea of getting a swingset for quite some time now. On Saturday, we headed to the store to purchase one of the cheaper nonwooden sets that were on sale. We took the ticket to the cashier, paid for the item and pulled the van up to pick up our new purchase.



The girls were getty with glee. Jaycie kept asking, "Where swing?"; "Where slide?" Nikelle in all of her excitement stated "I really am a princess!" "Why do you say that?" I inquired. "Because my dreams really do come true!" she exclaimed.



Sadly, this store that we don't visit very often did not have their inventory up to date and informed Rod later that they were out of this item. As the girls and I waited in the van, the girls continued talking about the fun they would have in the yard. Rod came out quite some time later after quite a fiasco with receiving a refund. We then attempted to explain to our confused children as to why Daddy did not have the swingset with him.



Thankfully, the store did give us a raincheck. Still, their was a disappointment in all that could have been prevented.

A Season in Your Path

by Wayne Watson


Heard that friends are friends forever
But we don't talk much anymore
I guess that I’ve gone my way
And I guess that you've gone yours

Was kindness too neglected
On my list of deep regret?
In spite of distance unexpected
Can we forgive but not forget?

Sometimes I think about you
Some old memories make me cry
Remembering the good times makes me laugh
But all in all I'm richer
For the happy and the sad
And I’m thankful for a season in your path

I guess God alone deciphers
When people need each other most
Who will be the blessed receiver
And who will be the gracious host
And all a servant here can do
Is unto the Lord avail
Content at times to be the wind
And at times to be the sail

If another winter settles
On your shoulder down the road
Without a thought of what’s behind us
Let me help you pull your load

Sometimes I think about you
Some old memories make me cry
Remembering the good times makes me laugh
But all in all I’m richer
For the happy and the sad
And I'm thankful for a season in your path

Update on Dad Carlson 5-5-08

Burn out -- I think that's what I experienced yesterday. I was out of sorts all day. Not feeling well. Tired. Crabby. Unable to think. After the busy week, it takes an entire day of doing nothing in order to recoup.

Rod's dad went back in the hospital this past week. He's been to the emergency room twice and that's where he was the last that I heard. During dialysis twice this week, his heart rate shot up. I believe it was somewhere around 170. It seemed as though dialysis was somehow connected but doctors told him that he needs the dialysis in order to continue on. They currently have things under control. Frustrated does not even begin to explain the emotion written on his face. Doctors seem to have now determined that he has a blood infection which causes his heart to be aggravated during dialysis. We think this is positive news because it sounds like something that can be treated and overcome. They're putting him on medication and we'll see how he responds to the dialysis tomorrow once again. I know he is anxious to get home. His visits to the hospital are getting old... fast. No one wants the hospital to be their home away from home.

Needless to say, it's been an exhausting week. The days continue to blur together. It's difficult to live with purpose and passion when all you want to do is get through the day.

Eisenhower Academy

Nikelle has her testing at Eisenhower Academy today. I'm anxious to know where she'll be attending 1st grade in the fall. I want to have as many ducks in a row as I can early. The start of the school year will also be bringing the baby so there will be a lot of adjusting to be made. I'm hoping I'll know something by the beginning of June. I realize, however, that beggars can't be choosers so I'll just have to wait patiently.

Her kindergarten teacher wished her luck yesterday on her test and informed me that she has recommended her to the school. She doesn't see Nikelle having any problems with the testing. Still, there are other factors involved and only about 60 spots available. It'll be fine either way. I'm just ready to know something about the future. At least this part will be over soon.