Happy Birthday Woo Child!

Happy Birthday little sister!The kids watched Casper meets Wendy today in your honor. We know how much you loved that movie! The kids love it knowing that it was one of your favorites! We bought some balloons too and they each wrote a little note to send up to you. Samantha asked me what I thought you were doing right now? She said she thinks that you are having a party and eating cake! I told her that I bet you were right there with us watching us writing our notes and sending them off up into the air taped onto our balloons. Then she agreed! She says- yep, I bet she is right there (as she outlined where you would be- next to me!). We sang Happy Birthday to you as we set the balloons off on their way. The kids LOVE doing this! We all just sat and watched them float away.... they all went the same direction except for Josh's.

I bought myself a new Halloween decoration this year- as I promised myself I would every year in your honor..... it was a headstone to put in the yard. The kids really like it! Too bad it doesn't say.... WENDY....RIP...... That would be cool! Maybe I can make my own!

I love you and miss you so much! I know that you are by my side so much these days. I need to know that you are here with me, and I do! Thank you so much for all of your help in my life. I feel strong and happy even among all the chaos and sadness.... I know that are helping when you can and in all the ways you can. The kids think of you often and we talk about you all the time still. We keep you in our prayers... Uncle Dave and Aunt Jewell too! I love you! Until next time!

Happy 31st Birthday!

Today you would have turned 31 Wendy. You would be having a big Halloween Bash, I'm sure. All your friends would be there. You probably would have thrown a kids halloween party for all your nieces and nephews that you loved soooooo much. You were such a good Auntie. I'm sure you would have a great job and be making a lot of money, which you would be sharing your blessings with your family in some way. Just like you always did. I remember the family cruise you were planning, the Christmas presents that you so carefully chose for each person, and the trip to Victorias Secret where you took me for my birthday. You wanted to be sure I was able to have one of those really expensive bra's at least once in my life! *lol* We would also be planning our family Christmas party and drawing names. You would probably be having the Christmas party at your place and be planning a food theme for us all.
I wonder a lot about whether you would be married now, have children of your own, what color your hair would be, and if you would still be so dang skinny?? Jealous! I wonder if you would be happy, and still trying to set me up on some new diet/work-out routine, and still yell at us for eating McDonalds?? I'm sure you would.
Most of all I wonder where you are today. What you look like. Whether you can see us. If you can help us? Because I know if you could you would be and maybe you are. What you are doing? Are you happy? Are you with our brother David? Is he happy? Do you get to be together? Can you see us crying? Do you know how much we miss and love you? I hope that wherever you are, you feel all the love that we have for you and how much our hearts ache for you. But most of all, I hope we get to be together again, as a family, forever and ever.

Happy Birthday Wendy!

I can't believe that She would have been 30 today!! Wendy just LOVED Halloween! Always was having some huge birthday bash! Who wouldn't?? The kids and I took some flowers to her grave today and a BAT balloon. They enjoy going to put flowers on her grave. They love to pick out the flowers all by themselves and buy cute things to leave for her. They talk about her, pray for her and sing songs to her all the time! They loved their Aunt Wendy! We all loved Wendy! She was so vibrant! So full of energy and life! I miss her. I remember her birthday before she passed away. Ronda and I wanted to take her out to dinner. We were so worried that she would flake on us.. .but to our surprise she didn't. Then, we both thought she would eat her dinner and then quickly have some reason to leave.. but, she didn't. She STAYED! and we just all talked and had such a good time together! I was so glad that we had that moment before she passed away. That was the last time I really had a good time and good conversation with her! I will always remember that night! Thanks for being such a great little sister Wendy! Love you and Miss you!

Happy 30th Birthday Wendy!!

Today Wendy would be 30. Knowing Wendy she would have had a huge big Birthday bash! She loved to have parties. I know we would have done something very special for her. Just doesn't seem special to go put flowers on her grave. I wish I could take her out for a nice dinner and spend some time together. I miss her sooooooo much. I remember how she did such special things for our birthdays. My last birthday with her, she took me shopping at Victorias Secret! She bought me a $50 bra!!! Yikes! I would never spend that much on one. She made pretty good money and was able to buy nice things like that for herself, but she wanted to share those nice things too. She was so sweet to spoil me that day. I just wish I could give her something today. Even if it was just a BIG HUG!!! I love you so much Wendy, and I hope you are celebrating today in some way. Halloween will always be in memory of you! I just can't wait to see you again.
Love, your big sister Ronda

Another Loss for the Carroll Family

It is with much sorrow that I write to tell you that our family has had yet another great loss. On Monday August 24th, my brother, David, passed away. He was 43 years old and leaves behind 5 children. He was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. We thought and hoped that he would be with us longer, but that didn't happen. Although this is another tragic loss for our family, I know that we will get through this if we just lean on each other and all of our great friends whom we know are there to support us and listen whenever we need. I know that David is with our dear sister, Wendy right now. What a happy reunion they must have had! I am so glad they are with each other again! Thank you to our friends who have shown their love to us at this difficult time! Services will be on Tuesday, September 1st at 10am. Please let us know if you would like further information.

