Papa

Growing up my papa was the most influential person in my life. He always had unconditional love, and I knew no matter what I did I was great in his eyes. I could go to him with any problem, and he would support me. As a grown man now, I can understand how valuable that was in shaping who I am today and helping me to be a better person in this world.

Not a day goes by that I do not think of him, I miss him a million times more than I ever thought I would. He made a permanent mark in my heart, and I live my life to try and be the man he was.

I see alot of the same qualities in Bella and Meritt's 'papa'. I wasn't sure at first when Bella coined the phrase 'papa' when she first started talking, but a few years later now I cannot think of a better person to be called 'papa' for my girls.

I cannot express just how thankful I am for Eric. Not just because of everything he does for us with the house and helping us turn our home into our dream home, which I am forever indebted to him for, but because of his big heart. He loves the girls more than anything, he will do anything for them without hesitation and without thinking of himself first.

Meritt got this stuffed dog for her birthday last week, and she LOVES it. So one night she was crying for it at bedtime, so we call Eric and Peggy, they were not sure where it is, but Mandy told Eric she thought it was left at the shop and that we will have to get it tomorrow. Well several minutes later he is calling from his cell phone standing on our back porch in the dark with the dog!! You should have seen her face when we brought the dog to her. It is things like that I can remember my papa doing for me as a kid, and I think it is understated how much kids remember the 'little things' like that. And those 'little things' make a big difference on the type of people we grow up to be. I know how much it made a difference in my life and I am certain they will be better people when they get older because of their papa.

Missing 'mama'

I had the privilege of spending five days with the girls this week as Mandy was out of town on a business trip to Seattle. Having this time has made me appreciate Mandy a whole lot more, not that I didn't before appreciate her before or that having the girls by myself was difficult. It is just challenging to juggle all the responsibilities like feeding them, bathing them, keeping them entertained without plopping them in front of the TV. Both girls are sick, so I didn't have to try and get Bella to school, and they didn't feel like going out much, so we just hung out and played. Which included turning the living room into a magical castle, equipped with a moat and a storage shed. (Bella's idea, we have two sofas which make a great building when the cushions are suspended above it, but you can't have to castles) We had alot of fun, made some yummy cupcakes, colored, played castle, but it wasn't quite the same without the girls 'mama' to enjoy in the fun.

New Years Resolution

2008 was a tumultuous year, but I can honestly say I do not regret anything for the year. Yes it was a troubling year in the market, myself as well as most other people watched our investments dwindle away, my employer crumbled, and the war in Iraq resulted in many more casualties. I learned more in 2008 than any other year I can remember, which I think is what life is all about; learning from mistakes and trying not to repeat them.

At the end of it all as we move into 2009 I am extremely thankful for my family and friends. We are all healthy for the most part, I did not lose my job like so many other people around the country have. We have a new leader in this country that I truly believe has what it takes to drive us out this hole we have dug ourselves. We still face challenges this year, but if we made it through last year, we will come out even stronger this year.

So my new years resolution for 2009 is to stay healthy, spend more time with my family, try to avoid emergency rooms as much as I can, and live every day like it may be my last because I am learning as I get older how fast life passes you by. I don't want to look back in 40 years and think all I did was watch the show, I want to be in the show. I want to be the star that everyone remembers.

So here is to a great 2009, CHEERS!!!