Fatherly thoughts: getting the splinters out

Ok, it wasn't brain surgery ... but you try holding a 2-year-old's hand still while removing a splinter.

It took both Stephanie and I working together to perform our first "de-splinterization."
I spotted it while washing Laura's hands after dinner. She must have gotten it playing in the yard yesterday.

Armed with a needle and peroxide, I lightly scraped along the skin trying to loosen the splinter. Let me just say ... Laura is one strong kid, and she didn't want to sit still as I poked around on her little hand. The "procedure" took about five minutes. It felt like an hour. After much work, we finally were victorious and removed the splinter!

Just as Stephanie and I were putting everything away, consoling Laura and patting each other on the back for a job well done ... we spotted another splinter on the same hand. This one was longer and deeper. Oh, good grief!We decided to take a break, and let Laura watch a cartoon. After a few minutes, it was time to get serious. I grabbed my cap with built in flash light. With the help of Clifford the Big Red Dog playing in the background, the second splinter wasn't as tough to remove. It only took a minute or two, and Laura seemed to hardly notice as her eyes glazed over in cartoon mode.

So ... sometimes there are things parents have to take care of even though they're not popular. Laura, I know you're not always going to appreciate your mommy and daddy's attempts to protect you from bad things ... like splinters... but just know that we love you and are doing the best we can.Hopefully, we didn't traumatize you too bad with that needle ... or that goofy hat with the light.

Mother's Day

We had a great Mother's Day weekend. My parents came over on Saturday to help us finish building Fort Laura. Granddad's expertise was needed on some of the final details of making the fort strong and secure. (He also was a big help getting us started -- Shawn and I aren't the most handy people when it comes to building things!!) Laura was thrilled when she was finally able to swing, slide, sit at her picnic table and play in the playhouse.

Granddad and Shawn bracing the picnic table bench.

One of Laura's first rides on the swing.

Our family:)

On Mother's Day I was woken up by Shawn and Laura bringing me breakfast in bed and singing me a song -- it was very sweet. My gift was two beautiful hanging baskets of petunias for the front porch. We met Nana and Granddad at church and had a good time worshipping with them. We enjoy having grandparents so close by -- Laura just loves her Nana and Granddad. After Laura's nap, my parents came over again for a barbecue for Mother's Day and my dad's birthday. We had good food and good fun! At the end of the day, Laura was able to Skype with her MeMa and sing her a few songs. Laura has definitely turned into a performer. All I hear lately is "O mor son, momma!" (One more song, momma!)

Laura with her daddy and Granddad.

All of us dressed up.

A great picture with Nana and Granddad.

Laura loving her new swing set.

Swinging with Granddad.

Reading with Nana.

A fun game of Ring Around the Rosy.

Daughterly thoughts: Happy Mother's Day, Mama!

Dear Mama,

You think I'm taking a nap right now ... but I snuck away to write something just for you. Daddy says I'm a natural.

I just wanted to write you a quick note to tell you how special you are to me and wish you a Happy Mother's Day! You're the best mama a kid could ask for. You take good care of me and make me feel special. You clean up after me ... and daddy, too. I love your hugs and kisses.

You've also taught me to be a good mommy to my dollies. I even know how to give them a "time out" when they don't obey, but I always give them a hug and tell them how much I love them. Thanks again for being a wonderful mommy.

I love you!

-Laura, guest writer

Fatherly thoughts: Through a child's eyes

Dear Laura,

You remained so still ... so quiet. You didn't seem to know exactly what was happening.

The other day a friend had just found out his father had passed away. We just arrived at his house after he and his wife had heard the news. The family was visibly grieving and packing to leave town for the funeral. You had never seen anything quite like this before. You sat in your mother's arms and leaned into her as close as you could. You weren't scared, you were just watching and taking it all in. You seemed to sense that something had happened ... something sad. I was impressed with how calm and somber you were. You appeared to read the moment perfectly. As you grow up, there will be times when you don't understand what is happening.

Your mother and I will do the best we can to answer your questions ... some of which, I'm sure, will be tough to answer. We don't have all of the answers. We do hope that we can point you to the one who does. Our faith in God and His Word definitely helps give us the foundation to answer the tough questions in life. Laura, we definitely look forward to helping you find the answers.