Until we meet again...

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially to those we love. Even if we know its only temporary. This week I had the bittersweet experience of saying goodbye to someone I hold very dear to my heart; my grandfather, someone I love for so many reasons.

He raised a wonderful daughter who became my wonderful mother, was a fun-loving and energetic grandfather to his grandchildren, and a hero and favorite playmate to his great-grand daughters. And over the last few years he had become a wonderful and treasured friend. To me. And has left upon my heart an indelible impression.

Gramps, you were a man of honor, decency, loyalty, and love. You carried the worries of the world on your shoulders because your heart was so tender and so big. Your light never shined brighter than when you were singing, or playing your guitar, or teaching your family about music.

You loved my Grams so much and showed us what true love is.

I, and all who knew you, were blessed to know you and be a part of your life.

And while we are left behind to grieve our loss and miss you everyday, I know where you are and I know we will see you again. And I can see you now, as you sang to my beautiful babies here on earth, singing to another one of my beautiful babes who also waits for us. And that thought brings me more joy than I could ever express.

With all my heart, I love you Grandpa.

Gramps with me and my brothers.....many years ago.

Sweethearts Forever

For funsies...

The girls thought it would be fun to try on my boxing gloves. (I know, pink.)

They sure are cute.

Talking Dog...

Abbi is playing with our dog Harry outside...She just popped her head in and said "Mom, Harry just said that he's not my best friend!" Not really knowing how to reply I told her, "Go tell Harry to be nice."

I love this three year old. For so many reasons.

Way to Go Livi-lou who!

Olivia was awarded the Student of the Month award for Academic Achievement! We are so proud of her and wanted to take this opportunity to brag about just how awesome she is!

Of course, I left the camera at home so the pics are from my phone. Not super but you get the idea.

Great job Livi-lou. We are so proud of you!

The Award

With her teacher...

With her daddy...

I melted...

My girls were having a snack in the kitchen....I was hiding myself on the couch in the family room.

Abbi: "Livi, I really missed you today."

Livi: "I missed you so much too, Abbi."

Serious heart melting.

*Olivia is gone all day at school and every Tuesday/Thursday Abbi is in afternoon preschool. The girls don't get as much time together as they are used to. So, when they do get time together, its like heaven. They just play! And its so fun to watch.

I LOVE that they LOVE each other.

Not sure its blog worthy...but....

I started a boxing class. 6am. For those that know me well you know that is not my best hour. BUT, I am loving it! Even though every single muscle in my body is sore and I have to be in bed by 8:30pm every night just to survive, it really is super fun. Makes me feel tough. And if it helps me drop a few LBS then I really will love it!

Here's to tough chicks!

(Maybe I'll be one some day...)

How did we get here?

How did we go from this.....

To this!!?

Olivia started 1st grade last week. My sweet little chubby baby is not so little anymore. (Or chubby!) And it seemed to have happened in the blink of an eye. I should be loving that she gets to spend a full day at school now but I'm not. I miss her.

And how 'bout this one?

Didn't I just birth her?

Nope, she's a big Preschooler now!

Today was her very first day and she loved it.

I thought she might have a little hesitation but I was wrong. I got a sweet kiss and a hearty "goodbye mom" and she was off and running.

Good thing its only two days a week for a couple hours.

I'm not ready to be home alone!

I'm the luckiest mom in the world to have two beautiful girls. I hope to have a bunch more just like them someday...but if not....I'm still the luckiest.