Team G: Iowa, Birthdays, and a Head Injury

THANK YOU.

The outpouring of support after my Grandmother passed was just short of a miracle. To date, Grandpa has received a generous amount of memorial money, which will be used to help build the kitchen for the new Altamont Baptist Church Building in Corley, Grandma's dream. Any time Grandpa speaks of it, he gets choked up and says, "I just can't believe it. Just unbelievable." The cards, the calls, the prayers, EVERYTHING...thank you. I would like to extend a special thank you to my inlaws Pat and Pam for driving all the way across Iowa just to be there for me and my family. That meant the world to me.

Funerals are truly healing; I understand that now. The most special part was the ceremony at the cemetery. Yes, our teeth were chattering and we huddled together like Eskimos. But we released 40 pink balloons and sent them up to Grandma. Grandpa got choked up and said, "That's my favorite color." And those 40 balloons stayed in a tight little group all the way up until they slipped out of sight.

Many people ask how Mom and Grandpa are doing. She's been busy and that's good. Between us staying for 3 weeks, and then Jen moving home right before we left, she's had a full house! She's such an amazing, strong woman with a deep faith and I'd say she has been openly accepting and has no regrets. None-the-less, she is still in a bit of disbelief at times. She was so close to Grandma, not only as her daughter, but also as a partner in farming for over 30 years. It's hard to let go of a bond like that.

Another curve ball was thrown at her when my Dad had an unexpected surgery to remove his gall bladder 2 weeks ago. Luckily, he's recovering well. And while I'm telling you about the family, Jen is doing great back in Avoca. She found a job almost immediately at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Omaha. She's planning to move to Omaha and eventually go back to school for a Bachelor's Degree. She's happy. And everyone was thrilled to have her move back. It brought tears to Grandpa's eyes.

Speaking of, Grandpa is taking one day at a time. I try to call him once a week, usually at night because I know those are the hardest times. I asked him last night what has been going through his head. He replied, "What we should have done different." Oh Grandpa...my heart hurts for him. He loved Grandma so very much.

He IS trying to look forward, and continue to do the things that Grandma and he always did together. He is planning to join Aunt Charlene and Uncle Ron on a trip to Arkansas in April. He was hesitant at first, but he knows Grandma would like him to do these things. He has even started doing some word finds and puzzles.

4 Generations with Cole and Grandpa Klindt

We celebrated Grandpa's life as a farmer with a JD cake of his very first tractor

Grandpa with his 4 girls

I want to share one more thing...Grandpa was blessed to see an angel. One night before the funeral, he woke up to an unusual light in the room. He looked out the window thinking it was the moonlight. Then he realized that the light was emanating from the corner of the room...the corner next to wear Grandma slept. A tall angel, that reached from ceiling to floor, just stood there, serenely. He said the angel didn't have a face, and was a grayish white color. He knows he wasn't sleeping because he got up to turn on the light. He wasn't scared; more so bewildered. All I have to say is, WOW.

For obvious reasons, our first week in Iowa was an emotional whirlwind. The second week, we took it easy. Just hanging around the house, taking Cade out into the snow, a little shopping here and there, and trying to unwind in general.

Caden's first cousins the Hasleys stopped to visit en route to Colorado

Caden fits right in with this rowdy crowd!

Klindt cousins...why does Cade have that darn baby doll again?!

Blue eyes times two

And here's 4 eyes (Mini Brian!)

The papa jungle gym

BOTH Papa's...double threat!

Steel-like grip

You break it, you buy it, Jeff

Jeff's dozer, Caden's toy

He jokingly threw an "ice" ball at Grandma's face. Not so funny.

Sleep in Iowa was nonexistent. Poor kids...poor ME! Their beautiful sleep routines were completely shot and I spent the majority of my nights racing from my room to Cade's, back to my room, then to Cole's...and over and over. It was like Groundhog's Day.

You want to hear something really funny, yet not funny?! I actually gave myself a mild concussion one night. I jumped up at Cole's cries and misjudged the door. Instead of walking through the door, I tried to walk through the door FRAME. Let me tell you, that does not bode well for a person's head. It threw me back and I doubled over in pain. Holy crap, THAT HURT. I got Cole and went back to bed, waking up a few hours later with a throbbing headache and a small bump. Nausea followed and I didn't rid the headache for a couple days. How's that for raising kids...who knew it could give you injuries?!

It was a good 3 weeks overall, and I felt like I had been on vacation. My parents were a big help with the kids and they kept me company while Brian was gone. Awesome to see good friends too.

