The end of the month is near......this month is always that time of year I feel hollow. The 25th will be 7 years since God blessed us with Elizabeth Ann entering our lives...however, she exited as fast as she arrived. It's a tough time for me, and I know for everyone in my family. It's hard to talk about this time of month.....everyone seems to just get busy doing other "things" so we don't have to talk about her. I wish I would have done things differently for my girls after we lost Elizabeth. I feel so guilty that I did not know what to do for them. I was there for them, but at the same time, I don't think they felt they could talk to me about her....maybe there were afraid it would upset me? I don't know, but I wish I would have handled things differently....seeked some kind of professional counseling for the loss of a child/sibling. So many things happened during that time that has forever changed my girls.....emotionally, personally.....I see it in them, whether they think I do or not. Some things I think has made us stronger as a family, but other ways, I think the opposite. How do you ever plan or prepare yourself for the loss of a child? How do you ever get over it? Time heals all wounds - at least that's what I've heard, but it's always as if it just happened during this month.....
So many have gone thru losses this past year. I know how their heart aches for the loss of their loved ones.....So many people don't know what to say to people who have gone thru such a loss....people tend to say stupid things.....or comments....not meaning to at all.....but just because they truly don't know what to say. Some people tend to just stay away - because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing.....but you know, to be honest here.....you don't have to say a word. Just be there. Be there to listen. Be there to hug if it is needed. Be there to cry with them. Be there. Be a friend. I know the trials in my life have changed me. I know the trials in my life also changed my family. I know that I am different. I know I have a lot of issues I need to resolve still. I know, I know, I know. Time continues to slip thru my fingers.....my children are no longer children, but young adults. I look at them in amazement that they are my children. They are so beautiful. They are so smart (really, how could they be mine?). They just amaze me. As a parent, I could not be prouder. I love them with all my being and I thank God that he allowed me to have had the experience with them that I never experienced with Elizabeth Ann. I know HE had different plans for her life....and I know someday, we will all be together again.

Fall is here

Fall is here! I love this time of year when the air is crisp and cool, and you have to find that fall sweater tucked in a tub somewhere in the house! Well...I found my fall/winter stuff and now it's time to put away all the summer stuff....always work to do!
We are starting to get into a routine. Cassie off to college....Morgan getting busy with school - tennis season is about over - and she is getting busy with the school play Annie. Also, this month is full of band activities! Friday this week she has to be at school by 5:30am to practice for a pep rally - the school will be on the early morning news! She is excited about that - we'll see how excited she is when I wake her at 5am!!! She also decided she wanted to start piano lessons, so on Tuesdays we will be visiting Ms. Barbara Driskell for a 30 minute lesson! She is excited about it. I have to say, I am too! Morgan went to the homecoming dance last week - with friends. She sure looked beautfiul! She even wore the same dress her sister did her sophomore year! Enjoy the photos!

Life at the Sandbergs, well....it's different these days. I have to say, I still have that pit in my stomach feeling a lot of the time.....it's just a mom missing her daughter. Our house doesn't seem to have as much laughter these days...I miss that. I'm working on myself these days - trying to get myself organized and start doing some more projects that need to be started! Like cleaning out the attic and getting rid of STUFF that just takes up space - I always have good intentions to do this year after year after year, and then another year goes by...and well....it never gets done! Anyone else like that? I really don't look forward to getting in that dark, spider infested (I'm sure) room, but it needs to be done. Thinking it might be fun to have a fall 1 day garage sale to just get rid of the STUFF! But I'm sure that's more work than it's worth - but still might try to do that in a few weeks -

Daisy is continuing to grow and she is the sweetest puppy! We just love her. She is friendly with everyone - even little ones! We were blessed with taking care of Rebecca & Samantha Stark last weekend and Daisy was so good with them - even wanted to share her toys! ;0) We are so glad to have Daisy in our home!
Cassie will be home Oct 25th for the Memorial Softball Game in memory of Don Smith. It will be good to see her! I'm so thankful that she is enjoying school and all that goes along with college life. She sounds so happy when I hear her - which is not very often. We do get an occasional text message. I got some photos out the other day - of her when she was 5 taking dance lessons at MelRoes! Such a beautfiul little girl, and to this day, is just as beautfiul - inside and out!
Fall is here. Nice long walks are much needed. Time to find some solitude and just be with Jesus - sounds so relaxing - and peaceful.
Enjoy the beautiful fall days!
Denise