This is the video I took at dress rehearsal for The Nutcracker, Bella did so good! Bella is in the second row to the far right of the video and ends up in the back before coming up front and exiting. The production was BEAUTIFUL, I got see it twice on Saturday and could have watched it over and over. All of the dancers were amazing, proud of them all, especially our own beautiful little dancer :)
Monday, November 24, 2014
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Our Life in October
October was a busy and fun month. We celebrated Bella, Reggie and mom's birthday days, took a trip to Bloomsbury Farm, carved pumpkins, painted pumpkins, enjoyed the fall weather at mom and dad's exploring and of course enjoyed Halloween.
We had a joint birthday party for Bella and Reggie, they are 10 years apart. We had a costume party and everyone had a blast. I still can't believe Reggie is 18 and after his senior year he will be going into the Air Force! So proud of him, just can't believe it.
Bella has had a lot of Saturday practices for the Nutcracker. Kyle is doing very well at Complete Nutrition and oh yeah, I became a Complete Nutrition sponsored athlete :) A month full of fun, love and family.
We had a joint birthday party for Bella and Reggie, they are 10 years apart. We had a costume party and everyone had a blast. I still can't believe Reggie is 18 and after his senior year he will be going into the Air Force! So proud of him, just can't believe it.
Bella has had a lot of Saturday practices for the Nutcracker. Kyle is doing very well at Complete Nutrition and oh yeah, I became a Complete Nutrition sponsored athlete :) A month full of fun, love and family.
Sweet Ronan
I had yet to introduce my handsome nephew, Ronan Allen Bechthold. Missy and Ed had their sweet boy on September 3rd.
It killed me to have to wait a couple of days before we were able to go meet him. He was much smaller than the doctors thought he would be and right when I got a hold of him he had my heart :)
He has been a wonderful baby, right away he would give them five hour stretches of sleep at a time. I made sure Missy and Ed knew exactly how lucky they were for that ;) Just teasing, well a little, after not sleeping for over a year with Bella I am envious of those who get the experience of good sleep with their newborn.
Ronan looks just like Lyla did, he eats well, sleeps well and is so happy. At just over two months he is smiling and cooing. I can't get enough of him, I so wish they didn't live in Des Moines! Lyla is a wonderful big sister and loves her baby brother so much. Can't wait to see them next week for Thanksgiving!
It killed me to have to wait a couple of days before we were able to go meet him. He was much smaller than the doctors thought he would be and right when I got a hold of him he had my heart :)
He has been a wonderful baby, right away he would give them five hour stretches of sleep at a time. I made sure Missy and Ed knew exactly how lucky they were for that ;) Just teasing, well a little, after not sleeping for over a year with Bella I am envious of those who get the experience of good sleep with their newborn.
Ronan looks just like Lyla did, he eats well, sleeps well and is so happy. At just over two months he is smiling and cooing. I can't get enough of him, I so wish they didn't live in Des Moines! Lyla is a wonderful big sister and loves her baby brother so much. Can't wait to see them next week for Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
What Dreams May Come
The month of October was a fun one, I will soon have more photos to post of the fun we've had :)
I wanted to share an experience I had last night, it was very meaningful for me and I do not want to forget it.
I was sick yesterday and slept a LOT. I had so many crazy dreams and I can remember most of them. As you all know I lost my Grandma in June. I have visited her and my Grandpa a couple of times since then. I know they hear me when I speak to them because my life has changed after speaking to them. The last time I stopped to visit them I was a mess. Life was a bit hectic, scary and totally out of my control. I asked them to please help me and my family, in any way they could. I knew they were watching over us but at that intense moment of tears and opening up to them completely I asked them to please help my little family.
One week later Kyle was offered an interview with Complete Nutrition and as we all know our life completely changed. I know my grandparents had a hand in that and I thank them every day for watching over us. Just the other day Bella and I had a discussion about angels. One of her friends at school told Bella that we each have an angel that walks beside us every day. Bella asked me if that was true. I told her that I believe in angels and that they do watch over us every day, I'm not sure if they walk beside us exactly but I do believe in them, she agreed with me.
My final, extremely real dream before waking this morning was so special to me. I was at a house with my Aunt Sally and my mom, it was supposedly my Grandma's house. My Grandma was in a nursing home for years before she died, I have no idea how we came to be at this house that was my Grandma's. They told me that I got to have the house, Grandma wanted me to have it. They showed me around the house and everything of my Grandma's was still there, I could feel her presence in all of her things. They left me on my own and I found books filled with family photos, newspaper clippings from all of our school accomplishments like state track photos, concert choir, milestones from our engagements, weddings, children's births. Photos of my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins, it was amazing. As I put one of the books down and stood up my Grandma walked in, dressed beautifully with a huge smile on her face and she gave me the biggest hug. I felt so much intense joy in that moment and I closed my eyes. When I opened them she was gone and the woman selling the house was there, I asked where my Grandma was and she looked confused. I was standing there holding a note from my Grandma she had written before she passed away. Then I woke up.
I was sobbing uncontrollably and could not stop. I knew that I did in fact see my Grandma that night and I got to hug her, see her big smile and smell her again. I could smell the Olay lotion she always used, her chap stick, still feel her small body wrapped in my arms. It took a few moments to realize I was dreaming and was in fact in my bed waking up for the day.
I told Kyle about the dream and he told me he too believed it was Grandma visiting me to let me know how happy she is and how happy she is for our family and all the good we are experiencing, the dreams that we are reaching for ourselves and our family.
Thank you god for that dream, thank you Grandma for visiting me. I miss you and Grandpa so, so much. There is so much good in our lives at the moment and I know you are watching over us smiling. I love you, I love you, I love you. Until we meet again, I so look forward to seeing you again in my dreams.
