My Little Rock Star.....

Thought you all would like to see Madi in action! She is such a nut! She is using a bubble blower as a microphone (notice the massive amounts of bubble solution spilled onto the brick planter). This is just one of the 4 videos I took of her that night. I am so blessed! I laugh so hard every day that my cheeks hurt with her antics! 

 

Happy Birthday Joshua!

When I picture you in my head it is the you from a few years ago. It was the first time you met James. We're standing outside St. Mary's on a a beautiful Sunday morning after mass....

There is so much I want to tell you now. So much left to say. What we had went beyond the normal boundaries of "friendship" but it seemed to work for us. I had/have a serious case of "Hero Worship" when it comes to you Josh. I idolized you. You never could understand why because you didn't see yourself the way the rest of the world saw you. You were always telling me to be true to myself and to follow my heart, not just my head. But that was what you struggled with too. 

I know that you knew what you meant to everyone but I wish that you had truly believed that you were a vital and essential part of people's lives. That without you here things will never again be the same for many of us. 

There have been many times in the last 10 months that I have picked up the phone to call you and then realized that I couldn't. I know there they will be many more times in my life that I will want to call you for advice, to share something or just to hear your voice. 

In a letter you wrote to me in 1998 you said, "I'd just like to say thank you because you've taught me so much about people, and myself, over the years. You're probably one of the greatest friends I have ever had." - Right back at ya Joshie! 

There is a hardly a moment that goes by that you are not on my mind. Sometimes the realization that you are not here becomes so overwhelming it's hard to breathe. You were always so conscientious to the feelings of the people who loved you. I know that you never ever would have wanted to cause others so much pain. 

I hope that you are having a wonderful birthday with your loved ones up there. I know you and Pat are probably celebrating together. Would you kiss my new angel for me? It helps so much knowing that he or she is being held in the loving arms of you and my grandma. I love you Bubba. Always have, always will. Happy Birthday my love! 

xoxo, 

Nicole

It's been awhile!

Forgive me for not updating this thing more frequently! Life has been a whirlwind these last 2 months. It's certainly not any less crazy but I figured it was time! Instead of trying to catch you up on what's been going on let me just give you the recent highlights. Last Wednesday we adopted at Cavachon (1/2 Bichon Frise and 1/2 King Charles Cavalier) puppy. He's 14 weeks old and named Vader (yes, I allowed James to name him. Having a dog with a Star Wars name is MUCH better  than having a child with a Star Wars name right?? haha!) He came from a rather unfortunate situation with a diaper on, stuck in a crate, nails too long, and ear infections in both ears. He's starting to get the hang of going potty outside and not where ever he feels like it, and got his nails clipped and ear medicine from the vet. He's currently 7 pounds but the vet believes he'll get to 14. He's absolutely adorable. Black and white with long hair. He loves to cuddle and snuggle and doesn't let his "family" out of his sight. He always has to be with one of us. He has taken to sleeping on Madi's bed (which my little animal nut of a daughter is LOVING). He went to Youth Night with me last night for the first time and was practically mauled by my high schoolers. They LOVED him and quickly tuckered him out. He slept well last night!! Pretty sure he's adjusting quite well to his new life and enjoying being with a family. Currently he's curled up at my feet making a suckling noise like a new born baby.....oh, yes, we're in love! 

Stay tuned......more to come.........