Here are some pictures:
All the participants
The Mini Golf Classic Crew.
The Winners! Andrew, Stan, Tammy and Toby. 10 Under Par. Way to Go Guys!
Us.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Mike Brake Memorial Golf Classic
September 19th we held the Inaugural Mike Brake Memorial Golf Classic in dad's memory. It was a chilly, wet, cloudy day, but it was fun. The proceeds were designated towards a jr. golf scholarship and Hospice of Mercy. We raised about $2000 for Hospice. It is such a great organization and means a lot to our family. For more on the tournament check out http://mbmgc.webs.com. I think dad would have been pleased with how it turned out. His presence was definitely felt that day.
Here are some pictures:
All the participants
The Mini Golf Classic Crew.
The Winners! Andrew, Stan, Tammy and Toby. 10 Under Par. Way to Go Guys!
Us.
Here are some pictures:
All the participants
The Mini Golf Classic Crew.
The Winners! Andrew, Stan, Tammy and Toby. 10 Under Par. Way to Go Guys!
Us.
On the road again...Labor Day Weekend.
Over the long holiday weekend, we went to Ohio to my cousin Angela's wedding reception. My cousin Ashley had her baby and I got some quality baby time in with Korbin. Here is Korbin and I chillin, literally, at the reception.
Korbin. So precious.
Me and Kaiden. Ashley's other little guy is such a ham and I love him to pieces.
All of the cousins and grandma.
Korbin. So precious.
Me and Kaiden. Ashley's other little guy is such a ham and I love him to pieces.
All of the cousins and grandma.
WOW...time has flown by...
April. April was my last post. Summer has come and gone and September has ended. Crazy. Here are some pictures from Summer highlights.
In May one of my best friends got married and I had the privilege to stand up in her wedding. Here is a picture of Sarah and Ryan Hancock leaving the church and then one of Sarah and I at the reception. It was a beautiful fun day!
The end of June, I had the pleasure of going to visit my friend Erin for her wedding shower and spend time celebrating her girls 7th Birthday. Here is a collage of Bella and Luna. I can't believe how big they're getting!
4th of July weekend...well actually the 3rd. Having fun with Little Man, Brooke and Katrina.
July brought on more weddings...
With the girls at Lindsay and Justin's wedding. I think we all cleaned up nicely and look pretty sassy.
End of July, Mom, Aron and I went down to Florida for my cousin Angela's wedding. It was so fun! The mini vacation was not near long enough. Here's a picture of me with a monkey statue at Busch Gardens.
On the Beach at sunset. The beach was the only place with a breeze.
The ceremony of Angela and Zak!
Some of the family.
The next weekend we went to our family reunion in Glenwood. It was a great time, but weird at the same time. Weird because dad wasn't there and Ken is not doing well... I love when we all get together. I especially enjoyed rooming with my cousin Jen. It was great to catch up with her!
This is Sammy. The giraffe we got to feed at the Omaha Zoo. It was so fun and I certainly have never been so close to a giraffe.
Russell and I after bowling. I don't think we won, but it was sure fun.
The G4's...those of us who could make it.
Beautiful Lindy. At our last reunion, my cousin Lisa was pregnant with her. It was wonderful to finally meet her and she is a true blessing.
In May one of my best friends got married and I had the privilege to stand up in her wedding. Here is a picture of Sarah and Ryan Hancock leaving the church and then one of Sarah and I at the reception. It was a beautiful fun day!
The end of June, I had the pleasure of going to visit my friend Erin for her wedding shower and spend time celebrating her girls 7th Birthday. Here is a collage of Bella and Luna. I can't believe how big they're getting!
4th of July weekend...well actually the 3rd. Having fun with Little Man, Brooke and Katrina.
July brought on more weddings...
With the girls at Lindsay and Justin's wedding. I think we all cleaned up nicely and look pretty sassy.
