September 11th - The 7th Anniversary

Grapevine, TX http://www.911familiesforamerica.org/?page_id=943

http://www.911flightcrewmemorial.org/index.html

Today was the first opportunity for our family to go to the new memorial. It was unveiled on July 4Th 2008 while we were out of town. This memorial was conceived by a flight attendant whom I had flown with several times. What a privilege to be among so many crew members and their families. Jacob and Christian never saw their mother leave to fly as they see their father do so regularly. Today, they learned a little more about September 11th and its signicance to us.

With aircraft soaring overhead the bagpiper began his song, and circled the memorial for tonight's candlelight vigil. It was windy and our candles continued to blow out. It was as if the fallen crews were telling us to live and remember, but not to mourn. Following the video commemorating all crew members, police and fire departments, the US Flag was raised back up after having been lowered at the morning ceremony.

We shall remember, but never forget the heroism of the brave men and women of September 11, 2001.

Please take a moment to look at the above links. Hopefully, you will have a chance to stop by and observe it sometime.

Our New Addition

"What? Have you lost your minds?" one might be asking....Well yes, sort of! Mike and the boys have been asking for a long time for a new dog. I, Cynthia, have been rather reluctant because of the last two dogs that haven't worked out or stayed around. The last thing I wanted was another dog who was bigger (when fully grown) or sloppier than our previous two!!!

So I came home from getting soil and mulch to keep me busy for the next few days and I am met at the door by Mike and Jacob saying, "Can we talk to you? We found an English Mastiff." With a rolling of the eyes and a "here we go" attitude, I listen. After adding my two cents worth of parameters about responsibility and all that is entailed with raising a dog (big, big dog) besides this "cute little puppy", I conceded. Off we went to Oklahoma to pick up our new puppy. It was a family affair!

I must admit, for a puppy, he is sweet, calm, and very quiet although very much like having a newborn that needs potty training every two hours! Mike kept telling me about this breed. Each time I would reply, "Nope, too big". Perhaps he was right. When you see your kids light up at each opportunity to take the puppy outside, lay by his side, talk to him and play with him, you begin to discover a new dynamic to the family. Wow! Why didn't we do this sooner? It is sweet; very sweet indeed.

So what shall we name him? Mike says Steve or George. Jacob says Rumble. Christian chimes in with "Let's Get Ready to Rumblllllle!!!!" Yeah, we liked that on the drive up. But once we met him....he didn't "Rumble". He is more calm yet full of stature. We tried Gunter- a maybe- and Lars, and Argus, and Zeus and Thor and Hercules....then Magnus. The boys (all three of them) liked Magnus. It has stuck. Magnus it is.

He is 40lbs. of love at three months young. His daddy is 175lbs. at almost 2yrs. young! See why I resisted? So far he has fallen for each of us in a different way and has melted each of our hearts in return. He will be by our sides, literally, for many years to come! I tried to spread my mulch today after very little sleep last night. Magnus saw me through the iron gate and whined for me to let him out. He plopped down in the shade beside me and didn't move. Although I didn't last long in the heat, I know that I have a gardening partner for many years to come!

Karate Fall 2008

"Are you sure you want to mess with us?"


Christian performing a front kick! (on his first day)


Jacob loves his new class!