I wanted to share an experience I had last night, it was very meaningful for me and I do not want to forget it.
I was sick yesterday and slept a LOT. I had so many crazy dreams and I can remember most of them. As you all know I lost my Grandma in June. I have visited her and my Grandpa a couple of times since then. I know they hear me when I speak to them because my life has changed after speaking to them. The last time I stopped to visit them I was a mess. Life was a bit hectic, scary and totally out of my control. I asked them to please help me and my family, in any way they could. I knew they were watching over us but at that intense moment of tears and opening up to them completely I asked them to please help my little family.
One week later Kyle was offered an interview with Complete Nutrition and as we all know our life completely changed. I know my grandparents had a hand in that and I thank them every day for watching over us. Just the other day Bella and I had a discussion about angels. One of her friends at school told Bella that we each have an angel that walks beside us every day. Bella asked me if that was true. I told her that I believe in angels and that they do watch over us every day, I'm not sure if they walk beside us exactly but I do believe in them, she agreed with me.
My final, extremely real dream before waking this morning was so special to me. I was at a house with my Aunt Sally and my mom, it was supposedly my Grandma's house. My Grandma was in a nursing home for years before she died, I have no idea how we came to be at this house that was my Grandma's. They told me that I got to have the house, Grandma wanted me to have it. They showed me around the house and everything of my Grandma's was still there, I could feel her presence in all of her things. They left me on my own and I found books filled with family photos, newspaper clippings from all of our school accomplishments like state track photos, concert choir, milestones from our engagements, weddings, children's births. Photos of my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins, it was amazing. As I put one of the books down and stood up my Grandma walked in, dressed beautifully with a huge smile on her face and she gave me the biggest hug. I felt so much intense joy in that moment and I closed my eyes. When I opened them she was gone and the woman selling the house was there, I asked where my Grandma was and she looked confused. I was standing there holding a note from my Grandma she had written before she passed away. Then I woke up.
I was sobbing uncontrollably and could not stop. I knew that I did in fact see my Grandma that night and I got to hug her, see her big smile and smell her again. I could smell the Olay lotion she always used, her chap stick, still feel her small body wrapped in my arms. It took a few moments to realize I was dreaming and was in fact in my bed waking up for the day.
I told Kyle about the dream and he told me he too believed it was Grandma visiting me to let me know how happy she is and how happy she is for our family and all the good we are experiencing, the dreams that we are reaching for ourselves and our family.
Thank you god for that dream, thank you Grandma for visiting me. I miss you and Grandpa so, so much. There is so much good in our lives at the moment and I know you are watching over us smiling. I love you, I love you, I love you. Until we meet again, I so look forward to seeing you again in my dreams.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Bella is 8!
Eight years ago our lives completely changed, we welcomed into the world our beautiful Isabella Jean. I will never forget that day. I was so anxious to meet her, to see who she looked like, wondering if she would have hair or be bald like her mother until age 2.
In one moment my life changed forever. When I first held her and locked eyes with her she became my everything. I became a mommy and my world changed in an instant.
At the age of 8 Bella is in 2nd grade, takes ballet, tap and hip hop dance classes, is in running club and is anxious to start volleyball. She is extremely kind, sweet, funny, stubborn and loving, she makes us so proud every single day. One of her favorite things to do is to just hang out at home with us watching movies or playing games, lately she loves playing "school" where she is the teacher and Kyle and I are her students.
Watching her grow into this wonderful young lady brings so much pride and joy to my heart. There are days when I wonder how in the world did we make this awesome little person? She is truly one of my best friends, the best part of my day is when I get to be with her. Every day after work I am so excited to pick her up from school and hear about her day. She is just as anxious to ask about my day and Kyle's.
I hope that throughout her life Bella stays just as she is. Full of confidence, ready to take on the world and help others along the way. I could not possibly be more proud of who she is, she is truly one very special little girl!
I love you Bella Jean and I am so proud to be your mommy! You make life so joyful, I love you the mostest!
In one moment my life changed forever. When I first held her and locked eyes with her she became my everything. I became a mommy and my world changed in an instant.
At the age of 8 Bella is in 2nd grade, takes ballet, tap and hip hop dance classes, is in running club and is anxious to start volleyball. She is extremely kind, sweet, funny, stubborn and loving, she makes us so proud every single day. One of her favorite things to do is to just hang out at home with us watching movies or playing games, lately she loves playing "school" where she is the teacher and Kyle and I are her students.
Watching her grow into this wonderful young lady brings so much pride and joy to my heart. There are days when I wonder how in the world did we make this awesome little person? She is truly one of my best friends, the best part of my day is when I get to be with her. Every day after work I am so excited to pick her up from school and hear about her day. She is just as anxious to ask about my day and Kyle's.
I hope that throughout her life Bella stays just as she is. Full of confidence, ready to take on the world and help others along the way. I could not possibly be more proud of who she is, she is truly one very special little girl!
I love you Bella Jean and I am so proud to be your mommy! You make life so joyful, I love you the mostest!
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Changes - Missing David
I hope that everyone is able to have very special friendships in their lives. They make us who we are and sometimes those people become much more than friends, they are truly a part of your soul, who you are.
I am fortunate to have multiple friendships that affect me in such a way, friends that truly are a part of me and being separated from them is very, very hard. I do not adjust well to changes, I never have.
One of our dearest friends left on Sunday for a new adventure. David has been in our lives for a long time. Kyle and I met him when Kyle was in college, first I met David's beautiful boxer Lakota and fell madly in love with her. When I met David we just clicked and our friendship grew into something so incredibly special.
