I look back now and am amazed that I made it through the first few months after my dad passed away. It was THE hardest time in my life. I'm so grateful for the Lord who carried me many times and my mom and Kenny who were so supportive and let me talk and cry on their shoulder whenever I needed to!
One of the things Kenny and I decided to do is start a couple new traditions at Christmas time. My dad would always put an envelope in our tree for each of us kids when I was growing up that had money or gift cards in them. I loved this, so we decided to do this for our kids each Christmas in honor of Grandpa R. It's hard to see the envelopes in the tree and wonderful at the same time. I love you dad! We also had never made gingerbread houses before and really enjoyed starting this new family tradition.
The biggest thing I learned during these first few months is just how important family is. Don't take each other for granted. Enjoy everyday because you never know when it might be your last with them!
My birthday loot. Kenny took all the kids shopping for me. It was really cute!
However they did show up with not only gifts for me, but he had let Ash get her ears pierced!!! That was a kick in the pants as she was still only 7, but she and Kenny had been fighting a lot and he needed a big win and this was DEFINITELY a big win! She LOVES them!
My beautiful girls with their awesome finished houses
Christmas Eve at Grandma R's house
New jammies
Their loot from Santa
Our tree with the envelopes from "Grandpa R"
They were so excited for all their gifts
My mom gave us the best gift. It reads Dad, Grandpa Always in our Hearts. This ornament means so much to me!! Love you dad!
Christmas round 2 at Grandma and Grandpa's house
Christmas was a lot of fun and it was so nice to have so much family together. It helped a lot with the sorrow of the first big holiday without my dad. I sure love my family!!
