Happy Birthday JRR!

I'm a terrible sister! It's not that I forgot his birthday, I just let life get in the way! I had every intention of writing a moving tribute before his birthday, but...

Most of you who read this blog know my brother personally. In fact, you've known him a long time. But some of you have never met him, so let me tell you about him.

JRR was born 13 months after me. Growing up, we were very close. By the time I left for college, we were the best of friends. We genuinely enjoyed being together! Soon after I got married, JRR got very sick. He was stricken with a debilitating disease that almost took his life. The next couple of years were difficult and strenuous, but he survived! In fact, at his wedding, he walked his high school sweetheart down the aisle - something very few people would have predicted he'd be able to do! He has an amazing amount of strength and faith in God.

He is a great husband. I don't know how his wife puts up with him sometimes, but those two really love each other! They have a beautiful marriage. JRR is also a wonderful dad to 2 hilarious boys and one very special girl. Parenting hasn't always been easy, but he and J desperately depend on the Lord and His plan for their family.

Besides politics, JRR loves history, music, Lord of the Rings, Braveheart, and Star Wars!

J and J had their kids a few years before I had mine. Kacole and I got to spend lots of time with L, H, and L when they were babies. So, when the time came for me to become a mom, we lived far from home. After the grandmothers had done their duty with me and headed back home, JRR took his vacation, stayed home with his preschool/toddler kids, and flew J up to Des Moines to be with me. He may think it was so we could catch up on girlfriend time. But it was so much more than that! She helped me figure out this new thing called motherhood. It was one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.

Now, I've made him sound like a saint! In everyday life, he's sarcastic, obnoxious, hilarious, and did I say OBNOXIOUS!? Spend anytime with JRR and there will be eye-rolling, hearty laughter, and thought-provoking discussion. I wouldn't change anything about him!!

Obsessions

D is OBSESSED with Star Wars!!!!! Because he has recently been granted the privilege of seeing the first (or is it the 4th?) episode - you know, the one from the 70's - and he has the Lego Star Wars PS2 game, he can think of nothing but Star Wars! He's home from school today, so I get to hear all about it. AAAAAAHHHHHHH! He's eating lunch right now wearing not one, but two lightsabers - although I think he calls them lightsavers!

So, surely there is a name for this rite of passage into Star Wars mania - right? And what is the treatment for this irritating condition that I have as the one in the house without any desire to watch the movie. I didn't like it in the 70's and I don’t think there’s much of a chance I’ll become a fan anytime soon.

D’s not the only one in the house with an obsession though. Little Brother can’t get enough Blue’s Clues. I have no problem with this. It’s so innocent. There’s no violence. Blue doesn’t attack Magenta. She doesn’t bite Green Puppy when he knocks her blocks down. Mr. Salt doesn’t try to harm Mrs. Pepper. It’s good clean fun! I can live with his obsession!

So what do I do? There should be a formal name for this condition. And, what’s the treatment?

Great News!

It's been a while since my last post, but that's how it is during the holidays! I just want to share some exciting news with the handful of readers out there. Most who read this already know, but just in case...my sister is pregnant with her first baby!!!!

She will have her first baby eight years (almost to the day) after my first! We are all so very excited. She and her hubby will be wonderful parents!


It's hard to believe that Christmas is over. It seems like D just got out of school for the holidays, and now he goes back tomorrow. I sure will miss him during the day, but I look forward to having a routine around here.

That's all for now. Must get little ones to bed.