So there's this guy..

The 16th of April marked the day of mine and Justin's first date.. 8 years ago! We went to Applebee's and then back to my apartment to watch a movie. There was just something about him that I really liked. He was sweet, caring and focused. And besides that, he fit right in with my family, he cared for both of his parents who weren't in good health and he was crazy about me!

We dated for about 2 1/2 years before we got married.

And we were married for another 2 1/2 years before we had Isabella.

Daddy and Bella

And then of course, our magic number.. 2 1/2 years before we got pregnant again.

Daddy & Katelynn

 I'm so thankful that we took the time with each other before getting married and adding a baby to the mix. We definitely cherished the time that we had together first.

During our 8 years together, we have lost his mom, my dad and then his dad. He went to Arizona and got certified in mobile electronics and I finished college and got my degree, we started two businesses, we adopted two dogs, we had two kids, and the list keeps growing! Life has taught us a lot of lessons, including to be there for each other during the good times.. and the bad.

Not only is he my best friend but he is also the best dad that I could have chosen for my children. He is a loving and thoughtful daddy. He isn't afraid to play dolls and loves to teach Bella all about cars. Both of the girls adore him and so do I.

This post wasn't for anything special.. just because.

I love you Justin!

3 years

Today it has been 3 years since my dad died. 3 years. I wish I could say it's easier now but it's really not. This past year I've missed him so much. I want him to know Bella. I want him to see where I'm at in my life and be proud of me, because he always was and he always told me he was. I need that right now.

I know I haven't really talked a lot about my dad's death on my blog because it's hard to talk about. I had a lot of regrets when my dad died. Month before he died I had a feeling that I needed to fix things, to say the things that I've always wanted to say but of course I didn't. I feel like I've moved past that now and I have told him the things I needed to say. I know he understands. I believe that he can still see us and he's always watching over us. And I know that I'll see him again and it will be at a time and place where the unsaid doesn't need to be said. Today though, my heart is heavy with sadness.. but also with love and I'm grateful for all the beautiful memories I have of him.

This is the headstone that my sister and I got for him. It's beautiful and so perfect. It stands out so much at the Ogden City Cemetery. It makes me happy when I see it.

The front of his headstone is created from a painting he painted me when I was a little girl.

His favorite song. The guitar is a Fender, just like his.