A Friend

(A)ccepts you as you are
(B)elieves in "you"
(C)alls just to say "Hi"
(D)oesn't give up on you
(E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts)
(F)orgives your mistakes
(G)ives unconditionally
(H)elps you
(I)nvites you over
(J)ust be with you
(K)eeps you close at heart
(L)oves you for who you are
(M)akes a difference in your life
(N)ever judges
(O)ffers support
(P)icks you up
(Q)uiets you fears
(R)aises your spirits
(S)ays nice things about you
(T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it
(U)nderstands you
(V)alues you
(W)alks beside you
(X)-plains things you don't understand
(Y)ells when you won't listen and
(Z)aps you back to reality

For all my true friends...you are my rock and my sanity. Thank you for knowing when to yell at me and when to just listen.

A letter from Grandma

I came upon this letter sent from my grandmother I just have to share <3 I miss her so much and think of her every day. There is not one day that goes by where something happens and I want to tell her about it...I know she was so very proud of me and so I will continue on and do my best day by day.

Here is her letter: Wishes for Happines

It is sometimes believed that success is achieved by material things you aquire, that there's never the time in the fast upward climb to just "be"-you must always go higher. But REAL lastin success is not WHOM you impress. It's not something that's done just for praise - it's in making a quest to be always your best, putting balance and love in your days. For you'll find that it's true that it's not WHAT you do that determines your rise or your fall, but rather the way you approach every day, always to give it your all. It's so easy to tell when you've done a job well - for you fisnish each day with a smile. It isn't "success," it is true HAPPINESS that will make your life really worthwhile.

"I'm very proud of you and I love you very much. How lucky you are, you have your whole future ahead of you." Love Grandma

Blessings in Disguise

The last few months have been hard and full of so much emotion, that it has been difficult to write much of anything. My emotions still run very high when I think of my grandmother...I miss her so much and with the passing of Thanksgiving and now Christmas on the horizon it only makes it more difficult. Everytime I would try and write in my blog I would read my last entry and just cry.

Mixed Emotions

This blog entry is extremely difficult for me to write. I have had mixed emotions for the last month and it seems to have no end. Last month I received a phone call on a Tuesday morning that my Grandmother had passed away. She was found in her home after what we believe was a massive heart attack. This Thursday will be one month since that day and I am still heartbroken. I do not believe you are ever truly ready for death but under certain circumstances one can be more prepared for it. My grandmothers death was sudden and extremely hard to take. I miss her so much there are just no words to describe all the emotions I am feeling.

Grandma Jo,

I cannot believe you are gone. My heart is broken. It hurts so much when I realize I cannot hear your voice and the laughter that came from it. Your smile, what can I say...there will never be another one like it. You were an amazing grandmother, and I hope so much that you knew that. You never had alot but that never mattered, not to me. No one had a grandma like mine. Other girls danced with their grandmas, you were the reason there was dancing. Oh Lord how you could light up a room. I don't know how many grandma's out there would take out their teeth and chase their grandchildren around a room, what I wouldn't give to be chased one more time. Growing up I just wanted to be around you...it was so easy to feel loved when you were near. When you met Danny you sat on his lap and said, "he's a keeper!" and I kept him. You took your shoes off at 60 years old to dance with me at my wedding... when you saw Kiera, your great-grandaughter, for the very first time you cried, and the last time I saw you was when you met Lilly Jo for the first time, you cried then too. We named her for you and now more than ever I am so glad we did. I am trying to not be so mad at you, and please forgive me for having these feeling...I know you were tired, and I know you were hurting I am just upset my girls will never know you like I did. They should have had special times with you, they should have known your voice and your smile. A memory is not near good enough...it doesn't do the real thing justice. I want the real thing. I want you. I truly hope you knew just how loved you were and always will be...mom misses you so much. She does not have her mama and that is one of the worst things to ever face in this life. You will be glad to know that everyone is healing...the family is back together, and it is all because of you. The love each one of us had for you is what made it happen Grandma. I love you so much, no one will ever come close to replacing who you were in my life, I pray that your body and soul have finally found peace, I pray that we who are left with only our memories of you will heal...Grandma, Grandma, Grandma...you left too soon

Jo Ann (Grandma)

March 1948 - September 2011

School Already?

"This summer went way too fast," Skylar said the week before school started. She was so right, I hate that the family was able to see Skylar almost all summer and now that is gone already. It is already back to just weekends! But the Lord is great and he blesses all, so we can't complain and will continue to enjoy every moment with Skylar that He gives to us.

                   Our girl turned six and as the school year started went into First Grade. It is so hard to believe she is that grown up already (but I say that every year). Skylar's first day of class was August 24th! And although we are so excited for her we are already looking forward to next summer.

                                                                        August 24, 2011

While we are on school Madison also started class. Her first day was before Skylar's on August 15th!

                                                         Madison - 2nd Grade

Family at the Lake

This past weekend we had such a great time up at the lake! With the beach and the boat there was some fun for everyone. Sadly, summer is going by so quickly and no one in this family wants it to end. This family plans on making the most of it while it is here!

Skylar has been such a blessing in the house. She has grown up so much that it is sad and exciting all at the same time! We will continue to thank the Lord for every moment we get to spend with her.

(The picture is my dad trying to wakeboard)

Home Sweet Home

Man oh man has it taken me a few days to feel rested! I was hoping to get a full days rest but oh the wonderful life of a mother. Swim lessons started on Monday and since Melissa is still out of town I have picked up Madison everyday to take her and Kiera for their lessons. It has been a long few weeks to say the least but that is summer and truthfully I wouldn't have it any other way! Yesterday all three of my girls crashed as soon as they hit the pillows....this hardly ever happens so I had to take some pictures.
It makes it all worth it when you get to see your babies so happy and content.