Survivor

Today marks the three year anniversary of the worst day of my life. Today we also celebrate being a survivor for three years. Although my doctor can't medically say I've defeated cancer until I have been healthy for five, I am well on my way. 

Those were some dark days and weeks that summer. But they were also filled with an outpouring of love and support and encouragement, of which I am still in awe. Looking back three years later, I can't thank everyone enough for what you did, no matter how big or small. I had a choice as Lance said, give up or fight like hell. And fight like hell I did. Survivor. 

Springfield

The travel adventure continues! The group is bedding down for the night in Springfield, Missouri. Looks like they found a cool pizza and games place for dinner. They will arrive in Cherokee Village sometime Sunday. Then the real work will begin!  

Lunchtime

Looks like a good trip so far! Noah sent this picture and Pastor Mike has a few Tweets. Weather forecast is going to be pretty warm there by the end of the week. Low 90's? Glad we sent the sweat resistant bug spray. 

Great Bend

Via Mike the youth pastor and the Twitter feed. Good first day! 

On Their Way

The brothers left town this morning about 9 with 42 other youth group kids, 10 adults and 7 vehicles of various sizes. Thanks to all the families that supported them and made the trip possible! Noah seemed to be ready for the trip since this is his fourth. Andrew was his normal Andrew self as he got ready for his third and Nathanael seemed a bit nervous since this was his first ever mission trip!  The group will be staying somewhere in Kansas tonight, before arriving in Cherokee Village, Arkansas late Saturday. They will be working with the pastor of a small church there, doing work projects and helping out around the small town and day camp. The team will make their way home starting next weekend, and arrive in Greeley late Sunday. I will do my best to keep everyone posted on their progress and adventures. Please continue to keep the boys and the youth group in your prayers this coming week. I'm sure it will be quite the week for each of them in their own way. Thanks! 

Family!

It is quite an epic experience when the 12(!!!) of the Roths get together. Thankfully we had that chance on Memorial Day, as Wes, Kim, Kaleb and Elsie were making the long drive back to Sturgis after a quick trip to see the folks in Laramie. So we all met up at the Panda Express in Cheyenne for a quick lunch. Or at least as quick as Panda can feed a group of 12. It was also the first meeting between Jen, Noah and Elsie!! She is just so beautiful and changing so much already. Kaleb was sad that Sarabeth wasn't able to attend since she is staying the week in Grand Jumction. He also wasn't too pleased with Uncle Ryan's beard. "It's yucky!!" was the exact quote. A great end to the weekend! 

Cashier

Had the chance to get a quick bite to eat on a date night this week, and look at the handsome cashier we got to pay before leaving the Steak n Shake. He's back to working 5 nights a week now that track season is over and summer has began! 

Paul

While the kids and Jen were celebrating in Monte, I was home working as is the tradition for me every Memorial Day for the past 15 years. Ran some decent numbers on the route for the week. Still have never recovered financially from the Safeway closing a year ago this week. 

Another Memorial Day tradition is the BBQ/birthday party for one of my oldest friends Paul. It's fun to look back on years of blogging and see the kids grow up and change from year to year. Paul's birthday is always a touch point for the end of another school year and the beginning of the summer. Happy birthday Paul. Thanks for the friendship over the past 19ish years. You are a good man, a great husband and terrific dad for the kids. 

Great-Grandpa

Let Summer 2015 begin! The fun started right away over Memorial Day weekend with the family's trip to Monte Vista to celebrate Janet's dads 90th birthday. The party was a success, thanks to months of planning from Janet and Aunt Sue. Grandpa Morgan looks pretty great for 90! I hope I'm that fortunate when I'm 90. The kids were able to snap this picture with their only living great-grand parent. Thanks Jen for making it all work!  

Promotion

A few last posts on the 2014-15 school year before we can move on to the fun that will be Summer 2015! The 8th grade teachers hosted an 8th grade promotion on the last day of school to celebrate the class of 2019. The students were given a banner by the graduating seniors, were welcomed by a high school teacher they will have next year, and were given a Class of 2019 pin from the 8th grade team. It was cute to see Andrew congratulated by his mom! Afterwards, there was a celebration carnival with gea and candy given by the OPT. Welcome to high school Andrew! 

Monte

Trip going well so far down in the valley in Monte Vista. I've been trying to get whatever pictures I can from anyone there. Here is what I've received so far. I guess the kids all survived the drive in the El Cameno. Hoping for a great party for great-grandpa Morgan! 

MZD

There are many things that bring me joy in life-my family, friends, the outdoors, reading, a well-brewed coffee stout and a good whiskey. Another is attending and meeting an author that I have enjoyed reading. To hear the author in person discuss their book or books then have them sign the book is a true joy. As a busy husband and father, book signings aren't something I'm able to attend very often, even though hundreds of authors make their way through Colorado every year at the various Tattered Covers or my new favorite independent bookstore, Old Firehouse Books. 

Wednesday night they hosted one of only 6 stops on Mark Z. Danielewski's book tour for "The Familiar Vol. 1 One Rainy day in May."  I had been looking forward to it for over a month! This is book one in a projected 15 year, 18 volume, 21,000 page adventure. MZD read the poem "Panther" from House of Leaves them a rather lengthy section from The Familiar. He then answered about 45 minutes of questions before starting the signing. Not only did I get to meet him and have a picture, he also personalized all four books. It was quite a night. 

Old School

Jen and the kids are making their way south this weekend to help celebrate great-grandpa Morgan's 90th birthday. It's going to be quite a celebration tomorrow down in the valley. Here the kids are in Uncle Darrels classic car. As the old man says in The Incredibles, "that's old school like the old school." Have a great trip family. See you late tomorrow! 

All Done

A mom and her sons on their last day of 10th, 8th and 6th grade. 

Band

Don't have any pictures from the last band concert of the year last night, but here is, from left to right, a tuba player, a middle school teacher that's almost on vacation, and a percussion player. 

Concert

Nathanael played his final sixth grade concert last week. It was a great concert, with each grade playing a few songs then one last song altogether. Nathanael has done well with the violin this year. We are sad that his teacher will not be back next year, due to the impending arrival of their first born. Thanks for all you did for Nathanael, the school, and for tirelessly promoting the love of music Mrs. Spahr. You will be missed! In the photos, Nathanael is standing in the front row with the Hawaiian shirt!