My Grandfather

James Poinsatte, my Grandfather, at the age of 91 passed away quietly on August 27th. He lived a full and happy life and it wasn't until the last week, when he grew ill, that he wasn't walking around and talking to everyone about anything and everything with a twinkle in his eye and smile on his face.

He was an incredible man.

I know many people think this about their grandparents, but my Grandfather was extraordinary. He served in World War II, and he saw action in the invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge and he loved to retell these stories any chance he could. He remained stationed in Europe after the war ended. He was a history scholar from an early age until his final days on earth. He studied at University of Notre Dame, University of Paris and University of Chicago. My Grandfather spoke five languages and used to teach his children and grandchildren many of these languages throughout his life. I was taught to say the sign of the cross in French around the age of five and I also know bits and pieces of other languages from his as well.

Aside from his vast knowledge in almost any topic, he was a man of strong faith. He was a charter member of St. Jude's Catholic church and Knight of Columbus and strong supporter of Bishop Dwenger High School where majority of his children and grandchildren attended. He met and married my Grandmother and together they raised 12 children--in the same modest 4 bedroom house they built 50 years ago (complete with a bomb shelter). My grandparents celebrated 66 years of marriage this year. There are over 140 grandchildren/great grandchildren left to remember him. What an excellent example of what it means to really love.

Grandfather built his automotive business from the ground up though hard work. He was not afraid of physical labor either. He purchased many properties throughout his life, one piece called "the farm" north of his home, which he planted evergreen trees with the help of his children. The Christmas tree farm was in business for many years though his hard work and that of his children. This land today houses six of his children and their families. He also bought a cottage on a lake because he was afraid of water as a child and he didn't want to bring up his children with this same fear. He owns property in the UP of Michigan on the lake, and he also had properties in different countries so his children could grow up visiting and learning about other cultures.

I was lucky enough to spend two years living with my grandparents while I was in high school. This time I spent with him is more appreciated today. He taught me a lot during those two years and I am thankful. He supported his children/grandchildren in sporting events. He used to come to every single one of my gymnastics meets, and my cousins' wrestling meets, and track meets, and so on...and so on. He was so proud of all of us.

There are few people that could leave such an impact on the world today as my Grandfather did. As I think about his life, I hope and pray that I can continue to spread his influence down to my children...and they pass it down to theirs. Because the world is changing and life is difficult. We need a strong faith and love to hold on to. We need to remember these simple things.

We now have another angel watching over us

Love you, Grandfather

 

Grandfather and Jack last March

He has been drilling for oil for so many years. The girls are about two years old here. I am so thankful he was able to spend time with my children. They are so blessed to have known him.

More drilling

 

Cousins

The girls had a good time together--although I wish Maria was in these pictures!

Lexi-Lou

Poor Maggie

Bath Time

A favorite at Grandmom's...girls in the bath

Light Sabers

Early in the morning. Uncle John said he would watch the kids. He got out the light sabers and the girls went nuts!

Mising Tooth

Jack has been working on getting his front tooth out for a while. When we got to Grandmom's house he immediately asked her to wiggle it out. She tried and tried, but it wasn't ready to come out. When he went to bed it was hanging by just a little thread. The next morning, Uncle Phillip pulled it out!

Gas Station

I never have done this...

We left for Fort Wayne rather quickly to be there for my grandfather's funeral. Since John was in Mexico City, I braved the drive with the kids and dog alone...all 12 hours. I was so happy to see Halter road!

I left my house at 7:10 in the morning to take the kids to school for a few hours. I had to get my windshield fixed and had an appointment for 8:30 that morning and since I was pretty sure Anna had swimmers ear and needed to see the pediatrician, I decided to keep the appointment. I dropped off Kate, Elizabeth and Jack and headed to the glass place, then to the doctor (she did have swimmers ear) and then back to the school to pick the kids up. We left St. Vincent's around 10:15 and headed northeast. I had packed lunches which we ate around 11:30. After 4 hours, I stopped and was going to get the kids ice cream after getting gas and going potty. Well, I stopped and there was no ice cream place--all I could see was a Jack-in-the-box and I wasn't sure they sold ice cream. So, I took the kids inside the gas station and told them they could pick out what they wanted. Well, I showed them the freezer of ice cream, but they didn't really know what it all was because they have not had it packaged like that before. Jack decided on the strawberry shortcake ice cream bar (just like his dad would have picked). I showed Kate and Elizabeth the drumsticks, Elizabeth took one of those and Kate picked the strawberry bar. Meanwhile, Anna was roaming the store. She came back to me with a king size bag of peanut M&Ms...whatever, I thought. I would not pick peanut M&Ms as my first choice of candy bars, but I don't think she has had many candy bars, or remembered if she has. I went up to the counter with all the snacks and Kate decided she wanted the peanut M&Ms too, so we exchanged hers and I picked up a bag of mints, sweetish fist and hot tamales (for me). $11 later, we left the gas station. I was cracking up at the check-out and told the cashier that there is nothing like spending $11 on junk food, but whatever it takes to get there! I still had 8 hours in the car. The junk occupied the kids for about an hour, then it was back to some fighting, a little whining and more of the same old kids riding in the car stuff. My kids are not car sleepers, except maybe Kate could be classified as one. She slept for an hour. The others didn't fall asleep until about 30 miles from home.

