Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,
*This blog was started three weeks ago and I'm just now getting to finish it! GEESH!
Finally, a THREE DAY WEEKEND!!! No plans, THREE WHOLE DAYS with no expectations. Just hopes of nice weather, maybe a walk or two, relaxing outside, playing, coloring, and just being. I've been ridiculously excited for this weekend because it seems with each passing day we are more and more settled into our new house and we are loving it. Both of you adore the yard, having your swing set back, being able to ride bikes on sidewalks, and having neighborhood friends.
Something that hasn't been lost on me for my entire life is the reality of milestones. Some happy, others terrifying, while others are darn right sad. For example, the milestone of you sleeping through the night was blissful, while the last bottle I fed you was pretty tragic and sad. Your first steps were exhilarating, but throwing away the pacifiers was devastating. (Okay, yes, I know there are still two pacifiers in the buffet. One glows in the dark. I could get rid of them, but they take up hardly any space.) The final container of formula was fantastic, but with each tiny outfit I bagged up I shed numerous tears. Recently your dad and I were at Sam's Club and we had arrived to the giant boxes of diapers. Little Brother had been showing major potty training interest. This is huge because potty training brings about the same disgust that birds and ketchup brings out in me. Thankfully dad and grandma took over in the potty graining department and it went pretty smoothly. Anyway as we were standing by the diapers I asked, "Should I grab ONE MORE box?" To which dad said, "I think we're good. We've got this." Your mom is a big cryer as you've discovered by this point. But I didn't shed one tear over not buying diapers anymore.
Little Brother has spent lots of time being a self proclaimed "big boy" for months now, but with the potty training seemingly under his belt I'd say it's official. Other little things have happened around here as well. Baby Waider is mastering writing her name. Signing 12 of her very own valentines. She's also able to count objects to ten and we all four enjoy playing board games on a regular basis. The current favorite being Sequence Kids, but we also dabble in the game Trouble. We also just rode bikes to the park that is almost a mile away. I find it amazing how much both of you are growing and changing everyday.
I love you both very much and am very proud of you.
Love,
MAMA
The life and times of Baby Waider + Little Brother. Our little additions to the world.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Bye, Bye, Obama...Rambling on Inauguration Eve
Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,
Those who know me well would have a hard time denying that I have a flair for the dramatic, I tend to have bouts with extreme thinking, and also fixate on things. These are all true about your dear old mom. I'm also fiercely passionate and try to stick to my convictions. The past two months have been difficult for me because I am simply devastated over Trump being elected as the next President of the United States. I can't move on. I keep thinking today about how excited I would be to watch Hilary Clinton, the first woman, to be elected president.
Depending on when you are reading this blog you may or may not know what the world was like in January of 2017. We are in the thick of social media ruling our lives. Information travels at lightening fast speeds. We are networked with people who we know and love so tightly that it seems like we are constantly in a crowded room. Due to this election and social media, something I've typically loved, has created a great space for disgust and shame. I've deleted "friends" and hid people I had tremendous respect for. Many people think how I am managing my social media is wrong and that politics shouldn't get in the way of friendships or family, but I am beginning to disagree. After all, I really see this election as a moral decision. If you are really bored you can google some of the things that were said and done during the election and decide for yourself if you could still respect someone who supported him. I can get along with and work with people who I disagree with. We live in South Dakota so we have to, but I don't have to be personal friends with people who align with that type of thinking and I definitely don't have to open my Facebook page to them. Specifically people who only want to pick fights and argue with me at every turn.
I came home and watched the nightly news tonight. Something that I used to love during the Obama early days. I'd love to check in and see footage of what was going on for the day. Tonight I decided that it will likely be the last time I watch the nightly news for awhile. I watched snippets showing Obama's greatest moments or special moments and I cried. You are both extremely used to watching me cry while watching TV. I can't help it. I'm just so sad. Baby Waider, you, particularly have become very outspoken about Trump and dislike him right along with me. Probably because you are just regurgitating what I say!
This election has rocked me to my core. In 2008 prior to Obama winning I was completely disillusioned by the political system. It was a place where a collective group of rich kids convened to make decisions that impacted our lives. Once Obama came into the picture I really felt that we all had hope. Somehow he made it possible for anyone to be president. He wasn't rich. He wasn't entitled. He certainly wasn't the "normal" old white guy face that we are used to seeing in our political system. He gave me hope in the American dream for MY generation. That really anyone could be successful. It was after Obama was elected that I decided we MIGHT have a country worthy of bringing children into.