My Emily, all the way from smelly ole England

Caden made a new girlfriend

His "real" girlfriend Honor (who was not thrilled about the other new g/f)

And MY girlfriend on Valentine's Day, Jenna (Nice tongue, dork)

Caden & Collin Harder practicing for the NFL

Me and Steph with the future Geraghty/Harder 4*400 Relay

Where was Brian during all this? Well, the day Grandma passed away, he flew to California for 5 weeks to complete a necessary school, pre-deployment. It was probably the most mentally-exhausting course he's taken in the Marine Corps. Needless to say, phone conversations were brief, but he did text me a lot. It was tough. I needed him and he couldn't really provide that. It was crappy timing. But there was nothing to be done, and I was lucky to be surrounded by family. And at least I was able to stay in Iowa totally guilt-free, knowing Brian couldn't be with us anyway.

On an exciting note, Brian was promoted to Gunny while he was in Cali...woo hoo! I was sad to miss it but I didn't want to delay it for him.

Gunny Geraghty, FINALLY!

He finished school on the 26th and flew in that Saturday. Caden's response was pure elation. His entire face lit-up when he saw Brian. He clung to him and giggled for about 20 minutes, touching Brian's face, throwing his arms around his neck, and telling him he loved him. Adorable.

Cole was a little hesitant when he saw Brian. Brian was crestfallen and said, "He doesn't remember me." I reassured him he did, and it wasn't long and Cole's big smiles for Brian returned. It just took him a little time to be comfortable with him, and Brian commented that he's a "Momma's boy" again.

Sadly, Brian's stay was short...REALLY short. He was here about 24 hours before he had to leave again on a 3-week trip for another school, up in Maryland. The timing was torturous. Caden was devastated, and so was Brian. Caden sobbed for about 15 minutes and Brian felt incredible guilt. Caden is definitely at the age where he understands what it means when Brian leaves (he HATES seeing Brian's bags piled up), and he feels strong emotions. Poor little man.

Luckily, I had some M&Ms in stock and a SpongeBob episode handy. We quickly turned that frown upside down and he enjoyed playing with his neighbor Connor to help distract him even more. We'll just keep busy and hope the next couple weeks fly by, uneventful.

A quick photo before Dad left again (Check out Brian's long hair!)

"I'm goin' to fly airplane, go see Daddy." Cute, and sad.

We did enjoy our time though. Dane and Shannon flew in to spend the weekend with us and to see Brian before he leaves. Caden thought Dane was his own little toy. Shannon and I broke Dane into the wonderful world of babysitting while we went on a 30-minute run. We returned to an intact house, intact children, and intact Dane. SUCCESS. On top of that, he raked our entire yard and chopped the remainder of the huge pile of firewood. I wanted to keep him as my pet. Or slave. Whatever you want to call it. Shannon was no slouch herself, cleaning my house and doing my laundry. I loved having a shopping and running partner too. Hmmm...I want to keep them both!

Shannon's creative photography at the beach

Beach bum...stocking hat, coat, mittens, and all

Beach bum, the sequel

Actually, he wasn't particularly thrilled

The tower that would not die (Cade refused to knock it over & it teetered for like 20 minutes)

Yay Aunt Shannie!

And while we're at it, yay Aunt Jen!

Our roly poly baby Cole weighs in at over 20 pounds and is in 12-18 month clothes! He takes 8-ounce bottles and enjoys sweet potatoes and cereal mixed with fruit. He craved an early morning bottle in Iowa...NOT COOL. Now at least I have him broke of that and just have to return his pacifier and tuck him in around 5-6 am every morning. I switched him to Cade's convertible car seat and got Caden a bigger seat. The infant car seat was NOT cutting it for this big boy.

His development is really taking off too. He babbles "Da da" LOUDLY. (Um, why not ma ma?!) He adores his big brother and watches him like a hawk, often giggling at his antics and reaching to touch him (which Caden dislikes). As always, he's still a snuggle bug and loves to be cuddled. I have been trying to make him sit on his own more lately though, and he can sit for a minute without falling. He's even started to get his butt in the air and scooting backwards. And he zooms around in his walker like it's a race car. I'm in for it now! Caden has taken much more interest in him as of late and even calls him a little chipmunk?! Not sure why. It's cute though.

Oh look, a child-safe toy including helium and a string

I didn't order this

Now this is more like it (Dad's foot)

What an angel

Flying baby

I've got a license...WATCH OUT

His driving simulator

Baby in reverse...he's trying to crawl!

Caden is potty trained...MOSTLY. On Monday the week of my birthday, I suggested we play outside and enjoy the nice weather. He stripped off his PJs, diaper and all, and headed straight to the bathroom. This has been a bed time routine for a while but I had never see him do it willingly like that during the day.