Over the years we became inseparable. We could not go a week without seeing each other, he lived with us, he became a part of our family, a part of my family. We have been through so many ups and downs together, health scares, family issues, relationship troubles, moves and so much more. David and I have grown together and have become very strong, independent individuals who happen to rely on each other heavily :)
Kyle and David are the two people who very literally pushed me and helped me achieve one of my biggest goals, they have shared in my struggles and my triumphs. David was a constant at the gym with me, he would be the one person that could understand me without me having to speak a single word. He has supported our family through some tough times, Bella adores him and even though he may not know it he has taught her so much. The Griffin family would not be who we are without David!
He and his boyfriend Brent decided to move to Florida. Tired of the cold winters, wanting a change in life, making a new beginning for themselves. I could not be happier for them, honestly!
Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've done. I have to admit that I didn't know how much this would affect me. To realize that I won't be able to just stop by their house at any moment, call David last minute to meet up for a drink, have him pick me up for a trip to the gym. Yes I can call him at any moment but that just isn't the same.
These first few weeks are going to be tough. I am so thankful to have a wonderful husband who fully understands and a beautiful daughter who is very protective of her mommy and is going above and beyond to make me laugh and smile.
I am the luckiest girl in the world to have the family that surrounds me and the friends in my life. To have such special relationships with people, it blows my mind the connection you can have with another person.
When we did say goodbye on Sunday it was kind of fitting to see two big caterpillars and watch Bella take them from the driveway over to a tree so they would be safe. Kyle and Bella got to meet David's grandparents and see the family farm. It was a beautiful day, a bittersweet day.
Good luck to David and Brent, Florida is so damn lucky to have the two of you. Thank you David for being you, for being such a big part of our family and you know you always will be, for making me such a big part of your family. We will miss sweet little Woneya, Tybalt will be missing his girlfriend! I will miss you more than I can ever express, even though we will see each other often. Gotta line up many more competitions for my stylist to be at ;)
Cherish the very special relationships you have in your life, I know we always will.
I am fortunate to have multiple friendships that affect me in such a way, friends that truly are a part of me and being separated from them is very, very hard. I do not adjust well to changes, I never have.
One of our dearest friends left on Sunday for a new adventure. David has been in our lives for a long time. Kyle and I met him when Kyle was in college, first I met David's beautiful boxer Lakota and fell madly in love with her. When I met David we just clicked and our friendship grew into something so incredibly special.
Over the years we became inseparable. We could not go a week without seeing each other, he lived with us, he became a part of our family, a part of my family. We have been through so many ups and downs together, health scares, family issues, relationship troubles, moves and so much more. David and I have grown together and have become very strong, independent individuals who happen to rely on each other heavily :)
Kyle and David are the two people who very literally pushed me and helped me achieve one of my biggest goals, they have shared in my struggles and my triumphs. David was a constant at the gym with me, he would be the one person that could understand me without me having to speak a single word. He has supported our family through some tough times, Bella adores him and even though he may not know it he has taught her so much. The Griffin family would not be who we are without David!
He and his boyfriend Brent decided to move to Florida. Tired of the cold winters, wanting a change in life, making a new beginning for themselves. I could not be happier for them, honestly!
Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've done. I have to admit that I didn't know how much this would affect me. To realize that I won't be able to just stop by their house at any moment, call David last minute to meet up for a drink, have him pick me up for a trip to the gym. Yes I can call him at any moment but that just isn't the same.
These first few weeks are going to be tough. I am so thankful to have a wonderful husband who fully understands and a beautiful daughter who is very protective of her mommy and is going above and beyond to make me laugh and smile.
I am the luckiest girl in the world to have the family that surrounds me and the friends in my life. To have such special relationships with people, it blows my mind the connection you can have with another person.
When we did say goodbye on Sunday it was kind of fitting to see two big caterpillars and watch Bella take them from the driveway over to a tree so they would be safe. Kyle and Bella got to meet David's grandparents and see the family farm. It was a beautiful day, a bittersweet day.
Good luck to David and Brent, Florida is so damn lucky to have the two of you. Thank you David for being you, for being such a big part of our family and you know you always will be, for making me such a big part of your family. We will miss sweet little Woneya, Tybalt will be missing his girlfriend! I will miss you more than I can ever express, even though we will see each other often. Gotta line up many more competitions for my stylist to be at ;)
Cherish the very special relationships you have in your life, I know we always will.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Bella's Little Angel Practice
Our beautiful little lady practicing for her role in The Nutcracker as a little angel. I know I am biased, but she is just the cutest little lady!
I really can't wait to watch her perform on stage. So blessed that we are able to have her participate in something so magical and something we all love so much!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Did Bella Make it for The Nutcracker?
Yes she did and she is clearly very excited about it! We are so proud of her and can't wait to watch her dance in The Nutcracker again this year :)
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Meant To Be
Life can be so full of ups and downs, some of the downs are much worse than others. Each year Kyle and I start it off saying, "this is going to be OUR year!" Then life happens and there are hiccups all over the place, things completely out of our control. There are moments when each of us has wondered if we are really on the "right" path and rare moments where we just KNOW that we are on the "right" path.
There are times when you wonder how you can keep pushing forward without hitting another set back. We know our set backs have not even come close to what others have had to deal with. We also know that for us we've been pushed to our limits multiple times and have pulled through, together.
We have watched relationships crumble, one of the most important relationships in a persons life. Losing someone you love and adore is so extremely difficult, I'm not talking about someone passing away. One of the most secure relationships you have in your life as a human being, lost to something you don't and can't understand. That is one of the toughest things to go through and even after years of trying to come to terms with your loss it still hurts like it did that first day.
Funny how such an awful situation can make you see other things more clearly and help other relationships grow in a way you never knew they could.
We are BLESSED.
