Better Late Than Never

My Dad has always been very much involved in my life. He’s been there for me in many ways, but mostly he has been a great teacher. He has knowledge of so many subjects and is a patient coach. When I was young he showed me how to develop pictures in our basement darkroom. He showed me how to swing a golf club (which I really wish I did more like him). He taught me to fish. He taught me how to play basketball and coached my team every year in grade school. He also helped my mom coach volleyball. He taught me to be competitive while still enjoying myself and to take wins as well as losses in stride. I always enjoyed learning things during the projects he had going around the house, whether it be painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical or yard work. His work ethic is something to behold. Even though he’s retired, the man does not sit down. He ALWAYS has a project going at home or for someone else (he spent hundreds of hours helping Brian and me get our house updated and remodeled). He plays golf several times a week. He helps my great uncle who does not get around well maintain his lake home. He babysits his 5 grandkids lots. He attends sporting events, recitals and school plays. He spends time with his brothers and sisters.
He has taught me that life was not meant to be spent sitting down. It is about doing, going, experiencing, helping, and enjoying every single second. I love you Dad, for all that you’ve done and all that you continue to do. Happy Father’s Day.

Potty Party

Yesterday we officially began potty training. We have watched movies, read books, bought a potty, talked about the potty, sat on the potty, but Hattie had never actually had any action on the potty. Yesterday she finally did. I whisked her into the bathroom right when she woke from her nap. Her potty chair plays a song when used, and as soon as she let go and heard the song and saw the look on my face she was so proud! It was really cute. We did a dance, called the grandparents, got lots of hugs, smiles, and yes, m&ms. I’m not above bribery, you know.
She went 3 more times successfully before bed. Woo hoo! Honestly, I’ve been kind of dreading starting all this. We live in a fully carpeted house for one. Secondly, I guess I just wasn’t looking forward to trying to keep track of her bladder’s schedule and telling her a million times a day where we have to go. I am expecting many set-backs, but feel our first day was a big success. My big girl.
On another happy note, I am taking all next week off of work. We’re not going away, so if you need me I will at home blissfully doing nothing. Ahh.

Small Things

Working 40 hours a week, chasing a toddler, cooking dinners, giving baths, doing the shopping, running errands and exercising as often as possible can quickly fill a week. There are some days even if I haven’t spent tons of time with Hattie, I still selfishly can’t wait until her bedtime to enjoy some “me” time. But it happens. Time can just slip away so quickly, and I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy what I’m doing. Raising a child takes open eyes, a warm heart, a playful attitude and loads of patience. You can’t let yourself do it half-heartedly. I must remind myself that there is nothing like Hattie’s soft voice when she wakes from her nap or is lying down to sleep. There is nothing like the way she laughs when tickled or when she tries to tickle back. There is nothing like the way she snuggles so closely when watching her tv show. Or how she holds her blanket to her nose when sleepy. Her questions although many can be so sweet and give so much insight into what is rolling through that brain. Yesterday while we watched the rain fall out the window, she asked if we could take her beach towel outside. When I asked the reason, she replied simply, “to dry everything off”.
Lately we’ve been having some bath time issues. She was very resistant and would cry and throw a fit the last week or so before and during her bath. Asking why gave no insights or clues. Brian and my first instinct was to tell her we could just hop in really quick and get out and play some more. That wasn’t working. So, the other day I mentioned going in and playing with some new toys and she said yes with no tears. We took a nice long bath and played in the water. Now when asked if she wants to take a bath, she says” yes, go slow”. Sometimes it really is about slowing down and enjoying the ride.

40!

Here's the announcement we put in the paper for Mom and Dad on Sunday.

Ken and Mary Mantel were married May 24th, 1969 at St. Peter's Cathedral in Kansas City, KS. Most of their 40 years together were spent in Prairie Village raising their kids Jeff and Amy. Both are retired and enjoy spending time with their five grandchildren: Nicholas, Julia, Lily, Luke (Jeff and Kris Mantel) and Hattie (Amy and Brian Brooks). They have also traveled the US extensively, and are hoping to complete their journey to all 50 states next year. Sending praise and admiration to our wonderful parents. Congratulations on your always inspirational 40 year marriage. We love you! JKNJLLABH

And here's a couple of funny Hattie comments from yesterday:
She noticed a plant on one of the pages in a book we were reading and said it looked like the one in our kitchen. Then she sighed and said, “I love the leaves on that plant.”
Then we were on our way to my parent’s house for a visit. I told her where we were going, but as soon as we got in the car, she asked what we were doing. I said, “Well I’m going to Grammy and Papa’s house. What are you doing?” She answered, “Just sitting here in my car seat.”