Kris

Today was the funeral of my classmate. All the usual things someone would say in the circumstance just don't do it justice. Gone to soon, rest in peace, in a better place. All those just seem so cliche. I don't have any specific memories of him, but I remember him as a 2nd or 3rd grade kid with a cute smile. Several from our class were there, a couple I hadn't seen in a very long time. I hope its a long time before we get together again for this reason.

I cannot even begin to fathom the loss of a child, especially in this way. Now being a parent, I just want to shield them from every hurt in the world, but I know that is impossible.

First Steps

Tru took his first few steps on his own today. Ray and Pat and Mom were here for lunch to celebrate Pat's birthday, so we had lots of people to celebrate and witness this milestone.

On the Mend

We are all on the mend at the Barnes house. And by we, I mean Truman and me. Tru is doing much better now that he's been on antibiotic several days. I started feeling sick at the end of last week with terrible sinus congestion, and went to the doctor Monday. I have a sinus infection, so I got some antibiotics too. Today is the first day I haven't had the sinus headache all day.

I had art classes at the school again today for K-5th grades. It went well, it's so funny what they come up with.

Last Sunday Ashley, Clint and family came up after church. Ashley and I went to Jarrett and Veronica's wedding reception. It was good to visit with 'the boys.' We had a nice talk with Cody and Carisa. After that, we went back to moms, changed clothes, and Clint, Ashley and I went and played volleyball. It was fun, I always love playing with them.

Dad is in Germany this week on business, and tomorrow is mom's birthday. I've invited her over to have supper with us to celebrate.

A few recent photos of the kiddos:

 Amelia, most of the time, is good playing with Tru. Last week when he was sick, she was mothering him and trying to comfort him. She brought him her bear, blanket and milk and patted him.

 She is getting very good about going pee in the potty. The last couple of days she has gone everytime and had dry diapers. She pooped for the first time in the toilet last Friday. I caught her doing her reading in the bathroom.

Poor Sick Tru

I got another day off work today. Truman still isn't feeling well. We went over to Pratt to the doc and he has a double ear infection. He got a round of antibiotics, hopefully it will kick in soon. He is not a happy boy. And I have started to get a cold now too, my head is so stuffed up.

It Can Always Be Worse

Whenever I am having what I think it a bad day, I remind myself how good I really have it. I don't have it bad at all and I am very blessed by all that I have and my wonderful friends and family. But, this week has felt like a long one already. Last weekend, Truman didnt seem like himself and this morning he cried and fussed while I tried to get ready and got the kids to daycare. I could tell he didnt feel good. Amelia threw a big fit because she didnt want shoes or her coat on and didnt want me to comb her hair, and it was a struggle to get out of the house this morning. I got a call from the daycare at noon that Truman had a 101 fever, so I picked him up and we spent the afternoon on the couch together. He just wanted to be held and cried every time I tried to put him down. I missed out on meeting the new city administrator candidates, but I was glad to be able to baby my baby. Hopefully he'll be feeling better tomorrow, if not, we'll probably make a trip to the doctor. I am wondering if he has an ear infection.

This morning I met with Kathy from the HutchNews who is doing an article for the sunday paper about the Big Well Museum. It had been quite awhile since I'd walked around the site, it's really coming along. They are working to get it closed up. The stair contractor will be done with their work by the end of the week.

Monday was a rough day. Some small town drama, I fell and bruised my legs, and someone asked me if I was expecting. I just said no, it's leftovers from before. (and no, I am NOT pregnant if you were wondering) For most people that would motivate them to diet and exercise, I just wanted to drink a beer and eat some cookies. Tuesday was a day of meetings, first a staff meeting, then Wild West Country in Montezuma, then tourism here when I got back.

A New Decade Begins

Thursday was the big 3-0. Ashley and I went to Hays and got massages, ate at the brewery and did some shopping. It was a wonderful day, and thanks to Clint, we are going back in april. Travis got me an external harddrive so I can consolidate all of my pics and other files in one place. It will be a lot of work to sort through my pics and put them in folders, but I really want to get more organized.

Last night was the cotton bowl and we had a watch party. It was fun, even though kstate lost. We had a large assortment of beer and food, and I was a little rough this morning (see previous post not what I once was). But I wasn't the only one that felt that way according to a couple of my party guests.

Today we spent most of the day at mom and dads. They are gone to the KS grapegrowers shindig, but Tanner, Jill and Wyatt are here. We were just lazy, watched a movie, ate leftovers, and watched the kids play.

Pretty

This is my oldest baby. She isn't a baby, she's a little girl now. Travis took this picture of her this morning and I love it. She is so sweet.

She is learning more and more everyday and saying more. Today she was sitting on the couch with an alphabet book and was singing the alphabet song. She really likes the LMNOP and TUV parts. She is becoming more independent and entertains herself. Tonight, she disappeared and we thought she was in her room playing. Pretty soon she came out with her pants around her ankles and no diaper and was saying potty. So Travis took her in the bathroom, but she had already gone all by herself. A little while later I found her in the bathroom again on the potty and she went again all by herself. She had even put her diaper in the trashcan. We'll see if this will lead to more consistent pottying, or if it just means she's figured out she gets m&ms if she goes. Either way, for today, I am pretty impressed with my baby.