DEEP THOUGHTS by Max

Note: I would like to say that I realize my humor level is around that of a 13-year-old boy, and that the purpose of many of these posts is not always to share with all of you but simply for my own entertainment.

Having said that...

Max: "Oh look, this bug must be a boy..."

Mom and Dad: {Oh crap, this can't go anywhere but downhill from here.}

Max: "...because he has a skinny mustache."

An Extra Large Dose of Generosity

We can't cure Owen, or make him walk and talk, or know when seizures are coming so we can protect him from hurting himself, or even diagnose him... BUT, what we can do is love him and support his family so they have the strength to get through the challenges each day brings. After last weekend, it is undeniably apparent that so many people are eager to do something, anything to help Owen. I knew this little guy was special, but I didn't know the magnitude of the effect he has on people... LOTS of people. Family, friends, co-workers, friends of friends, friends of family, family of family, friends and family of co-workers, and strangers all felt the urge to help. I can't begin to explain what this has meant to Kiley, Gavin, and their families. The last total for raffle sales, donations, and shirt sales I heard about was over $22,000... absolutely unbelievable! I can't speak for everyone, but I imagine there weren't many people who were involved in this process and were not changed by it. It was an extraordinary display of kindness and generosity.

While this was a completely unexpected outcome, I would like to add that every bit was well-deserved. The heartbreak that Kiley and Gavin have had to endure is a lot for two parents. At the same time, I don't know two people who work harder at getting the best care for their child and doing whatever it takes for him to have his best chance at normalcy while constantly trying to make him feel comfortable, happy, and loved. It would be easy for them to keep asking "why me?" and become overwhelmed by the seriousness and the "what if's" of everything that's been thrown at them. They've somehow managed to stay focused on their family and their children's well-being. I think the outcome of this fundraiser is just as much a testament to them as it is to the kind people who helped. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who did.

A few pictures from the weekend

Yet Another Scary Fictional Character Photo

... on whose lap Kendall will NOT sit.

This one required much coercing and bribing amidst screaming and downright freaking out. I told her she had to stand there for a picture, then she could run far, far away. She stood for a split second and took off yelling, "Mommy, I run away!" I put her back and she ran away a total of three times.

Her sweet, big brother held her hand because she was scared... he's just the best, isn't he?

DEEP THOUGHTS by Adrienne

{working on algebra homework with Dad}

Adrienne: "I get the first part of the assignment, you just use the formula... but it's these stupid 'real world' questions that I don't get. They're so pointless. When am I ever going to use this?"

Happy April Fool's Day

As I mentioned in a previous post, Adrienne likes to be quite the jokester. On the eve of April 1, her head was spinning with ideas of pulling off great pranks. Kev and I jumped at the opportunity to mentor young Adrienne on the art of pranking.

Observe...

Peanut butter and jelly (individually wrapped) sandwich

Strawberries

Adrienne's favorite crackers, Wheat Thins

a few peanuts

and a can of tuna (opener not included)

... a healthy variety of easy to eat finger foods... once you remove the 40 feet of plastic wrap.

DEEP THOUGHTS by Max

{this may be a bit of a risqué post, but I endured much pain from laughter during this conversation and I'd like to remember it}

Max: "I want to sleep with Owen's octopus. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 legs. Oct... oct... oct...."

Kevin: "Octo means 8. They're named that because they have 8 legs."

Max: "What does 'pus' mean?"

Kevin: {loooong pause} "Well, it means a really big fish."