Thinking about Uncle Robert

Sometimes my mom calls with a panic in her voice. "Lindsay," she says, "I have something to tell you." My heart starts beating faster. I wonder is it my grandma, my brother, my dad? Usually she tells me her something, and I roll my eyes. Another silly story or tidbit she heard. On February 9th, I received on of these calls. Only this time it wasn't silly. She called to tell me that my uncle Robert had died of a heart attach. I have thought of him almost every day since.

I hate death. I hate when people die. I don't understand how the whole world doesn't stop when someone you love dies. But I went to the funeral and learned a lot that day. I was reminded of who Robert Eames was and why we have death.

My aunt Sally was one of the speakers. She told great stores of when Uncle Robert was young. She retold the story of how he broke his wrist after falling out of a tree. She told stories of how he tricked my dad and others. One of my uncle Robert's friends also spoke. He reminded us how giving Uncle Robert was. He would give his time, money, or anything he had to others in need. He and Aunt Linda would jump in their Suburban and drive for miles and hours for to visit and to help others. They put over 800,000 miles on two Suburbans in their travels!

As I listed to these two, I thought about what Uncle Robert meant to me. He was the first person I had ever known who went on a mission, and I thought he was so cool because of that. He also knew Spanish from serving his mission, and I was also very impressed with that. Uncle Robert was a funny guy. When I was younger, he would entertain us with jokes or stories and amaze us with his detachable thumb. I would work for hours trying to perfect it like him.

As I sat crying at his funeral, his bishop spoke and really made me think. He said nothing that I didn't all ready know, but for some reason it touched me more. He told us that life is short, and we need to live it in a way that isn't wasteful. I really thought about how I live. I decided that it is wasteful. I'm always worried or mad or complaining. I decided at that moment to change. I won't lie and say I have had a dramatic turn around-ask Kevin. But small steps have led me to be a little more happy.

I try to think of Uncle Robert every day. He didn't waste his life. If I remember his example, I won't either.

Eight Random Things

I was tagged clear back in February to do this. Sorry Heather! Here we go....

Eight Favorite T.V. Shows

1. The Closer
2. Bones
3. Any Braves game
4. The Mentalist
5. The Ghost Whisperer
6. Monk
7. How I Met Your Mother
8. Life
   

Eight Things To Look Forward To

1. Kevin finding a job that allows me to stay home with Brynnlee
2. The next Harry Potter movie
3. June 4th -- the last day of school
4. Buying a house
5. Brynnlee saying "Mom"
6. Learning it's my choice
7. Having time to do all of the things I need to
8. Growing old with Kevin

Eight Yummy Restaurants

1. The Coppermill
2. Olive Garden
3. Cheesecake Factory
4. Wingers
5. Old Grist Mill
6. McGrath's
7. Red Lobster
8. Chili's

My Eight Item Wish List

1. New wardrobe
2. Laudry washed and put away
3. Visit my family and friends any time I want
4. Work in a library
5. Personal trainer
6. Live by the ocean
7. Students with great attitudes
8. Thicker hair

Eight People I Tag

1. Keri Beth
2. Amy
3. Becca
4. Jenna
5. Valerie
6. Richelle
7. Alicia
8. Natalie

Where Does the Time Go?

It has been awhile since I have posted anything. I am sorry to those of you who keep coming back to find out how we are. Sometimes something's got to give. This blog has been it. We are doing well, but we are busy. I am working and trying to get to the end of the school year. I am trying to balance grading papers, cleaning my apartment, and taking care of Brynnlee. I don't think I am doing a very good job. My school work is piling up and my apartment is a mess. Kevin is looking for that awesome job that will allow me to stay home. We have something that looks promising, so we will see where that leads. And Brynnlee...she is perfect. She is just spending her time growing and learning and being awfully cute. We have had some fun times in the last few months, and I will finally get it together and share the stories and pictures.

She's in Love with the Boy!

I wanted to make Valentine's Day special this year. In the end it was Kevin who made it special for me. I came home from school on the Monday before Valentine's. Kevin said, "Did anything interesting happen today?" I told him no....even though I was sure that something did. After all I work with 8th graders, but I didn't think he would think it was interesting. He seemed disappointed. I was confused. Why would he be disappointed? Later that evening, he came home with a beautiful new curling iron. I was really surprised. He told me to expect something everyday until Valentine's Day. When I got to school, there was a gorgeous arrangement of flowers waiting for me. Ahhh, I thought here was the something interesting Kevin was talking about. Throughout the week I received a box of chocolates, an adorable frame with our family picture in it, and a really cute Valentine's Day card. Kevin made this Valentine's special.

I could not do anything to match Kevin's surprise. Yes, I gave him a Valentine's Day gift, and we had a romantic night, but he put so much thought into everything this year. Because of this I want to make it up to him by telling all of you why I love Kevin so much.

