Summer Stuff Goes On...

It is crazy how fast time goes by.

And it's so weird sometimes looking at pictures of Chloe growing up and to think that you aren't here (not in the physical sense) to be able to see your reaction.

How different our lives would be if you were with us...

Some things wouldn't change, but really, it's as if I'm on a different path, an alternate road in life without you...

Still never would've thought I'd be here experiencing this without you present - not ever...

So that disbelief continues - I don't think that will ever be something I get over...

So here are some pictures of what Chloe has been doing this summer I thought you would love...

Here she is walking in a pair of mommy's shoes.

She loves the shiny beads on these...

Beach hair...

She loves the sand and picking up all the rocks and shells she can find...

And she loves hanging out with her good friends...

You would've loved to see Chloe and Jamie together!

I know you were excited that Natalie and I were going to be having babies close together and thought that was so cool...

And I know you would've laughed as much as Natalie and I did as Jamie noticed the Sesame Street characters on Chloe's diapers (he has environmentally friendly ones without characters) and kept pointing to them on the back and front of the diaper... Saying in an excited high pitched almost 2 year old voice: Elmo, Cookie, Monkey, Big Bird!!!

It was SO funny and sweet...

I know you would've loved it (and probably do...)

Miss you every day mom...

St. John's Wort Made Me Think Of Mom...

I was snapping pictures in the garden and happened upon this arrangement of seed/berries on the St. John's Wort.

To me it invokes a lot...

To those of you reading this post, what do you see?

Look at the image before you read my comments below...

My head tells me: St. John's Wort - I can see why this would get a Saint's name - and could go in that religious direction - and for it's medicinal purposes (maybe not this exact species, but in general...)

But when I look at it without a name put on it by man...

I see a a human figure...

A head on a body with two outstretched arms & hands...

The feet below all the way at the bottom, in a singular position.

And the largest bloom being in the area of the womb...

And do you notice the two leafs behind the blooms...

Wings perhaps? A little beaten and bruised, but still there...

Very feminine to me...

Very angelic as well...

It made me think of my mom for many reasons...

Just thought I'd share...

1 here, 2 on the way

Babies are such treasures...

I wish you could've physically met and been around for your grandchildren...

Chloe is turning into such a funny little girl.

She love her bags (this one of yours is her favorite!)

Jamie is due with Taylor at any moment now...

Please, if you can, help her & Nick through the delivery.

I know you will be there with them!

And we're happy with our #2 on the way, due to arrive January 13th or so.

I told Mrs. M. the other day that if anyone doubts that you had anything to do with me being pregnant both times with babies due around your favorite time of the year - they didn't know you at all! And if things work out that I have this one early too - we will surely be having a Christmas baby this time...

How you would've loved this!!!

Thanks Mom (I know you are enjoying it from where you are)!