End of July, Mom, Aron and I went down to Florida for my cousin Angela's wedding. It was so fun! The mini vacation was not near long enough. Here's a picture of me with a monkey statue at Busch Gardens.
On the Beach at sunset. The beach was the only place with a breeze.
The ceremony of Angela and Zak!
Some of the family.
The next weekend we went to our family reunion in Glenwood. It was a great time, but weird at the same time. Weird because dad wasn't there and Ken is not doing well... I love when we all get together. I especially enjoyed rooming with my cousin Jen. It was great to catch up with her!
This is Sammy. The giraffe we got to feed at the Omaha Zoo. It was so fun and I certainly have never been so close to a giraffe.
Russell and I after bowling. I don't think we won, but it was sure fun.
The G4's...those of us who could make it.
Beautiful Lindy. At our last reunion, my cousin Lisa was pregnant with her. It was wonderful to finally meet her and she is a true blessing.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Happy Birthday Mom!
Today is my mom's birthday! I don't know what I would do without her. She is one of my best friends and a fantastic lady!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Six Months Gone
One year ago my dad told me that the cancer was back. That it was in his bones and that it was Stage IV. We would get exactly six more months with him. Today marks six months he's been gone. Of those last six months we had with him, some days we took for granted and they're kind of a blur, others stick out in my mind and as time marches on I only hope that I'll be able to remember them. I suppose that's why writing my thoughts down are so important.
I remember when he started treatment again. He was so determined! He tried to have a lot of energy and even when the chemo started to kick his but, he still acted like everything was fine. He would putz around the store and try to act busy. He would go on his "wanders" around downtown, talk to the bank ladies, schmooze with the folks in the food gallery and anyone else he would run into on the street. He would then return to his office and usually nap or "rest the eyes" for just a minute. He'd find things to do at night and on the weekends...soccer games at Kennedy, breakfast at Mikhael's, home improvement stores with mom, tearing part of the deck apart...he really was going to finish that project...and bless him, he kept going until his body wouldn't let him go anymore.
It's hard to believe how fast those months went by...yet, when he was in the hospital it seemed like time was standing still like he was there forever...when the decision was made to call in hospice, we hoped for time to stand still. In that final week, when we really wanted him to hang on and talk to us, we knew that he was ready to go. And we had to let him.
Six months gone. I think about him everyday. I miss him more than words can say. As time moves on so do we and even though he isn't here, we'll catch ourselves wondering "what would dad do".
A couple of my favorite pictures of dad and I.
I remember when he started treatment again. He was so determined! He tried to have a lot of energy and even when the chemo started to kick his but, he still acted like everything was fine. He would putz around the store and try to act busy. He would go on his "wanders" around downtown, talk to the bank ladies, schmooze with the folks in the food gallery and anyone else he would run into on the street. He would then return to his office and usually nap or "rest the eyes" for just a minute. He'd find things to do at night and on the weekends...soccer games at Kennedy, breakfast at Mikhael's, home improvement stores with mom, tearing part of the deck apart...he really was going to finish that project...and bless him, he kept going until his body wouldn't let him go anymore.
It's hard to believe how fast those months went by...yet, when he was in the hospital it seemed like time was standing still like he was there forever...when the decision was made to call in hospice, we hoped for time to stand still. In that final week, when we really wanted him to hang on and talk to us, we knew that he was ready to go. And we had to let him.
Six months gone. I think about him everyday. I miss him more than words can say. As time moves on so do we and even though he isn't here, we'll catch ourselves wondering "what would dad do".
A couple of my favorite pictures of dad and I.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tres Decades
This is overdue since I turned another decade in January, but here are some highlights from the birthday celebrations.
With the Bartlett's Celebrating the January Birthdays
Brooke and I
Gena and I at her birthday celebration
Sarah and I at my birthday celebration
Gena, Sarah and I at my birthday celebration. We enjoyed som yummy food at the Brown Bottle before going to the Piano Lounge in Iowa City.
