Two-wheels

A recent discovery that Jackson is a little late getting his training wheels off his rarely ridden bike prompted me to drag my son out to the street, strip his training wheels off his bike, throw a helmet on his head and tell him to "ride, Jackson, ride!".   

I promised him I would hold on and we had several rickety trips up and down our street as he let go of the handlebars and clung to me every time he felt a wobble.  I was getting so frustrated and Jackson clearly knew it, because he turned to me and said "Mama, it's just my first try - why are you judging me so harshly?"     I didn't know if I should laugh or cry.    I swallowed down my frustration and took a deep breath and said a small prayer for grace and patience and 30 minutes later my son was headed solo around the block.  

I hate seeing him get so big, but I love to watch him grow. 

Well done, my love.  My son.   I am sorry for judging you harshly. 

The Farmer and the Dills

More The Farmer and the Dills

We had a wonderful adventure during peach season out at Schnepf farms. We r0de the train, ate hot dogs, picked carrots, fed goats, and played hard.

Soccer Boys

Jackson and Finn started soccer this spring and we've had a fun time rooting the Gilbert Arsenal on to an undefeated season.

Jackson's first lost tooth

Jackson lost his first tooth after much dedicated wiggling and only a tiny bit of help from dad. He was so excited and couldn't wait for the tooth fairy to come. I was so excited because 6 years ago when I was pregnant with Jackson I had purchased a tooth fairy pillow in anticipation of this moment and now it was finally time for Captain Cuspid to fulfill his destiny. Jackson and I placed the tooth carefully in Captain Cuspid's tooth pocket on his cape and I gave Jackson strict instructions to leave the tooth alone. 10 minutes later the tooth was lost. I, being the tough parent, sent a tear streaked Jackson to bed with the promise that there would be no visit from the tooth fairy without a tooth and that Jackson would have to take this as yet another much needed lesson in listening skills, and that was that. Or so I thought. In the morning I awaken to much excitement as Jackson is hooting about a miraculous tooth fairy visit which had befallen him that night. The tooth fairy had not only left 3 dollars for Jackson's nonexistent tooth but had taken the time to write the following note:
"Dear Jackson,
I'm glad to see you lost your very 1st tooth! You need to listen to your Mommy and put it in your tooth pillow, good thing your Dad came home and found it for you, because I can't come if you don't have a tooth to give me. Keep brushing because I only pay cash for good teeth.
Love, the Tooth Fairy"

Hmmmmmm. Good thing Jackson's dad found his tooth, huh?

Happy 3rd Birthday Finn!

Finn Michael Dilley

January 28, 2007

1:24 am

7 pounds and 9 ounces


Finn, I had no idea what I was missing until I held you in my arms for the first time. You were so perfectly round, in body, in face, in head, and in personality. You have been my best cuddler since day 1 and even now at the dawn of your 3rd year you love to nest up in as many of your blankets as you can get a hold of and snuggle right next to me. You've never been the big talker in the family but your little voice grows each day and there is no sound as sweet as you looking up at me with those big brown eyes as you say "thank oo mama".

Love you buddy. Big time.