In Memory of Ty

I write this now - b/c I'm not sure I could get up and speak it at a eulogy, and I'm hurting, but happy and going through all these emotions....

Saturday morning, we, family, and friends lost an incredible man, and heaven gained one of the most talented men I've ever met in my life. Ty Grant (see below for those of you who don't know mine and Dan's relationship with him) died in a motorcycle accident. No specifics yet. He was wearing a helmet and he was an experienced rider.

I met Ty Grant and his wife, Jen 6 years ago when I started playing in the praise and worship team at our church. They were an incredible couple, and God used Ty in so many ways in my life and my husband's life, and the lives of my children. He pushed me to play to the best of my ability for God. He admonished me like his daughter, and loved my husband and my children. He was their surrogate grandfather. He would always call me out when I was wrong, and help me realize what was right. He was a loving father, a good husband who loved his wife and worked hard. He never accepted a "thank you" or a hug, but by his smile and his eyes, you could always tell that he accepted those things.

I will never forget him bopping his head back and forth...getting into the music. Or how many times I teased him about getting an afro on that bald head of his...or how I playfully teased him about turning off the lights and only seeing his teeth glow in the dark. He loved chocolate cake, but he was allergic to chocolate as well.

He will be missed by all - he touched so many lives...and even as we grieve, heartbroken and unbelieving that this could happen....we know, that he beat us to the punch...as he always did with me....he's with his Daddy. And for that....a part of me can still play, can still sing the songs in my heart to God that I want to sooo badly.

Ty - while you never acknowledged how much you were loved by so many people - I hope that you did really know...how loved by us here on Earth that you were. Goodbye T-Dogg. Lucky Dogg....you met Him before we did.

We will miss you so much...

Sorry, dead link

Sorry about the link to the wedding pictures from the last post. This one should work better:

http://renewalceremony.shutterfly.com/

Enjoy!!!

Wow, didn't realize it had been so long since I posted last...

Our 10 Year Anniversary Renewal of our vows went well. Needless to say, I think we surprised more than a few people when we came out sword fighting down the aisle. We had a good time with our family and friends though. To see more pics of the ceremony go here (cut and copy in your browser): http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=720374a20a4e16432f762628e38c6d8e

As always, things have remained busy here. However, Dan and I recently decided that it would be better for our family if I went back down to one day a week at work again. It just seemed pointless for me to work four days a week, and bring home the same amount of money as I would if I was only doing one day a week (we wouldn't have to pay childcare or as much gas money). So despite some disagreeances within our outside family members, we choose our children over my working. I'll make the same amount of money and spend more time at home with our kids. Seems reasonable for now.

Looking at the last post....Nathan potty trained in just a few days and he's been doing well with that...although, we do have issues with the "every bathroom needs to be explored" idea. If I go to three different stores in an hour, he has to visit every restroom. And granted, he does go in every bathroom that he visits - but it does get a bit old after awhile. He's developing his own little personality lately and has been known to argue his point quite vehemently. Hence, reason number one that either Dan or I need to stay home to correct our children.

Cody passed fourth grade and will be starting 5th grade in late August. He was so proud of himself - and rightly so. And yes, the picture with Andrew and Nathan does show Cody's ability to tie up his brothers. He's been a tremendous help over the summer - although he does egg the other two on at times. Hence, reason number two for one of us finding a way to stay at home and raise our children.


Andrew made leaps and bounds in kindergarten this year...but not enough to pass him. His math is good for his grade, but his reading is behind. Right now, he is on track to repeat kindergarten. However, he will be reassessed on the first day of school and we'll see from there. We've accepted that he will probably repeat kindergarten next year. He is still having articulation issues with his speech as well, but together with the speech therapist at school - hopefully his speech will continue to improve. Hence, reason number three.

Dan is still working at the same shop about 15 minutes from our house. Business is slow with the economy the way it is, but he's doing as much as is available...and some occasional side work here and there.

My grandmother has been in and out of the hospital over the past month and a half. She is in a weakened state and mom is trying to get her to eat right. However, she is used to eating the way she is used to eating and its been a battle between her and mom to get her to eat properly.

Mom has been diagnosed with having scleroderma antibodies. It's a rare disorder where her immune system will attack her organs and/or joints.

My brother Joe is now on a trip across the country with a few of his guy friends. They don't know where they are going or what they'll see. They have very little money and they are depending on the kindness of strangers along the way...should be an interesting trip....