John Back on the Road

Yesterday John headed back out on the road truckdriving. He spent the last 1.5 weeks with Becca and AJ in West Virginia and a few days at their home. He really bonded with AJ who he only saw a few days prior to this time off. I talked to him this morning and he is missing AJ. This is the life of a truck driver. All we can do is pray that a route opens up in his company which will get him home more often.

Watoga State Park 2008

Just back from a week in West Virginia visiting Beth’s family. We enjoyed our time at Watoga State Park for the 5th year in a row. It was a fun and relaxing time being with family. No cell phones, TV or internet just family, love and conversation. Every night we gathered after dinner for some devotional time, singing and glorifying God. John spent the whole week bonding with AJ since he never had the chance because of his job. You could see his love growing for his son everyday. We met our great niece Audrey for the first time. It was very special to have both great grandchildren with Beth’s parents. Below is our family photo missing Dave, Jamie, Mathew, Brittany & Nathan which couldn’t make the trip and Cori who left the previous day. Check out the family photos for more pictures from the week.

Another visit from Becca and AJ

A couple of nights ago we had another visit from Becca and AJ. Boy, our grandson is really growing. He is starting to smile and getting alert about his surroundings. You can see him look when his mother enters the room. His eyes light up everytime Becca speaks. It is enjoyable and beautiful to watch them interact with each other. John is missing out on a beautiful time of AJ’s life. That is the life of a truck driver, out on the road for weeks at a time. He is getting ready to start a 1.5 week vacation to relax and be with his family. This will be a good time for the 3 of them. Here’s a picture of AJ with a big smile. Click on the family photos link to see more pictures of their visit.

Mom’s Final Resting Place

Yesterday we gathered to put mom’s ashes in her final resting place. It was a beautiful day, nice blue skies with white, puffy clouds. Ron made the box for mom’s ashes. Everybody was there except John and Cori because of work. Joan and Sandy Albrecht, Jim’s parents and close friends to mom and dad, were there too. As the ceremony concluded Beth looked up and saw a beautiful rainbow to the south of us. As we all looked up it brought many tears and joy knowing God was looking down on us. Then dad put mom’s ashes into the ground and the whole family helped to fill the hole. It was a nice sight to see all the grandchildren take turns to help cover mom’s ashes. I just thank God for a beautiful day and the memories of mom. Go to the family photos to see all the pictures.

Becca and AJ Visit

Thursday night Becca and AJ came over for a visit. Grandma Beth was so excited and she couldn’t keep her hands off AJ. I had to fight just to hold him for a few minutes. There are more pictures in the family photo link.

Dad’s Birthday

Yesterday I spent the day with my dad on his first birthday without mom. We went out for lunch and took a walk around the trail in Sandusky. They still haven’t put up the memorial plaque where the trees have been planted with the donations from mom’s passing. Then we went to the library, dad doesn’t have a computer, to see the family weblog and to view the pictures of mom. It was emotional for dad as he looked at the older pictures my cousin Klaus sent from Germany. It brought some memories back from a long time ago. Then we traveled to the cemetery where they have finally moved the headstone to their final resting place. We are planning to have a small memorial service on July 4th and put mom’s ashes in the ground. Later we went to Sandy’s to have dinner and desert. It was an enjoyable day spent with my dad.

Today is Dad and Jacob’s birthdays

Dad’s first birthday without mom is today. I’m planning to meet with him and go out for lunch later today. Also, Jacob’s 6th birthday is today. We celebrated with both of them on Sunday at Ron’s house. They had separate cakes and Jacob had some friends over. They went out to the backyard and took swings at a pinata. Check out Jacob’s mighty swing.