Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Christmas is almost here

Well, Dad
Christmas is almost here....
My kids are overjoyed and have been counting down the days for almost a month. It's fun to see their excitement.
I am doing well. Just can't help, but to think of those Christmas' when we were all together, wacky gift exchanges, good food, and laughs. Ah, the good old days for sure.
I miss all that, but look forward to making memories my children can share.

Just wanted to send a little note. I am thinking of Dad often.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Happy Birthday to my brother, Sam!

I would like to wish my brother Sam, a Happy 23rd Birthday. I remember a lot about that day-even though I was only a kindergartner. I got on the bus and left for school that day, and the bus driver asked me the same question she had for a week now. "Did your Mom hav that baby yet?' Katy and I always laughed and said, "not yet". After school, I remember seeing my Grandma Sheahen's car in our driveway. That's when I knew the baby was here!

Sam was a chubby little man, and my sister and I were proud. Hard to believe that was so many years ago!

Today, is a little emotional for all of us, especially Sam, who misses Dad probably more than anyone will ever know.

Thankfully, he spent some time at Mom's today-and I spoke with him earlier today on the phone.

Dad, you are in our thoughts today, like always, but I have a special request for you today-keep Sam in your thoughts and prayers on his birthday.
Thank you. and Love you too!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Snow Dump

Well, winter is for sure here now...we got dumped on last night...probably 12 inches or so. The kids love it. Me, not so much.
I am not a huge fan of winter driving, snow shoveling, and cold weather. But, I live in Wisconsin, and I have to endure all 3 from now until March!
Thankfully, we now have a snowblower which eases the snow shoveling. It was our big purchase last year, and has defiantly paid for itself already! Dad loved snow removal. Yes, he complained about having to do it, but still did it. He did removal for others too. I remember in the recent years he did work at the condo complex he lived in, helping others with their removal. Even when he came to my house. He would be out chopping at the ice at the end of my driveway. The last time, he even wrecked our shovel doing it. Of course, Steve and I laughed, proabably me more than Steve, but Dad didn't seem to care, because it worked...the ice was gone, and now, so was the shovel. Of course, now I wished I would have saved that shovel because it would have been another concrete memory.

Well...that's about he for now. Just wanted to share another memory. Thinking of you, Dad. Now, at the moment. Thought of you today when I was removing snow.

I miss you and love you!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Had a nice Thanksgiving meal today at my Mom's today...
Thanksgiving, a day to be thankful...this year I am thankful for family, friends, good health, the norm, just like most years. Thank you to Mom, for the wonderful meal. Kate, Sam, Brother in law, Jay, it was nice to see all of you. I always enjoy these gatherings. Dad, you were for sure missed today, but provided us with ample conversation, multiple times, today!
It felt good to gather with my family, again. As always, a holiday makes me think of how things used to be...when you were still with us...
I got a little emotional on the way up to Mom's. Knowing that you are not physically with us anymore, is still painful. I still have sudden outbursts of tears and sadness, but it's getting better, I think...
Today, I thought about when we were younger and the Thanksgiving meals we shared. You always loved Thanksgiving-turkey and mashed potatoes-your fave...were a staple on this holiday. We certainly ate our share today, had tons of laughs, and a really nice time.

Us on Thanksgiving!

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Sunday, November 22, 2009

Comedy Cafe's are great!

Another weekend, flew by! Hard to believe it's already Sunday evening. Kids are tucked in bed, and I am up to my elbows in laundry...which by the way, I should be doing now. I need to blog to clear my mind.
This weekend, I saw a great comedy show at the Skyline Comedy Cafe in Appleton. I highly recommend this place! Steve and I had so much laughs. We were almost in tears at some points. This was a just what we needed! A night out with great friends, for a friend's 30th, dinner, drinks, and lots of laughter. Speaking of drinks... I tried a chocolate kiss martini, the second martini I have ever tried in my life, and it was good, but bit strong for me. I only drank 1/2 and one of my girlfriends drank the rest. I would much rather stick with a good, white wine.
Anyhow, it was a riot. These comedians were great! Lots of crude, obnoxious jokes, that may have been pushing the "R Envelope", but given the setting, and circumstances of celebrating a friend's 30th-everything seemed appropriate. Of course, one comedian made a CUBS joke, because he had just been in the Chicago area. This totally reminded me of my Dad, as anything Cubs does.

I just smiled and thought of how much he would have enjoyed hearing these comedians. I am sure he wouldn't have gone for the non-smoking setting, close seating, and the cost of the drinks, even the sodas were expensive!

We will be going back there again, for sure!

Today, church, going home and doing yardwork (Cleaning gutters, etc.) a Target run this afternoon, and dinner with the inlaws and there went Sunday.

Looking forward to a short week and seeing THE FAM! Not only do I miss my Dad, but I miss my MOM, BROTHER, AND SISTER TOO! I will see them this week!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

I miss my family

The reunion was a success. Lots of fun seeing old friends and talking about the good old days at CHS. I am proud to be a Don, and will always be!
A few people brought up my Dad, which of course, was bound to happen. It was alright though because I like to talk about him. At this stage in the game, it seems to help the healing process. As if I will ever be ok with losing a parent.
The Holidays are coming quick and this season will again provide ample time for thoughts and reflection. This time of year always makes me think about family. Mom, Dad, Kate, Sam, and my extended family. It would be nice to see everyone again. All at the same place, just like old times. They say change is good, but I still struggle to see how this change was good.
Seeing Grandpa Sheahen, this past weekend, was nice. Sometimes, his voice even sounded like my Dad's and I liked that. Obviously, there is a resemblance there, that makes me think of my Dad too.
I know this blog seems to be choppy, but I am having a miss my family moment, which inspired me to blog.
Off to dinner at my inlaws.