Thirty-two years ago I was blessed with a beautiful baby girl. Since then we have been on a wonderful journey. I have had the pleasure of watching her grow from that helpless baby with the big lungs into a beautiful woman, wife and mother. There have been a lot of tears and a lot of laughter along the way.

Somewhere along that journey she turned into this awesome woman that I am proud to call both my daughter and friend. She has been my rock and sanity during some of the hardest times of my life and I thank her for that. She is more than I ever dreamed a daughter could be.

So tonight we will be celebrating Missy's birthday. There will be laughter, food and games. There will be cake and candles but most of all there will be love. Lots and lots of love.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!

Thank you to all the veterans and their families. We must never forget their sacrifices.

It took a few days for me to get around to downloading the pictures but here they are.

We had a wonderful Saturday evening celebrating the fact that Missy passed the first part of the CMA test. Missy, Terry, Kathy, Serif and I all went to our favorite Chinese restaurant for a delicious dinner. We've been going to this restaurant since it first opened up. The kids were little then and the owner has watched them grow up. It's always a special place to go and eat for our family.


Our girl in all her splender after a filling meal.

We all came home and played a couple of games of clue. It's nice that Serif is big enough that we can play games like this again. She even helped by rolling our dice for us.




Tuesday night we all gathered around the TV to watch the election results. This year we made the elections a family event. We watched all the debates together and went to vote together. So of course we had to watch the results together. I cooked dinner but then Terry went to Dairy Queen for us. Serif does like her DQ.

First of all I want to tell Missy how proud I am of her for passing the first part of the CMA test. I know how hard she studied for that test. I am so very proud of her.


Halloween was a big success. I got to go to Serif's school and visit while they had their Halloween party. I love the pink skull and cross bones on her shirt. All the kids had such a good time. They were all so cute.











This is our sweet pirate. Scary isn't she?















Grandma was all dressed up and waiting for us when we got to Nova's house.












Trick or treating was a huge success.













A hard evening of trick or treating can wear a girl out. She fell asleep right after we left Nova's.







I tried to get pictures of Terry's costume but, since it was all black, I was unable to get a clear picture. I'm sorry because it was awesome. He didn't mean to but he did scare a few of the kids. He was nice and went out of his way to let the little ones know that he wasn't something to be afraid of.

Halloween has always been a big holiday in Terry's family. It was his father's favorite holiday and they always celebrated it in a big way. For years they had a haunted house in their garage for the neighborhood kids. It looks like Nova has stepped into her father's shoes. Her house looked awesome. I have a feeling that there is a haunted house in the future for that neighborhood.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted. It's hard to think of something to write when you have a boring life. Trust me my life is BORING.

The weather here has gotten a little cooler. That helps get everyone in the mood for Halloween. It's going to be fun this year. Serif is at a good age to go trick or treating. This year we will be going over to Terry's sister's neighborhood and all trick or treat together. Of course I will be posting pictures.

Our family is very big on traditions. That's just the way we are. Every Halloween my mother would make a big pot of chili. That way I would have a some food in me before I started on the candy. That is a tradition that I carried over into my family. Patrick loved my chili and always looked forward to having it for Halloween.

Chili is perfect for a night like Halloween. First of all it's filling. I could feed the kids early before they set off trick or treating. Then it could just simmer until the grown ups had time to eat.

So tonight I will start making the chili for the family. It's an easy recipe but it does take time. This way I can simmer it all evening and then finish it up tomorrow when I get home. Right after I come back from seeing all the 3 year olds in Serif's class all dressed up in their Halloween costumes. That is going to be so cool.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween.

Not really much to talk about. Things have been slow at the office. The one advantage of that is that when someone calls and asks for help you can jump in and everyone thinks you are wonderful. They have no idea that I had been spending the last hour reading blogs. Oh well what some people don't know won't hurt me.

I've also been dealing with the dent to my poor little car. On Tuesday I went to get an estimate. This is where the insurance company sent me and it turns out it was right at the front of my subdivision. So very nice and close. I walk in and the first person I see is an old friend from up the street. Turns out she works there. I hadn't seen her in ages. Her son and Tom were friends growing up. So while I waiting for them to look at my car we got a chance to catch up on all the gossip. It turned out be a very pleasant experience.

I have to tell you that everyone that I have dealt with because of this accident (except for the jerk that hit me) have been absolutely great. So nice to know that there are so many kind and helpful people out there when you need them.

Now if I could just figure out a way to get a new sofa out the deal, I would be one happy camper.

My poor car. It just turned a year old the end of August. This is what someone did to it in the Walgreen's parking lot on Thursday afternoon.



The really rotten thing is that they backed up, hit me and then just drove away. Many thanks to the wonderful man who got their license plate number. I sure hope they find them. Can you believe they did that? I was in total shock and mad as could be.





