You Need To Cover Your Buttler

While showering this morning, Brennan came in for his usual bath time visitation. I wouldn't really call him a "Momma's Boy" but he is pretty close. When I'm not at work, Brennan is usually not far away from me. During our chat he informs me, "Mom, you know Dad can see you...you need to cover your buttler.

I'm not sure why, but this conversation reminded me of the way Jon would tease the kids with his comments like, "Anna, your epidermis is showing." Or sometimes he would taunt them with, "Ella, your proboscis is sticking out." Yet other times he would announce, "Brennan, it's time for your whoopin'!" Literally, he would do this all until they were nearly in tears trying to figure out what needed to be covered or what needed to be tucked back in or what had been done to deserve a whoopin' (which by the way, Jon was not the giver of any kind of severe discipline). All that reminded me of my dad and how he used to do the same type of teasing to my siblings and me.

All these happy memories helped clear my mind from the regrets that were troubling me when I first began my shower, before Brennan interrupted my thoughts. Although it's been a little over a year since Jon died, I am still regretting things that I wish I had done on that dreadful day. Don't get me wrong. I have gotten better and no longer feel that his death was my fault, but I still have so much regret.

Okay kids, continue to bring on the good thoughts and happy memories...

Puppy Love

Believe it or not, our little Anna has her first crush. It is true. From the way HE acts, it would appear as though the feelings are mutual. You know what I mean...calling names and generally picking on her at every opportunity. Neither one of them knows exactly how to go about being friends. They're only eight for goodness sakes! While bantering out at the playground the other day, Anna's crush told her, "Whatever you like, I hate. Whatever I like, you hate." A momma couldn't be more proud of Anna's response. She cleverly replied, "Well that's kind of funny. That means you must hate yourself because I like YOU!"

Jon Eric Greene May 31, 1966-February 6, 2008

A year ago today, we lost Jon. In memory of Jon, I'm posting his obituary, a poem that I wrote quite a few years ago for Father's Day and a slideshow of some of the pictures with Jon and the kids.

After a sudden and very brief illness, Jon Greene, 41, of Lake Jackson, passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2008. Jon was born on May 31, 1966 and was the beloved son of Charlie and Faithie Greene of Acworth, Georgia. Raised in Acworth, Jon relocated to the Brazosport area in 1998, to marry Jennifer Fleming and later start their family. Jon was an extraordinary family man. The sun rose and set in his wife and children. They were his hobby, his interest and his purpose in life.
He is survived by his wife of 9 years, Jennifer and their three children: Anna Claire (7), Ella Paige (4) and Brennan Michael (3) all of Lake Jackson.

Jon is also survived by his parents, Charlie and Faithie Greene of Acworth, Georgia, one brother, Brad Greene and wife Erica, also of Acworth, mother-in-law, Christine Van Horn of Lake Jackson and was preceded in death by his father-in-law Michael Van Horn.
He was an employee at The Texas Dow Employees Credit Union as an Operations Analyst in the IT department.

Jon was a quiet, unassuming man of integrity. He revered his parents, treasured his brother and was a devoted husband and passionately loved his children. We will deeply miss his delightsome nature, quick wit and the mischievous twinkle in his eye. Farewell, our dear Jon, we will try to hang in there without ya, until we meet again.

“My Daddy”

My daddy is the greatest,
A very special guy.
He doesn’t drive a fancy car,
Or wear a suit and tie.

My Daddy spends the time with me,
That’s how I know he cares.
It’s important what he’s teaching me.
With memories that we share.

We watch cartoons together,
We play games and he reads me books,
My daddy makes up silly songs,
And gives me silly looks.

My daddy takes me to the park,
He swings me and lets me slide.
My daddy twirls me ‘round and ‘round,
And gives me horsie rides.

There are so many other things,
That make my dad the best.
He’s the cream of the crop,
He’s number one, hands down above the rest.

I love my daddy very much,
He is so good to me.
He kisses and hugs me everyday,
And loves me unconditionally.


- Jen Greene 2002

Headaches & Horses

Today hasn't turned out to be the greatest Saturday in the world for Anna. Anna woke up with a nasty headache. No matter what we did, she was in a tremendous amount of pain. Towards the middle of the day she started to feel slightly better, but she still missed her basketball game. She and the other two little ones were supposed to feed horses with my Uncle Dan. Anna said she wanted to stay home. If you know Anna, you know she had to be bad off in order to give up anything having to do with animals. Dan came and got Brennan and Ella (and brought Anna a much needed Dr. Pepper). I dropped Anna off at my mom's house while I did some light grocery shopping. Dan took a couple of pictures of the kids with the horses. They had to run the pick up through the car wash. Dan said that the kids spilled Dr. Pepper on one side and there was horse drool on the other. Yeah, yuck.

Jenga!

Over the past few days I have not been in the best of moods. Mostly, I just feel overwhelmed with life in general. I feel like I'm mean and no fun at all to be around. For that reason, I told myself that tonight would be different. After I cooked dinner and bathed Ella and Brennan, we all played a couple of rounds of Jenga. Can you see who lost? I feel a little better now...

Lolli-Lolli

It's fascinating the amount of bribery and coercion it takes to get the kids into the shower and then the same amount, if not more, to get them out. Once in they seem to be as entertained as if they were at The Magic Kingdom.

The kids got these great homemade lollipops from a birthday party today. They carried them into their shower. While I was gathering towels and washrags and such they were having a ball putting their candy under the shower. I tried to grab my camera and take some candid shots, but I was spied rather quickly. After that they were pretty much just putting on a show for me.

When they were sufficiently cleaned and able to be persuaded out of the tub, I dried Brennan off and put on his Superman underwear and t-shirt. While I was helping him (is it mine or do all male children act as if they can't dress themselves?) I told Ella to get on her underwear and pajamas. Brennan turned to me and said, "Don't you mean her pantywear?"

Sponge Bob Parenting Class

Do you think Sponge Bob offers parenting classes? Eating breakfast before church, my kids were mesmerized by his words. Wish I could get them to listen to me that closely.

(Yes, we do still have our Christmas tree up! It will come down tomorrow...hopefully.)