8 months.... Happy New Year....

As I stand looking in the Christmas card isle at Hallmark.. I am overwhelmed from the amount of cards starring back at me that are for a Dad... a son and Dad.. a Daughter and a Dad… for a Husband …some for a Wife… right at that minute … time quickly sent me back into a tail spin to the reality of my life… I started to look at my surroundings for awhile and absorbed what I was seeing.. And couldn’t help but notice strangers shopping too for cards and looks on their faces.. Wondering what their story was?.. And if they had a Dad or a husband.. Or were they simply looking like I was for the hell of it…?? I’m watching as they pick each one up and laugh and chuckle… some pulled out their cell phones to ask questions as to who they should get cards for… or did they already get one?…or “you gotta hear what this card has to say“…as I scanned the wall of cards ... I felt paralyzed in time...remembering when I was in the same place as these people looking for a card for their loved one! I couldnt help feel a bit helpless knowing as a mom I couldnt fix this situation not only for myself... but for my children as well....so I very slowly removed myself from that area and disappeared further down the isle.. ..out from the family section ...making room for those last minute card shoppers to take my place… and began looking for ones that read "for special friends"…..

So its been 8 months already.. Where does the time go ?? I often think about how I got this far and it amazes me that I’m still somewhat sane to write about it.. Never would I think I would of made it quite this long with out Dave… and some days it still doesn’t seem real. Though I have excepted that I no longer have Dave’s presents and I know he is no longer going to walk through the door, it still doesn’t make it all better.. The heartache is there.. an unexpected wave of pain still taps me on the shoulder at times and as much as I want to shoo it away… I sometimes give in to it.. Talk to myself about it… an occasional outburst of tears and certain choice words fly out until I get a hold of myself and then I find myself reevaluating all that I have learned these past months and think I better get it together!… … these set backs are sometimes sudden but less frequent as I slap myself back into place for the mere fact that nothing is going to bring Dave back to us… but I gotta tell ya it does feel good to let it all out sometimes!!.. So don’t let anyone tell you a good scream or cry doesn’t fix things … its those times when you need a hug from Dave and he isn’t there to wrap his arms around us…

The holidays once again have creped up on us.. And we are challenged yet again.. with a new beginning a change as 2009 approaches…a new year without our Dad and Husband physically with us.. For the most part the kids have been doing quite well and they are unbelievably resilient at this age…and we are looking forward to putting this roller coaster of a year behind us…. and begin to move forward with a much clearer mind set and knowing with each day that passes… will bring us greater strength as time goes by and as long as we continue to stay positive I think we will get through this. ... There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t talk about daddy or point him out on the highway or parking lots when we see the EMR trucks… daddy is always watching us and it’s a big joke when we hit Walmart or Target there is always one there parked.. Some how he is always there shopping … and he is telling us.. “Can you just try to get out of there for under $50!!???.. .of course red birds also remind us of Daddy… (also known as cardinals )… but we haven’t seen any of those lately.. If any one out there sees one.. Make sure you tell him to get his tail feather back in his own yard or just swing by to see us..! So the first major snow fall was last week.. and it seemed strange not to see the fathers in the neighborhood rev up their snow blowers .. It used to be like a snow blow party… but this year.. We woke up to a snow plow doing our driveway and sidewalks… I remember last year Dave’s snow blower bit the dust just as the end of the season… he was tempted to buy a new one.. But opt not too and shoveled the last few storms himself and now again.. I know the reason why he didn’t buy a new one… he wouldn’t of been here to use it and would sit in the garage just like the lawn mower among other daddy gadgets he has!
As this year comes to a close.. I would like to again thank everyone that has reached out to us in many different ways… the love and support from all of you from new friends to old ones… to ones I didn’t even know at all.. I thank you.. My family thanks you and most of all I believe Dave thanks you also…for all the blessings sent to his kids and Me …. for being apart of our family and touching our lives… so Thank you and Happy New Year.

so you think you can DANCE star.... SABRA and Me!

