Thursday April 16th 2009

Things are going along nicely here in Virginia. The weather is starting to get nicer and that always cheers up people. I want to thank everyone for their condolences towards my grandfather. It is never easy to lose a loved one and i am still thinking about him multiple times a day. Please say a prayer for my grandmother. I can't imagine what she is going through. They had been connected at the hip for so long and now she is alone. Very sad.
Rachel is growing and growing. I bought her a Grover stuffed animal (much like i had when i was a child) and she carries him around like a rag doll and calls him Grogar. Her childcare must have a TV on while they play because she recognizes Dora the explorer and says Dora whenever she sees her (when we are out and on other kids clothes or toys). So she can say Dora and Grogar on command.
I have also taught her how to fetch. I can throw a ball across the room and she will go and pick it up and bring it back to me. Soon i will introduce shake and sit. And who needs a dog!
I am posting some pictures of Rachel and her first cousin Jenna. They have recently just met and I figured some people might like to see Jackies' daughter Jenna. Jenna was born earlier this year and the two of them are less than a year apart. I will get some pictures for the next post with Grover and her doing something nifty and new. I don't know yet what is next, but i am sure it will be amazing. Also, i am including my favorite picture. If you can't figure it out, it is the one of Grandma Wendy trying to hold her granddaughters and they are fighting to get as far away from her as possible.

Tuesday April 7 2009

Goodbye Grandpa. Thank You for everything and i will always be grateful for you. My grandfather passed away today and i am currently very sad. I have known for weeks this was going to happen but it does not make it any easier. We even came back to Canton two weekends ago so I could see him one more time and let him see Rachel. He was already in the hospital back then and it was only a matter of time. Please keep my Grandmother in your thoughts and prayers as well. This has been an extremely tough time for her and it has taken its toll on her.
I have many fond memories of my grandfather and he will truly be missed. Some that come to me right now as I cry and think about him...

- The time he helped me build my pinewood derby car for cub scouts. We sanded and painted and molded that car out of a block of wood. We painted it gold and had fun making it together in his basement. I did not win and as far as i remember that car ran last in every single race down the track. But i always looked back fondly of his help.

- Playing old maid in his living room with grandma and my brothers and sisters. They had some over sized cards and we would all have a blast playing. There would be lots of laughter and giggles when invariably grandpa would end up losing and finishing as the old maid.

- Grandpa and i collected aluminum cans one summer from every gathering and event. We would go through the trash and pull out the cans and crush them. We would keep them in garage cans in his garage. I did not go with him when he took them to the recyclers but i do remember him giving me money that he told me i had earned for helping him.

- I remember him telling stories to us about when he was a kid and getting in trouble. He would tell tales of skipping school or other mischievous events. Grandma would always cut him off and tell him to quit putting ideas in our heads. I don't remember the stories but i remember thinking how ornery he was as a kid.

- Watching 'Top Cat' on TV together.

I have alot of other memories but right now Rachel is upstairs calling Daddy down the steps. She seems to be insisting i come and spend time with her before she goes to bed.

I love you grandpa and you will be missed. Here are some pictures taken last year with Rachel and Grandpa.