Our Very Own March Madness

Ryan had a great basketball season. He is a wonderful defensive player and had some amazing steals. As always, Mom, Dad and Madelyn are very proud of him.

Isn't he cute? Of course he Is!

While Kurt and I were in Kansas we got to meet the newest addition to our family...Bennett was born December 23, 2008. Congratulations Tracy and Monica!

Winter Isn't Over Yet

A snow storm earlier in March brought much enjoyment to Madelyn and Jenn (and Kurt) while Ryan spent the day inside with the stomach flu. Lucky for him school was cancelled and he still has perfect attendance for the school year; a fact of which he is very proud.

Home, Together, Family

Getting back to our routines....school, work, sports....It has been several long, physically and emotionally draining months. We are all missing Pop. This week Ryan commented that he wished he could tell Pop he got a 100% on his ancient cities geography test and his basketball team made the playoffs. Ryan enjoyed sharing his 'news' on school and sport outcomes with Pop. Pop always had praise for him. We assured him Pop knew and was proud of him.

Yesterday afterschool Madelyn and Jenn were playing with colored chalk on the driveway. Madelyn told Jenn that because Pop was in heaven he could see everything.

The driveway instantly became a message board.

Madelyn wanted to take a picture and post grandma's heart on the blog. This way grandma would get to see it.

"I love me Grandma Julie" from Madelyn.

The little artists!

Raymond Riley Ashpole 1937-2009

Raymond, Ray, Sonny, Dad, Pop, Papa, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Friend

No matter how you addressed him he was like no other. His family was the anchor of his soul. His love was unconditional. His determination to live each day to the fullest was remarkable. He was a true and trusted friend. His life was an example of a life well lived.

He didn't tremble in the storm but faced every day head on. He was the mast that held strong while the rest of us waivered in the wind. We knew his courage was stronger than any all of us could put together. He leaves us with the lessons he taught, not with many words, but by his example.

Pop, we miss you terribly.

Some Pics from our visit in December 2008: