Early Morning Fun

This morning after getting Grant on the bus, Lily and I decided to play out back. Although the weather was a little on the chilly side we are trying to give Sydney a lot of attention and play time. Poor Sydney Dog misses Ringo so much. I think Sydney, Doug and Grant are really missing him. I also miss him however, I don't miss him being miserable, depressed and suffering. I hope I don't sound heartless, but those last 2 weeks were very hard on me watching his health decline.
I am so ready for spring, I know everyone in the St. Louis area is.

Missing My Grandpa

A week ago Thursday I lost one of the most important and influential men in my life, my grandpa. My grandpa died at the age of 95 from advanced age and severe fluid retention. His name was Anthony Bracht, however he went by the name Tony. Although Grandpa Bracht was not formerly educated he was the smartest man around. He was such a hard worker, the strong silent type. He retired from Shell Oil in 1975 and spent his time gardening, fishing and most of all enjoying his grandchildren, all 10 of them. Grandpa Bracht was a true class act and he will be missed by the whole family. I like to think that God called Grandpa home to be with his wife. My Grandma Bracht died in August 2007, approximately 2 weeks after Doug and I returned from China. Grandpa really missed her, they had been married for 65 years before her passing and he would talk about her often.
I will miss you Grandpa, however I am not saying "Goodbye", I am saying "See you later"

Saying Goodbye to Ringo

On Weds, Feb 25 I had the dreadful task of putting our Border Collie, Ringo to sleep. He was in so much pain, suffering from herniated lumbar discs and severe arthritis that he could barely walk. He could no longer climb up or down stairs and needed help just to get to a standing position. He was so depressed and the look in his eyes was lifeless. I could not let him suffer any longer.
Ringo was such a good dog and he will be so missed. During his younger years Ringo could catch a Frisbee like a champ, he lived for that job and would catch Frisbee for hours if we continued to throw it to him. He was always very found of Grant from the day we brought him home from the hospital. When I look at pictures of Grant as a baby, Ringo was right there. When Grant started playing in the backyard as a little tike and I would be making dinner, Ringo would alert me if there was anyone at the fence or if Grant needed me. This was one sweet and smart canine.
The pictures above were taken the day before he passed away. I can see the sadness in his eyes.
Grant is doing pretty well with the situation. My friend Lisa, bought a book called Dog Heaven. It is so sweet and I highly recommend it for anyone.

After Lunch Laughs

Right after Lily and I ate a scrumptious lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and whatever grub I came up with I sent her to the family room to play so I could clean up the kitchen. I knew she was up to something, so when she came up to me with her backpack on, her keys and cell phone saying "Bye Bye Mama" I just cracked up. I also got a big kick when I looked in her backpack, books, lipstick and a comb. She is so my kid.

Cool School Project

Grant attends an elementary school in the Parkway school district. His teacher is Mrs. Major and she is awesome, she is always coming up with cool projects for the kids to do. In honor of presidents day the class did a project using paper plates and cotton balls to make a George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I thought it turned out good and just had to share it.

Just a couple pictures of Doug and I with Grant and Lily.

Road Trippin !!!!!!!!

This past weekend the Sattazahn family decided to take a road trip to the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, Kansas. A three day getaway to just hang out as our little family of four to celebrate Valentines Day and reconnect.
The Great Wolf Lodge is a resort type of establishment that has a indoor and outdoor water park, a video arcade and a place called the Cub Club where kiddos can go and play games, play with toys and make crafts. Needless to say, Grant and Lily had a wonderful time swimming, playing and making crafts. Doug and I had a nice time also, however we came home exhausted. Now we need an adult vacation with no kids, no crafts and no video arcades. I am thinking of late nights, sleeping in late, taking in a good movie and lots and lots of adult beverages.
The pictures shown are of Grant and Lily, plus Flat Stanley just before leaving. The kids playing in the pool and playing bingo. The last one is of course, a big bear that people can sit in.