Sledding in Almost Enough Snow

It had been snowing all morning, but not enough to really accumulate enough for powdery runs. The California cousins thought there was plenty of snow, and actually our kids didn't complain. They happily climbed up and slid down the brushy, dirt-streaked hill. Teague didn't want to sled, so he just played on a nearby playground. Snowbibs meant that it didn't really matter that the slides were covered in snow.

Jacob & Braiden

Carter

Tatum

Jacob & Sperry

Teague

A One-Night Camping Trip

We escaped to Gooseberry Friday night. Teague had never been camping before, and he loved the fire (Braiden built it). We made s'mores, doing our best to keep Teague out of the marshmallows, and then went to bed. It got COLD that night, ice-on-the-outside-of-the-tent cold. I think Quinn is the only one who slept well. He doesn't even wear a coat in the winter.




The next morning our friends, the Tippetts, joined us. It was so good to see Paula and the kids; we hadn't gotten together since before Jared died in July. It was definitely a change to get the families together without him. Paula and I sat by the fire and talked all morning about things that matter. I will never forget what she shared with me, and I thank her for that. Every time Quinn came up on us we were crying. So he kept busy teaching the kids to fish, and he even got in some fly fishing. We came home empty handed but with full hearts.

Like Daddy

This is the first time I've really thought Teague looks like Quinn. I've almost always been able to see his uncle Aaron in him (the first time Quinn said that, I thought he was making a sick joke), and I think he looks and sometimes even acts similar to his cousin Gavin. But this picture really shows that he's like his dad. I love that smirk on both them.

First Tooth, Lost (very, very lost)

Tatum has waited since January for this tooth to finally come out. It's been barely loose for months, then it became evident why: the permanent tooth was growing in behind it and not pushing it out.

She's wiggled it, tried to twist it, and has worked on it with dental floss. Finally I tied a loop around it, which either got frayed or she looped again. Either way, that floss was on there and the only way off was to pop that tooth. So that's what Quinn did. And the tooth went flying.


Tatum was excited, then devastated. We swept, mopped, and pulled the oven out. No tooth. So she wrote the tooth fairy a hopeful note and went to bed.

Festivities on the Fourth

The Fourth of July ranks with Christmas for me. I love it. The Star-Spangled Banner makes me cry. I love this country and what it was founded on, and I have a desperate hope that we can remember as a nation what has made America strong.

This year, all Wigingtons wore red, white, and blue. My awesome neighbor Alicia did Tatum's hair in messy buns and curled pipe cleaners. It was so stinkin' cute. I've got to get better little-girl hair skills. Tate is a tough one, though. She never leaves her hair-dos in. But while it lasted, she looked as patriotic as she is (she's annoyed that we don't have our own flag).

Our day started with a neighborhood celebration. The kids rode decorated bikes in a bike parade, then we had a flag ceremony before the pot-luck breakfast at the pavilion.

What took my breath away might seem simple. Rick Gardner in fatigues, little scouts marching at his side. I loved the example of service to country, respect for the flag, and teaching it to the next generation.

The morning went on with some patriotic performances and kids having potato-sack races and faces painted. Perfect way to kick off an Independence Day.

We ended the day at my parents' house for their annual barbecue. They're just across the field from Thanksgiving Point, a great spot for watching fireworks. Tatum's the only one who stayed that late, though. We had to get Teague home and into bed. Got to keep that kid healthy.

Girl Time

Such great timing to reconnect with friends from the dorms. The visit took my mind off of the cancer stress. Nicole came in from North Carolina, which prompted Susan to drive down from Washington, Shelley from California, and Kim from Idaho. Laughing, reminiscing, and catching up equal good medicine.

I never believed it when I was a teenager, but decades fly by. This fall will mark 21 years since we all moved into Budge Hall. I don't think I could have predicted what great people I would meet or how much growing up we were in for. I'm convinced that the people you grow most with always hold a special place in your heart. My friends, seeing the amazing women you are makes my heart swell.

Ants

He catches them. He eats them. I let him. He comes and shows them to me, pinched between his fingers and in his teeth. It's gross, I know, but I figure, if I had poisoned them, I'd worry. Since I haven't, he can crunch a few. He's a boy, and he's just hunting.

Little Miss Jump Rope

In her last few weeks of kindergarten, Tatum took to jumping rope. Talked about it all the time, and when I'd come up to the school, we'd have to go out to the playground so she could show me.

Until yesterday, we didn't have one of our own. We used to, but I remember throwing it out because Braiden kept tying things up with it and it was making me nervous. So Tatum has improvised with a plastic slinkie, a computer cable, and my pajama pants.

Yesterday Grandma Francie came to the rescue. She brought some jump ropes as party favors for the Braiden and Tatum birthday barbecue. Tatum is in heaven.

My baby is two

Two years ago tonight I had a newborn baby. Who wouldn't nurse. But that was really my only concern. Teague was a beautiful, healthy, 6 lb. 3 oz. boy, and it had been a beautiful day. The things I remember most are, of course, how quickly he got here, how much he looked like Tatum did at birth, and how much I loved him and wanted to get to know him.

Really, his birth wasn't quick; I'd been in labor since the night before, but since I wouldn't admit it to myself until about a half hour before he was actually born, it seemed quick. And we were blessed and lucky to have made it to the hospital in time. What a whirlwind that was, and how miraculous birth is.

He was born at 1:58 p.m., and today at his naptime, I snuggled him longer than usual. I felt so nostalgic about this little boy that I'm so blessed to have in my life. He is a joy, a miracle, a bright spot. Thank you, Teague, for being my son.