I just finished reading "Hope is Contagious" by Dr. Ken Hutcherson and it was incredible. This man is amazing. A retired NFL player turned dynamic preacher here in Redmond, Washington, he's an outspoken advocate for everything from adoption to marriage between a man and a woman who has received much flak for his "pull no punches" way of speaking the biblical truth.
In the introduction, he explains why he wrote this book . . . "We are all too familiar with whining. We see it all the time, usually from people who appear to have everything they've ever wanted. Nothing contagious about that . . they see a rainbow and they complain about the rain. . . but think of all the people who've inspired you. I'm pretty sure they weren't the ones complaining about the weather or the economy or the Democrats or the Republicans. I don't know about you, but the people I like to hang out with are the ones who have been knocked off their horse and yet find a way to laugh about it." My friend Jamie would say, "Holla . . ."
This book is incredibly inspiring and has lots of great advice and things to think about . . . pg. 132 - "Fear causes you to endure, while hope gives you the courage to live your life to the fullest." But he doesn't mince words and flat calls you and your attitude out . . . and isn't afraid to boldly give the truth - that Jesus is the strength and the source of salvation and change in your life.
It's a quick read but has so many shining moments and quotes, I re-read more than a few sections just to soak it all in. I'd recommend this book over and over again. Hope is contagious . . . how are you going to choose to start your day?
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
A Very HAPPY Day
Eight years ago, at exactly 5pm, God blessed us with Hannah Grace. She was born a month early and weighed a mighty four pounds . . . she is now an incredibly intelligent, thoughtful, silly, tender hearted, amazing little girl quickly turning into a young lady right before our eyes. We spent the day today celebrating her . . .
We took an idea from a good friend and secretly decorated the back of her door while she slept last night so she woke up to a surprise . . . she ran into my room and said, "Mom, did you make that flower? Can you make them again for next year?" (cute but can we get through celebratin this year first though?!)
She picked a beautiful dress to wear today and her nicest sandals . . . I asked if she was sure she wanted to dress so fancy as she wouldn't be able to play as much at recess to which she answered, "Mom, it's my birthday." (I think that my first "duh Mom")
In the afternoon, Haley and I brought in balloons which we tied to her chair while she was at recess and donuts to serve when they came back in. She later told me in the car, "Lots of kids bring cupcakes but no one in the whole world has ever had balloons on their chairs!!"
We picked her up from school and without telling her where we were going, surprised her by watching Mr. Poppers Penguins at the movie theater (we just finished reading the book together) . . . she was thrilled and laughed soooo hard at some of the silly parts it made me giggle in my seat! (Mommy review - it brings up issues like divorce and death and has a few 'oh my g*d' that I could have done without but overall is a very sweet story with some great funny family friendly parts and a great message. It wasn't much like the book although definitely had some similarities but don't miss out on reading this story aloud!!)
We gave Hannah a few choices for dinner and she picked Chinese food and wanted to order egg rolls and pot stickers and sweet and sour chicken . . . yum!
We ended the evening at home opening presents . . . I couldn't tell who was more excited - the gift opener or the gift giver. Haley was literally jumping up and down on the couch with excitement . . . she picked out a purple caboodle (remember those things? come on - fess up - you had one and you know it!!) and filled it with beautiful and carefully chosen makeup (the color of the eye shadow she picked is called 'punk funk' . . . I know she'll look back on this someday and laugh!!)
We tucked her in with sweet kisses and prayers . . . she said she was so happy it was her birthday and it was filled with so many surprises!! And more fun to come tomorrow with a friend party and a family dinner.
Happy Birthday little girl!! Thanks for making me a mommy and enriching my life so much in the last eight years I hardly remember what I did before you . . . you never cease to amaze me . . . God has such a big plan for your life and I'm so thankful to be in the front row watching your journey unfold!!
We took an idea from a good friend and secretly decorated the back of her door while she slept last night so she woke up to a surprise . . . she ran into my room and said, "Mom, did you make that flower? Can you make them again for next year?" (cute but can we get through celebratin this year first though?!)
She picked a beautiful dress to wear today and her nicest sandals . . . I asked if she was sure she wanted to dress so fancy as she wouldn't be able to play as much at recess to which she answered, "Mom, it's my birthday." (I think that my first "duh Mom")
In the afternoon, Haley and I brought in balloons which we tied to her chair while she was at recess and donuts to serve when they came back in. She later told me in the car, "Lots of kids bring cupcakes but no one in the whole world has ever had balloons on their chairs!!"
