Friday, April 30, 2010

Life lines

When I was 18 yrs old I went with a friend to a shady place off of Westheimer (my Houstonian friends will understand) that did palm readings. I remember the lady reading my life line on my palm and saying how crazy it was. It completely stops then a whole other line begins. She said it must mean something will happen in my life that will change the course of everything thereafter. Of course, at the time I just laughed it off. She was right though.

Today marks 10 years of that new life line. This day has colored every move I have made since and every memory before. My dad had a tragic and fatal accident and things were never quite the same. It took us off guard and it took years to finally catch our breath and take forward steps. I know part of the reason my life changed so much was because of my age. I was at that crossroads in life (age 22. almost 23.) where you have to sink or swim....you know, get your shit together basically! I think every young adult crosses this bridge. For me, it happened because of April 30.

There isn't a whole lot I want to write about this day or this loss. As much as I have come to a place of peace and acceptance, it still hurts to write about it or talk about it in great detail. I remember thinking way back when he first died....I wonder what 10 years later will feel like? Where will we be? How will we feel not seeing him for that long? I can honestly say that time does heal you and it is the only remedy for pain. Our family has moved at different paces throughout the grieving process but I know we all agree that 10 years later feels a whole lot different and a whole lot better. I was talking to my brother yesterday and sometimes we still can't believe how much our dad has missed. Our weddings (my dad's best friend from childhood walked me down the aisle) and the birth of our children. It's crazy how much has happened in these years. We have grown up so much and I am so proud of our lives. I am so thankful for my life and for all the wonderful memories I have of my dad.

I love you Dad. I can't believe it's been a decade!
me and dad (3 mos old. 1977). that is my brother passed out on the right.
senior year of hs 1994.

last picture together. 22yrs old. feb 2000.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

A rare moment

A rare moment...the family photo. Thanks to our bro in law, Eric B (our sis n law's brother but he's our bro n law too in our hearts!). He snapped some photos while we were playing over at T & C's last week and caught one of us.

So fast!!!

Claire has gotten so fast on her tricycle!! Go Claire go!!! It was pretty windy outside yesterday evening so forgive the blustery noise. I can't believe what a difference a month has made in her bike riding. We were pushing her while she peddled just a few weeks ago now she's a speed racer!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Oh my

I am a little funny about Claire playing and mosh pitting on our couch pillows or bed pillows. Eric thinks this is really annoying because they are "just" pillows. Over time they have become "just" pillows and they have a lived in look of juice stains and other ick. I still don't like it but I try to get over it from time to time!

I got a new throw blanket for the couch....our new spring cream colored throw. Yes, it was only $9.99 at Ikea but I am still a little protective of it. I came downstairs to see Claire dragging it on the floor and draping herself in it like Mother Mary. It was cute but I made a comment that I didn't want her sweeping the dirty floor with it....to which Eric replied...."uh oh. good thing you didn't come downstairs earlier!". Oh you may as well just show me!

*this was right after her bath last night so excuse the nakedness! and yes, our TV is sitting on a box because we are still waiting for our furniture to arrive next week! we are loving the new TV though! =)




Sunday, April 18, 2010

Butterfly Gardens

Such a beautiful exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens. We went bright and early Saturday morning. I made a flower bracelet for Claire in hopes that a butterfly would land on it (I hot glued a flower onto an old headband and twisted it around her arm). We got one butterfly to land and it stayed on her for quite some time. She was so good and so still (even when it moved to her arm). It was adorable. I am not a fan of things that fly so even though I wanted a butterfly to land on us, I was pretty much having heart palpitations the whole time. It was awesome though and I even had one on my finger for a moment.






Friday, April 16, 2010

Spring has sprung

Even though it feels like summer is creeping in, the bees and trees just got hoppin' recently. 2 weeks ago we had Mr. Bee on our flowers. Now the petals have fallen off to reveal these little green buddies! I hope we get lemons this year. Last year they all burned off from the heat before they could get past this point.

Of course, a certain someone loves talking about bees, bugs, and flowers. That's the theme this month at school. We plan on taking Claire to the butterfly exhibit this weekend. Can't wait!!


Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Backyard obsessions

Claire has a few things she is really into right now in the backyard. With only a few more weeks left of pretty mornings that aren't scorching hot we are trying to enjoy this backyard fun.
Claire is crazy about these pine cones she found last week. Probably because pine trees in these neck of the woods is pretty rare.













Claire loves to stroll....just not babies. No baby dolls for this girl. Just her balls and stuff!

Claire is still crazy about her Crocs. Yes, navy is a boy color but the flowers help right!

Her house is a big hit and she is starting to play in it by herself which is nice because we are too big to go in there!
While strolling she saw this ONE little cloud.
























Then she insisted to put on her rain gear because one cloud in the sky in AZ means rain!!!!! That's right, no pants on.
Whew....that backyard fun can wipe a girl out!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Sugar and spice

Claire had a birthday "tea party" this weekend. The kids decorated pink icing cookies and ate little sandwiches. The girls looked so sweet in their dresses! It reminded me of all the birthday parties I had as a kid. Lots of dressing up and all things girly. Although I wouldn't label Claire as a girly girl she certainly has come around in the past few months and is enjoying dresses and cute shoes. She is the perfect balance of sugar and spice.

I am listening to my sweetie have a tough time going down for her nap and I am trying to distract myself. It seems like there are so many battles at this age! Her natural voice is just loud and high pitched and it seems everyone looks to see where it's coming from. Lots and lots of stares. Then when she does get loud....well, prepare for all eyes on us. We are officially (and have been for quite some time) "those people"! Oy vey!







Sunday, April 11, 2010

Randomness (photo heavy!)


Playing with Daddy outside. Someone adores their daddy....can you guess who? Two peas in a pod.
















Kisses for Mommy. Claire LOVES to get your whole face and smoooooch! MWAH!















Claire trying out big girl beds. She loved hopping up in to all the beds. Some day but not now. She's a great crib sleeper still. Why rock that boat anytime soon!




















The things we do for fun. She would not get out of the basket to take a bath so the laundry basket came with us. You do what you gotta do for peace!
















Claire and Scarlett. Quite the fashionistas. Playdate at Marshalls! They are ready for their cabana boy by the pool.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Easter snippit

What a beautiful weekend in AZ! Perfect weather....do I dare say almost hot. I am not ready for those 100+ days but ready for some pool fun soon.

We had a weekend full of family and friends. Cocktails and food. We celebrated our Savior. Complete in every way. I love when that happens.

I have a little 2.5 yr old yelling for me constantly or else I'd write more. Sigh. That's a whole other blog in itself. We go through easier phases then we get a few weeks of well, the trickier stuff. I am not the most patient person either (the heck you say!). A work in progress as usual.