Special Juice

Veronica had some dental work today. She drank some special juice beforehand….

My New Favorite Book

Thomas has been quite the prolific writer as of late. He has been into comics mostly. I’ll post those later. Tonight’s really captured my heart. He thinks of these topics on his own. Divinely inspired.  Lord, give me faith like a child.

Title page: God Book By: Thomas

Chapter 1: I Met God

Hello! I am……….. Jesus? No! God.

Bow down to God and Jesus. OK?

Say: yes. It is GOOD! OK?

picture: God saying ‘hi!’

But sin (say: s_i_n) is bad. Very bad! I mean very very bad! Now

Picture: God saying, “Sin is bad. Very bad. OK?

I love you!………… ALWAYS!

OK? Yes! AND you love me yes or no? YES! for sure!

Picture: God says, “By the way: I love you!”

 

 

Oh! And about the angels: I am good – Guss what? Angels are to! Yes? Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! OK?

 

Chapter 2: Jesus is GOOD!

My son Jesus (say: Je-s-us) is on the cross. I know it is sad. you are sad. I am sad. We all are sad.

Picture: Person on left says, “No!”, Jesus on cross in middle; person on right says, “I love you!”

Jesus is gone? No! We still still love. Now! Maybe…. Now? Yes!

We have to pray…. Always! Ok?

I’m looking forward to chapter 3. He already has it titled: “Loveing is Good!”

What’s in a Name?

This week’s religion homework is to talk about where the children’s names came from. We’ve been discussing it most of the week. I even typed up a paper for them to remember this information. They have proudly taped these to their walls and made binders (all of their own idea) with these sheets (below).

Tonight as I picked the kids up from school, we talked again about their meanings. We talked about the history of St. Veronica. Thomas insisted, "When I'm married and I have a wife who has a baby, we'll name her Veronica. And when she's 5 she can tell her teacher that we named her after her Daddy's sister who is a special girl."

 

THOMAS

RILEY

 

THOMAS

• My brother’s name is David Thomas. He was named after
• Thomas Riley: Mama ‘s (Daddy’s mother) brother. He was very special and helped take care of Mama when her mother died when she was 5.
• David Riley: This was Thomas Riley’s son. He was Daddy’s favorite cousin.
• Thomas means “twin.” Jesus’s apostle Thomas was a twin.
• Daddy’s Confirmation name is Thomas, after St. Thomas Aquinas.
  

RILEY

• This was Daddy’s mom’s last name before she got married.
• Daddy’s middle name is Riley.

Daddy’s name is Judson Riley. He is named after his Grandfather, Judson Riley.
Mommy’s name is Christen Marie. She was born very close to Christmas, so she was named after Jesus Christ and Mary.

VERONICA

JANE

 

VERONICA

• St. Veronica was a very special girl who was kind to Jesus when the soldiers were being mean to him. She was very brave and wiped the sweat and blood from Jesus’s face while he was carrying his cross. She was rewarded by Jesus. He put an image of his face on the veil she used.
• Veronica means “true image.” I look a lot like my sister Julianne. My parents also hope to teach me to show others the love of Jesus. They hope to make me show his image.
• Mommy & Daddy are big fans of Elvis Costello. One of their favorite songs of his is "Veronica."

JANE

• My sister’s name is Julianne Jane.  She was named after
• Julianne: Grandma’s sister was very close to Grandma’s age and her best friend. She died before Mommy was born.
• Jane: My brother and sister, David Thomas and Julianne Jane, were born on Grandma’s birthday!

Daddy’s name is Judson Riley. He is named after his Grandfather, Judson Riley.
Mommy’s name is Christen Marie. She was born very close to Christmas, so she was named after Jesus Christ and Mary.

Wordful Wednesday, December

Veronica

Someone in V's class must be talking about other holidays... V keeps running around the house yelling, "April FOUR!

---

On 12/18… Veronica came out of her bedroom, well after bedtime, every 10 minutes for over 2 hours. She was amazed she learned how to snap and had to show me.

---

Me: Veronica, you are becoming a wonderful artist.
V: I know. Aunt Dawn taught me.

---

Thomas

Thomas's Joke for the night...
Why did the bubble gum cross the road?
Because it was stuck to the chicken's foot!

---

While watching The Little Drummer Boy, “Bad guys don't usually sing, right Mom?"

