Trips to buda, track meets, grads, and mom

Whew... it was a week!

Last Monday, I drove to Buda, IL, to pick up my mom and bring her back here for the week. I arrived Monday afternoon, and we headed back to Fort Wayne at 7:45am Tuesday. Both ways involved rain in various parts. Monday was a mere drizzle, but Tuesday had some storm situations. Still, both trips were fairly uneventful.

Tuesday evening was the Fort Wayne grandkids' prelims and field events for their city middle school track meet (Lutheran city schools). All three kids got to participate, and it was the first time my mom had seen any of them in track. That would have been good, except it poured down rain almost the entire time and was a chilly 50°F. Ugh. Not a fun night, but we survived.

Wednesday was the oldest of our grandchildren's 8th-grade graduation. Double-ugh! It's hard not to admit that maybe A is my favorite grandchild, because she was the first and she's the only girl. It doesn't mean I love the others any less, but... there's just something special about the first. Anyway, it was a fine graduation ceremony and after-party. I simply can't comprehend that she will be in high school now. I really don't know how much more I can even say about it coherently...

Thursday was the Lutheran City Schools Track Finals. Said oldest grandchild "should have," "could have" been the 100m hurdles champion. She was clearly winning - until the second-to-last hurdle. I don't think she's ever stumbled over a hurdle, but she did in the finals. Dang. I felt so bad for her. She still ended up 3rd. But, dang. It happens. I am still super proud of her. She is such a good athlete, and athletics have been sooooooo good for her. I hope she continues in all three sports (volleyball, basketball, and track) in high school. 

Saturday we (Jane and I) took my mom back to her house and spent until Monday morning there. Jane visited her brother, who's confined to a wheelchair, and got him supper, lunch, etc., and did some other odd jobs for him. I did a couple chores for my mom. 

Sunday we had a high school graduation open house for Jane's nephew's daughter in Kewanee, IL. We saw all Jane's other brothers and some of our nieces and nephews there. It was a nice time.

Monday we headed back home around 8am. Oof. I love my mom, but it was kind of a lot for me to be around anybody for that long. Plus, I don't do well with someone asking me every five seconds what I'm doing, or what that is, or this is, or why this is this way, and on and on and on. I know I'm maybe too used to silence and being alone, but... geez... I just can't maintain conversations about nothing for very long. I'm sure my mom was glad to be back home too, though, as she now has people to talk to. ;)

Anyway, there's more I could say about last week, but that's probably enough for now...

The first major snow and anna is 11

We had the first significant snowfall of the season on the granddaughter's birthday this year. 

I was kind of hoping I'd be able to put the snowblower away without having to use it. No such luck. Sunday morning we got 3-4 inches of light powder. It made for easy blowing, and wasn't even terrible to run in. However, I have a feeling the ground is going to be dirty-white for another month or so. More snow is expected today.

The granddaughter was pretty excited that it snowed for her birthday though! She turned 11 Sunday, and it's hard to believe she will be driving in 5 years. Oh my! 

She spent the night with us Friday. We took her to Target to pick out a birthday present. Saturday she asked to go to the pet store to look at animals, then to Claire's for some more presents. Then we joined up with her family at the movie theater and watched Sing 2. It was good.

I don't know if she's too old for parties or they just didn't have one. Last night we went to their house and gave her the one surprise present we got her: one of those Snapchat picture books from when we took her to the Cincinnati zoo. We also got to see the giant donut she got for her birthday.

And... that's about that. It didn't seem like much of a celebration for her, and I felt bad about that. I pray it will be a good year though. This past year she played basketball for the 2nd year, played with another schools volleyball team, played Y volleyball, and seems to have come out of her shell a little more. She's growing up so fast. ...

***

"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." - Psalm 20:4

Anna and the cincinnati zoo

Jane came up with the idea awhile ago that we would offer to take each of the grandchildren somewhere for their 10th birthday. Anna's first choice was the local SPCA. We may have suggested the Cincinnati Zoo, and she thought that would be fun too. :) It is such a nice zoo, and we had such a great time!! So, 6 months after she turned 10 (randomly to the day), we finally made it.

