Sending Up Birthday Wishes... and a Request

Dad would have been celebrating a birthday today.  Lately, when I think of him, I get really teary eyed, sometimes because I'm thinking happy thoughts, and sometimes because I am so incredibly sad that he is gone.  It's strange, when he first passed away I was sad, but I must not have taken the time to mourn him then.  That, or it's a delayed reaction... denial... I don't know.  But it seems to be hitting me like a ton of bricks lately.  I miss visiting with him and learning from him.  I wish Davin could have had more time with him, they had such a tight bond.  I wish he could have met Charis (although, he probably got to hold her in his arms before any of us).
I have a request for anyone who reads this.  I want to make a scrapbook about Dad's life.  I have some pictures, and would always love to have more.  And I really need stories from you all.  Stories about happenings, timelines, relationships.  Anything!  If you need my email address, you can send me a message on facebook, or ask Mom for it.  Or, feel free to comment here.  Get in touch with me however you like, and please pass this request on to other family members and friends!  Thank you!
Happy Birthday, Dad.  You are always in our hearts!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Davin took his first fourwheeler ride this weekend.  He and Thomas drove in circles around my mom's house, and every time they passed by, we could hear Davin yelling "wheeeee" and "woo hoo!"  After several laps, he threw a huge tantrum (as only a 2 year old can) when Thomas put the fourwheeler away.

  I spent my late nights this weekend (we're talking like 2am) learning how to use my new Yudu.  I have been coveting one of these for ever!  It's basically an all in one hobby screen printing unit, and it's just as awesome as I thought it would be!  I made several things for Charis and myself using a hibiscus design, and they turned out so cute!  Next I need to design something for Davin. 

 This is the apron I made for myself.  Now I need to get back in the kitchen and cook!

Sunday morning we made our way to mass (Charis usually sleeps through it, but she's so darn cute in her dresses), then out to brunch.  I have had such an unexpected sense of peace since we have returned to attending mass the last couple weeks.

Davin got to spend the night with Grandma on Sunday night, since she didn't have to work on Monday.  We grilled steaks at her house, and then got Davin all ready for bed.  He was so happy to be staying, I think because 1) he is my mom's little buddy, he get so excited to go visit her, and 2) he got to do something his sister isn't old enough to do, and just for one night he got to be the only kid in the house again.  Thanks, Mom, for making Davin feel so special!

Monday morning, we got up and picked up Mom and Davin for a breakfast out.

We spent the rest of Labor Day playing outside in the little pool, eating watermelon, and grilling hot dogs.  This weekend kind of signifies that summer is winding down, a thought that I hate.  I love the season of swimming, flip flops and sunglass, cookouts, and lazy days!  I sometimes wish summer could last forever, but even if it won't, I had such a great weekend with my family!