Hi cutie pies! It’s been a minute since I have blogged… a minute being almost an entire year. I have felt the pull to write many times. I just haven’t made the time to complete posts and publish them. I find myself getting lost in TV shows or social media to wind down after a day of work and a workout. It is mindless and I just want to veg. So let’s get out of that mindless comfort zone a little bit and blog more. Since it’s been a while, let’s keep it short and sweet with an update on all things life.

Since I blogged in November of 2022 I:

I became an aunt to our sweet MNM!

I started teaching a cycle class once a week.

I moved! It was definitely a butterfly moment for me.

I spent a lot of time with family and friends.

I went to Florida to visit family and spent some much needed time by the beach.

I celebrated my friend’s big moments! Weddings, engagements, babies, pregnancy announcements, baby showers, birthdays, gender reveals, and all those in between moments I am so thankful to be on the sidelines for.

The weeks go by so fast when you are busy. Time goes by and memories are made. Everyone is busy with their own routines and schedules. I swear you talk about getting together with a friend and next thing you know three months have flown by and you still haven’t seen each other.

Other than feeling like I don’t have enough days in a week, I have honestly been loving this season of my life. Independence, freedom, healing, peace and joy. I swear I cry happy tears a couple times a week. I am in my 30’s, dating someone, no kids, haven’t bought a house yet, and chasing my career. I believe people often miss the joy of this season because they want to be in their next season so bad. I think you miss out on so dang much and oh what a precious time this is.

Society pressures us to check the boxes and have them checked by a certain time. If they aren’t checked, you are just a big fat loser. My friend that’s a big fat load of BS! Just remember this… it’s his plan and everything in your life, good and bad, is always in his perfect timing. If it is meant for you, it will find you. If it is not, it won’t…no matter how hard you force it or want it. If it is for you, it is already yours.

I struggled after I got a divorce because I felt like I had my one chance at marriage and this life I dreamed of and totally blew it. Which is 100% a lie. It took me a while to believe I was worthy of a great marriage, life and the dreams I have always wanted. I believe it now, but trust me when I tell you there are days I don’t think I am. Oh those silly lies we tell ourselves.

Those boxes don’t determine your success, worth or future for you or me. You are perfectly made in God’s eyes. He knew your people, your community and the whole dang world needed a YOU! It needs your uniqueness, quirks, intelligence, humor and light you can only glow. SO if he knew we all needed you just the way you are, don’t doubt for a second the life he has planned for you. That doesn’t mean it won’t be without struggles, hardships and just shitty situations. That’s okay. That is how he molds you to be the person you are meant to be, to help those around you, and teach you lessons. Beautiful flowers need rain to grow.

Life is a roller coaster. It’s scary, fun and a whirlwind. Just enjoy the journey. Bloom where you are planted. Find the joy exactly where you are. There are lessons to learn, moments to cherish and character to be built. For some people this time is a valley and for some people it is a full blown sprint. I promise you are loved, cherished, and valued even if those boxes aren’t checked. Be courageous and bold in your faith. Don’t ever forget how much Jesus loves you and the plans he has for your life. They are going to blow your mind!

Until next time,

Amanda

Hi friends! Last week I turned 31. Another year down! Woo! This year was great! I learned how to manage a budget/money better. I got better at setting and holding boundaries. I continued my journey of healing my body, mind, spirit and soul. I changed. I gained wisdom, experience, love, empathy, strength, faith, compassion, awareness, purpose, clarity, patience and resilience. I have always had a grateful heart and appreciation for life. I feel like every year, even in the hard years, my heart grows a couple sizes with awe and gratitude.

This year my faith increased, which I feel it does every year. I experienced God’s favor this year. I saw it through moments of abundance when I was questioning how I was able to afford something, how much needed conversations happened in perfect timing, and how parts of my soul have been healed through therapy and prayer. I can say this year I have witnessed miracles, God’s favor and have been able to accept God’s timeline for my life more than I ever have before.

