That smile

 I got to spend some one on one time with Princess Pruitt. Her smile lights up the room and she's learning to use her voice. 

Here I come

 I've made the decision to live. Really live. Outside the box and what society deems the norm. My wonderful husband didn't get to live out his retirement so I'm doing it for him. My employer is now aware of my intention to retire in a mere 84 days. I wouldn't be able to do it without Dwight's help. I have mixed emotions about that. I'm very excited to retire but I'd give anything to have one more day with him. I know I will some day. Meanwhile I'll be here taking care of the garden and his dad. I'll take Parker and David fishing. Xander will see the ocean. Pruitt and JD will experience chocolate gravy and baths in the sink at Granny's house. The blackberry patch needs attention as does the railing on the porch.  The house could use a paint job. I'm going to Colorado,  Texas, Florida, and New Mexico.  Who knows what other trips may pop up? I'll grow a garden. Learn something new. Make a few more quilts. Teach the girls to make jam. I'll float the entire Buffalo while I still can, but I won't be sitting at a desk.... I'll work so hard that sleep will come easy. I'll be too busy to dream about what could have been, but I'll make time to remember the good times. I can do this. 

2024 review

 2024 was a dumpster fire of a year but there were good things that happened too. One of my Facebook memories posted a review of 2021 so I thought I'd do one for 2024 just for me.

January  2024. Dwight started chemo and it was delayed due to an infection. 

February saw Parker turning two. More chemo and lots of prayer.

March saw Lauren turn 32. The one year anniversary of Chris' death. Dwight was finally awarded disability. 

April saw David turning two. Dwight felt well enough to go to his party. Someone snapped the last picture of us together. Dwight watched the solar eclipse with his dad.

May 19th I saw the Northern lights in Arkansas. I bought a new car. Dwight bought a side by side. 

June 27th Dwight went to join Chris, his momma, and mine. I  missed my sister's bitchin hitchin.

July I merely survived. 

August brought grandson JD. Three reserve grand champion ribbons.

September was an anniversary without Dwight.

October brought granddaughter Pruitt.

November allowed me to experience Las Vegas with my sisters and favorite Aunt. Saw Trumpeter Swans with Kelly.

December brought Honey into my world.