Bittersweet

Today was my baby's birthday. Elizabeth turned four years old. It was a fun day for her. She got a big-girl bicycle. Her PawPaw came over and gave her an Ariel doll and some princess dress-up things. And we went to Carreta's, our favorite Mexican restaurant with Mike's brother, Steve, and his family, Rachel, Hunter and Reece, and Mike's oldest brother, Jay.
It's hard to believe my baby is FOUR years old already! It really seems like yesterday that I found out I was pregnant with her. She's brought so much joy to our lives. I'm so thankful for her. And even though it's hard to watch your children grow up so fast, it's so exciting to see them mature into independent little "people". Elizabeth was so happy today and excited about everything that was going on. It was her request to go to Carreta's for dinner, which of course, we were thrilled with. We love that place. And to even add more fun to the night, they had the "band" playing and singing..very festive. Everyone was having a good time.. talking, laughing, the kids were playing and dancing in front of the band. Then right in the midst of it all, Elizabeth turned to me and said "I wish Gram could be here to see this." Just like that...right in the middle of so much joy and happiness, my world just stopped as my eyes welled with tears... the thought of my four year old child thinking of her Gram during a happy moment in her day..her birthday dinner. Some of you know, and some may not, that my mother-in-law passed away a few weeks ago. It's been hard for Elizabeth to deal with her death. She talks about her often. And asks a lot of questions. I'm not sure that she fully understands exactly what has happened. All she knows is that her Gram isn't here anymore. And that she can't see her anymore. She misses her so much. So do I. So does everyone. She was such a wonderful, happy, funny, charismatic woman. Everyone who met her instantly liked her and she was loved by many. Our days just aren't the same without her in them. I will miss her humor, her great cooking, her quick wit, her sarcasm, our shopping trips.. that woman loved to shop more than anyone. And she couldn't wait to make Elizabeth a mall rat. She was the anchor for our family and there will always be a void in our family gatherings and holidays. She just brought so much life to the party and we will miss her so. I love you, Dee. And I miss you.. we all do.

I'm sorry to make such a solemn post. It didn't really go in the direction that I intended. But it was just weighing heavy on my heart. Hope you don't mind. I guess this is what blogging is really about anyway, right?
Elizabeth's birthday party will be this Saturday. So the next few days will be pretty busy with the last of the party plans, but I will post pictures from tonight and of the birthday party next week. Hope everyone has a great weekend!