Lesson #657 - Always Love Life

Dearest Joshua and Luke,


Both of you have been doing great at school! I am so proud of both of you! Luke loves going to Miss Pam's class. He talks about the books that Miss Pam reads aloud. He also loves playing with Gracie and Daniel. He has really settled into the program. It is wonderful how excited he gets to go to school (Tool as he so sweetly calls it!) and to bring his projects home.


Joshua has been loving school, too. He talks about loving every minute of it, but I know that he is especially fond of recess. He has also mentioned that he loves the rhyming game....aka Dr. Heggerty for my teacher friends. At home he is writing like crazy. I can not keep enough white paper, construction paper, colored pens, markers, colored pencils, etc. at home. He is making weather graphs, signing the weather choices in sign language, looking for "popcorn" words everywhere we go. (Those popcorn words really do pop up all over the place!) He is writing notes and making maps on the concrete with chalk. I am amazed that he drew a world map with England, Ireland, France, Belgium, Minnesota, Mexico, and all of these faraway places on it. I am amazed at his interest in EVERYTHING!!!!! Which takes me to lesson #657 - Always Love Life.



Boys - Always keep the love of life that you have right now. Stay busy, involved, be willing to try new things at least once, make new friends everywhere you do, and always keep things fun and lively. Both of you are so willing to try new things, make new friends, and have an extraordinary zest for life. Always keep that philosophy of life.



Currently, both boys are involved with soccer (Go Orange Lions and Coach Daddy!), and both boys will be attending the Atrium beginning this Sunday. Joshua also attends the Kids Community Bible Study at school and piano lessons. Luke also attends Shake, Rattle, 'N Roll and Little Gym. Even though you are so busy with these activities, Daddy and I work really hard to keep you on a regular schedule. We also make time for books, naps, outside playtime, and good old fashioned free time. I think you are pretty lucky kids, but then again, I think I am the luckiest mom in the world.

Here are the boys exploring a tank after watching the Blue Angels in awe!

Wow! That was spectacular!

Here are the boys at Highland Speedway looking for Lightenin' McQueen and Mater in between trips to the concession stand to get hot dogs, nachos, root beer, chicken strips......


I love you both to the moon and back and back again.
Love,
Mama

We Love You, Papa Ed!

Dearest Joshua and Luke, This was a very sad and difficult week because Papa Ed in now in heaven. We are happy to know that he is not suffering anymore. It was most difficult to see him suffering in the nursing home. At least now, Papa Ed is in heaven with all of the other angels.

Let me tell you about, Papa Ed. Before you were even born, Papa Ed and Nana bought you so many presents. They bought you your beautiful bassinet which I hope to use with your children some day. They also bought your bed, changing table, and dresser among many other things. Papa Ed was so excited when Joshua was born - only five short years ago. Papa Ed, Nana, and Aunt Lisa were immediately at the hospital when I went into labor. They anxiously awaited by the phone for the call that you were coming. After 24 hours of a long labor, they were in my room before I went into surgery for the c-section. Over the next four days, Papa Ed came to visit you several times throughout the day. He was working his roofing business, and he would stop in to see you four or five times during the day. He bought all of the nurses donuts so that they would take extra care of us. :) He also bought a huge, "It's a Boy!" balloon for us in the hospital. He was such a proud grandpa. Papa Ed and Nana both showered you with so much love and attention when you were a baby. They would come over and visit often. There was something very special about you for grandpa (and Nana). Papa Ed was such a big guy holding a tiny little you with such love in his eyes.

Then, there was Luke. Nana was at the hospital before I was the day I was scheduled for the c-section. Papa Ed came later to meet you. I am sure that he was at work during the time that you were born. Again, he was smitten by Luke. You could tell what a proud Grandpa he was. Again, he came over to our house and visited after you were born.

I have known Papa Ed for about 18 years. From the first time I met him, I knew he was a good man. I mean a good man. He was kind, gentle, loving, and he was the kind of guy that would do anything for you. And he did. He would always say, "How are you teach?" He was so proud of me being a teacher. When I started my job as a first grade teacher, he made me a book shelf, easel, and mailboxes for my students. It was all made with so much love for me, teaching, and children. He always made me feel special and like a member of the family...like I had known him my whole life. Ed was knowledgeable about so many things. We had Ed look at so many houses that we wanted to buy because we knew that he would be able to tell about the construction of the house. Ed was every bit like a father to me. And he took such good care of my mom, Sandy. They were a loving couple. I miss him so much.

Joshua and Luke - I know you will always remember Papa Ed because we will talk about him, look at pictures, and keep him with his through telling stories about him. I know we will see him again someday in heaven.

I love you both so much.

Love,

Mama