Money was super tight for me for most of this year. I went on a cash budget and only spent the money I had in my checking account. It was hard. A lot of sacrifices were made. I went without quite a bit. I learned to live below my lifestyle and within my means. I learned to make the things I had work. I learned to say no. Some months I had no clue how I was going to make it all happen or do everything I had committed too. There was quite a bit of stress and a lot of moving forward in uncharted waters. I always believed and kept the faith I would be taken care of. I believed it would all work out exactly the way it was supposed to. I would be lying if I said there weren’t times of doubt. Even with doubts, somehow, someway, and God willing I always had exactly what I needed. I went to work, kept the faith and watched God go to work too.

30 was another year of healing. I found a new kind of therapy, Splankna. The best we have come up with to describe it is you are working through prayer with God to heal the roots of your soul. Each session is life changing. You get to the root problem, give it to God with a specific prayer and you experience the miracle healing powers of God. It sounds crazy until you experience it yourself. It’s pretty amazing.

With healing comes good days, bad days and change. Therapy gets a bad rap that it is only for the weak and broken. Wrong. It is for the strong. It is for the people that are choosing to be better and work through the “baggage” of their life. It is not for the weak. It takes strength to ask for help, to actually seek help and implement the changes in your life. I will always be on this “healing” journey. Why not work to be better on a mental, emotional and soul level every year?

Emotional healing is not the only healing I focus on. I also put a huge emphasis on physical improvement and healing too. One thing I do not ever take for granted is my health and the ability to move. I do all kinds of workout classes from weights to yoga and just about everything in between. I enjoy my workouts. I thank God during my workouts. I thank God for the instructors, movement, ability to pay for a gym membership, my pounding heart, sweat dripping from my face, sore/tired muscles and for the ability to move my body. It is truly a gift. A body in motion stays in motion and is something I never take for granted.

Every year the saying, “One day you’ll realize the little things were the big things all along” is one I find to be more impactful year after year. Focusing on the little things in your life have the ability to change your life. It just depends on what little acts you are doing on a consistent basis. Little acts in your relationships can be doing something as simple as setting out a towel when they are in the shower because it will make their life easier. It can be the simple act of showing love and appreciation with a simple thank you or I love you. It can be the simple act of checking in with a phone call or text. It can be the simple act of listening to a story even if you have heard it a million times and aren’t interested in the topic/conversation. Little moments and actions like these make people feel loved, heard, seen and important. Which is what everybody wants at the end of the day. Just remember the reason you get a seat at their big moments in life is because you mastered or care enough about the person to do the little things. The little things matter. They can have a huge impact on people’s lives and yours.

Maybe it just happens when you turn 30, but I gained a different level of self-confidence this year. I am happy in my own skin. I love my heart and who I am. I have quirks. Don’t we all? I am proud of the person I am and who I am becoming. I fight for her every day. I am still the same person I have always been, but I guess we can say new and improved versions happen every year. I don’t know what made me stop caring as much what other people think about my life and the decisions I make. Maybe it is time? Maybe it is wisdom? Maybe it is just the way life is as you get older? I am not sure, but it is definitely a good feeling.

One thing that seems to be consistent or a theme from my 30th year on Earth is gratitude. I can’t tell you how many times this year I would drive down the road with tears of gratitude flowing thanking God for this life I get to live. I am just so thankful for everything. Don’t get me wrong I have my moments where I am angry, frustrated, annoyed, sad and all the different emotions. I just try not to stay in those moods too long. At the end of the day, I believe we all have a choice. I choose to be happy 98% of the time.

At the end of the day, I try to live my life with this mindset:

Be kind. Be brave. Be YOU! God knew the world needed a YOU, so don’t try to be anyone else. You are too precious and perfectly made to be someone else. Love others and help people when you can. Live your life with a servant and grateful heart. Take care of people and God will make sure you are taken care of too. Love and be nice to yourself. If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. Trust the plan he has for your life. It is his plan, not yours. Tell the truth and be honest. Do what is right, not what is always easy. Don’t be ugly. Stand tall, smile and keep putting one foot in front of the other. No matter how many times you get knocked down, you can get back up and try again. The only way you fail is when you quit. Life is a beautiful journey. Hands up, big smile and enjoy the ride! You are loved, adored and cherished! Every day is a gift from above, so treat it like one.

