We Miss That Smile!

It is so hard to believe that it has been 8 months since Dad passed away. Everyone says it gets better with time. Some days it seems as though it has, and others I can't believe he is gone. A lot has happened in the last 8 months that Dad would have been proud of, and a lot has happened that would have made him very sad. The proud would surely out weigh the sad. One of the proudest would have been the birth of another little Granddaughter, and she is so pretty, just like her big sister. Chris went back to school after 20 years and is doing very well. This would have made him very happy also.

One of the saddest moments we can not share with you, but we know he knows, and he would have been so upset if he was alive when it happened. Also, Grandma fell and broke her hip. She had to have surgery, and is now in a nursing home. This would not have set well with Dad. Last weekend his great niece was killed in an automobile accident at the age of 23. That would have upset him so much. She left behind 3 children.

We are all staying as strong as we can.

A New Granddaughter!

As most of you know, Kim and Tabatha were expecting their second child before Dad passed away.

We would like you to meet.....

Payton Ann Max

Payton was born February 18th at 7:48 PM.
She weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 21" long.

Mom and baby are doing great. Payton looks just like Jerzie looked when she was born except for the color of her hair. Payton has darker hair.

Here are Dad's beautiful baby girls. He loved being a grandfather, and we know he would be very proud of his two granddaughters.

It Wasn't Easy!

This picture is of a figurine I bought for Dad years ago because it reminded me of him.

It wasn't easy, but we made it through the holidays. It seemed weird Christmas day not to go to Dad's. We went at the same time every year, so when the time came it was weird to look at my watch and see that we weren't at Dads. Kim and some of our cousins made sure Dad got a drink of Glögg on Christmas. Dad loved to have a few sips of Glögg on Christmas, so the guys went to the grave site and had a drink or two with him.

New Years dinner was still at our house. It was different not having Dad at the table with his Margarita. Chris and I did a shot for Dad at midnight and sent Kim a text to show him. He sent us one back. Even though we weren't together at midnight we were thinking of the same thing.

New Years Eve Dinner!

For quite a few years we had gone out for dinner on New Years eve with Dad and Sharon. It was always Dads time. He so loved being able to get together.

Picture taken New Years Eve 2005

Ever since Jerzie came along we thought it would be easier on everyone to come to our house for dinner. Kim, Tabatha, Chris and I all made dinner. We made steaks on the grill, had a couple kinds of shrimp and tons of other food. We all had a great time.

Picture taken New Years Eve 2006

This year is definitely different. Kim and I decided we still wanted to get together for dinner since we don't do it often enough. We know Dad will be with us in spirit for dinner tonight.

Hard To Believe!

I can't believe that these pictures were taken on Christmas Day 2007. Who would have known that this would have been our last Christmas together. Not me that is for sure. I remember you telling us that you had another lump but never thought that it would take you from us. I can't imagine how hard it must have been to sit and tell your children that your cancer was back yet again. You fought such a brave battle Dad. We are all so proud of that. We are glad you aren't suffering any more but we all miss you so much!

Merry Christmas Dad!

We love you and always will!!

It's Finally Here!

Dad's headstone was finally delivered today. For some reason Laurie decided to call today and find out how it was coming and they told her it was on the truck to be delivered today.

Before we went to pay the balance off for Sharon we drove up to make sure it was done the way we wanted it. The headstone is perfect. We think it is what Dad would have wanted. You all may be surprised that there isn't a motorcycle on it, but hunting and fishing was a big part of Dads life also.

We put a Christmas wreath with Dads favorite color bow on it on his grave today.

He Loved His Motorcycles!

I found this picture today while looking back at Christmas pictures and knew I had to post it. Chris and I gave this Santa on a Motorcycle to dad last year. We went over to Dad and Sharon's house and put it up on a Saturday while they were at the Rod and Gun Club. When Dad pulled into his parking spot all he could see was Santa smiling at him. He was so excited when he saw it. I have it now and it will be put up this weekend. I just love the smile on Dads face in this picture.

We all know that Christmas just won't be the same this year, but we also know that Dad wouldn't want us to be bummed during the holidays. We are all trying to keep our spirits high for the holidays. Don't forget if you want to leave a comment or send an email it would be greatly appreciated. If you leave a comment for Sharon we will make sure she gets it.

Don't forget to have a shot of JD or a sip of Glug for Dad this holiday season!