Walking in Daddy's Shoes

Last week, Amelia walked in the spare bedroom wearing her daddy's flip-flops, she was so excited to show me the huge size 12's on her tiny toddler size 7 feet. It made me think of how much she learns from her daddy and I.

As we celebrate father's day this year, I am reminded of the special men in my life. Of course, my man, Matthew, is top of the list. I am so glad that I have him by my side, and love to watch him be a daddy to Amelia - he's the best ever. I am grateful for the love and support he shows me as we travel through life together.

Amelia loves to draw and so, as a special treat for daddy, we made hand prints on a sheet of card stock and she coloured it in. I love watching her, she's quite meticulous in her little scribbles, so I wanted to capture her focus as she created her masterpiece. She truly loves her daddy.


Of course, my father, Lawrence, is also top of my list. Here is a photo of him taken the last time I saw him when we were home in England. I miss him a lot and although we talk on the phone often, it's just not the same. He has Alzheimer's disease and lives in a care home in England, it's hard to know that one day he probably won't recognize my voice or know who I am, but I am very grateful that he has always been the most wonderful dad I could have asked for. I will always be his "perennial beauty".

My dad has created so many memories for me during my life and I am thankful that he was always there for me, to sing "When You Wish Upon a Star" or tell me about the fairies when I was a little girl. Tonight I was listening to Bob Dylan his favorite musician, as I listened to "Joker man" it brought back fond memories of weekends spent at his home, I love you so much dad, thank you for always making me feel like the most special daughter in the world.

Last but not least, Matthew's dad, Rickie. He was first my bishop before becoming my father, who would have known? He has always shown concern for me and I feel very lucky and privileged that he is now my father and grandfather to my daughter. I know that my husband gets many of his traits from him (most of them good- hee, hee), and I am grateful for the example he has been. He welcomed me into his family with open arms, and although I'm still waiting for the family trip to Disneyland, I know he loves me as if I was his own and that means a lot to me.

Just looking at this photo above makes me smile, Amelia loves her grandpa. Knowing that she will grow up surrounded by so much love, is such a blessing to me.

Of course, it wouldn't be right to finish this post without a shout-out to Amelia's other papa, David. He has always been a wonderful grandfather to Amelia and she loves him very much. We can't wait to see him and my mum (Nana), in August.

I'm so glad that there is a special day set aside where I can take time to think especially about, and appreciate all of the men in my life and family who are so wonderful, and how much they mean to me!

Happy Father's Day, you are loved very much!

A Family Heirloom

Matthew served his mission in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Being close to the Amish communities, he purchased a couple of amish rocking chairs, one custom made for his height (see first photo), and another, made especially for a child, this he sent to his newly born niece Alexis. Well, she is now a beautiful young woman and the chair had served it's purpose in their family.

Over the years, the chair had a lost a couple of slats, but Matthew's sister was able to get the chair and gave it to Matthew's dad. To our delight, dad was able to fix the chair, and Monday of this week, we welcomed this beautiful piece of furniture into our home.

Following are some photographs of Amelia unwrapping it, and sitting in it for the very first time. She was so very excited to have a chair that matched daddy's, she did notice that mummy didn't have a chair and said that it was okay because grandpa could make me one too.

Matthew's chair has become one of my favourite pieces of furniture, after all, it is the chair I have rocked Amelia in since she was a newborn (even though I had to use a cushion under my feet in order to reach the floor). What memories I have of being a new mum, holding the most precious gift I have ever been given.

It is such a blessing to have this in our home, I bet Matthew never thought that something he bought so long ago would someday belong to his daughter.

Thank you so much dad, for fixing this chair for Amelia, we love you!

Walking for Wishes

At work, Matthew is encouraged to take part in various charity events within the community. One of his choices this year was to help raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation, an organization who helps to make dreams come true for children with life threatening illnesses and diseases. Our team "Chester's Cheetahs" was made up of a few of Matthew's colleagues and their families, and we helped raise money by walking a 5K. Of course, one of the highlights was being able to have Chester Cheetah with us. He was a real hit with everybody and it warmed my heart to see the children so excited to see him.

Above, Amelia gave me the biggest hug, as we lined up at the startin line for the walk, I have to say she has been quite a sweetheart this past week.

Below, we all walk together. Amelia did great, and even though we had to carry her a little bit, she did her fair share of walking. Thank you to those who sponsored her.

Here's our family at the Finish Line, the sun had come out and blue sky had replaced the grey that lingered before the race.

Afterwards, we enjoyed refreshment, Amelia and I shared the biggest apple I have ever seen, it was delicious.

There was also a bouncy castle, she wanted to go in, but was a little unsure about getting up, still she had fun.

It was so fun to be out, doing something as a family, for a good cause.