To Dustin

I got a little emotional today.

It was totally unexpected and caught me off guard.

Even though I’m a big sap and cry at Hallmark commercials, it caught me off guard.  I have no reason to cry.  

Today was your wedding shower.  We have been talking wedding, talking shower, wedding planning, preparing invitations, buying Cricut machines and doing mock table centerpieces for weeks.  I have loved every minute of it because I love Carrie and have enjoyed spending this time with her.  I’m happy for you that you found her and that she loves you and understands you.  I’m happy for our family because we all love her and she fits right in.

I was so excited about the shower.  So excited to share it with the people we love.  So excited for the beginning of your life together in your new home.

Again, no reason to cry.

But, when you walked in that door toward the end of the shower I looked at you and in that moment I saw my Baby Boy, my first born Son.  I saw you in that hospital room with that full head of hair and those kissable lips.  I saw you the day you started Kindergarten in that black Old Navy tee shirt carrying your lunch box with that grin on your face.  I saw you at 16 standing beside your Toyota truck holding your keys.  I saw you in your high school graduation cap and gown.  I saw you walk across that stage and accept your college diploma.  I saw you as a grown man.   

I saw You.

And, out loud I said, “My baby is getting Married”.  And the tears flowed.  Uncontrollable Happy Tears.   

I am so proud of you for so many reasons and so content that you are what I always wanted you to be:  Happy

Congratulations, Son.  Always enjoy every day of your life and remember that I am eternally in your corner and your biggest fan.

Love,

Mom

48

We're headed to the beach for a long weekend. It's my birthday. My 48th birthday. It's me, Rusty and Hunter. As Hunter slept on the way we talked about our graduation beach trip and how it seems like just last week that we graduated high school. Now we're driving our granddaughter to the beach.
We couldn't be happier.

As we sit on the beach this Thursday evening the sun has set and the ocean breeze is stronger than usual and the waves are crashing with greater force. That familiar smell of the beach is in the air and I am flooded with sweet cherished memories. Hunter is dancing and twirling down the beach silhouetted in the darkness the further she goes.  We both watch her. We can't take our eyes off of her. Without words I know we are both thinking the same thing, how beautiful she is and how blessed we are to have her in our life. And we are. She has brought more joy and love to us than I ever could have imagined.
 
As I celebrate my birthday this year I am reminded of everything I have to be grateful for. I have a great life. I love and I am loved and that is the greatest gift of all. I pledge to be thankful for every birthday. Thankful that I had another year to live and share life with my family and friends.  I hope you will pledge the same.

Happy Birthday to me.  And many more.

Coyote?

You were sitting around the kitchen table the other day having a conversation with Uncle Dustin about various subjects like why motorcycle helmets are necessary, fishing and the names of all of our dogs.  Dustin explained how each dog got his/her name:

Harley - He was such a little thing we had to give him a bad boy name.
Curtis - He is named after Dustin's good friend that lost his life in a car accident.
Pork Chop - She was named after the cartoon dog.
Popcorn - She is the color of Popcorn and Pork Chop's daughter so you thought it was fitting.
CJ - She is CJ for "Curtis Junior" because she looked just like Curtis when she was a puppy.

That conversation led to this...
Hunter:  "Dustin, what is your middle name?"
Dustin (in a low voice): "Codey"
Hunter:  "Coyote?"
Dustin (snickering):  "No, but now I wish it was because that is way cooler."

Dustin Coyote Moore.  I should have thought of that, it has a nice ring to it.

~ May 2012

My Melting Heart

We've just entered into another welcomed Spring.  I love this time of year when you start to feel the warmth of the Sun on your skin and see new life breaking through the ground.  The birds have a new song to sing and the afternoons take their sweet time as they fade into the darkness of the evening.
When we are together, this means more time for exploration.
You said, "Nana, let's go on an adventure!"
So, I strapped my camera around my body and we headed out.

We wondered around outside, walking toward the field and as we walked I explained that now we have to watch our step because all the snakes are making their way out of their holes, also ready to explore their world.  You were not excited about that and suggested that summer was a better time for snakes to hibernate.  That way, we wouldn't have to worry about them when we go on adventures.  Not a bad idea, snakes should really try to evolve into making that happen.

As we carefully walked around, you picked flowers from weeds that grow in the field.  We stepped into the woods and you found interesting plants that look like little umbrellas.  We searched for 4 leaf clovers. We also stumbled across some thorny plants which made us realize that we were not dressed for exploration!

We went back in for some jeans and our "snake boots".

Now, we're ready!

We walked over to the neighbors house.  They have a beautiful Coy pond in their back yard and you named all the fish for them.  You loved all their interesting rocks and Tom even gave you a rock that he found that's in the shape of a heart.

As we walked down the road hand in hand toward home we talked about our favorite parts of this adventure.  We both agreed that the Coy pond was pretty awesome.  
And then you said, "Do you know what my most favorite part was, Nana?"
"What?" I said.
"That me and you were spending time together" you said as you held my hand and looked up at me with that snaggletoothed grin.
And that's when it happened.
It melted.
My heart melted.
Again.
I hope you always know that you are my most favorite part of everything.

olive juice.

~March 23, 2012