I think of it as a great compliment to be told I look like Denise. It's hard to hear it though. After 9 years of her being gone the place in my heart is still so raw. I think about her often and am reminded of her when Ellie smiles. They both have a dimple on their cheek when they smile. I think as time goes on it gets better. I think most everyone can relate to losing someone they love.
I miss my sister very much. I am lucky to have so many other sister's in my life to help me through this. I will think of her on Sunday, I will be upset. It's a day that doesn't get easier. It's a day that I wish could be done over. That's why I know I will be upset. No matter how much I try to only think of good things, or keep myself busy and not think about it, It will anger me that I get to be here on a day that she can't. She didn't get to see me marry Josh, meet my little girls, or see me as I am today. What I wouldn't give for a hug. A simple but sweet card in her beautiful handwriting. A secret trip together for a tattoo. it's the little things that matter. I love my sister very much. If I can't tell her, then I get to tell you.
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God has chosen for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I've now found peace at the end of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don't lengthen your pain with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and peace to thee,
God wanted me now-He set me free.
( I'm Free Author: Shannon Lee Moseley.)
Dear
Dear Emma,
Have I told you how much you are loved? I look into those sweet blue eyes of yours and remember what it is like to be a kid. A world full of wonder and learning at your fingertips. You amaze me everyday with your how you are so friendly and have no fear. I want you to keep these traits.
You walked across a cattle guard yesterday, and although I flinched, you made it across just fine. You wanted the beautiful flowers on the other side because you see what so many do not. Your eyes are completely open.
Daddy and I talked on the way home from Llano about how you have grown and the world as it is today. While you and Ellie napped we discussed the story of Trayvon Martin, and how you do not carry any prejudices. We are happy to be raising you right, to love all people. You are never afraid to call someone friend.
You grow in so many ways and these are just little examples of how wonderful you are. In a few months you will be turning 4. I have been so thankful for you and the things we get to share everyday. I am proud to be your mommy. I am proud to share what a wonderful little girl you are. I don't do it enough. I love you with all of my heart, and I'll always love you more than sunshine.
Love, Mommy
Have I told you how much you are loved? I look into those sweet blue eyes of yours and remember what it is like to be a kid. A world full of wonder and learning at your fingertips. You amaze me everyday with your how you are so friendly and have no fear. I want you to keep these traits.
You walked across a cattle guard yesterday, and although I flinched, you made it across just fine. You wanted the beautiful flowers on the other side because you see what so many do not. Your eyes are completely open.
Daddy and I talked on the way home from Llano about how you have grown and the world as it is today. While you and Ellie napped we discussed the story of Trayvon Martin, and how you do not carry any prejudices. We are happy to be raising you right, to love all people. You are never afraid to call someone friend.
You grow in so many ways and these are just little examples of how wonderful you are. In a few months you will be turning 4. I have been so thankful for you and the things we get to share everyday. I am proud to be your mommy. I am proud to share what a wonderful little girl you are. I don't do it enough. I love you with all of my heart, and I'll always love you more than sunshine.
Love, Mommy
New Beginnings
As one door closes another opens. Today was Josh's last day at Central Market. After 14 years he has said goodbye to seek new opportunities. He will begin his new job tomorrow with Boundless Nutrition. We are very proud of the career he had and the hard work he put in everyday to support his family. I know he will continue to grow and work hard at his new position.
The Haar family looks forward to having weekends off together as a new perk. Josh and I have not had a regular day off together since Emma was born. It was well worth the sacrifice to have the girls cared for by mainly Josh and me. The girls will also begin a new adventure Monday as they will go to full time care. I am sure as time progresses the girls will enjoy their new surroundings, and to have both parents on the weekend.
Congrats to Josh, and wish us luck in our new endeavors!
The Haar family looks forward to having weekends off together as a new perk. Josh and I have not had a regular day off together since Emma was born. It was well worth the sacrifice to have the girls cared for by mainly Josh and me. The girls will also begin a new adventure Monday as they will go to full time care. I am sure as time progresses the girls will enjoy their new surroundings, and to have both parents on the weekend.
Congrats to Josh, and wish us luck in our new endeavors!