---

T: Mommy, I wrote you a book. (Hands me a folded piece of paper with scribble on it.)
Me: Can you read it for me?
T: It's called "Cutting for Stone 2". No, "Cutting for Stone 3." It says, "They were cutting for stone, and when there were no more trees, they did not cut anymore.”

---

All Together Now…

We were discussing which adult was going to take the kids to the library this afternoon as we both felt under the weather.
V: I know. You can both stay here and rest. Thomas and I can go by ourselves.
Me: Who's going to drive?
T: Well, I don't know how to get to the library (we were speaking of Glendale), so I guess Veronica can drive.
V: But if it's our library (Irvington), I don't know how to get to that one, so you can drive.
Case closed.

---

Early in the morning, snuggling in bed with me...
V: I'm so energized!
T: I'm so hydronated!
V: What is hydronated?
T: It's when something falls off your head.

---

Speaking about his friend who plays very energetically, "He needs to be careful with my toys. They are very delicatated."
V: What does 'delicatated' mean?
Me: 'Delicate' means that they can get hurt or break easily.
T: Yeah, because they are made in China.

The Fivest

About every other hour Veronica stands up to show me how tall she's gotten or something new she can reach.

The last time I said, "You're the biggest."

She responded,”No. You mean I’m the fivest.”

Feeling Five?

After months of wanting to turn five, the reaction to being five is a little different.
Thomas isn't sure he wants to give up being four. "I like being four."
Veronica stated tonight, "It's been a rough day. I'm nervous about being five. It's a little scary."
They are still pretty thrilled with being five. Sleep tight, my Bittersweet Babes.

Wordful Wednesday, November

Veronica

V's response to her friend who has a strawberry allergy: "Well, I'm only allergic to alligators.”

---

You know when the kids spent the entire weekend with Aunt Peggy. Veronica, telling me about where she bought her new "motor"(bi)cycle... "You don't live in my town. I got it there. I live in Brown County.”

---

I was telling Veronica to be patient as I was older than her before I could snap my fingers

V: I'll be able to when I'm 62?
Me: Yes. How old do you think I am?
V: 23.

---

Thomas

Responsibility? I'm a Star Wars character - not a wild goose chase!

---

Mom, can I ask you a question? Why do hunters... Well, you know... um... Well, why do they.... You know... well... Let me think of a question.

---

My favorite Thomas word right now: "Poinky"
It seems to translate to pointy or pokey.

---

All Together Now…

V:I'm sooooo permanent!
T: I am haberjized!

Wordful Wednesday

Thomas

While listening to “Werewolves of London with kids,” Thomas interjected, “Werewolves travel to Africa.” I asked him, “Where did you learn that?” He replied, “Costco. But no, they travel to Egypt. Not Africa, I think.”

---

 

Veronica

“Mom, how do you spell ‘a-ok’? I already have an ‘a’. What's next?” (I make her figure out each letter, then...) “What's after k?"

---

This is Thomas. He is crazy.

---

We're playing school. When it's grown-up time we go to Disney World and color.

---

Judson was cracking himself up.

V: Why are you laughing?”

J: I'm laughing at something that was funny to me.

V: Why's Mommy not laughing?

---

Convo

Conversation after they were in bed.
T: What do you call a monster that can't hear?
V: Thomas, do you want to play flashlight school?
T: Sure!
V: OK, I'm Mrs. Eaton.
later, chanted, T: Mrs. Eaton, Mrs. Eaton, go away.
Together *Giggles*

Wordful Wednesday

Veronica

• “Oh my Heavens!” – her new catch phrase.
• I love you through and though!

 

Thomas

• Judson asked Thomas if he was finished getting ready for bed. (He’s easily distracted, we have to remind him to complete a task many times before it gets started). His response this time was, “I’m reading a book by accident!”
• Mom, that’s REALLY tall. Taller than a building, taller than a tree, taller than a skyscraper. Taller than Uncle Thad.

 

Both

They are really pulling for their birthday to be ASAP. The other day they were planning their birthday party in the car. Thomas wants to have his at Chuck E Cheese. Veronica would like to have hers in the school cafeteria.

while playing, Thomas picked up a girl toy and made it talk…

V: THOMAS! That sounds like a girl voice, not a boy!

