Alexa

One Year

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I tried my best to do 365 gratitude posts, but the last month of work, travel, and celebration  stole my focus.  

Starting from where I left off, we celebrated  Pop’s 70th birthday… My Princess Niece Evangeline’s 5th birthday…  And my Daddy’s life and death with a family fishing trip in Galveston.    

That was just one weekend!  The next weekend, we celebrated the 4th of July holiday relaxing and eating great food at Donovon’s uncle’s house in Donie, Texas.  We then left for a week in Orlando where I attended a conference and was able to also spend some time at Disney World with the family.   

 And last weekend, we celebrated Rose’s 40th birthday in Dallas.   It’s been quite a month and I’m grateful for every single second of it.  

As I reflect on my father’s life – the reason I began this blog – it makes me grateful for all he taught me, for always being there for me, and most of all for his shaping me into the woman I am today. 

I still carry some sadness, but for the most part, I’m so very thankful that I have so many wonderful memories of Daddy. 

This blog has been an incredible experience for me. I intend to keep it going, although maybe not quite daily.  It has proven to me that no matter how much my heart hurts, there is always something to be grateful for. Being grateful lessens the pain and highlights the joy.  Gratitude is a powerful thing. 

 

Day 333 / My Longhorn

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Alexa has been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin!!!  This is a huge accomplishment and I’m amazed and so proud of her determination and perseverence.  I feel in my bones that Alexa will accomplish great things!  I’m so grateful for My Little Longhorn!!

  

Day 329 / Pool Time

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It’s mid-June and after weeks and weeks of rain, today was the first time this summer that we’ve been able to get some pool time.  I’m not complaining because we’ve needed all this rain.  But I am grateful for spending time at our friend’s pool and catching up with friends, eating great food, and drinking cold beer.  It was a perfect summer day!

  

Day 324 / Cousin Love – Part II

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Alexa and Ava have five first cousins on Donovon’s side of the family – Carson, Caroline, Regan, Casen, and Paityn – each one so precious and loveable.
Carson is an entertainer.  He loves to make us laugh or sing and play his guitar for us.  Caroline is a sweetheart with a heart so big and true, she sees nothing but good in everyone.  Regan is strong and genuine.  She tells it like it is and pulls no punches.  Casen is multi-talented and disciplined.  And he’s pretty quiet, but you can’t help but see the love he has for his sisters and cousins when we’re all together.  Paityn is the newest little addition and she’s a bundle of pure joy.
They are all so smart and loving.  I’m filled with joy when I’m around all of them.  I love them like my own and I find my girls so lucky to have so many cousins in the family with whom they are so close.  I’m so grateful for so much Cousin Love.

  

Day 316 / Family Fun on the Lake

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After weeks and weeks of rain the sun came out for an entire day today and we could not help but go out and enjoy it. What better way than on the lake. 

Donovon and I took the girls canoeing on Lady Bird Lake.  It was the first time we’ve gone canoeing as a family and it was a blast!  

I’m so grateful for such a fun day on the lake!

   
 

Day 303 / My Big Girl’s Birthday

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Nineteen years ago today, I was blessed with one of the greatest gifts of my life – the birth of my first beautiful, sweet baby girl. 

She was the sweetest baby and the most easy-going kid. It’s hard to believe she’s 19. She’s grown into this strong, independent, and compassionate young women, and I could not be more proud of her. 

Alexa had a wonderful birthday capped with a very lovely dinner with her family at Maggiano’s. It was such a great time. I’m so grateful for My Big Girl’s Birthday. 

  
 

Day 280 / Saturday Fun

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Today I enjoyed a fun day of hanging with family and friends at a crawfish boil and later attending a big Evening Under the Stars Gala with Donovon at Camp Mabry. 

I’m so thankful for such good times and so much fun this Saturday.