Merry Christmas!

We want to wish each of you and your families a very merry Christmas!
Thank you for your continued prayers for us as we walk this journey as a family of three. Even though we continue to miss daddy very much each day we are able to walk with such strength. We give God the glory for all He has provided-including our family and friends like you!

Like Father, Like Son...

Skeet Shoot 2010
Anthony
with Byron Frankland

Skeet Shoot 2007

Daddy

Daddy really enjoyed Skeet Shooting and helped get a Men's Tournament started a few years back through our church, TABC. (I love this picture of Dario, so focused.)
This year my dad invited Anthony to come along and he had a blast! Our friend, Bryon helped Anthony with his one shot. Anthony tells the story that he hit the target. I don't know if this is true but I love the idea that Anthony participated in something that his daddy had a hand in and enoyed so much.

New Smile!

Anthony pulled his first tooth out tonight all by himself!

Look at that smile!

Wasp Sting

Okay so it finally happened...Anthony went through most of this summer being so very afraid of getting stung by a wasp. He was a little obsessed and we saw quite a few wasps but nothing happened all summer . Until today...poor thing was just going out the back door at Grandma's House to see his Grandpa in the garden when all of a sudden a wasp swooped down and tagged Anthony on the hand. Now Anthony does not cry much at all, not a real, sad, hurtful cry, so I knew something really happened. He was just outside the window and I could see him start to run inside calling for me. I grabbed what I needed to care for him and was able to get him to calm down some but the best part of the story is what Isabella did...

She was so concerned for her big brother. She has not heard him cry like that but just a handful of times. While in Grandma's arms she started babbling something, leaning in to get closer to her brother she was able to put her hand on his shoulder and then started patting him. Patting our backs is how she hugs and tells us she loves us. She does this with me, Anthony and Grandma and Grandpa when we first pick her up in the mornings, after naps or at the end of a long day. So to see her do this to Anthony when he was hurting was so very sweet. It made Anthony smile, a great smile, through those big tears.

Later tonight when Anthony and I were driving back from a meeting at Bo's Place we were talking about his wasp sting and what Isabella did for him. He said that she made him smile and it made his heart feel special!

These two kiddoss are such a blessing in my life and I pray they will be the kind of siblings that are there for each other, to care and love on each other all the time. I hate that Anthony got stung by a wasp today but I'm thankful to see such a sweet expression of love. God is so good to give us just what we need at the just the right time. Keep your eyes open and you will see too.

Celebrating Daddy's Birthday...

When I asked Anthony what he wanted to do to celebrate Daddy's birthday the very first thing he said was he wanted to go to the ice cream shop next to the Game Stop where we went with Daddy. Now mind you the story he is thinking about happened about 3 years ago. Wow! What a memory this kiddo has!!

Since that is what Anthony wanted to do for his Daddy's birthday...that's what we did.

First, we went to Texas Roadhouse...one of Daddy's favorite restaurants and enjoyed Ribeye Steak...Daddy's favorite meat! (Isa stuck with just the green beans!) Then we headed over to Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Shop and Anthony ordered Coffee Ice Cream because that is what Daddy liked. :) Finally, our night ended at Game Stop. Anthony sweet talked me into a fishing game for his Xbox because his favorite memory of Daddy was that he played games with Anthony. How can you resist that? So, that was our evening. I think we had a great family day, remembering Daddy and spending time together.

We have had many family and friends send us emails, texts, phone calls and other messages throughout today letting us know that they are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. Please know how much we appreciate it. I believe it has truly made a difference throughout this special day.

 Daddy's favorite verse (well at least one of them!) 

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. ~Philippians 4:13

That is the strength that gets me through each day, stronger than the last.

Remembering Dario's Birthday

Isabella's 1st Birthday!

Isabella turns one year old!

Isabella had a great day filled with love from family and friends, cake (well at least lots of icing!), presents and laughter. She is such a precious princess, a true gift from God. Isabella has brought me so many smiles and comfort during this year. I am so thankful to call her my daughter and to hear her say "mama" and "bubba". I believe God has big plans for her. Part of His plan, I know, was just to be in my arms to hold and love during these days. As both Anthony's and Isabella's birth announcements say..."Every good and perfect gift comes from above." ~James 1:17

I love you, Isa!

Happy 1st Birthday, Isabella!
Love, Mommy and Anthony

Family Pictures August '10

Anthony 6 years old, Isabella 11 months
Pictures taken by my sweet friend, Kerrie
at Frankie Carter Randolph Park, Friendswood, TX.

September 1, 2010

Today marks 6 months that our journey began without Dario. It feels as though it has not been that long but I do feel that tired. I am so thankful for my support that surrounds me each day. My family that is there for us at every turn. My friends that call, send cards, stop by just to love on us. My church family that prays, hugs and allows me freedom to shed tears during each Sunday service. My work family that keeps me very busy each day, but loves me and encourages me too. My daughter that needs me for everything, that laughs and loves all day long. My son that keeps me on my toes, has a blast with his sister and loves his daddy with all his heart. My God that is patient with me as He encourages me and gives me HOPE each new day. 

A couple of celebrations:
Anthony has his first wiggly tooth!
Isabella is standing and trying a few steps on her own!

God is good.