Turkey sandwiches don't taste the same

Dad
I am having lunch-thinking of you.
Turkey sandwiches have never tasted the same since you have passed away. Things haven't been the same...everything has been different.
Each day, I think of you-time and time again. I had a garage sale this weekend and attempted to sell a few of your shirts and pants. I know you probably laughed thinking I was trying to capitalize on your stuff. Well, I needed some dough. :)
It was hard watching people sift though your things, but I thought at least I wouldn't get too emotional at my garage sale. I was right...I kept my emotions intact until mom cam over. She picked out a few things that she wanted for Sam...after she left to spend the afternoon at school with Alex-I cried. I miss you so much! I wish there was a way to have more time with you. I need a few more minutes...even though I know that would probably not be enough either.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
I am cooking dinner for my father in law tonight because my mother in law is out of town for a few more days. We are having brats on the grill. I know not a fav of yours, but it would have been nice to cook you dinner sometime.
I never did that for you. I wish I would have. Well, just thinking of you a whole lot today.

I miss you and love you Dad. I am sorry that you left this world so early and under such crazy circumstances.

Have a good day!

Happy Birthday and Easter too!

Long time since an update...
We had a nice Easter.
Easter was a beautiful time filled with lots of fun family activities. Easter egg hunts with the boys, lots of good food, family gathering, and of course lots of candy.

We went to lunch with Grandpa and Pat during Easter week. As always, we had a nice visit and good food.

And...we went to go see you at the cemetery. Not much has changed there-snow has melted, and that's about it. Our hopes are to get you a headstone soon. Although peaceful and quiet at the cemetery...still not a comfortable place to be. I can't help but to remember the moment that I saw you take your last breath. I said some prayers, and quietly shed some tears. I take comfort in knowing that Grandma is there with you. Going to the cemetery kind of reminds me of this.

Happy birthday Dad-hope you had a great birthday! On April 11th...I thought of you-All day long! We had a special day that day. Your birthday was the day we brought our puppy home. Frank, loves his new home! We are so gladl that we got him on your birthday too! I will always remember that day for two reasons now!

You are probably laughing about it...the idea of us having a pet. Remember Penny and Geezer??? I know-a lot of work. This will be too. What a scene though. Lots of laughs!

Miss you Dad, and love you too!

Put me in coach, I am ready to play!

I could have written about this in my other post, but I thought this news was so exciting that it deserved its own post!

I have been pushing so hard for Alex to get on a baseball team. The problem is...Ripon does not have a league for 4/5 year olds! He has to wait one more summer until he is old enough. 6! Can you believe that???
Well, I couldn't wait another summer----so, I found a league in Oshkosh he can join! I even got a friend of mine...a lady from church who's husband owns a business to sponsor the team. They have a daughter the same age as Alex and she's going to be on the team too.

I actually got enough people so we can have basically and all Ripon team. Lots of Alex's classmates were eager to join this great co-ed team!

I am so pumped for him!

Plus, a huge bonus...Steve is going to be the coach! I know he's not the most outgoing person, but with a tad bit of convincing, he agreed! I really didn't have to push-I told him a bunch of parents usually help out at these things anyway!

I know you will be looking down on us with a smile! Thanks for helping me do this too! I know you will be proud.

I'll miss you in the stands physically, but I know you will be there!

Busy Week

Hi Dad
I had an eventful week and thought of you a lot.

1. Ken's Dad passed away on Tuesday-Steve and I went to the wake on Thursday-kind of weird being the first funeral since yours...
Obviously, still sad and uncomfortable...Mom was very sad too-which made it even harder. Plus, I couldn't help to think about losing my Dad.

2. I worked a lot this week-I love teaching kids. I love being a sub-teaching without all the hassle! No lesson plans, teacher/staff drama, no contract, no crabby parents-can't beat it!

3. I went to my first wine tasting-very fun! Learned a lot about wine and had fun with lots of my Mommy friends too. I know you weren't a wine drinker....but I had to laugh about learning the techniques of tasting wine.

4. Took the boys to an open gym at the gymnastics center in Oshkosh-which they loved! I know you would have enjoyed watching the boys jump, tumble, and run around. Even Alex, with all his energy...fell asleep on the way back to Ripon-I had to wake him in the school parking lot for preschool in the afternoon!

5. And last, but not least-all the March Madness...kind of following this, but not really...mainly just thinking of you.

6. One of your old players from the Chaps-found me on faceboook! We chatted about you, and that was nice. I love when people tell me such great stories, and the impact you had on their lives!

Busy week, with lots to do, but still everyday, I think of you!

Thinking of you a lot today...

Dad,
Thinking of you a lot today...lots of March Madness hoops going on....wonder who you would have picked for your pool?????
I bowled really great tonight too....20 pins over my average! Thanks for the help :)

We did lots of yardwork today-getting the place ready for spring...the kids played outside all afternoon.

Guess what??? Collin's been hitting the ball a lot-of a tee of course...and He's another lefty! At least that is what we think!
Alex is doing great with hitting when we pitch to him! The neighbors really get a kick out of watching him hit. It's just sad that he can't play until he turns 6! One more summer! BLAH!
Oh well, soccer will do for now...even though-you aren't to fond of that sport!

Steve lost 2o pounds-you would be proud of him-He's mainly just cutting calories!

One more thing...Sam's not feeling well...and probably should see a doctor, but you know Sam....he has your stubbornness...so-help him make the right decision here, Please!

We all love and miss you more than you will ever know!

Update on my family

Hi
It's been a little while since I have blogged, but I have been busy around here....
Here's our update.
Much to my Dad's dismay-he always thought animals were too much work...and he's right, I know, but...

• My oldest just had kindergarten screening last week!

• We have decided to get a puppy-so we are spending lots of time planning, and prepping. He hasn't arrived yet, but will be here around Easter. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh-the boys don't know about it yet.

• We have been busily potty training our almost 2 year old (his birthday is 3.13.)-Fun times! I feel quite accomplished as a Mom when I do these things.

• I have been working a lot-I love substitute teaching...it's almost like being a teacher without the hassle.
• I have been having lots of playdates at my house with "friends" and other Mom's-it's entertaining for the boys-We are seriously getting "cabin fever" around here. In fact, Alex has been practing his baseball in the snow-and on Saturdays he heads to an indoor batting cage with Steve. I know my Dad would really appreciate this!
• I have also been planning my 2 year old's birthday party-I can't help but to think about what my Dad would say this year as we are having his party at a local hotel with a pool! I love to entertain, just not to cook, and entertain in my humble home-a not so large ranch style house!

That's about it for us...busy month.

On a side note-those of you who don't have facebook-I would encourge you to join....

On of my Dad's classmates-recently connected with me on there, and it has been nice communicating via email-sharing memories and thoughts-and this week I received a very touching CD from on of his classmates.

I cannot thank him enough for this gift of songs his choir sang;very spiritual and beautiful..something, I know my Dad would appreciate as much as I did!

Thanks so much!

6 MONTHS AGO

It's been 6 months ago today my Dad passed away.
I saw him take his last breath, but sometimes it still doesn't seem real.

Each day I remember him, think of him, and cry for him.