I wanted to dedicate a special post to my daddy Paul Koppe. It has been almost 4 years since daddy went to heaven and I can honestly say I am so happy for him to already be in "paradise". I know he is way better off than being here, even if being here means being with us. Saying that and even having peace with that, however, does not make me miss him any less. I miss him all the time and some days, like this one, are harder.

Even though he is gone, he is still a part of my life everyday. There are so many little things that happen that bring back a memory of him or make me think how much I would love for him to be here to share in a particular moment. Such as; seeing how much Landon loves cars and trucks and how he loves to learn how they work, seeing John and Andi's love of music and even musical taste, and knowing how loving and cuddly Addi would be with him. When I think of those things it makes me so sad.

But I try to focus on the awesomeness of where he is, the wonderful life he lead while here on earth and what I can learn from it, the fun memories I have of him and can share with my children, and the wonderful family I still have here with me as a result of his love with my wonderful mother. When I think of those things, it makes me so thankful to God. Then, when I really focus my heart and mind on the fact that as Christians we will all be together again one day and this time for ETERNITY, there is NO greater peace.

Thanks be to God for giving us that peace to live by that He knew we would need to get through this life that is sometimes so difficult. I love my life here on earth, but I must admit, the older I become the more I look forward to the time when all my loved ones are together in Paradise. Selfishly, I wish we could just all go at one time though, so we wouldn't have to bear the sadness of missing the ones who go before us.

In saying all this, I give tribute to my Dad's life here on earth with a thankful heart of being a part of it. He was a hard working, family loving and Christ following man who loved his life. I know he had no regrets in life and went to Heaven with a peaceful heart. I love my daddy and miss him so much! I also want to pay tribute to my family here on earth, especially mom, as we have all loved each other and encouraged each other through some pretty sad times full of change and difficult decisions. We rock! Here are some fun pictures of daddy as I think of who he was, and I know still is in Heaven, with a BIG smile!

Can't wait to see you Daddy!

Out With May and In With June...

So, the month of May comes to a close with our End of the School Year Celebration. We celebrated first by extreme ice cream sundays and cards for each of the kids. Inside the cards were little coupons good for fun times with good 'ole mom and dad. We took John and Andi this past weekend for some yummy sushi and Japanese food topped off with more ice cream. G-Mama was here this weekend and was so nice to babysit Landon and Addi for us. We plan on taking Landon and Addison to Chuckee Cheese next week. They have never been before, so it should be an experience.

We had another Griner first this past weekend. All 6 of the Griners, along with G-Mama, saw a movie together for the first time. Addison and Landon went to see a movie with G-Mama in the past, but this is the first time all 6 of us have seen a movie together as a family. It was really fun for all of us to see Landon and Addi at a movie for the first time. We went to see UP and LOVED it! I highly reccomend it! So, it was a fun, fun weekend!! Mike and I even got a date night on Friday! Wow!

Then, June began at our house with our first sprinkler fun. I was at work, and Dad orchestrated this crazy time. Hence, the "no bathingsuit" look and lots of mud! But they had a blast!!

Then, that afternoon when I got home from work Addi was asleep on the couch. On my way home that evening, Mike told me he and Addi were looking at a book on the couch when all the sudden Addi just fell over dead asleep. I have been trying to wean her off her nap since she won't be taking one next year at school, but I guess she was pretty exhausted. I felt kind of bad, she was so tired! I have decided to let her nap every other day. That girl LOVES her sleep!

Then, you'll see a picture of John and Landon chilling out on the floor before our Father's Day Celebration this past Sunday. John and Andi leave for a mission trip to South Dakota on Friday and will not be here this Sunday so we had our Father's Day celebration this past Sunday. The kids were so excited and we had lots of yummy food and fun presents. We were also blessed to have G-Mama here with us.

Also, you might notice Andi has a new "hair-do"!! She looks much older and very stylish. She is so pretty and growing up!!

The last picture is of Addi and her newest toy that she picked out at the Toy store. G-Mama took Landon and Addi to pick out a new toy to celebrate the end of a great school year. Landon picked out a race track (shocker) and Addi picked out a baby doll. This one talks and moves, pretty crazy! She is such a cute mommy!

The GRINER End of the School Year Celebration 2009!!!








































SUMMER First Sprinkler Fun 2009








































Addi completely ZONKED out on the couch!!


John and Landon Spending Some Valuable Brotherly Time Together!


Father's Day 2009
















































Addi Showing Off Her Newest Baby Doll. She LOVES to be a little mommy! So Sweet!