Drums

Tony got a new drum set for his birthday!  

Tony's friends and family came together to give him this gift after one of his "friends" sold his drums a couple of years ago without Tony's knowledge.  Who does that?  Anyway, Lauren got everyone together to give Tony a new drum set for his birthday!  How awesome is that!? 

Tony is a fantastic musician, teaching himself to play the guitar.  Excelling in the drums with only six months or so of lessons.  Never taught to read music, he plays by ear and amazes me with his natural ability.  He is so artistic and now can again gift the world [or at least his neighborhood] with his music. 

  

Family

Tony and Lauren came up to Modesto for the weekend!  We love spending time with family.  In a perfect world we would have all our family in the same area and be able to see each other whenever we wanted. But in reality we have two sons in Iraq, one daughter in North Carolina, one daughter in Missouri and one daughter and son in Fresno.  So, we will have to wait to have a family reunion when the boys come home! 

Having the kids here just makes me realize how much I miss everyone.  And how much I long to get to truly know Mark Jr, Malissa and Michael.  To know what they were like as children.  What their dreams and desires are.  To know what makes them laugh.  To know what they are passionate about.  To understand who they are.  Did Malissa dream of being a mom?  What did Michael want to be when he grew up?  Did Mark always want to be a Marine? What was their favorite color?  Were they afraid of the dark? I know all the little details of Jenn and Tony's childhood.  We recall silly times so warmly.  I wish Mark had been a part of that time in their lives as well.  

I look forward to making memories over the years. Building relationships with Mark, Malissa and Michael, getting to know each of the grand kids and enjoying family, looking back one day and laughing warmly at fond memories we shared.