Today

Annaliese,

Today your daddy and I took you to school. It was the first day of pre-kindergarten.

Today is a day we have been making our way towards for a while now.

Today as you sat so bravely on the carpet, looking up at a woman who will become one of many who will help shape who you become, my heart broke a little. I wanted so badly to bundle you up in my arms, carry you home, and never look back. To take you home so that you would stay little forever. So that you would always call out my name when you skinned your knees or had a bad dream.

Today I realize that you are still only four, and luckily I get to enjoy more years of skinned knees, but I know all to well that the years will pass so quickly.

Today I promise to never to wish the days away.

Today your teacher told all the parents not to leave at the same time, and you turned to daddy and I and asked us if we could leave last. Always know that daddy and I will stay until the very last and not leave you until you tell us we can.

Today my hope for you, is that you embrace this next adventure like you embrace everything. With your whole heart and being. I know you will do well, and I want to thank you for letting me be part of your journey.

Mommy

Just to let you know...

I might just die from this heat.
And yes, I expect all who read this to wear black for at least 6 months.

I'm Off To See...The Old People...

The whole Steel family, (Don, Sandy, Trusty and Kacen included) are off to Branson for our yearly vacation. I don't mean to poke fun at Branson, well... yes I do, but it's not my fault. The old people line up their chairs so they can sit on the side of the main street in Branson. Every night. They get there early to pick out a good place. I guess they are to old to cruise up and down the street so they just sit. And talk.
It really is fun though, and I am so thankful to have in-laws that want to vacation with us, and in-laws that I want to vacation with!
So here's to Branson...and old people.

Dora the "Explorer"

Annaliese and JH had Dora in the bath last night and this is how I found her this morning. She looks to me like a used up Las Vegas prostitute. Legs open, trying to wave down business. And while this Dora can't leave you with a VD, she can probably leave you with a nice amount of lead in your system. Dora's bad.