Madison won for her costume.. another winner this year!

on Dec 6th my kids got the oppurtunity to take dance lessions with Sabra... at the New York City Dance Allience Competition held in Boston Mass... I just happened to be the lucky one to get my picture taken with her.. she is so adorable and such a tiny little thing!...

see a photo show by clicking any of the photos above to see our weekend of

DANCE... DANCE... DANCE!

Thank You UNITED HEALTH CARE!!! 12.4.08

Joanne . Gerry . Me

... thats Katie in the middle!!!

... this was really funny!! great JOKE!!....


Thank you United Health care for inviting me to attend your holiday gathering! It was a bit sad that Dave wasn’t there to enjoy the night… but I am thankful that I was there to fill in for his spot! So I thank each and everyone of you so much.... for continuing to remember him and our family. The generous money collection for Santa this year for my children was very thoughtful and very much appreciated.. Thank you for all the funny stories about Dave some of you shared with me...I want to reach out and give you all a big hug for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers … I will say this again… I have to thank Dave also for leaving behind a great group of people… Truly a special gift of “YOU ALL” for me and my children.. Thank you for making me part of your TEAM!…. Love to you all… and Happy Holidays!

photos with the Bugryns...

a photo shoot with the Bugryns........

12/8/08

(click the photo for more pictures!)

.. thanks Debbie and Kids for being great sports in the freezing cold!! ...we had real snowflakes so festive!! ...these pictures came out awesome.. thanks so much for letting me do your holiday photos this year!! xoxoxoxo

first snow fall of the season....12/7/2008

carson. Madison.chase.Mama

...have you ever had PMM??

.. Ok.. well I have been having PMM lately.. And I just wanted to brag a little bit about it!…Incase you all don’t know what PMM is…it's:
“PROUD MOM MOMENTS”!

..other then the fact that I think my kids are great kids…. It helps to know that there are others out there that think the same!!…. I got a call from Chases Principal yesterday… I almost fell out of my seat.. I thought something was wrong? … When I heard the tone of his voice saying, “ Mrs Yurgaitis.. I have Chase sitting her in the in my office“….(((((( .. I was like and ????????)))).. Well after holding my breath for a few seconds.. seemed more like 10 minutes when all said and done…. He began to say that Chase has been selected by faculty to be STUDENT of the MONTH in his school! WOW… what a great honor.. and there's a qualification that goes along with it.. And Chase possessed all those qualities in deserving this status for the month of December! So YEAHHHHHH.. Way to GO CHASE!! Also I want to add as I am still here bragging… Chase’s report card made HONORS!! So we are proud owners of those bumper stickers you see on people cars that read, “Parent of a Depaolo Middle School Honor Roll Student!!! "woo WOOO!"...… and it doesn’t stop there.. Also.. Last month he made the Principal’s List for Citizenship.. It reads,” Chase is super helpful with the students on the team. He is a good friend!“ This was a bagel breakfast we were supposed to attend.. But MOM forgot about it…. Sorry :o( …. but he was chosen for that as well!!! So yes.. a PMM for sure… and I know Dave would have been so proud of his Big Guy for all his achievements over this difficult past year… even through these emotional obstacles he has faced over several months.. He is still proving he can be all he can be!!! I love you Chase… and Daddy does too!! x0x0x0x0x0x0

...and the story goes like this........!!!!

WOW!!... EXTRA EXTRA!!... I just got an email today 1/2/09 from Manchester Road Race, that they are refunding me for the race... because of the lack of busses they had, and not getting us to the start line in time! ..  I never even complained either.. guess the thousands of others did!!

(click the image for complete RACE STORY!)

plan on getting STUFFED? run off your Turkey with us!

Manchester Road Race Nov 27th 10am sharp!

(click the bird for more info!)

...its almost here!! one more day to train to get through this crazy race....but it will be so much fun.. TEAM DAVE is going as SUPER HEROS! make sure you check back to see the photos.. this should be alot of fun... Dave ran this race a few years ago and I know he would of been so proud we are all doing it this year... not sure he would of dressed up ... but we would of made him!!!!.... hope he can see us as he looks down that day at the race as we fly over the finish line... Madison is even running this one.. this will be her first longer run and she is so excited to be running this for her Dad!!!

