Life’s Little Moments

We’ve had a lot going on over the past week. I feel like I am just getting around to settling down.

Easter

I hope you had a good Easter, if you celebrate. My wife’s family did all the Easter stuff on the Friday before. I had to work, so I missed all the fun. They had an egg hunt for the kids, and Nana and Pa got each grandkid a little something. Andrew was in his glory!

He got his very own tool box! It is similar to Pa’s, and is better than mine! He told Andrew that he could come over and collect some tools to put in it later in the week.

My wife worked Saturday night, so Easter for us was Saturday Morning. The kids were excited to get their baskets.

They each got some cool loot this year, including special drinking cups – a princess one for Ella and a Paw Patrol one for Andrew. We spent the day playing and cleaning.

On Easter Sunday, I was told to cook the ham that was in the fridge. Honestly, I don’t know how many people my wife thought we were feeding. She bought a 13 pound ham! Andrew had some, my wife and I had some, but Ella is not a fan. Needless to say, there was a lot left over.

On Monday, I ran to the store with a crockpot recipe I found for ham and potato soup. I bought the ingredients we didn’t have and made it up. My goodness, it was delicious! It was so simple, too. I like simple. We’ll be doing that again.

Back to the Diamond

Last year, Ella said she really didn’t want to play T-ball again. Then she said she might. We signed her up and she’s already had her first practice. I was at work, but my wife said that this year, she is rocking it. Last year, she had trouble hitting the ball. I guess she nailed them all at practice.

Her games are all on days I work, so I’m going to have to figure out how to get to a couple of them.

Outdoor Play

With the weather warming up, the kids can finally go outside. They love riding their scooters and bikes. Ella, however, still wants to play with her Barbies. So this week, Sam told her she could bring out one of her Barbie houses and she could play with them outside. I think she liked the idea.

School Silliness

It is hard to believe that school is almost out for the summer. Ella has loved preschool. I have loved having mornings together. We all pile in the car and enjoy the drive to school. Sometimes she will talk about her classmates and sometimes she wants to listen to kids songs on the radio. When Andrew comes with us, it is always a hoot to listen to them talk about stuff in the backseat.

Ella mentioned while waiting in the car this week that we hadn’t taken a before school selfie in awhile. Usually, when we all try to get one, it comes out wonky because of movement or something. We had a magic moment this week …

Gee, Thanks, Dad

Andrew stayed at Nana and Pa’s house yesterday. Pa was putting in a new toilet. He was drilling a hole in the floor and that was all Andrew needed to see. He was going to stay and help Pa. At one point, they had to run up to Home Depot for something. Andrew LOVES tool stores! I can only imagine what that had to be like for my father-in-law.

At any rate, while they were there Andrew asked for something. Pa, naturally bought it for him. When my wife went to pick him up, she gasped when she saw him.

Pa bought him a REAL STAPLE GUN! Thankfully, there are no staples. The first thing my father-in-law said was, “Don’t worry. I made sure it was safe for him!”

When Sam did our nightly video call, she said, “Show daddy what Pa got you.” She turned the phone to show me him and he had it plugged in and he was pulling the trigger on the hardwood floor! I started to freak out until she told me that there were no staples! It just makes noise. He is in utter heaven!! He told me to wake him up when I got home so he could “show me how to use it!”

There truly is never a dull moment at my house!

The Importance of the Resurrection

Happy Easter to my friends who celebrate it!

I don’t often share things of a religious nature. I realize that not everyone believes what I believe. Feel free to skip today’s post your beliefs and mine don’t line up.

Today, I am celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That event is so important to my faith. It is THE most important thing to my faith.

A pastor friend of mine posted this on his blog/social media page. I found it so good, I wanted to share it. By doing so, others can read it and I will be able to find it at a later date if needed.

From Pastor Bryon Ross:

As we reflect on the cornerstone of Christian faith – the resurrection of Jesus Christ – we are confronted with a profound truth that has shaped history and continues to transform lives today. The empty tomb stands as a testament to the power of God and the fulfillment of His promises.

The apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes the critical importance of the resurrection. He states unequivocally, “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17). This bold declaration underscores the centrality of the resurrection to Christian belief. It’s not merely an add-on to the crucifixion; it’s the very foundation upon which our hope rests.

But what evidence do we have for this extraordinary claim? Paul provides a compelling list of eyewitnesses: Peter, the twelve disciples, over 500 believers at once, James, and finally Paul himself (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). These weren’t isolated incidents or individual hallucinations. These were multiple appearances to various groups over an extended period.

Yet, from the very beginning, there have been attempts to explain away the resurrection. The earliest “hoax theory” comes from the Gospel of Matthew, where the chief priests bribed the Roman guards to spread a false narrative that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body (Matthew 27:62-66). This account reveals that even in the first century, there were efforts to discredit the resurrection story.

Over the centuries, skeptics have proposed various theories to explain the empty tomb without acknowledging a miraculous resurrection. Let’s examine a few:

The Hallucination Theory: This suggests that the disciples were all deceived by hallucinations. However, hallucinations are individual experiences, not shared by large groups. The varied nature of Jesus’ appearances – to individuals, small groups, and crowds of 500 – makes this theory implausible.

The Wrong Tomb Theory: Some propose that the disciples simply went to the wrong tomb. But this ignores the fact that both the Jewish authorities and the Romans knew exactly where Jesus was buried. If the disciples had claimed a resurrection from the wrong tomb, it would have been easily disproven.

The Swoon Theory: This theory suggests Jesus didn’t actually die on the cross but merely fainted and later revived. However, this ignores the brutal reality of Roman crucifixion and the professional expertise of Roman executioners. Moreover, a battered and weakened Jesus could hardly have overcome the guards and rolled away the stone.

The Stolen Body Theory: As mentioned earlier, this was the first attempt to explain away the resurrection. But it fails to account for the transformation of the disciples from fearful deserters to bold proclaimers of the risen Christ.

When we examine these theories critically, we find they all fall short of providing a satisfactory explanation for the empty tomb and the subsequent spread of Christianity.

The reality is that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical claim – it’s a life-changing truth with profound implications for every person. As Paul argues, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19). Our hope extends beyond this earthly existence because of the resurrection.

The empty tomb is more than just an absence of a body; it’s a powerful symbol of victory over death. Jesus becomes the “firstfruits of them that slept.” (1 Corinthians 15:20), paving the way for all who put their faith in Him. This is why Paul can confidently declare that just as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22).

This resurrection hope transforms how we view our mortality. Our bodies, described by Paul as “vile” or perishable, will one day be changed. In his letter to the Philippians, he writes that Christ “who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). The resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee of our own future resurrection.

As we contemplate the empty tomb, we’re faced with a decision. Either Jesus rose from the dead, marking it the greatest miracle in history, or it’s the biggest hoax ever perpetrated on humanity. There is no middle ground. The evidence, both biblical and historical, points strongly to the reality of the resurrection.

This truth isn’t just for intellectual assent; it’s an invitation to a transformed life. When we put our faith in the finished work of Christ – His death on the cross for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection – we receive the free gift of eternal life. This isn’t based on our own efforts or religious performance, but solely on what Christ has done for us.

The empty tomb stands as a silent witness to the power of God. It proclaims that death has been defeated, sin has been conquered, and a new life is available to all who believe. As we reflect on this incredible truth, may we be filled with hope, joy, and a renewed commitment to live in light of the resurrection.

In a world often filled with despair and uncertainty, the message of the empty tomb rings out with clarity and power. It’s not a “fool’s hope” but a living, blessed hope that has the power to change lives and destinies. As we embrace this truth, may we, like those first disciples, be transformed from fearful followers into bold witnesses of the risen Christ.

The empty tomb invites us to step into a story bigger than ourselves – a story of redemption, hope, and eternal life. It challenges us to examine our own beliefs and to consider the implications of a risen Savior. What difference does the resurrection make in your life today? How does it shape your view of the future?

As we close, let’s remember that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power available to us today (Ephesians 1:20). May we live in the light of the resurrection, filled with hope, empowered for service, and looking forward to the day when we, too, will experience the fullness of resurrection life.

