Good pass, not so good catch

Today toward the end of gym class Brady's teacher threw him the football. Brady attempted to catch it, but instead broke his finger trying. It's the fifth finger on his left hand. The school nurse called at 2:30 pm. She didn't want him to take the bus home, so I went in to get him. First thing he said to me was, "You don't want to see this." My son knows me so well! I think he just didn't want to be embarrassed by his mother passing out in the high school nurse's office! The nurse agreed. She said Brady showed it to one of his teachers, who happens to be pregnant and she backed away and "almost lost it." I called our doctor's office from the van and took him right in to have it examined. Next it was off to the hospital where it was officially declared broken. Tomorrow we see the orthopedic surgeon. We're hoping for a simple fix and quick recovery. I would post pictures, but then I'd have to look at his finger, and that ain't happenin'! Not yet.

Ashton becomes a teenager!

Monday, October 12th was Ashton's 13th birthday. She still hasn't told me what she wants as a gift. Once she decides, we'll have some shopping to do. The only thing I had wrapped to give her was her favorite gum!

Ashton is a straight A student, she loves sports, (especially softball), is artistic like her Nan Nan and is very good in dealing with young children. She would one day like to be a child psychiatrist.
Ashton requested LaBella's pizza, chips, cherry cheese pie and vanilla ice cream for her meal.

Her six siblings each had a gift for her, starting with Kaden -- a box of candy Dots!

Avery and Ashton

Bryson with Ashton

Brady's gift was time on his Mylo.

Gum from Kenzie.

Extra lovin' from Kassie!

I didn't tell the children ahead of time that Pappy would be coming to help celebrate. What a nice surprise!

Happy Birthday my little Ashton Annie!

Has it been twenty years?!

Growing up as a youth in the Church of the Brethren, I attended district youth activities. It was at one of these events that I first met Kelly. We later worked together at our church camp, Camp Eder in the summer of 1982. From there we entered BVS (Brethren Volunteer Service) together in the fall of '82. After a month of training we went our separate ways. I served in Dixon, IL and Kelly served in Kansas. Following BVS Kelly and I got together when we could. I spent some time with her in her Newville, PA apartment, going with her to work at her day care job. We also did some camping together. Kelly then had the opportunity to move to Switzerland to work as a Nanny. It was only to be for one year, but she's still living and working there today! The last time I saw Kelly was after I met Dale, but before I was married -- 20 years ago! Kelly came to the states during fall break from her teaching position in Switzerland a couple of weeks ago and we were able to meet up in York. We had a very nice dinner at an Italian restaurant and later stopped at the local Maple Donut shop! Kelly just had to taste the best donuts ever made before leaving the states! It was so good to see her again! We share some great memories. We're already planning another reunion with another girlfriend of ours who is also living in Switzerland. They'll both be in the US next summer! Can't wait!

Kitchen Keepsake

Yesterday I spent another day at Dad's house going through Mom's things. While I worked in the house, Kaden helped Pappy to mow. Why didn't I have my camera? I was kicking myself for leaving it at home. It was so adorable to watch. At first Kaden just followed Pappy up and down the rows as he mowed. Then Kaden and Pappy both were pushing the mower, up and down the rows. Afterward Pappy had to clean Kaden off with the broom and rub the grass from his hair.

My chore for the day was in the kitchen. Mom did all the cooking. I have one memory of my father cooking. Mom must have been in the hospital having my baby brother. I can still see Dad at the stove making fried eggs! Now that Mom is gone Dad has no use for all her spices, sweeteners, etc. Once I cleaned out the cupboards there were only two seasonings left on the spice rack -- cinnamon and black pepper. Dad mastered fried eggs years ago and does want to learn some other basics -- quick oats, oat bran cereal, jello, frozen pizza, mac and cheese, etc. Anything beyond that and he has no interest. While cleaning out the microwave cupboards I came across a keepsake I was hoping Dad would let me have. Many years ago Mom gave me her pink butter dish. It was always on our table at meal times when I was young. I didn't have a butter dish at the time and gladly accepted the gift. Yesterday I found the creamer to go with it!
Without even first explaining that Mom had already given me the butter dish, Dad told me to take it!

Thanks Dad! I love having the complete set of this kitchen keepsake!