The past two months have brought us to a place we have been fighting to get to. Kyle starts his new job on Monday with Complete Nutrition, the training will be done this week. He is beyond excited and ready for this new chapter, I am so proud of him and the hard work he has put in with his training. Not only learning in the training process but also helping to teach others. Kyle will spend his working days talking about health and fitness, his passion. To hear the joy in his voice when we talk, to see that big smile and know he is genuinely happy again in his professional life makes my heart soar. Knowing his plan to do the best he can while helping others lead a healthier lifestyle, well, this is what he is meant to do and he deserves it.
The opportunity being presented to me is another blessing, one I truly did not see coming. I've always been a hard worker but the added drive I now have, that I guess I couldn't see before, it amazes me. I want nothing more than to be the best ME I can be, striving to be better each and every day. Do I have something to prove? Yes and no. I have to prove that I am worthy, that I am an athlete who is deserving of a sponsorship and a woman who will work her ass off every day. A year and a half ago I would have never dreamed to be in the position I am in right now, I am so thankful and clearly it is meant to be.
My father-in-law got offered a full-time position at his job last week and I am over the moon happy for him! He is happy for this opportunity and it means so many good things for him. He has been through so much, too much and to have him with us, enjoying this life together, hearing Bella be silly with him, their laughter floating through the house with Tybalt trying to join in. Those are sounds of pure joy and love, I wouldn't trade it for anything, even though it took a very dark road to get to this place. He is meant to be here with us.
Bella has begun her 4th year of dance, how insane, she has been dancing for four years! The studio I chose to move her to is so incredible from their teachers to the studio to the owners, we love, love, love Dancer's Edge! Bella has grown so much as a dancer and her love for dance grows each year. She is thriving in school, ahead of where she needs to be and she truly loves learning. She will begin running club next week and her excitement is through the roof that she will finally be eight next month, which means she is old enough for volleyball camp. I know those beautiful blue eyes watch me each day as I work to be a better me, not just for myself but also for my family. Bella watches me and cheers me on at my races, my competitions, volleyball, posing practice, she is one of my biggest supporters. Watching her grow up and choosing to participate in activities I love and participate in myself makes my heart swell, Bella and I were meant to be.
We are surrounded by family and friends who love us, support us and encourage us. So many who have been there through the difficulties, always reminding us that what is meant to be will be. There were times I wanted to scream at anyone saying that to me, how could they know that? How could some of the things that have happened be part of life's plan?
I still don't understand so many things and have realized I need to stop trying to understand. Our little family has found our way and we will continue to work hard, play hard and love hard. We only get one life and I am so beyond blessed to get to spend this life with a man who has the same drive and desires as me. To be able to raise our beautiful daughter together and give her the best life possible is such an incredible blessing.
No more, "this is going to be our year", but rather this is OUR life and it is amazing. No matter what we go through I know that we will always live a life full of love, compassion, respect and joy because we are meant to be.
There are times when you wonder how you can keep pushing forward without hitting another set back. We know our set backs have not even come close to what others have had to deal with. We also know that for us we've been pushed to our limits multiple times and have pulled through, together.
We have watched relationships crumble, one of the most important relationships in a persons life. Losing someone you love and adore is so extremely difficult, I'm not talking about someone passing away. One of the most secure relationships you have in your life as a human being, lost to something you don't and can't understand. That is one of the toughest things to go through and even after years of trying to come to terms with your loss it still hurts like it did that first day.
Funny how such an awful situation can make you see other things more clearly and help other relationships grow in a way you never knew they could.
We are BLESSED.
The past two months have brought us to a place we have been fighting to get to. Kyle starts his new job on Monday with Complete Nutrition, the training will be done this week. He is beyond excited and ready for this new chapter, I am so proud of him and the hard work he has put in with his training. Not only learning in the training process but also helping to teach others. Kyle will spend his working days talking about health and fitness, his passion. To hear the joy in his voice when we talk, to see that big smile and know he is genuinely happy again in his professional life makes my heart soar. Knowing his plan to do the best he can while helping others lead a healthier lifestyle, well, this is what he is meant to do and he deserves it.
The opportunity being presented to me is another blessing, one I truly did not see coming. I've always been a hard worker but the added drive I now have, that I guess I couldn't see before, it amazes me. I want nothing more than to be the best ME I can be, striving to be better each and every day. Do I have something to prove? Yes and no. I have to prove that I am worthy, that I am an athlete who is deserving of a sponsorship and a woman who will work her ass off every day. A year and a half ago I would have never dreamed to be in the position I am in right now, I am so thankful and clearly it is meant to be.
My father-in-law got offered a full-time position at his job last week and I am over the moon happy for him! He is happy for this opportunity and it means so many good things for him. He has been through so much, too much and to have him with us, enjoying this life together, hearing Bella be silly with him, their laughter floating through the house with Tybalt trying to join in. Those are sounds of pure joy and love, I wouldn't trade it for anything, even though it took a very dark road to get to this place. He is meant to be here with us.
Bella has begun her 4th year of dance, how insane, she has been dancing for four years! The studio I chose to move her to is so incredible from their teachers to the studio to the owners, we love, love, love Dancer's Edge! Bella has grown so much as a dancer and her love for dance grows each year. She is thriving in school, ahead of where she needs to be and she truly loves learning. She will begin running club next week and her excitement is through the roof that she will finally be eight next month, which means she is old enough for volleyball camp. I know those beautiful blue eyes watch me each day as I work to be a better me, not just for myself but also for my family. Bella watches me and cheers me on at my races, my competitions, volleyball, posing practice, she is one of my biggest supporters. Watching her grow up and choosing to participate in activities I love and participate in myself makes my heart swell, Bella and I were meant to be.
We are surrounded by family and friends who love us, support us and encourage us. So many who have been there through the difficulties, always reminding us that what is meant to be will be. There were times I wanted to scream at anyone saying that to me, how could they know that? How could some of the things that have happened be part of life's plan?
