Ava

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 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 317 / Our Future Politician

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I’m so grateful for Ava’s imagination and creativity. She made herself a desk out of cardboard box and an American flag out of a measuring tape and sock. She told me that she’s the mayor and proceeded to sign letters.  

It was priceless – I’m so grateful for our future politician. Watch out world! 😉

  

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 306 / My Little Graduate

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Today My Little Princess Ava graduated from Preschool!  Of course, we’re so very proud of her completing Preschool as we all know how incredibly challenging it can be. 😉 

I’m so grateful for My Little Graduate.  On to the next thirteen years, Baby Girl! 

  

Day 291 / Mother’s Day Ball

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Ava’s school invited the moms to come in for a Mother’s Day Ball today. It was a precious little event where we took pictures, danced with our kids, ate snacks and watched their video, Why My Mommy is Special.  Ava said her Mommy is special because she lets her watch her watch her computer for five more minutes at night. Haha!

I’m grateful for spending such a sweet time with My Little Princess.

  

Day 284 / Evening Walk

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Today after work Donovon and I walked from home to Ava’s school to pick her up. We wanted to get a walk in and the weather was perfect. Not only that, Ava was ecstatic that both Mommy and Daddy come to pick her up and that she got to walk home with us. 

I’m grateful for such a nice walk with Donovon and Ava on such a lovely day.