Fall Update

Two years ago the world lost a great soul. My brother, Marty, died unexpectedly and suddenly, leaving an enormous hole in the fabric of our family. Although painful and difficult, we have gone through much healing and have a patch that has strengthened us at the seams. Much of it is due to the weaving together of the threads that were left, by his wife, Cindy~ an amazing person in her own right. We are all well and creating joyful memories that Marty would be proud of. He is not forgotten.

August 2010

 

And life goes on in its cycle. 

In the fall we dropped Matthew off at college.

Within an hour after we left him, he met a wonderful young woman, Sydney, at a freshman orientation mixer. Previously acquainted from the college Facebook Group, they hit it off right away and have been constant companions ever since. Sydney is a welcome addition to our family circle and surprisingly, I see much of myself reflected in her personality.

 

While walking around campus, M & S found this cute little hole in the sidewalk.

So, in the next few days, we were walking around the block and found THIS cute little hole in the sidewalk.

We went to visit Matthew to see him play in a concert on campus~ thus the tux...

We celebrated Iris' birthday with a surprise visit from her son and granddaughter!

This cutie got lots of love!!

On a Chilly September Morning we went canoeing with our church friends.

Eric & I are trying to get out for some much needed Date Nights.

Here is my Dad, single handedly re-doing the kitchen floor in his house!

And Whisper, with her ever watchful eye on me. Every room I go in, she follows.

The Stage Crew

Proud Daddy.

Shanna sporting her new braces!

A late fall vegetable garden harvest. Yes, that is a very tiny butternut!

Mary Alice's Birthday

Celebrating at AppleBees. Just the girls, as Daddy was out of town, Matthew at college.

Shanna & Megan enjoyed a trip to the Firefighter's Open House.

Our annual Pumpkin Carving Party at Church. Matthew was home for the weekend!

Snuggle time with Daddy.

This Cutie is my great nephew, Arden, in his Halloween Costume!

And this Cutie is Whisper! =) Sorry, no pictures of the girls this year... Just didn't happen. Don't know why.

And more Stage Crew. A big part of Mary Alice's life.

And the cake she made for the friend above, for her birthday. Frosting is homemade fondant. All. On. Her. Own!

Here is the doorway that Eric created for me between our front hall and family room. I. LOVE. IT! It still needs some finish work and I will post someday when finished.

These giggle girls never stop smiling and hugging. Like puppies.

Once again we travelled to my brother and sister-in-law's home, where we were welcomed and pampered for a wonderful visit. We missed Marty, but the house was filled with the spirit of family. It was a special joy this year to have my mother, father, Iris and Arden join us!

Cindy gave us commemorative Menurkeys and we all brought our menorahs to light.

I enjoyed my time with Matthew. I miss him so much when he is away but I am Oh So Proud of his successful transition to college and independence.

I cannot get enough of this sweet face. He is simply dreamy.

Shanna, too. =)

Dawn & Mary Alice, too. =)

Matthew, too. =)

And Aunt Sue

And Grandpa Jerry.

Even Biddie is smitten. Arden was so generous with his smiles and attention.

Homeade hot cocoa with whipped cream in the morning is one of the things Megan remembers most fondly about Marty and Thanksgiving.

This is the beautiful Birthday Cake Mary Alice made me.

I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday with my whole family.

And I share my special day with Shanna, who celebrated her 3rd anniversary of being adopted on my birthday!

These are rocks that we all painted over Thanksgiving weekend. Each represents a memory of Marty. Thanks to Sue for having such a great idea and bringing the needed supplies.

Happy Holidays to Everyone!