Happy Birthday Michelle

I wanted to do a tribute to my little sister Michelle and tell her Happy 22nd Birthday!
It's hard to believe it's been almost 18 years since she left us.

I'm not sure I can adequately put into words what I've been feeling in my heart lately, but I know that Michelle and my Heavenly Father are very aware! I've really been struggling lately and it's caught me off-guard. The real hard times for me have been very infrequent as time has passed. Of course I still think about her and miss her, and still cry at times...but I've REALLY been missing her lately. My whole family has been struggling more this year than other years. And I can't help but feel that it's because she's been around lately and that she's pulling for all of us to have our lives in order so that we can be together again as a Forever Family!

I feel in some ways that I'm experiencing some of the stages of grief all over again. I feel somewhat angry. Angry because it doesn't hurt like I think it should all the time. Angry because I can't even imagine what our lives would be like with her now. Angry because we missed out on so much and it isn't fair. My memories of her are growing more dim over time and that hurts. I want to remember every last little thing about her and I don't. However, I am extremely grateful for the memories, pictures and videos that we do have to remind us of her. They are invaluable and I'm also grateful to be able to share them with my children so they can know of their Aunt Michelle.

On the Memorial Day before Michelle died, she told my Mom that she always wanted flags kept on her grave. Coincidence? Definitely not. There were many things that lead up to her death that have been of comfort to us to know that her death was part of Heavenly Father's Plan.

This is my most favorite picture of her!

Kambri reminds me so much of Michelle, most especially their eyes! I look forward to seeing Kambri grow and imagining that that's what Michelle may have looked like at that age.
My little Hollie Michelle received her middle name in memory of her Aunt Michelle. I had always hoped that she would have some sort of resemblance of Michelle, but she really hasn't. Our little Kami sure does though.

This was Michelle's last birthday before she died.

I didn't intend for this post to be a sad one or as jumbled as it came out, but this is how I've been feeling lately and sometimes we need to just let things out. I am grateful for the knowledge that we can be an eternal family. This 'bump' came at a time that I needed to be reminded what is most important and to keep me pointed in the right direction.

Michelle, I love you so very much! Be sure and save a place for me in heaven right next to you...because I WILL be with you again!

Our Craziness

I've totally been slacking this month, but here are some pictures taken earlier in the month.

Taylor and Hollie take after their Dad! If there's even a small hole in something, they must make it as big as can be. And that is exactly what Taylor did with his pants. Only he took the scissors to this particular hole!

My silly Kambri...trying to show off her high heel shoes. :)

And our beautiful Hollie. And this wraps up some of our daily craziness.

Mothers Day Happenings

Better let than never?! :) What can I say...this month has been busy.

The night before Mother's Day Taylor helped me put together my Jell-O Pretzel Salad. Anyone who knows tell well enough knows that he doesn't typically do any of this type of stuff. But he helped me that night from start to finish and we both had a good time if I dare say so myself.

Before/ After...With the after he even let me cut his hair for Momma's Day! :)

We celebrated with Shaun's Mom on Saturday evening and then we went to my Moms on Sunday.

My Mom and the grandkids.

My sister/best friend Lindsay and my sweet niece Haddie!

And the group that call me Mom! I'm so grateful for each one of them. They each come with their own unique packaging and I can't imagine what my life would be without them.

And our Mom and the girls

Brother-in-law Mark, Taylor, Shaun and my Dad...being goofy!

My mom goes and goes and goes, like the Energizer Bunny. We were all sitting in the living room visiting and then this is where we find her. Trying to raise the chain up higher on her light fixture...(I think she forgets we're all vertically challenged)

And then I scared her half to death because she didn't know I was taking pictures of her and when it flashed she thought she had caused the light to spark. Silly mama!!

It was a great day and my kiddos spoiled me!

I'm very thankful for all the Moms in my life, most especially my Mom and Mother-in-Law Brenda. You all make me one to try a little harder to be the best Mom that I can be!

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

Hollie's Class Opera

Hollie had her school opera and it was so cute! They've been working on it all year long. The students actually write this play as a class and then with help they set it to music.

They were animals at Hogle Zoo who ran into each other and their spots ended up on the other animals. They had to come up with a way to get their own spots back. Hollie was a giraffe; the cutest I've ever seen.

Shaun, Grandma Brenda and cousin Lacie went to the performance during the day. Then Grandma & Grandpa Hansen, Aunt 'Sissy' and I went to the evening performance. (These pictures aren't all that great due to it being a cell phone.)

Hollie was surprised with flowers from Grandma and Grandpa.

The kids all painted their costumes and scenery as well. I can't believe the amount of time that goes into these operas. They do such a great job!!

Congrats on a job well done, Holl! We were all very proud of you!