THE TRIP

We left last Friday afternoon and actually stopped in Anna, Ohio and got some fast food for supper. It took about 3 hours to get there. We headed back home Sunday around 10:30 am. It only took 2 hours 40 minutes to get home. It's actually a pretty easy trip to Cincinnati as there really isn't much traffic other than the Dayton to Cincinnati corridor, and even that isn't bad. Anna was pretty chatty (and excited) on the way there. She slept the entire way home. :)

 

THE HOTEL

We stayed at a Hampton Inn & Suites on Vine Street near the University of Cincinnati campus. It was only 1/2 mile from the zoo, which made for a nice downhill walk there. The uphill walk back to the hotel 7 hours later seemed a tad longer. ;)

It was a pretty nice hotel. The room was good (even if we only had a view of a brick wall out our window), there was a nice (though smallish) swimming pool which Anna used every day there, and they had a great (free!) breakfast. The staff were all friendly and I have no complaints whatsoever. The pool was a necessity, and highlight, for our girl.

The only possible drawback with the hotel was the location. Yes, it was an easy walk to the zoo, but when we headed down Vine Street to find a restaurant to eat supper... well... we turned around and decided to have a pizza delivered. There were plenty of places, they just didn't look real 'inviting,' and when we saw "Topless" we figured maybe this wasn't the neighborhood to take our granddaughter.

I would not be opposed to staying at this place again, though I'd also be tempted to stay somewhere north of town where there are more 'regular' restaurants. There is plenty of free parking at the zoo and it's a pretty easy in and out.

THE ZOO

As for the zoo itself, it is one of the best in the country for a reason. It's also the botanical garden, and the plentiful shade was certainly welcome on a sunny hot July day.

Like I said, we walked from our hotel and it took less than 10 minutes. We arrived as the doors opened at 10 am, and left when they were closing down at 5 pm. It was a full, yet fun, day!

The highlight for Anna was the "Kanga Kimb." It is new this year, and I was glad Jane went with her. I cannot do heights, and with the heat, I think it would have done me in. There were a couple of others who should not have done it, as they got sick and it's not easy to get off once you're on it. I was super proud of Jane for being a trooper. There were a couple times she wasn't sure she could go on. Anna, however, thought it was a whole lotta fun!

Oh, and we also saw animals!! I think Anna could have spent all day just looking at the insects and reptiles, but she also liked the elephants, hippos, rhinos, and petting the goats most of all (I think).

Anyway, overall, I couldn't have been happier with this trip. I have a super soft spot for Anna, as she will always be the first grandchild and only girl. I was so glad everything went well. And she was so super good the whole weekend!

I remember taking our kids to the Cincinnati Zoo when they were younger, and if the boys end up not wanting to go there for their 10th, I think it would be fun to take all three of them sometime - just because.

So, it was a good weekend. I'm glad we did it, and I'm glad my lovely wife thinks of things like this. :)

Here are some pics...

 

 

***

Psalm 127:3

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.”

 

10 years old

 

We have a 10-year-old granddaughter. How in the world did that happen?!?

Anna has two brothers, so in our family that makes her the only granddaughter and great-granddaughter. She's also the oldest of our three grandchildren, so I don't feel bad saying she is a little extra special to us. I can still remember the day she was born and looked so tiny in that great big baby carrier!

I was also reminded of this pic of her first Sunday in church. It's odd to think now how she had perfect attendance for her first however many years of life (in the church I used to pastor). I can't really even think about it anymore. That's the hardest part for me about being asked to leave and how it was handled not only with me but especially the rest of my family. Life was so different then.

Anyway, Anna is in fourth grade now. The school year started out a little rough for her - as it did for most kids - but after starting on a low dose of antidepressant/anxiety medicine she seems to be doing pretty good. She has friends, plays the trumpet in band, was on the basketball team, signed up to run track, and has developed a new passion for American Girl dolls.

She spent the night before her 10th birthday with us and we went shopping for a new winter coat for her (and hat and gloves) as well as a new hermit crab, then we picked up Taco Bell (her favorite) and took it home for supper. We watched a movie and then she fell asleep in grandma's chair.

On her birthday the rest of the family came over for breakfast. Then at noon we all went to Headwaters Park for ice skating. Her best friend, Ryne, joined us and everyone seemed to have a good time there. After that it was off to their house where we had cake and a few more people came over for a little party.

I think she had a pretty good time, and it's so nice to see her enjoying life and becoming the person she is.

 

***

"Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life." -- Proverbs 22:6

4th grade basketball game

Sports is sports, right? I mean, if we can't go to a college or pro game, may as well go to what we can attend... right?

Well, we had the pleasure of being able to attend one of our granddaughter's basketball games the other night. She is in fourth grade, and the team consists of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Oh my, what fun!

