Lauren at 9

Happy Easter!

If life throws you a lemon, make lemonade.

Never thought I'd be quoting Joan Collins. But on our first spring weekend, it made sense.

Where's the Spring?

If you look real close, you can see a sign of spring. Amongst the 6 inches of fresh snow that is.

A More Perfect Union

I usually leave the political rants to Ranger Paul. But Barack Obama's speech A More Perfect Union inspired me to go out on a limb and share my thoughts with whomever will stumble upon them here. While listening, I was reminded of my family members from earlier generations expressing views on race that made me cringe. I reflected on my interactions with a man who got off a plane from his home in Kolkata just yesterday to work on our project for the next 6 months. He was hired because his rate is half what a local contractor would charge. And I was reminded of the months spent in the PICU with my infant son when I desperately clung to hope.

I read that he wrote the speech himself (but you can't believe everything you read on the internet). In any event, I agree with Senator Obama's words. Especially when he says that no one can tell me that my daughter with Down syndrome can't learn. OK, he didn't mention my daughter or Down syndrome - that was me. Anyway, Barack's speech gives me hope. I think he's what this country needs to help us create a more perfect union.

Wordless Wednesday

Rock Band

The neighborhood posse decided to pool their money to get Rock Band. Both Deanna and I were certain it wouldn't work out. The game is expensive and video games aren't the easiest thing to share. But I'm happy to say, it is working out.

This is the first weekend it's spent in our home. So this is the first chance I've had to try it. Though both the vocals and the guitar are much like other games we've already mastered, the drums do rock. And it is a whole lot of fun to rock out with your bandmates.

I'm not the only one who likes the drums.

Too Old to Play

We've recently passed another milestone. The teenagers are too old to play. If you asked them, that's what they'd tell you. It's actually not true. What they do isn't any different than when they still called it playing with friends. It's just not cool to call it that anymore. Instead, the acceptable term is hanging out. So instead of "Dad, can I play with Becca?" It's become "Dad, Molly and I are going to hang out". My reply hasn't required any adjustment. "Be home for dinner" still does the trick.


I don't recall exactly when that happened. But the milestone is still visible in the rear view mirror. It's good to see your kids are growing up. It's also nice to have one that isn't too old to play. I think she just may be smart enough to realize that she never will be.