Gulf Shores Trip

A couple of weeks ago I went to Gulf Shores with my two good friends, Amanda and Kim. We had been talking about doing another girls trip for awhile, and since we all love it down there, we decided to splurge and go for a mini-vacation. It was perfect timing for me---to get out of town a few days before the 1-year anniversary of my mom's death. It was amazing to get away from stress and responsibilities to try and relax and not think so much. Kim and I went house hunting with Amanda, and we are both exited for her new purchase of a house down there so we can take full advantage of it ;). We had the best time together, and I am simply grateful for these two friends who have been there for me non-stop, especially the past year.

Vacation Bible School at Ms. Richelles

Throw Back Thursday of Piper

Kaylee sent me these pictures of her and Piper from a year ago today. How is that possible?! And my goodness Piper really had no hair. And angry facial expressions haha. Just not the most attractive pictures of her ;)

Enhancing Our "Amusement Park"

Since we can't go out to my mom's swimming everyday now, the kids are I have been going stir crazy in the house! So we finally broke down, and bought a pool. Let's be clear, out pool is a small 12 foot pool that is only 30 inches deep. But, it will keep the kiddos entertained...hopefully :)

Peace and Serenity at Nana's

Yesterday, I was allowed to take the kids out to my mom's to swim. It was an overwhelming feeling to be honest. The last time I had been at my mom's was Christmas Day, so going six months without even driving out towards her direction was emotional. This should be my normal, daily routine this summer. I should be driving out everyday, rushing to have lunch with my mom by the pool. Have my mom catch me up on what's the latest on Young and the Restless. Listen to her rant about politics. And just relax all afternoon with her. But, at the same time, I was very happy to see my boys playing at Nana's and just making themselves right at home. That's how it should be, and that's how my mom would want it. Several things have changed by the pool since last summer, so it threw me off trying to figure out what it was, but just a few trees dying or removed. It was sad to see my mom's favorite oriental tree had died. I guess that's how life works though. Life has to come to an end at some point. 

The boys started right where they left off it seemed. Grabbing their toys, rough housing in the pool, going down the slide and off the board, all the things that make them happy. Which, at the end of the day, makes me eternally happy to see my children smile. I am trying to move forward with life, slowly and one day at a time. Things are not better, and most definitely are not easier. I know I am at a point where I am fighting this battle alone. But I have three reasons to overcome it all and be the best I can be: Beau, Baine and Piper Collins. I refuse to let my heartache and sadness keep them from having a summer of fun memories and happiness. So hopefully yesterday was the start of new memories at my mom's this summer.