Boomer Sooner

I went through Maddox's clothes this week to clean out the things that are too small, and pull out the spring/summer clothes. Well... Mike was thrilled to find out that I had the OU jersey we bought for the girls when they were about 3. Next Boomer Sooner?? Sorry, Mike... don't think so. The only team word he know is "Jayhawk!" Yes, Grandma trained him well....

Hi Ho, Hi Ho... It's off to work we go...

Here is a pic of the Mad Man going to work with Daddy. He's got his work gloves on and he's ready!

Also, almost forgot a cute Maikism from last week. She and I were talking, and she was telling me how much she loved her family and I quote, "I love my family so so much. More than anything in the world." We started talking about other people too and how we are supposed to love them as well. She said (and I quote again) "Oh, I do. I love everyone, but I only love them 30%." Maybe a future accountant? :)

New Potty...

Well, it's almost that time. The Mad Man is ready for his potty. I bought him one that is tailored for the boys - equipped with magazine rack, backrest, and toilet paper right in reach. It also converts to a stool for easy access to things he is not supposed to get into when he isn't busy pooping. So, we're ready - and he loves to sit on it nude, but no luck yet! We'll let you know if and when that changes. Sorry the picture is so blurry... Mike took it with his phone. We'll try to post some better ones when available.

Sunday

Today is Sunday, March 15. We spent the weekend in Dodge City for my grandfather's funeral. It was a very strange experience. I was doing pretty good until I saw the pictures of him at the funeral home. In a flash, I realized how much time I had missed out on with him, and how I never really got to know him. Anyway, it was still nice to see everyone and it was really comforting to be back there. We went to my grandparents' house and the girls played in many of the same places I used to play. The house looks almost exactly like I remembered it. It was a very emotional weekend. It's been 20 years almost to the day since I have been back. Many are no longer with us, and many have changed. But, it still felt very much like "home" in the sense that a grandparents' house does.

It was hard to leave everyone again, but the trip was not easy with the little man. We didn't get a lot of sleep, and that is NEVER a good thing for Mike and I. We don't exactly see eye to eye when that happens. The kids were actually all very good though, considering.

Anyway, it is back to reality today. Tax season you know....

Goodbye...

The following is my Grandfather's obituary. He passed away yesterday in Dodge City. He had surgery last week and took a turn for the worse on Thursday. It may seem strange to those that know my relationship with my grandparents on my dad's side (because I have hardly seen them) but I am deeply saddened by the loss. This man was the grandparent I knew the least and thought about the most for reasons I don't think I will ever truly understand. I had a strange sympathy for him, and hope for him that he would find peace in his life. I had not seen my grandpa for a very long time, and that I will probably always regret. But, I remember him the way I want to remember him - not perfect, but my grandfather - eating his jalapenos on everything! May he rest in peace.... (Thanks to Luke for the pictures)

Jay E. Martinez
(December 28, 1920 - March 10, 2009)

Jay E. Martinez, 88, died Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at Good Samaritan Center at Dodge City, KS. He was born on December 28, 1920 at Copeland, KS the son of N.A. and Carmen (Rodriguez) Martinez.
He married Ruth Ascencio on June 23, 1941 in Ingalls, Kansas, she survives. After living many years in Copeland he and wife Ruth moved to Dodge City. Jay enjoyed fishing and had an intense passion for baseball, playing for the Dodge City Cowboys and Liberal B.J's in his youth. He managed youth baseball teams in Copeland for many years. In latter years he enjoyed gardening.

Survivors; 3 Daughters Barbara Waldron, and Ruth Anne Waldron both of Dodge City, Kansas,Susan and husband Jim Riphahn of Fort Collins, Colorado. 3 Sons Butch Martinez of Copeland, Kansas,Mark and wife Sherrill Martinez of Baldwin City, Kansas,Tony and wife Geri Lynn Martinez of Saranac, New York. Brother I.R. Martinez of Garden City, Kansas and sister Ruth Martinez of Hemet, California. He also survived by 10 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother Ramon, and a sister Micaela.

Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home on Friday, March 13, 2009 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Dick Robbins presiding. Inurnment will be at 3:00 PM Friday, March 13, 2009 at Copeland Cemetery in Copeland, KS. Memorials can be made to Good Samaritan Center or to the Copeland Cemetery Fund in care of the funeral home.