Dear Mom

Dear Mom,
One year has passed since I last saw your face or heard your voice.  Never before have we ever gone so long without talking.  In fact, we used to talk multiple times a day!  We never did run out of things to talk about, did we?  From parenting questions, to deep spiritual debates to what we ate for lunch, we always kept each other up to date.  Since I haven't been able to pick up the phone and call you this year, or meet for lunch, or go on vacations, I thought I would take the time to fill you in on what you missed.

This year Hannah and Leah started reading!  They are both enjoying books and starting to read independently. They still love picture books, but are also starting to love chapter books.  You would be so proud!  I know if you were here, you would have a lot of fun taking them to the library.  We plan to sign up for the summer reading program again this year.  Oh and the new Northwest OKC library is set to open this month!  I know you were excited to have one so close.  Leah tells me everyday that she misses you and wants to know if you can have pets in heaven.  She is sure you know the answer to this now.  

The girls only have eleven days of school left before summer break.  They had an excellent first grade year. They were in the same class and it worked out great.  In fact, we are going to put them together for second grade as well.  They have made a few good friends at school this year and we plan on having some playdates with them this summer.  Dad got the girls American Girl dolls this Christmas and they have had a lot of fun playing with them.  They still love My Little Pony as well as playing "school".  And of course, they would always choose to play outside if they weather is nice.  Hannah is still into drawing and Leah has taken an interest in baking lately.  They miss having their "special day" with you and miss having sleepovers at your house.  They miss playing at your  house and playing at the park with you.  Leah still says you are her "best buddy."   They like to look at pictures of you and remember the fun times we all had together.

Lucas has changed so much in this last year!  He looks more like a little boy and less like a baby.  He chipped his front tooth three days after you passed away.  We say he has a "snaggletooth smile", but it makes him even more endearing.  And when he smiles, the dimple on his left cheek makes him look absolutely angelic.  His speech took off over the last year.  He talks all the time.  He likes to count things and sing his ABCs.  He plays hard, and still loves to kick a soccer ball.  He loves to be outside running and exploring, but he is also will still snuggle up and cuddle.  He loves to read and watch Little Bear, and he loves his PaPa.  He always asks, "Where Papa at?" You would have so much fun with this sweet natured little boy.

Let's see....Mike started a new job in November at Ackerman McQueen Advertising Agency. He has done well there and everyone loves him.  You would be proud of him.  We went to New Jersey this past Christmas to spend time with his family.  Dad came too and we had a good time.  My weeks have a familiar rhythm to them. I take care of the kids, go to Bible Study Fellowship, work out at Body and Soul, spend time with friends, and keep up the "duties at home".  I am reading and keeping up with my blog and I babysit my friend Lindsay's little girl two days a week.  I miss our weekly lunch dates.  I miss having you so nearby, and think about you all the time.


Mom, you are so loved.  I thank God every day that I had 34 wonderful years with you.

Your daughter,
Emily