Pastor Bryan Ross

Grace Life Bible Church

April 18, 2025

Resurrection Weekend Recap

My wife was on the schedule to work on Easter Sunday. The family made sure that she would be included in the weekend happenings. My sister-in-law hosted a brunch on Saturday, which was just awesome. She had eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit pizza, and biscuits and gravy.

In past years, we’ve filled eggs with candy and coins and just left them around the yard for the kids to get. This year, each kid had their own color basket, which matched their egg color. Everyone got the same number of eggs. It made things so easy for them.

After brunch, we headed back home so that my wife could get ready for work that night. We also had the kid’s baskets out for them so that she could see them get their loot.!

Each of them got a new Tonie for the Tonie Box, a chocolate bunny, a toy, some play dough eggs, and new outfit. I think they both ate their bunny for breakfast!

On Easter Sunday, we were invited over to my in-laws, but my brothers-in-law were sick. With Andrew’s surgery coming up this week, we didn’t want to risk him getting sick (more on that in a sec).

Sam brought home donuts on Easter morning and we all enjoyed them. After breakfast, the kids were off playing with their toys. I grabbed a cup of coffee and tuned in to one of my pastor friend’s church service. It was a tremendous message and I am glad that I had the chance to sit and watch it. The message was on the resurrection of Christ and how it benefits Christian believers. It was a wonderful message that I really needed to hear with all that is coming up.

As I mentioned, Andrew is having surgery to repair the cleft that is between his vocal chords this week. I have taken a couple days off, so I may or may not post on here. I have a few things I might schedule ahead of time, but I will be back as soon as I am able with an update. He will see one of the docs a day before surgery to discuss some other possible diagnoses. We are also waiting to see a neuromuscular doctor. Not sure what we are looking at, but if you wouldn’t mind sending along positive thoughts and prayers, I would appreciate it.

My father-in-law could also use some good vibes and prayers, too. He is post op and needs to have another procedure done this week. Thanks in advance.

I had to do some quick testing a few weeks ago to see how the ADHD medicine is working. I will follow up with that doctor tomorrow. I’m not sure what to expect. You know how it is, in some ways I think it is helping, in other ways, I’m unsure. Hoping for some good news there.

I know this blog was a bit up and down emotionally, so I apologize. Know that I am ok, just thinking a lot.

Thanks for reading and your comments and support.

Easter Weekend Recap

I hope your Easter weekend was as good as mine. It seemed like we were constantly on the go, but it was filled with many wonderful moments.

I worked Friday night, so I came home and went right to sleep. Sam’s mom and dad were hosting Easter dinner on Saturday afternoon. I grabbed a few hours of sleep and got up to get ready for the day.

When we got there, many of the family were already there. Ella is always excited when she gets to be with her cousins. It didn’t take long for them to head outside for the Easter egg hunt.

The weather was perfect! Loads of sunshine and decent temperatures. It had rained a day or two earlier and the back yard was a little muddy, so the hunt was done in the front yard. Parents were out making sure that each kid got their fair share of eggs!

The kids sure did have a blast looking for eggs.

Sam’s mom changed it up a bit this year and we had a Mexican feast for dinner. Tacos, Nachos, and a TON of desserts. It was nice and easy, and somethings the kids all enjoyed eating.

There was a lot of outside play after dinner. They had sidewalk chalk, Barbie dolls, bikes, and more. My nieces are in gymnastics. One of them said to me, “Want to see something impressive?” So I said, “sure.” She did a one handed cartwheel and some move where she flipped over backwards or something. I told her that was awesome and asked if she wanted to see me do something impressive. She said yes. So I sat down on the grass and then got up. I said, “Your 52 year old uncle just got up from the ground without any help! That is really impressive!” My mother in law chuckled out loud at that, but my niece looked at me like I was nuts!

Before my brother in law left, the kids thought it was cool to sit on his motorcycle.

Both kids fell asleep on the way home. All that outside running around must have really tuckered them out. It was still sort of early and we want to color eggs when we got home. This was “fun.”

We took an old comforter, grabbed some of the shirts that were to small for Dimitri and let Ella and Andrew wear them. My Facebook status read: “Colored some eggs tonight. Coincidentally, we also colored the blanket, the kitchen floor, Ella’s legs, and Sam and Andrew’s hands.”