 First off, I was so proud of and impressed with A. I can't believe how she gets out there and scraps! No, she's not the best player on the team, but she's not the worst either (and she's only in 4th grade!). She played maybe half the game, which had a final score of 16-8, but it was sooooo much fun to watch, and she was soooooo excited afterword. I love that she/they go to this small private school.

I also didn't realize how much I missed laughing and smiling. I mean, when your workplace sucks, and there's not much else going on in life, it begins to wear on you. So I am thankful our daughter and her husband thought to let us attend one game. You see, only two people are supposed to attend these games per student (so you can social distance), and normally we have been watching the boys while Drew Carrie go. It was fun.

Lastly, I was really glad no one was a jerk. The coaches seemed focused, but not idiots. The refs were as official as need be. Fortunately they didn't call every foul or miscue, and they did as much teaching as the coaches did, for both teams. I was also happy with the fans in attendance. Everyone seemed to be pulling for everyone, regardless of the color of their uniform. I really wish all of life could be like this. Not to mention the fact that it was quick. We were in and out in an hour. That was plenty.

So, life is not all bad. There was that one bright and shining moment on a Monday evening last week. I'm glad we got to experience it.

***

“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven” -Luke 1:76-78

 

 

Anna's birthday, and other things

What the what? For ten days now I've been telling myself I need to sit down and write something... when I get home. Yet it seems every day I get home and I'm tired and worn out and no longer in the mood. So I'm forcing myself to write something now. What it will be, I don't yet know.

ANNA TURNS 8
I do know I need to make note of granddaughter Anna's 8th birthday. That happened on Wednesday 1/23. We joined the Feipel Five at the mall so we could enjoy Anna's birthday supper choice of Panda Express. As evidenced by the pic above, she was in a good mood.

I believe she was having some friends over this morning, and tomorrow afternoon we will go to their house for ice cream.

Rather than write something myself, this year I will include a piece her mother wrote about her:

“I’m glad I don’t have to go anywhere today because a bunch of people will pretend to be so excited that it’s my birthday and I won’t want to talk to them.” She’s still shy. She still doesn’t talk to people she doesn’t know. And she still doesn’t like being outside of her comfort zone. BUT, her comfort zone has grown exponentially this past year and her circle of people she’ll talk to has grown by about 500. Okay, maybe not quite, but these last 365 days were days of growth for our Anna. She’s still goofy as all get out when we’re at home but is pretty quiet and a great rule follower while we’re out and about (although I think some silliness has even been leaking out at school this year). I cannot wait to see what this next year holds for her. Watching her grow up is such a treat - even if she can’t take a serious picture so save her life 😂🤣❤️ #8isgreat #birthdaypost

DEPRESSED
One of the reasons I haven't written anything lately is because, honestly, I've been in a hole. Sure, I can still function - go to work, chit-chat, and whatnot - but it's not been much fun. I am not excited or interested in much of anything. So I spend my days doing crossword puzzles and playing Yahtzee.

I don't know why it's so hard for people to just say they're depressed (myself included). It happens. I've been taking my medicine, but I've been dwelling on regrets and feeling sorry for myself. My job doesn't help either. Which, I know, is my own fault for being in this position.

Anyway, it is what it is. Life goes on. Somehow...

RUNNING/KNEE
I actually did not run or do any exercise on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. I just wasn't into it. Also, my left knee has been bothering me for a week or two. Nothing serious, but I must have aggravated something under the kneecap. I'm wondering if adding the rowing machine and Stairmaster to my workouts is the problem.

It's nothing serious, and I'm sure it will be fine eventually, but I think this has added to my mood somewhat.

BOOKS
I did finally finish Greg Boyd's 'Cross Vision: How the Crucifixion of Jesus Makes Sense of Old Testament Violence.' It was quite interesting, and I liked it, even if it wasn't the easiest read for me. I had plans to share a few more posts about it. We'll see.

I am now well into Scott  Jurek's 'North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail.' Isaac and Ricci got me this for Christmas. I am really enjoying it. I need to read more books like this. I can kind of lose myself in the story, and I like it.

----

So, that's what's been happening for the most part. Well, along with watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. We've also had another couple snows that required the snow blower, and it's gotten kind of chilly now and then. Winter in the Midwest.

Well, I can't think of anything else, so I guess it's time to stop.