You've Got Mail!.......

… I got this in my email the other day. The subject line read.. Thinking of you…as I read it …kept reading it over again and again… it is so heartfelt and warm I couldn’t help but tear up knowing that there good people and strangers who has been following this blogg for awhile now… it simply shows that even if you don’t know the person affected, you can still feel for that person and their family.. I want to thank Jill for her email and her concern for myself and my kids… It was like getting a great big hug through the computer… so thank you so much for touching my life.. Just as much as I have touched yours….. And thank you for reading along while I move through these life challenges.. Its nice to know I’m not alone and on the side lines I do have others cheering for me….

~*~

Dear Michele,

You don't know me, and hopefully you won't think I'm some weirdo for writing, but I had to write.
Its taken me all these months to finally get up the guts to tell you how often I think about you, and how many tears I have shed for your family and so today I said screw it, so here goes!
Back in April when you lost Dave, I saw his obituary and was so heartbroken for you and your family. I saw his picture and just thought to myself "how could something like this happen to such a beautiful family?"
When I was reading the many, many entries in the guestbook, I stumbled upon your website, and since then, I have checked back on you guys often. I have been drawn to your family because of your amazing strength.
I hope you know how strong you are and how much people like me, who don't even know you have learned from you. I have learned to never take anything for granted in life. I have learned to stop and smell the roses so to speak.
I have a husband and a 4 year old son, and you have taught me to love them just a little bit more, to hug them a little tighter, to make sure I tell them I love them before I leave them when they go off to school or work. You have taught me to appreciate all the little things in my life Michele.
I just want you to know, that you have people out here who think of you all the time, and that you should never feel alone.
I truly believe that your husband IS watching over you and all the signs you talk about are from him.
You are an amazing mom to your kids and I just wanted to tell you today that I admire you SOOO much for all that you do. For how you have carried yourself over these last few months. For getting on your "running shoes" and for carrying on like you have. You are an amazingly strong woman and I hope you know that!

I know that the Holiday's are approaching so quickly and that will be so tough for you guys. I will continue to think of you and pray for you like I always do.
Please don't think I'm a nut for writing. I just had to let you know how I felt. I just wanted you to know how many lives you have impacted, and to know that you always have people thinking of you and your family, even strangers. If anything, I want that to bring you some comfort, and some peace. Especially now.

Take care. May Dave continue to watch over your beautiful family!

Peace and Love,
Jill

7 months... we are hanging in there!!

It seems like the 23rd of each months creeps up on me faster and faster these days. Not only do I think about this date several times a month… often I have to question what the heck happened and how did I get here? But it makes this new life for me real knowing I will be writing something on the anniversary of Dave’s passing. The 23rd number will always remind me of Dave and also its time I can focus my attention on him. So what comes to mind this month is the quote I made up for my High school year book.. I remember writing it many years ago and really not sure what it meant back then... but I submitted it and it was published under my photo…it reads:

“ In life there are many paths to choose from.. Follow one but don’t get lost“!

… so back then being 17 years old I don’t really know why I wrote it or what it was supposed to mean and I ask …. why does it still stick out in my mind today?.. Until now.... This journey for me from meeting Dave 15 years ago.... To getting married.. .. To experiencing life’s trials and tribulations along the way…til’ death do we part… has taught me quite a lesson on life and there were many paths and I do believe over the years spent with Dave, he has helped point me in the right direction and he continues to do so as I live each day... The earlier dark paths I had been down shortly after his death I clearly could of gotton lost.. But I believe those were more or less experiences I had to go through to get were I am today… I have to think there is a purpose, a reason for what happened and why I’m raising our children alone with out their daddy. I could just do nothing and feel sorry for myself and believe this was a cruel punishment put upon me, but I have chose a new path to follow... I look back and realize those darker days were times of spiritual growth and soul searching for me, I am now learning who I am and figuring out how to be a single mom of 3. I didn’t get to this better place over these months alone and have to thank so many people who have been there for me…. I think Dave has sent me quite a few angels to look out for me and the kids and new friendships made along the way.
….. I continue to find daily.... some inner strength to get me through the days……You never think you are as strong as you are unless you go through something like this… I have found some peace, in moving through life one day at a time, enjoying what I do have... and be thankful for it... I am grateful for the new doors that have opened up for me and the new friendships I have made in this short period of time…. I have Dave to thank for many of them… I know he is guiding me and watching as I walk down this new path of life without him by my side…

