Goodbye to a Good Friend!

I know that I just posted about my great-grandmother passing away, but we had another death in our own family. Our sweet Boxer, Macey, died yesterday. I'm not going to give a lot of details except that we left her outside on Friday during the day & when Johnathan got home she wasn't there. Now, there have been many times that she had jumped fence & gotten out but she always came back. We left friday night to go have dinner with my sister & her family thinking that when we got home she would be waiting on the front porch for us. She wasn't. Johnathan drove around our neighborhood for about 45 min. after we got home, but still no luck. Yesterday, Johnathan went to the side of our house to get a ball for the girls to play with & long story short Macey was in the corner. It has been soooooo hard on me. I can't stop crying!! She was such a sweet dog & soooo good with our girls! They loved her so much! I bought Macey for Johnathan while we were dating. He told me that there were 3 things he wanted before we got married: a house, a new truck, & a dog. He already had the house & truck so I thought I could help move things along & get the dog. We love you Macey & will miss you!

Addison & Macey

Bailey & Macey

"He who does not weep does not see." -Les Miserables

This week has been a tough one for my family. Early last monday morning we lost my 97 year old great-grandmother. She passed away in Stephenville, Texas where she lived her whole life. She was quite a lady! My sister & I drove down to Stephenville on Tuesday for the funeral on Wednesday. What a great time it was to see family that we usually only see at Thanksgiving & Christmas. Sarah & I went with my parents, grandparents & my Uncle Byron & Aunt Carol over to my Grammy's house on Tuesday night. Now, I didn't go to Grammy's much growing up but the memories I have of that house hadn't changed. It was so good to sit around & talk about some of the memories we have of her.

Just a few things about my Grammy:

*She had a farm where she had cattle she would tend to everyday up until a few years ago.

*She played the drums in a band while in her early 90's.

*She played softball while in her 80's.

*She would volunteer at the nursing home for the "senior citizens" while in her 90's. (Notice I put senior citizens in quotes b/c she never saw herself as one of those "old people".)

*She was driving up until her early 90's.

The last time I saw grammy was almost 3 years ago. We decided to take the girls down to see her & it was the first time Johnathan had met her too. I cherish that time I got to spend with her. The Legacy she left behind is one of commitment, hard work, & passion. I hope to carry on that Legacy. Thank you Grammy for loving life!

Me, Addison, Bailey, Grammy & My Dad (Dec. 2005)

The Leonhart's with Grammy (Dec. 2005)

The Jeff Jackson Family @ the Cemetary

Uncle Byron, Papa, Meemaw, Dad, Uncle Dwayne

Amanda, Brenna, Sarah, Me, & Laura (cousins)

One Busy Week!

I knew that the week after the girls birthday party was going to be a little crazy. It was the week we started gymnastics (tues.) & 3 year old pre-school (wed. & thurs.). The girls are taking gymnastics with their cousin Mia & they are all LOVING it. When we ask them to show us what they learned they always do a summersault then they show us the stretches they do. (I sure do hope they are learning more than that!) I always say "Is that all you learned?" & their response is "Yes." Oh well. At least they are having a good time.

Bailey, Mia, & Addison: First day of Gymnastics

We started 3 year old pre-school the next day & it was quite an experience. On our way to school they kept asking if they were going to school, then they would ask "why?". I am sure that won't be the last time I hear them say that. As I was driving to school I asked the girls if I could pray for them, then I stopped. My mind went back to when my mom would take us to school & before I got to school she would always say "Can I pray for you, Jill. " What a sweet memory! We finally got to school & after some coaxing (with gum) I got a few pictures. They walked right into their room without even looking back. Not one cry. Well, maybe one: ME. Again, this will probably won't be the last time that will happen. They have been doing so well & really enjoy going.

Bailey

Addison

So Sweet!

Our friend Jack (who is in their class) & Birthday cookies for the girls' birthday.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Girls!

I can't tell you how fast these past 3 years have gone by. I can remember sitting in the hospital while they were in the NICU wanting to take them home & have them all to ourselves. They were so little when we broght them home & I can remember being afraid of "breaking" them or not doing everything just as the doctors had said.

I often joke with people that I can't tell you anything about their first year, but this past year has been wonderful. They are talking in sentences, they are potty trained, & my most favorite thing is how they play together. There is nothing that touches my heart more than to hear them in their room playing together & laughing. It makes me cry just thinking about it! They are two of the sweetest girls I know!!

Here are a few pictures of the girls 3rd Birthday party.

Birthday Table

Birthday Cupcakes! YUMMY!!!

Addison, Mia, & Bailey

Happy Birthday, Sister!

Birthday Donuts!

August, 2008

The month of August is always super busy for us. Our anniversary is on the 17th, the girls' birthday is on the 20th, then Johnathan's birthday is Sept. 1. This year was even more of an overload. We decided to start the girls in gymnastics & in 3 year pre-school. Both of these started the week after their birthday. This entry is going to be dedicated to our 6th Wedding Anniversay.

We decided to go to Plano & stay & Johnathan's aunt & uncle's house b/c they were on their family vacation. It was WONDERFUL!!! They have a fabulous pool that we were planning on spending a lot of time in plus my brother & his wife were going to come & stay with us. We had a great time! A few highlights of the trip were: the Rangers game, Sprinkles Cupcakes, & The Melting Pot. The trip flew by, as they always do! Here are a few pictures from that trip. Enjoy!

Jill & Leah

Johnathan & Matt

Go Rangers!!

Happy 6th Anniversary!

Dessert at The Melting Pot

So it begins...

well...I tried and tried to withstand the urges to start my own blog, but I have given in to the pressure. (for those of you who are not familiar with blogging, it is a great way for me to keep in touch with close friends and family.) I was hoping to start this back in July because I knew I would have a lot of "blog-worthy" things for the month of August. obviously, tht didn't happen. my new plan is to catch you up with what happened in August & then go from there. I hope you enjoy it!