After I recovered from the hit and run, Missy, Terry, Serif and Kathy came over for dinner and to watch the debate. It was fun with lots of debating and visiting. A great evening.

Then I got to get up at 4:00 am to go get Missy and get her to the hospital by 5:30 am for sinus surgery. Wow that was a short night.







Love the hospital look.













Lots of paper work involved.










Here she is after the surgery. Everything worked out great. Hopefully now she will have less sinus infections this year. She was a real trooper.

I brought her home and put her to bed. When she left that evening she was doing great.






Because Missy is still recovering, we are going to postpone my babysitting until next weekend. That means that today is a lazy day. There is a book calling my name so I'm off to relax and read and enjoy my weekend.

She survived her first (and hopefully her last) black eye. Poor baby.



Yesterday was Don and Emily's birthday party. We all met and Dave and Busters and had a great time. Emily was on a roll and won lots of tickets.



Since Don's birthday was yesterday and Emily's today, it was easier to combine the two.



After a yummy dinner we all went to Don's parent's house for cake. It was so great getting to spend time with everyone. Even if it was a Monday night.



Hope they both got their wish.

Patrick was never big about cemeteries or things like that. During our almost 25 years together, we had talked about what to do if one of us dies. So I had a general idea of what Patrick wanted when he died. I decided on his favorite fishing spot. That way when we went to visit him we would be celebrating life not death. So today, the anniversary of his death, we all went to the park for breakfast.

The drought is worse than I thought. I couldn't believe how low the lake was today.
I was sorry that our ducks were not able to come and visit us today. The day we had the funeral at the lake, we had three ducks swim up and watch the whole ceremony. When it was all done they quietly swam away. It was like they knew what we were doing there and had just stopped by to pay their respects. This year we had even remembered the bread for them.

It took a little more of a walk but we did make it to the water.

Serif and her daddy got to look at the tadpoles swimming around.

Missy and Terry got a chance to spend some quiet time alone on the bridge while Serif and I wandered in the woods. I loved our walk. She is such a joy and talked constantly as we walked along.

Then it was time to play a little catch with the whole family before we headed back home. It was a very nice visit.

I still miss Patrick every day. Not the painful deep hurting that you feel when someone that you love first dies. No, it's more the missing of that part of you that made you whole. Missing the person that you shared all those years with. The person that you shared all your dreams and hopes with. The person that you promised to love no matter what and who is not there at your side any more. There will always be a hole in my heart for him.

Maybe because this has been such a hard year for our family that I have felt Patrick closer to me than usual. In times of stress I can feel his presence giving me strength. I have changed so much in the last 11 years. I like to think that he is proud of the woman I grew up to be.

I have no idea where the time has gone since my last blog. Never fear I am well but a little over worked. We had some big wigs at the office last week so things were a bit busy. Now it looks like things are back to normal and I'm getting caught up on my work.

I have gotten to spend a lot of time with my girl. Lately I have been getting off work early on Fridays. So I have been picking Serif up from school and her mommy can pick her up here. That way she and I get a little one on one time. One thing that she loves to do when she is here is to get into my make up. It's become a ritual for her to stand on the chair at my vanity and make herself beautiful.



And then when she was all through I almost cried when she said "I'm beautiful like G". Children are so wonderful.

Just popping in for a quick note to let everyone know that I am alive and well. Hopefully I'll get back to blogging again soon.

Right now we have some big wigs in the office so that has kept me busy. We had a company dinner last night and a lunch meeting today. They should be leaving this evening so hopefully life will get back to normal.

The good news is that I have gotten back to working out. I plan on hitting it again today after work. It really does help to relieve some of the stress after a day at the office. I just have to keep reminding myself of that when I just want to go home and hit the couch and veg.

Okay back to work. Hope everyone has a great day.

This is so awesome. I finally joined the 21st century. This weekend my wonderful son-in-law Terry and J put wireless in my house. So right now I am in my bed relaxing after a wonderful day and writing my blog. How awesome is that. I know most of you already have this but it's all new to me and I'm loving it.

Missy got a new crock pot and decided to practice on the mother's tonight. So her MIL and I got invited to dinner.

She made the best turkey and rice stew. It was so yummy. She also had biscuits.
Here are my beautiful girls working hard in the kitchen.
It was a wonderful evening. Missy's best friend joined us for dinner. She spent the time playing with Serif. Serif just adores her. E has been having a hard time and, even though she's still sad, I felt better getting to at least see her. I do have to tell you that she really does look awesome on her motorcycle.

Later in the evening, as we were sitting around relaxing and letting our wonderful dinner digest, C stopped by. What a wonderful surprise. I hadn't seen her since my birthday. As usual, she is looking fabulous.

Now I am home relaxing in my bed and getting ready for another week. Time for my beauty sleep.