I still don't understand so many things and have realized I need to stop trying to understand. Our little family has found our way and we will continue to work hard, play hard and love hard. We only get one life and I am so beyond blessed to get to spend this life with a man who has the same drive and desires as me. To be able to raise our beautiful daughter together and give her the best life possible is such an incredible blessing.
No more, "this is going to be our year", but rather this is OUR life and it is amazing. No matter what we go through I know that we will always live a life full of love, compassion, respect and joy because we are meant to be.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
First Day of 2nd Grade
Bella has her first day of 2nd grade today, she is growing up way too fast! Last night we went to open house, she met her teacher, found her desk and locker and figured out where she will be for before and after school. We are so, so fortunate that she made it in for the before and after school program at Nixon, there was a long wait list!
There were no nerves, even with a very early start to the day and just being the two of us. Kyle is in South Dakota training for his management position with Complete Nutrition. She was ready to get up when I woke her, had some breakfast and I made sure we had plenty of time for both of us to be ready for the day.
It really blows my mind that Bella is in 2nd grade, I can't believe how fast she is growing up and sometimes I wish I could slow the clock down. She is truly such a genuinely sweet girl full of kindness and love. We are so very lucky to be her mommy and daddy and we are so very proud of her!
There were no nerves, even with a very early start to the day and just being the two of us. Kyle is in South Dakota training for his management position with Complete Nutrition. She was ready to get up when I woke her, had some breakfast and I made sure we had plenty of time for both of us to be ready for the day.
It really blows my mind that Bella is in 2nd grade, I can't believe how fast she is growing up and sometimes I wish I could slow the clock down. She is truly such a genuinely sweet girl full of kindness and love. We are so very lucky to be her mommy and daddy and we are so very proud of her!
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Missing My Grandma
On June 6th my sweet Grandma took her journey to Heaven. I went to see her during my lunch hour and knew her time was soon. I had been back to work for about 20 minutes and got the phone call I was dreading, she had passed away.
As I drove back to the nursing home to be with my family I was a wreck. She was 98 years old, had been ready to pass on for years to be with my Grandpa again, she was in pain, it still didn't make it any easier.
We all stayed by her side as hospice explained what would be happening. There happened to be a couple of gals singing for the residents and when they were done they came into my Grandma's room and sang "How Great Thou Art" for her and all of us.
The following days are kind of a blur, going through photos for her visitation, Bella's dance recital, Kyle and I squeezing in our anniversary dinner, the visitation and funeral, it all kind of runs together. It was a bittersweet time with so much good happening amongst the sadness.
I know she is dancing with Grandpa again up in Heaven, both of them watching over all of us, finally together again.
I cherish the memories I do have, my memory is so horrible I am terrified to lose them all. My time spent with them down in Arkansas all by myself is probably my favorite, I feel fortunate to still have that memory. Playing games, going to eat catfish at King Catfish, playing bingo, taking longs walks, exploring in the woods.
We loved my Grandma so much, this has been a hard time for Bella, seeing her go through her grief has been tough. Yesterday I had to pick her up from school, the second to last day but she said her tummy was upset. When we got home she just broke down crying, telling me she really missed Great Grandma. She is way too much like her mommy, very emotional and sometimes those emotions just take you over. When I reminded her that we can go visit Grandma whenever we want that made her feel a little bit better.
You left such a huge mark on all of us Grandma, we miss you so much, we love you with all of our hearts. I have some of the best guardian angels, and they will live on in our memories.
As I drove back to the nursing home to be with my family I was a wreck. She was 98 years old, had been ready to pass on for years to be with my Grandpa again, she was in pain, it still didn't make it any easier.
We all stayed by her side as hospice explained what would be happening. There happened to be a couple of gals singing for the residents and when they were done they came into my Grandma's room and sang "How Great Thou Art" for her and all of us.
The following days are kind of a blur, going through photos for her visitation, Bella's dance recital, Kyle and I squeezing in our anniversary dinner, the visitation and funeral, it all kind of runs together. It was a bittersweet time with so much good happening amongst the sadness.
I know she is dancing with Grandpa again up in Heaven, both of them watching over all of us, finally together again.
I cherish the memories I do have, my memory is so horrible I am terrified to lose them all. My time spent with them down in Arkansas all by myself is probably my favorite, I feel fortunate to still have that memory. Playing games, going to eat catfish at King Catfish, playing bingo, taking longs walks, exploring in the woods.
We loved my Grandma so much, this has been a hard time for Bella, seeing her go through her grief has been tough. Yesterday I had to pick her up from school, the second to last day but she said her tummy was upset. When we got home she just broke down crying, telling me she really missed Great Grandma. She is way too much like her mommy, very emotional and sometimes those emotions just take you over. When I reminded her that we can go visit Grandma whenever we want that made her feel a little bit better.
You left such a huge mark on all of us Grandma, we miss you so much, we love you with all of our hearts. I have some of the best guardian angels, and they will live on in our memories.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Bella Hip Hop 2014
This is Bella's first year doing hip hop and she LOVES it! She missed the first pop out and got confused on another part but she did really well.
We'll practice more tonight before the recital tomorrow, I'm so proud of her, she wants to practice all the time. Her discipline with dance is impressive, she wants to be the best she can be :)
Hip hop is another genre she plans to continue with, I have a feeling this fall she will choose to do ballet, tap and hip hop. She really wants to do tap again, she didn't really like it when she HAD to do it as a "tiny dancer". Now she misses it since she isn't doing it.
Proud of our little lady she is really growing as a dancer!
Bella Ballet 2014
Bella has her dance recital tomorrow, last night was dress rehearsal where we can take video.
She did awesome! Bella is in the front farthest to the right (looking at the video).
