A couple of weeks ago, we were on our way someplace, and I noticed a McDonalds that was in the process of being remodeled. For some strange reason I stated outloud, "Oh look they are redoing that McDonalds and in a couple of weeks, Ronald McDonald is going to be here to reopen it." Speaking more to Jarrett, rather than the boys, I waited for his response and it didnt' come.
Instead, Gabriel and Michael, piped in and asked, "Mom, whose that?"
I told them all about Ronald McDonald, actually I told them that he was the one who started McDonalds (even though that isn't exactly the truth) but really I wasn't ready to explain to them what a spokesperson was. I guess these days, sometimes the quick and simple answer wins out. After explaining to them that both mom and dad had birthday parties at McDonalds when we were kids and that it was super cool (I know, wouldn't kids these days, be so dissapointed?), the boys were sold. They HAD to meet this Ronald McDonald person. As we drove by the McDonalds, the thoughts about Ronald's visit were left behind as something new was on the top of our minds.
Fast forward to Sunday, on our way home from Church. We were waiting at the stop light when all of a sudden Gabriel asked, "Mom, when are we going to meet Noodle McDoodle?"
Bursting out laughing just at the sound of what he said, Dad and I together asked back, "WHO?"
"You know, Noodle McDoodle, remember, he started McDonalds?"
And after several minutes of laughing about just how funny it sounded, we told him we missed Ronald McDonald's appearance, but that we'd check to see who Noodle McDoodle was and when he'd be appearing in the valley.
Until next time,
Angie
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Truly an inspiration...
For those who know my family or who follow our blog, you may remember back on November 5, 2010, I posted an update about my sister MaeLyn's boyfriend and the accident he had. As a quick recap, Aaron and my sister were hunting and the tree stand they were on broke and he fell more than 25 feet out of the tree and landed on his back.
The fall had resulted in him breaking his back and injuring his spinal cord. The doctors told him he was paralyzed from the waist down and it was a very slim chance he would walk again. For a VERY active, outdoorsmen, the news was/is very devastating. In addition to that, he had to spend months in the hospital, countless surgeries, complications, battling serious infections, constant severe pain, set backs and, well you name it, Aaron pretty much had to go through it. Last year around this time he was released from the hospital and continued out patient rehabilitation therapy which seemed to focus on teaching Aaron how to live his new life in a chair.
Then, this past November Aaron's constant back pain (pain that it seemed he just took as a new part of his life), became so bad he went back to the hospital to see if something else was the problem. He then learned that he would have to undergo yet another round of serious surgeries where they took all of the metal pieces holding his back together apart and rebuild it. It was obvious it was a set back that weighed heavily on everyone's heart. And then, when the surgeons opened his back up they found out he had a very serious form of staff infection that has made a home on the hardware in his body. The doctors were forced to remove all the bolts, pins, screws, and rods holding his back in place for over a 10 days while they tried to kill the infection in his body. This meant Aaron was required to lay pretty much flat on his back without moving for more than a week and a half. This is how Aaron spent the Thanksgiving holiday. After killing the infection and rebuilding his back once again, Aaron recovered and spent the Christmas holiday once again trying to figure out how to rebuild his life.
It was at this point that Aaron was introduced to Euro-Team Physical Therapy, a place in Decorah IA, close to our hometown. This therapy place, unlike many others that he went to, seemed 100% dedicated to helping Aaron achieve probably his #1 goal.. the goal to walk again.
Although I've heard most of the diagnosis through my sister MaeLyn, I know that Aaron, his family and my sister have heard from many medical professionals, that they should accept the fact that Aaron most likely will be in a wheelchair, and although there is nothing wrong with that and we are all thankful that Aaron is still here, it is clear, that Team Aaron all want/dream/believe his life will be different.
Just a few short weeks ago Aaron started visiting the Euro Team Physical Therapy place and today Aaron shared with us this link. As I watch the video of Aaron take his first steps, tears roll down my eyes with sincere and utmost happiness. The determination in his heart is apparent on every ounce of his body as he forces one foot in front of the other. To me, Aaron is truly an inspiration.
I cannot even begin to imagine the battle both physically and mentally that he has experienced for the past year and three months. I can tell you though that, I do not personally know anyone stronger.
Aaron, I know we've said it for a long time and although we've always believed you can and will walk again, your video today shows me that you should start setting a new #1 goal. In fact, you should set a lot of goals, because I know you can and will accomplish all that you've ever dreamed possible.
