My Hero, My Friend

Today I have finally convinced myself to sit down and admit that in my selfishness I wish my Grandpa Calvin was still with us today. You see, I love my grandpa and was as close to him as most people are to their fathers.

Christmas 2007

Gramps was there for every school event, athletic event, dance recital, and birthday while I was in grade school, high school and college. He changed my diapers, cooked me breakfast, repaired my toys, put up Christmas lights because it made me happy, picked me up from school, taught me to work hard, mentored my dad, and the list could go on and on. But, most importantly he put God first and I recognized that from a very young age.
He loved me. Wow. Yes, he told me this every day, but he didn't have to because his actions and selflessness made it so obvious.

Christmas 2008

Em'ry's 1st Birthday-November 2009

Once I was married he continued to encourage me and offer advice. He recognized how special Greg is to me and welcomed him into our family with open arms. A few years later, there he was at the dedication of my baby girl Em'ry Dove. Greg and I were making a committment to do our very best to seek the Lord's guidance in raising our daughter and that was important to him. I spoke to Gramps on the phone every night and every night when nine thirty rolls around there is a lump in my throat because I want to pick up the phone and tell him about my day but I can't.

But, the legacy he left behind is so precious. I am so blessed by the time we had together and the lessons I have learned. I know that Em'ry is so lucky to have known her great-grandpa and it is obvious that he impacted her life in the sweet words she uses to speak of him everyday.

Easter 2011

When I was looking for someone I could spend the rest of my life with I asked God to lead me to a love as tender and unconditional as the love shared by my grandparents. My grandpa made a conscious decision to be the spiritual leader of his family and I'm so blessed to have found that in Greg. My grandpa is my hero and I will hang on to every moment we spent together and every word he spoke as they inspire me to become the woman God created me to be.


As much as I miss Gramps, I know he is happier than ever before. Not only is he spending every moment worshipping our awesome God but he is doing so alongside his sweetheart, Grandma Dovie. So, though it isn't easy I'll rest assured knowing that I'll see him again someday :)

Easter 2011!

I know I'm a little behind but our lives are on a roller coaster right now so I'm just trying to hang on. We had a wonderful Easter in Booker a few weeks ago. We left on Thursday after school and arrived in Booker around 3am. Em'ry was an amazing traveler.

We spent all day Friday visiting with friends and family and relaxing. It was a little chilly and we weren't prepared but we survived.

On Saturday, we dyed Easter eggs. I was a special treat because this was Em'ry's first year to truly participate. They turned out great!

Em'ry had a blast hunting eggs!

There was one little problem...

Needless to say, we had quite an interesting egg hunt. When we realized we dyed the wrong eggs we picked them all up and hid the white eggs that were hard boiled :) Em'ry didn't seem to mind!

We had another treat on this trip. Jackson asked if Em'ry would be interested in seeing his horses. Of course she was thrilled. She was a little shy at first because they are so much bigger than the pony she rode at the rodeo and carnival. She slowly warmed up to the idea.

Jackson and Em'ry on ICE

Then, she got really brave and got on with Hailie and went for a ride.

The most touching moment of our whole trip was when I took this next picture...

Em'ry loves her Papa! He has been sick for some time but I'm so thankful they have had an opportunity to get to know and love each other. Each night at bedtime, we call him. She doesn't want to talk every night, but she always wants me to call. Most nights she says she loves and misses him and I know that puts a smile on his face :)

MY GREATEST BLESSINGS

Even when the rain falls, even when the sun stops shining, even when the storm comes, we are washed by the water...

Recently Greg and I decided that it was time for new family pictures. Little did I know the impact it would have on our view of happiness. Wow, we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. We are here for his divine will and for each other.

This one, what can I say, she made me a mommy and words cannot express the bond.

Thank you Brandi for capturing the personality and the love!

So, no matter what tomorrow holds, I know we will face it together and we will face it from the palm of God's hand. We are blessed beyond measure!