From Mike : My Mom

Just like clockwork. Halloween ends, November begins, and I filled with a deep sadness. I wish, in some ways, it was different this year, but alas it is the same. Four years ago today my mom passed away. While I don’t think about this everyday, I do think of my mom at least once each day. The sadness of those initial days, weeks, and months is not there anymore. Yet, somewhere in my mind and in my heart lies a sincere longing to see her again. There is a part of me that is gone and I will never get it back again. However, if there is anything that I have learned over the past four years, is that I am not unique. We are all going to suffer losses in our lives, disappointments, pains that cut deep – we will all go through the refiner’s fire in one way or another. The Savior’s Atonement wasn’t simply for our sins, but was also for our suffering. He loved us so much that he was willing take our pains upon His shoulders. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that. That being said, November 14th is a day for me and my four brothers. It is a day that we can feel sad, that we can cry, and that we can feel sorry for ourselves and our loss, and no one can deny us of that.

My mom was the best mom in the world, but I may be biased. I miss being able to see her. I miss being able to tell her about my life. I miss the comfort that only she could provide. I am sad that she can’t be here to see my sweet little Caitlyn grow up. I am sad that Caitlyn won’t know her grandma in this life. If I only had five more minutes to tell her how much I love her, but I know that would not be enough. I wouldn’t let her go.

Five things I loved about my mom:
1). She was the most intelligent person I have met.
2). She could make your worst day better in a matter of minutes.
3). Although somewhat reserved, she always had friends.
4). She could make the best school lunch bars
5). She was an example.

I am going to hold my family a little tighter tonight and maybe I can force a hug out of Caitlyn. Just as I did last year, as I put Caitlyn to bed I will tell her stories about her wonderful grandma Cathy. I love you mom.

Post for Mike and Paul

So since my father in law threatened to disown Caitlyn and me and never speak to us again if I didn't get a new blog update, here it is. Life has just been crazy around here and the only time I can get on the computer is when Caitlyn is asleep and that hasn't been very often lately. I have a new hatred in life, yes I said hate - daylight savings time! Seriously this used to be the best when you would get an extra hour of sleep. Oh no, not with kids, they just wake up an hour earlier and are cranky all day long. I'm not sure when Caitlyn will adjust but it better be soon!! So that is my complaint for the day I have many others but that would be getting all political and they say that is not polite to talk about so I won't, just in case I offend anyone!! My happiness and fun times still mostly come from my wonderful family. Caitlyn is such a funny little girl and does the craziest things all the time! She is officially walking now and just cruises everywhere. It took her awhile to start but once she did there was no stopping her. Other than that there is just the normal craziness around this house. I am getting excited for Christmas, it should be so much fun this year with Caitlyn. So here are some fun pictures of my favorite girl!

Our little girl at the pumpkin patch. She was so funny and tried to pick up all of the pumpkins. She got a little one but she keeps dropping and throwing it because she thinks it is a ball.

This is at the pumpkin patch where she decided to drive the tractor. Since she's not quite big enough for that we did get her a big girl car seat that she can face the front in, she is in heaven!!

Our crazy girl who loves to climb into her toy basket and play in there. Oh and as you can see she is working on a mouth full of teeth, another thing I don't like at all, teething!