PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 7/31/11

The grand initiation of our new patio room...we had the grandparents over to break it in with us. After getting a few things set up in there including seat covers, lamps, curtains etc... it was fun to show it off. More importantly, it was nice to all spend time together and talk and laugh and for the boys to have grandparents around that love them and care about them.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 7/25/11

SUMMERTIME TENNIS...nothin' better to play in the summertime and even better when your grandparents are there to support you. In Nick's tournament on Saturday, Grandaddy came and saw some of the best tennis Nick has ever played and then today, for his tennis team match, Gram Gram and Grandaddy came to watch and see him win in singles 6-0 6-0 and in doubles 6-0 6-3. They didn't want to miss an opportunity to see him on the courts and they certainly weren't disappointed in his incredible playing. He is really an amazing player with a great court presence. Most importantly, it is very special how the boys grandparents love and support my boys.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 7/8/11

SO MUCH TO POST AND MORE PICS TO ADD SO THIS IS THE START...DON'T FORGET TO ADD!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 4/27/11

Today, mom and I went over to Grammama's and Harvey's to start going through some things and to start packing up my china that she has given me. Harvey and I had a good chat and we both started crying as this is really hard. The photos I love are from Grammama's sink in her bathroom...the little details including her glasses, shower cap, brush set, along with other items. I smiled when I saw a package of graham crackers on top of the tissue box...probably had them in case she needed something to eat. The glasses are sitting there and put there probably before she left.

Heartbreaking that she won't go back there and so much to be done, but these moments and snapshots are the things I really want to make sure to get because they tell such a story...not just of a bathroom sink, but of a lifetime. ***Good further journaling/writing topic sometime****

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 4/25/11

With changes happening in regards to Grammama and Harvey moving and the struggle dealing with 2 families and even the irritation people feel during all of this, I have been reflecting back on the past memories...so many good ones. Yesterday (4/25) I spent a lot of time thinking of Grandad Dell and how I miss him so much. It just seemed right to have him here right now and so I pulled up the photo of him sitting in his backyard...probably the summer or so before he died? I will always treasure those times with Grammama and Grandad Dell in their backyard...spending the night and then having really good sausage, fried eggs and coffee with cream ...helping them entertain with Tami for their "Supper Club" and the drives down to Ruidoso with them. I honestly think I mention Grandad Dell at least several times every single week and that just shows the impact he had on my life and continues to do so almost 23 years after he died. 23 years doesn't even seem possible. What I hope, pray and even know, is that he is up above watching over us and is proud of me and my family. I just wish he was here.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/13/11

This is another photo from Josh's birthday party last night...This photo immediately caught my eye and I appreciated the geniune smiles, comfortable positions and a Grandfather that truly adores these 3 boys. The feeling is most definitely mutual and they always have so much fun together. He and mom truly know each of the boys as individuals and appreciates and acknowleges them and accepts them as they are. This photo is just a visual reminder of that relationship and it will always remain a special one.

Also, Happy Birthday to Joshua David Bertelsen. 11 years ago today, he entered this world and we have all become better people because of him. I remember that I took all 3 boys to Swedish Hospital to see him just a couple hours after he was born. We got to see him finish up his first bath and my little Zachary was only 8 months old. WOW! It seems impossible it has been 11 years, but we are so blessed to have him in our lives and as Zach's best friend from the very start. May this year bring him positive new experiences and growth as well as just plain happiness and fun.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 2/26/11

Happy Birthday to Granny...the boys and Todd went over this morning to move her office upstairs and bedroom downstairs. They then celebrated her birthday with pizza and cake. I know she will be glad to have her office easier to get to and be able to have natural light coming in. I truly hope this is a good year for her and she finds happiness and peace.