Congratulations MADISON!........

(watch me dance.. on YouTUBE...click click click my photo!)

Madison took the stage with confidence! We are so proud of Madison ....and how she has been able to cope and get through this tough year with a smile. Madison took center stage at North Haven Middle School this past Saturday were the Miss Ct Outstanding Junior Pageant was held.... delivering a speech about her favorite teacher.. her DAD! In life your biggest fans and teachers are the ones right next to you at home!... Madison spoke how she had 9 wonderful years with her Daddy and he had taught her many things in that short period of time... We are very thrilled for her .... and commend her on her hard work and dedication from community service to her talent performance... she is a remarkable little girl who has alot to give and share with others!... Congratulations Madison.. we LOVE YOU!! XOXOXOX

.. a box of SUNSHINE......! THANK YOU!!

Heather and Me.. Atlantic City Nj 7.2008

A box of SUNSHINE arrived the other day!! Thanks to Heather she went to Hawaii and sent us this box of yummy goodies!! THANKS SO MUCH!!! .. My long time computer buddy that I’ve known for almost 9 years now… funny how we met… my son Chase was into Thomas the Tank Engine when he was like 3years old… I found her son Ben’s Thomas the Tank site on line …and back then it was tough to find anything Thomas… and we started to talk and have been friends ever since.. We even went to see Thomas the Tank engine in Lancaster Pa years ago with her Family... And her Mom even made a Thomas sweater for Chase.. That now I have passed down to Carson… Heather is a dear friend that has been with me through everything over the years… and just want to thank you for always being there for your love and support so THANK YOU Girlfriend!!! Heather even came to see the kids this past summer dance in Atlantic City.. Thank you!!!! ….XOXO

Our Dad Rocks in Heaven.....

Sunday my mom called me several times that day to see if I was home yet… and then she told me she was at my house with my dad during the day ??… hummm? I didn’t know what was up or what was going on?… so on my way home Sunday night.. She called again and I was in the car driving .. And said.. You must look around when you get home and then call me? So now I’m trying to get home really fast now to see what this was all about?!….. I finally get in the house and its dark outside.. I notice a light on in the back.. So I follow it….I knew something had to be out there…. And as I get closer I notice something shining …I get closer to see it…and discover a memory bench in honor of Dave… (and I just broke down... with tears, it makes it all real that Dave isn't physically with us anymore...) They placed it in front of the tree our neighbors planted for Dave when he died… and how ironic that... the cobblestone circle we had put in when we made the patio 3 years ago was left untouched until now… kinda makes me think there was a reason for that circle?... like I subconsciously knew something?... Because I was so persistent that I wanted that circle built into the patio… I remember Dave asking me why do you need this? I said because I want a tree there someday!…over the next couple years it was empty and used as the kids sandbox... But now life has taken care of that empty space... A tree was planted by our good friends in honor of Dave when he passed away…A meaningful one and a now a bench for him that surrounds it…A place for us to sit and remember our Dad, husband… and Friend…
Thank you to my Brother Kevin and wife Tina, Brother Billy and Sister Christine and husband Larry.. My mom and Dad for this piece of stone art that will be cherished forever.. Thank you… that was a really nice surprise and the genius idea of putting our Family logo on there… ! Love you guys!…

"Our family is a circle of strength & love. With every birth & every union the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger".

