Halloween 2007

That was fun. It was a looong fun day. We began our day at preschool for their "orange and black" party. They started by singing some funny songs. Then they got to do just about anything they wanted. For Jake, that meant making a felt pumpkin. He even signed his name in glue. For Brady that meant shadowing Mrs. Dexter as she set up snack bar. I can't blame him though. He's addicted to frosting and today they got to decorate sugar cookies with all the frosting and candy they wanted. Woo Hoo!

When we came home, Brady was on the tail end of his sugar high so he had himself a nap. Jake got cozy on the couch and watched some High School Musical 2. When B got up, we had supper then got them ready to roll. Jake got his awesome pirate gear on, and Brady became Sgt. LeBlanc . Before you ask, that haircut was all him. He wanted a Mohawk. This being Halloween, I managed to convince Cindy not to grab the clippers out of my hand and take it off his head. Now that it's over though, I think it's days are numbered.

Anyhoo, Mimi and O stopped by for a quick visit and then we were off. The boys were the hit of the neighborhood. Everyone loved Jake's pirate costume, especially the hat. Brady was true to the uniform and drove on for longer than he's ever walked. Candy is a great motivator. The boys didn't get freaked out by any scary costumes, but one tiny dog nearly got punted across a lawn. They love big dogs, little dogs...ehhh, not so much.

All in all it was a great round of trick or treating. They made a good haul and didn't even pitch a fit at being limited to three pieces of candy when we got home. Great job guys. I love you sooo much.

Hat Man

Jake, you always know how to make us smile in the most unexpected ways.

More Prayers

Sometimes things seem a bit overwhelming, but they say God never gives us more than we can handle. Jake and Brady's Great-Grandpa Voeller could really use some extra prayers now. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Happy Birthday, Great-Grandpa

Boys, today is your Great-Grandpa Ritz's 92nd birthday. It is also the day we said our final goodbyes. It was a beautiful day, and truly a celebration of his amazing life. There were many times this past week that you boys have questioned why I was crying, because you had a real understanding of how we should all be feeling. I would explain to you that I am crying for selfish reasons, because I am going to miss our grandpa so much. You would then remind me that Great-Grandpa is happy. He isn't hurting in the hospital anymore. You would tell me he is in heaven with God and Jesus and all of the family members who have been waiting to see him again. I wish I saw things through your beautiful eyes, Jake and Brady.

The church service this morning was a wonderful tribute to a man who touched so many lives. Jake, as someone was up speaking about how much he loved his great-grandchildren, you looked up at me and smiled. With tears in my eyes I said, "Great-Grandpa sure did love you. He is watching over you right now." You looked right into my eyes and said, "Yep, and I will see him again one day." Boys, I know it is hard to understand things like this, but you have been so wonderful. When Mommy had a hard time during the service, you would both give me a big hug and hold my hand or rub my arm. You always know just what I need.

We all went to Ma and Poppy's after the funeral, to be with family and friends and spend more time sharing special memories. We even had a birthday cake for him and we sang to the man who's life really did deserve to be celebrated today. I am so thankful that you had the opportunity to know and love your great-grandpa the way I love him. I am grateful that you aren't sad about losing him, but rather happy that he is in a better place now. Great-Grandpa Ritz loved you boys more than anything in this world, and I will never let you forget that. You always made him proud. You could bring a smile to his face, no matter what else was going on. Thank you for bringing so much joy to his life, the same way he brought joy to ours.

Happy 4th Birthday Brady!

Un-B-lievable. You can't be 4. No way. Time has flown by too quickly big guy. You used to be a squishy little fella, now you're a big ol' boy. Crazy.

We had your party on Sunday, even though your birthday was today. I think you liked stretching things out a bit. Two days of maximum Brady, nice. You wanted a paint party so that's what you got. Things started out nice and clean, and quickly degenerated into body painting. Whatever though, washable paint is awesome. You played some ball with your cousins, ate pizza and wings, opened presents like a wild man, and ate a bunch of paint bucket cake.

Today, you had your little party at school. You brought chocolate glazed donuts for everybody. Needless to say, that was huge hit with your buddies. Tonight after school, you got to open your presents from us. Then we went out to eat just the four of us. Your first choice was Dairy Queen, which turned into Islands. Good choice. After your meal, they brought you a huge brownie with ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and two cherries. You shared it with Jake and somehow I think you actually ate more than him. You are an amazing little boy.

Happy birthday Son. I love you forever.

Great Grandpa Ritz

Boys, today you lost your Great Grandpa Ritz. Last night you got to see him for the last time and tell him you love him. I'm not sure how much you will remember of the last few months as you grow older. Your Mom and I will be here to remind you of how special they were. You guys shared an incredible bond with him. Even though he couldn't say he loved you last night with words, I know he was saying it with his heart. He was a truly remarkable human being, and you boys are blessed to have his genes.

