I’m not one that believes in coincidences.  When things happen, like they did today, I don’t doubt that there is purpose and intention beyond what I see and know.  Just today I ran into three different people in three different locations who had lost a parent.  Three people. When my mom died, a dear friend […]

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  • Sassytimes - December 3, 2010 - 1:58 pm
  • Written Permission - December 3, 2010 - 3:57 pm

    Oh, friend. I think this is so, so true. When you have a loss like this, there's nothing that will ever repair the wound, or make it all better. You are so supported and so loved. And I think you're doing a phenomenal job. 🙂

    Big hug to you, S.ReplyCancel

  • Kim - December 3, 2010 - 4:39 pm

    Chad set me up proper like now. 🙂
    You are so right, 30 years since I lost my dad, 3 years since my sister and now my mom, it is a pain then an ache that will not ever go away. I am glad of that. I never want to be "over it" as some people like to say. I want to cry when I see an empty swing that reminds me of our last time with dad. Or every time I hear How Beautiful or All is Well.
    Thanks….we are all on this road and in this club together. A friend came over last night and is in the process of joining the cancer club. It was good to talk of doctors and hope and especially the hope we have in Christ. Thanks Summer….love you!ReplyCancel

  • Adopted Aunt - December 4, 2010 - 3:37 am

    Sweet Summer. You said it just right. Though I am not part of your club but know I will someday. I have a really close friend who lost her mom last Easter. And when I think of losing my mom WOW its like NO WAY!!! She would be so proud of the mom and wife you are.You have two beautiful children that are so precious. They even leave "stinky brownies" in my car!:) Boy did I laugh. I am so glad that you are so willing to share. You touch lots of hearts and I am going to be sure my friend reads this one. Hope to see you Sunday eve. at kids performance. Charlie was telling me about it. At least you still have a great mom in law.:) Be glad!!!!:) and know that your friends love you and are praying for you.ReplyCancel

  • Ky • twopretzels.com - December 4, 2010 - 10:54 pm

    Oh, this is definitely not a club I like to welcome members in to.

    This line resonated with me today: "Today, there were few words exchanged with these club members, only a slight nod of the head and a gentle, knowing smile."

    Mmmmm…

    For what it's worth, I think it sounds like you're moving forward. But it's totally ok if you decide not to move forward, but back and to the side, too. This whole journey… oh boy, it's hard. Just keep moving.

    Big hug to you.ReplyCancel

I’ve always loved dreary days.  Days when clouds blanket the sky and hide the sun from view.  When it is essential to turn lights on in the middle of the day and when there is no need to feel guilty for staying in pajamas a few hours too long.  I love it even more when […]

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  • Sassytimes - December 1, 2010 - 1:27 pm

    I LOVE dreary days too. I'm thankful we got another one today (with a dusting of beautiful snow).ReplyCancel

  • Written Permission - December 1, 2010 - 3:17 pm

    I love these days, too! They make me so thankful for a warm, snuggly house and family. 🙂 Your day yesterday sounds completely fabulous.ReplyCancel

  • Ky • twopretzels.com - December 4, 2010 - 10:54 pm

    I love these pictures…ReplyCancel

I remember a summer morning, probably about eight years ago, when I was taught a lesson by birds. (Sounds strange, I know, but go with it.) This was during the years when Chad and I lived in a small apartment and had yet to welcome children into our family.  We had a teeny, tiny patio […]

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  • Sassytimes - November 30, 2010 - 1:17 pm

    Wow. That is amazing.

    I always wanted to keep a journal when I was younger, but feared my older brothers would find it and share it with everyone. I keep one now, but I wish I had done it when I was younger. It would be interesting to go back and peer inside the head of my younger self. I bet it would help when our girls are older too….to understand how they feel, what they are going through at that time.ReplyCancel

  • Ky • twopretzels.com - December 4, 2010 - 10:56 pm

    I've been journaling for as long as I can remember, too. (Had to. No blogs back then. Lol.)