We picked her up from school and without telling her where we were going, surprised her by watching Mr. Poppers Penguins at the movie theater (we just finished reading the book together) . . . she was thrilled and laughed soooo hard at some of the silly parts it made me giggle in my seat! (Mommy review - it brings up issues like divorce and death and has a few 'oh my g*d' that I could have done without but overall is a very sweet story with some great funny family friendly parts and a great message. It wasn't much like the book although definitely had some similarities but don't miss out on reading this story aloud!!)
We gave Hannah a few choices for dinner and she picked Chinese food and wanted to order egg rolls and pot stickers and sweet and sour chicken . . . yum!
We ended the evening at home opening presents . . . I couldn't tell who was more excited - the gift opener or the gift giver. Haley was literally jumping up and down on the couch with excitement . . . she picked out a purple caboodle (remember those things? come on - fess up - you had one and you know it!!) and filled it with beautiful and carefully chosen makeup (the color of the eye shadow she picked is called 'punk funk' . . . I know she'll look back on this someday and laugh!!)
We tucked her in with sweet kisses and prayers . . . she said she was so happy it was her birthday and it was filled with so many surprises!! And more fun to come tomorrow with a friend party and a family dinner.
Happy Birthday little girl!! Thanks for making me a mommy and enriching my life so much in the last eight years I hardly remember what I did before you . . . you never cease to amaze me . . . God has such a big plan for your life and I'm so thankful to be in the front row watching your journey unfold!!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
First Ever Daybook
(Ok - my dearest friend Sarah does these all the time on her blog . . . www.amongstlovelythings.com and I have meant to try one for ages . . . here goes nothing . . .)
Outside my window . . .
clouds and looming rain . . . not great for the anticipation of summer or shiny moral boost but wonderful for our growing vegetables (we just might grow something this year besides weeds!!)
I am thankful . . .
for a husband who put's his daughter's second grade field trip over a day at work . . . and has a job that gives him the ability to take a day off . . .
I am thinking about . . .
how much fun I have had with this blogging . . . thanks Sarah for introducing me to a new way to journal for the family, use my creative juices in something bigger than folding laundry and a super fun way to update family and friends on our daily life
Learning all the time . . .
that I can't control the actions, attitudes or choices of anyone else but me . . .
From the kitchen . . .
there are dishes and mess everywhere from a protein full egg scramble and frantic lunch packing for the big field trip . . . I know they will still be there in a minute . . . or an hour . . . or a day . . .
I am creating . . .
adorable tissue paper flowers - super cheap and super cute birthday decorations (pictures to come later)
I am working on . . .
saying yes to playing things with the girls that I don't necessarily want to play (like doll house) because I'm realizing more everyday just how short this time is and how (all to soon) they won't want me to play dolls with them - and they won't want to play with them at all . . . plus, nothing is sweeter than the way their eyes light up when I say yes
I am going . . .
to sit on my comfy couch after a day of errands and appointments and a family dinner at friends house . . . nothing is better than my feet in their slippers on the couch after a long day
I am hoping . . .
to continue on this path to health and wellness . . . it's been such a blessing to feel so good so quickly
I am reading . . .
God's word everyday . . . I haven't missed a day since the beginning of February in my "One a Day" bible . . . it's amazing what it does to my spirit and my attitude when I'm immersed in the truth and the light and the hope of God's incredible words and plans . . . also reading "Hope is Contagious" by Kenneth Hutcherson (a very inspiring book!) . . . and also reading "Summer of Glorious Madness" by Christy Yorke (always have to have a fiction book going to break up reality . . . not far enough along to recommend or not but enjoying the distraction)
I am praying . . .
for babies . . . for some just newly born and working through jaundice . . . for some on their way VERY soon . . . for some newly forming and growing in sweet bellies (no - NOT mine - just wanted to clarify . . .)
I am hearing . . .
the shower running upstairs as the girls are washing off an afternoon and evening full of running in the park with friends . . . it's so nice to be friends with families of sweet older girls who adopt your little ones and run and play and pretend and keep them busy so you can actually have five minutes of adult conversation
Around the house . . .
I have a million little jobs to do . . . sort the papers on the counter . . . put away the laundry stacked on our table . . . pick up the little toys that creep out of every crevice and find their way into the middle of the living room . . .
