May 22, 2010. Today would have been my Dad's 71st birthday. In so many ways, losing him was a life altering event that fundamentally transformed me. Life is too short to hang onto anger and carry a grudge. Let it go. Life is too short to skip even one hug or one kiss. You never know when it will be your last. Life is too short to concern yourself with material posessions. Items come and go. People are forever. Work hard and try to take time to play a little. It's the simple joys we share that bring us the closest. Pancakes for breakfast, washing a car, a good movie; just simple things. Listen to others; it's amazing what you can learn. When you leave this world, two things you leave behind really matter: the love you have given others and the children you pass this world on to. We're all eternal beings on our journey through this life to eternity, here to help each other out the best we can, our lives an example of the love of Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday, Dad. To say I miss you would be an understatement.

Here's a pic of the beautiful roses Eddie gave to me for Mother's Day last week. What a sweet guy. I couldn't ask for a better husband or father for my children. period. The girls are playing a ferocious game of "hot hands" right now. I want to tell them to stop, but I know this childhood rite of passage has never caused permanent damage (I think). A few minutes ago, I had to say to Regan "why are you writing on the watermelon?" Life just wouldn't be complete without the kids bringing these bizarre details into our daily lives. Stress? Yep. Joy, fulfillment, entertainment? Absolutely. May all Mother's Days be filled with treasures lovingly made by the tiniest hands. I love every trinket, every card hand-made from construction paper, every sweet gift they give, every kiss, every hug, even the tantrums. Thank you GOD. I am truly blessed.

Mother Teresa's "Anyway" Poem

Sometimes a few simple words or a meaningful poem can help put things into focus. This poem helped me focus a bit on turning the other cheek and continuing to be kind, even when someone I've been kind to was unkind in return. "Move on," I had to tell myself and continue to trust, continue to be kind and continue to be happy. I'm not going to relinquish control of my happiness and my behavior to another human - I'll try harder to relinquish control to GOD.

Enjoying Spring

Spring always makes me feel so good. I love the fresh air, the blooms on trees...okay, especially the fresh air. Last weekend Julie had a track meet in Glenville, so we all went to the farm to spend the weekend. It's crazy how much sadness being at my Dad's farm brings me. Regrettable, because everyone else really enjoys it. We rode the 4-wheeler, had some target practice and just relaxed and ate. It was a good weekend, and very restful. I think we'll have to make some more time to spend down there....it would be good for everyone (even me).

Claire is so funny....

We were in the car on the way to Kroger and beside the road is a guy with his shirt off. He's older, overweight and VERY hairy. About the time I said "eewwwww" Claire said "Some viewers may find this image disturbing". Then she added "well, most viewers" - I laughed all the way to the grocery store!!!

Having fun getting ready for the game! Here's the flying WV cake - certainly not perfect, but you get the idea.

Waiting for the game

Our blog is a diary of our journey - so here goes - we're waiting for the game tonight. Exciting, right? Yesterday was spent enjoying the warm weather, playing outside, a movie (Clash of the Titans), and grilling out some burgers and dogs. It seemed like yesterday was just for relaxing and breathing in the fresh air. I tried my hand at grooming the dogs. Friday I shaved Beau because his coat was so matted - not attractive. He is pretty much naked, so I finally put a sweater on him to keep him warm. He was so sad, shivering and running around in circles. He's much better now, curled up with a blanket next to me. Charlie's hair cut went much better. I just went over him with a #3 and gave him a trim around his face with scissors. He looks good! So, that brings us to today - waiting for the game. The kids are excited and so am I. We've followed this team through an incredible season, and aside from a few poor games, they've been incredible. Just to be in the final four is great, but with the momentum the team has right now, I think we just might win. Mazulla is on top of his game now, and is looking more polished than he ever has, and what can I say about Da'Sean? He's the scrappiest player out there. If they leave it ALL on the court, I think they'll win. I still can't believe the schoolin' they gave UK. Incredible. So today will be spent waiting - and baking my 1st "flying WV" cake with the kids, and relaxing.