A Great Dad

It was'nt too long after Rebecca started dating Matt that I realized that Matt was ready to start a family. What really gave it away was how easily he related to my grandchildren. Trevor and Sully worshipped him, and Abby absolutely adored this big Teddy Bear of a guy that her aunt was dating. And to be honest, I think he enjoyed the attention. I'm pleased to see I haven't been proved wrong; he's every bit as good a dad as I thought he'd be and the grandkids love him as much as ever. It's a real joy to watch him at family gatherings interact with ALL of the grandchildren. They all make sure they get to spend some time with Uncle Matt and he takes the time to appreciate them and make each of them feel special.

I'm glad I was able to catch a few pics of Matt and Alex in their matching rugbys they're both a couple of handsome guys and Alex (and Olivia too) is lucky to have such a wonderful dad!

Marian

We've been fortunate lately to have Laura's mother-in-law, Marian, attend Thanksgiving dinner and a family birthday party for Abby and Sully. I always enjoy visiting with her and sharing my grandchildren with her. It's easy to see she loves and appreciates them as much as Jane and I do. I can't think of anyone who enjoys the family, the fun, and the food more than she does. Her energy and enthusiasm always seems to add a bit of sunshine to the day no matter what the weather ... and the twinkle in her eyes always makes me wonder if she's up to something. Perhaps that's why my grandchildren seem drawn to her. I think it's the child in her that seems to come out at these parties. Whatever the reason, Marian, we love you and you're always welcome to join us!!!

Happy Birthday, Abby and Sully

Yesterday Abby and Sully celebrated their birthdays at Poppa and Gramma's house (Trevor calls it "The Family House"). I've never known two children who deserved a party more. Abby and Sully both enthusiastically embrace everything that comes their way. I feel certain that their best gift was just spend time with each other and the whole family. Sully has been excited the whole month, waiting for his birthday celebration. He wanted a Mario Birthday cake and I understand that when he and his Mom picked it up he exclaimed that it was everything he imagined it would be... Gramma and I felt the same way about the party.

Abby is an amazing young lady who takes after her mother and seems to know everything about everyone in the family and enjoys nothing better than a good old fashioned family gathering. She truly appreciated all her gifts. I think she will be the most fashionable girl at home and on her future trip to Disneyland this spring.

I should mention that Trevor and Alex enjoyed the party and the excitement as much as the birthday kids and that Olivia and Charlie were especially helpful in helping with presents and cake. Thank you everyone for making it a great day. MaryAnn and Marilyn, we missed you, but we know you were there in spirit.

Happy St. Valentine's Day, Sarah and Andy!

Whenever I see them together, I can't help but remember Matt's wish for them at their wedding that they have many happy years making trouble together. Andy and Sarah always seem to throw themselves with boundless energy into whatever life sends their way. They both always seem as if they are up to something, and they always add a bit of sunshine and energy to any family gathering. From what I can see both of their children are following in their footsteps. By the way... Happy Birthday, Andy. Hope you have a fantastic day February 18. I know Sarah and the boys will help you celebrate it in style.

Happy Birthday, Michael!

Celebrated my 59th birthday today. As my brother, Chris, says, "Dangerously close to 60." But I have to admit I'm pretty lucky. I am retired and have some control over how I spend my time, I have a job that I enjoy, I can pay my bills, I have a bit of extra money in the bank, I eat pretty well, I have 6 fabulous grandchildren, and I get to wake up every morning next to my best friend and the most amazing person I've ever known, my wife, Jane.
I had what I consider a prefect day. I slept in, Jane cooked us breakfast and we cought up on the news and had a few laughs. I spoke with or heard from my daughters and grandkids who all seem to be learning to say "Happy Birthday, Poppa" with enthusiasm. I talked with Chris for about 45 minutes and Jane and I spent some time at Barnes and Noble reading and just enjoying each other's company. We also ran into my dad and his friend Marion there as well. We ended the day with a dinner of steak, asparagus and potatoes... and of course German Chocolate cake and ice cream. As far as I'm concerned, life doesn't get much better than that!

Warrior Month

In ancient Rome the tradition was that all wars began on the New Year which was in the spring. That's why March is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. However in 52 BCE Lucius Postumius Albinus, a Roman general, wanted to go to war against Spain, and rather than wait until March he just moved the New Year to January and began his war immediately. And that's when the New Year has begun ever since.

This week with a winter storm advancing on us Thursday Jan. 6 it certainly felt like war. Jane and I made our plans and prepared to do battle with Mother Nature. We have a 24 inch Airens snowblower that is capable of obliterating anything in its path, a couple of all metal Ames snowshovels, an old coal shovel that would have been my Grandfather Henri's weapon of choice, and enough other snowshovels to equip all of our grandchildren. We also just added a small Toro power shovel ( on sale at Menards) to clean up the areas the Airens cant reach.

To supplement this arsenal we also have a snow pusher and assorted brushes to clean off the cars and a roofing shovel with hardened teeth to break up the ice on the front porch. Even with all of this weaponry we only managed to fight the snow to a draw. We did reward ourselves for all this effort with a comforting meal of pork roast, sauerkraut, and dumplings cooked all day in our Crock Pot. We then retired to the living room to watch a couple of movies. We finished the day by watching the last of the snow fall from the comfort of our hottub before turning in for the night. We love winter.

Winter Sunset

I'll be glad to see the days get longer eventually, but there's something I love about the shorter days at this time of year. It's easy to see both sunrise and sunset... they kind of frame my day. The quality of light at the end of the day is absolutely beautiful. There's something about it that makes you want to be at home with your loved ones and a hot bowl of soup or stew. There's a reason they're called comfort food. The cold and dark makes me want to draw into myself, be close to those I love, and focus on whats most important in my life... friends and family.