Missing Dad

Hey, so it's been a hectic and confusing time...

The kids are both at school full time this month - next month they will be stepping down to 2:30, and we'll see how things go after that.

Dad died while I was back here in California putting the kids in daycare to return back to Wisconsin. I was glad the kids and I got to see him, but it was heartbreaking how much he got worse from day to day. Hour to hour even. My brother, Keith, was and is, a lifesaver to us. He was there constantly after I left, and my dad had Keith and Claire, my mom, and his sister, my Aunt Mary Ellen with him when he passed.

We did funeral planning in Wisconsin and St. Louis. His funeral was at our old church, Ascension of Chesterfield in the 'burbs of St. Louis, and he was buried near his parents. The outpouring of love from family and friends has been amazing and comforting.

So, Mom, Keith and I worked on a lot of business stuff and personal stuff of my Dad's, which continues to this day, although I am back in CA, Mom is working, and Keith is in Madison, doing all kinds of personal and business stuff for himself as well. Mom has 2 more memorials coming up - at her work and her home for the friends in WI.

Meanwhile, I'm either lost, or at a crossroads (depending on how I'm looking at myself for the moment). The kids are relatively happy at their school, with some minor issues. I should be whipping my house into the shape I want it to be, but that's not happening very fast. We'll see! In the meantime a job opportunity dropped into my lap. A push from Dad? I think that's a possibility. I'm pursuing it! It seems pretty perfect, but it's not all up to me!

Brian's parents were able to visit last weekend and that was a lot of fun and good times together. Walking along the strand (boardwalk sort of), dinners out, Disneyland! I always enjoy seeing the boys with their loving relatives. They are lucky boys.

Can't wait for my Mom to visit too, but it might depend on the job I'm hoping for! I am still getting my head around going back to work. I'm excited.

OK, that was a lot about me - I'm figuring out my new flip video and taking pictures on 3 different camers (I need to consolidate), so I'll try to at least have pics, if not videos soon. More about the kids too!