Kidman: {Hannah, Thanksgiving, Christmas Advent}

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

{Hannah, Thanksgiving, Christmas Advent}

This Month my dearest high school friend came to visit!

I can't even tell you how excited I was to see her.

I looked and looked for pics of us way back when,

but could find none.

I didn't meet Hannah till I was 14 or 15,

but once we met,

we were inseparable.

We practically lived together our Senior year.

Hannah moved to Minnesota right after we graduated and my heart broke.

And then her parents moved and I didn't think we would see each other again.

But we both were able to come to each others weddings,

and she came to support me after Travis passed away.

She's a genuine friend and has a heart of gold!

It seems that after 10 years we haven't grown up a lot...

we ate way too much,

drove around listening to music (though we weren't stalking boys' houses...so that's changed)

and giggled like teenagers.

Even Adyson said "Mom, your acting like a teen!"

Hannah,

I still adore you.

I cherish our friendship and can't wait to come visit you next!

My girls...they are smitten. They loved having her here and we all just cried when she left.

Sienna had her ears pierced years ago...

And they got pretty infected.

She's been begging us to try again.

My mom scored points by agreeing to take her.

She was nervous!

But feels so pretty with them in. She is counting down the days for new earrings!

Our Elf, Skeeter, made his first visit. He left the girls scarves and a lovely note telling them how sorry he was they lost their daddy. These little things just make their day!

I added a little pop of color to my kitchen. I'm bringing in joy wherever I can!

My amazing-lovely sister sent me a package with some gift cards, only usable in her town...

she's sneaky! So we made a trip to visit and it was such a joy! I'm so grateful to my sweet family for taking great care of me, and for the cousins who keep my kids smiling.

Adyson went and MELTED my heart by getting the role of Goldilocks in her school play, and singing BEAUTIFULLY. I am so proud of her. She's so brave and fearless and it's pure joy to be her mother. I couldn't help but picture Travis watching her with pride. She's come a long way the past few years and I'm in awe of my sweet kid.

Thanksgiving came. We spent the day with my parents and siblings and while I missed Travis-fiercely, it was a joy to spend the day with my family who is so supportive and loving to me and my kids. They are always here to support me without asking what they can do...it's just done. I love them and like them all at the same time.

This year my heart was full of joy and grief. Joy that Travis isn't sick anymore. Joy that I'm still surrounded by so much love. Joy that my kids are surviving this storm. And grief because I just miss my best friend. I hate not having my partner. He was always by my side, always taking my side, always listening and understanding, and putting me in my place when I needed him to! I still just love him so dearly. I'm so thankful he is mine.

Thanksgiving was also my wonderful fathers bday. My dad..He's just such a good man. He is hardworking and sensitive and so helpful. This week he's been here helping me clean out storage that is long overdue. He's got dust everywhere, he's probably sore from carrying so many heavy things for me, but he hasn't complained or tired. I just love him so much.