Lee Caternolo

My grandmother passed away at about 12:45am this morning, August 13, 2008. She has been suffering from pancreatic cancer for many months now. It is a relief to know that she's no longer in pain, but sad to see her go. My heart breaks for my step-dad who is an only child and has now lost his mother, and for my grandpa, I can't even imagine losing the person you have loved for your whole life. I am grateful for the knowledge I have of the gospel to help me know and understand what has happened to her and where she is now. I can only hope that I will be able to share that with my family in some small way to help comfort them.

Here is a picture of me with Grandma and Grandpa on Sunday, August 3rd, 2008 when we were able to visit with her at home. She was a beautiful and caring person. She always kept herself busy with taking care of everyone around her. The sunset that night was beautiful. I love her and she will be missed.

I'm amazed

at the strength that these athletes are showing in these Olympics. Records are being broken left and right. And Olympic dreams are being born. Seth has decided that he wants to be an Olympic gymnast. I think that's pretty cool.

I'm a couple days off

Tyler is 19 months old, as of the 5th. I like the idea of kind of keeping track of what the kids are up to at different ages. I wish I had done that with all of them. Tyler is so smart. He's great at putting things together in his mind and really understanding what's going on around him. I wish he could talk sometimes because I think he would be hilarious! He has developed a sense of humor in the last 2 months and it's so funny to me to see him crack up about things. It makes me realize that Heavenly Father really sent us here to have joy, because laughing is part of who we are, it's not necessarily a learned behavior. His favorite past times are climbing on the dining room table, he's been doing that since he was 13-14 months old. He loves dancing and I caught him humming yesterday, that was so cute. He likes to run around in just a diaper, especially outside. He loves to be outside, he cries if someone goes out and he can't go with them. He sleeps pretty well, he really always has, his bed time is 7:30 and he sleeps until 7am. His naps are not as good as they used to be, but that's normal. He's only napping for about 2 hours in the afternoon, and I'm not 100% sure that he's sleeping the whole time, that's just how long I leave him up there. He loves animals, and thinks that most of them bark, it's very funny. He just had his first haircut a couple weeks ago and he looks so old now! He loves me and has a hard time when I leave, it's starting to get a little bit better, but it depends on where we are and who he's left with. I love this boy.

Before Hair Cut 18mos

After Haircut almost 19mos

Hooray for Better Days!

For all of those who were wondering if I ended it with the polka dot children's place cotton tights...sorry to disappoint, but I didn't! :) Mike came home and then we had McKee's birthday party (more to come) and the kids were better behaved, mostly. Today is much better, although as I typed that I heard Seth whining "Moooom, Brooke just kicked me." It can't be perfect I guess!

Am I the Only One

That has bad days with their children? Not just the normal bad days, because they are kids and they can be crazy sometimes. But the bad days where you are fighting back tears all day and are trying hard not to call your husband and ask him to come home from work before you might strangle someone, or jump off the washing machine with your daughter's tights tied around your neck? Not like a super hero cape, but more of a noose. Maybe year round school wouldn't be so bad...

Happy Birthday McKee

Wow, McKee I cannot believe that you are 11 years old already. You will be starting middle school in just a couple weeks, it's hard to believe. I still remember sitting in the hospital watching you sleep and being just amazed at the little life that your dad and I created. Wondering what you would be like and what your dreams would be. You've grown into quite the young man. You love to draw, and are very talented, you're so good at inventing things and learning how things work. Last I knew you wanted to be an engineer or a video game creator. I hope you always keep dreaming, you can be whatever you want to be. You are polite and thoughtful. You love your brothers and sister, most of the time. You do have a little temper though and sometimes have a hard time focusing, but when you do focus, you get things done quickly and do a pretty good job too. I love spending time with you just the two of us. You talk alot, and sometimes, too much, but I don't mind. We had a great time this year going to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. You said while we were there that you want to be in the musicals when you are in high school. I hope you follow that dream too. We just finished your soccer season and you did great. For the first time this year you really got into the game. You were focused and held your position, you knew where the ball was and you went after it. You scored your first goal, and that was so exciting for all of us to watch! Your face was priceless, you were so proud and we were so proud of you. As you are getting ready to receive the Priesthood next year I hope that you will continue to soak up the scriptures, to hear and know the stories and the lessons that are being taught. I hope you will understand how great you are and how great you will become. Understand the importance of being trusted with such a huge blessing and responsibility from your Heavenly Father. Know that he loves you and will help you and bless you in everything you do, if you go to him in prayer and faith. These next years are preparing you to be a man and someday a husband and a father, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. But, enjoy being a kid for now, playing and dreaming and driving me crazy! I love you McKee, I always will.

P.S. I forgot to mention what an amazing cellist you are. You've only been playing for 3 years and have already earned awards for your talent. I hope you follow through with it, and stick to it. You said one time that you want to be like YoYo Ma...You can definitely do that if you really want to.

Fun at the Park

We had a great time! My favorite picture of the day though was...

Tyler was balancing for a minute or two on one of the monkey bar things and then he crashed. I was trying to get his picture balanced, but I snapped it at just the right moment! I couldn't stop laughing...after I knew he was ok. I know I'm mean, go ahead and say it! He still loves me though!