Darrell's Intro

I have never been much of a blogger. I haven't even written in a journal much since I got home from my mission. However, several things have been steering me into this direction over the recent past. Kori, my daughter, had a recent school assignment where she had to research her family's roots. I have a lot of info in my head, tons of pictures, geneology but no real singular place where I have archived or written the history. I found a personal history I wrote in college (in Kori's words... BORING). Another reason is the advanced age of my parents. Both are doing well however, Mom gave us a scare a week or so back. I had some business that took me to Columbus (OH) and thought that instead of flying I would drive and spend some time with her and Dad. It was a great trip. I won't go into the details of her illness but suffice to say she is OK. Case in point: Mom, Eric (who made the trip from Chicago) and I went to lunch at the mall. We decided on Sbarro's pizza. We got our food and started eating... Mom's pizza was less than desirable. She looked at Eric and I and said "I am going to take this back to the manager and tell him this is terrible". Those of you who know Mom realize this is very "normal" behavior, in fact, had she not asked to take the food back and ask for a refund or "better quality" we'd have been concerned.

My brother's and sisters are spread out over the country. Family in Hawaii, Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia and her in Georgia. We don't get up to see Mom and Dad as much as we'd like. I noticed this trip a sadness, one that never really hit home until looking into Mom's eyes. She misses her family and wants them to be with her. Well, hopefully with this blog I can bring them a bit closer. Jim and Keri have started doing this as well. It is great to see the pictures and comments. I intend to keep this updated weekly, but with the constraints of family, work and church that may not always happen. Just remember the DVD from Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary is still .... well in the cutting room (June 2004). I commit this day that I will have it ready well before their 60th anniversary!!! (two or three weeks prior at least!).

I have been trying to find some recent photos of the kids. I can't find any so I am going to post a couple that I have on my PC. I'll post some more when I find them.

Jeremy and Jack getting ready to go to church (I think this is the last time these ties were worn)

Kori on a trip to Destin last year

Jeremy with friend Kelsey and Mary-Kate (same trip to Destin) The weather was super cold that day. I want to say with wind chill it was 32. The kids didn't care they were at the beach and ready to play

Jack "jumping the waves"

Kori and Kim (nice sunglasses)

Nothing like getting in the hot tub after a freezing afternoon on the beach!!!!

Hope friends and family are doing well and enjoying life. I'll post more soon. D