Anna turns 7

"Parents (and especially grandparents) must provide not only outer warmth for their child but also inner warmth. They must create an atmosphere with a sense of security in which the child feels love and acceptance." -- Dalai Lama

"Respect the child. Be not too much his/her parent. Trespass not his/her solitude." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yesterday was granddaughter Anna's seventh birthday. Wow. That seems so impossible. She is growing up so fast.

I thought both the above quotes appropriate in regard to our first grandchild, and only granddaughter. Anna is her own person. She is serious, studious, sweet and sensitive, yet she can also be nutty, naughty, and near-impossible to deal with sometimes. She's a special person with a tender heart, even though she may not always wear it on her sleeve.

I wouldn't say Anna is my "favorite" grandchild.... but she is perhaps nearest and dearest to my heart. This may partly be because she was the first, but for me, I'd say it's also likely due to the fact she reminds me most of myself. Her mother wrote a long description of her on Instagram yesterday and it was almost like she was talking about me. So, in Anna's defense, she comes by her intensity and stubbornness honestly. :)

At any rate, I love Anna and think she is a super-fantastic kid. She is a lover of any and all kinds of animals - from the tiniest bug to the largest horse. Nothing makes me laugh more than the rare occasions she gets squirly and will bop me on the head or pinch my nose. She doesn't play with toys much, but would seem to rather read a book or play a game of some kind with actual people. While it seems she is growing up too fast sometimes, I actually can't wait to see the person she develops into. I think she will be someone I'm quite fond of. :)

One of Anna's better qualities (and also worst) is her contemplative nature. I perhaps especially identify with this. While sometimes it may seem she is being disobedient, it may one day be one of her greatest assets. For example, last night she started coughing while we were at the restaurant. We all started telling her she needed to cover he mouth when she coughed, and she just wouldn't do it. I think this was a case of her not being able to process so many people telling her something all at the same time. I get that - I have the same problem. And so the more people said it, the more difficult it was to do for her. Things like this really break my heart - and my heart was breaking for Anna all night - but, again, I believe this will one day work in her favor. She won't be able to be swayed by every whim and suggestion and will be a deep thinker of great thoughts. At least that is my hope and prayer.

Birthday-wise, her parents threw her a party this past Sunday. It was just us and them, and a few friends stopped over. We had ice cream and wore pajamas. That was it. No cake - she doesn't like cake - but just ice cream. Then last night we all went to Taco Bell (her favorite place to get tacos), topped off by a Chick-fil-a milk shake afterward.

We bought her some clothes, took her to a movie, and got her a new pair of earrings for her recently-pierced ears (she got to get them pierced after she lost her first tooth in December).

So, hopefully it was a nice birthday for my Anna-bug, as I call her. She makes me smile. :)

Grandparent's day 2017

I was once again fortunate to be able to attend "Grandparent's Day" where the grandchildren go to school. Last year I visited Anna in Kindergarten, but this year I got to visit both Anna's first grade class AND Bennett's preschool class!

I started out with Bennett. He has a nice-sized preschool class of nine students. He goes every day until 11:30. His teacher and teacher's aide were both really nice. We went through the normal morning routine of announcements and devotions over the intercom. Then they said the pledge of allegiance to the American flag as well as the Christian flag. After that there were introductions, pictures, and we interacted with our students doing various things about the room. Bennett was very outgoing, but in a mild-mannered way. He was much calmer than the other two boys in the class. :)


Jane started out with Anna in first grade and about halfway through we switched. When I got to Anna's room I had a small chair by her desk. I think her desk sits next to Joe. I remembered most of the kids in her class from last year. Anna was also very quiet, but she did raise her hand and answer a question in front of everyone. We had a time where they could do whatever activity they wanted. Anna chose to play a game on an ipad (apparently there are enough for all the students in her class - not sure how many that is). Then they had recess in the gym because it was raining outside. The second graders were also in the gym and it was a little hectic at first. When we got there Anna just sat by me along the edge. Another boy in her class did so as well. Pretty soon she ventured onto the gym floor and joined the fun though. She played with a hula hoop and then walked on the stilts (pictured). After that we went back to her room and they dimmed the lights and had a reading time. Anna grabbed a beanbag chair and we sat on the floor as she read. Then it was time to go.

Before I left I stopped by the gym and Bennett's class was in there playing "Duck, Duck, Goose." Jane had already left and Bennett seemed happy to see me. When they were done I left too.

All in all it was a nice morning. I'm glad they found this school because it is much nicer than if the kids had to attend a city school. They're fairly quiet and while I don't think they're necessarily sheltered, they aren't used to seeing what a lot of city kids see. It seems to be a great place, and their parents like it a lot. That's good enough for me.

