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!!!

Apple Harvest Parade 9.28.08

Apple Harvest Parade

Poppie was Madison’s chauffer for the apple harvest parade, he polished up his Porsche and we prayed the rain would hold out and it did!! Madison is Little Miss Southington 2008 and this was her first parade ever!! ... a piece of Daddy was with us.. Poppie forgot to bring his better sportswear to change into so we let him use Daves white dress shirt...!! it fit too!! .. and we think Daddy had a hand in making the rain stop...Madison asked Daddy for some sun and it came out... and a nice day it turned out to be!!..... miss you Daddy!!! xoxoxoxo

...Triathlon.... 9.21.08...

Uncle Kevin . Auntie Tina . Madison . Chase . Michele

http://viewphotos.smugmug.com/gallery/6024379_TyhEU#377103566_WFiu8

… our first ever TRIathlon! Hehehe.. Ok,, so we didn’t physically do it.. But we worked at it! That counts for something right????…. It was so interesting… and I’m still amazed at the amount of people that actually do these races (of all ages too boot!!) I have to give them all credit for going into the water that day.. It was a bit chilly that morning… and then have to get on a bike and peddle for miles..…then run all the way to the finish line!! …. WOW!! We were thrilled to be apart of it that day and we are seriously considering doing it next year!!! We had a BLAST!! Thanks Mike and Jenny for having us….. :o)

MONTH 5...colors changing....

The days keep coming and going.. As time passes the colors are changing around me …The summer is turning into fall.. seems just like yesterday the colors turned into beautiful bloomed flowers the week Dave passed away.. Its so vivid in my mind I can remember it like yesterday… leaving the hospital a beautiful day with tears dripping down my face… thinking this can’t be happening to me?. Dave told me that Monday morning to “cheer up” as he left the house ... It was going to be a beautiful week! …(that was quite a week for sure and so unexpected.. And one I will remember the rest of my life!!) He always told me the weather report on Mondays and what the weeks forecast was going to look like. I never read the paper, which by the way keeps getting stuffed into my mail box day after day.. And when they cant stuff any more in...that is when I empty it.. I thought they would get the hint???.. I canceled it months ago but I’m still receiving them???… just one more thing to call on once again….I can certainly write a book on these trials and tribulations with different companies from the paper to the phone company to the cable people etc…and the nonsense I have had to deal with since Dave died..
Soon the leaves will be turning colors and falling off the trees! It will be yet another adjustment to change… winter is approaching and brings a whole new meaning to shoveling… Definitely not looking forward to the cold weather or even the holidays this year!?…. Even though we survived through most of them as we passed through each month …we will just take it one day at a time like we have been doing with our fingers and toes crossed….
Being a single mom is quite challenging and sometimes I think how did we do all that we did in a day… and manage to get to bed on time?.. Some days run smoothly and some days are utter chaos!! . But I have some great kids and I thank god for that!
So what reminds me of Dave? Well.. Crazy but true.. American Medical response trucks! Yes.. A bit strange but I have to say… it’s a sign that Dave is watching us.. ! No mater where I am around town.. A remote area… a place where one wouldn’t likely be and just is…..One on the side of the road parked or one just passing by and another following behind..…I see them. Dave got a ride to the hospital in one that day and it was the first medical bill I received in the mail because of it.. But they are everywhere now.. I never noticed them until he passed away… it was Dave’s last ride in any vehicle... Not one of his choosing.... But one that kept him alive long enough to tell him I loved him as we exchanged words while being hooked up to everything on the ER table that day.. They got him there quickly and kept him alive until I got there! He survived long enough and was awake when really he shouldn’t have been. I’m thankful for every minute I was able to see him before God took his hand. I can tell you that most days I can breathe now that I’m learning he must be in a better place… but the selfish side of me would rather have him back here so I can have a whole family again…is that too much to ask?.. Really, “ Who would of choose the pain and suffering I’m living these days“?.. Being a single mom isn’t something I ever dreamed of.. I got handed this and I’m just taking it one day at a time… figuring out how to get enough strength for today and praying to have a little more for tomorrow… its been 5 months since I have last seen Dave and our family spending time together.. But yet seems like yesterday he passed away. I close my eyes and remember all the things he used to say to make us laugh.. to make us cry and what made us smile.. Not knowing what tomorrow will bring.. I hug my children a little bit tighter.. I tell them I love them more.. And how proud I am of them… and how proud Daddy would have been if he was here to tell them himself… I know Gods gift to me were those children and believe I was chosen for this job 15 years ago when we first met.. .. Dave left me quite a big challenge here today… and although in life I’ve learned has no guarantees … but I do know Dave must of thought I was strong enough to handle this!… … I‘m slowly learning through myself and others who have helped me along the way… to be thankful for what I do have and reflect on new ways to move ahead in my life after adversity and knowing what surrounds me is love … and learning that God (or a higher power which ever you believe) has our life planned out for us from the start.. This crisis wasn’t of my choosing and yet I was the one chosen to live through something so tragic… and yes you can make choices in life but in the end you don’t ever really have control of anything.. I do believe your life is planned out for you down to the very last detail and outcome of our lives….. "choice" comes into play when we chose how we respond to it … and this is where I will learn to be a better person, mother, friend!… Though I am still trying to accept and deal with my own personal losses… I know some day I’ll figure out the new formula for which this new life that has “chosen me“… and that today I will step forward an inch as I try to do each day.. And put a little faith and trust to that old saying.. That all good things come to those who wait..…. But until then… I’ll continue to accept what has been put upon me and slowly move out of my darker days and into longer and brighter ones…. I long for the day when the colors brighten my world again… it may not be today .. But can only dream for it to happen tomorrow….

