Mr. Poo Poo Head's real name is "Niner". He's been in our family for over 9 years but now follows Robert around like a shadow. He thinks he's human and that he has "people"...
So here's an update of Mr. Poo Poo Head and, of course, his "people"!
I think one of the hardest things about "blending" a family is getting everything done and being everywhere we're supposed to be. Robert's kids have had a great summer with the Bennett's family stuff and so here's some pictures of the cute grandkids!
rocking in the rocking chair long after the baby is asleep...
crisp mountain air...
everything about Christmas- except for the shopping...
belly laughs...(especially through tears)
jumping in mud puddles...
snuggling under LOTS of quilts when it's cold outside...
running through someone elses sprinklers with my kids...
any place but the mall...
watching my child's first prayer when I'm supposed to have my eyes shut...
the scent of a cabin's fireplace in the pines...
fresh fallen snow...
antiques... especially people!
any gift of time and effort...
autumn leaves...
laying on my back watching the stars with my kids...
the way my heart feels when everyone is home again and safe...
My Dad
I think about my Dad alot and miss his inspiration and advice. If I'm having a bad day wishing I could talk to him, I read what "us kids" wrote for his funeral. Here it is...
"Hey Vern!"... "Straw Ednis!" is our dad and husband in a nutshell. Dad didn't do anything ordinary, and if someone "couldn't take a joke... to heck with him!" Dad was an exemplary man in so many ways, he was respected by people of all walks of life. He was an honorable man. He was mom's hero and dad loved her. His last requests were always with mom's interests at heart.
We were born of goodly parents and they taught us well. Dad taught us how to work hard and to love the Lord. He led our family spiritually as well as physically. We have been blessed. We all have many memories of going on pack trips, fishing trips, hunting trips and places in the airplane that mom still doesn't know about. Dad's anecdotes will always define our lives and he will live forever in our hearts.
Dad wore barn boots to the furniture store, cowboy boots to the beach and 501's from the feed store. He told people he drove an 18 wheeler for a living (747's have 18 wheels), and he never once focused on himself. He was recognized in his career for his great ability to be calm under and situation or emergency... "What emergency?" He was respected by anyone who knew him or knew of him.
Our children's lives have been blessed because of Dad. "Bumpy" is a name they will always associate with honor, integrity and strength. He loved them and they held his heart.
The world is a better place because of Dad. He made a difference in countless people's lives. He treated all people the same, no matter what the situation or who they were. Everyone he touched, no matter how briefly, holds a special memory of him. His sense of humor will forever make us smile.
We truly love him... he will be deeply missed.
-Sterling, Babe, Code and The Weed Kid
PEACE
It does not mean to be in a place where there is no trouble or hard work. It means to be in the middle of those things and still be calm in your heart.