Ellie Kate "Davida Arella" ...Beloved Angel...

a baby named in loving memory of Dave..... (click image for complete story)

celebrating a life... Pauline Cucolo "GRAM"!....

(Click photo for more information)

in loving memory of:

Pauline "GRAM" Cucolo

November 2. 2008 God took Grandma Pauline’s hand just like he did Daves and brought her up the stairs to Heaven. I do believe Dave greeted her at heavens door asking if she brought a bowl of meatballs?… This was Dave’s grandmother who survived 93 years and the MEATBALL QUEEN!… a long life and was a tiger til’ the end! Thank you Pauline for the loving memories… and your delicious breakfasts…of pancakes, eggs and a glass of whole milk! When Dave and I were dating.. We would head over to Grandma Paulines for breakfast and she was ready with her frying pan in her hand …and couldn’t wait to serve up a 5 course breakfast… Always needed a nap afterwards on Saturdays! Then she would provide the Yurgaitis Sunday dinners of her Pasta and meatballs … Those meatballs were Dave’s favorite for sure and you could find him near the frying pan to grab as many as he could… and there would be hardly any left for the sauce or anyone else if you didn’t get there fast enough! I am at peace knowing Dave isn’t alone up there… I know he called his Grams name… she was ready with open arms… until we meet up again… xoxoxoxo

Calling hours:

5-8 pm at the Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 willow street Waterbury CT.

Funeral Information

The funeral will be held 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, from Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 Willow St., Waterbury, to St. Pius Church, Wolcott, for a Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.

For information, please visit http://www.maioranofuneralhome.com/

... did you VOTE TODAY?...

Ok.. what is up with this new coloring in the dots to vote? ..it brought me back to those elementary school days when we had to take those bubble tests... I was like nervous today.. the lady said only use the pen provided and I was getting scared I would color out of the lines... but I did it... I know who Dave was voting for.. so that is who I picked! I know he is also surprised I even went!.. I got a little choked up though.. the lady at the desk asked what street I lived on... and as I saw the lady search for my name in the Y section... it was sad not to see Daves name above mine...I knew I shouldn't of even looked.. as if he would be there... but I did anyways... i voted... got my sticker and left...

the Lacilla Family photo shoot.. 2008

(click image for more photos!)

... I got the pleasure of photographing this good looking family! Thanks Jeff, Glowie, and Ryan! .. here are a few of my favorites to share with you.... XOXOXOXO

THANK YOU.... annonymus!!!!!

.. the Kids received this in the mail on Halloween!!... a YUMMY collection of Harry and David candy and popcorn mix!!... the card said ANNONYMUS SENDER?... so THANK YOU ANNONYMUS... that was very nice of you!!!!

the INCREDIBLES... 2004!!

... we had just moved into our new house that year... and we had a neighborhood Halloween party 2004... Dave was a trooper in dressing up! (he was like do i have wear this??) .. we will miss you this year daddy and each year we trick or treat with out you ... LOVE YOU!! XOXOXOXOXO

some wisdom.... 10.28.08

Ive been getting these daily devotionals through emails for quite some time now from a dear friend who first introduced it to me last year... I read and looked for any type of peace to keep myself sane through these months of agony... and as some of you know.. I didnt quite understand or did the whole "GODLY" thing... not that I didnt want too.. but for reasons that I really havent been exposed to it growing up.. but I have done my own self searching and found bits and pieces of God that makes sense in my life and any type of wisdom that he provides.... I take it all in and use it to my advantage ....and I am thankful that I found it! so I would like to pass it along.... so here you go.... something interesting today that was put in my in box to share with all of you ....... Michele :o)

