The joys of a warm, SUNNY winter day

I LOVE a warm, SUNNY winter day in January!!! We have had way too much rain lately and the sun makes me happy. Brielle enjoyed time at the playground and also at the dog park with Riley and her friend, Dixie.

Drew and his friend, Kevin enjoyed building/fixing up a fort in the sun.

A special honor...

Blake's picture with Brielle kissing him is now on display at the Governor's office in Olympia. http://soulumination.org/blog.html Their picture is in the 2nd photo on the bottom left. You can see Brielle leaning over and kissing Blake.

Lynette at Soulumination photographed Blake just two weeks before he passed. I have been involved with this great organization ever since. Soulumination is a non-profit that photographs terminally ill children and their families. I have made 250 or so photo bracelets in the past 3 years for mother's of these precious children. It is heartbreaking work, but I love giving such a meaningful gift to these mothers.

I love knowing Blake and Brielle are at the Governor's office for all to see and hopefully to be touched by their love for eachother. Brielle still talks about Blake everyday and my heart aches for him many times a day each and every day.

Happy New Year!!!

Happy 2010!!! Sounds like a date wayyyyy off in the future!
We had a fun New Years celebrating with friends...food, drinks, games and laughter. We even learned and celebrated the Scottish tradition of Hogmanay!

The boys playing Wii...

Notice Riley trying to have a new years drink!

Brielle was up till 1:00 am!

My Dad

16 years ago today we said good-bye to my Dad. It was such a huge loss for us all. The loss of a dad, a husband, a friend and a Papa. It hurts me that my kids will never know their Papa except through the stories we share with them. My dad had a lot of great sayings and we like to use them. My favorite is, "If you are waiting on me, you're backing up". He would also say, "Greetings" instead of hi. He was known to belt out a "Day O, Day O!" at any time. He loved to read and he adored the two Grandchildren that he did get to spend time with. Dad was overjoyed when I told him I was pregnant. Unfortunately, he died before Daniel was born. My dad's name is Daniel. As a child they called him Danny and mostly Dan as an adult. This is a picture of us on my wedding day. I'm so thankful he was there to walk me down the isle. He couldn't wait for his part in the ceremony where he got to say, 'her mother and I'. :) I love you Dad!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!! I've been making a photo card like this for 17 years! The color copies have improved so much! I love collecting the favorite pictures of our year and using them on our card. I could never choose just one photo!

Drew's 11th Birthday!

Drew celebrated his 11th birthday with his friends . They went to Sky High and jumped and jumped. Brielle loved it too! Then they came back to have Drew's favorite-ice cream cake and for a sleepover over. Happy Birthday Drew!!!!!

I'm thankful for my kids...

Brielle-4 years

Daniel (15) helping making Thanksgiving mashed potatoes

Drew (10) making rolls with his cousins

Sweet Blake at 3 years . It is his 8 1/2 birthday today...