Bittersweet Mother's Day Weekend

It has been 3 weeks since I have last blogged and lots has happened since then, some happy and some not so happy. This Mother's Day weekend was definitely a bittersweet one for me. I loved spending time with my girls and Mike but my thoughts were in other places. The previous week, we lost two very special people.

First, my Uncle Dan (who is also my godfather) passed away. He had been in and out of the hospital the past couple months and then most recently spent the last month or so in the ICU. His battle was up and down that last month, some days we were optimistic and other days were tough. Finally, his heart just wasn't strong enough to keep going. My uncle was one the funniest person I have ever known and he usually laughed at his own expense. He also had a huge heart and was a great husband to my Aunt Linda and excellent father to my cousins Ryan and Josh. I went to Houston for his service and it was quite obvious how many people loved him. We will all miss him tremendously. Here are some pictures of him in happier times.

Playing the Ocean Course at Kiawah with my Dad and Mike

Holding Ella when she was only 4 months old

 The day before my uncle passed, I also learned some of the saddest news I have ever heard. Sweet Libby Jones who was only 3 years old passed away from leukemia. Libby battled this awful disease for the past 13 months and inspired so many people along the way. There were t-shirts, bracelets and signs all over Charlotte in Libby's favorite color, pink stating Libstrong to encourage her along her fight. She gave it everything she had but in the end, she went up to heaven where she could be a kid again and play. I have known Libby's mom, Barb since college (we were both Hokies) and met her amazing husband Josh several years ago. Josh actually did the renovations on our new home before we moved in. They are an amazing couple and have handled this experience with such faith and grace, it is truly inspiring and a great reminder how we should live each day to the fullest. I attended Libby's service the day before I left for Houston and there was not an empty seat, truly heartbreaking. Below is a picture of Ella (at age 2) and Libby (at age 1) wearing their Hokie outfits for a big game.

 So, needless to say, my mind was a bit distracted but if anything, both my Uncle Dan and Libby reminded me to be thankful for everything I have and for everyday. I am truly blessed to be the mom to my two sweet girls and love them more than anything.

The week started with muffins with moms at Ella's school and I loved seeing my girl and spending time with just her.

Her sweet class singing us special songs

I loved seeing what they each said their Moms did, apparently I draw her a picture, haha! At least I don't go home and play with chickens like her little friend said!

 A couple years ago, we started a tradition on Mothers Day to go to the greenway with the girls and have lunch and let the girls run around and play. It was another beautiful day in Charlotte for our outing.

 That afternoon, Daddy and Ella even washed mommy's car inside and out which was much needed!

 We also planted our garden for the season and Daddy worked hard on the netting to make sure the squirrels and chipmunks stay away this year and stop eating all of our vegetables. I can't wait until they grow, nothing better than eating something you grew yourself.

 The three days of attending 2 funerals and flying across the country were very physically and emotionally exhausting but I was so happy to come home and hug these two munchkins. Daddy stayed home from work and took such good care of them while I was away. 

Lots more exciting things happened in May so I will blog about those soon. It is officially summer break so we are looking forward to lots of pool and beach days ahead.