Last Pint of Beans

As Mike and I cooked up a Sunday dinner for our parents this week I pulled the last two pints of beans I was left with from my Grandma Jackman. Yes, the best home grown and bottled green beans, the staple of the best Sunday dinners throughout my life, and likely the #1 reason my husband would do anything to get into the Jackman family I held the last of in my hands.

Call it being a woman or just so so pregnant I stood in the kitchen and balled for a few minutes. It has been 6 months since my Grandma died and although I was so happy to see her move on from a body that no longer kept up with her, it is never easy to see one of the good ones go.

To a grandmother that I love,

an example I will never forget,

and a friend that I miss;

thank you once again for a great Sunday dinner.

Hurricane Maximus

Maxx is typically pretty mild when it comes to mess making... a few of his utensils here and there or a pile of 4 books stacked where they don't go. Today something else possessed this kid. He started with a basket of clean clothes all over my room, then moved on to digging the dirt out of the one plant I have managed to keep alive, then onto scattering all the receipts from last year's taxes (gosh dang opposable thumbs he can open anything), and then topped it off in his room by flipping up the mattress on his toddler bed, dumping out Mr. Potato head and all accessories, and pulling all of his clothes out of their baskets and throwing them around the room. I am tired just having typed it and I haven't even gotten to the usual fruit on the floor under his high chair. Maybe if I cry Mike will help me pick it all up, however the last time even a 10th of this happened he joked he was going to hire a babysitter while I was with him during the day. One thing is for sure, if he wants attention he sure makes it hard to ignore him. :)

Path of destruction almost as wide as I am right now.
C

The Best Form of Flattery

It is not uncommon for Maximus to sport his dad's hat or tie, but I guess he thought it only fair to copy mom too.

Things to remember when your 1 year old kicks you in the face...

1. Believe it or not you asked for this.
2. Remember all those times crying when you didn't have kids... now you can cry over your fat lip instead.
3. Could have been worse, he could have been wearing cleats.
4. When all else fails consider it come-uppins for all the crap you gave your parents.

A big thank you to my mother who has had Sir Maximus for a sleep over since his royal fit allowing me a good 18 hrs. to find it humorous instead of tying him up. :)

Swimming, Scarlet Fever, and Shamu

Maximus started his second year of swimming lessons today. He was the very best in the class last year at 6 months, I swear. But now 21 months he doesn't want to be held, which would be fine if we weren't in 4 foot deep water. So the fact that we wrestle for 30 min. in the water is the first difficult thing. Then I get to chase his naked bum around the dressing room for the the next hour that should be 10 minutes, but whatever. All this is not enough however... Maximus is just getting over Scarlet Fever which means that although he is cleared by the doctor to do whatever and not spread it -the rash from head to toe makes everyone run from the crazy scabby little red head still sporting a horrible haircut. God is just however because we match; I get to chase him as Shamu.

Perhaps next time is Dad's turn.
C

Great Clips my foot

Life lesson learned: If the woman about to cut your son's hair is not cute... Leave.
Maximus now looks like a peach, an orange on a toothpick, or at least handicapped with his large head and high cut buzzed red hair. As you can tell I am a little fired up, but never fear, I fixed it- He will be wearing a hat for a while.

Dear ol Dads

We have some pretty terrific dads! So for Father's Day Maximus and I have a few things to say.

Dave Runyan - It is not a universally know fact that Mike is indeed a red-headed step child (well he was). Dave married Mike's mother when Mike was about 9, just before turning 18 Mike was adopted. Interestingly enough Dave Runyan once Dave Seymour did the same thing at 17; awesome.

So Dave (Opa) has spoiled us from day one. He is funny and always there when we need anything. Maximus says he likes to snitch his snacks when Opa falls asleep in front of the TV. Mike is eternally grateful for a righteous father that was willing to step up. And when I take a break from teasing him constantly from our impeccable hearing to matching bellies I am just thankful to have such a great example for my husband and boys. I am still not convinced they aren't blood - Mike does something to get called Dave at least weekly.

Randy Jackman - (stinks!... had to get that one in there) Some of my favorite memories of my dad include him making awesome Halloween costumes - no really awesome toothpaste tube, mermaid, outhouse, katsup & mustard, convincingly tall Frankenstein, and on and on. He also makes killer breakfasts, and everything fun. From teaching us to water ski, being willing to call me on a mission to Disneyland, and always there from weddings to grand kids he just rocks. Maximus likes to borrow his hats (which he almost fits), Mike enjoys working on projects, and I still enjoy stunning the world with the stuff my dad taught a girl. If anyone needs their furnace fixed just call Aaron (hey he made me smart too). :)

And... Micheal Runyan - I like to call this picture "Listen Conan O'Brien he is really my kid". It is always obvious that Mike loves being a dad. Maximus says his favorite thing is when they play. Titan says thanks for the ice cream. And I just count my blessings that we have such an great husband and father.