Hodge Podge

So, I'm a bit behind. Such is life I guess. I had grand plans to complete my "2008 in review" BEFORE the first of the year. Here it's February and I'm not done. Over two weeks of internet troubles, vacation, back injury, trying to get caught up on life...I guess life in general just got in the way. I've had at least a dozen blog posts go through my mind at inconvenient times and of course, most of them are forgotten now.
A funny from the other day...
Parker HATES to wear clothes (that's not the funny part). It's beyond just wanting to be naked, he just cannot stand the feel of most clothing...everything is too tight or too itchy or it's one piece. Whatever the outfit is, he usually has a reason for hating it. It's been plenty warm in the house and he's only two, so I've been a little lenient in this area lately. It gets tiresome constantly redressing him. Anyways, the other day he was in just a diaper and decided to put on his Winnie the Pooh snow boots (the only shoes he will wear besides crocs btw). After a bit, he comes to me in boots/diaper and we have this conversation...
P: I go outside?
Me: You need more on than that, it's cold outside.
P: (thinks for a minute) Do I need a hat?

A few hours later, he came to me, clothes in hand. I helped him get dressed and he said, "I not a nakey boy. Now, I cutey boy"

On a less funny note, today marks two years since my Grandpa died. I miss him. His snicker and the way he'd slap the arm of his recliner when he was really tickled about something. The way he would always say, "Helloooo dere Smelly Kelly Mud-duck" when I walked in the door. His quiet strength and unending support. It's funny too, how things you think are awful and hard at the time can become cherished memories. I remember being asked to cut his hair and clip his nails during the last couple months of his life. It was not an easy thing for me and certainly not something I wanted to do. Yet, it remains one of my most precious memories. The opportunity to love him and serve him in such a way is not easily forgotten. Sigh. Life goes on and we keep moving forward, working through times of joy and grief, triumph and defeat, ho-hum days and "will this ever end" days. Missing those we love, loving those we are still with...so goes the story of life.
Today is also a day of joyous celebration. Happy Birthday to my Aunt Lynnie! I know your birthday is marred by the loss of your daddy, but I pray it's a great day despite that. I know we only see you a couple times a year, but you are a blessing to me. I love you and I'm glad you are in my life!