So proud of my little ballerina, she definitely will be keeping ballet in her dance choices as she moves forward with it.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
10 Years...
Today is our 10 year anniversary, how can Kyle and I have been married for ten years already???
I remember that day so well, it was warm and sunny with some much needed sprinkles at just the right moment. During the photos it was crazy sunny, hot and buggy. Everyone kept having to pick bugs out of my huge dress, pretty hard to get them when they were stuck between the layers of tulle.
Before my dad walked me down the aisle it started to sprinkle, at first I was upset I was afraid it would start raining hard. My dad just held my hand and told me it was ok, a little rain wouldn't hurt anyone and it was good luck.
Our limo broke down on the interstate on our way to the reception, what a funny picture to see a wedding party standing on the side of the interstate drinking champagne in the rain :) My sister-in-law from California was the only one with an umbrella, thankfully she came to my rescue in the rain.
It was a beautiful day, we had such a blast with all of our family and friends.
In the past ten years we've bought a home, had our first dog Tybalt, had our beautiful daughter Bella, had our best friend live with us, one of my nephews live with us and now my father-in-law lives with us.
There have been obstacles I thought we would never be able to overcome, times when everything felt so broken we wondered how to put everything back together. Through it all we've always come back together and helped each other pull through some of the toughest, most unexpected moments in life.
We may not be perfect, but we are the most imperfect version of us and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I can't wait to see what the next ten years bring us. We are lucky to live the life we live surrounded by those we love and who love us. I am so grateful for this life I've built with Kyle, together we have done some amazing things, the most amazing part of course is Bella.
Here's to the next ten years!
I remember that day so well, it was warm and sunny with some much needed sprinkles at just the right moment. During the photos it was crazy sunny, hot and buggy. Everyone kept having to pick bugs out of my huge dress, pretty hard to get them when they were stuck between the layers of tulle.
Before my dad walked me down the aisle it started to sprinkle, at first I was upset I was afraid it would start raining hard. My dad just held my hand and told me it was ok, a little rain wouldn't hurt anyone and it was good luck.
Our limo broke down on the interstate on our way to the reception, what a funny picture to see a wedding party standing on the side of the interstate drinking champagne in the rain :) My sister-in-law from California was the only one with an umbrella, thankfully she came to my rescue in the rain.
It was a beautiful day, we had such a blast with all of our family and friends.
In the past ten years we've bought a home, had our first dog Tybalt, had our beautiful daughter Bella, had our best friend live with us, one of my nephews live with us and now my father-in-law lives with us.
There have been obstacles I thought we would never be able to overcome, times when everything felt so broken we wondered how to put everything back together. Through it all we've always come back together and helped each other pull through some of the toughest, most unexpected moments in life.
We may not be perfect, but we are the most imperfect version of us and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I can't wait to see what the next ten years bring us. We are lucky to live the life we live surrounded by those we love and who love us. I am so grateful for this life I've built with Kyle, together we have done some amazing things, the most amazing part of course is Bella.
Here's to the next ten years!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Happy Mother's Day
Mother's Day was different this year. It fell on the day after my figure competition and we were in Des Moines. I was happy to have my parents there supporting myself and Carley, so we did get to spend Mother's Day with my mom :)
We started the morning with a quick walk to Krispy Kreme, got some donuts and I had a vanilla latte. It was a nice morning with everyone before we headed out to head home.
I am really excited, I got my mom tickets to see Les Mis in July! Theater Cedar Rapids is putting on a performance, we both can't wait to see it. We stopped for some lunch together on the way home, it was such a nice day.
When we got home I had volleyball and afterwards we celebrated at our house. Bella picked out some beautiful pink roses and white tulips for me, she was so proud of her choices :) Kyle got me some Summer Shandy, that may sound like not the best Mother's Day gift but believe me it was one of the best gifts ever! We ended the night with a movie and snuggling.
It was a whirlwind of a weekend that was ended perfectly. I am so lucky to be Bella's mommy, she is the sweetest, most giving, loving little girl. She makes me smile every day and count my blessings, life is spectacular thanks to my Bella!
We started the morning with a quick walk to Krispy Kreme, got some donuts and I had a vanilla latte. It was a nice morning with everyone before we headed out to head home.
I am really excited, I got my mom tickets to see Les Mis in July! Theater Cedar Rapids is putting on a performance, we both can't wait to see it. We stopped for some lunch together on the way home, it was such a nice day.
When we got home I had volleyball and afterwards we celebrated at our house. Bella picked out some beautiful pink roses and white tulips for me, she was so proud of her choices :) Kyle got me some Summer Shandy, that may sound like not the best Mother's Day gift but believe me it was one of the best gifts ever! We ended the night with a movie and snuggling.
It was a whirlwind of a weekend that was ended perfectly. I am so lucky to be Bella's mommy, she is the sweetest, most giving, loving little girl. She makes me smile every day and count my blessings, life is spectacular thanks to my Bella!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Easter Fun
The weather happened to be perfect for Easter this year, it was so nice to not have to worry about coats or rain!
We spent the day at my sister Jenn's house and had a wonderful time! There was so much yummy food (I was good and brought my own to stay on plan) but I did indulge in a slice of banana cake roll that I had made. I ran 8 miles in the morning so the few extra calories and carbs were actually needed :)
Bella had a blast with her cousins, it was so much fun watching them do the egg hunt. Evey and Lyla were just so thrilled running around finding eggs. John did a great job hiding the big kid eggs in the back yard, it took Reggie and Lauryn a little while to find them all.
We are so blessed to have such an amazing family. I wish that day could have lasted longer, just full of so much joy and love.
