Stephanie

It's the middle of January and the weather is reaching 50 degrees. We went from 50 mph winds to 50 degree temperatures. I can hardly wait to see what is next.

Ashley has been performing at the half time of the basketball games with the high school dance team. We got to go and see the performance last Saturday. The girls were awesome. Too bad Kelly Walsh doesn't relly have a basketball team. She has been busy with the new semester and dreams of getting her ideal car in nine months. She is pretty sure that she can pay for it at the end of summer if she gets a job for the summer. Reality check is in store.

Stephen has been working on his science fair project. He is motivated to win again this year. He has a good project: Why don't penguins freeze in Anartica? He has been taking a few private Tae Kwon Do lessons because the testing date for his brown belt is just over a week away.

Talladega has been going stir crazy. We have had to leave her in for at least half of the days because of the winds and cold temperatures. She is such an outdoor dog! When we get home we have to let her in and out at least 50 times an evening! Thank goodness the temperatures should allow her to stay out. We discovered today that she can open the pantry and really likes to eat oranges! She doesn't seem to be fond of the peels but seems to love the insides. She at least ate them on the kitchen floor so we didn't have to clean up the new carpet. My grandma's dog used to like oranges. I haven't seen another dog eat oranges until Tally! At least she isn't eating or destroying anything else...yet!

I have been thinking a lot about this holiday in which we celebrate our father's. Father's Day has been on my mind because I don't know what to get my dad. I get my mother the same thing every year and she seems pleased with her gift. But what about dad? He doesn't need the flowers I get mom every year. Here are a few of my thoughts...none of which solve the gift dilema! Fathers: I watch with a tad bit of jealously the relationship my son has with his father. Mike is truly the light of Stephen's life. Too bad Megan and Abbie are missing out on this relationship they could have with their dad. I am sure that they won't call Mike. Then, there is Ashley... I wonder what Randy could do to make his daughter worship him a fourth as much as Stephen worships Mike. She loves her dad but seems very content to talk to him on the phone every few days and be happy. This for me is very sad. Ashley has truly missed out on the joys of a close father/daughter relationship. I have watched the heartbreak Mike is experiencing right now believing that the end for his dad is near. Mike is full of regret that he lives so far away and hasn't been able to do more for his dad. He is also so angry that he has two siblings that live in the same town and are MIA when it comes to seeing Floy. I have watched and listened to my mom and her sister try to capture some of the father they remember. They want so badly to reverse the effects of my grandfather's illness. It is so hard to watch. I am also thinking about my brother and the joy he must be feeling while experiencing his first Father's Day. Finally, I feel lucky! My dad is the best. He is healthy and happy. He loves unconditionally, hurts when we hurt, is proud of all we have done and honors the paths we have chosen for our lives. I wish this moment in time with my dad could last forever. I think about all the situations above and feel very blessed to have the dad I have right now! I love you Dad! (I still don't know what to get you though!)<3 Steph

I wish an instruction booklet came with this page. I haven't figured out how to upload pictures yet. I am working on it though. Trial and error I guess.