JUDE! (the dude)

On Sunday I got the BIG phone call from Sarah that she was being induced as the heart rate of her unborn son was having a few decelerations. I was able to leave immediately and do the made 6 hour dash to Waterloo in hopes of being with Sarah and Chris before the baby was born. While I did the best i could, I missed the c-section by 1/2 an hour and made it the hospital just as Sarah was rolled into her room. I am very thankful to my family and friends who really helped out a ton watching my two kids so i could be with Sarah. They all are all doing well, the baby is amazing and his big sister is darling as well. I got some bonding time in with Lucy as I was able to put her to bed one night and get her up in the morning all by myself! She is an outstanding little lady with a wonderful sense of humor. The first day I too her to daycare I got a little lost and I tried asking Lucy for navigation advise, every house I asked "is this where you go?" and every house she would answer "I don't know". Yes, I finally figured it out but the next day as I pulled into the driveway Lucy says "this isn't the right house". Kids are so smart. I got home yesterday and my kids wanted to know all about "Jude the Dude". Saylor told me last night that if we went to see Aunt Sarah's she would still play with Lucy even thought Jude was there. I have not downloaded any pictures yet, but wanted to give a fast update on our new family member.

Uncle Andy

Last month, Matt's grandmother died after years of battling Alzheimers disease. I was having a difficult time bridging the gap between major life events and the flip attitude a blog often conveys. After multiple attempts scanning in an obituary of Eldene and never succeeding, I gave up. There was a beautiful memorial service in Lincoln NE that included many photos and video tape of the last recital Eldene performed in. Of all the funerals I attended, I thought it was the best representation of a person's life portrayed in a honest and memorable way. At the funeral we had the chance to re-connect with two of John's cousin's and his Uncle, who were really amazing people! Thankfully we had plenty of time to get to know each other and plan future events. Matt's brother, Andy, was also able to fly in from Maine for the funeral and spent some quick quality time with us.

Basketball

Saylor has started a basketball program with Park and Rec department and she is having a ton of fun. The entire games was a hoot! As usual, the team has a great coach is a wonderful teacher and very positive. Saylor had the chance to play the "point" position in the game and, typically, she took the job very seriously and literally. She never left her spot on the gym floor regardless of the game dynamic because she follows rules. We really enjoyed the game and look forward to future games.

Still Flying High

Family

I got a wonderful email from my Aunt Virgina yesterday in response to my blog. I wanted to include a picture that she sent me from this past Christmas. Maybe you can guess which one she is, we do resemble each other. If you need a clue let me know,

YAHHHH!

Ok, we all know what an exciting day November 4th was but today seems almost better. I am watching all of the coverage of the Inauguration in Washington DC and am filled with hope. This is a day in history that we will never forget! in a small tribute, my two excited kids wore special shirts to school. I was greeted this morning with "Happy Inaguration Day"! Yeah, we have definately brain washed our kids. I am including in the pictures a photo of a piece of art that has been in my possession for the past 3 years. My Aunt Virgina graciously gave me this gift when we moved to Hastings, it is an original Peter Max with a signature and number. This painting always reminded me of my cousin Aaron and my Uncle Jim, making it very valuable. I finally got the piece framed and matted, as it properly deserves, for display. Thank you Aunt Virgina for the most beautiful, unique and fabulous gift. On a funnier note, last night Tagg was swinging a medal in front of Matt's face and Matt asked "what are you doing?" Tagg responded "I'm humiliating you."

December

The staff at the office wanted to have their Christmas party at our house, what a great group of people! Saylor was able to reconnect with an old friend who moved to north carolina, Cheyenne, one of our favorite people.



Some of you may have noticed that I did not send out a Christmas card, it's still coming in the form of a Valentines Day card due to the increased craziness of December. I wanted to explain why I was too busy to send out a card but thought I will show evidence with pictures instead.