Living the ‘Good Life’
by Rick Warren
10.28.2008

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***
A few years ago the planned community of Mission Viejo , California launched an advertising campaign to attract home buyers. They used phrases like “ Mission Viejo : the California Promise” and “The place to live the Good Life.” Although “the Good Life” is a well-worn phrase in our culture, I wonder how many people have ever stopped to define what exactly it is.
For some people the Good Life is confused with looking good. They are preoccupied with appearance, as if that is all that really matters in life. In America our culture idolizes beauty and puts a premium on being attractive. Advertisers capitalize on this knowing that the promise of “looking good” causes us to spend billions on beauty products, tanning salons, plastic surgery, liposuction, custom color coordination, and the latest styles in clothing.
For others the Good Life is confused with feeling good. Their goal is the minimization of pain and the maximization of pleasure, and they will use whatever it takes to achieve it: hot tubs, Disneyland , cocaine, virtual reality, world travel, the latest movie. The pleasure and entertainment industry is now the largest industry in America . The old 60’s phrase, “If it feels good, do it” has become the modus operandi for much of our society.
For others the Good Life is confused with having the goods. Their chief ambition is to collect all the goods and goodies of life. They make as much as they can and spend it as fast as they can.
Some honestly identify their values with bumper stickers that say “The one with the most toys wins.” Others are not that brazen but they still believe that the Good Life is something that can be bought.

The truth is: none of these things ultimately satisfy.

· No matter what you do, you can’t stop the aging process.
· Pleasure is a by-product of the Good Life, not the goal of it.
· The greatest things in life are not things!

So what is the Good Life?

It is the personal fulfillment and joy that comes from being good and doing good.

It is the result of discovering and becoming exactly what God created you to be. Nothing else will fill that void in your soul.
The Bible says this: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).

When you use your life to help others, to do good, and to know and trust God, you will feel good about yourself. That is the Good Life. Don’t let anybody con you into thinking it is something else!


© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved. Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America's largest and best-known churches. In addition, Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church, which was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th Century. He is also founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for ministers.

look what landed on our street this morning!!

(click image for more photos as it lands!)

... the dog was barking like a lunitic this morning... not knowing what she was freeking out about???... so I open the door to let her out.. and look what I see IN FRONT OF ME! ....AMAZING!!!!!!.....

a HALF of year has gone by...

I cant believe its been a half a year so far since Dave has been gone! I know I say this all the time but it doesn’t seem possible… Some days I think he still is coming home… He had so much life left to live and so many plans left undone and fatherly duties to finish… I think about all that he is missing and all that I’m seeing without him in our lives . Carson’s last soccer game is this weekend and what a great 8 weeks it has been. Last year it was just getting to know the game... But this year Carson really kicked it up a notch and is quite the little player scoring goals and running up and down the field with so much energy. He will be in swimming for the winter and that was something Dave always wanted him to get involved in .. Another natural talent this kid has and it breaks my heart to be the only parent being able to see it happen…Also Chase and Madison’s tap duet is fabulous this year.. and it saddens me that Dave isn’t around to see his children grow into wonderful dancers. Madison will be in a pageant come November and her tap solo is phenomenal, we are hoping she can pull it off this year, Daddy was there last year when she won the talent portion of the pageant and he will be with us in spirit this year…
As I move forward these days I find myself some what relieved to see the progress that I have made over these past 6 challenging months.. I have been able to acknowledge and except a variety of pain on all levels.. From completely drowning in my tears to tear drops that drip off my face.. Then there are some good tears that are from memories when daddy made us laugh ... And we cry because its so funny. Though some days a single tear drop can be so painful , an agonizing sick feeling comes over me as I am reminded that my children are without their dad and I no longer have a husband..…. I am able to live it… breathe it… feel it…except it as our new reality but its when I fear it… then those are the days it feels like a loosing battle ….until I remind myself… in the midst of all the pain and anxiety .. That a death of a loved one shouldn’t be a life sentence for those who have been left behind …but to be here in the present for those who are still living. Knowing I need to move forward with my children and out from the past.. I am learning from this new life that has been chosen for me…dwelling on my past life as I often do and I sometimes think it feels like a permanent condition for me, I find myself talking to Dave for guidance, and he is telling me to “QUIT YOUR CRY’N" which was his all time favorite line…and would hear it quite often.. Easier said then done.. But tears are good and the only way to get to the other side is to go through it…and I have found to my surprise that there have been more frequent stretches of better days then bad ones as I push forward…..
I know Dave would be proud to know that myself and his children have been able to pick up quite a few broken pieces that were handed to us and have been able to put together a new life for the four of us. I hope that somewhere up there in the heavens he can see down on us and continue to keep helping us find our way through this life challenging puzzle…not a game I would have chosen to play.. But one that just is and some day I will get that last piece in for my family… this has been a huge life adjustment for us and I’m trying to keep our strength, making the best of everyday…knowing each piece is critical for survival and someday I will complete it….and in the end.. I am confident this picture will reveal itself …

