To Lose A Son

I was informed yesterday that a friend from grade school lost her brother-in-law over the holiday weekend, and I can't seem to stop thinking about it. I've never meet him, nor have I ever met my friends husband (his brother). To my knowledge he was young man and, it makes me wonder how his parents got out of bed today. I can't imagine the loss of a son/daughter.

Since the death of dad I've often wonder "What God Was Thinking", but have never been able to come up with that answer. There are days when I feel like he is still here with me and other days he feels so far away and I am afraid my memories will fade away. I truly know that my memories of Dad will never vanish from my heart and that God had a bigger and better plan that I can/will ever imagine.

Since yesterday I've been thinking of my Grandma as well, and I would like to think that I will grow into half the lady that she is. My Grandma is a strong women who has survived the loss of two sons, husband, siblings, and friends.

Thinking of my Grandma, I know that the Smiths will get through this day by day, week by week, and sadly year by year. I truly believe that one day all of our questions will be answered when we are met at Heaven's Gate.

Critters

We have some new family members. Grandma Pingel found Drew a fish bowl and a 5 gallon tank. Yesterday the boys and I went to Pet Smart and purchased two gold fish, the orange one is Dorthy (Dorthy is Elmo's fish too) and the black one is Wolverine and the hermit crab with the Ninja Turtle painted on it is Turtle. Drew had fun picking them out, getting their new homes ready, and naming them. Now the black fishes name has changed several times so we will see what it is later this week. Also Turtle may be getting a roommate, I was doing some reading and crabs are more active and living longer if there is more than one. Turtle has been fun so far, he likes to play, but is a bit scared of things...like Heavy.

Playing With Friends

Here are some pictures of the boys outside. The other little one is Isaiah, he is a neighbor boy and he and Drew are just a few months apart. That day I caught two toads so that is what they are looking at in the bowl.

How Is It Possible

I've been doing so reminiscing over the last few weeks, it makes me both sad and happy.

Thanks to facebook, I have found some friends that I made while living in The Netherlands. It is hard for me to imagine that it has been 10 years since I packed up my life and moved over there. At the time, I thought, "I am 17 I can do this", but looking back now I think, "Wow I was only 17". I feel like I learned more there than I ever would have my junior year, it forced me to grow up and not depend on Mom and Dad, and the experience...well it was that of a life time. When thinking back it seems so long ago, I truly believe I would not be who I am or where I am if I had not gone.

Next year will be my 10 year reunion which seems even more crazy. Friday night I was able to go back to Eldora and see some high school friends, Sherri, Dani, and Amber. It was great to catch up and talk about the "old days". I enjoyed myself and I enjoyed my company. I look forward to catching up with everyone next year, and I think it is getting to be that time when Ben needs to start the planning.

Jeremy and I have been together for 9 years, I was 18 when we meet at Fareway...hard to believe. I thank God everyday for him and the experiances we have shared. He has been both my rock and my soft spot. I am excited to see what the next 9 years brings for us.

Huh?

I have decided that I could probably start writing a book with all of the strange questions and quotes that I hear daily. I am sure that most of you know what it is in regards too, but some of these things that I hear I have a hard time holding back my laughter.