The Autumn Leaves....

There are times in your life when you wonder if you will be happy again. I had one of those times exactly four years ago, when my dad passed away. It was such a huge loss to have at such a young age, and continues to be a loss I feel on a regular basis. That first night, Todd and I walked the neighborhood in the dark. I remember hearing all the leaves crunching under my feet with each sad step. It is hard to walk across leaves without remembering that night, and the day that preceded it.

My dad was a lot like my husband. Totally playful, and spent alot
of time getting tackled by his two little girls.

This little girl is the only grandchild that got to meet her Grandpa Ingoldsby. She was a young 10 months old when he died. Bronwyn-Rose is named after both of my parents: Bron and Valerie Rose. It is a name I picked out when I was about 12 years old.

This little cutie is the first male offspring from my dad's line.

I was pregnant with Magdalen, our second child, when my dad passed. And though it sounds too good to be true, the first time I felt her kick was at his funeral.

But now, four years later, I am happier than I ever really thought I would be. Despite losing my dad, I am loving life as a stay at home to my three kids. I will always wish that my dad was here to be a part of all our lives, but I have learned to be happy without him.

I can only hope to handle teenage drama with two girls as well as he did!

And pray that these two princesses will adore their daddy as much as I adored mine.

I couldn't resist taking some pictures today.
The weather was perfect, and the leaves were amazing!

This smile says it all. Life is good! I have certainly wasted too much time feeling sorry for myself. Life is short, and I am thankful to be enjoying it so much.