Honoring Matt's Dad

As you know, Matt's dad Dennis went to be with the Lord on September 2, 2011. His dad had 69 wonderful years on this earth...being with his family, playing basketball, and loving on his grandkids. Our family flew up to Seattle for his dad's memorial service.

One thing Matt and I wanted to do was make a quick trip to visit West Seattle that Dennis loved so much. His dad grew up there, went to school, and met his wife Pam there. One tradition that Matt loved to do with his dad every time we were in Washington is go to Spud's Fish & Chips. Yum. Of course anything with food is good, but Dennis would always take us every time. It was fun to talk about all those memories of being there with his dad and what it must have been like growing up there. We love it over there on Alki beach.

Spud's.

It was also good for Matt and I to re-connect after a busy and stressful couple of weeks.

At the Madani's House for Dinner

Family friends the Madani's hosted a large gathering for dinner so we could all see each other before the memorial. It was a great time of food and fellowship. The Madani's grew up with the McPoland's and lived with them for a few years as teenagers. They have many memories together.

The kids had a great time!

The men starting the fire pit...

Roasting marshmellow's is always a fun time.

The Memorial ~ Sept. 21, 2011 2:00 pm

Matt had a lot of prayer and thought about how to honor his dad. God gave him exactly the right words to say and he couldn't have done it without God's complete guidance. To all the people praying for him, and for our family during this time, we felt your prayers, especially Matt. THANK YOU.

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Exodous 20:12

I just had to share this...from Dennis' sister Barbara's husband David:

Dear Matt,
I know your Dad felt joy in his heart every time you completed a pass or drained a jump shot, but nothing could have given him more joy than watching the Holy Spirit speak boldly through you from the pulpit. I know that it brought those who don't know Jesus personally one step closer and to those who do know the Lord the specialness of His Holy grace. I know that as your Dad stood with Grandpa and Grandma watching you, he was saying to all that were there, "That is my son in whom I am well pleased."

All my love,
Uncle David

~ Thanks for the encouraging words, a note like that lasts a lifetime.

A few friends from Matt's High School came to show their support, Erik, Jennifer, and Mickey.

Matt's extended family, cousins and their kids...

Ashley's pretty dress...

I think everyone knows the Homecoming story...Ashley was voted for the freshman homecoming queen at Hamilton but graciously declined because she knew she would be at her Grandpa's memorial. It's awesome to see the way God is working in her life as she gets older and has to make tough choices on her own.

'Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. ' Proverbs 22:6

Thanks to her cousin Isaac for making her feel like she didn't miss out completely. At least she can look back being all dressed up, even if it was for a different occasion, and took some pictures even if she wasn't able to be home and be with her friends. That's huge in a teenagers life, and no...they are not dating. They're just cousins being silly and goofy, if you were wondering.

I forgot to bring the girls swim suits...but that's ok they jumped in the pool with clothes on. Mia's air drying, bummer I didn't get any pictures of the kids and Matt in the pool.

After the memorial, we went back to Pam's condo for a very special occasion. Before Dennis passed away, he got each grandkid their own Bible, and signed it...from Grandpa Dennis. He also wrote each grandkid a special card. This is when they each got their own Bible from Grandpa. Each one has their full names engraved on the front. What a special gift...God's word.

Mia said that getting her bible and special letter from Grandpa was her favorite part of the trip...and she also said that Grandpa was praying for her up in heaven.

The Madani's - Cameron, Shirin, & Thom. They are and always will be a part of the McPoland Family.

Madani's & McPoland's

The Cousins

In June when we came up to Seattle we took cousin pictures just like these. Click here to see the June Pictures.

Good job Auntie Kirsten for taking such amazing photos of all the kids!

Isaac's High School - Mt. Si - The Wildcats - we went there to watch one of Jabe's undefeated football games while Matt was blessed with a ticket to the UW Husky Football Game.

Snoqualmie Falls...

This is just a special place. Dennis & Pam had their one night honeymoon here, and my mom and dad said their vows here. If you ever can, you should go. I've wanted to go with the whole family for so long now and take pictures but for some reason we never make it. Next time for sure!

Ohhh, they lucked out. I almost was going to throw their cell phones over but decided I better not.

Football on the golf course...has become tradition.

If you could hear Matt yelling, 'Ashley!! Throw it!!!' ha ha...

I don't know why, but the girls are really into silly pictures. Especially Ashley and her friends... :)

If Matt & I would have had boys...this is probably what it would look like. I know Matt would love to add some boys to the family. Maybe we can trade a few girls for Isaac & Jabe?? Matt would be in football heaven but I think he's ok with having soccer players and cheerleaders.

Being together and making time for your family means everything. What I learned from this trip is to never take a moment spent with family for granted. - 'How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog - it's here a little while, then it's gone.' James 4:14 - My prayer is that all who read my blog will spend time with their own families making memories that will last a life time.

'Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.' Psalm 127:3 NLT