One of my favorite things . . .
sleepy five year olds with a warm hug and sleepy smile in the morning . . . and sleepy kiddos at the end of a love day who can't wait for their hugs and kisses . . .
A few plans for the rest of the week . . .
birthday excitement . . . Hannah is turning 8 on Friday and we have some surprises in store for our special little princess!!
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you . . .
Outside my window . . .
clouds and looming rain . . . not great for the anticipation of summer or shiny moral boost but wonderful for our growing vegetables (we just might grow something this year besides weeds!!)
I am thankful . . .
for a husband who put's his daughter's second grade field trip over a day at work . . . and has a job that gives him the ability to take a day off . . .
I am thinking about . . .
how much fun I have had with this blogging . . . thanks Sarah for introducing me to a new way to journal for the family, use my creative juices in something bigger than folding laundry and a super fun way to update family and friends on our daily life
Learning all the time . . .
that I can't control the actions, attitudes or choices of anyone else but me . . .
From the kitchen . . .
there are dishes and mess everywhere from a protein full egg scramble and frantic lunch packing for the big field trip . . . I know they will still be there in a minute . . . or an hour . . . or a day . . .
I am creating . . .
adorable tissue paper flowers - super cheap and super cute birthday decorations (pictures to come later)
I am working on . . .
saying yes to playing things with the girls that I don't necessarily want to play (like doll house) because I'm realizing more everyday just how short this time is and how (all to soon) they won't want me to play dolls with them - and they won't want to play with them at all . . . plus, nothing is sweeter than the way their eyes light up when I say yes
I am going . . .
to sit on my comfy couch after a day of errands and appointments and a family dinner at friends house . . . nothing is better than my feet in their slippers on the couch after a long day
I am hoping . . .
to continue on this path to health and wellness . . . it's been such a blessing to feel so good so quickly
I am reading . . .
God's word everyday . . . I haven't missed a day since the beginning of February in my "One a Day" bible . . . it's amazing what it does to my spirit and my attitude when I'm immersed in the truth and the light and the hope of God's incredible words and plans . . . also reading "Hope is Contagious" by Kenneth Hutcherson (a very inspiring book!) . . . and also reading "Summer of Glorious Madness" by Christy Yorke (always have to have a fiction book going to break up reality . . . not far enough along to recommend or not but enjoying the distraction)
I am praying . . .
for babies . . . for some just newly born and working through jaundice . . . for some on their way VERY soon . . . for some newly forming and growing in sweet bellies (no - NOT mine - just wanted to clarify . . .)
I am hearing . . .
the shower running upstairs as the girls are washing off an afternoon and evening full of running in the park with friends . . . it's so nice to be friends with families of sweet older girls who adopt your little ones and run and play and pretend and keep them busy so you can actually have five minutes of adult conversation
Around the house . . .
I have a million little jobs to do . . . sort the papers on the counter . . . put away the laundry stacked on our table . . . pick up the little toys that creep out of every crevice and find their way into the middle of the living room . . .
One of my favorite things . . .
sleepy five year olds with a warm hug and sleepy smile in the morning . . . and sleepy kiddos at the end of a love day who can't wait for their hugs and kisses . . .
A few plans for the rest of the week . . .
birthday excitement . . . Hannah is turning 8 on Friday and we have some surprises in store for our special little princess!!
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you . . .
A fun day on Camano Island with the second graders - even holding a LIVE crab!!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Six Weeks In . . .
I have officially completed six weeks of the healthy eating plan and I am feeling great. I have more energy, I have successfully tapered steroids quicker than ever before (still have a ways to go but lower is always better) and I am happier . . . sounds crazy but it is so empowering having some sort of control over this body that I have had absolutely no control over.
This weekend was the first official weigh and measure . . . let me preface by saying that losing weight is an important goal in this process but the most important for me has been improvements in my health and I don't need to step on a scale to tell that it's working.
That being said, I've lost 20 pounds and just under 25 inches!!!!! I absolutely can not believe it. I didn't set a number in my head so I wouldn't be disappointed . . . but I thought 10 would have been great, 5 would have been realistic . . . never imagining in my wildest dreams that after only six weeks, I'd have already lost 20 pounds!!!!! And in such a healthy way - no crazy diet, no starving, no non-sense . . . just no sugar or carbs (except brown rice and brown rice cakes), staying within a set amount of calories faithfully each day, writing down all the food I eat and making healthy choices all throughout the day. I couldn't be more excited and motivated to continue this journey down the path of increased wellness.