When I told you that he has passed today, you both smiled. I was a little put off seeing that reaction, but I shouldn't have been. When I asked why you were smiling, Jake you said, "Because he is with his wife now." Brady you looked at me and said, "Yep, he is." It was the sweetest thing I think I'll ever see. Your Great-Grandpa Ritz is smiling down on you right now, and forever.

*If anyone would like information about the services, please email us.

Pumpkin Pie

Tonight the boys and I made pumpkin pie. We love to bake together, and this is definitely one of our favorites. It just doesn't seem like fall until the house smells like pumpkin pie. (We can't always wait until fall, though, so we like to do it all year!) I had fun tonight, boys. I love you!

Angels vs Mariners

Jake had his second game this morning. He was so much more relaxed for this tilt. Not that he was uptight last game, he was just Mr. Confident today. Great job out there buddy.

Fall League

D-Backs tickets are pretty dang expensive right now...if you want to sit close. Not fall league tickets. It cost us $22 total and we got to sit front row behind the dugout. Wouldn't you know it...we even got to see some future D-Backs and one of the great all time D-Backs Matt Williams. The boys loved it. There were probably only 200 people at the game, so you could hear the game really well. Jake and Brady's eyes lit up when they saw there first real towering homerun. It was hit by a guy named Evan Longoria. So if he makes it big, the boys can say they knew him when. Plus the boys were given two game balls for sitting so close. Can't beat that. I'm thinking this is gonna be a regular little outing for us for years to come.

Best intentions

Today was not Jake's best day. He had a great day at school, but a bad day hanging out in the classroom with Mommy after school. When he got home, more of the same. No matter what was going on...he just couldn't make things go his way. Then, when we were in the bathroom brushing their teeth before bed, I put an arm around Jake's head and hugged him, and he bit me. I should have known better, because like me, he hates people touching his face. Still though, biting isn't cool.

I was mad at him. I told him to get in his bed which he did. Then I said, "Goodnight Jake", from his doorway and walked into Brady's room to say goodnight to him. After I walked out of Brady's room I went into our bathroom to take a shower. That's when I heard it. Jake was crying his eyes out. He was in hysterics. Cindy came running to get me, just as I was going to see what was wrong. I should have known. I didn't tell him I loved him before I said goodnight.

I have never felt so low in all my life. He was crying so hard. I hugged him and told him I loved him. I told him that just because I was mad at him, didn't mean I didn't love him. Most importantly though I said I was wrong. I have always told the boys that no matter what they do, or what anybody does to them, I will always love them. I have said, "I love you", at bedtime every night possible their whole lives.

Jake looked at me and said, "My heart hurts, it's just broken in tiny little pieces".
With that, my heart was broken into tiny little pieces too. It's a heck of a thing when a five year old can express himself like that. As hard as it was to hear, I'm glad that he said it. Too many times, I find myself getting a little too relaxed in my job as a Father. Those words were a great wake-up call.

Jake, we're going to have a better day tomorrow. We promised each other that tonight. I'm not going to try, I'm going to do it. I love you to the ends of the Earth, up past the stars, and brighter than the Sun. Goodnight my son.

Jake's First Game

Jake my man, you did it. Four innings of glory. You got four hits, and scored four runs. You made some great plays in the field as well. You had such a great attitude the whole time, even when you had nothing better to do than kick dirt. You certainly entertained the crowd of family members that showed up. I am so proud of you big boy. Great job!

Aerodynamic Jake

Jake and Brady Pre-Game

Dirty B and Mak

Second Practice

Jake had his second practice tonight. He did a great job. He brought his bat and helmet this time, so he did much better at the plate. The team helmet is a little small for his giant noggin, so it's a good thing he's got his own. Otherwise he looks and runs like one of those bobblehead figurines. The first ball he hit was just smoked, much to the delight of his coach. He hit every ball hard and took his turn running the bases. He's a little less enthusiastic about playing the field, but he stayed out there until the end. That picture of him frowning is right before he got to hit. He was second to last to hit and he'd had enough of kicking dirt. The consummate slugger. Great job my man.

First game is Saturday at 8:30AM (Yikes that's early). I can't wait.

D-Backs

O invited us to the first game of the NLDS tonight. The boys had a great time. We only stayed for a few innings, but we got there way early so it's alright. I like watching the games more at home anyway. But for the boys...they got to eat all the foods we'd never let them sit and gorge on. Red Vines, Cotton Candy, peanuts in the shell (for Jake), Pepsi, and hot dogs. Mmmmm....

Thanks for the tickets and the caps O. It was fun.

Keep Praying

This is a picture of me and my sweet student (who we miss so much) on his last day with us.

Here are some pictures of Mr. Armstrong with the cards my class made for him. Thank you to his wonderful wife for sending these to me! Please continue to keep this family in your prayers, as they prepare to finally come home.

Caramel Apples

Cindy and the boys made caramel apples tonight. What a treat. They had almost as much fun making them as they did eating them. Sticky, gooey, delicious fun.