SOCCER season!....9.20.08

(we got a natural player here!)

(our neighbor Morgan is playing this year!! ...and they are on the same team!!..)

Its soccer season again!… I remember last year Dave took Carson to all his games and we missed him and it seemed like just yesterday he was coaching his team... This year I’m going to earn the title of SOCCER MOM thats for sure! ..it was a bit strange and sad not having his dad there, but Chase and Madison decided to help out and be ball chasers… Morgan is also on Carson’s team which makes it nice… they both had a great time and they certainly were adorable running the fields in their soccer get ups and yellow team shirts!

9.20.08 ...and the winners are?....

WOW... it was a great night!! Emma and Sophie (Morgan cousins)both sisters won the Rocky Hilly pageants in thier age divisons! .. they both did a fabulous job in their darling sportswear outfits.. on stage interviews and party dresses! CONGRATS to both of you!!! ... Madison and Morgan attended representing their town and titles.... we had a great night and took some photos with the bigger girls who are title holders as well and happen to be from the same dance studio!!

they GREW!!!.....

(click for a larger image)

We have a future farmer here! Carson came home a few months ago with a baby tomato plant from our neighbor.. He asked my brother to help him plant it? (Not thinking this would live.. The roots were all exposed but Uncle Billy helped plant it anyways… and told him not to get his hopes up!) Carson picked the spot to plant it... right where a tree was planted for Dave by some good friends of ours… as a gift of life when Dave passed away ((story coming soon of that))… but anyways.. Carson watered this every day… and gave it a lot of TLC.. Well it started to grow!!! And we got buds... then flowers.. then TOMATOS! Carson couldn’t wait to pick them.. Quite a few juicy red tomatoes came off this little plant.. and what we didn’t pick... The squirrels ate…! I asked Carson what he wanted to make from all of these?.. He said KETCHEP!.. Hehehehe…….

9.6.08 SUFFIELD 5K road race....& BIRTHDAY RUN!

Another great race with our loyal team members.. Thank you guys for running for Dave!… Our Dave bibs pealed off of our shirts… they were the sticker kind and it was the hottest most humid race day we have ever experienced! But the rain held out and we made it! Mike did his fast dash to the finish line once again.. As always.. He is good… but Kevin isn’t too far behind him.. He may get a challenge soon! Darlene kicked it up a notch and beat a gal that was trailing her most of the way.. Way to go DAR!!!...((and happy BDAY to you TOO!))… Joyce and Tina always finish with a great time…. And GOooooooo DONNA.. Still so proud of you for running… you are making big strides!!! You GO GIRL!!!!! …The Half is almost here!!!! and THANKS to Allison for running with Carson.. you did a fabulous job too... !!!! xoxoxo

This day arrived.. We call it the 5Kevin! And uncle Kev has been training with Tina for couple months now.. And to his surprise he did AWESOME! Under 30 min for his first 5k race!! CHEERS to Kevin and Auntie Tina for getting him out and hitting the pavement!! Way to GO KEV!!!!!

It was a family event!! This was my kids first 5k serious race! Madison had done a couple prior to this one.. But she was determined on making the best time for herself and she did… we arrived a few minutes after the starting gun.. But she flew in like a speeding bullet and took off.. Keeping up with the “BIG KIDS“… she did fantastic.. And after a few min I couldn’t see her anymore ..only from a distance.. Then she was gone! Madison finished a 5k in 34:11 min.. WAY TO GO MAD!