This weekend was the first official weigh and measure . . . let me preface by saying that losing weight is an important goal in this process but the most important for me has been improvements in my health and I don't need to step on a scale to tell that it's working.
That being said, I've lost 20 pounds and just under 25 inches!!!!! I absolutely can not believe it. I didn't set a number in my head so I wouldn't be disappointed . . . but I thought 10 would have been great, 5 would have been realistic . . . never imagining in my wildest dreams that after only six weeks, I'd have already lost 20 pounds!!!!! And in such a healthy way - no crazy diet, no starving, no non-sense . . . just no sugar or carbs (except brown rice and brown rice cakes), staying within a set amount of calories faithfully each day, writing down all the food I eat and making healthy choices all throughout the day. I couldn't be more excited and motivated to continue this journey down the path of increased wellness.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
A Special First
Today (in the glorious sunshine) Hannah had her first piano recital. She has been taking lessons all year from Grandma Merry (who has been teaching piano as a profession for the last 40 years) and has become quite the little musician. She was excited (and a bit nervous at first) to participate today along with 8 other piano students ranging in age and years of lessons.
Before we left Hannah said, "Mom, I'm a bit nervous." So I asked, "What are you feeling nervous about?" To which she replied, "Well, I'm afraid they might not like my song and that I might mess up." I said, "What do you think about that?" And she answered, "Well, I'm sure they'll like my song and I'm sure I'll mess up." I asked, "Why do you think you'll mess up?" And she replied (in logic you can't argue with), "Mom, nothings a guarantee." Man I love this kid!
She looked beautiful, walked to the piano with poise and determination and didn't miss a single note. She turned with a huge grin and bowed to the applause of a room full of parents, grandparents, and friends. She also had the opportunity to play a duet with her sweet cousin Becky who has also been taking lessons this year. They did amazingly well and the dynamic between the two was very sweet.
It was so incredible watching this little girl who almost exactly 8 years ago (in 14 days!!) was born a month premature - a tiny 4 lb little bug - blossom into a little lady with beauty and grace beyond her years. It felt like such a "growing up" experience. I am in awe of this process of watching these little gifts we are blessed with continue to grow each day more independent and more incredible . . . and yet so sweet and tender and wonderful to hold in my arms at night and tell her just how proud I am to be her momma.
Before we left Hannah said, "Mom, I'm a bit nervous." So I asked, "What are you feeling nervous about?" To which she replied, "Well, I'm afraid they might not like my song and that I might mess up." I said, "What do you think about that?" And she answered, "Well, I'm sure they'll like my song and I'm sure I'll mess up." I asked, "Why do you think you'll mess up?" And she replied (in logic you can't argue with), "Mom, nothings a guarantee." Man I love this kid!
She looked beautiful, walked to the piano with poise and determination and didn't miss a single note. She turned with a huge grin and bowed to the applause of a room full of parents, grandparents, and friends. She also had the opportunity to play a duet with her sweet cousin Becky who has also been taking lessons this year. They did amazingly well and the dynamic between the two was very sweet.
It was so incredible watching this little girl who almost exactly 8 years ago (in 14 days!!) was born a month premature - a tiny 4 lb little bug - blossom into a little lady with beauty and grace beyond her years. It felt like such a "growing up" experience. I am in awe of this process of watching these little gifts we are blessed with continue to grow each day more independent and more incredible . . . and yet so sweet and tender and wonderful to hold in my arms at night and tell her just how proud I am to be her momma.
Friday, June 3, 2011
A Day in the Sun
Summer is finally here!!! HOORAY!! The sun stayed out all the day . . . and with just the right amount of breeze, it was to good to be true and necessary to stay out in it as long as possible . . .
While I pruned some of the neglected roses and hydrangas, Haley found herself a handful of snails . . .
She named them all . . . Shelly, Speedy, Cutey, Yucky, and Betty No Shell. And they participated in a wide range of activities from races to climbing contests and finally a tour of their new home complete with leaves and grass and dirt "cause they like it that way, Mom."
We then pulled out the washable finger paint and started the fence mural for the season . . .
