My dad is gone...

My dad died today. How weird to write that? I've really haven't been around death before. I love the assurance knowing that he is with Christ. Mom said in the last few weeks he was telling her about the people he wants to see first in Heaven. First, Ralph Menconi - a guy from church and his bible study. Second, Franny Crosby- a blind woman who wrote hymns that always spoke about sight. And then his mother. My mom said he really loved his mother.
Mom told me today that he sold his car to buy her engagement ring. And how my Grandpa let him sleep on the couch one night when they were dating - that was a big deal then. My dad was a great dad to me. I think that because I was the baby he had finally got it right by then on how to be a good dad. I have wonderful memories of my dad. His crazy sense of humor, his generousity, how smart he was without a college education, his love language (gifts) and his desire for Christ.
He was a good man and I will miss him....

Historical Times of the Triggs

Nora's Dedication. GM and Holly Roe are their Godparents and GM dedicated her in front of a small group of friends. Then we had a little potluck afterwards.

This is Lucas' preschool graduation (even though he didn't graduated yet). It was hawaiian theme.

Biking Buddies

These are our neighbors. First is Rasse (pronounced Ross - ie), he's one day older than Lucas and lives about houses up our street. Then next to him is Noah who is a month younger than Lucas and lives 2 houses away. His dad has a great garden and a good handyman help to us since we have no handyman skills.
They have been good friends to Lucas and then all love coming down to our cul de sac and trading bikes and riding them. They are always happy to see each other and shout "Good Night" to one another when they have to part.
It's sweet and I hope that Lucas will always have great friends.

Now, we just need to find some for Nora....

Popsicle Bliss

Ok...so to everyone that read my last entry and got depressed, here are some happy stories to lift you up...and a happy picture of Lucas and Nora eating popsicles on a warm day in Seattle.

For those that didn't know it, let me tell give a summary of a story that Lucas is loving right now...the story of David and the Pickle and the Peacock. Basically, it is a story of how King David had a terrible childhood fear of peacocks (like Lucas!) and that one day while having lunch a peacock approached him. Out of fear, David took the pickle that was in his lunch sack (and he hated pickles by the way - not pathologically, but just by taste) and threw it at the peacock. The peacock picked it up and sqwaked and said, "blech! How can you eat that stuff!? Yuck! Ack!" The peacock then quickly walked away. Lucas laughed about the gross part of course. This is the child that loves to play stinky feet right now.

On top of that story, Lucas currently love the Three Billy Goats Gruff (and endless variations, thereof) as well as book that has an obviously wonderful title: Ted. It's about an invisible play friend.

As far as Nora, well...last night we attended the Pint Size musical at church. She sat through the first two songs, enrapted in the music and dancing. I don't think I've seen her sit still that long since she started crawling. It was a joy to behold.

Together at Last!

On a happier note....we are trying to get the kids to sleep in the same room. Nora's room is cold in our little house and next to the bathroom so she wakes up early in the morning. Hopefully, being in Lucas' warmer room will help her sleep in a little more.

Now, I'm sure Lucas will sleep through Nora's waking up but I'm not too sure about Nora not waking up when Lucas does.

This will be interesting....

Piglet, Tigger and Eyore

Not sure where this one came from, but yesterday Lucas started calling me Piglet and insisting I talk like him. So, I developed a stutter.

And when he started asking for me to talk like Tigger, I started bouncing.

And when I started talking like Eyore, I got depressed.

Oh wait...that last one has been true for a long time now.

Oh well...nice try, eh?

A Memorable Thursday Before Father's Day

Thursday was many things in the Trigg family:

Lucas "graduated" from pre-school. Keep in mind this means that he is in pre-school again next year, but hey, let's mark the occassion with singing and sushi.

After I got back to work, I got an email telling me to call Ruth right away. Her dad was in the hospital. We found out today that he has had another stroke. His neurologist is saying six months to live. The doctors are saying he needs to be in a nursing home.

Later in the day, I get a call from my brother saying my dad has died of the disease he has had for several years. In addition, there is some stuff about money he left for my kids and brother Bob's kids that is not settling very well with me so far.

Pretty intense days here...

VOMIT!

Today, after dropping Lucas off at preschool Nora and I went to the fruit stand. She was quite cute and was saying Hi to everyone. When I went to the car, I picked her up and raised her above my head to kiss her and she vomitted down the side of my face, neck and then down my shirt and on my coat. I've only heard of this happening to people. She never spits up let alone vomits but today was the day when we needed to get shopping done. She's not sick and acting fine, I think I just push on her stomach in the wrong place. Oh well, I clean myself (and her) up and went on with shopping without going home to change. Only a mom would do that!

Stuck in the Midwest

Ruth is stuck in Chicago. The kids have been pining for her all weekend. I'm praying she gets home safely sometime before the end of the week.

Two observations: I'd be a horrible dad without Ruth. She keeps me on track with the kids. I'd have them eating crap and be continually shuttling them to sitters and forgetting things they need...like food.



Secondly, I am gaining a huge admiration for people that are single parents. How they keep sane with a full time job, taking care of a child, dealing with day care and sitters and meals...oy! I pray that none of that befall me or my wife or my kids. I'm blessed beyond knowing without even knowing it.

The World Wide Web

Ruth is gone and tonight and for the weekend and I realized there are things my son gets in ways that I'm unaware of. Maybe it's not that he gets it, but he is growing up fast...

We watched Charlotte's Web and not to give it away, but Charlotte dies. Lucas talked about this. Later in the evening, Lucas was asking for his mommy and I said she was gone for the weekend. He said to me, "Did she die?"

It broke my heart. My son has fears and griefs already. Ah life...

She's Gone

Ok...not yet, but Ruth leaves for Chicago tomorrow morning. It's me and the kids for three days.

I'm going to assume that my wife, who loves email and the internet, will be checking this site this weekend. So here you are honey!

WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!!! HAVE A GOOD TIME AND DON'T EAT TOO MUCH PIZZA!

Ted, Lucas and Nora

Choir Rehearsal

Tonight Ruth brought the kids to the last choir rehearsal of the year. The kids were good. Nora crawled up on the risers and asked to be held and when I picked her up, she snuggled with me. Lucas was his usual goof and pretended he was conducting. Then he pretended he was singing by holding the music and standing beside me.

This picture is called "mug". Go figure.

Dark and dreary, wet and wild

It's been an odd day for me. Dark, rainy, a period of severe dislike of my job and all it represents. Lunch appointment was late, got sort of scolded by my boss for a lack of ownership...yuck.

Luckily, as I came around the corner to my house today, I saw my wife and two kids in rain gear parading around the cul-de-sac in the pouring rain. I laughed and then when I saw Lucas and his sheer joy of plowing through puddles on his bike, I had to laugh. It was the joy of my day.