We spent the day at my sister Jenn's house and had a wonderful time! There was so much yummy food (I was good and brought my own to stay on plan) but I did indulge in a slice of banana cake roll that I had made. I ran 8 miles in the morning so the few extra calories and carbs were actually needed :)
Bella had a blast with her cousins, it was so much fun watching them do the egg hunt. Evey and Lyla were just so thrilled running around finding eggs. John did a great job hiding the big kid eggs in the back yard, it took Reggie and Lauryn a little while to find them all.
We are so blessed to have such an amazing family. I wish that day could have lasted longer, just full of so much joy and love.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Tooth Fairy Fun - Swimming Lessons
Bella has had three loose teeth for a while now, last week she pulled one of them out at school. She was so proud of herself when she told us about it, the nurse at school gave her a cool tooth keychain to put her tooth in so she wouldn't lose it.
That night I totally forgot about her tooth, it was a day that I had stayed home due to a horrible migraine. I went back to bed after hearing about her tooth and woke up the next morning in a panic. Thankfully she forgot to put it under her pillow so she let us know the tooth fairy didn't come because of that.
So the next night I wait until she goes to bed, sneak in her room and I'm feeling under her pillow for the tooth while trying not to wake her up. I couldn't find it! So I wrote a note in super spirally hand writing saying "I will be back for the tooth ~ T.F." and left her a dollar.
The next morning Bella wakes up and said the tooth fairy didn't come. I asked her where the tooth was and she said it was under a different pillow, I told her to double check under the pillow she sleeps on. She did and was all excited to show us her dollar and the note from the tooth fairy. That night Kyle grabbed the keychain so we could just take the tooth, at about 11pm we saw a light on in the hallway and then Bella knocked on our door. She was looking for the tooth keychain to put it in the right spot, I had already taken the tooth out of it so we told her the tooth fairy must have been to our house already and taken it. Thankfully she went along with that and was excited to see the empty keychain the next morning.
What a whirlwind of tooth fairy pretending at our house last week! Thankfully Bella still believes, who knows how much longer that will last :( She already told my mom that she knows there is no Easter bunny, she hasn't told us that yet. The time is coming for her to know the truth, how can she be this age already???? I will hold out until she asks me directly if these magical beings are real.
Saturday was her first day of swimming lessons for this session. She is in Level II again and still has issues with floating. At first she didn't want to get in the water, didn't go under the water at all but ended up having a lot of fun. My hopes were high because her teacher was the same amazing teacher she had last time, but she was just subbing Saturday, dang it! We'll meet her actual teacher next Saturday.
My little girl is growing up, she can still wear a 5T swimsuit, but she is really growing up :)
That night I totally forgot about her tooth, it was a day that I had stayed home due to a horrible migraine. I went back to bed after hearing about her tooth and woke up the next morning in a panic. Thankfully she forgot to put it under her pillow so she let us know the tooth fairy didn't come because of that.
So the next night I wait until she goes to bed, sneak in her room and I'm feeling under her pillow for the tooth while trying not to wake her up. I couldn't find it! So I wrote a note in super spirally hand writing saying "I will be back for the tooth ~ T.F." and left her a dollar.
The next morning Bella wakes up and said the tooth fairy didn't come. I asked her where the tooth was and she said it was under a different pillow, I told her to double check under the pillow she sleeps on. She did and was all excited to show us her dollar and the note from the tooth fairy. That night Kyle grabbed the keychain so we could just take the tooth, at about 11pm we saw a light on in the hallway and then Bella knocked on our door. She was looking for the tooth keychain to put it in the right spot, I had already taken the tooth out of it so we told her the tooth fairy must have been to our house already and taken it. Thankfully she went along with that and was excited to see the empty keychain the next morning.
What a whirlwind of tooth fairy pretending at our house last week! Thankfully Bella still believes, who knows how much longer that will last :( She already told my mom that she knows there is no Easter bunny, she hasn't told us that yet. The time is coming for her to know the truth, how can she be this age already???? I will hold out until she asks me directly if these magical beings are real.
Saturday was her first day of swimming lessons for this session. She is in Level II again and still has issues with floating. At first she didn't want to get in the water, didn't go under the water at all but ended up having a lot of fun. My hopes were high because her teacher was the same amazing teacher she had last time, but she was just subbing Saturday, dang it! We'll meet her actual teacher next Saturday.
My little girl is growing up, she can still wear a 5T swimsuit, but she is really growing up :)
Monday, March 31, 2014
Spring Break Fun
This past week was spring break for Bella. She spent a lot of the week at my parent's house and had a great time with them! She told me her favorite was riding on Grandpa's tractor, going to the park and taking walks :)
I took Friday off for us to spend the day together. We got our hair cut at David's salon, she loves doing that. He even curled her hair all pretty for the day. From there we went and had lunch, then we were off to the art museum. Bella loved the art museum! We will definitely have to make more trips there, she loved seeing all of the art. After that we made one last stop to get manicures. I didn't realize I had never taken her for one before, she was in awe of everything and she loved it of course.
I love doing all of this fun stuff with her, she didn't stop thanking me the entire day. Love my thankful little girl. She is growing up far too fast!
I took Friday off for us to spend the day together. We got our hair cut at David's salon, she loves doing that. He even curled her hair all pretty for the day. From there we went and had lunch, then we were off to the art museum. Bella loved the art museum! We will definitely have to make more trips there, she loved seeing all of the art. After that we made one last stop to get manicures. I didn't realize I had never taken her for one before, she was in awe of everything and she loved it of course.
I love doing all of this fun stuff with her, she didn't stop thanking me the entire day. Love my thankful little girl. She is growing up far too fast!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Bella Hip Hop Practice
I got some video of Bella's hop hip practice for their recital. I just love watching the hip hop class, the kids have some much fun and it makes me giggle :)
Bella is doing awesome and she loves hip hop, they are dancing to the song "Dynamite".
Bella is doing awesome and she loves hip hop, they are dancing to the song "Dynamite".
