What do spirits eat?

Emily: Spirits don't eat salt
Sam: Ya, spirits eat crackers
Em: Spirits don't eat crackers
Sam: Ya they do, that's why I took them downstairs, so they could have a snack

Mom: (thinking, WHAT? laughing out loud).

My Dad

My dad passed away on Thursday morning at 4:25am. I love him so much. Here are a few photos of him.

My Dad
Kind
To anyone he meets
Patient
With anyone who needs more time
Understanding
When challenges try to take us
Listens
To the good and the bad
Generous
With his hope, faith, and charity
Loving
Unconditionally

My Dad
I love Him!

Cate's Wedding

Cate got married at the end of July. I am pretty sure I already wrote about it, but I have to say it again. It was the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen. Char, Cate and my mom, and all the people they chose to help them did an amazing job. I had Char snap a photo of my people since we were all dressed up. I am glad the wedding craze of the summer is finished. I can't see it lighting up again, like it did this summer, for a long time. Phew!

Mills Fam Camping

This is just a sample of how it is to camp with Mike and his siblings.

How can a kid go from being the baby who prefers riding in the sling to anything else in the world to going to Kindergarten in just a matter of moments? I don't know how this has happened. The years have flown by. I am still the same person, struggling, playing tug of war with myself, trying to make it all come together and happen. My kids have progressed, and become little people, part of a community of friends and classmates. I am so happy they are learning and moving on and up in the world. I am proud of Sammy for being so excited about kindergarten. She is excited about homework, and meeting new friends, but disappointed about not being able to ride the bus. She is a cute little school girl. Drewby and I miss the girls during the day.

3rd Grade!

It is crazy that Emily has left for school. She is in 3rd grade; still a little girl, but on the verge of big girl. Every veteran parent warns new parents that the time goes by so fast, but I couldn't have imagined how quickly the time really does go by. She was just a little soft, dark-curly haired, sweet baby a few months ago, right? I am excited for her to learn new things, and make new friends. I always love hearing about the things she is energized about. I am happy she gets to move on. There is something in my heart that aches a little though.

I remember the first day of the new school year having the feeling of crisp clean air, butterflies in my tummy, and overall excitement. Nothing has changed. Last night Emily woke up, almost too excited to go back to sleep. She packed her own lunch last night, in her new thermal lunch carrier, cleaned out her backpack and replaced her old pencils and erasers with a fresh clean pencil box, filled with her favorite erasers, pencils, ruler and scissors; new shoes, new uniform, and new haircut. What a great kid. I will definitely miss her during the day. But, I love all the new 3rd grade things she gets to learn!

Zumba

Have you ever tried Zumba? If you haven't, you should. This is the most fun I have had working out ever, and I have seen the quickest and best results. I still have a long way to go, but this is the most fun I have had getting in shape. Bring it on. (I have gone from well over 200lbs, the photo on the top, to comfortably under it, the photo below. Still a bunch more to go. Wish me luck.)