Tradition

On Friday, May 22, 2009, I had a chance to pass along a tradition to my kids. I was able to go to the WLAP with Eli, Abby, and my dad. For all of you non-Stanton-natives, that is the We Love America Parade. The WLAP began 30 years ago, started by the principal of Stanton Elementary School. At the time, my dad was teaching sixth grade at Stanton, telling kids to "look sharp." Mom was also teaching and I was one and half years old. The WLAP, in its glory days, was a march through the streets of Stanton, every elementary child and teacher decked out in their Red, White, and Blue. All students and most spectators received a WLAP button and a flag. I remember many sweltering May days walking through Stanton singing Yankee Doodle and You're A Grand Old Flag. When I was in sixth grade, I even was able to read an essay that I had written on the steps of the court house, the final destination of the parade. Very fond memories.

I was excited to take the kids to the parade, such a memorable part of my childhood. But, pinning the traditional WLAP button on Eli made a profound impact on me, beyond what I had even anticipated. I found myself beaming with pride as I watched Eli wave his flag as the kids march by. And, with my dad there, and mom marching in her last WLAP, it was even better. Three generations of WLAPers.

Many emotions filled my heart that day. Gratefulness to the men and women who have secured the freedom we have in the United States today. Thankfulness to God for giving us ultimate freedom. The whole point of the WLAP hit me again, maybe even really for the first time.

Motherhood Lesson #952

Eli was eating his snack at the table when I heard his sweet, angelic voice call, "Mom, come look at this." I went to the table to see his hand outstretched with some brown goo on his finger. Curiosity overcame me, along with the thought of the McDonald's Happy Meal that we had for lunch. Since Andy and I are really watching what we eat, the possibility of a bit of caramel from the Apple Dippers sounded, sadly, a bit appealing. Against all sensibilities, I decided to take a lick. Needless to say, it was not caramel. I asked Eli, "where did you get this?" Eli responded, in his sweet, angelic voice, "From my ear."

Lesson learned.

Give Me a Head of Hair

We'll let the pictures tell the story...

We love her anyways...

A Season of Firsts

For Elijah

• On April 17, 2009, Eli and his dad went to Eli's FIRST ever baseball game. They saw the Lansing Lugnuts and Eli was given two real baseballs by real baseball players, ate ice cream, and purchased a mini-bat.
• On May 2, 2009, Eli, in the words of his Great Grandma Z, tinkled in a training toilet for FIRST time. He even did it a second time.
  

For Abigail

• On April 18, 2009, Abby went on her FIRST girls' road trip to Indianapolis with her mom, Grandma Z, and Aunt Jessie. She stayed in a hotel for the FIRST time and even went swimming for the FIRST time.
• On April 25, 2009, Abby rolled over, from her back to her tummy, for the FIRST time. She did it in the playroom and the whole family witnessed it.
  
• On April 29, 2009, Abby's FIRST tooth finally made its appearance.