4 years...

5/26/45 - 6/24/04
Today is the Anniversary of my Father's death. I can't believe it's been 4 years. It seems like yesterday. I still remember the day so clearly. I remember that phone call from my Mom and the fear in her voice. I drove like a speed demon to get to the hospital - all along thinking "Oh God - he's going to be in a coma" or "Oh God - he's going to have to have emergency surgery". I didn't know anything but the fact that he passed out in the front yard and he was unconscious and taken to Arlington Memorial. However, the thought NEVER entered my mind that maybe he was gone? Never. Tom was at the hospital waiting for me when I got there. Thank God for that. Because little did I know that I was about to need him more than ever. As we sat in this empty room, I had no idea what was going on. It's amazing how your mind plays with you. Then, in an instant, I knew. The hospital Chaplain entered the room holding his Bible. He didn't have to say a word. I knew. My Dad was gone. I'd never see him again in my lifetime.





We've made it through the last 4 years. It's been hard. There has been some very good times and there has also been some very bad times. Life is so unpredictable. Since that fateful day, we have lost 2 more immediate family members - Tom's Dad and My Grandmother. But, we have also welcomed 2 new lives into our family - My son, Cade, and my nephew, Trent. It's the circle of life. I think of my Dad every day and I have to have faith that he is with me everyday. I think that is what helps you get by.

I miss you, Dad. You would have spoiled the hell out of your 2 Grandsons.

Daddy and Doodle

Cade started school June 2nd. It's been very interesting watching him adapt from his full days with his Grandma's 1 on 1 to a classroom of 8. However, He loves his Teachers. Ms. Shirley seems to brighten Cade's day the moment he walks through that door. Here's a pic of Cade from his 1st day.

Friday, in honor of Father's Day, the school did a "Daddy & Donuts" breakfast for the Dads and their kids. Tom was excited. He even took the day off work. We called it "Daddy, Doodle and Donut Day". In case you are behind, we call Cade "Doodle". Tom jokes by saying that when Cade is in high school instead of his last name on his football jersey it will say "Doodle". Fine with me. I will proudle scream "Run Doodle Run" from the stands. I love my Doodle. Here is Daddy and Doodle at Donut Day.

The funniest part of all of this was the fact that the Dads had to sit in the kid's chairs. These chairs were about a foot off the ground. The base of the chair was not even as big as a piece of paper. But they all sat there. They all enjoyed a donut with their kids. Here is Tom in his "mini" chair enjoying his donut. Happy Father's Day, Tom. I know he enjoyed every moment he got to spend with Cade. He always does.

That night, we celebrated Abby's 1st Birthday. Abby lives across the street and is an original member of the 3 musketeers with Caleb and Cade. I can't tell you how many pictures we have of the 3 of them. They will always be very close. I must say... she enjoyed her cake much more than Cade did. At least she knew what to do with it and was not afraid to get her hands dirty!!

Here's a picture of the 3 of them from Abby's Birthday Party. Happy Birthday Abby! Do I see a romance budding between Cade and Abby??? They are sure are staring at each other...

May Days

So, it's been awhile since I last posted anything. This month has been one of the busiest month's so far this year. First, we celebrated Cade's 1st Birthday with a Pirate Party at Gamma's house. With friends and family there, this was one of the best celebrations we've had. Thank you to all of you who made this day so perfect!

Next, was Hawaii. As Cade's shirt says, "Hawaii or BUST".

Tom, Cade and I (and our Moms!) jetted off to Oahu for 7 days of fun in the sun. What a trip this was! First night there we're all up at 2am because our little kahuna could not adjust to the time change. Here is a picture of Cade playing at 2am in our hotel room.

We went to Pearl Harbor-

The Dole Plantation (yep that's Cade in the "O" of DOLE)

Enjoyed a Luau-

We also enjoyed Waimea Falls, North Shore, Hanauma Bay, Kailua, and the list could go on and on.

I am most excited about our LOST adventure. Yes, we found the set of LOST. We even got LOST finding the set of LOST. Go figure. But there it was...nestled on a VERY quiet beach and a long hot walk in super soft sand. I couldn't believe it! I felt like a kid in a candy store! Too bad they weren't filming!

But the BEST times were spent watching Cade in the water for the 1st time. What a little fish he is! He loved to see the waves break in the ocean and play in the sand. But he really loved the pool.

We had a great time. We miss it already. But, we'll be back one day.

Here's one last picture of Cade's new favorite friends, "Shaka", "Remy", & "Mana". The penguins (all 7 of them) live at the hotel we stayed at - The Hilton Hawaiian Village. Also living at the hotel were Flamingo's, Ibis, Macaws, Koi, and all kinds of interesting birds and flowers. But these guys were Cade's favorite.