Sunday, August 23, 2009

14 Months Old

Oliver's personality shines through more everyday. Although we'll influence the person he'll eventually become, it's evident that God made Oli unique.  When I think of who he is, this scripture comes to mind:  Psalm 139:13  "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." 

Oliver's very independent and doesn't like to cuddle. Every now and then, though, he'll run up to me and hug me, which melts my heart. He has a very silly sense of humor and loves to imitate me. He loves to wrestle with Brian. He has a short temper and his tantrums are getting bigger and lasting longer. He says a few things like, "all done", "mama", "dada," "uh-oh," and "no, no, no" - his favorite.  Whenever he's about to do something he knows he's not supposed to do, he tells himself, "no, no, no," and then does it, and that's how I catch him in the act. He gets into all kinds of trouble:  he flips our office garbage can upside down and scatters everything around in seconds; he takes my shoes out of the closet and spreads them throughout the house; he takes my phone and calls people; he removes the cushions from the couch and jumps on them; he climbs to dangerous places; he unrolls the toilet paper any chance he gets. He drives us crazy, but he makes us laugh.  We love him more everyday.  We can't wait to have another one!

Deep thoughts...  :)

Totally ignoring me while I'm trying to get a good shot.

He loves splashing and getting wet.

He gets upset that he doesn't fit into the basket more easily.

Silence... I knew he was up to something!

Training with Daddy.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

We'll miss you, Dad

My dad, Bernard, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, August 11th, 2009.  The sadness seems to come and go in waves.  The bible says, in Ecclesiastes, that sadness is good for the heart. Glenda and I were blessed to have been able to spend ten wonderful days with my parents just last month. Oliver was too cute, all smiles, and he found a special place in my Dad's heart.  The little guy loved my Dad's walking canes!  And my Dad loved the fact that he did!  All the easier to snatch him up for a hug and a tickle. The trip was all we could have asked for.

Dad and me (1978)

My wedding day

Just last month

This poem was read during the eulogy at my dad's funeral. 


Miss Me – But Let Me Go
Unknown
 
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little – but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me – but let me go.
 
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss Me – But Let Me Go!
 
I’ve found a new place where I can be free
I’ve found a whole new beginning just made for me
I know only peace and I never feel pain
Days are full of sunshine and never rain
I’m no longer old; I’ve recovered my youth
and all of my dreams have become my truth
I can smile, I can laugh, I can walk, and I can run
I can hear every whisper, I can see past the sun
My Body is whole and my mind is so clear
I know all the answers and I’m freed from all fears
 
I know why you mourn me; I see how you weep
Your heart’s full of aching from a love that was deep
And I’m so grateful for loved ones that hold me so dear
but remember, I’ve found a better place here
I will be there beside you, always nearby
so don’t mourn me for long; nor forever cry
And whenever your sorrow bears down on your heart
think not of my ending, but of my new start
for on earth there’s no joy that I’d ever see
to compare to the joy of God smiling at me.


Thursday, August 6, 2009

And he's off!

We've been told life will never be the same.


Monday, August 3, 2009

Destin, Florida

This past weekend we went to Destin with some friends.  The beach was beautiful.  This was Oliver's first time swimming in the ocean.

He loved the water!
Fearless!
A little watermelon; a little sand.
Boogie boards and watermelon.
An early evening stroll along the pier.