Dad

Dad,

Today you have been gone a year from our lives, but I know you are still around so I wanted to let you know what is going on with a quick update:

Michaela is growing like a weed, she is so quick witted and keeps us laughing.  You would really enjoy her, you would have already taught her how to give "the finger". She loves "Pop-Pop's cat" and she goes in your room and pets him every time we go over to the house.  Marina is still our "soccer star" and is now taking college classes.  We are so proud of her.  Tyler has his first job, at Publix.  He says it is because he wore a pair of your socks to the interview and they gave him good luck.  He loves getting his paycheck.  When he got his first one I thought of you and how you would always ask us, "where are you taking me to dinner", when we got money.  He also got his drivers license and Mom gave him that old white car to drive.  I am still hanging in there with school, I will be an RN some day.  David is up to the same old thing.  He helped replace your roof on the house and shed and fixed your sprinklers.

I know you have been around keeping an eye on things and I KNOW you were with us on our family vacation in GA.  Michaela sees you frequently in stores, at church and at the park.  I miss you so much and think of you often.  I wish you were here with us, but am so glad you are finally out of pain.  

I found this poem and thought of you:

The Angels gathered near your bed so very close to you.
For they knew the pain and suffering that you were going through.
I thought about so many things, as I held tightly to your hand.
Oh, how I wished that you were strong and happy once again.
But your eyes were looking homeward to that place beyond the sky.
Where Jesus held His outstretched arms, it was time to say goodbye.
I struggled with my selfish thoughts, for I wanted you to stay.
So we could walk and talk again, like we did - just yesterday.
But Jesus knew the answer, and I knew He loved you so.
So I gave to you life’s greatest gift, the gift of letting go.

Little Butterfly

Oh, Little Butterfly, Messenger of God,
When I see you in the sky, I cannot help but nod.
You bring me respite, in my time of grief and dispair,
Everytime I see you, Sailing through the air.
You renew my faith, In all God's wondrous plan, And I know it's all in faith,Not in what I understand.

Don't weep at my grave, for I am not there,
I've a date with a butterfly to dance in the air.
I'll be singing in the sunshine, wild and free
playing tag with the wind while I am waiting for thee.

Good Bye August!

Well August is winding down, it just flew by.  Everyone is staying very busy as usual...


Hannah turned 1 year old this month!  Happy Birthday Hannah!  She had her 1 year check up and is growing like a weed.  She is 26.9 lbs and is 32 inches tall.

Marina had her first game of the season, the girls played in a torrential down pour, tropical storm force winds and ran blowing sideways.  By the time the game was over it had gone from 91 degrees to 73 degrees.  The score was 0-1, but I know that if it hadn't been raining we would have left there 0-0.  Labor Day weekend is the Disney Tournament, times are as follow: 


Friday, Sept. 3rd @ 8:00 P.M. @ Disney Wide World of Sports (field # 24)

Saturday, Sept. 4th @ 4:45 P.M. @ Austin Tindal  

Sunday, Sept. 5th @ 1:15 P.M. @ Disney WWOS (field # 19) 

Semi-finals are Sept 6th @ 8:00 A.M. and Finals are at 1:00 P.M. at Disney WWOS

Hope to see you there!

Well Tyler got his license on Friday!!!  YAY!  Now we just have to get his car registered.  Now he can drive himself to and from work.  He still seems to be enjoying his job at Publix, especially Thursdays (payday).  If you get a chance stop in and see him sometime.

Brett's arm is healing nicely.  He is still bummed that he has to miss his soccer games and the tournament that is coming up.

Taylor started her guitar class and her watercolor class.  She is enjoying them and has her art displayed at home.  

Taylor's first watercolor portrait

I am still looking for a job as CNA...had a few nibbles but nothing yet.  Still babysitting my Hannah and doing Taxi duty.