A & B start school; eclipse; parking lot

Yesterday packed a lot of activity (well, not so much for me, but for others). It was grandson Bennett's first day of Pre-K at his new school (St. Paul's); there was a total solar eclipse (though not in FW), and Jane and I worked the parking lot at church for the Tincaps game.

GRANDKIDS

Anna's 1st day of 1st grade.

Anna and Bennett are now going to the same school this year. Anna is in first grade and Bennett is in pre-k. Anna actually started last Tuesday (I think). She went to kindergarten at St. Paul's last year and grew so much. She currently has a substitute teacher as her regular teacher is on maternity leave. Hopefully she will like the regular as well as she likes the sub.

Bennett's 1st day of Pre-K.

Bennett went to preschool at Avalon last year as a 3-year old (as Anna did when she was that age). This was the first year he could go to St. Paul's. I think he just goes half a day and am not sure if it's everyday or not (I think it is). He is a pretty contemplative little boy and I'm hoping the exprience helps him as much as it did Anna. Apparently he thought he would be okay after his first day.

Library plaze viewing.

ECLIPSE
Yesterday was also the big "Solar Eclipse." Fort Wayne did not have a 'total' eclipse, but it was supposedly around 85%. I heard there was going to be a viewing party at the downtown library, so I decided to go. There was a pretty big crowd - with food trucks, several news reporters, the mayor, and they had a couple giant telescope things. I guess they had 400 viewing glasses and the line went around the block. They didn't last long. I did not get any. A couple people let me borrow theirs and I have to say that it was pretty cool.

We did not get real dark, but it did "darken" some. The temperature also dropped 4 degrees I am told. It felt like it. It was a sweltering day at almost 90, and with the breeze it felt much nicer when the sun was covered up.

Around 2:30 Jane and some of her co-workers came outside their building so I walked over and spent some time in that parking lot. It was only a block away. There was also a big telescope set up there. I do have to say, it was kind of neat seeing all the people out and about during the middle of the day. I saw one person comment that the best thing about the eclipse was that it was almost like a vacation from the president. Ha! He still managed to get himself in the news by looking at the sun without viewing glasses. Anyway, it was fun.

PARKING LOT
Last night Jane and I once again worked the parking lot at our church for a Tincaps game (minor league baseball). Our church does not own the lot (so we are not who decided people should have to pay). The people that own the lot let us have a large percentage of the money for our youth group though, as long as we provide the volunteers. We also get free tickets for the game when we volunteer. We have done it for several games this summer.

It was still hot last night, but I actually enjoy doing things like this. I like brief interactions with people. Once I've taken their money and exchanged pleasantries, it's nice to see them go. Last night we actually filled the parking lot before the game even started! And it was a Monday! Once the lot is full we put away the signs and cones and things and we are free to go to the game.

We did go over to the game for awhile. We had supper there. Tacos are only $2 and 2 of them fill me up, so it's really not a bad meal. We chatted with some people we knew for awhile, sat in our seats behind home plate for a bit, and finally left around the 4th or 5th inning. That's about enough baseball for us. Plus Jane came straight from work and we'd been at the parking lot since a little before 5:30.

-----

So, that's about it for yesterday. This week I have started getting up around 7 am and trying to get back in some sort of a groove. I've been trying to catalog all my old sermons in hopes that someday I can piece together something I can use again - either for preaching or writing. I also have a list of things I need to get done or want to do in order to figure out my next steps. So far it's not going too bad.

I have a lunch meeting today with a pastor friend. Tonight we babysit the grandkids for a bit. Tomorrow night we take food to the library plaza. Saturday we've been asked to spend the day with some friends from church at their cabin. I've also been working myself back into running shape. So I have been keeping myself occupied. Perhaps the things I've lacked in the most so far are writing and meditating. Not that I haven't been doing either, but not as much as I'd hoped. In general, I am feeling pretty good though. I noted the other day that I can't even remember working at the storage place. It's like it never even happened. I take that as a good sign.

Peace out; and in.

It's the sun - and 1 week soberly

Last night we attended Anna's kindergarten class production of.... um, I don't remember the name of it. It was very cute though, as was she. It was in the St. Paul's gymnasium, where she goes to school. I'd say it was the perfect little play. It only lasted about 20 minutes, it was just her class (and not the entire school), and the costumes were very simple and I imagine provided by the school. There weren't a lot of people there either, so I thought it was splendid.

