Photos of Porter This Week-Day 1

 My heart is heavy.  I'm thinking it will be for a long time.  This coming Saturday marks a year since we lost our son.  I'm finding comfort in looking at old photos and enjoying his precious smile.

Photos taken April 21, 2009

Miles and the Pillows

Kali, Wade, and Miles moved out just a little over a month ago, which means I don't get to see my cute little grandson everyday, all day long.  And so I sure love when this little guy comes over to play. Miles loves cushions of any kind, from the couch, pillows from the beds, etc.  He loves to dive head first into them and then will squeal with delight.  After awhile his little cheeks will get so red from all the face plants he does.  

Grandma's bed BEFORE Miles comes to play

Grandma's bed AFTER Miles comes to play

Progress

It's a little blurry but you get the idea. A couple of people have asked how my half marathon training is going and I just thought I would give a little update.

IT'S HARD!! 

I knew it would be, but I have always wanted to do this and I think I kind of knew what I was in for.  I had run a 10k about 15 years and 20 pounds lighter ago.  So now add in a lot of extra years and more weight and I'm feeling it. But I'm so determined to do this thing.

This photo was taken at the gym today 2/9/11.  A friend of mine who lets me bug her about my progress texted me today right before I did my run and said a simple line of encouragement.  "Yay....5 miles here you come" I thought she was completely nuts, because up to this point I haven't been able to get past 3 miles, and I've been at this since the end of December.  Well, as I was running I just kept pushing and trying to stay focused listening to my tunes.  I thought to myself "I just need to prove I can do this" Well, I broke through that brick wall I felt like I was pushing against.  It's interesting to me how a somewhat short, simple word of encouragement can really work on my mental state.  Thank you dear sweet friend of mine for the boost!  I hope I can do this again soon.

Birthday Boy

Cooper as a newborn, about 4 weeks old, and just as cute and sweet as can be.

23 years later and he is still just as cute and sweet as he can be.

Cooper has always been a sweetheart.  He loves his family and always strives to do what's right.  He has a caring heart and wants to make others happy. We love you and wish you a very happy birthday♥

How a Stranger Made My Day

The death of a loved one brings about thoughts, plans, and purchases in an area you may not normally think about.  I now own 3 pieces of real estate up on the side of the hill in the cemetery.  I wish I didn't.  It's only because having to buy a plot for Porter meant that me and Mark would want to be buried by him when we pass on ourselves.  The city is very nice in that they give you a year to pay off your plots.  So now Mark and I have been thinking about life insurance and have been checking out rates and plans.  Well, a couple weeks ago a nurse (the complete stranger) came to our home.  She had to do a thorough evaluation, and take our blood, etc. to approve us.  Well, she was working on Mark first and when I came down to the kitchen I panicked when I saw the scale setting there on the floor.  I HATE scales.  When it was my turn I asked her if I really had to get on that thing?  She said yes but that she had set it back a couple pounds.  Then, when she weighed me she took off two more pounds.  Then she had to check my height and for entire adult life I have been 5 feet 5 inches.  Well, she measured me at 5'6", and I told her that was wrong so she did it again and came up with the same thing.  I didn't argue.  Who wouldn't want to be TALLER and THINNER??  I don't even know this lady's name, my but she made my day and now she is my new best friend! 

26 Years Together

Me and this sweet man celebrated our 26th anniversary together on January 18th.
It's amazing how the time flies.  26 years???  I don't even feel old enough yet for this to have happened.  So much happens in 26 years of marriage.  Happy times, sad times, joyful times, struggles, and more struggles but true commitment to an eternal marriage and eternal family is what keeps us focused and strong.  I love you sweetheart, forever ♥ Thanks for loving me.