I think Grandfather was watching over us, and we made it in one piece--although tired--around 11:15 (Fort Wayne time). I never felt tired until about 60 miles from home, and even then it was not like I was exhausted tired, just my eyes were a little tired.

I had to eat the peanuts off the top for Elizabeth--she didn't like them. When Kate and Anna saw Elizabeth's ice cream cone, they told me they wanted that "tomorrow" which means the next time we let them pick something out.

I did switch the bag to a regular sized peanut M&M. She ate the entire bag and so did Kate.

Oh and it is also John's birthday today--we did get to sing to him when we were driving, just past Indy. He is planning on flying out tomorrow.

Elizabeth's Preschool Work

Elizabeth wanted me to take these pictures and send them to Erin. She is by far the best in coloring and writing for her age compared to all my children. She loves to color and print, though.

 

First Grade Work

Jack made this poster the first day of first grade.  Under "My Wishes" he drew a picture of himself flying. Under "My favorite things about myself" he drew a picture of Sean and him playing Xbox.

Jack made birthday cards for the girls

 Wearing their "shoes like Jack." I kept calling them tennis shoes so they asked since they are now four if they could take tennis lessons like Jack.

They Turned FOUR!

(***Fair warning: many, many pictures in this post)

The girls woke up to breakfast of cupcakes...except Kate didn't like them (red velvet? Who doesn't like red velvet) and Anna asked where their birthday cake was that Grandmom made. Well, I was going to have cupcakes for them, but decided I would have to get them cake after dropping them off at school. At school, they got crowns from Mrs. Salinas and brought cookies for a treat and grapes (the school asked for something healthy if we were going to bring in something sweet). Jack said their names were announced over the PA in the morning. After school, they were super excited to open their gifts (and Jack got his "Best big brother" gifts too). We went to Chick-Fila (their choice) and had chicken nuggets, french fries and a free ice cream cone given to them by the manager when he heard it was their birthday! All the kids played for a little bit and then we went home for cake and a popsicle! I think they had enough sugar for the week, ha-ha! It is only your birthday one day of the year, though, and I always think it should be filled with what makes us happy! Kate asked me before going to bed tonight when their next birthday was. Pretty sure she and the other two had a great day. Can't believe they are four! When I look at these pictures I see big girls and wonder where my three pound babies have gone.

 

 

(Jack's gifts are at the end of the table)

 

 

 

Chick-Fil-A

 

 

Leaving Chick-fil-A

 

Dear Girls,
I can't believe you turned four today! You are so important to us and we can't imagine life without you!

Anna-You have the best smile and love to sing! You love barbies and dolls and are very nurturing and mother-like. You also love to read books, play outside and in the pool. You have come a long way in the water. You will run and jump off the diving board and slide down the slide on your stomach with your puddle jumper on. You also love when Daddy throws you up and flips you in the pool. You love your gymnastics class and dance class and you are very graceful. You run on your toes and gallop. You started full days at school and have been adjusting fairly well. The first few days were hard when mama left, but you have come to really like school. You love to color and you make very nice pictures for your cousins and sisters! Your printing has come a long way, too. You are finally writing your name right-side up. You are 31.5# (20th percentile) and 39.5 (43rd percentile)inches tall.

Elizabeth-You are so smart! You love to print and color too. You can draw many pictures and write any letter very legible. You seem to remember things very easily. You love school and your teacher. You love all games and hide-n-go-seek. You also play with barbies and dolls a lot. You are fearless in the pool and will jump off the diving board and go down the slide head first with your puddle jumper on. During swim lessons, you are very coordinated with your strokes, though too. You love gymnastics and dance, but most days will tell us you love 'mastics better. You are constantly doing cartwheels and flipping on and off the couch. You love to ride your bike outside and scooter. Your sisters are your favorite playmates. You are 28.5# (4th percentile) and 37.5 inches tall (8th percentile).

Kate-You make us smile! You are so full of energy and independent! You were the first to buckle and unbuckle the car seat, just like you were the first to escape out of your crib. You are very strong and can climb anything. You also love your gymnastics class and dance, too.  You like to flip on and off the couch and your cartwheels are getting better. You are fearless in the pool. You will jump into the water from anywhere including the diving board and go down the slide head first, feet first or whatever! You are enjoying school. You like to do crafty things and color. You love barbies and dolls. You also like to read books and push around strollers full of your treasures. One of your favorite items right now are what you call "sisters." They are tiny strawberry shortcake dolls that we have multiple numbers of and you carry them around everywhere--church, car, bed, etc. You are 31.5# (20th percentile) and 38.5 inches tall (22nd percentile).

We love you girls and hope you had a very Happy 4th birthday!