Twenty Eleven

The last day of 2010 was sad in that Luvae Anderson, Kelly's grandma passed away.

She was 94 years old, and I can only imagine all that she saw in those 94 years. I am currently reading a book called "How to Live". It is one person's account on the search for wisdom. This person decided the best way to search for wisdom was to interview a series of individuals all over the age of 70.....for wisdom comes with age.

The author should have interviewed Luvae.

The Anderson's lived in Albert Lea. Lionel and Luvae built a home, and a family through trying times that I have only read about in books. Lionel amassed considerable wealth by working for the same company for 40 years, and investing in little companies like IBM when a computer weighed about 4000 lbs and took up 3600 sq ft. Lionel made great decisions...but as they say...behind every great man is a better woman.

The support behind Lionel was a little spitfire named Luvae. If she were to be interviewed for "How To Live", she most likely would have shared little gems like "you can reuse those little brown bags you pack your lunch in...." She would have told the author that lunch is not a meal to be eaten as quickly as possible and consisting of whatever you can heat up fastest in the microwave. Rather, sit down...enjoy each others company, and have a good meal. Then take a nap.

I first met Luvae about 8 years ago. Kelly took me down to Albert Lea to meet her grandparents. When I was introduced, Luvae politely said hello and then turned to Kelly and said "How is Mike doing?" (Mike was Kelly's long time boyfriend from high school). Obviously, I would need to work to earn her respect.

Over the past 8 years I came to know a grandma who cared deeply for her family, who would speak her mind, and was highly independent. After Lionel passed away, we occasionally would visit Luvae, but it was tough to get on her schedule. That is right, this was the only 92 year old I knew who had a busier social schedule then I have had in 35 years.

Luvae was excited to hear when we were pregnant with Katelyn. When we told her a couple of years later that we were pregnant with Ashley she emphatically replied "oh goodness...." as she knew my wife ran a business and did not stay at home....

Luvae eventually accepted that Mike was no longer going to be in the picture, and was a wonderful great grandma to our kids. Every time we got together, it was fun to chat briefly with her to hear about her schedule, and learn about everything going on in Albert Lea. Until a year ago, Luvae could still be found driving around town in the Buick. Spitfire.

So, it was a sad end to 2010, but I can only imagine that Luvae wanted to bring in the new year with Lionel and as my older sister said "I am sure heaven just got a little livelier".

So what will 2011 bring? Obviously we hope health and happiness to all of our friends and family, but one thing we know for sure is that we will be bringing one more precious little princess into the world. We don't yet have a first name for our little girl, but Kelly suggested that Luvae be her middle name.

I can't think of a better tribute, and how lucky the little one will be to have such a strong role model represented in her name.

Because my littlest continuously yelled "Happy New Ear" and tackled me with a hug...and my oldest ends every night by saying "I love you, Happy Dreams"......I love my girls......

I don't have a chance.....

So, one of the things we deal with in the Smith household is daycare. We have it pretty good in that our daycare is two houses down from our house. It makes it easy for drop off and pick up. The only problem arises when our daycare lady, Rhonda, requests a vacation day. Either my bride or I need to take off a day of work to be home with the kids.

Side story here:

I often get asked why I still refer to Kelly as "my bride" even though we have been married for 6 years. It dates back to my days as a used car salesman. I had heard the used car manager, Whitey Herzog, talk about his bride. Not knowing Whitey well, I figured he had just gotten married. I learned a little while later that he had been married for 22 years. After a while, I got to know him and one day asked why he referred to his wife as his bride. He said that she had been his wife for 22 years, but that it all started the day she became his bride. So, Kelly will forever be my wife, the mother of my children, and the love of my life, but it all started the day she became my bride.

Back to Main Story:

I like to think I am a good father, but when it comes to who my kids would rather stay home with....I don't stand a chance. You see, when I stay home it is typically a day filled with some sort of cartoon marathon (i.e. Spongebob or Scooby Doo) microwave corn dogs for lunch, and some Wii or computer games.

When my bride stays home with the kids they get this:

Rolling dough, making cookies, and decorating them. This is how the day started....After of course chocolate chip pancakes, and some Christmas Carol singing.

A Jam packed day with mom that led to this:

So to me, she will always be my bride. To them, she will always be their cool mommy who is good at everything and super fun to be around.

Because they still "pretend" to be excited when I get home from work.....I love my girls......