Tell those you love how special they are

Can you believe this picture from CCD (Catholic education) says that Nick's guardian angel is Annabelle? That was Ms. Angelle's first name. The CCD teacher has no idea about our life and Ms. Angelle. Somehow, she chose this name for Nicholas. I do not think that is a coincidence at all. I think Annabelle is looking down on all of us from up above, and I am especially grateful she is Nick's "guardian angel." You see, ever since he had that horrible nightmare, Nicholas has been scared to be alone. He thinks Ms. Angelle's skeleton is hiding under his bed at night and that she follows him around to haunt him. Poor thing. I told Nicholas that Ms. Angelle is looking over him to tell him he doesn't have to be afraid anymore. Let's hope that works.

This picture was taken at Sam's last year.

I really miss Ms. Angelle. I miss visiting her and bringing her sweets. I miss listening to her stories, going to Sam's and out to eat at the Golden Corral with her. I miss hearing her laugh at silly things and speak her mind at things important to her. But I am comforted in knowing she is still with me in memory and spirit- just like Mary. One day I will see both of them again.

It has been exceptionally cold lately and we had to get out our big coats. Ms. Angelle bought coats for the boys last year, so we all thought about her when we got them out. She always wanted to buy clothes for Andrew (her godson) and when she bought his coat, Ms. Angelle bought one for Nicholas, too. She and I were planning on going shopping again this year, but God had different plans.

I am grateful to have known spunky Ms. Angelle. She brightened my life during a time I really needed it. My biggest wish is that she knew how much she meant to me. So, if you have someone dear to your heart, tell him/her they are special to you. You never know when God will call them home.

"I am standing on the seashore. A ship spreads her sails to the breeze and starts for the ocean. I stand watching her until she fades on the horizon, and someone at my side says: 'She is gone.'
Gone where? The loss of sight is in me, not in her. And just at that moment when someone says: 'She is gone,' there are others who are watching her coming. Their voices take up the glad shout: 'Here she comes!' ...And that is dying."~Author unknown

Do You See What I See?

These pictures were taken Saturday when we picked Ms. Angelle's ashes up from the funeral home and brought them to Anna's house. In the top picture, the children are posing on the stairs. Andrew is Ms. Angelle's godson and in the bottom picture, you can see him in the mirror's reflection, along with our family picture beside the blue bag that contains Anna's ashes. She wanted the ashes placed in the big urn and set beside the smaller one, which contains her husband's remains.

I would LOVE feedback on these photos... especially since I want to know if you see what I see and if we think the same thing. Talk to me!

These Are The Days

I am amazed at how much difference a day can make. When I compare today with yesterday, I can see a difference between...night and day! Yesterday was one of those crazy days. I had a docor's appointment at 10:20 and did not leave the office until 12:30. Then, the kids and I had dentist appointments for our six month cleaning and check-up at 3:00. Katie was supposed to have dance from 5:30-7:00, but she didn't feel well so I let her skip at the last minute. Plus it was open house at the school and she really wanted to go. They split up the times between the lower and upper grades due to the temporary site's parking. Nick's was from 5:00-6:00 and Drew and Katie's was 6:30-8:00. Everything worked out okay because we grabbed a bite to eat in-between, but I still felt like I hadn't had time to sit down and relax all day.

Today has been MUCH more relaxed. I had the opportunity to go and visit my good friend and my Godson and his brother. Just put me with babies and I'm alright! It was so nice to visit over coffee. I was brought back to my life not too long ago when I had babies and toddlers in the house. I could so easily relate to the constant interruptions and distractions that being a mom requires. I am so grateful for this friend who loves me regardless and doesn't put any "conditions" on our friendship. Friends like that are few and far between. When I got home I mowed the backyard. The weather is so beautiful today. There is even a hint of fall here in southeast Texas. I relish days like this, especially when I just had a busy day like yesterday. I hope you are having a great day, too!