Thursday, March 20, 2014
The Life Of A 1st Grader
Bella is growing up so fast, it kind of scares me sometimes. We are working hard to raise her to be a respectful, kind, confident, happy young lady. Sometimes we wonder if we are doing the "right" things, not that there is some magical solution on how to raise your kids, but we all as parents hope we at least get it mostly right :)
Last week Bella came home and told me it was a rough day at school because they had a substitute teacher for music class and the kids were mean to her. She told me that none of the kids would sing when they were supposed to and they kept saying mean things to the teacher. Bella reassured me that she was the only student that was singing and being nice to the teacher. She was then extremely proud to tell me that she was the only one in her class to get her sand dollar for the day AND the only one that got to go out for afternoon recess.
At first I thought she was probably lonely at recess, but of course the other classes were out there, she reassured me that she had fun. She was so excited to tell me how proud her teacher was of her and I told her I was extremely proud of her for standing on her own and not doing what the other kids were doing, while trying not to cry at the complete sweetness that was oozing from her at that moment. She was like, well yeah mom, you don't be mean to people especially teachers, I don't have to do what the other kids do I am always nice.
Eeck!!!! So much pride in that moment, to know that she truly does know that she is her own person and at the young age of 7 she knows how to respect and treat others. I'm just so proud of the good choices she makes!
Then last night she was taking bath and we were just chatting. Every day we talk about each others day, but those times when it is us sitting quietly having a longer conversation, there are some wonderful conversations :)
"Mom since I have been taking cold lunch to school so have some of my other friends. It is kind of weird but Claire waits until the end to line up for cold lunch so she can stand by me. She always wants to be right by me, she is going CRAZY over our friendship, I think she needs to tone it down."
"Oh mom I so forgot to tell you about the balls we play with at recess being stolen! There were these people cutting down a tree and we couldn't get to the other part of the playground and kids left the balls out and then someone stoled them! But thankfully the school got some new ones, so we don't have to worry."
Oh my goodness, I was dying. I love hearing the stories about her day, hearing about all of her friends and the fun adventures she has.
In the craziness that is our life these moments are cherished and I need to be better about writing them out to show her some day when she is older :)
Bella we love you so, so much and are so proud of the kind young lady that you are. Even when we are on the go from 4:30 am (well Kyle and I are at that time some mornings while she is snoozing away) until 8 pm we are always enjoying our life.
Last week Bella came home and told me it was a rough day at school because they had a substitute teacher for music class and the kids were mean to her. She told me that none of the kids would sing when they were supposed to and they kept saying mean things to the teacher. Bella reassured me that she was the only student that was singing and being nice to the teacher. She was then extremely proud to tell me that she was the only one in her class to get her sand dollar for the day AND the only one that got to go out for afternoon recess.
At first I thought she was probably lonely at recess, but of course the other classes were out there, she reassured me that she had fun. She was so excited to tell me how proud her teacher was of her and I told her I was extremely proud of her for standing on her own and not doing what the other kids were doing, while trying not to cry at the complete sweetness that was oozing from her at that moment. She was like, well yeah mom, you don't be mean to people especially teachers, I don't have to do what the other kids do I am always nice.
Eeck!!!! So much pride in that moment, to know that she truly does know that she is her own person and at the young age of 7 she knows how to respect and treat others. I'm just so proud of the good choices she makes!
Then last night she was taking bath and we were just chatting. Every day we talk about each others day, but those times when it is us sitting quietly having a longer conversation, there are some wonderful conversations :)
"Mom since I have been taking cold lunch to school so have some of my other friends. It is kind of weird but Claire waits until the end to line up for cold lunch so she can stand by me. She always wants to be right by me, she is going CRAZY over our friendship, I think she needs to tone it down."
"Oh mom I so forgot to tell you about the balls we play with at recess being stolen! There were these people cutting down a tree and we couldn't get to the other part of the playground and kids left the balls out and then someone stoled them! But thankfully the school got some new ones, so we don't have to worry."
Oh my goodness, I was dying. I love hearing the stories about her day, hearing about all of her friends and the fun adventures she has.
In the craziness that is our life these moments are cherished and I need to be better about writing them out to show her some day when she is older :)
Bella we love you so, so much and are so proud of the kind young lady that you are. Even when we are on the go from 4:30 am (well Kyle and I are at that time some mornings while she is snoozing away) until 8 pm we are always enjoying our life.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Catching Up
It has been far, far too long since I've posted in this blog!
Life is going well for us. Bella is doing amazing in school and dance, she will be starting swimming lessons at the end of the month and probably track in April. Not gonna lie, when she said she wanted to do the track program offered through Cedar Rapids Rec I was pretty pumped :)
It has been a LONG winter, we are so happy to have the snow melting and it actually smells like spring! This weekend we have big plans to head to the park and enjoy the warm weather. To us when it hits 45-50 degrees, that is a major heat wave.
Here is a small collage of us, I must get better about updating on here!
Life is going well for us. Bella is doing amazing in school and dance, she will be starting swimming lessons at the end of the month and probably track in April. Not gonna lie, when she said she wanted to do the track program offered through Cedar Rapids Rec I was pretty pumped :)
It has been a LONG winter, we are so happy to have the snow melting and it actually smells like spring! This weekend we have big plans to head to the park and enjoy the warm weather. To us when it hits 45-50 degrees, that is a major heat wave.
Here is a small collage of us, I must get better about updating on here!
Bella is loving dance, she was amazing as a "Little Snowflake" in Dancer's Edge production of the Nutcracker. She really loves the hip hop class she is in, I can't wait to see the performances at the recital in June, the kids are working so hard.
Kyle is still working at Nordstrom and training me for my next competition which is May 10th.
I will do better about keeping up with this blog, life is just so full, so many fun things to share :)
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