This is about "Sometimes"

Sometimes....we still get sad.....

It's been a year and a half since Zoey said goodbye and there lingers a melancholy sadness. In part because as Ayla grows, we find ourselves thinking and occasionally saying, "Wonder what Zoey would be doing right now?"

 Don't mistake sadness for depression - we know we'll see Zoey again - it's just that at times, we truly miss the opportunity to raise she and Ayla together. There's a constant undercurrent that something is missing....a feeling not easy to describe.

Yet at the same time, there is peace and a deep sense of appreciation for the Christ and the Plan of Salvation. Because of Him, we know Zoey is waiting for us and we'll be together forever as a family!  

 Perfect

 We have learned this: Every parent who has experienced the loss of a child grieves in their own way and on their own time- there is no set timeline nor proper method. Ours is mostly silent- we don't talk about it often. Does it get easier? Of course.... Time moves along.
It has created a stronger bond between us- we realize life is truly a gift and that Ayla is most precious. We are especially grateful for Ayla's health and continual progress. We know other families who aren't as blessed and our hearts ache for them.

Zoey taught us many virtues; compassion, empathy (will cry at the silliest things now), love, service and most importantly, how essential family is...... and not only family but also friends, neighbors and strangers who provided service.

So thank you Zoey, we love and miss you!!

FuN FrIdAY

It's not often I get together with my *ah-hem* MUCH OLDER sister Josie and goof around (kidding, she is the baby girl and I'm the middle child-as if you can't tell). We donned silly-looking hair accessories....

.....tried on *very* expensive clothing....$450 ensemble, anyone??
For the price, these outfits should've made us look and feel like like a skinny beauty-queens!

Josie's comment regarding her $500 ensemble, "It's itchy & tight!!"

She mentioned I look like a 'tree-hugging-hippie' in this one;

Although, I must have these fab boots- they soooo compliment the capris!

Close-up of the fab shoe-boots...you know you want them....be jealous...

Although, I thought Josie was rather fetching in this "grisly adams" skunk vest....

It was a fun evening and just what was needed to lift the spirits and lighten moods!

Holiday "Date" Day

Labor Day was the best day in a loooong time- for a 'date night'!

These days, it's a challenge to leave the house as a couple (sans Ayla) but decided that Labor Day would be the day to spend much needed quality time together. Ayla's care-taker was scheduled to work for a few hours and we both had the day off so it was perfect timing.

I know you're curious to discover what we did....so hang on- it was a W-I-L-D day!
First: we got all dressed up and beautified


Second: We went and picked up a new washer (ours had been limping along for months and finally decided that it was finished). I know- great start to a date, right? Wow- am I an expensive date thus far or what?!

Third: After installing the new washer and testing a load of laundry, we then went to Sonic and had the most delicious milkshakes! Afterwards, we cruised the awesome strip-mall for fashion violations and animal stalkers. Details on that later.....

Fourth: we purchased a new car-seat for Ayla (she has officially outgrown her infant seat) and did some light shopping for necessities. Again, Ryan pointed out that, "I am not a cheap date"....whatever that means.

Fifith: went to visit Zoey-Munkin and gave her kisses and cleaned her headstone.

....The End!

Okay, so this wasn't the most exciting day but anytime I get to spend one-on-one time with Ryan is divine! Date nights have been sorely missed but we have vowed to do better- really!