Josh’s Farewell Party

I thought I’d use Memorial Day to write about Josh’s Going Away Party. Saturday, May 19 was the big day to celebrate my amazing husband. It wasn't to celebrate the fact that he was leaving. It was to celebrate the fact that he is serving our country, the sacrifice he is making, and to let him know how much he is appreciated and loved by family and friends.

Me & My Man

Some of Josh’s family was able to make the trip to Moline. His Mom, Dad, Sister Michelle, and Uncle Bud traveled to Illinois to show their support. I was so grateful that they were here. My Dad and Step-mom also came from Colorado for the party. It really meant a lot that these people traveled all this way for Josh’s send-off.

It was an all-American party, from the Coast Guard service-member to the décor! Fun note: the signs on the drink coolers were labeled VETERANS (Adult Beverages), ENLISTED (Soda), and RECRUITS (Water). I’m telling you, when I pick a theme, I stick with it!

We had so much food! There was enough to last all day with plenty leftover! My Dad was the grill master with the hot dogs, and I had lots of help with the food from my Mom and Grandmas. We even had a teamworking cookie machine the day before the party. Josh made the batter and then the cookies were baked by Cindy, Michelle, and Connie.

Speaking of cookies…

Cookie Bar

Josh isn’t much of a cake man so we decided to have a cookie bar for dessert. My grandma even made a huge batch of her chocolate chip cookies that she always makes for Josh. And we ordered a giant cookie instead of a cake.

It was quite the turnout. So many people came to show support for my man. I was so proud. He even got some special drinks and a cigar from some of the guests. Sometimes he is a little too humble to be the man of the hour, but he certainly deserved it this time.

I was happy to have several of my friends there to show support. Jon, Colleen, Erin, Tricia, and Breanne all came. I know that handful of friends are going to be the ones who are going to be here keeping me occupied over the next year. I’m really lucky to have their care and support.

Breanne, Colleen, Anika, and Tricia

Colleen and I shared a couple awesome moments. She had all her kids with that day and our children were bonding like crazy. While we were watching Dylan push Tyler around on one of his toys Josh came up behind us and said, “You two have been waiting for this moment for about 15 years, haven’t you?” Yes, yes we have.

Dylan & Tyler

Dylan also had a quiet moment with Kiley that I was really excited to catch with my camera.

Kiley & Dylan

Dylan had way too much fun at the party. I'm sure he thought the party was for him. There ended up being a lot of kids there.

He was also getting awfully spoiled by Poppy (my dad). He took Dylan for a walk across the street and bought him an ice cream cone! Good thing he was still in his swim gear because I think he got more ice cream on this clothes than he did in his mouth.

Dylan may have thought the party was for him, but Josh was obviously the man of the hour. I think he told the same stories more than a dozen times. When he was leaving, where he was going, about the kind of ship he'll be on. I even saw him with his phone out at one point, showing a map of where to find Bahrain.

Talking to B-ry

Overall, I think the party was quite a success. The kids seemed to love the Kids Zone in the back yard and it looked like the adults had fun too. So many people came to support Josh and wish him good luck. It was a great send-off. Josh even got support from California - Bryan called that evening.

I need to thank my Mom for weeks of help leading up to the party. She was there for me the whole time and I couldn't have gotten the party together without her and Bob. And a big thank you to everyone else who helped make the party such a success.

Anika: Wife, Mother, Party Planner :)

On Memorial Day today, I'm thinking even more of my amazing husband and all our friends who have or still are serving. That small percentage of our Country's population deserves more than a few special days a year when everyone remembers the huge sacrifices they are making (or have made).

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~Elmer Davis

Happy Memorial Day!

Michigan Trip Continued...1 Funeral for a Great Man

I think I was putting off writing about this day because I feel like anything I wrote just wouldn’t seem to be enough. But, I will do my best...

Josh’s Grandpa, Ed West, died while we were in Michigan. He died on August 24 at the age of 91. I had only known him for six years, but I learned very quickly what a kind, gentle, admirable, and honorable man he was. He was nothing but wonderful to me since the day I met him. Even though Dylan will never remember his Great-Grandpa West, he will know his memory and legacy through us.

Cindy, (Josh’s mom) loved her dad very much and I know she inherited much of his compassion. I also know that it meant so much to her that her entire family was there at her father’s funeral. That’s right! 1 husband, 5 children (and 3 additional children in Larry, Eric, and me!), and 8 grandchildren.

It was the first time that all 8 Grandkids have been in the same place at the same time. We did our best to get a good photo of them all!

Listed from oldest to youngest: Dalton, Morgan, Logan, Meredith, Mallory, Lucas, Jessie, and Dylan! What a crew!

Anika with Josh, Logan & Dalton

I, of course, couldn’t pass up an opportunity to have my photo taken with 3 of my favorite young men! How handsome are they all dressed up? I’m a lucky lady to have them in my life!

It was a lovely service, and I am so happy that we were there to be surrounded by our family. Thanks to all of our family and friends who showed us their support. Grandpa West was a great man, and I guarantee you that our little family will do our best to make him proud. We love you, Grandpa!

Michigan Trip Continued...1 Trip to Bussia & Dzia Dzia’s House

What is a Bussia and a Dzia Dzia, you ask? It is Polish for paternal Grandma and Grandpa. So Bussia is Josh’s Grandma Joan and Dzia Dzia is his Grandpa Ted (Joe’s Mom & Dad). They live down near Detroit.

One of the main reasons we spend one of the weekends of our Michigan trip in the Detroit area was to visit with them. And we couldn’t pass up the chance to get 4 generations of Sitko men in one room together.

Josh, Dylan, Ted (Dzia Dzia), and Joe Sitko

On Sunday morning, we all got dressed up, went to church, and then headed over to Bussia & Dzia Dzia’s house for a visit. I know I’m a bit biased, but I think Dylan was really adorable in his church clothes!

The best part was that Dylan finally got to meet his Great Grandpa Sitko (I don’t know how to say Great Grandparents in Polish so we still use Bussia & Dzia Dzia) and his Great Grandma. He got to sit on Dzia Dzia’s lap and show off his dancing skills to Bussia. I think really enjoyed out little bundle of joy…how could you not?

Dylan & Dzia Dzia

It was a wonderful visit and I am so glad that we were there. I hope that spending time with Dylan brought some sunshine into their day!