Hannah's Diner

Tonight I ate out at a fine dining establishment, yet I never left my own kitchen.  Hannah's Diner was reopened for business.

I walked up to the door of this fine establishment (that is code for the doorway from the den to the kitchen).

Upon entering the establishment I was greeted by the owner/operator and promptly seated at a clean, quiet, corner table.

As you can see the owner/operator even has a name tag (complete with the name of the establishment and her full name underneath the name of the restaurant). I'm sure it is not up to code but I did notice the name badge was taped on with scotch tape.


I was given a somewhat extensive menu (that would be code for a listing of leftovers from the the frig).  I think her printing company might need to proof a little better.  I think the first menu item was supposed to say "leftovers" and I'm quite sure "sprit" under the drinks column should read Sprite.  "Sprit" is also close the "spirits" but since we have none in the house I think the "e" on the end works better.

My waitress opened her pad, grabbed her pen, and took my order.  She remembered my drink order and offered desert.  I placed my order and sat back and admired my surroundings (that is code for noticing I needed to dust, the floors needed mopping, but I digress).

Several minutes passed and I was joined by another guest.  Big I placed his order and our waitress moved to the "cooking" area of the restaurant.  I was able to get a sneak peak at the area while the owner/operator/waitress wasn't looking.

Just so you will know, I ordered Salisbury Steak and Macaroni and Cheese and Big I ordered a vegan grilled cheese sandwich.

My experience was outstanding AND it only cost 10 cents!  I left a large tip though.  I highly recommend this establishment.

As a side note, our waitress was well prepared.  For example, at one point Big I asked for a straw and I was surprised to see that she had one in her apron! 

IronKids 2012

Big I has really been showing interest in triathlons for kids.  Last year he did two triathlons and in September he did the IronKids.  I did not have a good vantage point for pictures of him swimming.  As you know, in a triathlon the order is swim, bike, run.  Unfortunately, all the parents crowd into a pool area and although I could see him, I had one row of people in front of me and taking pictures was impossible.

I do have pictures of the biking and running though.  

 The pictures above show the transition from swim to bike.  The suit he wears is the same for the entire race - he swims in it, runs to his bike and puts on his socks, shoes and helmet then runs his bike to the orange line where he gets on the bike.

Above is one leg of the bike race.

 The final leg of the run.

 Yay - he finished.  The time above his head is from when the IronKids actually started.  He was the second age group to run.  There are three age groups.

  His cheerleader Lil H and her homemade sign. 

2013 Recital

Lil H is growing up. She starts in the left corner closest to the camera, skips across the stage, then you have to follow her because she ends up in the back.  I hate to say this, but from a distance they all look the same with their hair pulled back and wearing the same outfit.

The Faith of a Child

Today started out normal (perhaps average is a better word...what is normal anyway). The plan was school, visit a friend (and finish school), then relax.

Well, the hubby came home yesterday evening experiencing pains on his left side. Could be gas...or NOT. Woke up this morning with the same pains, except they were worse. He made an appointment with the doctor. Long story short, the doc sent him to the hospital for tests. The doc said he could do the tests in the office but it would take longer for the results to come back. Go figure!!

He left for the doc. and we started school and went to our friend's house. I was at my friend's house when he called to tell me he was at the hospital. The kids new that Daddy was having some problems and wondered how he was. I told them what was going on (in my very best "don't be alarmed" tone). I could see them kind of go to "level yellow" and I explained to them that the doctors sent him there because he could get his test results faster (same day).

When we visit this one friend we usually take a little school work with us. The "seat work" as it is called. Stuff they do on their own and I check it later in the evening. Well, I did not see Big I in the chair where he was supposed to be. Instead I heard this soft voice on the other side of the table. Was he playing with his sister? BOY he better not be!!

Nope, he wasn't playing. I was humbled to see my son on his knees next to my daughter in her chair and both of them praying for their Dad. Actually, humbled isn't really the word to describe the feelings.

Might seem like I'm bragging, but I don't feel that way. I feel humbled and convicted. I suppose from all the times when I should have done that and didn't. They took it straight to Him. They cast their care upon Him. They put into practice what we should do. Then, they got back to work-leaving it with Him (the Creator).