T: Well, Veronica… I am a boy. I only have boy voice parts. My voice looks like this, see? (sings syllables)

V: You do it like this Thomas. (singing, “I love you.”)

T: I am a boy. I can’t do a girl voice.

And the winner is…

POOPY-POOP!

That’s exactly how they put it, often.

• And the winner is poopy-poop.
• Poopy-poop.
• Let’s make a poopy-poop sandwich.
• …and the variations are endless.

Wordful Wednesday

Veronica

Heard from the other room… “Dangit. DANGIT! Mom, you have to come here NOW!” I asked, “Why can’t you come here?” To which she answered, “Because I said ‘dangit’, That’s why you have to come now.”

While pretending to be a puppy, Veronica told me, “My name is Gorgeous.” Think she got this from Pa, who insists his name is ‘Good-lookin?”

chicken paddle = doggie paddle                      magnastics = gymnastics

“Mom, one time I saw someone reading a book when they were eating an apple. Could I try that?”

“Mom, you forgot to turn on your bling sneegle!” (turn signal)

 “I really like this song. Do you hear that bass, Mama?”

Thomas

During prayer the other night, this came out: “Angel of God, my Guardian Dear to whom God’s love commits me beer.”

A couple weeks ago Thomas told me, “mom, my name is not ‘Thomas’ anymore. I want you to call me ‘Super Thomas’ all the time now.” The other day when I called him ‘Super Thomas’ he said, “You don’t have to call me that anymore. I really like my name. Call me ‘Thomas.’”

“I love to sing beautiful songs to girls.” (After I complimented his singing to me!)

“Mom, I know why my wrestling moves are so hurty. It’s because she (Veronica) was born first and when I came out I was so long. That gave me a lot of energy.”

hang-a-bur = hamburger

Both

After going outside, Judson returned and said, “It smells like burnt toast out there.” To which Thomas asked, “What’s bird toast?” Veronica told me,

“Mom, it smells delicious out there. Want a taste?”

We made mailboxes for outside our bedroom doors this week. They have been making each other a lot of mail. Veronica was complimenting Thomas on what he had drawn her, telling him how much she’d treasure it and what a good job he did. Thomas came out of the room and I said, “You guys are good buddies.” Thomas replied, “Yep, that’s why we LOVE being twins!”

I love how “modest” these four-year-olds can be. When complimenting them, Veronica will nonchalantly say, “I know.” Thomas will answer in an exasperated tone (as if this is the most basic piece of information everyone shoud know – I’m awesome), “I knooooooooooooooooooooooooow.” To never lose that self-confidence…

Veronica: I want to be a pony!    Thomas: But I would miss my sister.      Veronica: No, you won’t. I’ll be YOUR pony!

Wordful Wednesday

VERONICA

• As I was leaving to teach my first Anatomy Lab, Veronica stopped me. “Mommy? You are going to teach, right? Well, if you can’t think of any crafts for them to do, we can talk about it later.” My little curriculum developer.
• In the tub, singing: “Legs, legs, glorious legs.”
• Asking me to role play with her, Veronica told me I could be Veronica “because I know you like to be Veronica… because I have long hair.”

THOMAS

• Thomas picked out a pair of shoes he was very happy with when shoe shopping. We wanted him to get them one size larger. After trying those on, he felt like he needed to keep shopping. His excuse not to get the ones he was originally certain about: “I don’t want those. They make me too fast. I’m afraid I’ll get hurt.”
• “What’s a Texas accident?” – Thomas inquiring after Judson mentioned someone’s Texas accent.
• “I know how to spell dot-com. Dot C-O-M.”
• “Grandma, we were talking, and we were wondering if we could stay with you for two weeks.”
• “We’re the best brother and sister!”

BOTH

V: I wish I could live in a castle.

T: I know how you could! If we were Lego people we could live in a castle.

PreSchool Starts…

The kids have been excited for weeks about the start of school, each day asking how long until the first day. They’ve missed their friends and probably the routine. They know their new teachers and seem happy about that as well.

Veronica was too excited to sleep last night. At one point, I heard hear cry out in a very pathetic tone, “Thooooom-MAS! I can’t sleep. Will you help me?”

They both woke it great spirits. Thomas admitted a little anxiety:

T: I’m a little nervous about a new school.

V: It’s OK, Thomas. Do you know who will be with you? It’s your favorite…

T: David.