When the kids went to bed, Sam gathered up the stuff for their Easter baskets and I started making footprints. Yeah, Sam bought a bunny footprint stencil. You put it on the floor and sprinkle baking soda on it and it makes footprints. So I had footprints going from the door to their baskets. Andrew walked out and immediately started spreading the baking soda all over the place! Ella thought it was cute.

This year we bought them new baskets. Really cool ones we saw at a local boutique. They were loaded with candy and prizes.

Sam’s dad came over later in the afternoon and helped me finish up the wall of the nook we are building. For the most part, the hard stuff is done. We need to sand the end of the bench and then paint. I will post pictures when that is finished.

The weather today was nicer, too. Warmer! It was a no brainer to get outside today. The kids spent lots of time in the sandbox…

…being silly ….

… and despite the look on her face in the above picture, she actually asked to push her brother on the swings…

It was a weekend full of many happy memories. I have to remind myself to enjoy every second because time moves so quickly. Tomorrow my son, Dante’ will be 21! I have no concept of how that happened so fast!! I can tell you this, though, the more children you have, the quicker time seems to fly ….

Flashback Friday

Every few months I have to take the pictures I take on my phone and transfer them to an external hard drive. I do this so that I always have room on my phone to take pictures. As I was scrolling through the photos on my phone, I saw some of the ones I took on Easter, which reminded me of a blog idea I had hoped to blog, but forgot.

Back in the day, whenever we went somewhere for a holiday, we always dressed up. In all honesty, I still feel “out of place” when I don’t dress up for holidays. It just seems like people don’t do that anymore. Holidays are more “casual” today.

I will never forget one Easter, someone bought my brother and I matching outfits. When we see the pictures we call them the “Leisure Suits.” They are cheesy. You can tell it is the late 70’s or early 80’s because the collars are so big they’d poke your eye out if you got close to us.

Taken at our house. Look at that couch!!

We’d go to both sets of grandparents houses on Easter. Naturally, we had to pose for pictures. You can tell we are at my Italian grandparent’s house in the next picture, because for some reason we had to go outside and take a picture next to her statue of Mary.

My brother is sporting a Beatles haircut in this picture.

We’d then go over to my mom’s parent’s house. There would be more family photos taken – usually in front of the fireplace.

I love this family picture. I remember that eagle on the wall so well.

For some reason, my folks didn’t take too many pictures on Easter morning, but there is one that I treasure.

I’m not sure when this was taken. It could be the same year as the suits, or maybe a year after. I can’t tell. Here, again, my family loved getting us matching clothes – I can’t make out what is on these pajamas, but they are obviously the same.

I wish I some of these pictures were more clear. I’d love to compare them with my kids at that age.

Recapping the Holiday Weekend

Saturday

When I woke up Saturday afternoon, Sam and I ventured out for the first time to the grocery store with both kids. We were also picking up a couple car seats to keep at her mom’s house, just in case she ever needed to take them for a drive. Because of this, we had two carts. Andrew was in one and Ella was in the other. It was actually quite comical and weird at the same time. As we both anticipated, the last part of the trip was quickly shortened as it became obvious that we were close to nap time and the kids got more and more fussy.

This was our first in person shopping experience in a year or so. Our local Meijer got rid of the Schipt shoppers recently. We actually liked having them shop. You picked your items online and they shopped for you. If they didn’t have an item, they’d text you and ask about a replacement. They even loaded the car for you! One good thing about having someone shop for you is that you are not tempted to add things to the cart that are not on your list. On the other hand, not shopping yourself often leads to you forgetting things that you might remember needing as you pass it on a shelf.

After the kids went to sleep, Sam and I fixed up the Easter baskets and set them out for them. Sam had the idea of putting plastic eggs in Ella’s bed and a trail of them leading to the front room. Of course, any time I got up to get a drink of water in the kitchen, I was kicking or stepping on those plastic eggs!

