Humbled.......

It has been almost 15 years since we lost Matt in horrific accident.  Some days it seems like yesterday and somedays it seems like forever ago.  It is hard to imagine Matt now.  To me he will be will be forever 27.  

 This past weekend he was honored by the Texas Legends and The American Fallen Warrior Project.

It was that coincidental type of happening.  Tim spoke at an event where one of the Warrior board members was present and Matt's name was turned in.  

It was humbling.  There are thousands of families whose loved ones have died.  The pain is the same for them and they are equally as deserving.

 We have been blessed beyond measure.  

Matt has been remembered in so many significant ways.

We are still giving scholarships from money that was raising 14 years ago in two golf tournaments.

It is a gift that seems to never end.  Matt has left a legacy that any parent would be more than proud of.

 The presentation was amazing.  

The portrait was beautiful and we are blessed beyond measure.

  It was an evening we will never forget.

To share it with the family, well there are no words.  

My daughter-in-laws and grandkids never knew Matt but it gave them a sense of what an amazing young man he was.  

We did nothing to make it so.

He was a kid on a mission from the day he was born.

 Maybe Matt knew he had a lot to accomplish and little time to do it.

Whatever gave him the impetus to succeed, succeed he did.  

He did not waste a moment and I am grateful for 27 years of memories...and to all of those who have made sure he is remembered.

Thanks to Phil and Lisa Taylor and all of those connected to this incredible event.  We are humbled beyond words.

Time For Trump........

I feel the need to enter this in my book of happenings for anyone generations from now that might wonder how I felt abut Donald Trump.

He was elected.

He took office today.

In an election that caused heated debates on Facebook.  That caused people to unfriend each other, that caused others to wonder if they even know their friends anymore because of the trash continually posted on social websites...the underdog is now President.  

We have NO idea how this is going to play out. 

 Will this be a catastrophe?  

Will this be what America needs to grow stronger and greater?  

Is this non-politician in way over his head?

Will I forever regret the first time I actually voted in an election?

Ten year from now I will know.

Today, I pray.

America is indeed a great country and I hope for the sake of my grandchildren the it stays that way.

Donald Trump, do what you have said you would do.  That is why I voted for you.  Stop being so impulsive, treat all with respect, and stay off of Twitter.

Please "Make America Great Again".

The Massieons....

My cousin Bobby passed away last week.  I guess that would be sad under any circumstances but it is most sad because for years I have felt like I have no family...no roots.

My mom was one of four children.  My dad had one brother.  I lost contact with all of my dads relatives before I ever realized I had any.  My uncle was a Navy lifer.  He moved to Washington state before I was born and I do not really remember even knowing him at all.  

My mom's family remained close even though they were spread out from one side of the US to the other.  We made trips to Illinois at Christmas and I have great memories of the time spent with the Massieon family and cousins.

Then my parents died, my brother disappeared and I lost contact with everyone.

I had my kids and Jimmy's family, but somewhere that I kept locked up I missed MY family.  

I am pretty good at burying things and I guess I just buried this need I had.

I knew when I heard Bobby had passed away I needed to be there.  We had kept in touch by phone but I had not seen him for about 40 years. I was not really sure many people there would even know who I was.  I was wrong.  We are family.

 I found those roots again..a family.  

It was a sad yet joyous time.  My cousin was the best.  My family is the best.  What I found was simple...just simple.  I have extended family that does not pretend to be anything but the simple and loving people they are and it brought me nothing but happiness.

 I love my cousins.

 I love their children.

I love that for a few days I had my family.  

I do not know when we will be together again.  Distance is a huge problem but I am glad I found time to reconnect.  I am proud of where I came from.  I love that they are part of what I think matters in life...simplicity.  I thought maybe my go to words in 2017 would be joy and humility but I guess if you find simplicity, joy and humility will follow.

You Are Five Finley......

It was the birthday she was waiting for...number Five!

I do not know why she thought that was the magic number.  The birthday that would make her grown up. I guess when you are little it finally means kindergarten is ahead and now you can hang with the big kids.

I love this spirited girl.

 She and her big sister are as different as day and night.  

She is outgoing, talks to anyone and everyone, fears nothing (including the dark), loves anything that is full of sugar (like her Gramma), has a crushing HUG, and is full of life.

She loves God with her whole heart and always wants to know why I don't go to "her" church.

 She really does not have much use for anything on TV, she would much rather play and have you play with her.  Dolls, dress up, games, play-do, anything!

She loves sleepovers especially if she can come by herself....and have her special time.  I gladly oblodge because those times are special to me too.

Our natural inclination is to hope they won't grow up so fast but it is going to happen, like it or not.

So...I intend to enjoy every minute I can because the clock won't stop.

Happy #5 Finley James.

Try Again....

Yes, I am going to try again.  Yes, I know that sentiment says 2016 and we have just crossed over to 2017 but the words touched me.  

I do not think I ever make New Years resolutions that say I am going to exercise daily, eat better, drink more water.  It does not work.  I quit.

I would like to think I could aim at being stronger, nicer, more forgiving, and work toward a more positive life. 

So once again I will try to keep up with recording what is important.....Only what is important.  Things like birthday and family fun.  

I am going to try and go back and finish 2016 thoughts, the ones I can remember.  Maybe a little less Facebook will give me that chance. 

Welcome 2017!

Merry Christmas!....

Merry Christmas Jammies!

Just wouldn't be right without them! 

Christmas at the Arboretum................

It just wouldn't be Christmas without making a trip to see the 

12 Days of Christmas at the Arboretum!

 Yes, love finding a kissing booth in the middle of the park!

 Little Adeline's first Christmas....

and what a trooper to hang out on this chilly night!

 Big girls need to ride sometime too!!

Our Crazy Family......

There is one in every crowd and in this crowd it is Uncle Bergy....

ALWAYS!

 And the little ones think he is hysterical.

I guess any adult who thinks dressing up like the Elf on the Shelf is fun deserves a laugh or two.

 It takes a village to fill these giant stockings for these kids...but we always manage!

At one time each of these kids fit inside their stockings...

and then they grew.

 Brooklynn is the manager of the adult gift exchange...

where there is always at least one furry throw blanket...

and the random gifts from Aunt Judy that we always try and avoid.

 Oh you precious girls.

You are what make Christmas fun.

Thank you Brian for being a good sport and hanging out with this crazy family.

It makes Sara's holiday!

Happy Birthday Matthew Joseph!.....

What a big day for our precious first grandson.

He has been such a joy and as always, this first year has flown by.

What a perfect addition to his beautiful family.

His sisters adore him.

He is smothered by hugs and kisses every waking moment.

He is gentle, laid back, and loving.

He simply goes with the flow.  I guess that is what happens when you are number three.

Boy toys are suddenly appearing in a house full of dolls and doll accessories.  

Cowboys boots are a must.

And a pink car would never do.

A new blue one must be added to a garage full of bicycles, scooters, and battery powered ride ons.

I am not sure who you most resemble.

I think you are just uniquely you and that is a good thing.

You have been a gift.  You are not just the promise that there will be a continuation to the Shubzda name but a young man who will write his own story.

I hope I am around for many years so I can see that story develop.

Roman Holiday......

 The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

 And a stroll to....

 the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterno.

 Entering into this beautiful basilica though the Holy Doors.

 And a stroll back through the beautiful streets of Rome.

I may never leave!!