First Day of School

Our little girl started High School today. I can't believe she's 14 already! Catie is attending the Main Street School of Performing Arts, a Charter school specializing in Dance, Music and Theater. She is majoring in Dance, with a minor in Theater. This is such a great opportunity for Catie. A small school with a total population of 350, smaller class size, a block schedule with only four, 90 minute classes per day. She is very excited and can't wait to get started.

Happy Birthday My Dear!

My lovely bride Christina turned @#$% years old today. And I have to say, she doesn't look a day over 29...again! The kids and I took her out for a nice dinner. It was a mild evening so we ate outside. Have to enjoy the warm weather while it lasts. Afterward we returned home for gifts and cake. Over all she had a very nice day. Tons of birthday wishes from family and friends on Facebook. Also got mentioned on the local news (WCCO) because she is a Facebook friend of the anchor person. Even got a call from her Mom which is always nice. She did mention that it doesn't quite feel the same without Alex. We all sure do miss him. He did send him Mamma birthday wishes from across the miles though. Happy Birthday sweetheart. I love you.

Posing outside the restaurant, beautiful flowers!

Nik and Catie each bought Chris a new pair of sunglasses

Chris and Lola

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary

I can't help but think of my Mom today. Where she still alive, she and my Dad would be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Their Golden Anniversary. It's days like this that a spectrum of feelings wash over me. There is that empty ache, that only her limitless love and endless hugs can fill. There is the gratefulness that I was blessed with such a great example of how to live a loving, caring, selfless life. Everyone that ever met my Mom would without hesitation agree that they had experienced my Mom's best qualities, regardless of whether they knew her for a day, a year or a lifetime. I live each day, trying to embody the examples that Mom modeled for me. I know I fall short, but I do my best to honor her memory through my daily actions. God Bless you Mom, I love you.

Dad, I know this is a hard day for you too. Just remember that we love you and care about you. Mom is a part of our lives but her memories are fixed in the past. Our memories of you are not only of the past, but also the present and future. That is a blessing I will not take for granted. God Bless you Dad.