Part of the Sad

I said when I began to catch-up on this blog that a lot had happened during the past 3 months.  Unfortunately, some of it was sad, unhappy times.  My mother in-law, Cheryl, died suddenly and unexpectedly on July 2, 2012.  I can't tell you the numb feeling that exists when someone you love passes away without warning.  I guess I can sympathize with those who have lost loved in car accidents as it's just so fast, you can't think.  This was my first experience with this kind of loss and I hope to never have to go through another one. 

During this past month, I have been strong for my son and my husband.  But this past week as my son's birthday approached, my wall of strength came crashing down.  My mother in-law always assisted me in planning and preparing for Gehrig's birthday parties.  She was excellent at thinking of the little things that I usually didn't.  I was lost all week and I cried at different intervals wondering how I would get through the party without her.   The party went just fine and I had a lot of help from family and friends. 

When you lose someone so suddenly, you realize that you must appreciate each day and the time you have with your friends and loved ones.  I have many times since July 2 thought about what if's but can't do anything about those now.  I have to concentrate on the living and making sure that loose ends are tied up, for only God knows what tomorrow holds. 

Spring Soccer

Gehrig remained on the Sharks U6 team for the spring season.  The coach, CJ Lennon, is just fantastic.  I learned as much as Gehrig did.  The Sharks started the season strong, but struggled at the end.  I think we finished up 5-7.  Gehrig played very well.  He was second in scoring and did a great job defensively. 

Blog Catch=Up

Wow can't believe my last post was in March!  A lot has happened during the past 4 months.  I will try to take time and slowly catch up.  But today - I'm going to blog on the present - the first day of kindergarten.  Hard to believe Gehrig has started school!  Seems like yesterday he was an infant, still learning to talk, walk etc.  The saying "time goes by fast" is so true!  We need to slow down and enjoy each moment we have. 

Gehrig has enjoyed his first two days of school!  I handled the first day well since he rode the school bus.  Catching the school bus happens so quickly there is no time for tears or dwelling on time.  Here's to a successful school year for Gehrig! 

The Boy in Pink

When I had a boy, I thought yeah no fighting over clothes and hair!  Well what a surprise for me as my son is particular about both.  I had him pick out his outfit for Easter.  And he chose an outfit from Gymboree - pink striped shirt, brown pants and a pink tie!  He is so proud of the pink tie!  I must admit that he does look awfully cute.

Big Red Rascal Night at WKU

Big Red invited all the rascals to attend the men's basketball game with South Alabama.  All the kids got to have their picture taken with Big Red and the cheerleaders.  Big Red led the kids to the tunnel to greet the basketball players as they came out!  Gehrig invited his friend, Jaxson, to attend the event with him.  We went to Chuck-E-Cheese and swam at the hotel.  I always love attending game at WKU.  I like the personal atomsphere of the smaller arena and being able to connect with the players.  I think the boys really enjoyed it too.

Little League Basketball

Little league basketball is now over.  Gehrig had such a great time learning to play this new sport.  We are thankful to Cousin Matt for inviting Gehrig to play in the league and acting as a mentor to him.  Gehrig loves Cousin Matt! 

It's amazing what makes a person happy or excited as an adult.  For me, it was finally after 13 yrs getting a new sofa and loveseat.  Our dog, Bentley, had made his mark on our old furniture and we had been living with slipcovers for a long time.  New furniture makes an old house alive again!  That is how we feel! 

Christmas

Wow!  When Christmas came, it came fast and furious.   I enjoyed this year more than any I do believe.  We were busy and busy!  It was great to spend time with family and friends and cherish the reason for the season - Jesus birth!  My son, Gehrig, caught on to both meanings of Christmas.  He was so much fun, watching the excitement and joy in his face.  He really enjoyed playing with his friends and cousins.  Here's to a great 2012!  Happy New Year to all!

