Lucky Day

Luck is a matter of perspective. On March 17, 2009, St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in the Groendyke home. While Noah was at school enjoying the festivities, Larry the Leprechaun was placing green clover clues, hiding gold coins for a treasure hunt and trying to whip up a traditional Irish Dinner.  Noah was so thrilled that Larry would take such effort and care to make an extra special trip to his home. His eyes were alive and bright as he sought out his gold. At dinner it was decided that grateful Noah would share the Irish Dish with Larry. Noah prepared a plate, set out salt and pepper, a glass of water and his green Teddy Bear. He didn't miss a detail.

What exactly transpired remains a mystery, but Rick left the room. Noah and his mom were watching tv. All of the sudden there was noise and a strange fluttery object that grabbed at the food and pulled it through the cat door. There was some screaming, barking, screaming, and more screaming. When Noah flipped on the light, he noticed that the food was gone and so was his bear!!! Noah was beyond excited and he even commented that his knees were still shaking. That was a thrill for the onlookers to observe.

The lights went out and Rick excused himself to the bathroom. Again, a strange knock, screams, barks and all kinds of commotion enveloped the family room. Noah appeared to be more nervous than excited with each visit. When Noah was asked to go brush his teeth and put on pajamas, there was such resistance and fear. The poor child had been terrorized by Larry. What started out in fun, came back to bite Larry in the you know whatta.

Rick went as Noah's bodyguard to put on pajamas. Larry had to think fast. After all this had spiraled out of control, he had to convince Noah that Larry really was a "good guy."He left a note:Dear Noah, I am sorry if I frightened you. I was so grateful for the food that you left me. Then I heard your big dog bark and I thought he was going to eat me!!! I scattered about while trying to get this message to you. I hope you had a Happy St. Patrick's Day. I'm off to Ireland. I will come visit next St. Patrick's Day. Your Friend Larry.

To this day, Noah brings up Larry and tells everyone that he saw the Leprechaun's shadow.   Sometimes he gets frightened that Larry will pop up somewhere and then he's reminded--Larry went back to Ireland.

The next day, Noah's mom went to get something out of her purse. She had left it in the car, in the garage. She was bringing in the groceries and then forgot about it. The purse was gone. This is the second time in just a couple of months that this tragedy has struck. The first thought--could a person be that UNLUCKY to have just her purse taken from the vehicle. Nothing else was missing and some valuable things were left. Noah shouted, "Maybe Larry the Leprechaun took it." Poor Larry--the terrorizing theif--just kidding. Here's where the perspective comes into play:It was LUCKY that Noah's parents were able to witness pure childlike joy. It was UNLUCKY that they carried things a bit too far and ended up having to reassure Noah that he would be safe. It was absolutely UNLUCKY that Noah's Mom had her purse removed from the car, but super LUCKY that she was in too much of a hurry to put her camera, phone, wallet, and planner back in her purse (those items were carried into the house in grocery sacks) and it was LUCKY that nothing else was stolen. Noah was LUCKY for the extra attention and treaures. Larry on the other hand was not so LUCKY to be in the wrong place at the right time (suspect and nearly Da Vinci's dinner) although he was LUCKY to be served a wonderful meal by Noah.

Most LUCKY of all is to belong to an eternal family and to have such an enthusiastic child to keep the magic alive in the Groendyke home. Top of the Morning to You!!

What I learned from Noah: An imagination is not just for children...RICK! Also that life is about all the LUCKY and UNLUCKY moments wrapped into one...it is what develops character.

Larry the Leprechaun

Make a Smilebox scrapbook The written account of the incident with Larry the Leprechaun told in  Noah's own words.

In a Galaxy Far, Far, Away

Long before Noah was Darth Vadar for Halloween, he knew he wanted a "Star Wars" themed birthday party. What can you do for a Star Wars Party?? Finally it came to me--visit the Planetarium. That was the family party and Rick suggested bowling at "All STAR Lanes"for celebrating with friends.  Somehow we'll be able to tie it together. I can't believe my little boy is six years old. He is getting so grown up and says the darndest things.

I was amazed at his bravery. A few weeks ago, Noah went to hit golf balls with his dad. I was at home catching up on my domestic duties. I decided to run to the grocery store. When I returned home, Noah tearfully came and gave me a hug. "Mom, I'm so glad your home. I've been praying to Heavenly Father." It was evident that he had been shaken up. He told me his dad had dropped him off and he was sent in the house to be with me--thinking I was still home. I called Rick and asked what time they finished and my poor boy had been home alone for 45 minutes!!!! I was sickened. For 45 minutes he had to wonder when one of his parents would be coming home. He wouldn't wait inside because of creepy noises and so he stayed outside with Da Vinci. It broke my heart and makes me still sick to think about. Five minutes is a long time for a six year old...but 45 minutes??? How sorry I felt. I might just have well been in a faraway galaxy.

Yep! He's my growing boy. Grandma and Grandpa came from far, far away to celebrate Noah's special day the day before. It was short and quick as they have back to back birthdays in three states. We went to Noah's pick for dinner--Cafe Rio. He was dressed as Darth and set the table with napkins and cups.  I had made a birthday cake for him with Darth's dark face. It's always a party when Grandma and Grandpa come and it's always not a party when they leave.

As a family, we went far away from our home in South Jordan to enjoy the Clark Planetarium. I was in awe of our Creators magnificent hand as I tried to make sense of such wonderment. How many boys get to say they leapt on Mars, walked on the moon, and had a 3D sea lion give him a kiss on the cheek on their birthday--it was a fabulous idea.

We love our boy more than words could ever express. He has brought so much life and light into our lives and marriage.

What I've learned from Noah: He is a very brave and resourceful boy. I've learned how much I feel joy at his happiness and sorrow at his pain and fears. He also wants to play on the computer so I'll wrap this up. Happy Birthday Noah. You are still the greatest gift I have ever received!!!! I love being Noah's Mom.

Big Bad Wolf

I put this little book together with the help of Shutterfly. Noah's mom had a ball posing G.I. Joe and trying to get Da Vinci, the Big Bad Wolf to co-operate. This book is most likely in Noah's bedroom closet in the likely event that he would like to read it. I am not retyping it here.

What I learned from Noah: He loves my stories and especially the ones from my childhood with my brothers and sister.