A tribute to an amazing man, Irv Marr

It was the summer of '98 when I first met Irv. Jeremy and I drove from college at WSU in his S10 Chevy pick-up to Seattle; he was taking me to meet his family. Not just immediate family, but his extended family as well. We drove straight to Irv & Frannie's house in Laurelhurst. I was so nervous, I thought I was going to be sick.

Looking out the bay window of their house down at the pool, I saw Irv & Frannie sitting together in the shade. Such a sweet couple, and so in love. Jeremy's mom and dad were there, as well as his brothers and sister. But there were also aunts, uncles and cousins galore swimming and doing tricks off the diving board. While I was nervous, my emotions were overcome by something else. It was at that moment - looking down at the pool, seeing the love and joy Irv & Frannie had for their family - that I knew this is exactly where I'm supposed to be.

Irv lived to be a 103. This fascinated Ryder. At five years old, how cool he thought it was to know somebody that was 103. When we talked with Ryder about Irv's passing, I told him we need to give daddy some extra love and attention because his grandfather had passed away and he was going to miss him. Ryder got sad and said, "well, I'm sad too. I will miss him." It was so sweet. Irv had that affect on people; he will be deeply missed not just by those who knew him well, but all of us. But, he is in peace now, with his loving wife, Frannie.

Irv was witty. He was caring. He was an honest man. You don't find that much these days. His life story amazes me, and I am so honored to have known him and to be part of his family.

Most of all, I am fortunate that my husband has a little Irv Marr in him.

We will be coming to Seattle this weekend to celebrate the life of Irv Marr, what a celebration it will be!

And for some more perspective on Irv's life, I encourage you to check out this article from the Seattle Times - have a box of tissues ready; you'll need them.

Sweet Memories to Savor
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/reader_feedback/public/display.php?source_name=mbase&source_id=2010922122&offset=20

Ryder Turns Five!

We hit a major milestone in the Bordner house ... Ryder turned five years old on January 28th! What a great five years we've had in our family. Recently, the five year curiosities have sunk in, as well as his literal and determined ways. We've been asked interesting questions like when you die, who takes you to heaven? Or, he likes to tell me "mommy, you need gas," which yes, I usually am, or "mommy, you're driving wrong; both hands need to be on top of the steering wheel."

Also as a five year old, we've learned that Ryder can help out around the house. For example, we now have a chore chart for him. We have his daily activities that he needs to accomplish by just being a part of the family, but there are also things that he can do to earn "commission." It's been fun watching him go through these ropes. One of the things he tried this weekend was undressing - and dressing - Payton. She actually let him. She laid down and he took off her jammies and diaper and then he took her back to her bedroom, and actually put a diaper on her (!), some tights, and a pink tu-tu. The only thing he had a problem with was the shirt. It was quite impressive - I even have trouble putting her diaper on!

On Sunday, we had his birthday party - inviting a whole gaggle of kids over to play and make ice cream sundaes. We had all sorts of candy and goodies to pile high on top of their big bowls of ice cream. The funny thing is, Ryder woke up this morning saying his tongue hurt ... he has a mouth full of swollen taste buds from eating too much candy yesterday. Ick.

We are so proud of our little man - that's what he is, if you haven't seen him recently, he's HUGE. Here are some pictures from his party and other birthday celebrations ...