Sarah, Erin and I at the Piano Lounge
With the Bartlett's Celebrating the January Birthdays
Brooke and I
Gena and I at her birthday celebration
Sarah and I at my birthday celebration
Gena, Sarah and I at my birthday celebration. We enjoyed som yummy food at the Brown Bottle before going to the Piano Lounge in Iowa City.
Sarah, Erin and I at the Piano Lounge
Friday, January 15, 2010
Gettin' My Goat
Maybe I should stop reading the news... Seriously. I rarely comment on controversial issues but I've read about three things today that really annoy me. Two have to do with hatred and with people doing things in the name of Christ or the church. I'm sorry but I don't think either one are Christian and as a Christian I am appalled by the behavior. This being said, the following is my opinion and if you don't agree with it then fine. It's still my opinion and I'm allowed to have one.
1st issue. Pat Robertson. Who does this guy think he is? I know he's the president of the Christian Broadcasting Network, but still...I am so utterly disgusted by what he said about the earthquake that hit Haiti. In case you're reading this and don't know what I'm talking about here is what he said.
"Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it. They were under the heel of the French--ugh, you know, Napoleon III or whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the Devil. They said, "We will serve you if you'll get us free from the French." True story. And so the Devil said, "OK, it's a deal." And they kicked the French out—you know, the Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since they have been cursed by one thing after the other—desperately poor. That island of Hispaniola is one island. It's cut down the middle. On the one side is Haiti, on the other side is the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is prosperous, healthy, full of resorts, etcetera. Haiti is in desperate poverty. Same island. They need to have---and we need to pray for them—a great turning to God. And out of this tragedy I'm optimistic something good may come. But right now we're helping the suffering people and the suffering is unimaginable."
For real? The earthquake happened because the Haitians make a pact with the devil. This was God's punishment to them? Right... God loves the people of Haiti like he loves everyone.
There's nothing like unspeakable human tragedy to bring out the crazy. Apparently he's the same guy who said that Hurricane Katrina was an expression of God's wrath over abortion.
2nd Issue: Rush Limbaugh. According to him "Obama will use Haiti to boost credibility with "light-skinned and dark-skinned black community in this country" Ugh... There is no need for comments like this. I hate that a natural disaster becomes political with a certain group of people. The US will send their aid and help however they can. The Cubans were there with doctors immediately afterward unannounced. Brazil, China, and France have all responded. Perhaps they are trying to influence the light skin and dark skinned blacks in their communities. We are called to help those in need and the people of Haiti are definitely in need. This is a world unifying event, especially in these economic times. I've done my part and will most likely do more. There is only one part of Pat Robertson's spiel that I would agree with and that is "They need to have---and we need to pray for them—a great turning to God. And out of this tragedy I'm optimistic something good may come. But right now we're helping the suffering people and the suffering is unimaginable." So pray people.
3rd Issue. The Westboro Baptist Church, let by Fred Phelps. This group is awful and unfortunately they are descending on Cedar Rapids tonight. Why? Because our little community theater is putting on a production of the Laramie Project. I was going to go to this play, and may still. The Laramie Project is about the reaction to the 1998 murder of University of Wyoming gay student Matthew Shepard. The play is used to teach about prejudice and tolerance. The play has also inspired grassroots efforts to combat homophobia. The Westboro Baptist Church protests all things homosexual and is sending a legion of followers to Cedar Rapids this week to picket the opening night of “The Laramie Project.” In response, a group of people in C.R. and probably a large one at that, is forming a counter protest to the Westboro Baptist Church. I know several people, quite a few of them Christian and even pastors, who are going to protest tonight and are going to do so pretty much silently. Just to annoy the WBC.