V: Right! And guess who else…

T: Julianne.

V: And one more…

T: Jesus.

V: Jesus is always with you!

After that, they got ready without a hitch – no reminders needed to stay on task, no meltdowns, only smiles.

Veronica decided we needed to drive the three blocks (not a bad idea since we had to haul all their classroom supplies). We passed our friends walking on the way. Their toddler had fallen and busted her lip. As we walked in the school, V&T were still concerned. Veronica said, “I think I’ll tell our teacher what happened so she will know what is taking Kasey so long.” Thomas said, “I’m sad that Cecilia got hurt. We should pray for her.” And we did. We stopped and said a prayer in the doorway of the school.

In the classroom, there was no clinging to me (a little sad on my part). Thomas hugged me and said, “This is going to be the best new day ever!”

They both agreed it was a wonderful day. Mrs. Fleak said Veronica told her she loved her. This is a big feat as she is usually too shy to talk much at school!

 

We walked to McDonald’s after school for some ice cream where they told me about their days.

before and after school interviews

Holy Magic, Batman!

The story you about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the “innocent.” – Dragnet
Upon finding themselves in last-minute need of childcare, the parents of the Wonder Twins (Jayna – female, Zan – male) called upon a friend. The Wonder Twins were excited as this child, let’s just call him Boy Wonder, is a friend they both rank quite highly. Boy Wonder has a brother a couple years older than Boy Wonder and the Wonder Twins, we’ll call him Batman. Batman and Boy Wonder have an infant sister, Batgirl. For consistency sake, we’ll call the chief operating officer of this assortment of super-little-people, Ms Alfred, Batman’s trusted butler.
The Wonder Twins were dropped off in Gotham city at 8 am that morning, in the capable hands of Ms Alfred. All super-heroes were ready whatever they day may bring, so the Wonder Twins’ mother (Wonder Woman) went off to Metropolis to do her business. Upon returning to Gotham, Ms Alfred told informed Wonder Woman that she found Jayna in the Batcave  with the Boy Wonder. Ms Alfred stated, “I think they were K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”
Boy Wonder puffed his chest out in pride and declared, “Yup, that’s what we were doing.”
Ms Alfred looked unbelievingly at Boy Wonder and inquired, “What were you doing?”
Boy Wonder replied, “What you spelled.”
“What did I spell?” asked Ms Alfred.
Boy Wonder shrugged his shoulders and said, “I dunno.”
On the way home, Wonder Woman asked Jayna, “Ms Alfred said you and Boy Wonder were in his closet. What were you doing in there?”
Jayna got a sly grin on her face and answered, “Talking.”
“About what?”
“….bunnies.”
“Does Boy Wonder like bunnies?”
Jayna quickly replied, “Actually we were talking about dogs.” Fortunately, Zan was being attacked by a mob of sleepiness and was screaming in the adjacent seat – subject changed.
Later that same evening, Jayna confessed to Wonder Woman, “Mom, actually… we kissed – but it was MAGIC!” 
Not sure weather to call in the Justice League, faint, or laugh, Wonder Woman simply asked, “Magic?”
“Yeah, we kissed and it was magic so we turned into kitties.”
“Oh – you kissed so you could turn into kitties. Where did you kiss? On the cheek? Head?”
Matter-of-factly, Jayna responded, “Lip to lip.” She was quick to clarify, “But we did it like this (puckers up with lips protruding as far away from her face as they can) so we didn’t get any germs.” Then, after some thought added, “I guess kissing on the cheek would be safer.”

Wordful Wednesday

Veronica

• After decided that she wanted to play the older sister, “I’ll be six. Is that when you have white hair?”

Thomas

• toy reaction (toy section - at Target)

Both

After an ultimatum about them exiting their room “one more time” after bedtime, Thomas creeps out with a self-portrait. “It’s me, Mommy. So you won’t miss me when you are at work.” And Veronica? She sneaks out to sign “I love you” and blow me kisses. I didn’t stick to my threat.

