Thoughts of an angel....

Tonight I sit with teary eyes.

One year ago tomorrow, my dad received his angel wings. It's amazing how some days it feels like we have been without him much longer than just a year. And yet, I still find myself hoping he will walk through my front door, arms open, waiting to greet the kids. For the most part, I think I have learned a lot about myself and I have marveled at how strong my mom has become. I know Dad is watching her and smiling at what an amazing job she is doing. That is a given.

My sadness stems from watching my kids grow up without him. We planted a tree for Dad yesterday which will always be a reminder for us of Dad. Ellie and Reid talk a lot about my dad, which is something I always want to encourage. We definitely keep him alive in our hearts, that is for sure. I miss Dad's jokes, his laugh, his teasing, his love for his grandkids and family, his joy, his musical talents, and his gift of just making anyone feel welcome at anytime. I rejoice that he is in heaven free from pain, no doubt. But, wow....I do miss him. Dad....we love and miss you like crazy. I feel like I see a part of you many days whether it be a beautiful sunset on my way to work, or remembering a favorite joke of yours and laughing just remembering how you would tell it over and over again. Some things never get old. I rejoice knowing that I will see you again one day. Thank goodness I have that to hang on to. Dad.....love you always. Miss you tons.

Dad and Reid- Easter 2009

A favorite picture of mine....this is the day my dad became a grandpa for the first time! Here he is in his glory, holding Ellie. Sept. 2004

Fair Time

We took the kids to our county fair yesterday, and they loved it. Here are some photos from the fabulous family day that we had!

The kids checking out the ducks....not terribly exciting, but they were just loving every creature they would run in to!

Ellie next to the largest bunny that we have ever seen! Ellie just laughed and laughed about this guy all day long.

Ellie and the goat who loved giving her wet hand licks. Ellie loved every minute of it!

Reid being sweet. He would walk up to the sheep and say in the sweetest voice, "Hi, sheepie!"

Of course, we spent most of our time on the tractors. We had to lure Reid out of this section with a promise to ride some rides. He would have stayed on the tractors for the day if we would have let him.

Ellie and Reid loving life!

This bus went in circles pretty high for the little ones on the ride. I didn't know if Reid would like this or not. Double click this photo to really see how Reid felt about it. He and Ellie are in the last seat on the bus.

Waiting in line...and being very sweet about it.

No hands for my two daredevils!

And after a long day....nothing is better than a nice, sweet nap. What a great day!

For Grandpa

Ellie wanted to decorate something for Grandpa...so that is what we did today. We had no school today, because of Fair Day. If you are reading this and asking yourself..."What in the world is Fair Day????" you are missing out, my friends! In our county, we actually have a day off school for the county fair. Yep....totally true. So, Ellie was off and so was I....so we decided this would be "decoration day!"

Ellie made a picture for my dad, and the only way I could think of to keep it nice was to put it in a large baggie and then stake it down.

Reid made one too, and Ellie wanted to make sure that Grandpa knew this was from Reid. So, she put his name on the paper first. Then, she thought about it and asked me, "How will Grandpa know that I wrote Reid's name?" So, then she added her name as well. Just to be safe, of course!

I bought a fall "decoration" if you will for Dad. I think his stone looks very nice.

Ellie also picked this flower from the tree next to dad's stone. She wanted to take it home with her to think of Grandpa, as she put it. It's in a vase next to her bed as we speak. My heart is smiling. (and I am sure Dad is, too)

We all miss you and love you, Dad. I hope you know just how much. xoxoxoxox

Happy 6th birthday, my sweet

When I became a mom I would always hear people say, "Don't blink....she will be all grown up before you know it..." Now granted, there were those days that I would wonder if I would ever have the strength to make it through.....but for the most part, all of those people were right. It has gone by fast! Ellie is turning 6 today. What a little blessing she is to so many.

Ellie, you are Mommy's peanut...and you always will be. I love you more and more each day. I thank you for being such a great big sister to Reid. He is lucky to have you to look up to. I treasure each day with you, and I love you to the moon and back. Happy 6th birthday, Ellie!!!!

Sept. 4, 2004....Welcome to the world, Ellie Marie!

Sept. 2005- 1 year and so sweet

Sept. 2006- 2 years and getting a little ornerier!

Sept. 2007- 3 years and very excited to become a big sister soon!

Sept. 2008- 4 years....and the real orneriness begins! You always give us a good laugh, El!

Sept. 2009- 5 years....always ready for the camera. The big decision of this year was to grow your hair long. You would ask me every morning after waking up if your hair looked longer than the day before. Sweet....

Sept. 2010- 6 years old. Happy birthday, Ellie. I could not be more proud of you. You have just completed your first week of kindergarten and have done exceptionally well. I can't believe how fast you are becoming a little lady. Love you forever and ever, little one.