I am astounded by the idea that so much hate can be committed in the name of religion, of any religion. I can not fathom the amount of hate this man and these people have. I also read an article about how one of his sons is an atheist...which is sad that he's been unable so far, to see what true Christianity is. Here is a link to that story:http://www.atheistnexus.org/page/nate-phelps-2009-aa-speech
What bothers me and what is more offensive than the hatred they spread is that they claim it is in the name of GOD. Their behavior is unacceptable in to myself and I"m sure to God. It's too bad that Fred Phelps and his followers waste their time with such hatred instead of demonstrating Christ's unconditional love. In the midst of the devastation in Haiti and around the U.S. for that matter, maybe they could put themselves to good use and do something good for others instead of showing their hate. 1 Peter 3:8-9 says: "8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (NIV)
It’s interesting that people behave in these manners. And rather frightening at the same time.
John 13:34 (NIV)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
1st issue. Pat Robertson. Who does this guy think he is? I know he's the president of the Christian Broadcasting Network, but still...I am so utterly disgusted by what he said about the earthquake that hit Haiti. In case you're reading this and don't know what I'm talking about here is what he said.
"Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it. They were under the heel of the French--ugh, you know, Napoleon III or whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the Devil. They said, "We will serve you if you'll get us free from the French." True story. And so the Devil said, "OK, it's a deal." And they kicked the French out—you know, the Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since they have been cursed by one thing after the other—desperately poor. That island of Hispaniola is one island. It's cut down the middle. On the one side is Haiti, on the other side is the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is prosperous, healthy, full of resorts, etcetera. Haiti is in desperate poverty. Same island. They need to have---and we need to pray for them—a great turning to God. And out of this tragedy I'm optimistic something good may come. But right now we're helping the suffering people and the suffering is unimaginable."
For real? The earthquake happened because the Haitians make a pact with the devil. This was God's punishment to them? Right... God loves the people of Haiti like he loves everyone.
There's nothing like unspeakable human tragedy to bring out the crazy. Apparently he's the same guy who said that Hurricane Katrina was an expression of God's wrath over abortion.
2nd Issue: Rush Limbaugh. According to him "Obama will use Haiti to boost credibility with "light-skinned and dark-skinned black community in this country" Ugh... There is no need for comments like this. I hate that a natural disaster becomes political with a certain group of people. The US will send their aid and help however they can. The Cubans were there with doctors immediately afterward unannounced. Brazil, China, and France have all responded. Perhaps they are trying to influence the light skin and dark skinned blacks in their communities. We are called to help those in need and the people of Haiti are definitely in need. This is a world unifying event, especially in these economic times. I've done my part and will most likely do more. There is only one part of Pat Robertson's spiel that I would agree with and that is "They need to have---and we need to pray for them—a great turning to God. And out of this tragedy I'm optimistic something good may come. But right now we're helping the suffering people and the suffering is unimaginable." So pray people.
3rd Issue. The Westboro Baptist Church, let by Fred Phelps. This group is awful and unfortunately they are descending on Cedar Rapids tonight. Why? Because our little community theater is putting on a production of the Laramie Project. I was going to go to this play, and may still. The Laramie Project is about the reaction to the 1998 murder of University of Wyoming gay student Matthew Shepard. The play is used to teach about prejudice and tolerance. The play has also inspired grassroots efforts to combat homophobia. The Westboro Baptist Church protests all things homosexual and is sending a legion of followers to Cedar Rapids this week to picket the opening night of “The Laramie Project.” In response, a group of people in C.R. and probably a large one at that, is forming a counter protest to the Westboro Baptist Church. I know several people, quite a few of them Christian and even pastors, who are going to protest tonight and are going to do so pretty much silently. Just to annoy the WBC.
I am astounded by the idea that so much hate can be committed in the name of religion, of any religion. I can not fathom the amount of hate this man and these people have. I also read an article about how one of his sons is an atheist...which is sad that he's been unable so far, to see what true Christianity is. Here is a link to that story:http://www.atheistnexus.org/page/nate-phelps-2009-aa-speech
What bothers me and what is more offensive than the hatred they spread is that they claim it is in the name of GOD. Their behavior is unacceptable in to myself and I"m sure to God. It's too bad that Fred Phelps and his followers waste their time with such hatred instead of demonstrating Christ's unconditional love. In the midst of the devastation in Haiti and around the U.S. for that matter, maybe they could put themselves to good use and do something good for others instead of showing their hate. 1 Peter 3:8-9 says: "8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (NIV)
It’s interesting that people behave in these manners. And rather frightening at the same time.
