Peace Dear Eric

This is how I choose to remember you.  As a loving, hands-on, fun and an adored father.  All of those crazy morning drop-offs, forgotten lunches and silly laughs... I will remember Ryder jumping up and running into your arms hard enough to push you over at pick-up time and Avery talking endlessly about how talented you were and how she has a camera too just like Daddy.  I will remember you inspiring me with your creativity and telling me I was an artist and should pursue that part of me more when we spoke and I shared my hobbies with you.  I will remember how much you loved Amber and how envious I was of the love you both shared... as partners, best friends and lovers.  You will be so missed.  There is a hole in the hearts of everyone who met you.  Thank you for the light you brought to us while you were here.  I promise to be a part of Avery, Ryder and your new child's life and give them love and a warm place to visit whenever they need it.

xoxo

End of Year Celebrations

The school year is coming to an end and its a very busy time for us.  With four daughters we can get pretty backed up with parties and concerts around this time of year.  I was lucky this year to be able to kill THREE birds with one stone on this particular day!  So I may as well do the same with blogging about them too :) 

At 6:15 a.m. the day began with preparations for the Academic Breakfast at Keira's middle school.  The PTO works so hard to organize this event each year and it is a wonderful honor for the children in school who have proven academic success.  Parents and students enjoy breakfast together and children are recognized by the principal for their hard work.

Many of Keira's friends were there and they are all such sweet girls.  I feel so lucky that my daughter has such nice and kind friends in school.  I know these years will not be easy but she has formed some wonderful friendships and bonds that I'm sure will help her along the way.

After that wonderful event, I headed over to Maia's 3rd Grade End of the Year Party!  

Another sweet group of kids and a lot of fun was had with snacks, games and a simple craft.  The children are looking forward to summertime and this was a nice way for them to enjoy some time together before school is out next week.

Then last but certainly not least, I headed over to Brianna's End of the Year Party in the courtyard of her school.  

The children enjoyed games and crafts.  It was so awesome to see Brianna actively participating in the games, laughing with her friends and talking.  A dream come true.  She and her friend were the last survivors in the water balloon toss.  That thing would not break!

She was so proud of herself.

And of course the party wouldn't have been a party without the ducklings.  They are being sent to a loving farm to live together.  They are so bonded and sweet.  The children love it when they make patterns like this.

Here is Brianna with one of her closest little friends.  Another sweet girl and the first girl Bree went on a playdate with... ever.  I feel so lucky that my children are all so happy this year and I pray for another good year for them when they return in the Fall.

Sadly, my friend Eric Langlois is still missing.  Tons of friends and family have devoted countless hours searching for him.  We have not given up hope but so much time has passed.  I am praying for a miracle for his sweet children and young wife.  Please join me in my efforts.  Last night a friend and I went to look around where he became missing.  The strong rains have made everything so difficult.  I can't imagine what his family is going through each day and night that passes without him.

We know our chances are slipping away but we refuse to give up hope.  #findericlanglois

Keira's Ice Skating Performance and a Prayer Request

My pretty girl is growing up so much.  I look at these pictures of her and I just can't believe that this beautiful young woman was once in my arms.  This past weekend was Keira's end of the school year Ice Skating Performance.  She was looking so forward to it and practiced so hard.

The song she chose was Taylor Swift's song to her mother, The Best Day.  She loves the song so much and told me that it reminds her of me.  This is how sweet my girl is.  For Mother's Day she wrote me her own version of the lyrics just for me.  Whenever I hear the song I get tears in my eyes.

We love you sweet Keira.  You are a light in this world.  You are a model of goodness and kindness.  You are my inspiration.

I am also asking that anyone who reads my blog and prays will do so for a friend and daycare dad of mine who has gone missing while mountain biking.  His two children were in my daycare for many years and his wife is expecting a new baby.  They have been looking for him for two days.  Our hearts are heavy.

Thank you.