Goodbye for now...

 

On Saturday, Oct 13, 2012, the world lost an amazing man.  My heart broke in so many ways that day.  It broke for my mom, who lost one of the most important men in her life.  It broke for my kids, who asked "who will give us goldfish crackers when we go there now?"  And it broke for myself, for losing my grandpa who I truly look up to.  I've never met another person who has sacrificed so much for someone else.  He defines loyalty, and also love.

There are so many things I will never forget about Grandpa.  He made sure that on all his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids birthdays, his card and money would be in your mailbox.  He had the system down, and knew what day he had to mail it.  If by any chance the mail got interupted and it didn't get to you on your exact day, he got really upset.

I will also never forget his smile, and the twinkle in his eyes as he watched the great grandkids play.  The last time he saw Maycee, he wouldn't take his eyes off of her.  It always warmed my heart.
Grandpa always had funny things to say, but my very favorite was when he didn't like something and he would say "I wouldn't have that up my ass if I had room for a sawmill."  Ha ha.  I giggle just thinking about it.

Oct 20th we had a viewing and a graveside service.  I was honored that I was asked to speak and read the obituary.  I was touched by all the people who came and honored him.  It turned out beautifully.  The best part was at a church for lunch afterwards, all the little great grandkids came together and played ring around the rosies.  No one prompted it.  We just heard singing, screaming and giggling and there they were.  We all knew hom much grandpa would love that and I'm sure he was smiling from above.

Great grandkids getting ready to do a balloon release.

 

 

Great grandkids doing ring around the rosies.

 

Love Lives On

 

Those we love remain with us
for love itself lives on,
and cherished memories never fade
because a loved one's gone.
Those we love can never be
more than a thought apart,
far as long as there is memory,
they'll live on in the heart.

 

We love you, Grandpa.  Always and forever.  You will never know how much you mean to us, how much influence you had, and how much we've always appreciated you.  I'm so glad you are at peace, but it is a painful loss for everyone here on earth who knew and loved you.  You taught everyone what it is to truly love, honor and cherish.  "You had silver in your hair, and gold in your heart."  Xoxoxoxo.



All sorts of shenanigans...

 

Minature golfing

Daddy and his girls at the circus

Beautiful baby girl

 

At Lagoon for Frightmares

Happy kids.  They had so much fun.

At Cherry Hill

Hay ride with Grandma

 

We've been having lots of fun enjoying the cooler weather and gearing up for Halloween.  I love this time of year when the holidays start.  There is always something fun to go and do or fun crafts and projects to do at home with the kids.
Unfortunately, I got really sick for a couple weeks and was down for the count, so I haven't been blogging about everything like I've wanted to. 

Daddy decided to take the kids miniature golfing for the first time and Sydnee and Kaydee loved it.  They don't like to hold the club right, or aim for that matter, but they had fun anyway.  Maycee was trying to run off to all the water features, pick up everyone's balls, and climbing anything she could find the whole time.  She's just not into these things yet.  We went bowling and she cried every time the ball rolled down the lane, like she was never going to see it again.  Ha ha.
Anyway, then we went to the circus and we had perfect seats.  It was so much fun.  All the kids were really into it this year.  They mixed a dragon theme in with the circus and the kids loved that.
We also did our yearly frightmares visit and it was tons of fun too.  They made the hay maze bigger which was fun, and the kids loved getting all the prizes they give out. 
This last week, we went to Cherry Hill with Grandma Sheriff, Staci, Jason, Britten and Kameron.  There were a lot of fun things to do.  First miniature golf, then a hayride, then a little maze and a bounce house and a ball pit.  The kids were mad when it was time to go home!
Last night Sydnee and Kaydee slept over at Grandma and Grandpa Sheriff's and they got super spoiled and had a blast.  They did all sorts of crafts, made goodies, even went to McDonalds to eat and play.  They are already talking about the next time they can have a sleepover.
School is going great for both of them.  Sydnee got her first report card and she got almost all 3's.  We are so proud of her.  I'm glad she loves school and learning so much.