Easter Sunday

Andrew was wide awake early Sunday. Ella on the other hand was snoozing pretty good. I snapped a picture of her sleeping and put a caption on it that said, “Happy Easter. He is Risen. Ella on the other hand has not …”

When Ella finally got up, we handed her a bucket and she collected eggs from the trail of eggs, until she spotted her Easter Basket. At that point she dropped the bucket and ran to her basket. She was excited because she’s been asking for a xylophone. There is a picture of one in one of her favorite books and it is also featured in an episode of Bluey. She saw it and immediately began to play it.

I love that kids can sing whatever song melody perfectly while banging away in whatever rhythm they want to on the xylophone. The two “melodies” are vastly different, but to the performer – they are perfecting in synch! I really think she is going to be our little musician. She loves to play her xylophone and loves to sing!

We were invited to Sam’s mom’s house for Easter dinner that afternoon. Sam found some cute outfits for the kids in bright spring colors. They looked so cute together.

Sam’s mom had hid plastic eggs around the yard for an Easter Egg hunt. Andrew isn’t quite ready for that yet, so Ella went out and gathered eggs with her cousin, She loves being outside and despite the cooler temps, the sunshine made for a beautiful Easter Sunday.

After dinner and conversation, we decided to head home. Andrew is in his helmet 23 hours a day now and during the time it is off, there is a lot to do. It is important to wash the inside of the helmet, as well as make sure his hair is washed. This prevents any type of fungus or nastiness from growing in the helmet or on his head.

It’s almost weird to see him out of the helmet now. Sam took him to his appointment Friday and the measurements are looking very good. The helmet is doing what it is supposed to do.

Sunday night wrapped up with an unexpected emergency. Just before we got ready to get the kids to bed, Sam got a phone call. Her sister had to be rushed to the hospital. Sam drove to her mom’s and then drove them down to the hospital. She was admitted and is now home, but it was a bit scary. Sam got home around midnight Sunday night. I’m glad that she had the night off work so she could take her mom and sister.

Monday

We woke up to snow showers! There was very little on the ground in the morning, but after the kids woke up from their afternoon naps, there was a good coating of snow on the ground and you couldn’t see the grass! Typical Michigan weather, I guess.

What I found to be absolutely crazy was that the high school baseball team (who uses the field behind our house to practice/play on) was actually still having practice Monday afternoon. Those poor kids were out there on the diamond shagging balls in the outfield, running plays, and swinging blindly at balls being thrown to the plate because the snow was coming down so hard! It was nuts!!

Tuesday

I don’t even want to talk about Tuesday … LOL

I hope that you had a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend.

Easter Weekend Wrap-Up

I hope this blog finds that you and yours had a wonderful weekend! We certainly did.

Saturday

Saturday was kind of an “errand running” day, so we were busy with that. Funny highlight of our trip to Sam’s Club: Ella was sitting in the shopping cart and we had been through about half the store. She was fussing a bit and Sam went to take her out of the cart. One of her shoes popped off and fell to the floor. We then noticed that both shoes were missing! We only saw one fall, so somewhere early on in the shopping trip, she either pulled it off, or it fell off. Sam looked at me and said, “I’m not backtracking to look for it! This place is crazy!” So somewhere in Sam’s Club is a little pink shoe without a match. I probably should have left the other one on a box of crackers in case someone found the other one so they could make a pair.

Easter Sunday

We were all in bed by 9pm Saturday, as we were exhausted. Sam has been having insomnia really bad this pregnancy, so she slept off and on, but nothing solid. Ella woke up early, as she usually does, and we all went to the front room to show her the Easter basket. We got her some of those Mega Blocks, which are like big Legos. (For the record, they still hurt when you step on them, but not as bad as a Lego!) I made her breakfast and Sam went back to lay down.

When I laid her down for her nap, I took one, too! When we all woke up, we got dressed to go to my in-laws house for dinner. Once I was dressed and Ella was dressed, it was my job to take her outside to get pictures. Lately, it’s been hard to get her to sit still or smile for pictures. She is so curious and so busy. My brother bought her some dresses from the Disney store and one was just perfect for Easter. So I brought her outside on the porch and attempted to get a good picture. (I feel like for every good one I get, there are 16 bad ones….LOL)

I was surprised I actually got this picture! I kid you not, about 1 minute after this picture, she fell off of the porch and bonked her head! Urgh! I felt so bad!

