A Whirlwind of Emotions

WHY????

10/17/2012.  This has been a post that I have been trying to write since that date.  Sadly this is the day that that my Grandfather, or my "Papa" as he will always be in my heart passed away.  

Thankfully I was able to be present with him at his house with family and friends when he passed away.  This is something that was very hard for me but also something special for me to be there with him.  I know that he is no longer in pain and that he is at peace but as we know it is hard for the individuals left behind.

I went through my memories that day and I am continuously going through memories as we get closer to the funeral and with my family coming out.  I am very lucky to have been able to have my Papa with me for 31 years.  I remember going with him and my father to Baseball Card shows and he would always talk to me about the cards and help me pick out cards.   He always let us play with his little slot machine while we were at his house, I am lucky that he gave this to our family and it is now sitting in my house.  I remember when he would call the house when we had a baby sitter and they were freaked out because a robot was talking to him but that was just papa talking with his "talk box" that I called it due to having a stoma.  

I am very thankful that Jude got to meet him but am also saddened that he passed three days prior to Teagan being born.  I know that he is watching our family from heaven and I hope that he is proud.  

This is one of the pictures that I got of Jude playing with Papa.  This was after Papa had been sick but was still able to enjoy playing with Jude.  This picture will always hold a special place in my heart. I feel the tears coming up as I am writing this.  I got to see the smiles on both of their faces and see Jude get "buzzed" with the "talk box" he used to talk and remembered how it felt as a child to get buzzed by Papa.  

Papa will always remain in my heart and I will share stories about him with joy and happiness.  Every time I see poker chips, slot machines, sports cards and sadly the Raiders, I will think about my papa.  I am blessed to have had him in my life and I am glad to know that he is spending time with his dad up in Heaven and hope that he has found peace and joy.  I love you Papa!

Amazing Family Time!

I LOVE SPENDING TIME WITH MY FAMILY!!!!

I have to say I have had two amazing days these last two days.  Yesterday Censie and I decided that we wanted to take Jude to the zoo.  It was a little cooler but Jude loved it because the animals were up and moving around a lot more.  Jude did really good and he walked quite a bit and held onto my hand most of the time very well.  

Censie and I rode the train with Jude at the zoo.  He had a great time he loves the "choo-choo."  

It was a special day and I got to ride the Carousel with Jude.  He wanted to ride a cheetah, we had seen them earlier in the day.

Then since today is Columbus day I got to stay home with him and hang out with him for the day.  We slept in and then hung out and watched some of his shows.  

 Jude helped me make waffles this morning for breakfast in his pajamas, he had fun stirring the batter.  We then got dressed and played with toys and then we headed out to one of his favorite places, Chuck E. Cheese.  

Jude had fun dancing with the Big Chuck E. Cheese while we were there because they gave out free tickets to the kids dancing, he even got a hug from Chuck E. Cheese.

Jude had fun riding his rides and playing his games, he got to ride in a monster truck there today. 

He loves eating their pizza there, it is not great but it is good for lunch.  We ate our pizza and played more games he had a great time.  He was so tired he didn't make it home before he fell asleep.  It was such a great weekend.  I am so lucky that I get to be a dad to such a wonderful boy and a husband to such a wonderful woman.  We had a great time this weekend with him.  He makes me smile so much and knows how to make me smile and laugh,  Again I am one lucky man!!!

Sports and life

My prescription for success
is based on something my father always used to tell me:
You should never try to be better than someone else,
but you should never cease trying to be the best you can be.
-John Wooden

Many people know John Wooden to be a great coach but not many people know how devoted of a family man and husband he is.  John Wooden’s wife passed away in 1985 and every month on the 21^st of each month John Wooden visit her grave and then write her a love letter and put it on the pillow she used to use. 

I was thinking recently why is it that the majority of men use sports to connect with their children.  I am one of the first to admit that I love sharing my love of sports with my son Jude.  I am going to share my love of sports with our little girl coming soon as well.  I think that it can be used for many things in life. 

Let’s just take a quick look at this.  Sports typically, and I say typically, should show the necessity for team work.  They also show a level of having to follow rules and comply.  Now a days this hasn’t been something shown in the community but within the game you have to show respect for rules.  It also shows us that everyone has something different to offer. 

Now I am just a fan of sports in general, ask Censie I will watch a sporting game even though I don’t care who is playing!  I know all the women are out there sighing and rolling their eyes, but let me explain.  This was the biggest connection that I had to my father as a child.  I love my father greatly.  We are much closer now than when I was younger but we had a great connection through sports as a child.  Think about it we get to do something that we love as a “guy” and get to share it with our family.  I can have a great time going out and throwing a ball with Jude, we can have fun without having to go spend money or go anywhere.  It is funny even now if I call my dad and my grandfather I can guarantee you that sports will come up in some capacity of our conversations. 

To me it also taught me an appreciation for history.  I loved being able to display my grandfather’s glove while announcing our first child.  My great grandfather played semi-pro baseball.  I am not saying that we should push our children to be these great athletes, I have told Censie I don’t care what Jude does as long as he enjoys what he is doing and commits to it.  Shoot that could be dancing for all I care it has to be something that makes his hear happy.  My father loves watching Golf, it is not my first choice by my father enjoys it. 

As a father I know that sharing my love of something is easy with Jude and will be with our daughter as well because it is something that I love.  I hope that I can teach my children about the better things about sports and also encourage them to get out and get moving so that we can as a family enjoy that time together.  I know that every man is not going to agree with me but there are some good things with sports that I hope to share.