Piggyback on Kids say...

This house is just full of little girls who love their Daddy. When he walks in the door from work, Andelise hears his voice and smiles. She then looks for him intently until she sees him. Finally, she bounces up and down in my arms anxiously awaiting his arms reaching out to her.

The piggyback is from my post the other day. Jaycie and I were cleaning her room today. She really does not enjoy cleaning (just one more way she is like her mother). As we were enduring this task, her voice and face get somewhat solemn as she states, "I wish Daddy were here...". As I'm wondering why in her mind she would think he would get her out of cleaning, she finished her sentence. "...'cause then he would tell us a funny joke."

It's just a never-ending love fest for Daddy around here. (And I'm beginning to wonder if there is a little brainwashing going on as well!)

9-months-old

Andelise is 9-months-old today. Over the past couple of weeks, she has learned to crawl and stand by herself. She is a real go-getter and today, she took her first step. (Yes, Mom, technically it may have happened a couple weeks ago but I still need to watch the video to find out - I'll retract my statement if I find that to be true.) There was no question that she let go of my hand today and took one steady step prior to attempting her second step reaching for the arm of the LazyBoy before she fell on her face.

She keeps me busy and I wasn't really ready to have her walking too much before her first birthday. Guess I better get used to it quick. It doesn't look like she plans on crawling for long.

Kids say...

I've been getting a bit tired of picking up after everybody lately. This morning Nikelle was leaving the table without putting her dish and cup where they should go, so I reminded her.

"Nikelle, you need to clean up your dishes. It's not my job to clean up for everyone around here." I told my almost 7-year-old daughter.

"No, it's your job to take care of us," she informed me.

"Yes, and to teach you how to take care of yourselves," I corrected.

"And it's Daddy's job to teach us jokes and play games," she added.

A good cry

Last Friday, Nikelle had early dismissal from school. As I wanted a break and the little ones were napping, I had her choose a movie to watch. She chose The Wizard of Oz.

When the movie was over she came over to me looking quite sad. When I asked what was wrong, her voice got shaky as she replied, "I just didn't want her to have to say goodbye to her friends". At this, I couldn't help but smile. I've had my share of movies where I've been in tears but The Wizard of Oz is not on that list. "You've got a good heart," I encouraged her as I tried to hide my smile as I hugged her. "And a great imagination" she felt the need to add.

She was sobbing in my arms. It was nice having my almost 7-year-old climb up into my lap for a good cuddle. At the same time, I really didn't think The Wizard of Oz warranted this type of emotion. As I attempted to explain to her how the whole "Oz" experience was part of Dorothy's dream, she continued to cry. "Nikelle, are you sure you're not sad about something else? Are you thinking about Grandpa and Papa or something?"

"No," she responded. "I just wanted to stop this action of crying."

I just hugged her a little while longer as I smiled. It's a memory I'd like to treasure forever. Still so innocent and sweet.

Remembering

Today we remember those who have sacrificed and are sacrificing for our country. More than that, our family is remembering Dad Carlson.

I came upon some pictures taken by a Patrick Brueggeman of the parade we would attend every year in LaValle, Wisconsin. Amongst his pictures was this one he caught of Dad Carlson getting some candy. He may have been helping Nike snatch some candy that was thrown at the parade or he may have simply been gathering some of the "hard" candy that the kids didn't pick up. He loved those types of candies. The thing I absolutely love about this picture is his smile. There are not very many pictures we were able to capture of Dad smiling. It's not because he didn't smile. He was just among the list of those who didn't smile for pictures.

When I think of Rod's dad smiling, I will always remember his death. Last Memorial Day when I watched as the life left his body, I was strangely aware of his smile. As we all gathered around his bed watching the Cubs game and talking, I was sitting at his feet. The National Anthem was playing and he smiled. He then smiled again and left this world peacefully. I am certain of the fact that he met our Savior. I personally cannot think of any other reason to smile as life is leaving one's body. His smile was so genuine, so peaceful and a memory that warms my heart which I will forever cherish.

As I remember his smile, I get to look forward to eternity. Smiles will be abundant. Laughter and joy will be full. And why wouldn't it be? We'll be spending eternity with God together.