Woodland Antics

In July Fiona greeted the day properly before her MRI. Here she is watching the sunrise and dancing. Results came in that her brain, although still damaged, had started to repair. Everyone was happy including Ry and I. Nonetheless we shared a moment of disappointment. Recognizing our expectations were too high we decided, next time we'd better emotionally prepare ourselves. Next time we'd make an earlier appointment. Next time is here and we are ready. Fiona's MRI is at Children's on December first at 6am. Please pray, send posivibes, sacrifice a pig...whatever your thing is, please do it with Fiona's healed brain on your heart. Since you'd be thinking of her anyway, maybe keep in mind that she'll be under general anesthesia. This always weighs on me. Oh and starving her for 8 hours is slightly intimidating too. While you're praying for her, maybe you wouldn't mind an extra one for me and my sanity. If you have an extra minute send ...

Today we made an attempt to show our patriotism, only to have the parade rained out. We still visited the memorial in the town square. With patriotic music playing over speakers I began to read the script out loud, to ears that paid little mind. I wanted cry. An uncomfortable feeling washed over me. A mixture of pride, sadness and respect all rolled into one knot in my throat. In my opinion one of the most somber movies out there is Saving Private Ryan. I get that same uncomfortable feeling while watching it. It weighs on me for days. "Earn this" rings in my ear. I try to watch it once a year either on Veteran's Day or Memorial Day. When the kids are old enough I'll have them watch it too. I hope they get the same feeling I get. War should be uncomfortable. Knowing so many have made the supreme sacrifice for us to live in America as we know it, that there are Moms raising young families alone, Soldiers coming home with PTSD, their life no longer theirs. All o...

Reed, It was late at night on a Thursday. Daddy arrived home to our little cottage on the Island from a soccer game. As I waited for him to get out of the shower, I sat on our lime green couch rehearsing the lines over and over to calm my nerves. Smelling clean and fresh, Daddy sat next to me. He gave me a look that said, "you can press play. Are we going to watch the movie or what?" I was about to lose my nerve. Instead, in a shaky voice I said something like, "I came up with a new verse to our lullaby, do you want to hear it?" Of course he was curious and this is what I sang: (It's Alright for now by Tom Petty) Goodnight baby sleep tight my love may god watch over you from above tomorrow i'm working what would i do i would be lost and lonely if not for you so close your eyes we're alright for now i've spent my life traveling ive spent my life free i could not repay all you've done for me so sleep tight baby, unfurro...

This was my afternoon: (after waiting hours for the video to upload, I had to put in on youtube, click "VIDEO" below to view) VIDEO Enough Said? Not Even Close... To go along with the usual Woodland antics we threw in a few extras today. Fiona peed on the floor. I contemplated not informing the attendant. Then I decided it would probably be best given we have to wear special shoes to walk on the floor. So, something like urine might not be good for it. As you can see from the video these balls were rolling S L O W L Y down the lane. Several times the attendant had to walk down and retrieve them. He lucked out twice when the balls actually went halfway down the lane only to roll back to us. This phenomenon can be seen in the first clip of the video. In addition to cleaning up the pee, the attendant also helped clean up half a bottle of orange juice that Fiona spilled. Reed too spilled some juice on his pants. Of course this means he wants them off now and b...

I'm in hopes this year's trick- or- treating is an inkling of what's to come this holiday season. We had a blast! We gathered at friends house and set out as a group to trick-or-treat. Most parents were taking their beer and wine with them for the trek. Given that they are wonderful parents as well as respected members of the community I thought this was a fine idea too. As we walked, I gave a little hoot as my hat flew off. Then I let out a holler because I foolishly grabbed for it with my beer hand, pouring most of the beer directly down my back. Some little legs began to get tired, so we separated from the group and began to make our way back to the house. Along the way we stopped at a few houses we hadn't hit up the first round. At one I noticed the women give me a look. A shameful look. This is what I imagine she said to her husband when she retreated inside, "What the hell is wrong with that mother? She can't even go trick or treating with her chil...