    I always wonder what to do with my journals when I'm finished with them… Do I keep them? Do I throw them away…

    Hm….

    (I'm glad a bird taught you something useful. You know my thoughts on those little creatures, they're not much good for anything. (Kidding.)ReplyCancel

Today our pastor suggested that there are five seasons each year:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Christmas. Now, I’m not an “Amen!” yellin’ type of person, but if I were, you might have heard an “Amen!” followed by a “Preach it Brother!” escape my lips.  But since I’m a bit more reserved I sat in […]

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  • Sassytimes - November 29, 2010 - 2:02 pm

    I love this season too! We cut down our tree yesterday morning and it immediately filled me with joy. I told my husband I love the way our house 'feels' during Christmas, so much so, that I wish it were Christmas all year 'round. He then reminded me that it wouldn't be as special….and he's right. This season reminds us how wonderful life is. How blessed we truly are. I love it.ReplyCancel

  • Written Permission - November 29, 2010 - 3:46 pm

    That picture of Charlie next to the lit-up Christmas tree made my heart stop for an instant. So precious.

    What a wonderful family you have! And how lovely that you're carrying on Christmas traditions and creating new ones, just for them. Love, love, love.

    (Also, how cute is Chanelle's little green coat??)ReplyCancel

  • Ky • twopretzels.com - November 29, 2010 - 10:58 pm

    Christmas is phenomenal.
    It's about the birth of a baby… and really? Is there a better time than that?

    Love it all. Great pictures, as usual.ReplyCancel

I said it to more than one person. . . “The holiday’s are going to suck.”  “I’d rather just skip this season.”  “Can I just stay home?”  “I can’t do this!!” I was afraid.  I was afraid it wouldn’t be like it used to be.  I was afraid I couldn’t make the meal like she […]

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  • Charbelle - November 26, 2010 - 1:23 pm

    I remember the first holiday season without my Grandaddy, there were certainly tears. But he LOVED this time of year and there was laughter too.
    This post is beautiful, that turkey looks amazing!!! The kids on the stairs, such a fun shot! So glad that you had such a wonderful time! Great family shot on the stairs as well!!ReplyCancel

  • Written Permission - November 26, 2010 - 1:34 pm

    Started crying at the gravy picture and I still haven't stopped. I'm so glad you had a good day of tradition and newness and grief and celebration and remembrance. It looks and sounds wonderful. And what a truly special memorial candle — that is just lovely, friend. LOVE YOU.ReplyCancel

  • Ky • twopretzels.com - November 26, 2010 - 10:24 pm

    Ok, I'm sobbing. Friend, your blog evokes such emotion in me. I think it's because you give to freely… you write so candidly. (Thank you for that.)

    I'm so glad the day was incredible. I'm so glad that your husband and mother-in-law are so awesome. I'm just so glad.

    Hug.ReplyCancel

  • Trophy Life - November 26, 2010 - 10:39 pm

    like WP and TP, you had me at the gravy picture and then i couldn't stop crying until…well, i haven't yet. : ) i love you, my friend, and you CAN do this. you ARE doing this.ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - November 27, 2010 - 2:10 am

    I always try to come to your blog and NOT cry….and it never happens. You ARE blessed…and an inspiration. I think you are pretty amazing.

    (And I am always amazed at the resemblance between your Dad and mine. It's crazy.)ReplyCancel

  • Summer - November 27, 2010 - 6:28 pm

    Each of you are wonderful. Seriously wonderful. Thank you for walking this journey with me.ReplyCancel

  • Hummel Family - June 7, 2011 - 1:39 am

    Okay, I will admit it too (just like the others people in the comments above this one), I cried! It was so neat to see you, your dad and siblings making this special Thanksgiving meal together. WOW! I am sure that was some good bonding time for you all.

    AND the beautiful box of red roses….so thoughtful!

    And after reading the comments from this post, my heart is so happy for you that you have so many people walking this journey with you. (me included!)ReplyCancel