the simple things

"Well its funny how it's the little things in life that mean the most
Not where you live, the car you drive, or the price tag on your clothes
There's no dollar sign on a piece of mind this I've come to know
So if you agree have a drink with me, Raise your glasses for a toast
To a little bit of chicken fried.....

Life is simply about the little things. I've learned this all to well. Treasure the small things, enjoy the simple moments, and celebrate each and every day. My husband came home with flowers the other day. He's still in AIT and won't be done until the end of Aug. Having him visit with us for brief moments over some weekends is amazing. The kids and I are missing him, but we are thankful to have him close by.

My brother, Paul, loved the Chicken Fried song by Zac Brown. That song, little did we know would have so much more meaning than we ever thought possible. It was his ring tone and now it's the ring tone to some of my other siblings. The lyrics speak so much truth. I can't listen to it and not think of him... it is him. He's missed in every possible way. The next few months are going to be so hard. It marks many milestones. We're making it through the days and it's not because we want to. It's because we have to.. it's called "living".

.Special.

Our friends came to visit us this week and we couldn't have been more excited. Our friendship with them has grown so much over the last year and half. Unfortunately, we wouldn't like to have become friends the way we did but we are blessed to have them in our lives. My good friend lost her husband 4 months before I lost my brother. She too is a Gold Star Family Member as well as her kids. We go to Arlington together, we meet up, travel, laugh, cry, tell stories and share our loss. I'm very fortunate to have met someone who understands "it". This trip was about having fun. We went to Virginia Beach, the Aquarium, Yankee Candle, the pool, Ft. Eustis, and lots of places to eat! It was jam packed but so worth the trips and driving. The kids played and we chatted. Of course we could have done without the 115 degree weather, but never the less, it was a good time! We are missing them already.

glitter and mud

It was about time I did an actual shoot with the kids. It's been awhile and I kept putting it off. All 3 of them have birthdays this summer and I've been meaning to get to it but life happens, summer happens and things just get tossed to the side. So, I packed the kids in the car at 8:30 in the morning and went looking for a spot. Found one, took photos and then headed to pick Chris up for the day. We all had a great time this weekend and I was happy with the photos. :) Oh, and I think I found the oldest playground in Williamsburg. Didn't think things like this existed anymore.