Some days.......

There is not a day that passes that I don’t think about you, or how much I love you, or how much I miss you, or wonder how you are “really” doing, and feel some level of loneliness and pain because I can’t see or hug you. Today was no exception. But, there was something different about it today. I woke up with you instantly on my mind. I could smell the scent of your favorite shampoo in your hair. I could see your dimples. I could hear your laughter. I could even see that pesky callous on your right big toe. Your presence and every little thing about you were so vivid and so close……..but not really. Eight months may not seem like a long time, but to a mother missing her only daughter – it is an eternity. This morning hit me rather hard and caused a good deal of tears. But, after a while, I realized you were doing what you wanted and needed to do and just how very proud I am of you. I was grateful for today being so different.

Let it snow!!

Well, we finally got a little snow (4") out in the country. Whoo Hooo!!!! This picture was taken about 3 days afterwards and much of it had already melted. But isn't it grand! Your dad took the Parkster out to play in it and did he EVER. That boy was made for the snow. He had a blast. The front of the house still looks fairly pristine.......no Parker prints. But the back, well that is a different story. I think he scattered and wallowed it down to less than an inch. Your dad said he was an absolute hoot to watch. It just killed me that I wasn't home to see it. Instead, I was locked up at the office working storm.

When I got home on Sunday afternoon, I took Myrtlee out to see it. It is her first snow too you know. Anyway, she wouldn't come down off the porch so I picked her up and sat her down in the snow. Instantly, the little dainty feet came up and she promptly high-stepped it back to the porch. She said she didn't much care for it. :)

Your dad has some pictures on his cell phone of Parker in the snow. When I get those off of there, I'll post them. I suspect they will be quite comical.

What a traffic jam can do......

It amazes me that after all these years I can sit across the table from your dad and still see something so new and intriguing. He is a quiet enigma all wrapped up in a strikingly handsome package.

A wreck on the highway caused traffic to stall for over two hours this morning. So, I called your dad and told him that if he would meet me at the Waffle House, I’d buy him some breakfast while I waited on the traffic to clear. He agreed.

We sat down and ordered our breakfast. As we were waiting, your dad began to talk about some things at work. To be honest, I found it difficult to concentrate on what he was saying because my mind kept drifting. I got lost in how handsome he looked in his freshly starched shirt and jeans, the coal black hair that is now threaded with a little silver, and those deep blue eyes. I thought about how incredibly smart and talented he is. I thought about how much he loves us, about our lives together, our home, and our future.

I realized I may never fully understand how he came to be the man that he is….only that we are blessed to have him; my husband - your dad.

Sporty New Collar

Check out the Parkster's new collar! Amazing how such a little thing can change the big boy's attitude. :) He's doing really well with it. And, don't forget......he has his first birthday coming up on the 8th of February.

Panel Progress

FINALLY!! I managed to get all of the panels stained, varnished, and put in place. I know it isn't a real good picture but it is the best I can do considering I have to take it from downstairs.

A carving of a bear will go on one of the blank panels and a big buck will go on the other. The rub comes with trying to paint the carvings to look like something or find someone who can.

We are ordering the wood for the top hand rail this week. Once it gets here, it shouldn't take your dad very long to make it. Then and only then do I plan to clean up there. Right now......well, let's just say it is pretty bad when you can write your name in the dust on the chaise lounge with your finger.

Know a good artist?

Here is a picture of the latest addition to the stair railing menagerie. It is "supposed" to be a snow owl (a.k.a. barn owl). I'm about frustrated with my lack of talent when it comes to painting. I think when it comes to the deer and bear, I'll see if I can find someone who actually has some artistic talent.

I posted the picture so you'll have an idea of what the loft area stair railing will look like. We're closing in on it.

Hide and Hair

Here's a picture of the latest project your dad and I are taking on this week. Hopefully, when finished, it will look amazingly like a king size headboard and footboard. Think we can do it?

I have no doubts he can build the bed. I do, however, have some serious doubts as to my upholstering abilities which at this point are a big fat "none." But, I suspect between the two us, we'll get it done.

After that.....it's on to the dresser; it too will have the hide as well. Keep your fingers crossed. :)