Independence

Dad has become more and more independent recently. He started getting out of bed by himself, which took a lot stress off of me because I was worried often when I was down stairs that I wouldn't hear him or when I had to get the boys he would be stuck because there was no one around to help him. Last week Daniel was over and he went to help Dad get into bed. Dad waved him away because he wanted to show off what he could do. He lifted his own leg into bed and got all comfy by himself. Which before then Mom and I didn't know he could do that. So we decided he could do a lot more on his own and we kind of stand aside until we know he needs our help. When I first moved here there was no way he could get in and out of bed by himself. Dad couldn't even sit up with out us helping. He has come a really far way. Unfortunately he has a way to go. But is sure gives me comfort to know next year when we don't live in the house he will be a lot more independent.

Dinner Help

When we got home from church we were all starving (We get out at 4pm). Dad was ready to eat the moment we came through the door. We informed Dad that dinner wouldn't be ready for at least another half hour. I told him he was more the welcomed to help get ready for dinner. He responded with a 'Yeah Yeah' (meaning sure ok). First he set the table. I set all the dishes we need on the table then he put them where they went. This was pretty entertianing because if he couldn't reach where the plate belonged he would kind of toss it. I decided I should help before he tossed something off the table. So then he would hand me a dish and point at where he wanted it. After we finished getting the table set Dad helped Jeremiah finish making dinner. He really enjoyed helping out and we all had some good laughs.

Dad trying to figure out what Jeremiah was doing






Putting the pinapple on the skillet







Waiting and making faces







Dinner is served

Who's that handsome Fellow????

If you don't know who this is let me give you a guess. It is who this whole blog is about.
So here is the skinny on this new look. We recently got Dad to start using his electric razor by himself. Before Jeremiah kept teasing Dad that if he helped Dad out he would shave the whole thing off. Dad would usally respond with a look of 'yeah go right on ahead'. Well one evening Mom gave Dad his electic razor and left the bathroom to get some things done. Upon returning she found Dad with chunks missing from his mustache.
Mom responded with a "John what did you do" .
Dad responded with a "giggle giggle giggle".
Mom spent a good part of a half an hour shaving off the rest. When Jeremiah and I returned for running an errand, Dad was beaming with his new look. He had a good laugh as I, who don't remember ever seeing my father with out a mustache or a beard, couldn't stop staring at him. And all the kids responses. Michael has let Grandpa know that he does not like his new look. I think it is very becoming of him. And really shows off how much weight he has lost.

The Big 70

Yes that is right. Dad turn 70 today. The big event that happened today was my sister Carrie flew in from Philadelphia. We had a simple dinner of split pea soup and homemade rolls (Dad was very excited to get this meal). We are waiting to have the big party on Saturday, when more family will be here. I will post pictures of the big party.
People who where born the exact same day as Dad
Baseball player Billy Bryan (MLB)
American political figure, Andre Verne Marrou affiliated with the Libertarian Party.
2 day after Dad was born, Franco-German peace declaration signed.
I tried finding out more interesting things that happened the day Dad was born but this is all I could find. So I guess it is easliy declared that on December 4 1938 the most exciting thing that happened was my Dad was born. And on his 37 birthday he got the best gift he could ask for, a baby girl, my big sister Julia.
Happy Birthday to two very special people in my life.

More updates to come.

I am sorry for not posting much lately. I have a lot to put up but I just haven't found the time. I will as soon as things settle down a bit (if they ever settle down).

Cancel That

When I first started this blog Mom wanted me to make it private. But Mom has since decided to keep it open for all to view. So don't worry you will all be able to view this at anytime.
Thanks for all the input back. It was nice to hear so many people have look at this site.
Love ya all

Baking

For dinner I was making biscuits and gravy. Well I decided to have Dad help me make the biscuits. Once I had the dough made I helped Dad stand at the counter. Dad rolled out the dough and cut out all the biscuits. I thought he would want to stop once we finished the first cutting, but he helped me put all the biscuits on the pan and stayed at the counter until all the dough was used up. I actually did very little to help. Mom came home right before we finished. She was very excited to see Dad standing at the counter helping. She was very suprised to find out he had been there for about 10 min. As I helped Dad sit down he let out a sigh of exhaustion. I just kind of laughed and asked if he was tired. He was very proud of himself though. When Jeremiah got home he was happy to report of his hand in making dinner. I will have to find more things to have him help me make.
I am sorry I didn't get a picture. I was too nervous to leave him at the counter very long. Next time.