Wordful Wednesday

Veronica

• “Airports are airplane cities.”
• Veronica is quite interested in bras. She doesn’t quite know the difference in the names of the braziers and the “equipment” that goes in them. Excited to see some spaghetti-strapped tops in her summer wardrobe, she held one up, “Mom, are these my breasts?!?!?”
• At Costco for lunch one day we sat at a table next to 4 business men working on a crossword puzzle over pizza. “They’re having a boy day!”
• “Will we be able to go to Target in Heaven?”
• It’s hard to remember all the funny little things she’s said lately. It goes along with her conversations and actions. In the drug store, she showed Thomas “her work”, taking objects off the shelf and explaining the products to him. The has been giving tours of the library as if she is the librarian. She is quite the disciplined teacher. Almost everything can be sung about now.
• While watching the royal wedding, I asked Veronica who she wanted to marry. She replied, “Daddy.” I said, “He’s my Prince Charming.” She smiled at me and said, “Mine, too.”

Thomas

• While reading the “list” he wrote about what he wants to be when he grows up: “All this writing here is a list of what I want to be when I grow up. (Nose wrinkles) I was going to be a rock star, but… now I don’t think so. Maybe I can be an astronaut.” Today he decided he wanted to be a writer.
• Thomas used the word “scurry” when telling me what they did. I told him that was a great word and asked where he learned it. His reply, “It’s mechanical. I just knew it.”
• “I’ve been digging in the dirt so Veronica can build an ant house.”
• About the thorns on Rosebushes: “They’re spikey, like Uncle Danny’s hair.”
• An angry Thomas, “You’re not my grandson anymore!” My calm reply, “That’s ok, Thomas, you were never my grandson. I will always love you.” His rebuttal, “Oh, well… I’m not your cousin anymore!” I replied, “That’s fine, you never will be my cousin.” He looked a little defeated and baffled and said, “What am I?”
• “Holy Galaxies! Is that a beanstalk?”

Tonight’s Prayer

Veronica decided to say tonight’s prayer, in a free form manner. This is approximately, what she said for us tonight…

God is gracious, God is good
And we thank Him.
Angel of God, my guardian.
Julianne & David thank you for Daddy being home.
Angel of God and to the Republic for which our nation
Bless us and raindrops on red roses.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tonight’s Bedtime Conversation

Me: What song would you like me to sing to you tonight, Veronica?
V: It's something very special to me. It's something we haven't sung in a long time.
Me: What is it? (Great anticipation on my part as she has asked for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer EVERY night -sometimes twice - for the last 18 months.)
V: You have to be quiet when I ask you. It's very special to me. It's .... Spiderman!!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

T: That's a gaggart.

V: Mommy! Thomas said gaggart and that's a bad word.

Me: No, it's not a word.

T: What does it mean?

Me: It doesn't mean anything. It's not a word.

V: It's a bad word!

Me: No, it's not a word at all.

T: It's not a bad word.

Me: It's just not a word.

V: It's a good word?

The Show Must Go On

First ever Christmas pageant. For us anyway. Unfortunately, Judson's father had an emergency surgery the day prior. Judson was right where he needed to be, caring for his mother and father. So, we were missing him dearly and praying for Daddy Gayle.

The morning of the show, both kids said they didn't want to do it. Therefore, I urged Judson not to think twice about staying in Madison - especially since we didn't know if they'd even go on to sing their two song. (Up on the Housetop and Jolly Old St. Nicholas).

We got ready for the party with our friend and classmate, Kasey.


Veronica proudly picked out the new outfit her godmother, Aunt Peggy, got her for her birthday. And, she let Kasey's mom do her hair - and didn't complain about it! :)

The kids proudly marched onto the stage when it was showtime. Everyone started with a good amount of confidence.

However, the pre-3 and pre-4 classes were to go first, but there was no announcement made that they were beginning. So the noisy gym continued to echo everyone's conversations. I think this was a little intimidating. That, on top of me sitting on the floor in front of the first row snapping pictures, was a little too much for Thomas. I noticed when they were done shaking their fingers at "don't you tell a single soul what I'm going to say," Thomas's finger kept shaking... at me. Then I noticed he was saying something different than the rest of the class. "Don't look at me. DON'T LOOK AT ME! MOMMY.... Don't look at me!!"

I turned my head away. When the song was over, the pre-3 class sat down on the stage to listen to the pre-4s sing. When it was time to stand up, Thomas didn't stand completely, didn't sing and hid behind the girl next to him.

Veronica, on the other hand, made this statement after the show: "Can we take dance lessons so we can be in another recital?"

