Veteran's Day the Mauk Way

As we enjoy a day off from work and school to remember and commemorate the sacrifice our Veterans have made, I am thankful for their dedication and willingness. Sitting here at the kitchen table, enjoying the beautiful, clear, sunny day beginning outside my windows, I am reminded of exactly how much freedom is worth. The local classical station is playing various military marches and Emma and Jackson are "performing" in Emma's room. I'm feeling rather patriotic. Must go join in the celebration. Thank you to my favorite Veterans: Granddad and Grandma Robie, Dad, and Dennis. I hope everyone has a great day off!

On a completely unrelated note: Christmas lists for the kids are posted. I'll be adding things as I find them.

Teary Moment

We disassembled Jackson's crib today and installed a toddler bed, complete with Woody & Buzz bedding. Jackson walked in after we took out the crib and said, "Oh no! Where's my bed?!" and put on his sad face. Then, true to his boyness, when the toddler bed was installed, he looked at his Papa (my dad) and when my dad said, "This is your new bed, you're going to sleep in it tonight." Jackson responded with, "Yeah, but I have to jump in it first." Atta boy! I actually teared up a little when it was all finished. But I'm over it now.

The Life of a Cheer Mom

Those of you who have known me for a while will understand that the pictures I am about to post are some sort of karmic retribution for my high school years. However, I am learning a major lesson about parenthood. What my child loves may have nothing to do with what I love. And what matters is that SHE LOVES IT. I have never seen my daughter happier than in the middle of an all-out, veins-popping-out-of-her-neck, throat-lacerating cheer. Thus begins the next era in the Emma Saga. Enjoy.