Duty and Honor, in 24 Notes. I have played taps many times … too many times to count. The two times that are the most vivid in my mind are my grandfather’s funeral and my wife’s grandfather’s funeral. I remember them because they are the closest to my heart. Please, take time today to remember.
“Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom.”
Taps
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh — Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear — Friend, good night.
We thought that it was only appropriate that since RJ removed all of Tony’s hair that he suffer the same fate.
I do not know how old I was the first time I went to the dentist … all I remember is that I really dreaded those visits. We started taking RJ to the dentist at two years old. I am really not sure of the effectiveness of dental visits at this age since all the teeth that they have now will fall out in a couple of years, but that is what is recommended, so that is what we do.
Tony had his first visit to the dentist yesterday. He did fairly well for only being two and a half and having a complete stranger’s hand in his mouth. Not that I would remember, but where were all the cool flavors of toothpaste when I was a kid? Tony had chocolate toothpaste for his cleaning and a bubble gum fluoride treatment.
After the boys dentist appointments we made a trek to the Columbus Zoo. The motivation was two fold … the kids got to see the animals and Beth got to go to the Parent Expo. We have not been to the zoo in about two years. This was long enough ago that Tony was more of an accessory for Beth than a patron.
RJ insisted that we see the elephants and rhinoceros first, which worked out since they were right next to each other. We made our way through the lions, tigers and bears, although not necessarily in that order. Our next stop was the reptile house where both the boys had the opportunity to pet a snake, although one of them chickened out. Can you guess which one?
We stayed at the zoo until it started to rain, but we had several good hours of watching our little monkeys.
The boys each got their first haircut around a year old. Since that was a scrapbook moment, we took them to a barber shop. From then on, because of time and my frugality, they received their haircuts from me.
I have extremely short hair. I do not think my hair has been over a quarter inch long in the last two years. I cut my hair every week down to an eighth of an inch. I cut my own hair and the boys usually enjoy watching. I have a nice set of clippers (thanks to my Mom) along with just about every accoutrement a non-barber could own.
I got my clippers out this morning to give my face fuzz a quick trim. I was running a little behind schedule and did not put them away. You can see where this is leading …
Early this morning, Beth thought the boys were being a little too quiet and decided to go upstairs. She discovered Tony sitting patiently while RJ cut his hair. I think that is an excellent haircut coming from a four year old.
RJ had his kindergarten visitation yesterday. He was very excited.
During the visit RJ got to see where he will be going to school in the fall and some of the daily activities. He also saw some of his friends who are already in kindergarten.
This visit was almost all he could talk about for the rest of the day. I think he was excited, don’t you?