My First Christmas in Heaven- Poem

This poem, my mother found right about at Christmas time last year- Wendy's first Christmas in Heaven. It is a beautiful poem- and wanted to share it too....

"My First Christmas in Heaven"

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below.
With lights like "Heaven's" stars reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular- please wipe away that tear.
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sound of music cannot compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love each other as the Father said to do.
For I cannot count the blessings or love He has for you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.


Our first Christmas without Wendy was definetly hard- and without Jewell. So much loss last year. This poem was really uplifting to read. I am sure that every year without her will seem a little easier. But, we will always miss her the same! Love you Woo!

My First Christmas in Heaven

Poem written by Keith D Carroll

With the moon set
I'll watch for your shadow
With the rising sun
I'll wait for your light

For the darkness cold
I wait for the warmth
With the lighted way
I'll see my path

Though you are in my thoughts
I miss you all the time
With every touch I feel
I'm reminded of you.

You're in my dreams,
You're in my heart
For every day, every minute,
I miss every part

The games you used to play
The words you used to say
I miss your face, your words,
Every single day.

I hope these letters, these words
Reach you afar
For wherever you are
I'll always know

You are here beside me
Heart, mind and all.

For my sister, Wendy
I'll love you always.

By Keith D Carroll

To my dear sister, Wendy- by Suzanne M Carroll Quillen

To my dear sister, Wendy:

As the days get longer
Our friendship grows stronger.
And as young as you may be
You'll always be the same kind of sister to me.

The cute little smile you used to give
Always gave me reason to live.
And the times we used to fight
Made me stay awake through all the night.

I've never told you face to face
But without you I could never find my place.
This place I find only comfort and happiness
And where I can leave behind the fear and sadness.

Dear little sister I wish you could see
Just how much you mean to me.
And when the world gets you down
I will never let you frown.

And when the problems may seem more than a few
Just remember that "I love you."

- Suzanne Carroll

(This was written years ago before Wendy passed)

"The Snow Falls" by David R. Carroll

"The Snow Falls"

Much is in the loss, the grief and the cause.
Too many tears to come down as rain,
too much feeling, unbearable pain.
The clouds too heavy to muster the mount,
unleash a flurry, a record account.

The snowflakes come falling and falling far more
for all to remember the power,
the wonder and the beauty once more.
For most, record snowfall for all to see.
For me I knew better, t'was my sister Wendy....

She loved the snow and also loved life
but saddest of all, was never a wife.
To all of the children she touched with her love,
she was white as an angel, a snowflake a dove.

By David R Carroll

Poems written for Wendy

I am finally putting on here the poems that were written for Wendy by various family members. They are all very special. I am not much of a poet myself- so it's nice that someone else was able to come up with these beautiful poems. I will enter them individually...

Another Dragonfly.....

Well, as many of you know I had my baby on April 1st. I was in the hospital room after the surgery (had a C-section) and was looking around. There was only one painting on the wall of a flower. It was a very nice painting actually. But, the more I looked at it, I thought that on the bottom of the painting was a wispy leaf of the flower on the bottom left hand corner with a bug on it. I ended up asking Donny what it really was... to my surprise- it was a dragonfly. Now, Wendy loved Dragonflies. And we like to think that Wendy has a small something to do with when these dragonflies pop into our lives at such strange times. It was just nice to know that It made me think of my little sister, who definetly would have come to see me at the hospital and welcomed her newest little nephew into the world and our family. Here is a picture of that corner of the painting.

Thinking of Wendy

So, I know that I am not the only one that thinks about Wendy all the time. I always think about the cute little looks she would give, or her laugh, or her ideas.... it just never stops. But, especially when there are those moments that are like- Wendy is letting me know she is here. Last night was my baby shower. As I was getting ready for the evening, I couldn't stop thinking about her and thinking that she is the reason I decided to have this baby and how she wouldn't have missed being there for anything. The night went on and it was a great night. So many friends and family showed their love and support for me! It was standing room only! But, no Wendy. But, I knew she was there in spirit. This morning, I had another Dr. appt. - going once a week now. When I got into my car this morning to leave, the radio was on and a song by evanessence was playing- one that reminded me of her. She would sing her heart out to that song! I couldn't help but smile, knowing that she was letting me know that she was thinking of me too. Then on the way home, again on the radio, there was a gal that called in for a request- and guess what her name was??? Wendy!!! Sometimes it's crazy the way things go. Wendy just isn't going to let any of us ever forget her! Just thought I would share! Love you woo!

