Conversations with Noah

"Who is this?" Noah says pointing to a picture of his great-grandpa.

"That's my grandpa you were named after.  His name was Palmer Hall."

"Hall?"

"Yes, hall.  Like Hallway."

"Oh .  .  . or alcohol."

"Yes, um, like alcohol, except it's spelled a little differently."

How to count to ten in Japanese

Noah had a night of very little sleep followed by 5 hours of hard core playing with a group of his friends at the indoor playground. Come 4:30 all that boy wanted was a nap. Unfortunately, he had to cope with his first Shorin-Ryu karate class instead.
If I hadn't joined in to "try it out" with him, he wouldn't have made it. He was a lot more shy and reticent to join in than usual. However, he was highly observant and remembered all of the moves he learned in the class. His sensei, Dieter Von der Marwitz, is from South Africa and represented his country twice in the World Grand Championships. Besides that, he is a very nice guy and Noah likes him quite a lot.
When they are doing their moves, they count to ten in Japanese. Noah wanted to learn how to do that before his next class on Monday. So, let's all learn how to count to ten in Japanese! Come on! It'll be fun!

1. Ichi (ee-chee)
2. Ni (knee)
3. San (sahh-nn)
4. Shi (she)
5. Go (go)
6. Roku (ro-koo)
7. Shichi (she-tchee)
8. Hachi (Ha!-tchee)
9. Kyu (Q)
10. Jyu (joo)

Holy Crap Birthday

It just hit me that Noah' birthday is this Sunday. Holy Crap, but I have a shit ton of stuff to do. For those who are interested in watching and/or joining in with a big group of kids on inflatable fun, the party is at Pump It Up in Plymouth from 3 - 5 PM.

After that, the fun moves to the Keathly house. There will be drinks and grilling. Please bring your own meat to grill and a beverage to share. We will have condiments, chips and whatnot.

Now I must go. I have a house to clean, purchases to make and a self inflicted haircut to fix on the boy's head.

See you Sunday!

I know what Stan and I are doing tonight . . .

Noah's Last Day of School

I remember buying our house while I was pregnant, not even worrying about the school system. The elementary school was okay, but realistically, a lot can change in 5 years, and I couldn't even imagine my yet to be born baby in kindergarten.

Yup, that seems like only yesterday, but in reality yesterday was Noah's last day of kindergarten.

Noah pouting on his last day of school.

His first day coincided with my test for a massage license in the City of St. Paul so I only had a couple of minutes to tear up before I had to get it together and focus on anatomy questions. Starting my new job was a perfect distraction for me and a huge change for all of us.

Noah on his last day of kindergarten.

Noah woke up this morning missing his teacher. Now he is standing, pajama pants around his ankles, singing a made up song and flipping the light switch on and off. Already, he has discovered the joy of summer vacation.

Noah with his teacher and assorted classmates.

To the 2008 Graduating Class of Northwestern College, my Alla Matter

First of all, let me say how honored I am to be speaking here today at Northwestern College. Seriously. I can't believe you can't get anyone better. I mean, really, you are a religious college and I haven't been to church in over ten years. You people must be desperate.
So, what I would say to the graduating class of 2008. Well, since I graduated in 1996 I have learned a lot that may help you on your journey in life. First off, let me assure you that I still believe in God. I play fast and loose with the term "God" but C.S. Lewis is still a revered writer in my book and I'm not just talking about the Narnia series and movies, although those are awesome.
Something I would like to impart is that so many professors, parents and pastors have and will tell you who and what God is. Don't listen to them. Listen to your heart. God doesn't kill. God doesn't take away basic human rights that everyone should have. In short, God doesn't play favorites. Political leaders will play with the term "God says" as well. They should not be listened to either. Religion and morality do not apply to politics - only law does. Please do not confuse what you believe is morally right with freedom.
Shame plays a big part in religion as well. If you are harming others, or yourself, you should be ashamed. But healthy living is not shameful. A healthy sex life is not shameful. Neither is drinking that is not done to excess. And card playing? Dancing? Mary Mother of God, have fun. Printed cards do not pave the way to hell. Neither does dancing or nicotine. Gamble your house away or pass out drunk when you're supposed to be babysitting and then we'll commence with the "you will never get into Heaven" smack down.
Attending a religious college has helped you avoid the sorority girl "I dated the fraternity" label. I mean, even wearing heavy eyeliner here is rebellious, so worse pitfalls have been avoided. Kudos to you! The extra 10K - 20K a year has kept you from venereal diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Just think, you could have been one of those chapel speakers crying about your aborted child, if you had attended the U of M.
I am proud of you. The Ex-Lax in the brownies trick will regale your friends for years to come at the Women's Support a Missionary League. I just hope your heart is in it. If not, be honest with yourself and your God, including who your God, who a trully just God is.
Thank you! Now that you all are graduates, you are freed from the Lifestyle Agreement and can drink alcohol, smoke and have premarital sex! The party starts at Dreamgirls (with free drinks from 9PM - 11Pm compliments of yours trully) and stops whenever you do! Good night Roseville, and God Bless!!!

Stay true to your roots.

Once Jesus got famous, he changed, man.