Goodbye Bubby

Earlier this month, Adam's Grandma Ruthie passed away. This was his mom's mother. Although it was somewhat expected, it was still incredibly sad. We were fortunate to spend quite a bit of time with her in Florida, so I came to know her well over the years. I have not had a living grandmother in some time, so I adopted her as my own. She treated me as one of her own from the very beginning.

She was an incredible person and I don't use that word lightly. She had significant health problems the entire time I knew her but never once did I hear her complain. She had a hard time hearing, and at the end was confined to a wheelchair. She never let it get her down, she was always the first to suggest an outing or to invite someone over. She'd put on her lipstick, comb her hair and be ready to go.

There was no one, and I mean no one that did not like Ruthie. She was so positive and always had a kind word to say. I really never heard her badmouth anyone. She was a very accepting person and not at all judgemental. I remember when Adam and I first moved in together, I was nervous that she would disappove. She sent us a roasting pan as a housewarming gift. That was just her way. Live and let live.

If you met her even once, you were always welcome to stop by if you were nearby. You would sit on her couch and she would offer you drinks and food until you finally capitulated and had something. Once she got you to have something she was still not satisfied until you had some more. You'd sit together and talk about all of your relatives that she knew about. You'd have to review their health, the happiness and what was going on in their life. After that topic was exhausted she would want to know everything that was going on with you. I'd then get the scoop on all of her family members and then she would gush over the great grandchildren for the rest of the time.

She was the center of that family and they will be adrift without her. She will be sorely missed.

Paging Dr. Dan

I forgot to add this to my Fresh Baby post. Molly and Henry recently went to the dentist. Molly needs assistance brushing her teeth but refuses to let me help her. Adam teases her and tells her that if she doesn't brush her teeth they will fall out and she won't be cute anymore.

Henry and I tell her that if she doesn't let me help we are going to call Doctor Dan and have him come over and brush her teeth every day. She recently informed me to "Call Dr. Dan" when she wouldn't unclench her jaw to let me get the brush in her mouth. I cannot believe how incredibly sassy she is already!

Preschool? We're Not Ready!

I went to the orientation tonight for Henry's new preschool. I met his teachers, saw his classroom and got a class list. Amusingly, there are 13 girls in his class and 5 boys. The room is the size of a closet so I think this is a good thing. Hopefully the girls will be a calming influence. I saw his cubby labeled with his name and his coat hook. School starts Wednesday. I don't think either one of us are ready!

Does anyone have any soap for their mouths?

Molly is incredibly fresh. She was doing something naughty recently and told me to "Call Daddy" when I scolded her. Calling Adam at work is what I sometimes threaten when they are being bad (how retro of me right?) so she was clearly taunting me.

When I threaten taking away a privilege like ice cream for dessert and ask her if she wants to stop doing xxx before I take it away she screams "No!" in my face.

Henry was racing around way too late tonight and I told him to go to bed. He said "I'm Henry Richard Schnell and I can do ANYTHING!" Clearly his disobedience and meglomania was not the intended result of a recent pep talk where I taught him these words.