Amazing

Sometimes there are words a mom will overhear her child say or deeds she will see her child do that no one else sees, hears or even notices. Things that make a mom amazed at the maturity or thoughtfulness of a child. Things that, if left unchecked, can make a mom really boastful. In my experience these moments of "pride" are soon followed by moments of shock as I watch the same child break every rule in the book at which time I want to hide under a rock. I know I taught him/her better than this!

Tonight I had a moment of amazement at the politeness of Big I. He and his sister were outside playing. They played with a neighborhood friend. Nothing unusual about that. The little friend had dinner with us. I was a little embarrassed because I decided not to go to any great lengths for dinner tonight (long day you know). So I had one of the worst meals (outside of eating fast food). We had microwave chicken nuggets and curly pasta with butter. Not sure if there are any nutrients in this meal but it was easy. Filler up kids!

It was getting late (close to 8:00). Big I needed to get his shower while Lil H and friend finished dinner. Big I left but then came back and I heard this: "Hey (insert little friends name here" I have to go get my shower so I may not be able to see you out. I just wanted to say goodbye..."

I can't finish the rest because I tuned it out. I think I was shocked at the thoughtfulness of Big I. He's 9 and he came back to say goodbye. Then there's the phrase "see you out" - do I use that? I don't think so. Not sure dad does either. Maybe we do. I don't know. Regardless of whether we use it or not, it was a very polite, courteous, thoughtful thing to do and in these times we could use a little more of it in this world. Good job Big I.

Spring Happenings

It has been a while since I last posted. We have been very busy with school and other activities (just like everyone else I suppose). Soccer is almost over. We (well the kids) played soccer this past Fall and then again in the Spring. Since we played Upward Soccer both times the uniforms were the same color. I thought for sure the numbers on the uniforms would be different. To my surprise, Lil H had the same number. How funny is that!!

This is Big I's team - acting goofy.

We also just finished up with Dance. Lil H did well. One never knows how it's going to turn out. I've seen rehearsals that make you want to go "huh?" Recitals usually come out well - they are fun to watch.

This year Lil H took tap and ballet. For her age group she does 30 minutes of ballet and 15 minutes of tap. Next year she will take 45 minutes of ballet and drop tap (they no longer offer the two forms of dance together at age 8, they offer them separately). I don't think she'll miss tap (at least she hasn't said she would). I took these with my camera so you can not see her very clearly - she is the extremely white stick figure in a tutu on the far left she is the dancer to the far left.

Tap Routine

In the ballet routine below I believe she is the third extremely white stick figure from the left.

Have you ever noticed that if you take a bunch of little girls with brownish hair, pull the hair up in a tight bun, and dress them all the same that they all look a like from a distance. I'm sure glad mine knows me because I might go home with the wrong girl.

In all of the years she has taken dance I have been seated in the back. Do the math...she started dance at 2 1/2 and she is 7 now. This year I decided that I WOULD be up front.

I always meet one of my dear friends and her daughter really early to get the girls dressed and ready to go. Our girls have been in dance together since they were 3 1/2. We decided this year that one of us would take the girls to the room where they wait to go on stage to dance and one of us would go get in line.

The seating is first come, first serve and I was determined to be FIRST. The recital starts at 7:00, doors open at 6:30 (and you cannot save seats). So, at 5:55 I got in line. You should know that there was NO line which made me first - wohoo. You should also know that being the first in line means power. I would do an evil laugh here but I do not know how to type one. You see, I learned while I was at the door that whoever is standing at the doors watches the clock and opens the doors at 6:30. Now that is a very valuable secret. See what I mean, power! hahaha

I actually stood in line with one of my other close friends. BUT when those doors open, granny get out of my way! Seriously, I was nice, I did not knock any old ladies over. - no actual humans were hurt. I did have to contain my excitement. It was like I had just won the lottery. I snagged the entire fourth row from the stage. Now that is close!! I had to exercise considerable restraint to not do an end zone boogy as I stood there watching other people run in. Not to be mean I was just really excited.

Lil H has had the same dance teacher since 3 1/2. She was great. We will miss her terribly but look forward to our new teacher. We hear good things about her.

What an awesome day! Today, January 31, 2010, our son made his profession of faith in Jesus Christ public by participating in believer's baptism.



And I guess you can see that Daddy was able to baptize him! Daddy's very first baptism. What a special time.