Tego is One!

Happy first birthday to Tego! We made him a pancake with all of his favorite treats cooked into it. 

Spring Break '22 - Kalahari

Our first overnight during spring break was to Kalahari in Sandusky. Memories include doing the Macarena in the van, enjoying major waves and slides in the waterpark, eating at Culver's, switching rooms late at night, having a super buffet breakfast, and winning tickets in the arcade.

Orthodontics, Phase One

Winnie got an expander and a few brackets today! She reports that it's "pointy around the cheeks" and that she "can't speak as well."

Grandma's Wheels

Grandma is getting the hang of her wheelchair (without Emerson's assistance).

Parking Lot

Winnie surprised Emerson with a parking lot that includes a helipad.

Medieval Day

We purchased a dress while thrifting several months ago, but this girl always knows what she wants when it comes to style. Kit looked awesome for Hyatt's Medieval Day.

Visiting Grandma

A broken foot led Grandma Lovie to rehabilitation at ProMedica. Emerson brought some cheer by sharing "hellos," dancing, and playing on equipment.

Showcase Showdown

Congratulations to Winnie for doing a super job at her first gymnastics competition, hosted by home gym COGC. Her top score was third for her age group on the bars! Her team placed second overall. Winnie placed sixth overall for her age group. We enjoyed having Grandma Jo there and hope she has recovered from the packed bleacher seating.

Emerson Round-Up

According to Mina's mom, Emerson was the "perfect gentleman" at her 4th birthday party. I love how Tego senses when he's under the weather. The school pic came from a class post about their Olympic class activities. In the last shot, Emerson is wearing his favorite socks, which saw better days months ago, and Batman beach shoes...these have been his go-to this winter. 

Snapshots

Photos not to be forgotten! Top to bottom: the girls and their cousins Regan and Emma, Winnie and Sarah, and the kids and friends attempting to stay dry.

Preschool Craft

But where are the marshmallows and orange juice?

Book Binge

Winnie is loving books by Sharon Draper. She couldn't put this one down.

Fun in Findlay

We headed north on Friday since the kids didn't have school. Thank you to Grandma Jo for going with us to the Children's Museum in Findlay and for lunch at Cheddar's.

Book Fair

The joy of a Scholastic book fair at school! It was important to Emerson that both Seth and I shop with him. It came as no surprise that he chose truck books.

Medals in Coshocton

Last week's tournament in Coshocton included one win and MEDALS! 

John L. Parsell

 

I would like to honor John’s love for God, family, and life.

John was part of my life for nearly 30 years. If I had a soundtrack from my teenage years, you would surely make out John’s booming voice in our church choir.

He was there to repair my first cars, help with home improvements, and celebrate my graduations from high school and college, even hosting one of them.

He loved learning and trying new things. We enjoyed going to library book sales together, especially on the last day when they practically paid us to take the books away. 

John was a good storyteller, too. His stories of special times with his boys fueled my desire to be a good parent, too.

It can be easy to do good during good times, but he showed me that doing good during hard times is what really counts. John remained faith-filled during his health battle. He was there during my most trying time. I remember his eyes were filled with tears as we set out in a moving truck, leaving behind the life I had known. He took a deep breath, steadied his hands on the steering wheel, and I remember feeling everything was going to be okay. He and Jo graciously helped me restart my life even though their hearts were hurting, too.

The two of them were there for so many activities with the girls. Grandpa made them special wooden pieces. Their favorite times with him included making big breakfasts, explaining his tools, watching the news in the basement, showing them his garden, watching Popeye and baking/cooking shows, and celebrating Christmas. My girls are so lucky to have had such a committed and fun Grandpa. 

John and Jo were there to help care for the girls. He welcomed Seth as a family member. When Emerson came along, it’s no surprise that he wanted him to just call him Grandpa, too. John enjoyed gifting Emerson with boy toys including a John Deere farm set.

I am so glad we had John in our lives and that the girls and I got to tell him goodbye. 

Matthew 5:12 - Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven...

Monster Truck Wars

Thank you to Grandpa for taking Emerson to the Monster Truck Wars at the Marion Coliseum. He loved it!