It is so amazing to see how she has grown and matured this year. She looked HUGE. She's getting so tall. She also smiled and giggled the whole time, which is a nice change from when she used to just stand with her fingers in her mouth. Although yours truly was just the same, so I'm not knocking it.

The boys had a good time watching it - though none of them look too thrilled after it was over. I'd say it was a good time had by all though.

In other news, I have now made it a whole week without any alcohol. It's not like I was a stumbling idiot drunk or anything, but it's been awhile since I've gone this long without beer, wine, or anything. There were a few days where it sounded pretty good, and I think my stomach is still adjusting to the lack of sugar, but I have to say... I FEEL GREAT! My mind is clear, and I've been working out fairly regularly at the Y. I've actually lost the equivalent of a pound a day over the past week. 15-25 more and I'd be pretty darn ecstatic. The best part is, I haven't even been dieting! Just not drinking. I always eat pretty well, for the most part.

I do have to say, I like myself much better when I'm not drinking. I think it had honestly just become a habit born out of boredom, and the more you give in to it, the worse it gets. I'm still hoping to make it through the entire season of Lent, and we'll see if I continue total abstinence or not. I would like to get back to where we don't keep it in the house, and maybe just have a beer or wine here or there more for social reasons. Who knows. I'm feeling pretty good though.

Anna turns 6

Today is my oldest grandchild's birthday. The only granddaughter (so far) is now 6 years old. Oh my.

She is in kindergarten at St. Paul's Lutheran school, which is kitty-corner from where her mom works (Downtown Y). She goes to school all day five days a week. Just the other day we got a video text where she was READING A BOOK TO HER MOM! She has wanted to learn to read for some time, and I have a feeling she will be quite the little bookworm like her momma.

Anna also takes swimming lessons and I had the pleasure of watching that yesterday. She can just about swim the entire length of the pool by herself! It was fun to watch her instructor pushing her, and to see the determination on Anna's face. She would get pretty winded, but she kept right on going.

I believe the celebratory plans include going to Chik-fil-a tonight for a birthday dinner, because they have fruit (instead of fries), a slide, and chicken (according to Anna). Then on Saturday she is having a skating party. Our presence has been requested - in skates - so that should be interesting. :)

It's amazing to watch children grow and mature. She will always be my little sweetheart, and she's turning into such a sweet little girl too.

My first 'grandparents day'

Yesterday I had the pleasure and privilege of attending my first ever "Grandparents Day" (as a grandparent). Our sweet little Anna-bug is in kindergarten at St. Paul's. I was fortunate to get a couple hours off work so I could join her class, along with grandpa Andy and great-grandma Esther. Jane would have loved to have been there, but with a new job and all it just wasn't workable.

The day was somewhat complicated by the fact that there was a fog delay. So instead of being at the school from 8:30-10:45, it was just 10:30-11:30. It was further thrown into turmoil that Carrie locked herself and the kids out of the house with no car keys when she went to take Anna to school. Fortunately Drew just happened to be covering for my at my facility, so I was able to take his key and give to Carrie, and then I just took Anna to school. She was only about 5 minutes late.

So I got to take the granddaughter to school for the first time. She had to show me where and how to enter the building, and where her classroom was. Of course this was after she found me a parking spot right in front of the school. :)

I really like this school, and her teacher seems to be nothing less than spectacular (Ms. German). The grandparents (and other VIP's) sat at the tables with their child. At first we listened to the daily Scripture reading and prayer over the intercom. Then the teacher shared a little. As she said, Kindergarten is fun because the child starts as a preschooler and ends as a first-grader. So a lot of changes take place during this time of their lives. I've actually already noticed changes with Anna (positive).

Anna apparently shares a table with another girl who is even more shy than she is. We sat and watched as the teacher had the children do this exercise where they brought two items in a paper sack and they had to rhyme. The child gave clues until someone from the class guessed what was in the bag. I was so impressed with Anna because after the first few kids (while she was still be shy), she eventually joined and would raise her arm up high when she had a guess. I think she answered like 4 times (with the correct answer too). It was so nice to see her participating and talking and interacting with the other kids. Then they played a game where they rolled dice to help them draw a picture. She is an excellent draw-er and color-er. Then it was over.

I left a very proud grandfather. I suppose I will always be a little partial to the first grandchild, and only granddaughter (so far). She is such a sweetie.

