A day to be remembered.........

March 21 will always be a day to be remembered.
Ten years ago, Sunday, March 21, 1999 , was the day that my Dad's life ended.
I was reminded of this by a letter written by my mother that I would like to share(with her permission).
Dear Family,
Saturday, March 21st will be,as most of you have remembered, 10 years since your Dad has died....I remember him best when I think of the '12 gift package 'he left me. He left me 6 boys, 6 girls, now spouses and 28 grandchildren. I am so grateful for each and every one of you. You are all so special, yes, each of you. I know he is looking down feeling very proud.. I really feel God walks with me, His arm around my shoulder, like Bob used to do. Saturday I will especially remember him in Mass and then Mary jo and I have plans for dinner at Rosebuds...Take care and know that God loves you as I do.
Love
mom

Though it was this day that my Dad's life ended, his memories will always be alive. My Dad did such an incredible job being the husband he was, the father he was, the grandfather he was, the community member he was......His life will always be celebrated.

I do remember when my Dad died, it was so sudden and so unexpected. It was a very difficult time. Grief is such a funny thing............ You know it just kind of consumes you without you really knowing it. It has such power, it can just knock you over. And you kind of wake up one day and you kind of say, "wow, what happened to me recently" and then slowly you reintegrate back into life. And then every once in a while it will just sneak up on you again and get ya. Grief......its a powerful thing.
I am not sure grief ever really goes away, I think you learn how to cope and adapt to living with grief.

I love sharing stories about Grandpa Bob to Lexi and Trevor. They want to know everything about him. They could listen to stories forever. They love hearing about our family adventures and how my Dad hid chocolate everywhere....well, all the kids knew the hiding spots!
I will be digging out some different pictures but here are the ones I had on my computer.

Me and Dad in Highschool.
Julie showing off the 80's trends


Grandpa Bob and Trevor in Florida


Julie and Dad (I loved my Dad's hugs)


I know that my Dad is watching over me. I feel him around me all the time. I especially feel him when I am out in the woods.
My dad loved nature and being outside.
I love you Dad and I miss you.
xoxoxo
Julie

Happiness Is..........

I love this phrase. Sometimes its hard for me to believe that I grew up in a family of 12 siblings AND that we had a bus, yes a BUS. I have shown pictures of this bus before, "Happiness Is". Painted on the front of the bus in big letters, "Happiness Is".



My parents' number one priority was to bring happiness to our family. Now, that did not mean we got every thing we wanted or needed........what it did mean is that we spent time together, we were allowed to be ourselves and we had a lot fun TOGETHER.
I thank my family for giving me a solid foundation of what "Happiness Is".....

I believe for me, today, "Happiness Is".........to be truly comfortable with yourself and who you are, to want not only happiness for yourself but to DO your part, what you can, to TRULY bring happiness to others. Happiness is giving of yourself, enjoying life, laughing, having a passion and connecting with others.

I strive to be happy and bring happiness to others.
I commit to being a positive role model for my kids. I commit to teaching them that LIFE is to be enjoyed and shared.
That happiness comes from deep within yourself but is flourished when shared with others.
And that happiness is NOT found in the material things you have.

When I say "I am happy", I will mean it and show it in all that I do.

Who knows, maybe we'll even get a bus??





Here are some recent pics of us having fun.

Lexi performs at the Timberwolves game with her dance group.



Trevor continues to enjoy the game of basketball.



Julie continues to explore with photography and finds happiness in training , looking forward to another season with the Gear West Developmental Team.