In Memory Of

 

One year ago tomorrow- I held my Dad's hand while he took his last breath. There has not been one day this past year that I have not thought about him, or tried to dial him up on speed dial to tell him some not so important news or to just say how much I love and miss him. I avoid KSHE like the plague because every song reminds me of hanging out with my Dad at the Wentzville house, or down at the lake, or working on my house with him directing me on what to do.

I would give anything to hear him say, "you did a fine job, child".  Or to listen to one of his stories, while trying to figure out if there is going to be a punch line at the end or if it is an actual true story.  Or to read one of his notorious Mattie's Reads on facebook that bash his wonderful wife. OR just to rub his bald head, give his funky beard a trim, and eat chimichangas at El Maguey. 

But even more, I would give anything for Charlie to have her Papa back. He may have seemed biker tough, but Papa Terry was a major softy when it came to his granddaughter.  He spoiled her with handcrafted toys and lots of cuddles.  Ever since I was preggo, I was looking forward to seeing him take her fishing down at the lake, building bird houses, and other fun things that grandparents do.

My sister is getting married in less than 2 months, and even though I love that my husband will be walking her down the aisle, it will never be the same as having my dad there.  He is irreplaceable and I miss him him incredibly. You know when you are sick and you say "I just want my mommy"? Lately, all I want is my daddy.  Sorry Mom- I love you too, and I could still use some rueben soup!!

I will continue to cherish all my memories I have with my dad.

 




















 






LOVE YOU DAD!!

**HOLIDAYS 2013**

Lets see if I can get everything from Thanksgiving to Christmas in one post...

This year my company was highlighted in the St Louis Thanksgiving Day Parade. So we woke early, jumped on a school bus and headed downtown. Not gonna lie. It was COLD. But it was lots of fun and Charlie even got some TV time.  She's a superstar!










Afterwords we had a nice home cooked meal at... Dennys! Since my sister was having dinner with the in-laws we decided to post-pone our family dinner until Saturday.  The food was delicious and so was the wine. And the day ended with the traditional family dominos game.

Briefly, (since I am tired and not looking forward to going to work tomorrow) we have our (1) first big snow-with snow paint and a snowman that Charlie quickly decapitated , (2) union station-holiday train, (3) Tilles Park lights- which I do not recommend. We spent 3 hours in the car waiting to get into the park!  (3) Mattison Christmas, (4) Science Center with Lauren & fam.

 

The Christmas fun started with the Mattison clan on Saturday, Gentile's on Monday, Greer's on Tuesday, and then our lil family on Wednesday. I have some pretty entertaining videos from this morning, but I am having trouble uploading. So instead you get just a few photos and a quick clip.

 

After we opened presents, ate breakfast, and played with all of Charlie's new toys, we took a trip to Castlewood Park to spread Papa's ashes on a bluff overlooking the river.  

 

And just like Thanksgiving, I was in no mood to cook, so we went to Hometown Buffet :) Just as we were about to leave, Charlie took a spill. Now she is rocking this pretty cool finger splint. But at least we avoided the ER.

 That's all I got.. for now.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!