broken chain...

(hard to read?...click for larger image)

RED SOX FAN?...

ok.. so we were bummed that the Sox lost last night.. but Madison will still wear her Red Sox outfit with pride.. im sure Dave was watching the game in heaven!! miss you daddy and miss going to the games with you!! xoxoxox ~madison

ING HALF MARATHON 2008 race story!!

(click the logo to find out about our day in Bushnell Park!)

FALL PHOTO SHOOT 10.16.08

(click the logo)

...we took advantage of the beautiful foliage as our backdrop for our fall photo shoot this year... come take a look!...

piece of cake.. full MARATHON next year! ha...

we did it!

(story coming soon)

my brother Kevin and Me

Michele Kevin Tina Darlene Donna Mike

ok.. so its almost here!!!... not sure if we all lost our minds months ago when we thought we were IRON MEN/WOMEN after a few 5k races and thought we would be capable to do a HALF MARATHON??? ... well, we have all been training....( some more then others )... but all of us have hit the pavement one way shape or form... and its getting closer.. YIKES!!!!.... even "Crapple" does longer runs with me... and sometimes stops dead along the way and rests on some lawns between miles and she laps up some nasty puddles she comes across... but she is a trooper for sure... Dave ran this race in 2005 so this one is very meaningful to me, i found his medal and i will be tying it to my sneaker that day!!!... wish us all luck on Saturday and be hopeful for some great weather!!... and if anyone would like to join in last minute.. more the merrier or just come cheer us to the finish line!!! we would love to have you!!

a Picaso by Carson.....

Ok.. so this is one of the finer scribbles and works of art by a 5year old... I ask Carson.. so what is it?.. he says, "Maaaaaaaaaa.... (as if I should know!).... its a 3 EYED MONSTER.... with ONE THOUSAND PIMPLES..... and really BAD BAD BAD TEETH!!!... haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.. !!!!!

Yurgaitis Children's Education Fund Golf Event 9.08.08

(click image for the complete story)

UNITED HEALTH CARE HEART WALK 9.28.08

(click for larger picture)

Uncle D . Chase . Carson

the Yurgaitis Clan.... Cousins Sam and Nic.. Uncle D

and Auntie Maria, Chase and Carson.. and Joanne :o)

Sam . Uncle D . Debbie . Joanne . Chase . Carson . Nic

Debbie . Joanne . Chase

Thank you United Health Care, Debbie who lead the team from the 14th floor and everyone who walked in memory of Dave on Sunday! Thank you Joanne for hanging out with my boys and Thank you Uncle Derek and Auntie Maria and cousins Sam and Nic for attending. It means so much knowing Dave had a special place in your heart... just as much as all of you have in ours… thank you!!! Dave had high blood pressure and undetected congenital heart disease on top of the other few things that caused him his short life. The autopsy reported that Dave’s heart was severely damaged for someone of his age. I am thankful that Dave was able to give us 10 more years of his life due to running /living a healthy life style which helped him stay with us longer. Dave had two strikes against him and unfortunately in the end.. the AVM/aneurysm took his life… But I am thankful for all the years I had with him... all the years with his children Chase, Madison and Carson…though he is very much missed.. There isn’t a day or minute that goes by that we don’t think about Daddy.. cry a tear for him.. laugh a good laugh for him…and sending him our special thoughts and prayers to heaven….Daddy is not very far from us.. He will hold a special place in our heart forever!!!