Here are the top ten reasons why I love Kevin.

1. He is a wonderful father. I always knew he would be. This is why I wanted to have a baby so much. He is so cute with Brynnlee. I know one day he will play house or dress up with her just to make her happy.

2. He is a hard worker. Let's see.... how many jobs has he had this winter? He is always making sure we have what we need and want.

3. He puts up with me. Maybe this is the number one reason.


4. He is smart. I am constantly amazed with the information Kevin has stuck in his brain. And the words he knows....sometimes I don't even think they are real words.

5. Kevin loves the Lord.

6. He is strong. I will be trying to move or lift something, and I am panting and having a hard time when Kevin will come by and lift it up like it weighs two pounds. I love that whenever there is something heavy to move, I know he can and will do it. And I always have someone to open a jar for me.

7. He serves others. Have you ever had to move? Well, Kevin was probably there with his truck to help you out.

8. He always wears his wedding ring.

9. He makes up songs and sings them to Brynnlee and me. Sometimes when we are in the car, he puts new words to songs on the radio to fit our lives.

10. He is a wonderful man. He does a lot for Brynnlee and me. Kevin will do dishes or vacuum the floor. He even gets up with Brynnlee during the night and early morning. I love that he is home with Brynnlee so that we don't have to take her to daycare.

These are just some of the reasons why I love Kevin. I could go on, but I think you all get the point that he is a spectacular person!

The Valentine's Problem

Kevin and I are approaching our 13th Valentine's Day together. The day starts to get boring when you do nothing or the same thing each year. I need help. What should I do? I want to have a wonderful Valentine's Day this year. We need it....we live boring lives. Remember we have a five month old to factor into our plans.

Thanks for your help in advance!

Feed the Kid All Ready!

Have you ever wondered why a baby cries? There are a lot of reasons. She needs a diaper change, she is sleepy, or she is bored are three good ones. It turns out another reason may be that she is hungry. What you ask? You didn't think about that? I know it's crazy!

Brynnlee has been fussy since I went back to work. We thought that it must be the change. Mommy's gone so she is sad right? Turns out she was just really hungry. Great parents she has huh!? Well, we did some experimenting with the amounts of her bottles but decided it was time for this sweet five-month-old to try some cereal. Sunday morning was the big day, and you know what? She loved it. Here are some pictures of her enjoying her first spoon-fed meal.

Out on the Town

Out on the town....it's a phrase that changes meaning when you have a baby! Our version of out on the town was a trip to the store. Now this is not extraordinary. We've taken her shopping before. This wasn't even her biggest shopping day--that was with Aunt Jessica and her cousin Alex in Layton. This shopping day was special because it was the day she didn't have to sit in her car seat while we shopped. We took her in the Daddy carrier (which her daddy insisted on buying before she was born and has barely used it). Well, Kevin carried her around in it all over Lee's MarketPlace. You know what? She loved it! Brynnlee looked around at everything that was going on. She had a great time actually seeing what was happening. She gave people big smiles as we walked by. And of course they smiled back with oohhs and ahhhs and how cutes. It was so much fun that even though she was super tired, she wouldn't fall asleep.


Getting ready to go to the store!


Brynnlee shopping with Dad for some canned goods.

After our adventure at the grocery store, we needed some nourishment. So where best to find it but the Olive Garden? We went for soup, salad, and breadsticks. We ate soup, salad, breadsticks, fettuccine Alfredo and baked ziti. Yummmm! Even though Kevin and I were loving it, Brynnlee didn't have as much fun here....I think she wanted a breadstick!

Isn't it funny how any moment can become a blogging moment?!

Football Night in the Eames Home

My dad love sports. Boy does he love sports! I swear it is the only thing he let us watch when he was home. I have memories of televised bowling and pool. Yuck. But now he has three daughters who like football. And because Dad is a Steelers fan, so are we. We got together to watch the Steelers play their first playoff game. Kevin and I almost got kicked out of the house because we didn't show up in black and gold. Hannah and Hallie had the spirit. Don't they look cute? My mom made a delicious roast dinner, and we had a great time. Best of all? The Steelers won!

A Decision

After thinking about it for a few weeks, hearing stories, and realizing my students can look at this blog if they find it somehow, I have decided to make our blog private. Please let me know your email address so that we can continue to share our stories with you!

Back to School Blues

I know that most parents have been eagerly awaiting this day. Ahh back to school from the crazy Christmas break. I have been dreading this day since September 5. Today was the day I had to go back to school too. Leaving my little Brynnlee behind was heart wrenching. The only thing that kept me sane was that Kevin took care of her. What a guy! So all you stay at home moms out there--thank your husband for the opportunity to stay with your little ones.