The boys are still with their Grandparents this week. I have talked with them each day by phone and they are having a great time: trips to the lake, bowling, dessert every night… Yesterday, Connor told me that Grandma makes “the best chicken ever!” “It’s crispy and tastes like french fries,” he said. When I…
Ryan and Connor are watching Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back with their Dad. Tension and drama are high as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker face off… and then, silence during the movie’s pivotal moment: “I am your father,” wheezes Darth Vader. A gasp of disbelief from Ryan: “They stole that right out of Toy…
There is a bridge on the road to my parents’ home in New Jersey. Ten years ago, it washed out in a Spring flood. It was replaced with a temporary bridge… that has stood in that spot for the ten years since. Recently, construction for a new permanent bridge was begun. It is being funded…
Connor came running out his Grandparents’ house, excitedly prattling on about his latest video game conquest. “Mommy, do you know… “ Not only did I not know, I didn’t even understand enough of it to retype it here… it had something to do with what he had done in the video game he had been…
The boys had a friend over today. When the conversation turned to school, here’s what was overheard: Christian (the friend): Ryan, what grade are you in? Ryan: Fourth. Connor: I’m in first. Christian: I’m in fifth (with a big grin, because he’s in second). Connor: I’m in sixth. Christian: Eighth. Connor: College. Christian: College. That’s…
The Beatles’ All You Need Is Love was on the radio. Connor listened carefully, and then stated emphatically, “Incorrect! That song’s not true! You need water and food and shelter and maybe friends, too… not just love.” And he was right… sometimes, love is not enough: In Memory: James Coburn II July 30, 1975 –…
Connor is attending Vacation Bible School at our church this week. He goes from 9:00 am until 12:15 pm with apparent non-stop action. Last night at bedtime, I tucked Connor in, gave him a good night kiss, and started to walk out of the room saying, “Go right to sleep, you have another big day…
The weather in Northern Virginia has been hot, humid, and downright unbearable this week. We’ve been spending all of our time either in the air-conditioning or in the pool. This evening as we exited a local store, Connor looked at me and said, “Mommy, the weather today is not human!” It turns out, he meant…
Irony: a. An expression or utterance marked by a deliberate contrast between apparent and intended meaning. b. Incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs. c. An occurrence, result, or circumstance notable for such incongruity. Three girls are floating on a raft in our neighborhood pool; they are visiting their Grandparents for…
Today after playing two games of soccer in 92 degree heat: Connor: Mommy, I’m sweatering! Me: Sweatering? Connor: You know, Mommy, I’m very hot! Ryan, in his best big brother voice: Con-nor, the word is swel-ter-ing! Connor: Right! Sweatering!