When I left the school I then ventured down to Jane's place of work and saw her office for the first time. It's pretty cool. It's on the fifth floor of a downtown building. She has her own little cubicle with 2 windows that look over Ewing Street toward the St. Francis Performing Arts building. We went to lunch downtown and then both headed back to work.

So the day started off pretty well. Unfortunately I then had to go to work, and it was pretty much downhill from there.

Benny starts preschool

Benny's first day of preschool 9/7/16

The middle grandchild started preschool today. Oh my. I can't believe how Bennett has grown. Carrie said he was very excited to be starting "school" and went to his first day without a hitch. He is attending the same one Anna attended.

Currently he likes to be called Benny or Bennett, but no longer just B. He is a super-easygoing kid who laughs easy and likes to have fun. He can also be very serious about his cars and building towers. He's always been good about playing by himself, and he and Caleb play really well together. So I don't anticipate school being much of an issue for him. Caleb, on the other hand, did not handle things so well this morning - as you can see from the picture below. Poor kid. I'm sure he will adjust soon enough.

Bennett and Caleb 9/7/16

Just for kicks I looked back and wondered how Anna's first day of preschool picture compared. I'm surprised how much taller Bennett is, because Anna seems to be so tall now. They are both pretty darn cute in my opinion.

Anna's 1st day of preschool 9/3/14

Anna starts kindergarten

Oh my. How in the world did this happen? Our first grandchild started kindergarten today. Gulp.

It still amazes me how quickly she has grown up. I suppose before you know it she will be graduating high school.

Anyway, she is attending St. Paul's Lutheran School in Downtown Fort Wayne. It is kitty corner from where Carrie works, so it's very convenient, and seems like a really good school.

I will be anxious to hear how the first day went, but am praying that she will find school an exciting adventure, she will learn much, and make some really good friends. She is such a sweetheart. :)

First day of preschool.

First day outside the womb, and in grandpa's arms.

Preschool graduate and babysitting

Our oldest grandchild graduated from preschool this past Friday. I can't believe it. I can actually remember her mother's preschool graduation like it was yesterday. Oh my.

Anna attended preschool at Avalon Missionary Church. It is basically right across the highway from us (more or less). Grandma bought her a pretty new yellow dress, and of course she looked adorable.

They had a nice little ceremony for the kids. Each separate class came out and did a song and bible verse, then all the classes did several songs together. As they gave each child their "diploma" they told what they wanted to be when they grew up. Anna said she wanted to be a doctor - though Carrie says she really wants to be an animal doctor. Either is a very noble profession. :)

As usual, Anna started out very shy, with her hand in her mouth and totally not following along. Eventually she felt comfortable enough to slowly begin participating, and by the end she was singing along and doing all the motions like a trooper. I actually kind of like that she does things in her own way. Hopefully that means no one will ever be able to talk her into following the crowd to do anything she doesn't want to do.

We were very proud of her, but also the boys too. Benny mostly played, but was very good sitting in the seats. Little Caleb, once he saw Anna, he was beaming with joy. He intently watch for awhile, but he also tried singing along and doing the motions. It was a hoot.

The ceremony was an appropriate length at just under an hour. We went out separate ways afterward, but then we babysat the kids overnight on Saturday. I had to work the SW facility from 9-3, so Jane had all three kids by herself most of the day. She took them to the zoo, and that wore them all down some (especially grandma). That night we rode bikes, played outside, cooked hot dogs on the grill, and made smores. Everyone stayed up late, but we all slept really good that night.

We feel very lucky to have the grandkids so close by. Having a preschool graduate seems like quite a milestone. Time is flying too fast.

Getting her diploma.

Benny being... Benny.

Caleb taking it all in.

Anna turns 5

 Yesterday was granddaughter Anna's birthday. I cannot believe is is 5 years old! And we were so happy that not only was the weather nice, but she wasn't sick either! It seems like every year on the poor girls birthday there is either a snowstorm, and no one can come to her party, or she is sick. Last year she was sick. Anyway, this year she felt fine and it was a rather nice January day.

Anna is still extremely shy for the most party, but she now attends pre-school every day and goes all day on Friday. She is growing up so fast. She will undoubtedly always hold a special place in my heart, not only as the first grandchild, but she's just a pretty cool little girl. I can still remember when she was born. It will likely be one of my favorite moments of life (and another reason I am so glad I have this blog - so I can recall things like this).

DrewCarrie had a party at their house with family from all sides. Carrie made her a splendid pink cake. We got her a game (chutes & ladders), and Jane made her this sleeping bag type thing that's a mermaid tail. Apparently Anna saw one somewhere and Jane thought it would be easy enough to just make. I'd say Jane's was way better than the one in the store. I think Anna liked it.

