It's official! The wedding was perfect! Our daughter is a Mrs! More to follow.

Chris & Erin - Today's the day two become one...

Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate,
but through being the right mate. -Barnett R. Brickner

Don’t marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the
individual you think you can’t live without. -James C. Dobson

There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or
company than a good marriage. -Martin Luther

A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ come together. It is when
an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences. -Dave Meurer

Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom
when we love the ones we marry. -Tom Mullen

It's never quite what you think...

"At the end of the day faith is a funny thing. It turns up when you don't really expect it. Its like one day you realize that the fairy tale may be slightly different than you dreamed. The castle, well, it may not be a castle. And its not so important happy ever after, just that its happy right now. See once in a while, once in a blue moon, people will surprise you, and once in a while people may even take your breath away"Meredith Grey - Grey's Anatomy

You are who you are...

You don't have to love your family members. Sometimes there are disagreements, animosity, falling out, divorce or remarriages. It doesn't change the fact you are still a member of the family and therefore the family tree.

Threatening legal action to the geneology website, because you discovered the incomplete tree when you 'Googled' yourself, is childish. If you'd looked further you would discover the information on the tree is available through public channels. There is a private tree (family members are invited and participate regularly)which is current.

Why after years do you continue to carry such bitterness. Your actions are mimicked by those who look up to you and have always had a pure heart. How sad. They will miss out on a relationship and opportunities because of examples, instead of keeping your heart open or asking questions. Projecting your negative thoughts onto them... No one ever pushed you away. You've always been welcome and open discussion encouraged.

You are still a part of the family. The way you choose to handle it is up to you. Professing to be Christian is talk. You should truly learn to walk the walk as well. Words are easy.

Happy Birthday Erin!

Dad, Erin and Mom - just like the "early years"...

Today is our daughter's 28th birthday. It seems like just a short while ago it was her and I hanging out together while Dad went off and did his adventures in the Navy (because you know it's not just a job...)!

In a week our daughter will become a "Mrs." She's so happy and we love her Chris. He's a great addition to our family. Life ever-changing - our family growing! Happy Birthday Sweetheart! We love you with all our heart!

Always and forever...

I will remember the day. We were living in the apartment. We had been here mere months. Our oldest was away at her first year of college. Our home was being built. It was my nephew's birthday.

I drove the boys to school. On the way home I heard something about a plane into a building. Once home I watched the Today Show. I watched in disbelief as the second plane flew into the WTC. I called Mike. They hadn't heard anything and he was stunned.

I spent the day watching reports on TV. It had to be a dream. I checked on our daughter. I called my parents. I spoke with my sister and brother. I wanted to hear the voices of those I loved. Later we stood on the sidelines while our sons practiced soccer - you see our life continued at it's normal pace - but did it really remain normal? We are all forever changed.

God Bless America.

Pictures really can say a thousand words... You just have to listen.

We are family. We call one another and chat. We share ideas and thoughts. We vent frustrations, console, hug and laugh with one another. It's always been this way.

Our babies grew up together. I never felt judged and am always welcome in their home. Activity schedules were shared with us and we tried to attend whenever possible. We've been included - accepted for who we are - Mike and Deb - Dad and Deb. I realize today how valuable this relationship is to me.

Thank you for being my friend for the past 29+ years, opening your heart to include me as a part of your life.

Balloon Launch...

Saturday morning we returned to Ann Morrison Park with our grandson,

as promised a year ago.

We had the extra fun of having both his mom and dad join our adventure.

We watched the balloons unroll and fill, and eventually lift to the heavens.

So many colors silent and graceful across the skies.