Tiffany also had a birthday this month...the big 33.  Happy Birthday Tiffany! The Triplets are all getting so big.  They are walking all over and staying busy.  Ritchie is also staying busy, he is taking classes at BCC.  

Brody had his first day of school this month.  Even though the first day was a little tough Marla says he seems to be enjoying himself.  Landon is in Kindergarten now and seems to be doing well and my little Holden is just as cute as ever.

The week in review

The second week of school has come to an end.  Marina attended her first college classes and she enjoyed them.  She said there were some very "interesting" people.  We will be spending the weekend at her soccer tournament in Merritt Island.  If anyone would like to come they are welcome to.  The games are at 8am and 2pm both Saturday and Sunday.

Brett is doing well with his broken arm, but is disappointed because soccer season just started and he has to sit the bench.  I feel sorry for him, Marina had to sit out  twice with broken arms and it is no fun :(  It will go by quick Brett.

Tyler is still enjoying his job, especially Thursdays when he gets paid.

Miss Hannah will be 1 this week.  We will be celebrating her first birthday at Mom's house this weekend.  I will be sure to post some pictures next week.

I hope you all got to see the post by Kathy from earlier in the week.  If not be sure to take the time and read it.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.  Be safe!  See you all next week!

The Tattoo

Recently my sister Kathy posted this on Facebook:

If my Dad was to send a sign to anyone it would be her.  She is the most open of all of us.

Catching up!!

It's been a couple of busy days, let's get caught up.  Brett had surgery on Thursday.  His arm was broken badly but and all went very well.  He didn't have to get any hardware.  We all got to sign his new cast.  YAY!

The first week of school has come to an end.  Marina had a good week and likes all of her classes.  She starts her college classes on Monday.  I am so excited for her and am VERY proud of her.  We are also going to start out college scholarship quest within in the next month, can never get started too early.

Marina had her second scrimmage of the season today.  They tied 2 games and won 1.  She has a really good team this year!  Go Storm.  There is a tournament next week in Merritt Island if anyone is interested in coming.

Tyler has been a working man for almost a month now and is really enjoying his job!  He already bought his first piece of computer equipment with his paycheck.  He REALLY likes getting a paycheck every week.  I am so glad he is enjoying his job!!

David is making plans for his up coming  annual motorcycle trip.  He is researching everything on Google Earth.  The trip is scheduled for September.

Me, well I am staying busy also.  I am taking 2 classes on-line this semester.  I have put in multiple applications for CNA.  I am trying to get a part time job, I need soccer money!!  I am still babysitting Hannah!!

Mom is still working on her landscaping project.  She is getting it done slowly but surely.  I will post some pictures when I get them.

Well that is about it for now....keep checking back for more info!

Ten Things I Love About My Toddler

As if I can only pick 10 things!!!  Toddlers are truly precious gifts - They are truly little sponges. 

I really did forget some of the most special things about these small humans.   I think my most favorite thing about having a fourth child is that I am not stressed out about things and am just enjoying spending time with her.   I take time to stare at her while she sleeps, just sit and hold her and go to the park.   My house is sometimes a mess and many other things are left undone and it's perfectly okay.    Everyday she learns something new or has a "first", it is wonderful.  She is absolutely amazing.  I laugh all day long, she says some of the funniest things.

These are not in any particular order, just some favorites.

1. The twirling of her hair as she tries to go to sleep.
2. The way she tries to keep her eyes open so she doesn't have to take a nap.
3. Her little hands, they are so precious.
4. Her little rosebud mouth.
5. The way she says "Hold you Mommy" when she wants to be held.
6. Her desire to soak up and repeat everything she sees and hears.
7. Her soft skin - could anything be softer? 
8. Her silky, curly hair.
9. Her big eyes and beautiful long eye lashes.
10. Her ability to make me laugh even when I am mad. 

Like I said, I could go on and on.  I think it's safe to say, I'm in love with the little girl.

I find that as I spend time with her, I am reminded of little things that were special with my other three when they were toddlers.