Another Milestone - Emma's High School Graduation!

Yep, it's starting to sink in....
slowly at first...
and now at warp speed...

Yes, Emma is soon to be a high school graduate. Friday, May 30th to be precise. How does this happen?! Each day it becomes a little more real and each day I realize how much we have yet to do in preparations for her celebration! In the meantime, enjoy a few of my favorites...

Emma's baptism ~ Sept. 24, 1995

A Reflection
Getting ready for Emily & Tony's wedding

Emma's gentle touch

Emma & Rosie
Winter 2005

Emma & Botti
Summer 2007

The best big sister!
Summer 2012

Emma ~ July 2013

Emma's Senior Pictures

So, I had to change the video... it just wasn't quite right... This version is much better...

"I Believe in You"

Comments

Today.... The next chapter

And here we are... October of 2020. I'm not sure where the time has gone, while struggling between feeling it has gone too fast and yet being ready for things to move along and leave a few chapters in the past. To say that 2020 has tested our strength is a bit understated. But, even on our worst days and weeks - we have come out smiling. Don't get me wrong, those smiles aren't always easy and sometimes they mask the exhaustion, the grief and the tears. But boy when they are truly out of happy moments and seeing how we survive from these difficult times, those smiles are worth millions. Today... was a day that hit me hard... unexpectedly hard. Today, being everything I need to be right now is hard... it's exhausting... it's daunting... it's what this chapter is. Today... oh boy today has been a hot mess... It was a recognition of how much I'm grieving and still so thankful for this life we have. I'm so thankful to have an amazing friend, Erica...

And here we are in 2019!

I've gotten away from regularly writing, and with the start of 2019 I decided now is the time to revisit writing! It's a great way to look at events happening in our lives and remind ourselves of the blessings we have no matter how busy or complicated life gets! Part of 2019 includes returning to school work for me. As I look at my future goals for my career, I decided the time is now to look at getting my degree in Organizational Leadership. I applied for admission to Metropolitan State University ( www.metrostate.edu ) and started courses in January! 1 week in and I'm already wondering why I thought this was a great idea. This first semester back at it will most likely be the most difficult as I'm taking on 3 courses - if I survive this, I'll be able to make this happen! What this means is fitting in course work during lunch breaks and after the girls head to bed, and of course hours on the weekends. If I look a little tired, this may explain the bags under m...

Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye is never easy, in fact it's one of the most difficult things to do. Our strength is being tested today as we make the decision for Botti that means we have to put his needs before ours. I will never forget the day we drove to get Botti. It was a complete surprise to Emma, a Minnesota spring day, March 2006. She was grumpy about having to go to the Twin Cities with us, thinking it was about getting stuff for the store. But then we pulled up to Petco in Eden Prairie, again she thought we were just picking up things for the cats and Rosie. Then we got inside and met up with the animal shelter there for pet adoption day and asked to see the collie puppies we had inquired about. That's when we met Botti and a few of his litter mates. His eyes captured our hearts. Emma's smile was priceless when we asked if we should bring him home. Botti hasn't had an easy road health-wise, but he made it clear that he would always watch over...

Life on Painted Ridge - Planner Required

Search This Blog