One Year

Today is the one year anniversary of my dad's death. I cannot believe it has been a year already. The reality is that life does go on after we lose someone, whether we like it or not. It has been a strange couple of days for me. My emotions were almost higher than they were a year ago. I think part of it is because a year ago there was a lot of "commotion" with him dying, planning a funeral, etc.. This year, there is nothing going on but memories and quiet time to think and reflect.

I miss him so much. Even though I know he is in "a better place", the selfish side of me doesn't care and wants him back here. Being practical, I realize this isn't going to happen, and I know he wouldn't choose it if he could. He was content with dying. He was at peace.

No parent is perfect, dad included. But I love him. I have my memories of him, and I can smile through the tears. We had a lot of good times, mixed in with the not-so-great times. I started praying right after he died that God would bring back to my memories the good times we had, so I could quit thinking about the last 2 years of his life. As always, God answers prayers.

So today I celebrate my dad. I woke up and watched the sunrise this morning, thankful for him, for what we had, for where he is now, for the memories, all the while sad and missing my dad. I love him and miss him, and will forever.

First Day of School is Here!!

Today the boys started the new school year. I think they were ready, and we all know I was. Jake is now a middle schooler, entering 6th grade. Tyler is in 2nd grade. They seemed to have a good day. They both like their teachers. They are both TIRED!! Here are some first day of school pictures for you! I cannot believe how big they are. Where did time go?

5 days and counting!!

The boys have had a great summer. And I have been the taxi service. But on Friday, we are packing up and heading out to go to the Lake of the Ozarks for a week! We always have a great time, and Matt and I are in dire need of escaping Colorado for a few days. Mark and Teri are going with us this year. The boys are flying to Kansas City on Thursday, and then the 4 adults will road trip it starting Friday. We are so excited to go. I almost feel like a kid again, just counting down days.

We had a great weekend. Matt and the boys camped Friday night. Saturday we had the UFC 100 fights. Sunday we worked in the backyard. We got the hot tub on the pad and got the fake stone almost done. The landscapers are supposed to start today. We'll see if they show up. I have a funny feeling!!

Happy 4th of July!!!

Hello! I know, it has been almost 5 months. You will notice that my last post was about Facebook. You guessed it, between being busy and knowing most people are on Facebook now, I have neglected the blog.

We are in full swing of summer. Both boys have been to nana and papa's. Jake has been to church camp, where he had an amazing time. We went to Elitch Gardens on Friday and had a day of rides and fun.  Tomorrow Jake starts his week of Jr. Zookeeper camp and Tyler starts his multi-sport camp. 2 weeks from today we wake up to our first full day of vacation, which we are so excited for. We are headed to the lake for a week for some relaxation with Matt's parents. Mark and Teri are going, too. 

I cannot believe how fast the summer is going. I hope you all had a great 4th. It rained all day here, so it was kind of a bummer, but we survived. I will post some new pictures on here. Enjoy your summer. Hope this finds you all well.

Facebook it is!

Okay, so my best friend Caydee has been trying to convince me to join Facebook. I have had other people also joining in to convince me. Another dear friend, Friday night, showed me how it all works, and I took the plunge. What was I thinking? 

I still have no idea what I am doing on Facebook. Still not sure how it all works. My last "issue" is that there isn't really space to be able to share my 3-4 paragraphs of feelings, thoughts, news, etc.. So while I have connected with several people from long, long ago, I think I will still need to keep my blog. Let's face it,  I have never been one short on words, so is it realistic to think that I can always keep my thoughts to a sentence or 2?

NEWS!!!!

I knew 2009 was going to be a better year than 2008. 2008 was rough and tiring.

Going to Mexico was a great way to start the first part of 2009 off!! We had an amazing time. The boys are finally at an age where we all had a wonderful time, and didn't have to deal with the things of small, toddler size children.

The news, as of yesterday, to make 2009 even better is that my brother Mark and his wife Teri found out they are pregnant!!!!! YEA!!!!!! This is something they have wanted so badly. If you remember, their first baby had a defect where the skull did not form properly, and did not survive. The due date for that baby was March 10th. So how sweet it is that one day later they find out they are still able to conceive. They are very cautious about their feelings with this pregnancy, and probably will be until they are told everything is fine. So please send your prayers up for a healthy pregnancy for Teri and the baby!

Cancun Here We Come!

We are leaving tomorrow morning to head to Cancun with the boys!!! Words cannot describe how excited we all are. I don't mean to rub it in your face, but I do have good reasons to be excited.

1) It is snowing here, and nothing is better than going to a beach when it is snowing where you live!

2) The boys are at an age where we can have a great family vacation, and not worry about "little" kid stuff.

3) Matt has been working like a dog and could really use time away from the job.

4) We have had one crazy, sad and stressful year. Not all of it was bad, but it was very tiring and hectic. We built a house, sold a house, moved twice, finished the basement and dad died. Needless to say, this vacation couldn't come at a better time.

Have a great week. I know we will!! The forecast is in the low to mid 80's! 

PS- I am still undecided about facebook. I have thought of another downer: people who read my blog who don't have a facebook account miss out on everything. Somehow that just doesn't seem right. Although I am not convinced I have more than 5 readers anyway!!

Facebook Or Not?

For My Dear Friend Shannon!!! :)

Happy 2009! Hope the new year and my first post in 2009 finds everyone well.

So I have a serious discussion I want participation in.

The subject: Facebook
Issue at hand: I have never been interested in Facebook. I cannot understand why grown adults have a Facebook account. I always thought it was for teenagers. However, I have realized that most of my adult friends have an account. Blogging used to be the thing that everyone used to stay in touch with people from the past and present. Now, I am gathering that facebook is the new blogging. What is so great about Facebook? Why should I give in to my stand and get an account? 

1)One of my issues, which I know will seem ridiculous, is when Matt had an account, I didn't like that anyone from his past could chat with him, email him, and all of that communication stuff without me knowing. Now let me clarify...Matt always told me. There was never anything wrong with it, but is just rubbed me wrong.

2) Another issue is that I am not sure I want just anyone from my past getting in touch with me. I know, I sound rude and stuck up, but there are some people in my past that I would prefer to leave in the past.

3) One more issue is that I feel like it becomes this number clicker that tells you how many friends you have. Why do I need to know how many friends I have? Why does everyone else get to know how many friends I have? Who cares how many "friends" I have? Are they really "friends"? Are people so insecure they have to have a big network of friends, who really aren't friends, but mere "people from their past"? 

So convince me or support me. I just don't get it.  But I have lots of "friends" who want me to join. I don't know...I am not convinced just yet.