Tonight as I was putting stuff away I randomly found a t shirt. I got it at sometime during the Obama campaign. It said, "One voice can change the world." I wanted to put it on, but I was just too sad. The words almost seem hollow and impossible now. Like a giant foot has stomped on any and all good that was accomplished during the past 8 years.
I'm not naive enough to think that the Obama years were perfect because they weren't But what I do know is that the Obama years were significantly better than the Bush years and undoubtedly what is yet to come. It's not so much what Obama did or did not do while in office. Rather, it is that Obama didn't do anything to intentionally hurt anyone during his terms. He showed us that nice guys don't always finish last. That it is okay to laugh at yourself and smile sometimes. That even if people treat you like total crap you can take the high road and turn the other cheek. He welcomed critics and engaged those who he could have totally ignored. He showed us emotions like passion, love, and sadness. He was a real person who led us with the utmost dignity and class. You will not likely have any real memories of Barack Obama, but you will live through YEARS of enduring your parents telling stories of his time as president.
It is no lie that I feel totally invested in Barack Obama personally. I worked for his campaign here in South Dakota when he was running against Hillary Clinton in 2008. I also got to meet, hug, and tell him the story of the Obama snow sculpture. I also made calls to Ohio during the general election(which if Ohio is still a swing state and campaigns are your thing totally make calls to Ohio during a general election. It is fascinating.) I was a cabinet member or appointee to the Department of Education in 2009-2010. I was a huge fangirl the rest of the time.
Sigh, I'm going to bed tonight not knowing what tomorrow will bring. It is more than likely that we will all be just fine and in 4 years I will be celebrating the inauguration of President Joe Biden. However, part of me is terrified. I feel like I'm about to board a massive jet with a pilot who has never even flown a crop duster or even a remote control plane for that matter. Not only that, but I have my two tiny children in tow. The ones I brought into this world during a time of hope and change. I never bargained for a time of fear and terror. I keep refreshing my news apps and Facebook feed hoping and praying that some scandal will shut this whole mess down. That this white, male, billionaire's club is not about to take over our country. Alas, it IS happening. We are going to have an incredibly unpopular and unqualified person as our 45th president. And there is nothing I can do about it. Perhaps what is most devastatingly sad is not that he was elected our president, but that he was even given the space to do so. The fact that I am raising my children in world where a good number of people thought any of this was okay is probably what is making me the saddest tonight.
I will close with what I've been saying over and over for the past two months. I can't believe this happened. How did this happen?
Love,
Your terrified and sad mama
Those who know me well would have a hard time denying that I have a flair for the dramatic, I tend to have bouts with extreme thinking, and also fixate on things. These are all true about your dear old mom. I'm also fiercely passionate and try to stick to my convictions. The past two months have been difficult for me because I am simply devastated over Trump being elected as the next President of the United States. I can't move on. I keep thinking today about how excited I would be to watch Hilary Clinton, the first woman, to be elected president.
Depending on when you are reading this blog you may or may not know what the world was like in January of 2017. We are in the thick of social media ruling our lives. Information travels at lightening fast speeds. We are networked with people who we know and love so tightly that it seems like we are constantly in a crowded room. Due to this election and social media, something I've typically loved, has created a great space for disgust and shame. I've deleted "friends" and hid people I had tremendous respect for. Many people think how I am managing my social media is wrong and that politics shouldn't get in the way of friendships or family, but I am beginning to disagree. After all, I really see this election as a moral decision. If you are really bored you can google some of the things that were said and done during the election and decide for yourself if you could still respect someone who supported him. I can get along with and work with people who I disagree with. We live in South Dakota so we have to, but I don't have to be personal friends with people who align with that type of thinking and I definitely don't have to open my Facebook page to them. Specifically people who only want to pick fights and argue with me at every turn.