Jazzed
It's official! With the help of Jazzercise I have lost 20 lbs so far. I continue on my journey but know that I have reached a great milestone for myself. Jazzercise has let me have a new lease on life. Who knew 1 hour a day, 3 to 4 times a week could make me feel so much better.
I appreciate all of the support from my husband and family, the encouraging words, and the compliments. It's all so wonderful. This is not my stopping point, but a refuel for the next 20 ahead. Then to keep the weight off for the rest of my life. I don't ever want my life to be cut short here due to laziness. Here are some photos to show my journey so far!
This was taken in August before I started Jazzercise.
This was tonight after class!
I appreciate all of the support from my husband and family, the encouraging words, and the compliments. It's all so wonderful. This is not my stopping point, but a refuel for the next 20 ahead. Then to keep the weight off for the rest of my life. I don't ever want my life to be cut short here due to laziness. Here are some photos to show my journey so far!
This was taken in August before I started Jazzercise.
This was tonight after class!
Happy New Year!
The Haar family had an amazing 2011. We had our ups and downs, but I could not have asked for more. Highlights from 2011 were Ellie being born, Moving to the house, and the start of a more healthy lifestyle.
Ellie has been a big adventure for us, who knew adding one more would shake up the world so much. She finished her therapy well, and should have no lasting effects. Ellie is beginning to move around, and can be found stuck under the coffee table. She loves to watch her big sister run and play. She has her own way of telling Emma I am watching you. Ellie squeals with delight, and almost bounces off your knee. I enjoy her cuddles and smiles. The girls are so different. When Emma was this age she was loveable but much more interested in doing her own thing. Ellie just wants to be held and loved on. Her first words were Dada and she is working on others. Everyone who sees the girls say they look so much alike. I can't wait to see what Ellie does next.
Emma is always learning new things. She surprises Josh and I with new phrases and actions. My current favorite is "I win, you lose, game over." She is sassy, but sometimes I just have to laugh. She has a wonderful sense of humor. We have our difficult days where she learns consequences, but the next day she is super sweet. Emma enjoys being a big sister and helps out all the time. I know she can't wait to have someone to play with in her backyard. Emma is helpful in other areas of the house too. She likes to help with dishes, laundry and cleaning her room. Emma is ready for the next few years saying she will get her back pack and ride the bus to school.
Josh and I are focused on being better versions of ourselves. We continue to eat healthier and workout. This month we are playing a weight loss game, and the winner chooses where we go on vacation. It should be a fun competition. We got settled into the house and had a very nice Christmas at home. I can see now that I have more room for decorations! Josh has expanded his home brewing out in the garage to include kegging. He enjoys collecting beer and sampling with friends. We set up a craft area in the living room that holds my sewing machine and cricut. I enjoy getting crafty when possible. My latest craft was wine cork Christmas trees. I enjoyed making them and didn't have to drink any wine! I also used some of the bows, beads, and ribbon that I received from my Aunt D'ann. I like going through the boxes to see what I can do next. We continue to stay busy juggling work, the girls, and life in general. Josh still works 4 10 hour days at Central Market, so he can watch Emma and Ellie Tuesday through Thursday. The girls stay with their Aunt T and Angelica on Mondays and Fridays. Then I have them on the weekend. It is a sacrifice to not have a day off with Josh, but it is worth it. We look forward to 2012 and all that it has in store for us.
Hope you all are having a great new year as well. Love- The Haars
Ellie has been a big adventure for us, who knew adding one more would shake up the world so much. She finished her therapy well, and should have no lasting effects. Ellie is beginning to move around, and can be found stuck under the coffee table. She loves to watch her big sister run and play. She has her own way of telling Emma I am watching you. Ellie squeals with delight, and almost bounces off your knee. I enjoy her cuddles and smiles. The girls are so different. When Emma was this age she was loveable but much more interested in doing her own thing. Ellie just wants to be held and loved on. Her first words were Dada and she is working on others. Everyone who sees the girls say they look so much alike. I can't wait to see what Ellie does next.
