Wanna ride???

Ethan:  Hey Livi, check out my new four wheeler!!

Alivia:  Wow, that looks like fun!! 

Alivia: I want on!!

Ethan:  Ok, I guess.

Alivia:  You didn't have to get off, I don't know how to drive this thing.

Alivia:  What?!?!  I just wanted a ride!

Grateful....

Today, I am grateful..........
I am grateful to have been blessed with the chance to be a mom.

I am grateful to have carried a sweet baby girl.

I am grateful to have labored and birthed that sweet baby girl.

I am grateful for many sleepless nights.

I am grateful for a first smile and the many that have followed.

I am grateful for the ability to sooth her cries. I am grateful for the excitement of all her firsts. I am grateful for the gazes that simply said "you are my mommy".I am grateful for the chance to be a mom.......a mom to this sweet little girl.I am grateful that God chose me................ to be Alivia's mom!

Happy Mother's Day!

Today.........(Caution - Raw Emotion)

Today, I'm taking time to remember, to feel, and to be grateful.


I remember a man, a son, a husband, and a father.......my father.

I love........love my Papa Dean, love the time we shared and the way he raised us to put family first.

I'm sad.........sad that it has been 12 years since I have seen his smiling face, sad that he didn't get to meet the man I chose to marry, and sad that he doesn't get to be the amazing grandfather I know he would have been.

I miss him........I miss they way he helped me with my "little" projects, I miss the way he supported me in everything I did, I miss the way he smiled and laughed, and I miss him, just him.



I am grateful.........for 18 years and the memories we will always cherish, when life gives me little reminders, when my daughter smiles and I see him, and knowing that my children with "know" their Papa Dean.


I know.........I know my dad went Home 12 years ago, I know he is fulfilling God's Will, I know we will one day see each other again, I know he watches over us and protects us..........I know he loves me, just as we will always love him.