So a lightbulb went off in my head...TODAY IS THE DAY. I grabbed his jeans, shirt, and UNDERWEAR, and away we went. He listened to what I said thoughtfully and really had no problem responding every time I said, "Okay, Cade, it's potty time." No rewards needed...he was just ready. Accidents happen though. And I have newfound respect for ANY Mom that did cloth diapers.

He's my "bug" after baths

Yeah, I know I'm adorable.

This was his "big boy," "#2 in the toilet" toy (It would have been ironic if the horses and horse trailer came complete with horse MANURE. Get it?! I'm funny.)

A little play time in the garage before bed...nice outfit Cade!

Feeding "baby dinosaur" (which is a creepy T-Rex with red eyes)

I guess the other main activities that have went on since I last wrote include THREE birthdays. Caden turned 3, Brian turned 30 (OLD) and I turned 29. Please note that Brian is in his 30's and I am not. Muhahahahahahahaha.

Caden's party was a John Deere extravaganza. My sister flew in which made it extra special. We gave him a John Deere gator and his eyes were as big as saucers when he saw it. He hopped right on and insisted on a ride, despite the cold rainy night. Begrudgingly, I joined him but had to cut him off after 10 minutes. Caden, doesn't this freezing rain bother you at all?! He was a terrible driver in the beginning and all I did was pull him off of trees, vechicles, the house, etc. Now I think he could give Nascar a run for their money. He even knows how to work reverse. It's a flash forward to age 16. Yikes.

I made those hanging decorations myself. Yes...pathetic.

A couple gifts at 7 am...sure you don't want to sleep in, Cade?! ('cause I do)

I told him there was candy in the pinata, and no, he could not eat it for breakfast. That went over well.

This was his cake BEFORE I melted it (Note to self...never store a cake in the oven.)

He spotted something special on the mantel from Aunt Jen

His friends that live 2 doors down gave him some awesome airplanes

It's a tradition to look at his birthday books each year

Family pic

This is what a preheated oven does to a birthday cake.

Cade didn't care though...yay chocolate!

HEY...

VROOM

Let's go Mommy!

We took him bowling that day and he enjoyed that as well, althought the arcade tempts him more and more. He's his father's son. He is pretty good at bowling though...he actually beat me one game. True story. I have evidence to prove it, sadly. Apparently I need to be practicing in my free time! I'm still competitive as always and getting beat by a 3-year-old...NOT COOL.

I should have been using the dragon ramp.

I did get 1 strike. And I celebrated. A lot.

Another fun activity included a John Deere pinata. Now, I've never actually purchased a pinata before. It was about $15 and I thought, hey, that's pretty cheap. And I always wanted one when I was a kid. So we set it up and gave Caden a bat. He took a couple swings and made contact but barely made a dent. Hmmm...that's a tough pinata. Brian took a couple swings and still didn't invoke much damage. Man...that's, um, sort of a indestructable pinata. Then Jen took some swings. And me. And Caden. And then Brian again. Still, this pinata would not die! It was like a super hero invincible pinata. Brian proceeds to get out his metal military baton and just go to town on it. Finally candy flys...SHEESH! We realized that a cardboard pinata for $15 is not exactly a child's toy! Oh well. It was still fun.

Atta boy!

Really Brian...the military issued baton is necessary?

4 days later, it was Brian's big 3-0. Of course I had to do something extra special, even though he would have preferred to pretend it never even happened. So I planned a small SURPRISE party for him at a nearby sports bar and invited some of his friends. I also made a poster of him being a dork at a playground and had everyone sign it. Oh, and I made a collage of photos too, just to REALLY embarass him.

Well don't worry...I did. When we walked in, he recognized his friends and it took a few moments for it to register what was going on. Everyone was quiet and he looked at me like, what the heck have you done?! He had a good time though and it was great to get out and enjoy some time together minus the kiddos. We gave him Rock Band for his X-Box and had fun jamming out with Cade that next day. We might have a future drummer on our hands. Bowler AND drummer...once again, I think he might be better than me at drumming, even.

My husband is so old

Sister + margarita = perfection!

Whose more excited...Brian or Cade?!

Team Geraghty is hitting the music biz

Last but not least...my birthday. Well, do you want the truth, or a warm fuzzy lie?! Truth...it was mediocre. In summary, Brian was gone, the kids were having a rough day (both fighting colds), and I was prepping for house guests. I should have gotten stuff done earlier but you know how it goes. I knew the day would be interesting too when I cheerfully notified Caden that morning that, "Hey, it's Mommy's birthday today!" and he responded angrily, "...NO...it's MY birthday!" Okay. Sheesh.

