Mother's Day 2012

Today was another "first" we can cross off the list...our first Mother's Day without mom.  Not too many more "firsts" left before the one year mark.  It's hard to believe it's almost been a year already.  Before you know it, summer will be here and we'll be beyond all of the "firsts" and the holidays without mom will be more routine, if there ever can be routine.  Life is anything but routine without mom.  Moms are the glue to any family.  I'm so thankful for my mom and all of the sacrificing she did to raise me.  Being a single parent now I can certainly understand to some extent what it was like for my mom...except I have 3 older brothers, so my mom raised 4 boys.  Not quite sure how my mom and dad raised 4 boys and we all turned out fairly normal.  :)  Anyway, moms are very special, and I'm very grateful for mine, just as I know my kids are for their mom.  We went out to visit with her today at the cemetery...

The kids and I sat by her grave for about a half hour this afternoon.  We didn't say much; mostly just listened to the breeze and the birds.  We shed some quiet tears privately...no sobbing, just some quiet tears.

We love you and miss you mom!

May 6, 2012: My Birthday

Today, I turned 39.  Again.

Yesterday some great friends had a little birthday party for me at their house. That was very cool.  The kids remembered it was my birthday today too!  Starting with breakfast in my bedroom.  I ruined the "breakfast in bed" when I hopped in the shower as Ashley was bringing it up.  But I came out and there was some delicious toast and orange juice!  Tonight, my side of the family came over and we had dinner and a nice little celebration.  So all that and about 100 "happy birthdays" on Facebook made for a good day!  As much as today hurts, it has been made easier by such great friends and family.  I am very humbled and feel very blessed to be a part of this family and community.

Taking things one anniversary at a time...