So, it was a good day. Here are a few pics from over the years.

Always one of my favorites: getting ready to leave the hospital.

Her birthday party last year. Poor girl was so sick.

 

Perhaps her highlight of the year: getting a kitty.

Last day as a 4 year old.

A weekend back home

We took another weekend trip back home to North central Illinois. No particular reason. We just needed to get away for awhile, and Carrie wanted to visit Tanners Orchard in Peoria. Jane and I left around noon on Friday. Carrie made the trip alone with the kids again, arriving on Saturday. I came back to Fort Wayne yesterday afternoon, and Jane, Carrie and the kids will be coming back today.

Some of the random happenings:

• Friday night we stayed at my parent's house and played cards and drank wine.
• Saturday morning I fixed my mom's email (I think). It would receive but not send. I changed a few settings, but also deleted over 4500 emails out of her inbox. Ugh.
• I also mowed my parent's lawn for them Saturday. Their neighbor often does it, but uses a riding mower. My mom prefers it done with the push mower.
• Saturday afternoon and night Jane and I went out to the Psycho Silo again. It is this crazy awesome biker bar just outside of town. It's more of an outdoor bar, and they were having the '1st Annual Last Stand'. I would guestimate there were well over a thousand people there, and I've probably never seen more motorcycles in one place in my life. They had live music all day and night, and all kinds of events going on. It was our first time watching a "burn out" contest too. We were hoping to see more people we knew, but unfortunately we only saw a hand full. We ended the evening at Brothers in Sheffield and visited there with some old friends.
• On Sunday Jane and I went to Bunker for church, and Carrie took Anna and Caleb and went to Kewanee. We heard a pretty good - yet convicting - sermon from Stephen. The service didn't suck, but it's amazing how mechanically archaic it still is. Oh well. It was nice to actually see some people we knew.
• After I left Sunday, everyone else went down to Tanners. It sounded like the grandkids had a really good time, and the adults were maybe a little worn out. :)
• The worst part about the whole weekend is that I seem to have lost my magnetic clip-on sunglasses. I'm sure they just fell out of my pocket sometime Saturday night or something. Dang.

Overall it was a nice trip back to the old home though. Every time I go there is always this, "Could/should we move back here?" I'm sure we 'could.' It would be hard getting used to knowing every single person you saw again. But... I dunno. I guess it is what it is.

First soccer practice

Little Anna had her first soccer practice today. I went along with Carrie to help watch the boys. It was pretty fun. She finally peaked out of her shell a little and followed along. She also looked pretty cute out there.

I forget what league this is, but it is at the soccer fields at Concordia Seminary. They have a bunch of fields, and there were tons of people there. When we checked her in Anna received a shirt, socks, and a soccer ball with her name on it.

The nice thing about this league is... as a 4-year-old, first-time player, they only have 5 weeks of practice. And it is entirely instructional. They don't play games yet. They just learn how to dribble, to not use their hands, to listen for the whistle, and a few other basics. So it's not too overwhelming, but they do learn some skills. As they progress they teach them different things.

At first she didn't participate real well - she is so shy. Eventually they got her to put her ball down, then to kick it, and pretty soon she was dribbling up and down the field with the other kids. She did pretty good at that by the end, and even kicked the ball into the net when they did that. She was pretty tentative when they played some games designed to get the kids running around though. She likes order, and the chaos of kids running around was a bit much. All in all she did really great though.

Here are some pics (she is #4, in the pink socks)...

Caleb turns 1

Today is grandson #2 (and grandchild #3), Caleb's, 1st birthday. He is at a really fun stage. He still thinks life is good - other than when his big brother doesn't want to share toys with him - and he smiles easily at just about anything. He is clearly the happiest of the 3 to see us whenever we're around. You just need to say his name and he gives a big ol' grin. He is also walking pretty good now - even though it's a bit of a sideways shuffle. He also likes to play with cars, and to eat. He likes cramming a lot of food in his mouth at the same time.

Unfortunately Anna had to have a dental procedure done today so his parents weren't home when he woke up. I'm sure he didn't mind that Grandma Jane was there though. Anna had to be put to sleep so she will likely be a bit groggy all day. They are having a party for him this Saturday though. My parents are even going to make it out.

I think this pic is from Easter Sunday. He clearly looks just like Drew's dad. I hope he holds onto that happiness for a long time!