SISTERS ARE THE GREATEST!

Having Jorin as a big brother is so cool - Jantzen loves him so much....but there are some things he just can't do.... Jantzen depends on her big sisters for so many things, like.....

.....knowing which clothes are SO cute - and which ones are just not OK...
....having very fun sleepovers & late night parties
....showing her how to fix her hair pretty - and what to definitely not do...
....sharing which music is good to listen to
....feeling special and grown up - just like them
....making yummy treats (or buying them, in some cases!)
....providing her with a real live baby to love
....snuggling and talking and talking and talking....(OK, well, Jorin can do that one too...)
....trying on their high heels - the higher the better!

Jantzen loves being around Kiely, Haley and Devery. Every visit is a cherished event for her. They may not know how much of an influence they have in her life - but she looks up to them and watches all they do. I am so grateful to have these 3 excellent "sister" role models for her. Thank you for all the time you spend in helping her feel special!

MY DAD

My dad is always there for me,
he plays with me - he teaches me,
he loves to help me, and does whenever he can.
I like that he is always joking, he is hardworking and never gives up.
My dad is kind to others and is fair.
He is a good cook and a good eater. He never complains.
My dad always encourages me, even when things are hard for me.
My dad sets a good example for me of trying to do what's right.
Even when I do something wrong, I know that he loves me.
I love my dad so much, and hope I can be just like him.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY, DAD!

DADDY

My dad snuggles with me - and I love it...
he plays with me all the time - and I love it...
he loves to laugh with me - .and I love it...
he plays card games with me when I ask - and I love it...
he does flips with me - and I love it...
he gives me horsey rides - and I love it...
he provides for our family so we have things we need - and I love it...
I love him - he's the best dad in the world!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY, DADDY!

SMILE!

It is not that it was especially fun. I can’t really put my finger on it. We have done the same things, and even more before, with less of the effect. Much of our time was spent taking care of challenges and problems with one thing or another. Yes, I am sure that the previous prolonged absence had something to do with it. But, I have been walking around for the last few days in the illumination of that wonderfully peaceful and loving experience. Three days. Not even three full days. Three days of peace and happiness. Three days of just the basics, getting the car fixed, moving furniture, helping Devery get settled. These three days just sort of snuck up on me. Denise decided to come to Missouri to help Devery make the transition to a new university experience. And in the process I was the benefactor of her presence. There was peace, there was togetherness and closeness. We had a little din din, we watched a movie, we snuggled on the couch and we did some very nice and casual things, but nothing significantly out of the ordinary. I dropped her off at the airport this morning very early. We said our goodbyes and both went our separate ways and, yet every time I think about it……………the house still needs to be sold, she is still 16 hours and a time zone away, each of our individual situations still have their own set of challenges……….I don’t know what it is or how to explain it…………..the time we spent together this weekend…………just makes me…………….. smile.