Weekend update and DNA

What, you ask, might create this mess and cause Jereme to spend 2 hours holed up in the bathroom???

A lid to shaving cream shoved down the toliet. Any guesses on the culprit? I've only gotten innocent looks and sweet smiles from the suspects...no one is 'fessing up...


By the way, some things are just in our DNA; you just can't change them.

*Nail-biting. Jorden has been biting his nails as long as I can remember. His dad is a nail-biter. We haven't clipped that kid's nails since he was an infant. Tell me that isn't DNA!

*Today, I was sitting on the floor playing with the boys. Jorden comes up to me with a serious face. He concentrates for a few seconds and rips the loudest fart I've ever heard. He then laughs hysterically and runs away. Seriously, could he possibly be anymore like his father?

It's DNA, I tell you, and it all starts with a tiny little thing called the Y chromosone!

Have to give her credit...

Won't change my vote but this is hysterical! It takes guts to poke fun at yourself like this...

I'm predicting when they DON'T win we'll be seeing her back working in the media...

At the park




First day of Parent's Day Out...


Isaac on his way to find someone to bite...


What happens when momma leaves the room during snack time


Jorden's new face in pictures Exhibit A


Exhibit B


New jammies and wondering why we must endure a picture for it...

First of many mortifying moments of parenting, I am sure...

I realize that this is just the beginning of numerous times that I will wish a big hole would open up and swallow me. I mean, how could it not? Have you seen the devilish glint in Isaac's eyes? Or the way Jorden so easily puts on his "Mr. Innoncent" face? Yet, I wasn't prepared for it to start today.

The boys were accepted into a Parents' Day Out program here in *****. It takes a long time to wait for 2 spots to become available. We've actually been on the list since Spring. I thought it was a real blessing that the timing coincided with a lot more responsibility upon Jereme's shoulders. I am way behind on my data entry for him, the house looks like a tornado (ok, twinadoes) hit and I needed some time to get this all done. I have to admit, I was pretty nervous about leaving the boys for the first time in a "child-care setting". But, it's a great program and I breezed out of there with a huge to-do list.

I accomplished going to the library, the post office, chatting on the phone with dear friend, Stacia, cleaning the baths, washing and changing all the sheets/mattress pads, sending emails and vacuuming in that short amount of time. Imagine what I could've done if I'd gotten off the internet and phone!

Anyways, I showed up a few minutes early to pick the boys up. I walk in and say, "how did they do?" Well, one lady looks at another. The other says, "well, we had a biting incident." I nod and smile and say, "oh, did they bite each other?". Um, no. Isaac bit another child. TWICE! Two times in that short amount of time AND he left marks. I was mortified. He was grinning at me like he was the best little boy ever. What do you say when the child-care worker says that? I thought about making excuses, but I'm sure they've heard them all.

Oh, and to top it off, he bit the boy whose mom was EXTRA nice and welcoming to me when I nervously brought the boys in this morning. He bit her boy twice. HARD, I might mention. I stuck around till she left so I could apologize. She was gracious, more gracious than I probably would've been.

And, so it begins.

We're surviving...

Thanks to all for your prayers, cards, flowers, memorials and encouragement the past week. It's been a long, tough week. But, we were so happy to get back home this weekend. Jereme is just taking one day, one task at a time. The service was great...the ministers did a wonderful job honoring Rodger and his family. The Patriot Guard led the funeral procession with their American flags flying and the American Legion riders also provided an escort. Rodger would've loved it...there were over 100 motorcycles. He was buried with military honors, which is always a tear-jerking event. I have pics of the boys to update so look for those soon. Below is the more personal obituary that the family wrote for Rodger.

Rodger Lee House was born on August 9, 1948 in Nashville, KS. He was Franklin and Maxine’s youngest child. Rodger had two sisters, Janet Wreath and Carol Hoffman, and one brother, Gary House.

Rodger grew up on the farm just outside of Isabel, Kansas. He attended grade and high school in Isabel. Rodger then went to Pratt Community College and transferred to Fort Hays State University where he earned a Bachelor in Agriculture. While in Hays, he joined the Army National Guard. Rodger married Betty Aline Fellers on July 13, 1968.

Rodger was preceded in death by a son Christopher Lynn. Jeffery Lee was born in Hays on June 19, 1971. On September 18, 1976, Jereme Jon was born and a daughter, Kristina Joann, was born on December 30, 1980.

Rodger and Betty moved back to the area in 1971. He served for six years in the Army National Guard. They raised their family in the Isabel area and Rodger farmed. He later owned and operated Rodger’s Spraying Service until his death.

Rodger never knew a stranger. He always greeted people with a smile and was ready to talk. One of his favorite topics was his grandchildren: Kylie, Isabel, Cody, Isaac, Jorden, Ashton and K.D. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Arian.

All three kids have vivid memories of riding equipment, going to the co-op and checking cattle. Rodger was one of the hardest working people and he instilled a strong work ethic in his children. Rodger was so proud of his kids and grandkids and loved his time with them.

Rodger treasured his few days with close friend, Carl, when he arrived for his annual hunting trip. Rodger enjoyed riding his motorcycle with the American Legion riders for many great causes. He also spent time with his companion, Nancy, and their dog Addie.

Jeff, Jereme and Kristina all knew that Dad would drop anything if they needed him. The kids are finding comfort in that when he died he was doing something he truly loved. His time with his children, grandchildren and loved ones was too short. The loss of Rodger will be a profound one in so many people’s lives. But, his humble ways, generous heart and passion for the land will live on in the spirit of his children.

http://www.larrisonmortuary.com/index.cfm

This is the link to the funeral home's website. It has Rodger's obituary with funeral service information in it.

To say that we are overwhelmed at the outpouring of support, love and just tears from our family and friends would be an understatement. Many tears were shed today by both Jereme and I just simply by your calls, messages, emails, etc. We find comfort and strength knowing that you are holding Jereme, his brother and sister up in prayer.

It's hard. It's hard when we are reminded so harshly that we live in an imperfect world where our loved ones are gone in an instant. But, we believe in God's promise that this earthly walk is a mere glimpse of what lies ahead and we cling to that hope.

Thank you seems inadequate, but thank you anyways! I'll update when I can!

Prayer Warriors

Jereme's father was killed today in a tragic motorcycle accident. He was on a ride for Toys for Tots when a deer hit him. He was lifewatched to Wichita where we were given his prognosis, which was obviously a devastating one. The kids made the decision to remove him from life support this evening. Please hold up Jereme, his brother Jeff, and sister Kristina in prayer. They need them desperately as they face this sudden loss of their dad. I will keep you updated here as arrangements are made.

He thinks he's funny...

This weekend, a very good friend is getting married and I am in the wedding. I marked on Jereme's calendar 6 months ago what time he needed to be off on Friday so we could travel. As luck would have it, corn harvest is in full swing. He had a plot to cut today. I confirmed yesterday saying, "you will be home at 2 pm, correct?" He said, "I should." I told him wrong answer. He said, "I will."

Well, here it is about 1:30 pm so I called to find out where he is. His response, "we still have 5 numbers to cut so it's going to be quite awhile." Now, if you know my husband, this would not be unusual that "something has come up".

I was TICKED and formulating how I was going to get everything loaded up and take the kids and drive off myself when I hear laughter in the background. He was putting on a show, apparently, at my expense for his client(s). He thought he was soooooooooooooo funny.

Well, you know what I think is funny? I cut his hair this morning and he is getting a bunch of gray hair.

Now THAT'S funny!!!!!