2 years

Cheers! Here's to two years since I was given my cancer diagnose. I have to say that I am feeling better tonight then I was two years ago tonight. It's still hard to believe sometimes the road that I was given to travel down. The fear, the sadness, the anger. Those first terrible days and weeks in June. My initial refusal to accept what would ultimately be my destination. 

The outpouring of support those first weeks and months is still rather unbelievable. Sort of like the final scene in "Its a Wonderful Life."  I don't really know where I would be today without it. All my family and friends who loved on me and my family. 

Although I'll never be the same man physically  I was two years ago, I'm also never going to be the same man emotional and spiritually. I have grown, changed, matured and been given a new focus on things in my life. I cry more often. Things that seemed so important several years ago are no longer as important. 

While I wouldn't wish the awfulness of the past two years on anyone, I feel I am a better and stronger man on the other side. 

Survivor. 

Letter

Look what Noah brought home last week! Yep, time to go letterman jacket shopping for the freshman letter winner! Great job son on all the hard work and practice you put in throughout the year in order to accomplish this. Very proud of you. 

Memorial Day

While mom was on her way to Alaska for a week, the men were headed to the annual Memorial Day/Paul's birthday BBQ. It was a great afternoon celebrating Paul and his families friendship these past 17 years. My oh my how time flies! 

Teachers

No group of people, with the possible exception of Super Bowl champions, can be more excited and ready to party then teachers on their last day of school. We are so blessed to have the ability to host the annual end of the year celebration. The weather even cooperated and the rain held off until the very end. Thanks to everyone for bringing side dishes, desserts and beer! Congratulations on finishing another school year. Job well done. Class dismissed. 

Tribune

Look who made the Greeley Tribune (again)! Not bad for a second place finish in the 5th grade Battle of Books. 

Pool

Way behind in blogging the events of the past week. After the balloon launch, I joined Sarabeth's class at Hillside pool for a swimming party to celebrate their last day of 3rd grade. It was pretty chilly for the adults, but a very nice 83 degrees in the heated pool for the kids. 

5th Graders

I made it through Wednesday only crying three separate times. The first was that morning when the entire 5th grade class was gathered together in the library to begin their last day and the final day at the elementary building. The librarian read them "Oh the Places You'll Go." Then they were each given a balloon and told to come up with a hope, a dream, a fear or a wish and then the class would walk outside and release them together. It was a touching event to watch. Get ready middle school, here they come!

D

This is the one and only Big Andrew. Today is his 37th birthday. If he still lived here in town, we would be celebrating tonight at Wiley Roots. I really miss him and his friendship. They moved to Denver about a year ago, and it's just not as easy to get together anymore. I am so thankful for the almost 15 years that we lived together in the same town. I miss having him over for dinners and beer and family celebrations. I miss trips to Starbucks and Ft. Collins and hot wings. I remember how much love and support and encouragement him and Rebecca gave me during my cancer. I miss seeing him at RMCRI before and after working out. I miss watching games with him and just hanging out in the living room drinking beer and sharing our lives together. I miss riding bikes and talking pro cycling. He is an incredible man of utmost integrity. I miss him so much. 

Uncle Andrew, happy birthday. May the year ahead be blessed and full of incredible opportunities and new experiences.  Lets get a beer real soon. 

#homegrown

Nathanael recieved his homegrown award at Frontier on Monday. These awards are given to kids who have attended Frontier since kindergarten. Seems like just yesterday...  

Track

It is a sprint to the finish of the 2013-14 school year. Last night was Noah's end of the season track celebration. It was an epic 3 1/2 hour event. Noah was recognized for his running and jumping events that he competed in. He is looking forward to moving up the ranks next year and possibly lettering and/or competing at state. Run hard hard Noah! 

#Winning

A few more awards rolled in from the company this week. If only the Broncos could have won the Super Bowl...

Field Day

A tradition unlike any other. Field Day 2014. Games. Sunshine. Water. And of course, the official Field Day tshirts. It was a beautiful day in Greeley today too. Summer vacation is just hours away. 

AWANA

The last night of AWANA was Wednesday. This was Nathanael's final year as he will be moving up to join Noah and Andrew at youth group next year. Sarabeth still has 2 more years in T&T. The kids sang songs, recieved their awards and were recognized for winning the AWANA games last month. The pastor stated an amazing fact that said in part that 89% of kids who attend AWANA for 5 or more years were still church going adults. Pretty incredible. Makes the sacrifices to get the kids there every week for all these years worth it. 

Ridin'

Beautiful summer-like day today in Greeley. So Sarabeth and I packed up the bikes and the riding gear and headed to the Poudre Trail to get some riding done. I love the fact that it's a safe place free from cars for a child to gain confidence in their bike riding abilities. It is also almost completely flat, which is a huge plus when you only have one gear. We rode for awhile then stopped for water and snacks. Then returned the way we had come. Good ride. Sarabeth is doing great with her skills!