Florida - November 11-15, 2011

On November 11th, Molly and I flew to Fort Lauderdale, Florida!  We had a great time away from our husbands and kids, but more importantly, we went for Erik.  On Sunday, November 13th, we participated in the 13.1 Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon.  Molly of course, finished (even though she'd had a stomach flu earlier in the week).  I wasn't prepared, but I did finish 4.5 miles, so I was proud of myself.  That amount brought me right up to the beach and was also the same distance that Erik ran on his birthday in 2010.  Erik had wanted to train for and run a half marathon, which is why we chose to do that.  While in Florida we also visited Epic Tattoo where he worked and met Pani, his boss, and Shea.  We visited Delray Beach where he lived.  We drove by his house, watched a sunrise on the beach and found the places on the beach where he ran on his birthday, and where his body was found, less than a month later.

Erik - we love you and miss you every day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving I am grateful for many things:

1. This Thanksgiving was not preceded by a funeral.

2. I got to have 30 years with my brother before he left this earth.

3. I have 4 awesome siblings!

4. A home to live in and a car to drive.

5. Living in the United States.

6. We get to choose the schools my children attend.

7. I am free to practice my faith.

8. The blessings of technology.

9. Books & Music!

10. Friends & Family!

Happy Birthday Erik!

Happy Birthday (yesterday) Erik!  I miss you every day...

Anyone Want a Three-Year-Old?

Today, I had a really busy day.  We got home from picking the boys up and Sadie was ALMOST asleep.  As soon as we got in the house she jumped up and was wide awake again.  She went in her room and I sat down at the computer to relax for a minute...


Then, I noticed her in the hallway.  She looked different.  Her pants looked lighter.  Then I realized that I could smell baby powder.

 

Then I went in her room.

 
A whole container of baby powder.  I got to spend the next 10 minutes vacuuming off stuffed animals, her bed, the floor, and more.

Good thing she's so cute.  No, really, she is.  She likes to do the squint-eye, Elvis lip look when I take her picture.

"Mom take a picture of Ernie!" 

My Little Artist!

Sadie loves to draw and color.  Of course, she loves to draw and color on herself, the walls, the floor or furniture more than on paper... But just in the  last few days, she's discovered that she can really draw her own pictures.  A few days ago she was drawing circles all over everything, but today she branched out and started drawing "happy people."  How cute is this?  :)

Happy Birthday, Brendan!

On June 30th, Brendan (my oldest) celebrated his 12th birthday!  I just can't believe I have a 12 year old!  He is such an awesome kid!  And he's entering a new stage of life.  He'll be ordained a deacon tomorrow at church and will enter the Young Men program.  And next month he'll start junior high!  We love you Brendan!

Memorial Day

The Spirit of the Wall

Three soldiers overlook a wall, keep watch, remain on constant call.

And guard the fields where soft winds blow across the names etched row by row.

In granite black these names appear, a soldier's cry is ever near.

Heard 'neath the din and noise and roar who years ago were joined in war.

It's true the dead do linger here to help a comrade's burden bear.

To speak in silent whispers low to those who near this wall do go.

Not in vain did lives expire, for you to live is there desire.

And likewise speak of sacrifice, of duty, of honor.  They paid the price.

Take up the banner with noble stride, and wave it high for those who died.

Sleep not until their justly cause is known to all that they might pause...

And take a moment to reflect.  In silent memory give them respect.

Then they the dead will tell your soul, they want your life to be made whole.

Vietnam tore the nation apart.  The memorial now seeks to heal a heart.

The tokens that you leave nearby cause hearts to swell with muffled cry.

Reach out to those who linger near, who live, but on the look appear

Like shadows in the eventide: they fight an enemy yet inside.

That with the guard-like statue three with winds that blow so silently

The spirit breathes with living soul and rustles the flag on yonder pole.

And as you search the morning sky and hear the meadow lark on high

You'll know then comrade, you and me are joined for all eternity.

So friend, please venture to the healing wall: in the panels gaze in silent awe.

You'll know then these words I write are true: the spirit of the wall will tell you too.

Richard Hanson

September 1989