John 13:34 (NIV)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The word is Fight Fight Fight for IOWA!
The Iowa Hawkeyes played in the Orange Bowl last night and defeated the Georgia Tech Bees. Wooo Hooo! The Hawks are my favorite team to watch and the have been for as far back as I can remember. I enjoy all parts of the good, bad and ugly that make up Iowa football. Last nights game was no exception. The defense was Amazing and despite having been injured with only a few games left in the regular season and not having played, quarterback Ricky Stanzi was super. Oh how I wish I could have been in that Hawk dominated Miami stadium cheering the good guys on. Someday...
http://www.hawkeyebowlgame.com/2010/01/orange-you-glad-it%E2%80%99s-iowa/
I did make it to one game at Kinnick this year thanks to some tickets given to my friends Amy and Tammy. Mom and I joined them on Halloween for the game against Indiana. As usual it was quite fun and thankfully they won. It was a titch chilly out that day, but it's totally worth it. Here are some pictures from that game.
Sarah, Erin and I at Gus' for the Orange Bowl.
The following pictures are from gazetteonline.com. Great pictures. Great Game. Wish I could have been there!
http://www.hawkeyebowlgame.com/2010/01/orange-you-glad-it%E2%80%99s-iowa/
I did make it to one game at Kinnick this year thanks to some tickets given to my friends Amy and Tammy. Mom and I joined them on Halloween for the game against Indiana. As usual it was quite fun and thankfully they won. It was a titch chilly out that day, but it's totally worth it. Here are some pictures from that game.
Sarah, Erin and I at Gus' for the Orange Bowl.
The following pictures are from gazetteonline.com. Great pictures. Great Game. Wish I could have been there!
Highlights of the Holiday Season
The following are some pictures from this past holiday season.
The group of us at the Somethings Pajama Holiday Party. So fun! So comfy!
Scenes from Sarah...I mean Courtney's Desperate Wives Murder Mystery Party. My character was not the murderer. I played a writer who's name escapes me.
Sarah, Me and Tammy. Sarah was the perfect house wife, Tammy played a model.
New Years Eve
The group of us at the Somethings Pajama Holiday Party. So fun! So comfy!
Scenes from Sarah...I mean Courtney's Desperate Wives Murder Mystery Party. My character was not the murderer. I played a writer who's name escapes me.
Sarah, Me and Tammy. Sarah was the perfect house wife, Tammy played a model.
New Years Eve
1st Christmas
I realize it's been a while since I blogged. It's hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone. Christmas Eve we enjoyed dinner as a family minus Grandma Ruth since she was sick. We then went to the Christmas Eve service. I love Christmas services. The story, the music..everything. A couple weeks prior to Christmas I had a chance to listen to this wonderful choir in which my friend was singing and orchestra perform a Christmas musical...loved it! Back to Christmas Eve though...following the service at church we went home and a little while later I went to midnight mass with my friend Katrina. It was a really good service too. Candle lit, good message and of course music. It was a wonderful way to ring in Christmas day and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
I'll admit that I was pretty emotional Christmas morning. I've been dreaming a lot about dad...some good and some bad. Christmas morning, I woke from a not good dream and my emotions got the better of me. Christmas was good but different this year. We did many things that we normally do for the holiday, but changed it up just a tad. We didn't have breakfast as a family this year and our Christmas dinner consisted of pretty much all foods dad absolutely did not like. Ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, raspberry/peach jell-o... Opening presents had its usual share of humor and "what the heck is this for". The funniest thing said was when grandma Ruth opened a box that held a purple floral print cardigan and she called it sexy. Oh man, bout spit out my hot chocolate I was drinking on that one. Most practical gift I was given was a box of Kleenex by my Grandma Beth. Unfortunately I need them this week. Most surprising gift given to me was a guitar. I kind of joked about getting one and then I did. Now I just have to learn to play it, since I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to guitars.