I did drop off the boys with my friend Maria for several hours so I could have some "me" time and that was such a blessing. Even a trip to silly ole Walmart SOLO can be healing. I love my boys more than anything in the world, but we need breaks from each other on occasion, and that was just one of those days. I enjoyed a lovely Mexican dinner out with my new friend Molly and her daughters, and even had to wear a sombrero. They spoiled me rotten with cake, balloons, and a gift. That Molly is such an angel. Maria's gesture was so awesome too, and she even managed to get me a cake in the midst of her busy day. And then a beer with Dane and Shannon at the end of the day was a perfect way to unwind.

No birthday is complete without a sombrero (Thanks again Molly!)

So the day definitely improved...but in the beginning, I was wanting a do-over! I did get lots of messages on Facebook, cards, phone calls, and even some flowers. Thank you so much! I did feel loved...but maybe someone could give my kids a memo next year that it's my birthday. That'd be helpful. ;)

Everything else with me is fine. I've been running more (did 7 this past Sunday...ouch) and my running club, "Stroller Warriors" has grown to 45 members. Now, don't be too impressed...that's not 45 ACTIVE members...at least not yet. Seems a lot of them join with good intentions but I haven't met half of them yet. We generally meet every Tuesday morning and I can expect an average of 5 to show up. I haven't found my running partner yet but my assistant's 5-year-old son gives me a run for his money on his bike. We're currently working on t-shirts and our first group race is the MARSOC Mud Run on Apr 3.

Running the Chiller Challenge in Omaha with my Aunt Marj...that's a lot of snow.

LOVE how the bathroom turned out

You're probably wondering by now if this blog will ever end...the answer...yes! But I've got ONE last story for ya.

So the other day, I was feeling antsy. When Brian is gone, sometimes the time passes slowly, and a worthless errand is the perfect cure. For no particular reason, I decided we desperately needed to go to Home Depot for hollow wall anchors. So we piled into Brian's truck and headed out. I quickly realized that going on such an activity in rush hour traffic in Jacksonville probably wasn't my brightest moment. But eh, why not. We have nothing better to do, right?

Well, we drive for about 15 minutes and finally get close to Home Depot (traffic really is lousy during rush hour). We're stopped on a busy 3-lane road at a stop light. All of the sudden, the truck sputters. And DIES. Just point-blank dies. Huh...that's weird. What the heck. And I immediately try to restart it. No luck. Hmmm. ?! Tried again. Nope. And again. WHAT THE HECK?!?!

The realization hit me. CRAP...I'm fregin out of gas.

Now, you want to talk about feeling DUMB. (Allow me to briefly defend myself by saying that Brian's gas guage is broken and we keep track of the tank by miles. I had been idleing the truck to warm it up as of late, and doing a lot of city driving. We were 50 miles short of the normal cutoff.)

But let's be honest...a logical defense doesn't matter. It was still DUMB. I called my neighbor Tamara immediately and she did not hesitate to pile her own 3 kids in the car, grab a gas can, and get on the road. What a champ. But once again, it's rush hour, so this is not a quick trip.

So there we are, just chilling in the middle of the busiest road in Jacksonville. You ever drove past someone with flashers before and thought, "Hmmm, wonder what happened?" but don't bother to stop. Well next time...STOP. Me and the 2 kids watched a billion cars weave around us, some people almost angry. Finally 2 nice young Marines stopped and helped push the truck about a block down the road, out of the way into an alley. I felt a lot better at that point. And during all this, the boys couldn't have been better. Caden watched a movie on his little TV and Cole just babbled and played with a toy.

But seriously. I still felt like a moron. My neighbor promptly showed up and she got one BIG hug. Then I drove off and all of the sudden, my phone rang. It was Tamara.

"Uh, you forgot to screw on your gas cap."

Oh Lord.

Now, wouldn't this be about the time you'd say to yourself, "Enough; I'm going home." Oh no...not me. I decide I'm NOT letting this beat me. We WILL go to Home Depot and we WILL get hollow wall anchors.

About 2 minutes after getting inside the store, and shortly after Caden finished his normal routine of riding the lawn mowers, I hear a little voice behind me say, "Mommy, I pooed."

You have got to be shitting me. Literally.

Okay, so he actually had peed...but none-the-less, THAT was my sign, TIME TO GO HOME! Sometimes, ya just gotta give up and listen to the universe. And maybe for today, we'll pretend it was all the brain cells I lost in my concussion that made this seem like a good idea!

With that said, good night! I'll close with Cade's 3-year photos and Cole's 7-month photos.

We're minus an important member :(