I Miss You Daddy

Two years ago today, I lost something, someone so very important to me. My Dad was one of the most admirable men that ever lived. He was so kind and caring. He really did care about everyone genuinely. He instilled that sense of love and understanding in me. His Christian example was so obvious to everyone, not just me. He treated everyone, his family, his friends, his employees with love and respect. This was how he witnessed to people. He did not judge or shove religion down any one's throat. He just lived life by example. He did not believe in lying or cheating or stealing. His business was run on honest Christian principles. Everyone who took their cars to his shop saw this example, day in and day out. Now that I am grown and out in the real world, I realize, his type is rare. There is a lot of dishonesty out there. Everyone who knew him loved him. Even if they didn't know him personally, they loved him. Some of the people who live in mom's neighborhood had never spoken to him, but every day when they would drive to and from work and pass mom and dad's house, and he would wave to them. That was just him.

It is still very hard for me to remember the good times without getting very sad because I miss him, but it is starting to get easier. I was just remembering his nightly routine last night...just the things he did, the robe he wore, the way he smelled and I cannot walk down that road yet without shedding tears. I know that I would not be the person that I am today without the example that both he and mom set for me. I think when you make that much of an impact on someones life, it just takes lots and lots and lots of time for those wounds to heal. I miss him so much. I miss his smile. I wish my kids could have really known him. But instead of dwelling on that, I just rejoice that I got to know him. I focus on the fact that he made such an impact on me and shaped me and the things I believe in. And I will pass that on to my children in hopes that one day, I can shape and mold their life the way he did mine.

I cannot wait to be reunited with him one day and I am so thankful that I will be with him again beause of the blood that Jesus Christ shed for us.  Easter will always be special to me, not only because of the reminder of what my heavenly Father means to me, but also what my worldly Father means to me too.

This is me and dad in Colorado with Missy and Hans our weiner dogs

I love this picture!

This was on fathers day 2007 at Mary Joe Peckham park in Katy

This was Dad's bday celebration in 2006.  Riley is less than 2 weeks old.

This was Christmas 2006

Pawpaw holding his "Partner" when he came home from the hospital

This was taken Easter 2008 one week before he died

I miss you Daddy and love you so much.

Riley's First Sleep Over

Friday night, Riley had his first sleep over (other than at Memaw's house).  Nathan and Melissa had us and mom over for dinner and we left Riley there.  We had a really good time (and some REALLY good food!) and the kids played and entertained us too.  Riley proposed to Anna and she accepted with the condition that she finishes college first.  It was really a good time.  We left about 8:30 and Riley did great.  Melissa said they had a great time.  Riley wants Anna to come spend the night with him next time so he can show her his big boy sports bed.  Melissa and Nathan took the kids to their community Easter egg hunt the next morning and Riley had so much fun.  Below are some of the pics that Melissa took of them.  Riley was sooooo tired from all of the fun he had at his sleep over with Anna, he fell asleep in the car on the way home from the mall!!!

Anna, Cole and Riley

The happy couple and their Bunny

Riley

So sweet

All the loot they gathered at the egg hunt

I Love You Easter Bunny, NOT

We took Riley and Bentley to see the Easter Bunny this past weekend.  Riley has been really into Easter this year and was very excited to see the Easter Bunny.  He had gotten an eraser at an Easter egg hunt Saturday morning and he was very excited to share it with the Easter bunny.  Bentley appeared to be equally excited.  She was running around laughing and having a grand ol time.  As we approached the gazebo where the mysterious life size furry thing was sitting, Miss B started to get a little more apprehensive.  When she peaked around the curtain and saw the bunny, she had an absolute melt down and screamed as loud as she could.  Riley was so good and posed for the picture....and shared his eraser with the Easter Bunny.  Oh a picture is worth a thousand words!

Like Father Like Daughter

I thought this was cute......

Happy Birthday to Me

I celebrated my birthday almost a week ago, but I have been so sick, I haven't had the chance to blog about it.  We had a family crawfish boil over at Rick and Tricia's house and it was really nice.  It would have been nicer had I not had fever the whole day, but still it was a good time.  The kids had an absolute blast....10 little boys and 1 little girl.  They played outside all day and tortured the mudbugs before they were executed. I didn't bring my camera but Casey Canizaro snapped a few pics.

Some of the ladies

Tricia added to the mix

Mom and Barbara and David and me chowing down

Carter and the wagon of bugs

I love this pic of Riley and Carter

Hey Now Here We Go

Last night was Riley's first rodeo experience and he loved it. We started our fun evening off dining at Papasitos. After we feasted on chips, cheese and fajitas, we headed over to Reliant where "the cowboys play" (I think there was some mixing up of rodeoing and football). Riley was escourted via Dad's shoulders and liked that part too. We got to our seats in time for him to see the bull riding, chuckwagon races, and the kids calf wrestle. He really liked watching the kiddos try to catch the calves. Then the lights went down and DIERKS came out. He started the concert out with Riley's favorite song "Sideways" or as Riley calls it "Hey Now Here We Go." I have some video of him jamming out. He did great and really enjoyed the show.

Yee Haw Church Style

This last Sunday, our church hosted a Rodeo Day.  They had a petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides, jumperoo things, and rodeo food.  It was a really nice day for such a fun outing.  Rick and Tricia and the boys came and joined us.  Although, Griffin told Rick he wanted to go the "REAL rodeo" I believe he ended up having fun.  Here are some pics that Tricia got with her camera.

Pierce, Merrick and Riley

Riley and Pierce hugging....so sweet

Miss B

Momma and Bentley

Daddy and kiddos on the hayride

Bentley's First Ice Cream Sundae

I was getting my flip ready to take to the rodeo tomorrow and I forgot that I had this. We made ice cream sundaes on Valentine's Day after our nap time. Riley loved his and ate it quickly as he usually does. Bentley was a bit apprehensive at first, but she ended up eating some of it.