Donovon

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 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 304 / Girls Night In

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I hosted a small dinner party for some of my girlfriends tonight.  My sweet husband cooked his famous Pork Marsala with potatoes and cooked spinach for us.  The meal was fantastic, the wine flowed along with great stories and laughter.  It was such a wonderful evening with some amazing women.  I’m so grateful for such a fun Girls Night In!

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.

  

Day 282 / Donovon’s Beautiful Tank

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Our saltwater tank has been Donovon’s labor of love for over thirteen years.  If you don’t know exactly how much work and expense goes into maintaining a saltwater tank, well, I can tell you – It’s a lot.  I admire Donovon’s dedication to it.  So many times he’s thought of giving it up.  But then he takes the good part of a Saturday or Sunday to change the water and clean it and the results are amazing.  

It’s a beautiful tank set up in the corner of our living room that offers serenity and comfort anytime I gaze upon it.  It’s so esquisite and peaceful, and I’m grateful that it is part of our home.

  

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. 

    

Day 274 / Family Fun at the Air Show

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Today Donovon, Ava, and I met Donovon’s cousin and his family at the Air Show at Camp Mabry. It was so great to get out on such a gorgeous day and spend time with family.  Spending time with family means so much to me. These are the times that I cherish. These are the times that I appreciate and hold dear. These are the times that I know I will look back on and be grateful.

What a fantastic day. I can’t help but think about it and smile.