I came home and watched the nightly news tonight. Something that I used to love during the Obama early days. I'd love to check in and see footage of what was going on for the day. Tonight I decided that it will likely be the last time I watch the nightly news for awhile. I watched snippets showing Obama's greatest moments or special moments and I cried. You are both extremely used to watching me cry while watching TV. I can't help it. I'm just so sad. Baby Waider, you, particularly have become very outspoken about Trump and dislike him right along with me. Probably because you are just regurgitating what I say!
This election has rocked me to my core. In 2008 prior to Obama winning I was completely disillusioned by the political system. It was a place where a collective group of rich kids convened to make decisions that impacted our lives. Once Obama came into the picture I really felt that we all had hope. Somehow he made it possible for anyone to be president. He wasn't rich. He wasn't entitled. He certainly wasn't the "normal" old white guy face that we are used to seeing in our political system. He gave me hope in the American dream for MY generation. That really anyone could be successful. It was after Obama was elected that I decided we MIGHT have a country worthy of bringing children into.
Tonight as I was putting stuff away I randomly found a t shirt. I got it at sometime during the Obama campaign. It said, "One voice can change the world." I wanted to put it on, but I was just too sad. The words almost seem hollow and impossible now. Like a giant foot has stomped on any and all good that was accomplished during the past 8 years.
I'm not naive enough to think that the Obama years were perfect because they weren't But what I do know is that the Obama years were significantly better than the Bush years and undoubtedly what is yet to come. It's not so much what Obama did or did not do while in office. Rather, it is that Obama didn't do anything to intentionally hurt anyone during his terms. He showed us that nice guys don't always finish last. That it is okay to laugh at yourself and smile sometimes. That even if people treat you like total crap you can take the high road and turn the other cheek. He welcomed critics and engaged those who he could have totally ignored. He showed us emotions like passion, love, and sadness. He was a real person who led us with the utmost dignity and class. You will not likely have any real memories of Barack Obama, but you will live through YEARS of enduring your parents telling stories of his time as president.
It is no lie that I feel totally invested in Barack Obama personally. I worked for his campaign here in South Dakota when he was running against Hillary Clinton in 2008. I also got to meet, hug, and tell him the story of the Obama snow sculpture. I also made calls to Ohio during the general election(which if Ohio is still a swing state and campaigns are your thing totally make calls to Ohio during a general election. It is fascinating.) I was a cabinet member or appointee to the Department of Education in 2009-2010. I was a huge fangirl the rest of the time.
Sigh, I'm going to bed tonight not knowing what tomorrow will bring. It is more than likely that we will all be just fine and in 4 years I will be celebrating the inauguration of President Joe Biden. However, part of me is terrified. I feel like I'm about to board a massive jet with a pilot who has never even flown a crop duster or even a remote control plane for that matter. Not only that, but I have my two tiny children in tow. The ones I brought into this world during a time of hope and change. I never bargained for a time of fear and terror. I keep refreshing my news apps and Facebook feed hoping and praying that some scandal will shut this whole mess down. That this white, male, billionaire's club is not about to take over our country. Alas, it IS happening. We are going to have an incredibly unpopular and unqualified person as our 45th president. And there is nothing I can do about it. Perhaps what is most devastatingly sad is not that he was elected our president, but that he was even given the space to do so. The fact that I am raising my children in world where a good number of people thought any of this was okay is probably what is making me the saddest tonight.
I will close with what I've been saying over and over for the past two months. I can't believe this happened. How did this happen?
Love,
Your terrified and sad mama
Monday, December 12, 2016
Waiting
Dear Baby Waider+Little Brother Too,
This morning Baby Waider had her tonsils out and tubes put in. We've been waiting for this surgery for awhile. When you doesn't have tubes you are in almost a constant state of ear infection. Paired with the fact that you snore like an old man it is a good thing that they took out your tonsils. Initially you went to the hospital on Black Friday to have the procedure done. The hospital was horrible. Luckily, and I do believe we were lucky, that you had a fever that day and surgery was postponed until you were healthy. The hospital was awful. The nurse told you you would be in a lot of pain. A phrase which you took with you to this surgery, but you were brave. She also had a variety of other terrifying things to say that day I've permanently removed from my mind. The anesthesiologist didn't even know what procedure you were having done and neither did the pre-op nurses. We had to correct them several times and dad had to ask google to convert your temperature from C to F for the anesthesiologist. It was similar to watching a circus act with clowns trying to be doctors and nurses. I was never more thankful than when the doctor came to the waiting room and said that you were too sick for surgery.
