Road Closed

Dear Daddy,

For the last 3 years, life without you has felt like this sign. No outlet. Not a through street. Our road to each other...closed.

Although at times I feel lost without you, I am figuring out how to take the detours. Unlike detours drivers come across, I am not choosing to take the shortest way. I am choosing to take the quality way. The scenic route. 

"Are we there yet?" It's hard to slow down. Hard to go the speed limit. Even harder to go less than the limit. But it's been worth it! I am finally figuring that out. Yes, Miss Type A is taking her foot off the gas pedal. And you know what? It's been truly rewarding. Not sure how school feels about it, but I know I am giving the girls experiences and memories that far outweigh some missed days.        

The 'views'. The views along the way have been familiar yet different. Sometimes, they haven't been what I always thought...but sometimes people aren't, right? Then there are the views I took for granted. I am thankful for the chance to see the beauty I had missed the first few times around. 

The detours have been straight and windy. Sometimes simple, sometimes exciting, and sometimes complicated. And this is when you say, "Such is life." With every bend or fork in the road, there has been a lesson learned. The detours have been challenging and disappointing at times. Tears have been shed. Sleepless nights have ensued. And there's been lots of self-doubt. But it's all been strangely fulfilling. 

Our road is closed. An unforeseen road block made its' way into our lives. So now, without you, I detour. My heart would be so full to see you along my way. But there are several pitstops I still need to make. Someday I will see you at one of them. Just not yet.

I love you,

Your Little Girl 

September 17, 1937 - April 4, 2013
  

Catching Up

I can't believe March is half way over! It's been busy, but a good busy. I don't play catch up all at once very often, but here we go . . .

The girls' school had their Jogathon early this year. We were worried about potential rain, but instead it was unusually warm for a morning jog!

 Girl power! And yes, I ran too. 

Guess who was the fastest girl in 2nd grade? 

 Her goal is to get a medal every year.

Looking good so far!

Remember K and 1st?

Both girls made it into the prize room this year.

Sophia was delighted to choose the American Girl ice cream cart and Kalista was over the moon to choose an American Girl doll.

Fridays end better with wine and friends!

Mother-Daughter Tea:

Super Simple School Valentine's

January just flew by! And with an upcoming family trip, there is a limited amount of time for the kids to get their school Valentine's together. Sadly, they will miss the event but that's okay because it is always better to give than receive. And it's been fun crafting these goodies too!

First up...The most important people in our children's lives: 

OUR TEACHERS!

Big THANKS to Skip to My Lou

for this easy and adorable Valentine.

 Sophia told me her teacher loves Dove chocolates.
How cute and simple is this?!

Can anyone resist a soft Gummy Bear?

And "thank you" Amazon for carrying these 1 oz bags! 

But did you have to make it in bulk of 72 count?!

So hard having these extras around.

Add just a little play on words:
Click here for the free printable.

How cute & fun are these?!

Hope this post gives you a little inspiration!

School parties should not be daunting. So have fun and make it simple!

Ringing in the New Year

We just experienced our very first snowy winter break. Compliments of Park City, Utah.  With highs of 12-15 F and lows in the negatives, I can tell you for sure, I have never been so cold in my life! What made this first winter trip even more special was having our very first guests! So happy Dani and her family could join us. They were our first "guinea pigs". 

And I have made a few notes for subsequent trips with guests.

Our family had a wonderful and schedule free time. As soon as we landed, the girls were off sliding in the fresh snow in front of our house. It truly was a winter wonderland.

Our first days on the slopes were a little rough. Ski school was booked (poor planning during the busiest time of the year) and Kalista wasn't up to par to keep up with the 3 of us. But she was a trooper and we made the best memories.

I totally remember this day. It was freezing! But fresh snow was quite epic.

Kid free days! Thank you ski school!

Snow mobiles were a huge a hit!

Outdoor ice skating is always a treat. 

Something about having the snow covered mountains surrounding you.

 Cheers to 2016!

The Hardest Hug

Dear Daddy,

Tis the season. I usually end that saying with an exclamation point. But there are times, I just can't. Today is one of those times.

I was on a run and your hugs came to mind. How I miss those hugs. The meaning behind your hugs. You had given me countless hugs throughout my life, but there are 3 that stand out the most.

I was barely married, you came down for a visit. At the time, it seemed like any other visit. When it was time for you to leave we exchanged hugs, like we always had. It was different. Normally we let go at around the same time. But not that time. There was a linger. A hesitation. I was married now. No longer were you the primary person I would turn to for advice. No longer the person I would turn to when I was in a jam. No longer your responsibility. It was a bittersweet, uplifting hug. You had done your job. And I was the first to let go. Because in the end, you still knew what I needed. 

You were newly diagnosed. I was up for a visit. It was a hard visit. Life had changed. But you were still the stoic one. It was time to leave. And like always, we exchanged hugs. We drove away. I made David turn around just a couple of minutes later. I had to go back. Surprised you were to see me standing at the front door. I hugged you. I told you how sorry I was this had happened. How unfair it was. How much I loved you. You said, " I know. I know. It's okay." I hugged you like I was 5 years old again. And I was the first to let go. Because in the end, you still knew what I needed.

April 4th, 2013. The time was nearing. We held hands. We talked. We laughed. I cried. And like always, you told me it was okay. It was heartbreaking to say a final goodbye. I never wanted that moment. I never wanted to let go. But you were tired and ready. And you were the first to let go. Because in the end, you still knew what I needed.

I love you,

~ Your Little Girl