Oh, Krista!

Leah, Krista, and I were preparing a tasty dinner of grilled cheese sandwiches and grapes when suddenly Krista says, "Jesus Christ, Lady!"

I swirled around quickly, mouth agape, and Leah sucked in her breath loudly. We both stared at Krista in horror.

Krista (with genuine innocence): "What?"

Me (still in shock): "Krista, I don't ever want to hear you say that again!"

Krista: "Why? You've said it."

OK, now I have to stop here to say that I have NEVER said that, so I didn't know where she came up with that.

Leah: "No, she says, 'Jeez Louise,' not 'Jesus Christ.'"

Krista: "What's wrong with saying 'Jesus Christ?'"

Me: "Because that's using the Lord's name in vain, and you're not supposed to do that. It's like saying, 'GD'"

Krista: "What's 'GD?'"

Me (wishing I hadn't brought that up): "Um, you know, like 'Gosh Darn' only worse."

Leah: "Yeah, like WAY worse!"

Krista: "Oh! Well, I didn't know!"

Leah (shaking her head): "Out of the mouths of babes!"

Oh, why can't my kids have sweet conversations like Erin's kids? Jeez Louise!

Father's Day 2008

We've been really busy this week, which is why it's taken so long to post photos from Father's Day last Sunday. We had a really nice day. Ryan came over after church and we just had a nice family day. We missed Ashley, of course.

Ryan and the girls made deviled eggs. Ryan is telling them to act like they are having a blast. He started singing something about how deviled eggs aren't actually "deviled" until they have paprika on them. Until then they are just "demon" eggs.

Ryan is shining a laser light into Leah's eyes!

Presents!

Dad and the kids

Stuff I've Been Thinkin' About Lately

I rarely watched "Meet the Press" on Sunday mornings. I'd like to say that it's because I went to church, but the truth is that it is because I have difficulty keeping up with politics. But I watched it occasionally, and Tim Russert always reminded me of my brother, Patrick. Not so much in looks (although a little bit), but in his personality. He was so smart and well-spoken. He was tough, but fair in his interviews.

And, when I saw him being interviewed on various news programs, his sense of humor totally reminded me of Patrick. His passion for his job, and his patriotism also reminded me of Patrick. The way he talked about his dad with such respect, his wife with devotion, and his son with pride--you guessed it--a lot like Patrick.

Like many people across the country, I was shocked and saddened to hear about Tim Russert's early death. For some reason, I have spent hours watching the various tributes to him. In fact, right now, I'm watching his memorial service. Mario Cuomo is speaking. People have been telling humorous stories about Tim and talking about the type of friend, husband, father, and leader he was. How excited he was to go to work and get busy. How he was never too busy to give advice--and how wise that advice was. How thankful he was to have his dream job. How, even though he was clearly a workaholic, his family always came first. They have spoken about his strong faith in God, and his solid sense of honor and understanding of right and wrong.

So, I've been thinking about how rare it is to know someone so amazing. And I realize how blessed I am to not only know such a someone, but he's my brother! How lucky am I?

TGIF: Bristow!

I know you're going to think it's silly--and maybe it is--but today I'm thankful for Bristow. She's been bouncing around and barking and stealing chew bones from Bennett and Dakota just like she used to do before her close brush with death a few weeks ago.

She's not out of the woods yet (three small bald patches have mysteriously appeared on her body), but her ornery personality is definitely back, and we are lovin' it!

Here are a few photos of her and Bennett and Dakota last Saturday.

We took this photo to show the difference in her belly area - much fatter!

She loves to drink the water from the corner sprinkler

She really loves it!

All the dogs start barking when Gene blows bubbles in the pool - especially Bristow

And here's a video of the bubble blowing:

Enjoyin' the Pool

One day it's sweltering hot, and the next it's like winter (okay maybe fall for most parts of the country). But last Saturday it was a beautiful day, so while Gene and I worked on back yard projects, the girls went for a short swim. Here are a few photos.

Thinkin' about going in

Gene and Krista foolin' around

Leah finally got in

Krista doing her front dive (look at that form!)

Oh, and check out our bank!

Krista doing her back dive (no fear)