Little House on the Second Floor

Up two flights and around the bend in a place often called Beth's office is a new little house that Joe lovingly built. The only ones allowed to enter must be under 11 inches tall and have hearts of gold. Luckily, Skye, Sophia, and Elizabeth all made the cut.

It is a grand place to play "bap on the head", "hide and seek", and to practice "squirrelly wrestling techniques". This weekend we are going to work on painting it and adding a few necessities (eg. surround sound, tv, little fridge full of beer, and a couch) to make it even more inviting. By Sunday, the three of them will be sacked out in it, sipping a Bud, and hollering to us occasionally to peel them a grape - and we'll do it because we love them - and we are crazy:-).

Tim

For those of you who don't know my brother Tim, he is one of a kind. He has that ingenious sense of humor and wit that makes others around him go "WOW! I wish I could be that original!" or "How the heck did he manage to think of that?!" He is also a terrific and loving father and brother and friend. In spite of all that, he is also one of the humblest people I know.

The reason I'm writing about Tim is because last week we almost lost him to a heart attack and it really scared all of us. It is a miracle that he survived and I have to believe that he had a guardian spirit with him to guide him to the hospital and get him there safely (and no it wasn't Jim Ed Poole from the Current).

For some reason, it isn't until something like this happens that most people overcome their inhibitions and fears and let their loved ones know how special they are to you. I have to admit that I also fall into that category, but I'm trying to change. Our family doesn't talk much about things of consequence. Maybe some of the baggage is too painful...I'm not sure. But, today I want Tim to know that I love him immensely and I am so thankful that he is part of my life.