Easter was a bit bittersweet for me, as it fell on my mom’s birthday. She would have been 73. Sam suggested we go to the cemetery before we went to her mom and dad’s for dinner. I really miss my mom, even more so with all the wonderful things that are going on in my life. She would be so proud of my sons, and she would just spoil the heck out of Ella! We named Ella after her (and Sam’s mom, who were both named Pamela). I know my mom would be over the moon happy to know Sam is expecting again.

Anyway, I tend to get really emotional when I go there. Having Ella there running around lightened the mood a bit. She’s like a tornado at our house, leaving a path of toys, books, and other things where ever she has been. Sam joked and said that with our luck, Ella would knock over 4 or 5 headstones while we were out there. I snapped a picture that really moved me, and my dad even said that it brought him to tears when he saw it.

I’m not sure why, but this just touched my heart.

This year Ella got to take part in the Easter Egg hunt. She was too young last year, and now that she is walking/running every where, she had fun. We had to steer her to the eggs, and she had her cousins out there to compete with, but she did really good. She didn’t really understand that you couldn’t eat the plastic eggs, though.

Nana had to laugh. It was about 75 degrees and sunny on Easter. She had loaded many of the eggs up with chocolates. The insides of more than a few eggs were a bit … mushy.

After the egg hunt, the kids just played in the yard. They were all running around on the trampoline. Ella wanted to go up there, and I won’t lie, I was freaking out a bit. Her cousins were jumping and bouncing and I thought for sure someone was gonna knock heads in there. Ella was thrilled! She was running and laughing, falling and laughing, and having a blast. As they all ran around on the trampoline, the static from it was really making their hair stand up. In another stroke of luck, I captured a perfect picture that really needs a frame!

I still laugh out loud when I see that one! She is so happy and that hair is just insane!!

Our family spent an amazing weekend celebrating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. I certainly hope you and yours had a wonderful and blessed weekend, as well!

The “Overlap”

We are now three days from Christmas. Remember back in October when folks were all up in arms about people putting Christmas stuff up? I remember blogging about how this year we could use some happiness and approved of the “early” holiday cheer.

I was reminded of a cartoon which shows up every year (in some form or another):

I was reminded of the holiday “overlap” after reading one of the blogs I follow. The blog’s author, Beth, posted it here:

overlapping.

Personally, I have yet to walk into a store that has the Valentine’s stuff out, but I know that come December 26th, it will start showing up! I don’t know about you, but I don’t even start thinking about Valentine’s day until mid-January or early February.

I’ve never really understood the reason to rush a holiday? A month in advance is plenty. Now, Christmas may be a little different in that some people start saving money for Christmas as early as January (yes, 12 months early!). I know plenty of people who Christmas shop all year long. I would think that of all the holidays, Christmas is probably the biggest, at least where gift giving is concerned. Every one is buying gifts for someone.

I’ve never received an Easter Gift bigger than a basket with candy, a Labor Day surprise, a Fourth of July gift, or even a President’s Day gift. The only times I receive a gift is my birthday, my anniversary, and Christmas. Still, the retail stores are quick to usher in the next holiday even before one is over! I don’t get it.

In commenting back and forth with Beth, she brought up a good point. Why don’t they just have “Holiday” stores. One store – with everything you need for every holiday? At least you could walk in there and not wonder “Why is the Halloween stuff out in April?!” You’d expect it to be!

Thanks Beth, for the inspiration. I’m off to buy Valentines…..

“Hello Again, Hello …”

Long time … no blog

Hello, my friend. Sorry I have been away for a bit. My last blog led to many friends on Facebook reaching out to see if I was okay. I wasn’t. When I wrote that blog, I obviously was a bit frazzled, but had yet to reach my breaking point. That only took an extra few days.

I’m not going to go into a lot of detail, but I finally cracked. Emotionally. Mentally. Physically. The stresses alluded to in my previous blog, and the stress of everything that is going on eventually led to this. During a visit with my physician, she stated that she was very concerned about me. She decided it was best for me and my health to be off work for a few weeks. I am hoping she is right.