Congratulations Aaron! Sending you all our love and happiness,
Until next time,
Angie, Jarrett, Gabriel and Michael
The fall had resulted in him breaking his back and injuring his spinal cord. The doctors told him he was paralyzed from the waist down and it was a very slim chance he would walk again. For a VERY active, outdoorsmen, the news was/is very devastating. In addition to that, he had to spend months in the hospital, countless surgeries, complications, battling serious infections, constant severe pain, set backs and, well you name it, Aaron pretty much had to go through it. Last year around this time he was released from the hospital and continued out patient rehabilitation therapy which seemed to focus on teaching Aaron how to live his new life in a chair.
Then, this past November Aaron's constant back pain (pain that it seemed he just took as a new part of his life), became so bad he went back to the hospital to see if something else was the problem. He then learned that he would have to undergo yet another round of serious surgeries where they took all of the metal pieces holding his back together apart and rebuild it. It was obvious it was a set back that weighed heavily on everyone's heart. And then, when the surgeons opened his back up they found out he had a very serious form of staff infection that has made a home on the hardware in his body. The doctors were forced to remove all the bolts, pins, screws, and rods holding his back in place for over a 10 days while they tried to kill the infection in his body. This meant Aaron was required to lay pretty much flat on his back without moving for more than a week and a half. This is how Aaron spent the Thanksgiving holiday. After killing the infection and rebuilding his back once again, Aaron recovered and spent the Christmas holiday once again trying to figure out how to rebuild his life.
It was at this point that Aaron was introduced to Euro-Team Physical Therapy, a place in Decorah IA, close to our hometown. This therapy place, unlike many others that he went to, seemed 100% dedicated to helping Aaron achieve probably his #1 goal.. the goal to walk again.
Although I've heard most of the diagnosis through my sister MaeLyn, I know that Aaron, his family and my sister have heard from many medical professionals, that they should accept the fact that Aaron most likely will be in a wheelchair, and although there is nothing wrong with that and we are all thankful that Aaron is still here, it is clear, that Team Aaron all want/dream/believe his life will be different.
Just a few short weeks ago Aaron started visiting the Euro Team Physical Therapy place and today Aaron shared with us this link. As I watch the video of Aaron take his first steps, tears roll down my eyes with sincere and utmost happiness. The determination in his heart is apparent on every ounce of his body as he forces one foot in front of the other. To me, Aaron is truly an inspiration.
I cannot even begin to imagine the battle both physically and mentally that he has experienced for the past year and three months. I can tell you though that, I do not personally know anyone stronger.
Aaron, I know we've said it for a long time and although we've always believed you can and will walk again, your video today shows me that you should start setting a new #1 goal. In fact, you should set a lot of goals, because I know you can and will accomplish all that you've ever dreamed possible.
Congratulations Aaron! Sending you all our love and happiness,
Until next time,
Angie, Jarrett, Gabriel and Michael
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Toy Town
We recently took the boys to Toy Town, a local store that has all sorts of pretend toys for kids to enjoy. As I walked in, I realized just how cool this place would have been when I was Gabriel or Michael's age. Immediately they were excited and could hardly wait to sign in before entering the play town.
Inside there are full kid-size toys for youngsters to enjoy. From a hospital, to a police station, a library, a grocery story, pizza place, even a car shop and a house. Kids can go from one place to another, pretending to be, well, grown ups doing things us adults do on a daily basis. I had forgotten how much fun playing dress up and pretend is... good thing the boys have not forgotten. They had a blast...
until next time,
Angie
Inside there are full kid-size toys for youngsters to enjoy. From a hospital, to a police station, a library, a grocery story, pizza place, even a car shop and a house. Kids can go from one place to another, pretending to be, well, grown ups doing things us adults do on a daily basis. I had forgotten how much fun playing dress up and pretend is... good thing the boys have not forgotten. They had a blast...
 |
| I wonder how much their gas is a gallon? |
 |
| Guess it must not be that much, he drives away smiling. |
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| In Gabriel's pretend world, you get to drive your car through the business. |
Angie
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Who needs toys...
What does this look like?
It isn't a trick question... yes, you are correct. To me, it also appears to be a plain cardboard box.
To Gabriel, it appears to be a great toy. Originally this box was in the recycle bin in the garage and a few days ago Gabriel asked me if he could have it. We said yes...
I quietly observed as Gabriel worked independently to create this...
Until next time,
Angie
To Gabriel, it appears to be a great toy. Originally this box was in the recycle bin in the garage and a few days ago Gabriel asked me if he could have it. We said yes...