The past three weeks since that day have been horrifically busy and annoyingly stressful. We successfully sold the house on Rosilee LN and moved to Cognac CT. The house is pretty terrific but different. I hate change so it's been an adjustment. Moving is grueling and annoying hard work. By the grace of God we had two snow days and Grandma Halter to help us pack or we still may not be moved. We hired movers for the big stuff but on moving day Grandpa Marker and Mary were totally invaluable. I'm pretty sure Mary had the worst packing experience but during the process she found our marriage license which was a good reminder for the entire weekend. Super Uncle Joe and Grandma Halter were also helpful and I almost immediately regretted hiring the movers for a Friday when everyone was working. We were lucky again to have the last warm days of the fall for us to move. Grandpa Halter, Super Aunt Becky, Aunties Katie and April helped unpack. Dad had to move the final stuff in sub-zero temperatures. It has been a journey and I hope that we are settled for awhile now. The new house looks like a perpetual rummage sale and likely will until it warms up enough to situate things.
Waiting. We've been waiting for a couple of hours for you to wake up and walk now. It's been a rare time of total silence. Your dad and I both sitting by your side as you still snore (supposedly you will until the swelling goes down). Waiting had given me a good chance to do some thinking, which I really haven't had the chance to do for awhile. Just a quiet room and a comfy chair has given me the chance to realize the remarkable amount we've accomplished in the past eight months. I'm equal parts amazed and equal parts sad. Every minute we spent on moving were minutes not spent with both of you. In many ways you were waiting to have your parents back. Fortunately for you you have amazing grandparents who took you much of the time and made the experience much more positive. Once our house was listed we waited for it to sell. Once it sold we waited to find a house. Then we waited to move in. Waiting...waiting...waiting. In between the waiting I'm certain we had fun but it sure just seemed like stress.
During these past eight months I've been completely and totally stressed. It never pays to be a worrier and that's exactly what I am. So I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me for being a less than awesome mom the past few months. It was hopefully the means to a greater end. I love you both and can hardly wait for some fun over Christmas Break. Once you heal, Baby Waider, I'm convinced that we will be back to having fun in no time.
Love,
Mom
This morning Baby Waider had her tonsils out and tubes put in. We've been waiting for this surgery for awhile. When you doesn't have tubes you are in almost a constant state of ear infection. Paired with the fact that you snore like an old man it is a good thing that they took out your tonsils. Initially you went to the hospital on Black Friday to have the procedure done. The hospital was horrible. Luckily, and I do believe we were lucky, that you had a fever that day and surgery was postponed until you were healthy. The hospital was awful. The nurse told you you would be in a lot of pain. A phrase which you took with you to this surgery, but you were brave. She also had a variety of other terrifying things to say that day I've permanently removed from my mind. The anesthesiologist didn't even know what procedure you were having done and neither did the pre-op nurses. We had to correct them several times and dad had to ask google to convert your temperature from C to F for the anesthesiologist. It was similar to watching a circus act with clowns trying to be doctors and nurses. I was never more thankful than when the doctor came to the waiting room and said that you were too sick for surgery.
The past three weeks since that day have been horrifically busy and annoyingly stressful. We successfully sold the house on Rosilee LN and moved to Cognac CT. The house is pretty terrific but different. I hate change so it's been an adjustment. Moving is grueling and annoying hard work. By the grace of God we had two snow days and Grandma Halter to help us pack or we still may not be moved. We hired movers for the big stuff but on moving day Grandpa Marker and Mary were totally invaluable. I'm pretty sure Mary had the worst packing experience but during the process she found our marriage license which was a good reminder for the entire weekend. Super Uncle Joe and Grandma Halter were also helpful and I almost immediately regretted hiring the movers for a Friday when everyone was working. We were lucky again to have the last warm days of the fall for us to move. Grandpa Halter, Super Aunt Becky, Aunties Katie and April helped unpack. Dad had to move the final stuff in sub-zero temperatures. It has been a journey and I hope that we are settled for awhile now. The new house looks like a perpetual rummage sale and likely will until it warms up enough to situate things.
