My grandfather

My grandfather died last night. He was 93 and has been living with Alzheimer's for quite a few years now. He lived a good life, worked hard and was as honest and decent a person as I've ever met. He was a good soul.

I have lots of memories of my Pop-pop, and none of them bad. I remember visiting his office and turning round and round in his office chair. I remember riding on the golf cart around the course. I remember going to see the Cass railroad. I remember him coming with my Mom to pick me up from Girl Scout camp the summer he retired. I remember his Santa Claus pants -- red and black plaid slacks he's wear every Christmas. I remember holidays and birthdays and picnics and time together as a family.

When someone close to you dies, it's natural to be sad. And I am, but not for him. I know he's in a better place, and that brings a lot of peace. But I'm sad for us and the presence of the man we'll miss.

I'll think of him every family dinner, when he would offer the grace I can literally hear him saying in my head. I'll miss him telling me that "the sheriff hadn't caught him yet" when I'd ask him how he was doing. I'll try to honor him by living the kind of honest, hard-working life that he did.

I'll miss you, Pop-pop.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy birthday to you...
Happy birthday to you...
Happy birthday, dear Mom...
Happy birthday to you!

Today we are wishing a very happy birthday to my Mom!! Here's to hoping that you have a very happy day -- thanks for all that you do!

(This photo was taken last summer. Everyone says we look alike, but we don't really see it. Funny enough, we made my Mom a Wii Mii last weekend when my parents were visiting, and when we put it next to my Mii, they looked so much alike it was laughable. What do you think??)

Happy Birthday, Pop-pop

Today, my Pop-pop is 93. He's lived a great life and has always been special to me. I have millions of memories of our time together... from visiting his office when I was little and sitting in his big chair, to riding on the cart at the golf course, to him showing up at Girl Scout camp with my Mom to pick me up one summer... in his coat and tie. I can still picture it.

Pop-pop has Alzheimer's now and life isn't so easy, but he does okay. My grandmother is a saint to take such good care of him. We all know it isn't simple.

So, join with me in wishing him a wonderful day.

The Hamilton Simpsons

I saw this on a friend's blog this morning and thought it was fun - here are Rob and me as "Hamilton Simpsons!"

Go here to Simpsonize yourself!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Rob and I traveled to my parents' house this weekend to help celebrate my Mom's birthday. Last year, I threw a little surprise party for her (think big birthday!), but this year we planned to celebrate with family. My parents visited with my brother and sister-in-law last weekend, so it was just Rob and me for this celebration.

We headed up Friday (left work a bit early) and had dinner with my folks. Before we even left, we knew that Al Roker was calling for snow on Sunday. We kept our eye on the weather and ended up heading back Saturday night after dinner. Good thing we did - we ended up with about 6 inches of snow, and I think they got more in western MD.

Plus, Rob's parents ended up joining us for dinner on Saturday night, which was great! We celebrated Mom's big day at Giuseppe's Restaurant, which is our favorite. We even had our rehearsal dinner there!

All in all, we had a nice weekend, even though it was shorter than planned. Being snowed in at home on Sunday wasn't all bad either - we enjoyed the lazy day!