Talking to Strangers

Today I watched my children walk up to a complete stranger, sit on his lap, and take candy from him!

That's right - we visited Santa Claus, and it's the first year the kids have been into it.

It's a really nice set-up. Breakfast with quiet Santa in the corner. Not overwhelming for our kids last year - wanted to look but not touch. Veronica watched one friend walk up to him and immediately walked over to wait for her turn.

She let Santa take the lead, he guessed right - she wants dolls. Baby dolls and Barbie dolls.

Thomas was working hard on gathering the nerve. Santa eventually inticed him with the job of jingling the bells.

Thomas then shared that he wanted three costumes: 1) Black Spiderman; 2) Bumblebee Transformer; and 3) Superman.

Veronica didn't want to leave and plopped down for a front row seat to listen to the other kids talk to Santa. She was quiet entertained by it.

We then joined our friends for crafts, including cooking decorating.

Later in the day we were talking about their visit with Santa. Thomas felt like he'd made a real connection apparently, "Some people call him Santa, but I call him Saint Nicholas." Santa's not such a stranger anymore!

My Guardian Dears

About a month ago, we were doing some simple math at the dinner table. I asked how many kids were at the table. Veronica answered, "Four. One (pointed to Thomas), Two (to herself), three, four (two points to the sky)."

Then, last week out of the blue, Veronica and Thomas increased their questioning and talking about Julianne and David. It started with Veronica asking, "Mommy, when can Julianne come down so I can show her something?" I explained how Julianne and David are ALWAYS watching them, how they are so proud of them and how much fun they think they are. Thomas held up the Play-Doh sculpture he was creating and said, "I made this so David could see it!" That started a week of making pictures, singing songs, doing all sorts of things for Julianne and David.

I must say, they are incredibly intuitive – and compassionate. On Sunday, at church, a song which was played which we had picked to be played at Julianne and David's funeral. It had me in tears. As I held Veronica, she would just lean back, smile at me with wise, knowing eyes, hug me tight and repeat it all. Thomas, who was snuggled up to Judson leaned over a few times to kiss me. No questions about why I was crying. No worrying about what had me upset. Just plain, simple, compassion.

When I explained that Julianne and David's birthday was coming up, both Thomas and Veronica were quite excited. Somehow Veronica even knew "they'll be five!" Thomas helped me make cupcakes yesterday, and Veronica decorated them with sprinkles. They even wanted to take them to school today to share with their classmates for Julianne and David's birthday. School was cancelled however, due to a water main break.

We headed south for the day. We were able to spend an hour or so with Aunt Rosie who's head will have a similar scar to Veronica and Thomas's. We shared some birthday cupcakes with Rosie, Paul, Allie, Natalie and Lola, and headed south.

It could not have been a more beautiful day in November. It was well into the 70s with blue skies and plenty of sunshine. On the way to the cemetery Thomas and Veronica worked diligently on artwork for Julianne and David.

They asked a lot of questions on that 30 minute car ride from Madison.

"Why do they live in Heaven?"

"When will we see them?"

"Are they still little?"

When we arrived at the cemetery, they hopped out, not missing a beat, gleefully chasing one another. The sound of a little boy and a little girl laughing in the sunshine. Music to my ears. Like a chorus from Heaven.

We pulled out the cupcakes made with so much love, placed the candles in them and sang "Happy Birthday." Veronica and Thomas were quite happy to step in and blow the candles out.

We attached the custom artwork to a pink and blue balloon. Before letting the balloons go, I asked if we should say a prayer, thinking I'd just do something impromptu. Veronica started right in with the perfect prayer…

Angel of God, my Guardian Dear

To Whom God's Love commits me here.
Ever this night, be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Good night, Julianne.
Good night, David.
We love you!

The four of us let the balloons go. "Bye, bye balloons! Have a good trip to Heaven. Enjoy the pictures, Julianne and David!" said Thomas.

We watched as the four balloons raised up to the heavens, not straying from one another. Judson pointed out that "Mommy's balloon is leading them all." Judson's balloon took up the rear, making sure we all stayed together.

Veronica and Thomas said many things. Poignant things we were certain we wouldn't forget. As I try to write this, I cannot remember all the amazing things they said. Things that helped to make this one of the best birthday celebrations yet.

It was a gorgeous day to celebrate our special family.