Quarantine

Since the doctor visit, I have been home. I have only ventured out in the car a couple times – to pick up groceries we ordered online and once with Sam (more on that in later). Many think I am crazy, but after the things I heard and seen at the hospital, the first thing I did when I brought the groceries home was set them on the porch. With gloves on, I went bag by bag and wiped everything down with bleach wipes. How do I know who touched the things we bought?

Remember the blog I wrote about things to do while at home? Yeah, despite the sudden abundance of extra time, I haven’t really had a chance to do much of what was on that list. The stack of unread books remains unread – for now. Exercise – I took a walk or two and put leaves in bags (does that count?). Plenty of movies I have yet to watch. Clear coat on the wall in the kitchen – can’t do any home improvements. Organizing digital music and folders and radio stuff – you would think I’d be on the computer more than I have been, but I am not. Clean the basement – I did this partially. So many things on my list that I just haven’t done. Sigh. How damn sad is this? I finally have the time, but just can’t put myself in the right frame of mind to do them.

Social Media

While I am trying to limit my time on social media, I admit, I still get on Facebook more than I should. It’s not that I don’t like it, it is just that it is flooded with so many things I am trying to avoid.

Political Bullshit. Blaming Republicans and Democrats for everything. Trump bashing. Trump Praising. Governor bashing. Governor praising. Polarizing stuff. The world is full of division and it shows on Facebook. You have your right to your opinion and to post what you want, however, I have programmed myself to scroll by this stuff.
Corona Virus – Covid 19 stuff. Being in the hospital setting, I know the numbers. I know the severity of it. The various theories and conspiracies and people re-posting every article they find to “prove their point” is NOT what I need to see. The only things I pay attention to are the things posted by the CDC and World Health Organization.
Sad stories. There are PLENTY of them. Emotionally, I know they are out there, I just can’t handle them.

I have a page I update called Celebrity Passings. When a celebrity dies, I post a picture and farewell. There have been more than I can count lately – some Covid 19 related, some not. My heart is just not in it right now.

One thing I am enjoying are some of the Facebook “games” that are out there. One of the ones I am doing right now was a challenge to post an album that influenced your musical taste for 10 days. In support of the 2020 seniors, some are posting their own high school senior pictures (I need to do that). Another one that was fun was to zoom in on a picture of an album cover, or a scene from a TV show or movie and post the zoomed in part to see if people can guess what it is. I zoomed in on Doc Brown’s eyes from Back to the Future – LOL! Great Scott!

Family Time

The one thing that I have been able to do is spend time with my family – at least most of my family. It has been very nice to spend time with my wife and daughter. This certainly has been a wonderful way to de-stress. Ella is getting so big, and it is amazing how her features seem to change every day!

I have been feeding the baby more lately. She often will fall asleep while eating. When this happens, I usually let her sleep in my arms. I may have mentioned this before, but one thing that I love is when she smiles in her sleep. It is just so cute.

She is actually smiling a whole lot more. She has a little floor mat with toys that hang down from it. She loves lying on her back and looking at the toys. She’s also been able to hold her head up for longer periods of time. She has a “Bumbo” chair, and she loves sitting in it.

Ain’t it cute how she is giving us a “thumbs up” in that picture?

When the weather cooperates, we’ve been trying to get out and walk the neighborhood. The other day it was 70 degrees. The following day we had temps in the 30’s and 40’s with rain, snow, wind, thunder, and some sunshine! Only in Michigan! I had the chance to do a daddy/daughter walk through the neighborhood. It was very relaxing and she enjoyed the time in the fresh air.

This will be Ella’s first Easter. We had hoped to have some professional pictures done, maybe one with the Easter Bunny. Obviously, with the current situation and social distancing, that can’t happen. So we’ve been trying to get some pictures here at home. We’ll post them on Facebook for Easter. During today’s shoot – I had to laugh. In one picture, she curled her lip up like Elvis! Just typing this makes me laugh. Here she is channeling her “inner Elvis.”

Her hair continues to baffle us. Some days it looks brown. Some days it looks blonde. Some days it looks red! A red-headed Italian?! Oh boy, am I in trouble!!??

