Growing

Here lately I have been observing the kids. They seem to be growing so much. And, well, they are!!! Kalib just turned 8, Ashlynn will be 4 in just a few short weeks(YES, SHE'S MY BABY, AND SHE'S GOING TO BE 4!!!!), and Ethan is well on his way to 7! I can't believe it.

I have always liked to just watch them. Watch them play, and laugh, and even fight sometimes! It is neat to see how they interact with each other and watch these little people solve their world's problems. Here lately as I watch Kalib though, I can't help but see this man inside him coming out. He is becoming more and more responsible. More and more we can see his temperament changing into that of a young adult. And even when I cut his hair I am beginning to have to shave his "chops" that are attempting to grow in! hahaha! I gave him some deodorant to get him in the practice of that before he really starts to smell! AHHHHH- where has the time gone? In the blink of an eye my sweet, sweet babies are beginning to turn into young adults before my eyes.

I am thankful I can hold them for a little while longer- Not much if the boys continue to eat how they are playing catch up to their 6'3" Daddy!

Thank you Lord for my 3 little blessings I get to watch grow, change and love you more with each passing day!

Sad Today

I just need to get some random thoughts out.

OK, so we are a military family, used to leaving and used to having others we grow close to leave. But tonight I am shaken. I am trying to see what God is doing here and really praying that he gives me some answers soon.

I found out today one of my very best friends here in TX is more than likely going to be moving within a few short months. Worse yet, she isn't part of a military family so I was TOTALLY blindsided by this one! Even worse, our kids are VERY good friends and our husbands are friends too!! They go to our church and she is what helped me pull through my first year of home schooling. Even still worse, one of my other very good friends moved last week! :( I don't think I ever get used to saying good bye to friends. There's a little piece of me that gets so sad after someone special to me leaves.

I guess I can focus on the good that I may get to have a few more months with her. But, still my heart is heavy tonight.

A sad realization...

I had a sad realization last night. I was on our babysitter's facebook page seeing if she was available to watch the kids so Travis and I could have a date night. My eyes fell upon her birthday- she was born when I was in High School. Talk about feeling old! I laughed so hard I cried- or maybe they were tears of sadness because I had one of those pivotal "ah-ha" moments...I AM GETTING OLD!!! My 10 yr class reunion is this year, I am just 2 years and 2 days shy of 30. hmph! When did I grow up? And why didn't I get a vote? ;)

Thinking, thinking...

I've been thinking a lot today. Mostly about family. Mainly my Grandpa Pete. Today is his Birthday, and also his and my Grannie's Anniversary. He passed away almost 9 years ago now. It hardly seems possible that he's been gone so long. Back in February, I wrote a blog about my Grannie and her 80th Birthday. I shared how special she is to me. Well, today I am reminded just how special he was to me too...I guess is to me. I can't even begin to put into words how much I miss him.

My Grandpa and Grannie really stepped up to the plate and helped out when my parents divorced when I was just a baby. As a result, they would care for us when Dad had to work early. When I started school, every single day, my Grandpa Pete would hold my hand and walk me across Highway 40 in good 'ol Granby, Co, just so he would make sure I was safe. Then again, every afternoon, he would come back across the highway, take my hand, and lead me safely back to the station or the house. I remember when I began to think I was too old to have him hold my hand and help me cross the street. You know when you're young and you're all worried about what the "cool" kids at school would say. Now, as an adult and him being gone, I would give anything to take his hand and cross that street with him. Funny how life changes?

Now, years after he's been gone, and years after my Grannie finally had to sell the station in Granby, I sit here and think of how different life is. I wonder how things could have changed "if only"...If only he wouldn't have gotten sick and they could have finished their life together. If only he was still with my Grannie to hold her hand when she was going through the many trials she's faced: cancer, selling the station, having to move. If only...I guess we can't live life in the "if only's"...But some days I think it would help if life had a rewind button. Then maybe I wouldn't have to miss so many people I love. Then maybe my heart wouldn't be sad on a day that used to be so full of celebration.

I miss you Grandpa Pete, I love you!