Church Christmas Program

We had our Christmas program at church.  It was so cute!  The props turned out fantastic.  The play was based on the story of Jesus birth from Luke.  Gehrig was a game player.  His group, the frogs, sang Away in the Manager.  The kids did a fantastic job. 

Preschool Christmas Party

Gehrig had his preschool Christmas party.  Each of the children brought a book to give for a gift.  As Ms. Kristie read "Twas the Night Before Christmas", the children would pass the book to their neighbor every time the word "the" was read.  Gehrig received a really nice book from a friend and the teachers gave him one too.  The kids had a snack and received some other goodies from their friends.  I was amazed at how quiet and patient this class was when each child opened their gift.  This is Gehrig's last year of preschool.  He has learned so much.  We are very thankful to Memorial for being so wonderful!

Trip to Polar Express

We made a trip to the Polar Express via the Ky Railway Museum.  We had so much fun singing songs, drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies.  Santa and Rudolph made a surprise visit too!  Gehrig is so excited about Christmas this year!  We are really enjoying this season. 

Time with Friends

John and I hosted a get together with Josh, Heather, Olivia and Hadley and one of John's highschool friends, Shane and his financee, Carmen and her 2 children, Jaylin and Patton.   John became reaquainted with Shane during soccer season as Patton was on Gehrig's team.  Gehrig has found a new buddy in Patton.  They played together so well that we forgot they were even there.  The rest of us had just as much fun too. 

Christmas Tea

All the Galvin ladies accompanied Grandmother to the Christmas Tea at the State Theater.   We enjoy getting fixed up and spending the time together.  The tea and goodies are wonderful, too. 

Basketball Begins

Gehrig had his first basketball game on Sat. Dec. 3.  His coach is Cody Elmore and his team is called the Suns.  He got a steal, got a good drive to the basket and attempted a shot.  He didn't too bad for his game.  Most importantly, he had a lot of fun playing and is making new friends. 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was celebrated at my mother in-law's house with her family and my parents! We ate and ate - it was delicious. Now that the kids are big enough to play on their own, the tradition of making a craft was reinstated. My sister in-law and niece came with a cute idea of making a wreath out of old paperbacks. Each wreath turned out differently and were really cute. Most importantly was just slowing down and enjoying the time spent together. The turkey butter was made by Kayuko (Kate) our special friend from Japan when she came to visit in September.

New Basketball and Shoes

The third week of little league practice, Gehrig was given a basketball.  He was so excited!  It's his first big boy ball.  I decided to surprise him even further by taking him to get basketball shoes.  You know if he's going to play might as well have the real thing.  He picked them out and tested them out for quickness.  We are gearing up for our first game in December.  G has been practicing and practicing.  He's ready and so am I. 

Photography and the Old Guy

I love photography!  It is really the only creative thing that I truly enjoy.  There is something about capturing a moment that is fascinating to me.  I have tubs and tubs of pictures I have taken over the years.  Each one of them tells a story. 

Our dog, Bentley, is the old guy in our house.   I love photographing him as he relaxes outdoors.  These were two shots of him that I really like.  It's as if I can read his mind.

Deer Season

Deer season in our household is a national holiday.  I become a deer "widow", but I don't mind as it enables me to have time to shop, visit or work on a project.  Gehrig is going to follow his father's footsteps and be a hunter, too.  He likes to get his little knife and help process the meat.  This season has been a successful for our hunters! 

Soocer Season Ends

We concluded our first soccer season this Fall. It's been quite exciting I must say. I really enjoyed being the Team mom. We had a party at Mr. Gatti's and this team mom provided a cookie for dessert. Gehrig likes soccer too, but unfortunately he runs like his mother, which is not fast.  He says he would like to be a goalie someday.  Maybe he will be someday, time will only tell. 

Basketball Begins

Central Hardin started a little league program this year. Cousin Matt invited Gehrig to participate. Gehrig is really liking it and doing quite well considering he has never played basketball at all. It will be interesting how he develops in these sports as he matures and grows up. We'll be there to support him whatever he decides.