Missing My Boys

As I stated above, I have had the chance to spend time with almost all of my family. My sons are with their mom as this quarantine continues. I haven’t seen them in almost a month, maybe more (all the days are running together). I have video chatted with them a few times, but I miss them. When we do talk, I always have the feeling that their mom is looming over them and they aren’t free to talk.

One call from my oldest made me especially sad. The 4th was my mom’s birthday. She would have been 72. Every year, my sons and I visit her grave at the cemetery. I was planning on going, but that day, I took a new medication that was prescribed by my doc and the side effects hit me pretty hard. I was dizzy, lightheaded, and felt sick. I took a nap and when I woke up my sons had called. I called them from bed to tell them I was staying home. They video chatted with me from the cemetery. It was sad that I wasn’t they with them. They were both in tears. My oldest was upset because he was close to her. My youngest was upset because he never had the chance to meet her and it still bothers him. I told them that when this was all over, we’d go and visit.

It has just been awful not seeing them. I miss them terribly. My oldest video chatted yesterday and was showing me that he is growing his beard. He turns 18 tomorrow. I won’t even be able to hug him! I have a gift for him. I plan on wrapping it and driving it to his house and leaving it on his porch for him. I told him I bought a cake and will make it and celebrate when we get the chance to be together.

Special Trip

Outside of going to the grocery store, I have only left the house one time. Actually, it was me, Sam, and the baby. I was feeling down. Sam said we were going somewhere. She said she had wanted to do this for a few weeks. It obviously wasn’t a restaurant or anything, so I had no idea what she had in mind. We all got in the car and she drove. She drove to the cemetery. She knew I was upset that I didn’t get to go with the boys, but she also wanted to take Ella. She said it she wanted Ella to see one of the Pamela’s she was named after.

As you can imagine, it was emotional for me. Sam brought a blanket and Ella and I laid on it by my mom’s grave. My mom always hoped for a granddaughter. I know she would have spoiled her big time! Just like with my youngest son, it makes me very sad that she never got to meet her grandma. Sam’s grandpa is also buried at the same cemetery, so we took Ella to see her great grandpa, too!

It was a very special trip.

No Moe

One of the changes that happened recently is that we had to find a new home for one of our cats. We had two. Moe was our first. Then we got Maizey. Moe was huge. He ate so much! When we brought Ella home, we worried. How were they going to react? They both did well, so we didn’t think we were going to have issues. We didn’t, until one night we found Moe in Ella’s bassinet. He was laying on her, and we knew this was dangerous.

We didn’t know what to do. By a stroke of luck, my sister-in-law’s ex’s parent’s cat had died recently. They were looking for a cat! They took him and treat him like a king! We heard he has eggs for breakfast – at the table!! He has his own heating pad on the couch. He is living it up. I miss him, but am happy he found a good home.

As for Maizey, well, when Moe was here, she was moving. She never laid by you. She never let you hold her. She never purred. Well, that has all changed. She loves being by us now. She meows and likes her tummy rubbed. She always seems to be by me now. She loves to be petted and now purrs like nobody’s business.

Happy Easter

We’ll be staying home for Easter, obviously. We’re not even sure what we are doing for Easter dinner. But we plan on dressing up and enjoying our day as a family. We have an Easter basket for Ella and a very cute Easter outfit. I am sure there will be many pictures!

Faith

I’m not one to push religion on anyone. I understand that everyone believes what they want to believe. I realized how far from my faith I have been through this whole situation. Over the past two weeks, I began watching messages from pastor friends of mine, and got back into reading my bible. A friend asked me some questions about the Antichrist and it was fun to re-study that topic and chat with her. Bottom line, my faith is important to me. It is a key element in my coming out of this in a better frame of mind. I plan on spending a bit more time focused on that (and Him) in the future.

A friend of mine took this picture in Grand Blanc this week (about 30 minutes south of here). It was such a beautiful picture, I want to share it here. Enjoy your holiday. Happy Easter. Count your blessings.

I appreciate you reading. Sorry to have been away for so long. I’ll get through this. It just may take some time.

I hope to be back to my normal blogging self, soon.

Be safe. Be well.

Keith