Waiting. We've been waiting for a couple of hours for you to wake up and walk now. It's been a rare time of total silence. Your dad and I both sitting by your side as you still snore (supposedly you will until the swelling goes down). Waiting had given me a good chance to do some thinking, which I really haven't had the chance to do for awhile. Just a quiet room and a comfy chair has given me the chance to realize the remarkable amount we've accomplished in the past eight months. I'm equal parts amazed and equal parts sad. Every minute we spent on moving were minutes not spent with both of you. In many ways you were waiting to have your parents back. Fortunately for you you have amazing grandparents who took you much of the time and made the experience much more positive. Once our house was listed we waited for it to sell. Once it sold we waited to find a house. Then we waited to move in. Waiting...waiting...waiting. In between the waiting I'm certain we had fun but it sure just seemed like stress.
During these past eight months I've been completely and totally stressed. It never pays to be a worrier and that's exactly what I am. So I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me for being a less than awesome mom the past few months. It was hopefully the means to a greater end. I love you both and can hardly wait for some fun over Christmas Break. Once you heal, Baby Waider, I'm convinced that we will be back to having fun in no time.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Historic Vote
Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,
One of the greatest inventions of modern time is the Timehop app. Today I was reminded of November 6, 2012. The election for Barack Obama's second term. You will likely read through these and think that your parents were obsessed with Barack Obama and that would actually be a fact. As you've read previously we actually met him and have his autograph that you will see again if we ever get moved and get our photographs hung up. Anyway, elections get me impassioned, angry, and right before they happen nervous. I've always been super involved and opinionated probably to a fault. I've been having a day of indulging in the polls and reading all articles pertaining to the election and election stats when I looked at these adorable pictures on my memories from today.
We face another historic election Tuesday. This time I am going to be voting for the first female president. Which is super exciting. When you wake up on Wednesday morning you might be a part of a world where a woman really can do anything in this country. The alternative...well...it's terrifying.
There is a man running against Hilary Clinton who happens to be a joke of a candidate. I say a joke because I feel like it can't be serious that he's a candidate. I've spent the past few months waiting for something to happen where it isn't true that he is the candidate, but it seems like he's a bad dream that keeps happening over and over again. The polls are tight and I'm terrified. I can't imagine a world where Donald Trump is the president. He's an awful, pompous, sickening individual who takes advantage of people, makes fun of disabled people, and feels that it is his entitled right to do whatever he wants to women. He's disgusting. When he's on TV we have to turn it off because he says such inappropriate things that scary, untrue, or hurtful.
Hands down this is the nastiest election I've ever seen. The country is truly divided. Perhaps the most maddening claim is people saying, "I don't like either candidate. It's like choosing between two evils." Not true. I want you to know that Hillary Clinton does not touch the evil that is Donald Trump. On Tuesday we will vote as a family. I envision that one of you will go with dad and one of you will go with me. We will cast our vote with you in our mind and hearts. I often tell people that Barack Obama is the reason that we had children. We believed that he would create a country that was a better place than when he entered office, which he did. Your dad and I will be voting and keeping in mind a few reasons why we are casting our historic vote. Although my vote has nothing to do with Clinton being a woman it has everything to do with her sharing a vision with me for the future for my children.
I just have to make one more point. I haven't ever been wild about the policies of our Republican presidents. I whole-heartedly disagreed with 98% of what George W. Bush did while he was in office. But he seemed like a nice enough guy and someone you could probably get a drink with. I would not ever want to be in the same room as Donald Trump. His character and actions are so deplorable that I cannot fathom why anyone supports him. Quite frankly it's embarrassing and the fact that he's the nominee makes me scared for this nation. The fact that the polls are this close makes it even more terrifying.
I'm hoping for a BIG WIN for Clinton on Tuesday. She really is the most qualified for this job. Lastly, today during the 100 political shows and posts I read Obama stands out the most. I'm paraphrasing here but he said something like, "Not every decision you make is an inspired decision. Just because Hilary Clinton doesn't inspire you isn't a reason for not voting for her. Sometimes you just have to do the right thing. Voting for Clinton is the right thing." Of course I completely agreed with him. So on Tuesday, our family will do the right thing. In four years maybe I'll be writing a blog about how great the Clinton presidency was! We can hope, right?
Love always,
Mom
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Five Months of NOT POSTING!
Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,
I am so disappointed in myself for not updating this blog for over five months. I am especially disappointed because so much has been going on with so many life lessons to pass on. The truth is, I haven't been taking the time to blog because we've been living in some weird alternative universe where we are trying to sell our house. As a result of that it's been this state of limbo where we are just making it. Tons of our personal stuff is in storage and our house is perpetually clean, which I'm not going to lie I absolutely LOVE. With that being said it is why I haven't sat down to type out a blog for a long time. With every spare minute since March I feel like I've been cleaning, painting, repairing, getting ready for showings, or searching out a new house. Exhausting would be an understatement and I have loathed every minute of it. ...If I have to look at one more house...
Which brings me to my next point. I can't handle change. It's true and I'm certain it has come out in other blogs as well. I am horrible at it. So buying a new house and moving from where I have lived the past 11 years is not an easy adjustment. I will complain for years about something I don't like, but if you try to change it I will about lose it. I tear up thinking about leaving my big beautiful tree and our fun neighbors. I can't imagine moving away from the field where Mia and I have walked together for eleven years that has the breathtaking views of Black Elk Peak. Change is a good thing, but not for your dear old mom. Your dad on the other hand THRIVES in change. He has changed jobs 3 times in the 13 years I've known him. He has had no problem selling and moving. He's had to sort of drag me through this process.
This is the house where we brought you after you were born. It has sheltered us through many storms. We have had countless happy times within its walls. I've been hesitant to post about selling/buying because everything is so uncertain. As it stands today our house is under contract to a 21 year old from Alaska who has never seen the place. He moves here in the beginning of December and this is the first house he's ever bought. Seems pretty iffy to me. We currently have a home under contract that is on the south side of Rapid City, close to Super Aunt Becky and Uncle Joe, and Grandma and Grandpa Halter. Pretty much your only requirements. Once all the chips fall into place we can put this time consuming disaster behind us and continue on with the rest of our lives.
Patience of all the virtues is not my strong point. I am impatient and want what I want yesterday. This has taught me that being impatient will get you nowhere fast. Things happen in their own time. During the next three weeks we prepare to move from the only home the two of you, Mia, and the cats have ever known. I'm sure the rest of you will be handling it just fine, meanwhile, your mom will be a bucket of tears. I'll be okay and love the new place. I'll try to remember that I get to leave the physical place, but keep all the memories, but I'll still be pretty sad.
Love,
Mom
I am so disappointed in myself for not updating this blog for over five months. I am especially disappointed because so much has been going on with so many life lessons to pass on. The truth is, I haven't been taking the time to blog because we've been living in some weird alternative universe where we are trying to sell our house. As a result of that it's been this state of limbo where we are just making it. Tons of our personal stuff is in storage and our house is perpetually clean, which I'm not going to lie I absolutely LOVE. With that being said it is why I haven't sat down to type out a blog for a long time. With every spare minute since March I feel like I've been cleaning, painting, repairing, getting ready for showings, or searching out a new house. Exhausting would be an understatement and I have loathed every minute of it. ...If I have to look at one more house...
 |
| After a month of grueling work we had the house "sale" ready. |
 |
| We got this in the mail shortly after we saw a house we fell in love with and decided we wanted to sell. That house didn't pan out and it turned out that our house was NOT in demand. We chose the WRONG realtor and it sat on the market for nearly six months. Once we found the RIGHT realtor it sold in five days. |
Which brings me to my next point. I can't handle change. It's true and I'm certain it has come out in other blogs as well. I am horrible at it. So buying a new house and moving from where I have lived the past 11 years is not an easy adjustment. I will complain for years about something I don't like, but if you try to change it I will about lose it. I tear up thinking about leaving my big beautiful tree and our fun neighbors. I can't imagine moving away from the field where Mia and I have walked together for eleven years that has the breathtaking views of Black Elk Peak. Change is a good thing, but not for your dear old mom. Your dad on the other hand THRIVES in change. He has changed jobs 3 times in the 13 years I've known him. He has had no problem selling and moving. He's had to sort of drag me through this process.
