7 years and still feels like yesterday

Seven years ago today, someone special to me, went to live with Jesus. She was not only my mother-in-law, but a very special lady. She was very strong, a devoted Christian, my mentor, and the reason I am a part of her wonderful family. Our relationship was not the typical "in-law" relationship. Ours was special. She and my Father-in-law took me in at a time when I had no idea of where my life was going. She helped me make the most important decisions of my life, and saw me through a really bad time in my life. I know God chose her to be my mother-in-law, and I thank him everyday for that. There are so many times in life that I have thought" If I only had one more day with her, there would be so many things I'd ask her." First of all, I'd thank her for the wonderful job she did in raising her children, and I'd ask her to give me all her secrets. She raised two wonderful guys. One of them being the father of my children and the love of my life. The other being the best brother-in-law a girl could have. I can only hope that I am doing as good a job as a mother as she did. Secondly, I'd ask her for wisdom on how to become such a strong person. She was the strongest person I know. I loved her just like my own Mom. So, on this day, the seventh anniversary of her passing, I say Thank you, God for the gift of knowing her. Thank you also, for the privilege of being apart of her family. Thank you for the best husband and family-in-law a person could have. AND to "B", herself...I will always love and miss you, thank you for being you!

My last baby is getting big.

Annie is 8 months old today. Man, where does the time go? It makes me sad to think my last baby is getting big. It is the end of the tiny new born stage. No more tiny baby stuff for us (well, that is our plan at least, we are complete...no more babies here). We are selling her infant swing, which makes me sad.  Annie has been the most content of all my children. She is a very happy, laid back little girl. Don't get me wrong, she makes it a point to be heard when she needs something, but most of the time she just sits and plays. She loves to babble and squeal. She is starting to put words with objects. When she wants me she will say "mum mum". It melts my heart everytime she does it. She even has "da da" down. One day when M was at work I said "where's da da?", she looked over at his guitar and tilted her head as if she were looking for him and looked back at me and said "da". It is moments like these that I never want to forget. Her favorite thing to do is eat (just like her "mum mum"). She loves to feed herself crackers and cereal she even says "ma" when she wants more. I haven't found anything she doesn't like except baby food green beans, but who likes those anyway? Also, she is a very good sleeper. She goes down so easy. When it is time for nap, I'll take her to her crib or pack n play, lay her down and that's it. It makes me sad to see her growing so fast, but I am looking forward to the next phase too.