Day 4 Memory Lane

This is one of my favorite pictures. The way my dad and Luke are just sitting watching a car go by. My dad would look at every car just in case he knew who was driving by, because, usually he did. He would raise his hand and wave. Have you ever heard it said about someone, "He never met a stranger"? That was my dad. He would sit on his porch and welcome anyone who stopped by for a chat. Even people who just stopped for directions!

My mom used to tease him about not letting people leave. He would walk them to their cars and then stand talking to them through their window. The man loved to talk!

I often wonder if he is asking Jesus all the questions he used to ask me when we would discuss religion. I am thankful to have known where his faith and his heart were before he died.

Day 3 Wordless Wednesday

Day 2

Life is Full of Surprises!

Looking for an old receipt I found Isabella's cookie stuffed in the side pocket. She was "saving it for later."

Day 1

We headed out to the beach Saturday night. The kids have been begging, so after Dalton's baseball game we drove out. I love the beach. If there was ever a place I feel closest to God it is at the beach.

Day 1

I have decided that I am tired of the funk. Writing soothes my heart and I am going to commit to 1 picture a day and hopefully a little blogging will come with those photos.

Champions!

Dalton played his first season of baseball this fall. It was something totally new for him and I was very nervous about it to say the least. He is so passionate and competitive he doesn't handle losing or his own inability very well.
To say the season started poorly was an understatement. He was clueless about the game where to throw the ball and when. This put him very often in left, center, or right field. He was not happy. I gave the coach permission early on to bench him if he complained, whined, or argued over whatever the coach decided. The season for him was a learning one. He was humbled over and over again.

Fast forward to two weeks ago. Dalton finally started to figure out the plays. Seth started encouraging him in a way that Dalton drank in like water on a balmy day and Dalton's team kept winning. Not because of Dalton, but the fact that they were winning was huge for his psyche. They finished the regular season 8-0. That is heady stuff to a 10 year old boy. Thursday night they played a quarterfinal game under the lights. Dalton caught a pop fly to get them out of the inning stranding 3 men on base. To see the other boys crowding him in celebration just made my heart so glad for him. In the 4th inning he hit a triple and brought in 2 runs. His team won 6-4.

Saturday am was the championship game. They got behind by 5 runs in the first inning. Not a good way to start off. I am so thankful we were the home team and got to bat last. They weren't playing their best baseball at all. As I sat in the stands on pins and needles I prayed over and over. "God I want him to win so badly but I want him to learn your lessons more....but I REALLY want him to win!"
In our last at bat, we were down by 1 two outs and bases loaded, one of the boys hit a double and it was all over! My play by play doesn't do it justice but take my word for it, It was a nailbiter!

I'm Running Out Of........

Last year on Veterans Day I took the kids downtown to watch the parade. Bradley was part of the Sea Cadet Color Guard so it was pretty exciting for me as a mom. We went early to get a good spot and as the kids were running and playing in the grass around me I picked up the phone and called my dad. We were early and near the end of the parade route so I had lots of time to chat. We always had lots to talk about...politics, weather, kids, friends, cars. It didn't matter what the subject. There were many times where we didn't really talk about anything at all! He sounded well and peaceful. His voice wasn't really strong , but it wasn't feeble or tired. Just peaceful.
As I have so many days this year I have said more than once today, " Last year on this day I was...." and a memory will pour out of my heart. Usually accompanied by some tears and a quavering voice.
As we draw ever closer to December 4th I am struck by the realization that I am running out of "Last year on this day" I won't lie, it makes me horribly sad. I miss him so much. December 4th looms before me like a big black hole. I am afraid it will be awful.
BUT I have hope. Hope that I will honor my Father and my dad and carry on with a smile and a laugh and a few tears as well.