 |
| Probably your dad's greatest sacrifice was selling is 1969 Suburban. Please don't hate us in the future! We did what we had to do and to be truthful we let it for a steal. It was a COOL old truck, but it had to go. :( |
This is the house where we brought you after you were born. It has sheltered us through many storms. We have had countless happy times within its walls. I've been hesitant to post about selling/buying because everything is so uncertain. As it stands today our house is under contract to a 21 year old from Alaska who has never seen the place. He moves here in the beginning of December and this is the first house he's ever bought. Seems pretty iffy to me. We currently have a home under contract that is on the south side of Rapid City, close to Super Aunt Becky and Uncle Joe, and Grandma and Grandpa Halter. Pretty much your only requirements. Once all the chips fall into place we can put this time consuming disaster behind us and continue on with the rest of our lives.
Patience of all the virtues is not my strong point. I am impatient and want what I want yesterday. This has taught me that being impatient will get you nowhere fast. Things happen in their own time. During the next three weeks we prepare to move from the only home the two of you, Mia, and the cats have ever known. I'm sure the rest of you will be handling it just fine, meanwhile, your mom will be a bucket of tears. I'll be okay and love the new place. I'll try to remember that I get to leave the physical place, but keep all the memories, but I'll still be pretty sad.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Town Crier
I'm about to sound like a shameless mom here but you are adorable. Your raspy voice, slight lisp, rs that sound like ws, and ls that sound like ys you charm nearly everyone you meet. You have taken to making loud proclamations of obvious facts, for example, "mama! There is ranch! "Or "The camper is hooked up to our truck!" you repeat it until you are certain you know everyone in the vicinity has heard. You are sort of a modern day town crier. This morning we are breakfast at the State Game Lodge. As we were leaving you delivered a proclamation to an unexpected lady. You said "We are going back to our campsite!" While I have an uncanny nack to imitate nearly any accent I cannot master yours it's just too amazing. The unsuspecting lady looked down and said, "that sounds like so much fun!" You continued to repeat the proclamation to the hostess and the clerk at the gift shop. The lady turned to me with tears in her eyes and said, "what a delightful child." I must've given her a strange look because she then responded with, "Sorry! My baby boy is 23 and getting married next door today and your son was so adorable he just took me back in time." Suddenly we were both in tears. I so much enjoy my time with you and your little perspective on life. Today though, after visiting with that very nice lady I'm going to be videoing you a whole bunch more. This summer is going to be all about going through life at the speed of Benny. I'm going to laugh a lot and love every minute of it!
Love,
Mama 
Monday, May 23, 2016
Twenty Years Post High School
Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,
This morning started much like other mornings. The alarm went off probably 100 times. I kept hitting snooze and finally negotiated with myself that if I opened my eyes I could cruise Facebook for a few minutes before I got up and get ready for work. Much to my astonishment it was bought to my attention that today, this very day twenty years ago I graduated from high school. I spent most of the weekend attending graduation parties and going to actual graduation. Oddly enough my mind never went back to my own graduation. Probably because so much time has past since that moment. Obviously much of today it has been on my mind. I went from thinking that I've accomplished a great deal in the past twenty years to feeling like maybe I should have done more... At the end of the day, seriously, it is the end of the day, I've realized a few points about this momentous passage of time.
First,I don't really remember much about graduating from high school. I know that I ALMOST didn't graduate with honors and I don't remember the exact scenario. I did end up getting to wear my honors cords and got a brand new outfit from American Eagle, which was a really big deal. Despite the fact that I wore a gown over it I remember exactly what I was wearing right down to my brand spanking new (and beautiful might I add) Doc Martin sandals! I also vaguely remember a feeling that the best was probably already past in my life. I couldn't have been more wrong. Except about my Doc Martins. They were the best. (Thanks mom and dad!)
I've always prided myself for loving and making the best out of whatever stage of life I am in. Expect middle school. That's just awful. That being said, if I could tell my 18 year old self anything it would be that the best is yet to come. It just keeps getting better. I really can't say I would change a thing.
Just to give you a little perspective the year I graduated your dad was 17. I wouldn't meet him for seven and a half years after graduation. Grandma and Grandpa Halter were 40 and 41. Super Aunt Becky was six years younger than I am now as was Uncle Joe I believe. Auntie Katie was in seventh grade and Uncle Kelly was 16. Lauryn was 4, your age, Baby Waider, and Brook wasn't even born yet. I had THREE grandparents who were alive. A lot can change in 20 years.