We've let the kids paint on the fence every summer since we moved here . . . the first year, we thought it'd spray right off and we needed to stain it anyway . . . we learned, it doesn't spray off at all and what's the point of staining a fence when you have little kids who have way to much fun painting a fence each year? The time will come when these little bugs are ready to fly out of the nest and I'll stain the fence with tears in my eyes that no one wants to mess it up any more . . . in the meantime, paint away!!
And finally, the girls ran around the yard blowing bubbles . . .
It was hours of fun . . . no deadline, no errands, no plans . . . just fun . . . these are the little things that make being a stay-at-home mom the greatest job in the world! The girls are currently in the shower in an attempt to wash off the snail slime, "washable" finger paint and bubble soap . . . I've cut up a fresh mango and an apple with a pitcher of lemonade waiting to celebrate the first official looking day of summer.
The days are so long sometimes . . . and life can get bogged down with all the necessary tasks of laundry, dishes, cooking, bills, errands, phone calls, organizing, planning . . . and sometimes life can be a breath of fresh air . . . the blessing of an ordinary day.
While I pruned some of the neglected roses and hydrangas, Haley found herself a handful of snails . . .
She named them all . . . Shelly, Speedy, Cutey, Yucky, and Betty No Shell. And they participated in a wide range of activities from races to climbing contests and finally a tour of their new home complete with leaves and grass and dirt "cause they like it that way, Mom."
We then pulled out the washable finger paint and started the fence mural for the season . . .
We've let the kids paint on the fence every summer since we moved here . . . the first year, we thought it'd spray right off and we needed to stain it anyway . . . we learned, it doesn't spray off at all and what's the point of staining a fence when you have little kids who have way to much fun painting a fence each year? The time will come when these little bugs are ready to fly out of the nest and I'll stain the fence with tears in my eyes that no one wants to mess it up any more . . . in the meantime, paint away!!
And finally, the girls ran around the yard blowing bubbles . . .
It was hours of fun . . . no deadline, no errands, no plans . . . just fun . . . these are the little things that make being a stay-at-home mom the greatest job in the world! The girls are currently in the shower in an attempt to wash off the snail slime, "washable" finger paint and bubble soap . . . I've cut up a fresh mango and an apple with a pitcher of lemonade waiting to celebrate the first official looking day of summer.
The days are so long sometimes . . . and life can get bogged down with all the necessary tasks of laundry, dishes, cooking, bills, errands, phone calls, organizing, planning . . . and sometimes life can be a breath of fresh air . . . the blessing of an ordinary day.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Memorial Weekend
We had a wonderful weekend full of experiences as a family . . .
On Friday, I entered myself into bad-mother-of-the-year-award by forgetting it was a half-day and leaving my second grader at her school 20 minutes after they were let out. And still didn't remember until a school secretary called to say, "Hannah is ready to be picked up now." like she was my dry cleaning . . . sorry honey . . .
On Saturday, Travis and I enjoyed a free date day . . . all day!! At the MOPS auction this year, my mom bought a package of tickets, restaurant gift card and seven hours of babysitting from a fabulous highly coveted home-school girl from our church. My mom kept the tickets and dinner and gave us the babysitting (a priceless gift!!) . . . because it was the end of the month and we get paid at the beginning, the "fun money" was gone. We dug through the drawer and found some un-used gift certificates and had a great day . . . we started out at Starbucks with some yummy coffees and uninterrupted time for conversation with no where to go and nothing to do (that in and of itself was a gift) . . . then we walked around Costco admiring all the deck furniture sets and grills planning the some-day-when-we-win-the-lottery deck we'd buy . . . we then went to a movie (we saw Bridesmaids - lots of inappropriate parts and a bit to much swearing for my taste but plenty of funny moments as well - I'm on the fence about recommending it - just go or rent with the "contains lots of adult content" warning) . . . we headed over to the most romantic spot in town - Lowes - where we held hands through the garden section and did more future dreaming and planning . . . then ended the day at Mae Phim (our favorite Thai restaurant) for a delicious dinner . . . thanks to the generosity of the babysitting and gift certificates, the whole day was free and full of great time spent together . . .
On Sunday, Carrie (a family friend) took Hannah and I to see the Sea Wolves (our local semi-pro soccer team) for an early birthday adventure for Hannah. We cheered and yelled and enjoyed the game . . .
We kept forgetting the team name . . . we knew it was Sea something so the joke continued all day eventually ending with a text from Travis saying, "How are the Sea Anemones doing?!" Definitely a good laugh!! Thanks Miss Carrie for a great day and a whole new view on soccer (2nd grade is lots of fun but not so many headers!!)
