Ella's First Haircut!

We headed over to Grammy's for a little bit on Monday (during a Tropical Storm I might add) to give out lovies and see her off on another trip.  We thought we'd squeeze in Ella's first hair cut, as her bangs were hanging over her eyes!  Needless to say, nothing really changed and you can barely see the hair that came off and I put in a little ziplock!  But, it was so sweet seeing Grammy trim it up for her!  In the end, she was satisfied and kissed herself in the mirror!

 

 

 

Redneck Rainy Days!

Its been raining in the afternoons the past couple of days, so being couped up inside, I decided to let her play in it! She had such a fun time. She was slightly confused where the water was coming from, but as it filled up her pool and chairs, she realized she didn't care and went all out! It was so cute watcher her twirl and splash!

 

 

 

She was soaked!

Grampa Satterlee!

August 3rd has always been a very special day to me, as I shared my birthday just 24hrs later with a stubborn and gentle man I knew as "Grampa". Grampa died 15 years ago.  It broke all of our hearts.  It wasnt supposed to happen and there is an emptiness in all of us as we have moved forward and enjoyed moments of life we wish we could have shared with him. 

I dont make it up there often, but I do try and go.  Grampa is buried at a beautiful National cemetary here in Florida, and I love to quietly go up and talk to him.  Yes, I know, some people may find it strange that I actually talk to him.  Infact, I tell him all kinds of going ons.  All about his grandkids, his great grandkids, his kids, Gramma, dogs, God.  We have shared some good times up there just he and I.

This past trip though was even more special.  I brought my daughter with me.  She had no idea what was going on, or why I was kissing a stone, but it sure felt special to me.  Infact, her Great Gramma Claire went with us.  Grampa's Wife.  It was extrodinary for me to share in those brief few minutes.  Ella ran around in the grass, it was super quiet, no wind, sunny and hot.  Gramma and remembered how his leather skin and cigarette breathe always confused us kids, but comforted us at the same time.  We could always depend on Grampa's wisdom and strength.  His finger nail pressed into our forhead always reminding us to "think".  He always had our best in mind and loved our family with his whole heart.

I miss him.  I can probably speak for his other family too.  They miss him.  He was someone who is etched in my heart forever.  I cannot wait to see him in Heaven. 

Ella and Rowdy!

I know everyone has seen it already, but it makes me laugh, so I thought Id post it again!

Slightly Bent, but Not Broken!

This past weekend we headed over to Melbourne for a mini break.  I secretly wish we lived over there, its one of my favorite places to be.  The air, the smells, the ocean, the clarity. It brings me back to so many happy feelings.

One of my most favorite memories is of our wedding.  We chose a special place on the beach under two palm trees.  Its been almost 8 years since that day and a lot has happened since then.  So, Ryan and I took the opportunity to visit our trees and talk about our life together.

While our trees are slightly bent, they are certainly not broken.  Two days after our wedding the facility burnt to the ground. A hurricane has come thru too.  However, they are still standing, living, thriving.  That says so much to us, as we have been brought to our knees, burnt, bent, and have certainly endured  major storms in our marriage, but we are still standing, living, thriving.  Thanks be to God. 

Standing under our trees this time we wanted to consider our blessings instead of remembering our past.  Ella, number one, our biggest blessing.  She has changed our life.  We feel so incredibly proud to call her our biggest accomplishment!  We wouldnt be who and where we are today without her!

And, our family.  People we love and admire and dont like to be apart from.  Parents who give without asking, sacrafice on our behalf, love without conditions, and bring so much life to our little girl!  Siblings who make us laugh, who allow us into their childrens lives and walk in the path of our Lord. And other family (friends) who bring so much to our life!

Despite difficulities, we want to remain fixed on the blessings in life and let the hard times take care of themselves!

Thanking God for you and for each other!