Tribute to Grandpa Archie

April 9, 1920 - May 26, 2007

Adelyn enjoying breakfast with her Great Grandpa

Grandpa was a very special and unique person. I have countless memories of visiting him in Henning, where he lived for several years. Special memories growing up include him taking us strawberry picking, going fishing and gopher trapping, planting flowers in the spring and riding around in his truck at dusk looking for deer (not to shoot--just to see how many we could find). You could count on the freezer being stocked with strawberry and maple nut ice cream. His other indulgences included Mt. Dew, chocolate stars, and cheese puffs. He would show us his old coin collection, giving Stacy and me each a 50 cent piece to take home each visit. He also loved to show us his old pocket watch and little blue radio--cranking up the volume as high as it would go. No matter how many times we'd seen them before, we loved to look again.

He came to live with us when I was in high school. I know his intention was to pay back my mom for being a naughty child growing up. He would purposefully do things to drive her crazy (not that he would admit it, but secretly Stacy and I knew it was pay back time!). He would chew tobacco on her new sofa, spray Preffered Stock on all of us and throughout the house (my mom is very sensitive to smelly stuff), require numerous trips to the gas station or grocery store (for the cheese puffs!). He proved that a father's concern does not end when your baby grows up. He continued to ask my mom when she would be home and remind her not to stay out too late. I must say it was entertaining to see them interact :) He loved to watch the Twins play baseball or listen to them on the radio. He enjoyed the old country western tv shows (sorry we made you turn the channel so many times to watch 90210 instead Grandpa! You were such a good sport, staying to watch it with us).

My grandma, Doris, passed away when I was only one, yet Grandpa still carried her picture in his wallet. He often would take it out to show us, mention how I looked like her, and talk about the good old days. It was clear he still loved her 25 years later. It is comforting to know they are together again in Heaven. Selfishly I am sad he is gone and will miss visiting with him, but I know he truely is in a better place. No more pain and the freedom to 'live' again. He had been sick for a while and was no longer able to get around well. Not the case anymore!

Grandpa, you are already missed. We love you very much. Thank you for always loving us. We look forward to seeing you again. Have fun until then!

Project Update

Although I enjoy painting, I can't say the same for sealing a deck! We started that project Sunday and quickly realized it wasn't going to be 'fun' by any means. Holy smokes! Who knew how much work that would be? After 12 tedious hours on Sunday (truely finishing in the dark) and a few more on Monday it is DONE. It does look great but I'm not anxious to do that again. Jon and I are both stiff and sore. Thanks Sis for playing with Adelyn while we worked on Sunday!

We started all of these projects with hopes of getting them done for Adelyn's big 1 year bash on Sunday. It is going to be a few late nights cleaning up, but we can't wait to see everyone this weekend! Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can get some good use of that freshly sealed deck.

Slept thru the Night

Nope, I'm not talking about Adelyn, although she is getting better--knock on wood. My mom kindly watched Adelyn Friday night so Jon and I could tackle painting our basement family room. Sis is in town too so the three girls had a slumber party and we painted away. Painting is one project Jon and I do well together, not always the case since once of us is considerablly more detailed then the other (no, its not me!) Personally I find painting quite peaceful-music playing, good conversation, and a pretty room as a result. I don't think Jon finds it quite so serene but appeases me none the less. It was a success-the room is done!

We have been debating for months as to if we should invest in a new dining room table. We still have a hand me down used from college. Sure it works fine but once we started shopping for one it was hard to be in love with ours any longer. Yesterday we finally took the plunge and get to pick it up tomorrow. I can't wait! No photos of the basement yet but here is one of the new table (we didn't buy the hutch).

Bargain Jackpot

Today was a good day! Jon and Adelyn kindly hit the road with me at 8 am to tackle the Lakeville garage sale day. We have gone the past few years but it wasn't until Adelyn came along that we really had an 'agenda' of what to find. I have been watching the store ads for many of the items we found but am much more pleased with the prices today (we estimate we saved 80% off regular prices-yahoo). Adelyn and I browsed a few sales Thurs and Friday and I had began to lose hope that the items I was searching for could be found. I guess Jon brought us good luck! Just when the van looked like it could hold no more, we spotted a perfect play kitchen and managed to sweeze that in too. I wish I had taken a picture of the bursting van :) I think I am just as excited to play with the toys as Adelyn. I had to post the photos for Granny, who sadly can't be here to relish in all the good bargains with me--thanks for teaching us how to spot a good deal!



I had really wanted to get Adelyn a kitchen for her 1st b-day!

The item on the right is a check out for playing grocery store--one of my personal favorites!

An arts and crafts table

My #1 quest for the weekend--mission accomplished!

And a photo of the happy shopper