New Years Eve... trip to the e.r. with grandma Ruth, four and a half hrs later find out she was dehydrated and the meds in her system weren't getting passed out causing her to be lethargic/not very responsive. They gave her this magic antidote and she snapped right out of her weirdness...was perky and making jokes, got her home, ran home quickly, and made it in time to ring in the New Year with some friends.
Some Pictures from Christmas.
Life was about to change when we gathered that Friday
We sat around your bed and began to pray
We told you it was ok to go, so you would suffer no more
God was calling you home; it’s what He had in store
We watched your rattled breaths and tried not to cry
We held your hands and rubbed your cheek as we said our goodbye
Your breathing became so shallow and we knew the end was near
We told you that we loved you and hoped that you could hear
And then you were gone. No more would we hear your voice
Our final goodbye, it was impossible not to cry
I miss you more than words can say,
Especially when I woke Christmas Day
Exactly three months gone by
I couldn’t help but cry
As we gathered to open presents there was an absence in the air
We were seated in a circle, but you were not in your chair
Something was missing with every scrap of paper we threw
That something that should have been there was, of course you
We reminisced on Christmas past
Remembering the things that made you laugh
If I could only see you for a while,
Just seeing your face would make me smile
It broke our hearts to lose you, dad
And sometimes we’re lonely and sad
We know that you are in a better place...
And no matter what life may bring our memories of you can never be erased!
I love and miss you daddy
I'll admit that I was pretty emotional Christmas morning. I've been dreaming a lot about dad...some good and some bad. Christmas morning, I woke from a not good dream and my emotions got the better of me. Christmas was good but different this year. We did many things that we normally do for the holiday, but changed it up just a tad. We didn't have breakfast as a family this year and our Christmas dinner consisted of pretty much all foods dad absolutely did not like. Ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, raspberry/peach jell-o... Opening presents had its usual share of humor and "what the heck is this for". The funniest thing said was when grandma Ruth opened a box that held a purple floral print cardigan and she called it sexy. Oh man, bout spit out my hot chocolate I was drinking on that one. Most practical gift I was given was a box of Kleenex by my Grandma Beth. Unfortunately I need them this week. Most surprising gift given to me was a guitar. I kind of joked about getting one and then I did. Now I just have to learn to play it, since I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to guitars.
New Years Eve... trip to the e.r. with grandma Ruth, four and a half hrs later find out she was dehydrated and the meds in her system weren't getting passed out causing her to be lethargic/not very responsive. They gave her this magic antidote and she snapped right out of her weirdness...was perky and making jokes, got her home, ran home quickly, and made it in time to ring in the New Year with some friends.
Some Pictures from Christmas.
Life was about to change when we gathered that Friday
We sat around your bed and began to pray
We told you it was ok to go, so you would suffer no more
God was calling you home; it’s what He had in store
We watched your rattled breaths and tried not to cry
We held your hands and rubbed your cheek as we said our goodbye
Your breathing became so shallow and we knew the end was near
We told you that we loved you and hoped that you could hear
And then you were gone. No more would we hear your voice
Our final goodbye, it was impossible not to cry
I miss you more than words can say,
Especially when I woke Christmas Day
Exactly three months gone by
I couldn’t help but cry
As we gathered to open presents there was an absence in the air
We were seated in a circle, but you were not in your chair
Something was missing with every scrap of paper we threw
That something that should have been there was, of course you
We reminisced on Christmas past
Remembering the things that made you laugh
If I could only see you for a while,
Just seeing your face would make me smile
It broke our hearts to lose you, dad
And sometimes we’re lonely and sad
We know that you are in a better place...
And no matter what life may bring our memories of you can never be erased!
I love and miss you daddy
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