Monday, April 23, 2012

These Days...

     Life has been very busy these days...and very sad at times.  On Saturday one of my colleagues, Bobbi, lost her battle with cancer.  It was a tough battle for her these past few months, and I know that she will be missed.  Four of her family members work for Darrell, so he will join me at her service on Friday.
Two of our custodians, Diana and Bobbi (in the yellow)  
She hated having her picture taken, but I was able to snap this shot of her about 18 months ago prior to her cancer.

     Knowing that Mom O. is fading away is difficult as well.  It's been weighing on our minds a lot these days as we have been spending a considerable amount of time with her.  In addition to her lung disease, she fell and broke her hip in two places.  She is confined to a hospital bed as the doctors would not operate due to the serious risks involved.  Her lung capacity is less than 10% now, and this recent fall doesn't help matters for her.  However, she still really enjoys having company and maintains her sense of humor at times.  I know that she isn't very comfortable due to her breathing and the pain as a result of the double break, but she continues to hang in there.
Here I am with Mom O.


 After a recent visit to the hospice house, Cheryl, Mike, and I visited our local Cherry Berry.  
It is SO yummy!!!


 Don't you just love kids?!  
Cute little red-headed Rachel was being a little shy when I snapped this photo while a very excited Luke came to show me his new tractor last week.  

My first meeting with Jamison...what a doll!! 

 A sign of spring in our yard

Someday I'd like to lay by the warm fireplace too!!


Saturday, April 07, 2012

Happy Birthday, Michael!!

    Happy birthday, son!! We can't believe that you are 28 already!!  It doesn't seem possible that you are nearing the end of the third decade of your life!!  You have grown to be such a wonderful person, and we are very proud of everything that you have accomplished and the man that you are today.  You are a caring, smart, and talented person who is loved so very much!!

Dad and Michael, one week old

Grandma O. and Michael, eight months old

Darrell and Michael, two years old

Darrell, Michael (4), and Dani (10 months)

Darrell, Michael (10), and Dani (6)
Lower Falls/Yellowstone National Park 

  
Dad and Michael
SHS Sabre football days

Dad, Michael, and Lori
UMM Cougar football days

Michael was happy to receive new golf shirts today.

Michael cleaning up his driver's license after dropping it into the salsa at dinner tonight!!

From his first birthday cake...
to one of his favorite desserts, fried iced cream from Mexican Village...

to his other favorite cake...red velvet. :0)

Michael and Amber enjoying a piece of birthday cake. 

Benji was wondering if he was going to get any cake.

Happy birthday, Bud!! We love you very much!!