The past couple of years I've gone to graduation on my own due to napping kids and everyone having conflicting schedules. It's an amazing opportunity to people watch. A mother of a graduate is impossible to miss. They look frazzled, sad, happy, relieved, and lost all at exactly the same time. You can almost tell that they are aching for that moment when their child delivers the flower and a hug, yet dreading it at the same time. It's like at any given moment they could yell at you or burst into tears. One mom sitting in front of me really stood out. This morning I really connected with that mom when I discovered I've been out of high school for 20 years. I was equal parts excited and proud of making it this far in one piece and equal parts shocked about how in the world I even got here. I'm guessing while sitting at your own child's graduation you are equal parts proud that they made it through school, but also wondering how in the world they are walking across the stage when they were just in your arms. I've said it before, time is a funny thing. The days can be so slow, but those years are fast. In a short 14 and 16 years I'll be a teary-eyed extremely proud mom in the crowd and before you know it you will be 38 years old and wondering where in the world time has gone and how in the world you have been out of anywhere for 20 years. Let alone something that you left when you were 18 years old.
Savor every moment in your life because it goes by. FAST!
Love,
Mom
This morning started much like other mornings. The alarm went off probably 100 times. I kept hitting snooze and finally negotiated with myself that if I opened my eyes I could cruise Facebook for a few minutes before I got up and get ready for work. Much to my astonishment it was bought to my attention that today, this very day twenty years ago I graduated from high school. I spent most of the weekend attending graduation parties and going to actual graduation. Oddly enough my mind never went back to my own graduation. Probably because so much time has past since that moment. Obviously much of today it has been on my mind. I went from thinking that I've accomplished a great deal in the past twenty years to feeling like maybe I should have done more... At the end of the day, seriously, it is the end of the day, I've realized a few points about this momentous passage of time.
First,I don't really remember much about graduating from high school. I know that I ALMOST didn't graduate with honors and I don't remember the exact scenario. I did end up getting to wear my honors cords and got a brand new outfit from American Eagle, which was a really big deal. Despite the fact that I wore a gown over it I remember exactly what I was wearing right down to my brand spanking new (and beautiful might I add) Doc Martin sandals! I also vaguely remember a feeling that the best was probably already past in my life. I couldn't have been more wrong. Except about my Doc Martins. They were the best. (Thanks mom and dad!)
I've always prided myself for loving and making the best out of whatever stage of life I am in. Expect middle school. That's just awful. That being said, if I could tell my 18 year old self anything it would be that the best is yet to come. It just keeps getting better. I really can't say I would change a thing.
Just to give you a little perspective the year I graduated your dad was 17. I wouldn't meet him for seven and a half years after graduation. Grandma and Grandpa Halter were 40 and 41. Super Aunt Becky was six years younger than I am now as was Uncle Joe I believe. Auntie Katie was in seventh grade and Uncle Kelly was 16. Lauryn was 4, your age, Baby Waider, and Brook wasn't even born yet. I had THREE grandparents who were alive. A lot can change in 20 years.
The past couple of years I've gone to graduation on my own due to napping kids and everyone having conflicting schedules. It's an amazing opportunity to people watch. A mother of a graduate is impossible to miss. They look frazzled, sad, happy, relieved, and lost all at exactly the same time. You can almost tell that they are aching for that moment when their child delivers the flower and a hug, yet dreading it at the same time. It's like at any given moment they could yell at you or burst into tears. One mom sitting in front of me really stood out. This morning I really connected with that mom when I discovered I've been out of high school for 20 years. I was equal parts excited and proud of making it this far in one piece and equal parts shocked about how in the world I even got here. I'm guessing while sitting at your own child's graduation you are equal parts proud that they made it through school, but also wondering how in the world they are walking across the stage when they were just in your arms. I've said it before, time is a funny thing. The days can be so slow, but those years are fast. In a short 14 and 16 years I'll be a teary-eyed extremely proud mom in the crowd and before you know it you will be 38 years old and wondering where in the world time has gone and how in the world you have been out of anywhere for 20 years. Let alone something that you left when you were 18 years old.
Savor every moment in your life because it goes by. FAST!
Love,
Mom
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