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.

We took a trip to Silverwood.

Nathan and Austin

Austin, Crystal, Tessa, and Samantha

Justyn and Jordan

Bryce and Jacob

Dad and Mom. Wouldn't this make a cute card?

Jordan

The boys skipping rocks, this beach was covered with flat rocks

Tessa

Mom

Alan and Dad

Austin

We went swimming at a beautiful lake.
James

Samantha

Crystal

Jacob

Balloon messages for Wendy

On the last day of our family reuinion we wanted to do something to remember Wendy. We all wrote notes to Wendy and tied them onto helium balloons and then let them go all at the same time. It was a very touching moment.

Mom and Dad, writing their notes to Wendy

Crystal writing a very private note

Austin drew a picture of Wendy

Samantha wrote Wendy a sweet note: Wendy, I miss you so much I hope you cum back soon. I hope I se you soon to. We cry evrey time we think of yo...Samantha to aunt Wendy

Dad and Mom writing notes to Wendy

Trying to get all our balloons ready all at the same time was a little tricky.

Getting ready to let our balloons go.

We love you and we miss you so much Wendy.

Wendy's 10 year class reunion

I was contacted today, via e-mail, by Kristina. She found me through Wendy's blog. She is helping with Kentwoods 10 year reunion. She said they would like to honor Wendy. They will be having a slideshow for those who are no longer with us. I will be sending her some photos. I am so happy. I know Wendy would have wanted to be there and in this way, she can be.

Things I miss about Wendy

Wendy was my sister by marriage but in my heart was my sister for life. I miss you so much that it hurts deep inside. I so wish you were here for the kids and I..you will always be loved.

Kathy (Wendy's sister-in-law) Brandyn and Brittney's Mom

Things I miss about Wendy

I miss everything about Wendy. She was my closest sibling. I could tell her anything. She was my best friend. I miss her laugh so much sometimes it really hurts. I miss how she always had to have a pop to drink while she was driving. I miss her dark brown eyes and how with every emotion of hers could literally tell you what she was feeling. I would say I miss sitting next to her but she sits next to me every day now. I just miss hugging her. I love you all so much.

Alan (Wendy's older brother)

Things I miss about Wendy

Her smile. Her laugh. Her freckles. Her brown eyes. Her smell. Her phone calls. Her text messages. Her asking "What's up?". Her telling me all about her job. Her voice. Her voice mail. Her name coming up on my caller ID. Her calling to tell me something about her day. Her calling me on my birthday. Her taking me out on my birthday. Her coming to the Concerts in the park. Seeing her car in the driveway.Her planning easter parties. Her planning 4th of July. Her energy. Her diet advice. Her blue coat. Her moods. Her temper. Her generousity. Her plans. Her computer talk. Her worries. Her little slight scars from the dog attack, that only those who knew about it could see. Her face with no make-up. Her calling for recipes. Her hugs. Her saying "Love you". Her inviting the kids over. Her tears. Her spirit. Her love. Can't wait to see her again. Miss her every day.

Ronda (Wendy's older sister)

Wendy's obituary

Yard Sale for Wendy

Today we had a yard sale at Marcia's house. There were some items of Wendy's that we were selling (clothing and shoes that won't fit any of us). It was so hard to see those clothes and to part with them. She wore such nice clothes. And she took such good care of them. There were still a few things that we saved back that we couldn't part with. Mom, Marcia and I stood there smelling her clothes and weeping. All of this is so tough. I keep wondering when it will ever be easier to face the days. We also had some of our families things that were donated. We are trying to make money to help pay for a really nice Headstone. We want a special one with a color picture of her on it. Everyone in our family seems to be struggling with jobs and money, due to the Mortgage crisis. So this is how we are all pitching in to help. We actually had a very good day today and made quite a bit for a yard sale. We think Wendy was sending the right people our way. We will be having another yard sale in a couple of weeks. Maybe we can find some more things to sell between now and then.