And so life goes on. We are all back at work and dealing with life in our own ways. The healing takes time.

Serif got her hair cut over the weekend. She looks so cute and this is the perfect cut for her. Very easy to take care of.

While out running errands on Monday we stopped for a quick lunch. It was so nice to have my sweet family sitting across from me.

And, of course, they always show me the greatest respect when I'm taking pictures.

On a happy note Tom actually called last night. It was so good to hear his voice and find out what is going on with him. I have gotten so used to having my children close that is taking a little adjustment having him so far away. The main thing is that he is happy. That's all that matters.

One of the hardest things a mother can go through is watching her child in pain and knowing that there is nothing she can do about it. That's the way it has been for me that last couple of days. I have had to sit back and watch my sweet daughter go through one of the hardest things a woman can go through. The loss of a child. Missy lost her baby last week.

I was at work on Wednesday when Terry notified me about the baby. I am so grateful for the people I work with. There was no hesitation. Just go be with Missy and that's what I did. We all arrive at Missy's house to be with her. Her MIL, her SIL, Terry and me. We were all there to give her the support she needed. She was still in shock then.

I took Serif home with me since Missy had to go to the hospital early for her D&C. Afterward, she and Terry came over to my house so I could watch over them. At least I was able to feel like I could help a little.

I am so impressed with Missy. She is a strong woman. I know how hard this is. She is not hiding from the pain and loss. She will grieve but she is also looking toward the future. Serif is a big help. She doesn't know what's going on but she does know something is going on. She is being there for her mommy. She is watching over her and taking care of her in her own way.

Missy and Terry have a wonderful marriage and family. They will get through this stronger and better than before. Every time something bad happens they pull together and draw strength and hope from each other. They will continue to grieve but there is hope too and Serif is there to contantly remind them of the future that their family has.

Yesteday afternoon we finally a some relief from our drought. It really poured after I got home. Luckily Missy and Serif arrived just before it started. We had fun watching the rain come down but then Serif wanted to go out and play in the water.

There was really a strong current running in the gutter. Missy and Serif are checking it out.
Then I get the cheesy grin from Serif. Don't you just love the panda umbrella?

The kids next door were making boats out of leaves and sticks. They let Serif join in the fun.

She picked out some really good leaves for her boats.
Of course some times they needed a little help on their way.
Never fear Mommy was keeping a close watch on everyone.
It was so wonderful to see my grandaughter playing the same games in the same spots that her mother played at that age.

I'm not sure you can see but her shorts are soaked from her sitting in the water.
Here they are discussing the the merits of the different leaves. We all had a lot of fun. It's hard to believe that she is getting so big.

This morning I went to the doctor. All is well and I am extremely healthy. Good news all around. My thyroid is right on so the medication is working. I am still maintaining my cholesterol with diet and exercise (oh if he only knew) so no medication for that. In fact, I am so healthy that he doesn't want to see me for a whole year.

The other good news is that it rained yesterday. What a wonderful sound that was on the windows last night. Just what we needed. It's been a long dry spell. My yard actually has some green in it. We may survive this summer afterall.

I think I have finally recovered from last week. It was not the best week I have had.

Monday – Having to put Bosco down.
Tuesday – Stomach flu
Wednesday – Continued recovery from stomach flu
Thursday – Dinner with Tom, Missy, Terry and Serif and then helping Tom pack his trailer for his trip to Alaska
Friday – Said good bye to Tom as he headed out to Alaska
Saturday – Wonderful 16th birthday party for K. Took lots of pictures but of course they are still on my camera.
Sunday – Missy and Terry had the mothers over for dinner.

That pretty much sums up my week. It was hard saying good bye to Tom and there were tears. He is starting a new life and I pray that he finds all the happiness that he deserves there.

I am trying to adjust to coming home and not having Bosco waiting there for me. That is still hard but I know that every day it will get easier. I admit that there has been some second thoughts about whether I was right to do it when I did. But deep in my heart I know it was the right time for him.

Hopefully I have recovered from all my illness and am planning to actually try to start back at working out every night after work. It felt good to get all my work out stuff ready this morning. Now I just have to keep up the momentum.

BOSCO
AUGUST 18, 1994 - AUGUST 11, 2008

You were my friend and companion. You were there through the good times and the bad times. You were there for all my tears and laughter. I told you my thoughts, fears and dreams. You were my confidant. You were always happy to see me when I got home. You adored Serif and were patient and loving to her always. No one could have ever asked for a better dog. I know that the tears will eventually stop but the memories never will.

Today is an exciting day for our family. Not only is it Terry's birthday but this afternoon they have their first doctor's appointment for the baby. What a wonderful birthday present for Terry. He gets to see a picture of his new baby. Missy has a great doctor is that is going to let Serif join them in the examination room. That way Serif gets to experience everything right along with mommy and daddy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TERRY!