Monday concluded the weekend with a wonderful trip down to Grandma and Grandpa's house for the first BBQ of the season . . . they have built a new deck and re-done their backyard that faces a beautiful forest of trees and relaxing creek . . . it is like being on vacation . . . we had a wonderful time drinking lemonade, eating hamburgers and corn on the cob . . . yummy!!
After dinner, we climbed in the old Ford and got to take a drive . . .
Travis thoroughly enjoyed the difference (a Toyota commuter just doesn't have the same appeal) and the girls enjoyed posing and playing . . . Hannah kept saying, "I can't believe this is real" and Haley responded with wonder, "I just don't know what to say!" . . .
We ended the day at the local cemetery to celebrate and remember two precious people in the family who have passed away . . .
The girls helped place flowers in memory of Papa Duane (who died before the girls were born - in 1998) and Nana (who passed away ten years later - 2008) . . . it was a special time of remembering, celebrating their lives and who they were to the family, and talking about how they are no longer here with us but in a much better place waiting for us . . . it was a precious way to spend the day and conclude a wonderful weekend of fun, friends and family . . .
On Friday, I entered myself into bad-mother-of-the-year-award by forgetting it was a half-day and leaving my second grader at her school 20 minutes after they were let out. And still didn't remember until a school secretary called to say, "Hannah is ready to be picked up now." like she was my dry cleaning . . . sorry honey . . .
On Saturday, Travis and I enjoyed a free date day . . . all day!! At the MOPS auction this year, my mom bought a package of tickets, restaurant gift card and seven hours of babysitting from a fabulous highly coveted home-school girl from our church. My mom kept the tickets and dinner and gave us the babysitting (a priceless gift!!) . . . because it was the end of the month and we get paid at the beginning, the "fun money" was gone. We dug through the drawer and found some un-used gift certificates and had a great day . . . we started out at Starbucks with some yummy coffees and uninterrupted time for conversation with no where to go and nothing to do (that in and of itself was a gift) . . . then we walked around Costco admiring all the deck furniture sets and grills planning the some-day-when-we-win-the-lottery deck we'd buy . . . we then went to a movie (we saw Bridesmaids - lots of inappropriate parts and a bit to much swearing for my taste but plenty of funny moments as well - I'm on the fence about recommending it - just go or rent with the "contains lots of adult content" warning) . . . we headed over to the most romantic spot in town - Lowes - where we held hands through the garden section and did more future dreaming and planning . . . then ended the day at Mae Phim (our favorite Thai restaurant) for a delicious dinner . . . thanks to the generosity of the babysitting and gift certificates, the whole day was free and full of great time spent together . . .
On Sunday, Carrie (a family friend) took Hannah and I to see the Sea Wolves (our local semi-pro soccer team) for an early birthday adventure for Hannah. We cheered and yelled and enjoyed the game . . .
We kept forgetting the team name . . . we knew it was Sea something so the joke continued all day eventually ending with a text from Travis saying, "How are the Sea Anemones doing?!" Definitely a good laugh!! Thanks Miss Carrie for a great day and a whole new view on soccer (2nd grade is lots of fun but not so many headers!!)
Monday concluded the weekend with a wonderful trip down to Grandma and Grandpa's house for the first BBQ of the season . . . they have built a new deck and re-done their backyard that faces a beautiful forest of trees and relaxing creek . . . it is like being on vacation . . . we had a wonderful time drinking lemonade, eating hamburgers and corn on the cob . . . yummy!!
After dinner, we climbed in the old Ford and got to take a drive . . .
Travis thoroughly enjoyed the difference (a Toyota commuter just doesn't have the same appeal) and the girls enjoyed posing and playing . . . Hannah kept saying, "I can't believe this is real" and Haley responded with wonder, "I just don't know what to say!" . . .
We ended the day at the local cemetery to celebrate and remember two precious people in the family who have passed away . . .
The girls helped place flowers in memory of Papa Duane (who died before the girls were born - in 1998) and Nana (who passed away ten years later - 2008) . . . it was a special time of remembering, celebrating their lives and who they were to the family, and talking about how they are no longer here with us but in a much better place waiting for us . . . it was a precious way to spend the day and conclude a wonderful weekend of fun, friends and family . . .
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