Emma is always learning new things. She surprises Josh and I with new phrases and actions. My current favorite is "I win, you lose, game over." She is sassy, but sometimes I just have to laugh. She has a wonderful sense of humor. We have our difficult days where she learns consequences, but the next day she is super sweet. Emma enjoys being a big sister and helps out all the time. I know she can't wait to have someone to play with in her backyard. Emma is helpful in other areas of the house too. She likes to help with dishes, laundry and cleaning her room. Emma is ready for the next few years saying she will get her back pack and ride the bus to school.
Josh and I are focused on being better versions of ourselves. We continue to eat healthier and workout. This month we are playing a weight loss game, and the winner chooses where we go on vacation. It should be a fun competition. We got settled into the house and had a very nice Christmas at home. I can see now that I have more room for decorations! Josh has expanded his home brewing out in the garage to include kegging. He enjoys collecting beer and sampling with friends. We set up a craft area in the living room that holds my sewing machine and cricut. I enjoy getting crafty when possible. My latest craft was wine cork Christmas trees. I enjoyed making them and didn't have to drink any wine! I also used some of the bows, beads, and ribbon that I received from my Aunt D'ann. I like going through the boxes to see what I can do next. We continue to stay busy juggling work, the girls, and life in general. Josh still works 4 10 hour days at Central Market, so he can watch Emma and Ellie Tuesday through Thursday. The girls stay with their Aunt T and Angelica on Mondays and Fridays. Then I have them on the weekend. It is a sacrifice to not have a day off with Josh, but it is worth it. We look forward to 2012 and all that it has in store for us.
Hope you all are having a great new year as well. Love- The Haars
Here we go again,
Torticollis, or wryneck, is a stiff neck associated with muscle spasm, classically causing lateral flexion contracture of the cervical spine musculature (a condition in which the head is tilted to one side). The muscles affected are principally those supplied by the spinal accessory nerve.(wikipedia)
Ellie was diagnosed last week with torticollis. Emma had torticollis and after a few months she was back to normal. We are hoping to have the same results with Ellie.
Ellie has less of a head tilt then Emma, but her body is more shifted then Emma. This is our big concern. Ellie will go to a weekly therapy session, and all other stretching will be done by us at home.
I will be sure to keep everyone posted. These next few weeks are going to be hard. I remember Emma crying through the whole hour, and I am sure Ellie will be no different.
Ellie was diagnosed last week with torticollis. Emma had torticollis and after a few months she was back to normal. We are hoping to have the same results with Ellie.
Ellie has less of a head tilt then Emma, but her body is more shifted then Emma. This is our big concern. Ellie will go to a weekly therapy session, and all other stretching will be done by us at home.
I will be sure to keep everyone posted. These next few weeks are going to be hard. I remember Emma crying through the whole hour, and I am sure Ellie will be no different.
Pete
We had a hard loss yesterday. Pete had been missing for a few days, and we all thought he had run off somewhere and would return. He had wanted out that night to go lay down and sleep forever.
I remember when we got him, he cost $45 dollars and was supposed to be a chihuahua. He was no bigger then my hand. I took him home and he just slept everywhere. His favorite way to sleep was on his back with his feet in the air. He grew to be a very playful dog. JW and Chase would chase him around, and he was always frisky after baths. I loved the way he would growl when you acted like you were going to thump him. I also miss his kisses even though he sometimes didn't know when to quit.
Pete lived the good life and was WELL taken care of by my parents. Plenty of car rides, good food, his own furniture, and treats. We know he can never be replaced. He was truly one of a kind.
Pete Mesquite or Pete Smith or Petey Sweety or just plain Pete Cates. 3/2/1998- 8/2011
I remember when we got him, he cost $45 dollars and was supposed to be a chihuahua. He was no bigger then my hand. I took him home and he just slept everywhere. His favorite way to sleep was on his back with his feet in the air. He grew to be a very playful dog. JW and Chase would chase him around, and he was always frisky after baths. I loved the way he would growl when you acted like you were going to thump him. I also miss his kisses even though he sometimes didn't know when to quit.
Pete lived the good life and was WELL taken care of by my parents. Plenty of car rides, good food, his own furniture, and treats. We know he can never be replaced. He was truly one of a kind.
Pete Mesquite or Pete Smith or Petey Sweety or just plain Pete Cates. 3/2/1998- 8/2011
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