This is the amazing medical bill for the c-section my grandmother had when she gave birth to my mama. A whopping total of $166 for eight days in the hospital ($4.50/day). And of course $20 for the surgery. and $2/day for the nursery. Incredible. Notice the courteous note on the bottom: “Should this statement be in error, kindly so advise, that we may rectify it.” Imagine Blue Cross saying that on the bottom of a bill.

from an email I just got from Jessica:"Lewis has been practicing his 'triple whip'. I don't know who heard
this triple whip phrase, Art or Lewis, but the both of them have been
using it all afternoon to describe any maneuver that includes
spinning. For Lewis it means he jumps and spins while he's in the air,
a tricky thing for a three year old. He even told me that "sometimes
you fall down" and that it takes practice. At one point he was triple
whipping in his room while I was in the bathroom and he fell. He came
to tell me, in a slightly whiny voice, "Momma, I was doing a triple
whip and… I didn't hit mine head on the ceiling but… I fell on
mine foot like this…" It was awful nice of him to clarify things
just in case I was worried about the head on the ceiling, eh?"

This little story is written word for word."Once upon a time there was a bear and he walked across a field and he
saw something orange with sharp teeth and he saw it was a fox. And
then he didn't see something. The End. "

We’ve been looking through some old photos here in Indiana and found this one I just love of Mama and my big brother josh.

Yesterday my grandma Peg Yarnelle died around 2pm. She was 89 years old and lived a long full life. Two years longer than her husband Joe Yarnelle who died at 86. It was clear she was dying a few days ago when I decided to come out and visit. I got a call from my mother a half hour before arriving that Grandma had died. I was disappointed not to be able to see her but I also realized the reason I was coming was to support and be with my mother. She lost her best friend and biggest fan and it’s going to hard for her for a long time. My grandmother was a real picture and a good sport, she was always up for anything. And she gave wonderful back tickles. I will miss her.

Me with Grandma.

This is an old photo of my hippie parents Tim and Nan with the VW bus. They drove it across country to California, complete with curtains my mom made.

This is an old photo that I’m reposting cause I think it’s funny. Jessica and my brother Josh.

I’m leaving tomorrow morning for five days, returning Monday night. Three in Indianapolis to visit my dear grandmother who is dying, the other to Atlanta to shoot the amazing Vikings. I’m especially looking forward to being with my family in Indiana and to be near Grandma. And it’s always a fun challenge for me to shoot sports on the road. But I hate to leave Jess alone with the kids for so long. I actually know she’ll be fine. More than fine, really. When she’s challenged like this she rises up and does CRAZY ASS SHIT. But I will miss her and the kids so much (as sleep in and order room service…).

We ran into our neighbors Hailey and Junior the other day while sledding at Phelps. (Well, not literally. Actually, I do think I ran into a kid at one point. Actually aimed for him and took his feet out, BAM!). At one point we had seven people, me and six good size kids, piled onto a single inner tube. that was so fun. I’m going to be buying one soon, just a big tire tube. It might be that it’s just the first snow of the season but all the sudden Arthur is super excited about sledding. He even asked to do it tonight INSTEAD of a tv show.

Arthur and Junior head back up the hill.