Happy Halloween!

We had a great time trick or treating this year. Our old neighbors, the Kratz's, came over to trick-or-treat w/us. As well as some of our neighbors. 

Ben didn't trick or treat. He and David passed out candy. Will dressed up as a zombie of some sort. Andy dressed up as a green man.

Our neighborhood was busier than ever. We had so many extra people coming into the neighborhood to trick or treat. It was fine, but it was packed. 

Ben & David passed out candy. 

We bought 120 full size bars, and ran out in an hour.

Ben, Will, Scott, Rachel and Andy

Our family.

Lana, Rachel & Scott

Scott, Nolan, Will, Holden, friend, and Andy

Happy Halloween 2015

RWL Halloween Party

We had our Halloween Party for the RWL. I am not one to typically dress up, but I really wanted to dress up for this party. I love the RWL, and I am so happy to be a part of such a wonderful organization. I was really looking forward to this party. And it didn't disappoint. I had a great time and all the ladies costumes were great! I dressed as Lucille Ball.

Happy Birthday to my Bestie!

Misty and I met when we were 7 years old, in the community that we both grew up in. There were lots of changes in our lives, and lots of moves, but our parents made an effort to keep us connected and to help us stay in touch. We have been through every major and small event in each others lives, and I am so grateful for her love and support through all of mine.

This year is our 34th year of being friends, and I am so blessed to have her in my life. She makes me a better version of myself, and for that I am so grateful.

Misty - I hope your day is as fantastic as it possibly could be. I love you dearly, and we will celebrate together soon.

This bag of greasy chips is weird, but I think she looks fabulous in this picture!

Me and my bestie!

Happy Fabulous Birthday, Misty!

I love you!

Happy Birthday, to our dear, Oma!

I bought a cake to celebrate Oma's birthday, but unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of it. David wasn't  as on board with the idea, as I was. Remember, how I said everyone mourns in different ways?! He wasn't up for it. But we still cut the cake, thought some nice thoughts of Oma, and enjoyed some cake  in her honor.

Happy Birthday, Oma! We love you & miss you so very much!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Today is my dad's 75th birthday, and tomorrow is the 2nd Anniversary of his death. I know most people say it feels like yesterday, but to me, for some reason, it feels like an eternity. I think b/c the time of his death was such a blur to me, b/c I struggled silently so much during that time. I wanted to be strong for my mom. I wanted to get her through the first days and weeks after his death. I didn't deal w/a lot of my own feelings at that time, so I still struggle - 2 years later. At first, I couldn't talk about him w/o crying, and it got easier, but now - it's gotten harder again. Everyone deals with loss in different ways, and I think, I haven't fully dealt with it, b/c I surpassed it to be strong for my mom.

I bought a cake for his birthday b/c I never want my boys to forget. I want them to remember the wonderful, kind man that he was. They wanted to sing Happy Birthday, but I just couldn't. We spoke of a fond memory of him, and William talked about their secret eye brow language, that they shared. That's something he will never forget. He was so much like my dad in so many ways. My mom says she sees it too. My heart is sad that my boys lost their grandfather at such a young age for both of them. 

Happy Birthday, daddy! We will love and miss you always!

David golf trip

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful parents!

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad! 56 years!

I just wish Dad was here to celebrate.

I love you both so much, and miss daddy terribly!

First day of 2015-2016 School Year!

The boys were excited about their first day! Andy started 2nd grade, Will started 5th grade and Ben started 8th grade. I can't even believe my boys are so big. Especially Ben. He's grown so much in the last year, that it makes my heart sad and happy all at the same time. I am proud of the young man he has become, but so sad that he's closer to becoming the man he is to become.

Will - 5th grade (11 years)

Andy - 2nd grade (8 years)

Ben - 8th grade (13 years)

Andy, Will & Ben

Ben

Will

Andy

I love my sweet boys so much! So thankful that they all got wonderful teachers and that the love their schools and their friends.

Moving into our new neighborhood was the best decision that we made! We are so happy here!

Happy 1st Day of School!