I quietly observed as Gabriel worked independently to create this...
 |
| Can you tell what it is? |
 |
| Why, it is a race car of course... |
 |
| Oops but wait, he forgot the dash. |
 |
| okay, now I'm ready to race. |
 |
| And this race car comes complete with a custome tiny steering wheel. |
Angie
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Super Bowl...
Last night at dinner Dad and the boys were talking about the Super Bowl. Dad asked Gabriel if he knew what the Super Bowl was and with a glaring look as if to say, "Duh Dad, of course I know what the Super Bowl is", Gabriel responded, "Yes Dad, I know. I know a lot about football."
Almost to challenge him, Dad followed up with the next question..."Gabriel who are the two teams playing in the game?"
Gabriel responded, "The Giants and the Patriots. Dad, I know a lot about football."
Then, to test him one more time, Jarrett said, "Gabriel what is the name of the quarterback for the New York Giants?"
Sighing and then answering with a sense of arrogance Gabriel responded, "Uncle Nolan."
Until next time,
Angie
PS: Although Uncle Nolan lives in NYC and may audit the New York Giants financial records, the last time I talked to him he was a CPA and not a NFL quarterback.
Almost to challenge him, Dad followed up with the next question..."Gabriel who are the two teams playing in the game?"
Gabriel responded, "The Giants and the Patriots. Dad, I know a lot about football."
Then, to test him one more time, Jarrett said, "Gabriel what is the name of the quarterback for the New York Giants?"
Sighing and then answering with a sense of arrogance Gabriel responded, "Uncle Nolan."
Until next time,
Angie
PS: Although Uncle Nolan lives in NYC and may audit the New York Giants financial records, the last time I talked to him he was a CPA and not a NFL quarterback.
A picture for Jack...
The boys like to draw lots of pictures. I like that they like to sit quietly and draw/color pictures. I like it even more that they like to draw pictures for Dad and I. Last week when I gave Jarrett the latest batch of pictures for dad's work, Jarrett told me he's running out of places to put them. I can understand what he means.
Today, since Gabriel was home from school ill, we had lots of opportunities to color and draw pictures. I let the boys be while they colored and when I came back from changing and folding the next load of laundry, I asked where my pictures were.
To my surprise, the boys said, "We didn't color you any pictures." We only colored pictures for Jack. He likes them best. When I asked if I could see them they said, "Mom we already gave them to Jack."
And as I walked in the living room, where Jack parks himself for the 7 or 8 hours during the day, I saw this...
Until next time,
Angie
Today, since Gabriel was home from school ill, we had lots of opportunities to color and draw pictures. I let the boys be while they colored and when I came back from changing and folding the next load of laundry, I asked where my pictures were.
To my surprise, the boys said, "We didn't color you any pictures." We only colored pictures for Jack. He likes them best. When I asked if I could see them they said, "Mom we already gave them to Jack."
And as I walked in the living room, where Jack parks himself for the 7 or 8 hours during the day, I saw this...
 |
| Yep, I got a picture mom and you didn't... |
 |
| but I'll sit up so you can see it... it is a picture of me... |
 |
| but I'm going to keep my paw on it so you don't try to take it. |
 |
| I'm serious mom... the picture is mine. I only have to wait almost 2 years to get my first picture from the boys. |
Angie
Monday, January 23, 2012
George Washington & John Deere
My aunt and uncle from Iowa, Bob and Barb are here visiting for a few weeks. Yesterday after church we decided to go out for brunch. On our way to the restaurant the boys were talking in the back about money and what famous person was on each coin.
Gabriel and Michael were telling Barb that George Washington was on the quarter.
Gabriel said, "George Washington was the first president of the United States."
Proud and impressed that he is actually learning great things at school, I listened attentively at what accurate fact he would proudly share next. Gabriel continued...
"And did you know he use to work at John Deere? But that was before he became president."
I looked at Bob who was riding in the front seat, we both smiled and I said, "Guess you learn something new each day."
Until next time,
Angie
Gabriel and Michael were telling Barb that George Washington was on the quarter.
Gabriel said, "George Washington was the first president of the United States."
Proud and impressed that he is actually learning great things at school, I listened attentively at what accurate fact he would proudly share next. Gabriel continued...
"And did you know he use to work at John Deere? But that was before he became president."
I looked at Bob who was riding in the front seat, we both smiled and I said, "Guess you learn something new each day."
Until next time,
Angie
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