Family times....

As some of you may know my sister and dad came to visit with us for a whole week recently. They drove from Mississippi (my home state) to Indiana. We had a blast. It was great having them here. I haven’t gotten to spend that much time with my sister since we were all living at home I don’t think. Well I did live with her in Arkansas for 6 months when I was 21. But, we both worked different schedules so we really didn’t get to do much together then either. So it was quite nice. As far as my dad goes, I haven’t really gotten to spend much time with him either. Usually when we take a trip to Mississippi he is always working and doesn’t really have time to hang out. So, needless to say when he was here he didn’t have anything else to do but rest and spend some quality time with us. It was so nice. My sister and I had a blast staying up late together and reminiscing about our mom and such. So many memories-so little time. We did some shopping, took some photos, when out to eat, she got her hair done, we cooked dinner for everyone, and got manicures and pedicures with my mother in law. It was something special. The highlight was the mani-pedi’s though. Ahhh, now that was fun! We had some of the best people working on us. They were hilarious. At one point the guy doing my mani-pedi says “What happens at Diva Nails stays at Diva Nails.” Too darn funny! I so wish now I would have gotten a few pictures while we were there but it totally slipped my mind and I didn’t think it would be as entertaining as it was.

It really meant a lot to me to have my dad come and spend so much time with us-without having anything else going on. He has made his fair share of mistakes. Some major, some minor. But, I love him dearly and look up to him no matter how things were in the past. He’s not always been a person to look up to but I’m thankful I can look up to him now. I am so thankful for that, and that he has changed from the person her was when I was growing up.  He a great-thoughtful dad these days. And, I am soaking in every minute of it. It is a sweet thing. During his visit he was able to apologize for a few things he’d done in the past. And, honestly it has made a world of difference. I loved my dad before and we still have a bond. But, as soon as he said he was sorry for a couple of things I felt that bond grow even stronger. I instantly felt the pain in my heart disappear. Although we have miles apart I feel closer to him than ever. I enjoy talking with him once again. He also went from looking at me as “his baby girl” to looking at me as a “woman,” and a “mother.” He finally realizes that I am my own person now, with my own views and opinions about things.  Our relationship finally evolved. That is something I am truly thankful for. My in laws were taking us all to eat one of the nights. So my sister ends up talking big-saying to my dad that she is ordering her a “drink.” I said so was I. He didn’t seem to mind or say anything. After all, we are grown and can make decisions for ourselves. It’s funny though because when we got there my sister ordered before me and ended up requesting a soda. She is five years older than me. So when it got my turn-I was the last to order, I ordered my wine. My sister looks at me like “are you serious?”  Lol. So she went back and changed her order to get wine. And, of course daddy never said a bad thing about it. Actually later he said there is nothing wrong with having a glass of wine with dinner. Lol. It was too funny though.  Below I’ll post a few photos or their time with us. It’s been about 3 weeks and I miss them like crazy! 

 First time seeing his Mississippi Pappy since he was five days old. Daddy was a little nervous that he would cry. He thought Jace would think he was a stranger but he loved him!

Aunt NeeCee and her little monkey! He loves his Aunt NeeCee. Can't you tell?

 Daddy & his girls :)

Pappy & his little man. Love this photo.

Such a sweet moment between Aunt NeeCee and her monkey!

 Jace, his other Pappy, and his Great Granny. So darn cute. This was after me and my sister cooked dinner for everyone. Some decided to play Wii. 

 Daddy, Steve, Granny, and Pappy. Look at the expression on my dad's face. He's a nut! Lol.

Grandma playing Wii. Trying to beat Steve in bowling.

Letter 3-A Deceased person you wish you could talk to-To my mom.

Wow, where do I begin? First, let me just say that I miss you something awful. As I sit here writing this, even the first line I start to get teary eyed as I wish I could actually speak these words to you in person.  I never got the chance to tell you how much I appreciated the things you taught me. I thought we had more time. I have a lot of you in me. Denise tells me that all the time and I can also see it myself. I really didn’t pay too much attention to it before, but now I see it. I love the way that you loved and cared for others the way you did. It comes from deep within. It’s just something that comes natural-the way it did for you. I don’t take things for granted. Family means everything to me-the way that it did to you. I finally understand what it means to be a mother and love outside of yourself. Maybe that doesn’t make sense to most but I know you would understand what I’m saying. You taught me to be strong and independent.  Also, to think for myself and not follow the crowd no matter what was going on. You taught me that no matter what someone may have done to hurt you that you should always be the bigger person and walk away. But, you also taught me that if they kept doing it and were pushed to the max to kick some butt and ask questions later. Lol.

When I found out I was pregnant and you weren’t going to be here with me I was kind of sad. But, I was so so happy to be having a child. I never thought I would get to enjoy that part of life that most women do. As I went into my first ultrasound to find out how far along I was I was so nervous. I didn’t have a clue how far along I was or what I was going to have. I had hoped in the beginning to be having a little girl. I wanted to name her after you-to carry on your memory in her. I really didn’t expect to find out in my first appointment but come to find out I was already right at four months along. Oops. The lady asked me did I want to know the sex and of course I said yes. She then told me it was going to be a boy and I was so excited. She then asked me if I wanted to know the due date and I said yes. She told me Feb 28^th. As I lay on the table weeping all I could think of was you. Steve hugged and kissed me (he understood why I started crying).  I wish you could have been there so bad. My due date was around the time you passed away and the day I found all of these things out was the day before your birthday. I do believe everything happened exactly the way it did because somehow you were letting me know that you may not have been there for me physically but you were there spiritually.

It has been a struggle for me not to have you here. I miss you so much and I know that if you were here you would be so in love with your grandson-Jace. He is a precious little boy and he would fall in love with you too! He loves everyone.

Thank you momma for all that you ever did for me and all that you were.  You were truly a wonderful mother. I love you and miss you. 

 Jace laying in a basket with a picture of you beside him. I will make sure when he is old enough to understand I will tell him about you(MiMi) and how great you were.