CRAZY CARSON first 5K ever.. And he is only 5years old... The kid never let up.. Kept going like a super hero…. Stopped to get a cup of water from one h2o pit stops.. Then kept going.. He took off like an Olympian and a sure trooper!… too cute.. as he sweated crossing the finish line grabbing his pin and well deserved bottled water… With a finish of 40: + minutes! He is looking forward to his next race…

Chase was a trooper also.. He didn’t know what he was getting himself into.. But I kept him on track all the way to the finish line.. It was his birthday to boot… and surely running wasn’t all what it's cracked up to be in his eye’s … but he DID IT!!!!! YEAH FOR CHASE.. IM SO PROUD OF YOU!! AWESOME JOB… and you can do what ever you set your mind on doing…..!!! Chase and I crossed holding hands… a great feeling doing something together with your kids… I love you guys… and Daddy would be so proud of you all !! XOXOXOXO

optimism...

8.28.08 Hartfords X-treme SCRAMBLE #3

THIS BUDS FOR YOU DAVE! XO

We had some races back to back of each other and I’m getting to post them now…. Another Hartford scramble and last one of the season #3..I was asking Dave to send me a sign that he was there.. So while all of us were leaving Dave’s parking garage and running to this event ..I spot Gerry (Dave’s boss) on the sidewalk.. ..“hello and a hug“.. That was enough energy to get me through the race… THANKS DAVE and Gerry for just happening to be there at the right time right place!!…. We had Mike and Darlene and Donna this time doing this happy hour crazy race.. We all had a great time and it was yet another fun adventure with this crew… Joyce from UHC was with us too again and took off like a speeding bullet.. She is getting fast so don’t let anyone tell you differently…… the beer tent was handing out beers as we crossed the finish line and we all were trusty.. So CHEERS up to Heaven HUN...... this BUDS for you!!! I LOVE YOU!!…Dave would of enjoyed these races for sure… a good social event and some recognized us from the last race with Dave’s picture on our shirt…. Another race under our belts and one I finished under 30 minutes,,( finally!!!) we have quite a few more scheduled for the fall… we will be back in Hartford for the half marathon in Oct… we will keep you posted! A big jump from a 10k…wish us all luck…!!!!

8.28.08 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Dear Daddy,

...today was my first day at kindergarten... mommy took me to school.. but as you know we had alot of photos taken before hand... i made a new friend named Devon...so cool he has my middle name.. how about that! i have a really nice teacher Ms Pitino ....(another Ms P.. wow!)... and Morgan is in my class...but she sits at the other table... we got our own crayons and pencils but we cant use pens yet.. i colored a picture for you, i hope you like it?... We have snack time and my favorite still is cheetoes and chocolate milk. mom did buy me some spongebob cheese crackers those are good too.. I love recess and running around... i think the bus ride home is really fun. i missed you today daddy just like i did yesterday... and like i do today... i love you....
~crazy Carson xoxoxo

Back to school already.. Carson couldn’t wait to go.. He woke and and first thing he said was MAaa.. YOU CAN TAKE ME TO SCHOOL NOW..! His shirt was half on… socks in hand…bed head… no breakfast and stumbling down the stairs…. And it was way to early to go yet…. So that was something to chuckle about and and eased up on my stress of this whole day with out Dave. Getting the kids off to school wasn’t as bad as I anticipated and seeing the kids do just fine was a sign that today was going to be a good day.. I had the camera rolling…and met up with Morgan our neighbors little girl and took some photos….they all were so excited.. I remember the first day of school always made butterflies in my stomach… and Chase left early, this year he goes about a half hour before the other kids( ...he had quite a few himself…) now that he is in middle school… But was good to go after he left the house….. Madison was the SCHOOL tour guide and made sure her little brother and Morgan got directed down the correct hallway to the Kindergarten wing..…. All an all a great day… the kids love school and that is all that matters! ..one less thing to worry about!! But we did miss Daddy and his pancake breakfast! we LOVE YOU!! XOXOXOX

HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY CHASE!!!

I LOVE YOU!!

Happy Bday Chase!!... I am so proud of you .. you have turned out to be such a wonderful young man... so well rounded and loved by all... Daddy would be so proud of you too... I know he is sending you lots of love today and always... XOXOXO I LOVE YOU!! ~mom