Wendy's Beautiful Headstone!

Well, We finally got a headstone for Wendy placed. It is so beautiful! We all think it is perfect! We all went down to see it over the Thanksgiving Holiday and read poems and talked about our little Wendy! It's hard to believe that she has been gone for almost a whole year! It's amazing how a person can have such a hard time with a tragic event and feel like there is no way to get through it, but then a year later, realize that somehow we did make it through- at least for a year! So, we will trudge on in this life with our tragedies and difficult times and know that somehow- I am sure- with alot of help from our Heavenly Father- that we WILL get through yet another year, and another and another. And know that we are just that much closer to being with our loved one again! Wendy- We Love you! We miss you! Until next time!

Wendy's Birthday 2008

Here are the pictures from Halloween when we were at Wendy's grave. It was a very tender moment. Someone had already been there and gave her a dozen red roses. They were beautiful! Whoever you are- Thank you for remembering Wendy!

Two of my brothers, Dave and Keith, had both written poems for Wendy too, and were read that night. But figures- I am not able to find neither one of them now that I am on here ready to post. Those will have to come.

The good news is..... Wendy's headstone has arrived and has been placed! I have seen a picture of it and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!! We will be going as a family next week when Alan is in town for Thanksgiving to see it all together. I hope many of you will go and see how beautiful it is. I know Wendy would be proud of all of us for the contributions each of us in her family has made to make it the most beautiful headstone that she could have ever wanted!

Thinking of you, Woo!!! Love you!

Happy Birthday Wendy!

Today is Wendy's birthday. She would have been 29 today! It's still so hard to wake up some mornings and realize that she isn't going to be there to call or to plan some family party with. I can imagine she would have been having a huge party for her birthday- like she always did. When we were much younger, Suzanne and I used to throw her birthday parties for. We had some pretty good ones. My dad said to me last night that my neice, Alayna, woke up from her nap and saw a picture of Wendy (this was yesterday). And she says- "That's Wendy! Wendy is crying". I just think that if she truly is crying right now, it's because this was one of her favorite times of year and she is sad that she is not with all of us celebrating! I hope she knows that we are all thinking of her and are missing her.
We were hoping to have her headstone done by today, but it wasn't able to happen. I will post on here when it gets done and try to get a picture of it on here too. I think it is going to be beautiful!!! Thank you to all of her friends who continue to keep her memory alive........ if any of you are celebrating this day or night- please sing a little birthday song for Wendy!

LOVE YOU WENDY!!!

We're thinking about you so much Wendy

Marcia and I are just sitting here working on our blogs and just wanted to visit Wendy's blog. We added the family viewing slideshow that you can see at the right. We are hoping to gather more photos of the funeral and the dinner afterwards. We will post those later. Wendy's headstone will be in later this month and we will be having a get together when it is placed. We will let you all know in case you would like to join us. Wendy's birthday is on October 31st. We will all be thinking of you Wendy! WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!!!!

Thank-you Kentwood class of '98

I just want to thank the Kentwood class of '98. They had their 10 year class reunion this past weekend and they paid a special tribute to Wendy with a slide show. They also took up a collection to help raise funds for Wendy's headstone. I was just notified today that they will be sending in a check for $500, to Hillcrest Burial Park. WOW!!! We have been working on earning money for this all summer. We had a couple of yard sales, we had a few friends and family donate (thank's to all of you too). We even had a couple of anonymous donors and people we didn't even know donate. We really wanted to get her a nice headstone and we were willing to wait until we could gather enough money to get the one we wanted. Well, we have finally gotten it ordered! It will be a very beautiful one. I can't wait to see it. It will have a 5x7 photo of her on it. If everything goes well then we will be getting it in October. Wendy's birthday is October 31st so we are hoping to have it all in and have a little celebration for her. As soon as we get it I will post pictures. Thank's again to everyone who contributed towards this. I know Wendy must be very touched by everyone who still remembers her and cares about her. I sure am.

1st Carroll Family Reunion

We have never really held an official "Carroll" family reunion. So this year we decided was the year. We held it in Sandpointe, Idaho, where Alan and Christy live. Christy grew up in Sandpointe so she had some wonderful places to show us. We went to Schwietzer mountain, Lake Pend'Orielle, and Silverwood.
In losing Wendy it has made our family bond closer and we have learned that we need to cherish and love each other as much as we can. You just never know when it might be the last time you see someone. So we try to be a little more patient, a little more forgiving, and say "I love you" a little more often.

This is really only half of our family. We hope that
this will grow every year and that more of our
family will join us.

Keith, Rochelle and Alayna

Christy, James and Alan

This is what Alan and Christy's yard looked like with all of us camped there.