best. neighbors. ever.

 

Thanks to wonderful Keri and her sweet family, our neighborhood has an amazing tradition every year. All the neighbors go to their house and make about 500 sack lunches. Then the next day, Christmas Eve, we caravan downtown and give out lunches, chapstick, and scarves to the homeless. This is one of the highlights of our whole year. All the kids talk about it and look forward to it...and I know that all of us will always remember the feeling of love and giving from the heart, as we share in this small act of service. 

It's not a big thing...but it sure helps to put things in perspective.

MM 102

Leah always had such fun birthday parties....so many wonderful friends and so much laughter and love.

Leah's birthday is this Saturday. She would have been 31 years old. I can't believe she's gone. 

I got this sweet note from Kristy the other day... 

"Just wanted to let you know that I've been thinking about you like crazy lately. I know this upcoming week will be rough. February has always been Leah's month in my mind. I always looked forward to going to your house and having a Valentines birthday party for Leah. How appropriate that she was a Valentines baby...she gave more love than anyone I know..."

 I am so grateful for all of the wonderful memories.

Every Valentine cookie and paper heart will always remind me of Leah and her wonderful heart full of love.

March 16th...it's soon!!!

 

 Ally and Steven are busy planning their upcoming wedding...March 16th,  I know, it's so soon!!!!!

Ally is such an easy bride and so excited and just grateful for everything. It's such a joy to help her and dream and plan with her. I couldn't be happier for her and Steve if I tried. They are sure two cute lovebirds!

The only thing that would make us all happier is if Leah was here... healthy, well, helping us with the planning and getting all excited with us too. Leah loved a party and loved planing it and all of the details. 

She was so good at it too.

We are all missing her so much it hurts everyday...

Oh how I pray that she is happy and planning the perfect party in heaven right now.

Neighborhood Tradition & Ice Skating

After we went with our wonderful neighbors to deliver lunches to the homeless on Christmas Eve (this is our 8th year...that's crazy!) well, Amy had the great idea to go ice skating. We had such a blast! It was so fun to have Lisa, James and the boys come too. I'm thinking this is a new tradition for sure:)

 Levi wasn't too sure about skating at first...but soon he was lovin' it!

Ally took quite a tumble!! She was still all smiles when she got up...