Until next time,

Amanda

Hey friends! Life is good! God is great! Some people are cray cray! If you have been around me, a phrase I say often is, “Don’t be ugly!” It’s true. Don’t be ugly and rude for no reason! It is just NOT necessary. Well we aren’t being ugly over here. We are being kind. We are taking the high road and focusing on what we can control. We are working hard and putting one foot in front of the other. It’s the little steps that get you up the mountain. Not the big ones. Little things, people, little things… are absolutely 100% without a doubt the big things. Don’t ever underestimate the power of a small act of discipline, kindness, grace or strength. God moves mountains with mustard seeds… little tiny mustard seeds.

Since it’s been a hot minute since I have blogged let’s do a quick catch up, but “lately style”! It’ll be fun! Bundle up buttercup and stay a while!

Lately I have been….

Running around like a chicken with my head cut off… hahaha I’m totally kidding!

Let’s start with eating because sister likes to eat! I love to cook! I can whip something up quick, cook something from scratch or piece meal things together on the fly. It’s called balance! haha A few things that are on constant rotation at my house are veggies with some kind of wild game, sweet potatoes, rice/pasta, breakfast tacos or sandwiches, or some kind of Cajun dish. Matt and I enjoy lunch dates more than dinner dates. A few of our spots in Conroe is Whistle Stop Cafe, Sho-Gun, Marsala’s and La Hacienda. Great food and reasonable prices is my kind of place!

Next on our lately list will be doing. I work, workout, play tennis with my dad a few times a month, cook dinner, walk my dog and enjoy the simplicity of life with a routine. The weekends have been filled with family and friend time. Whether it is at the lake, at some of kind of shower/party, or pool side. I am happiest with my people. Lord knows I have some of the best!

I am most looking forward to my sisters gender reveal today. I am team girl! I am also looking forward to all the upcoming events I have on my calendar. Bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, girl’s trips, checking things off my bucket list, and living this life.

I have been working on projects at work, my Cabi business and my healing journey. I started going to a new type of therapy this year. It is called Splankna. Splankna has completely changed my life and the people around me. I explain it to people as a type of therapy you do with God to get to the root cause and you work with God to completely heal. You will break generational curses, strongholds, trauma and so much more. It really just depends on what comes up in your session. Katherine works her process through her God given gifts to help heal you. I swear you feel like Jesus is sitting next to you throughout your session. I have another session in October and I cannot wait!! If you want to check it out, you can book appointments here.

I guess you could say I am also working on checking things off on my 2022 bucket list. One of the things on my list is to read three books. Yes, three. I have two to go and three-ish months left. I read ‘Glad you’re Here’ by Walker Hayes and Craig Allen Cooper. It was great and a friendly reminder that God will use just about anything to show up in your life. I read it in a week and highly recommend it! I just need to find two more books to read before the end of the year. Any recommendations?

Speaking of my bucket list… I have it glued on my vision board. Oh how dreamy my vision board is! A bad ass barndo, a garden, pool, boat, space for kiddos to run around, the most dreamy kitchen where I will fill the bellies of the ones I love, a gorgeous back porch with a swing and so much more. One of the things on my vision board is to start a non-profit. I have had a pull on my heart for it for a while. I am not sure what the cause would be or what it would entail. I just know when it comes to fruition it will impact many people. It will help them through transitions in their life. It will breathe life into dry bones. It will be a mover and a shaker in the lives it needs to touch. So if someone were to ask me what I am dreaming of, it would be my future family, work (my job now and my non-profit), legacy, house, and lifestyle. Alllllllll of it is for his glory. All of it is for him. I am just the one who went to work, so he could go to work.

This year my focus each day is to put one foot in front of the other. I am climbing my mountain day by day, step by step. I am making my way and following God’s direction as my compass. Sometimes I get off the path and other’s I am spot on. Regardless of where I am on my path, I am taking each step with a grateful heart. Most days my eyes fill with gratitude tears for this life I get to live. Are times tough? Money tight? Not sure how something is going to work out? Doubts? Insecurities? Fear of the what if’s and unknown? AB-SOL-Freaking-UTELY! But somehow and only in a God given way I always have exactly what I need. Need… not always want… but need 100%! AND everything that is meant for me happens when he knows I am ready to receive it. When. he. knows. I am ready to receive it… not when I think I am. I constantly have to remind myself it is not my plan, but his.

At the end of the day, everyone has something they are dealing with. Your response to the things that happen to you is all about your perspective. My friends joke around with me and tell me, “You could be in a field of weeds and only see the flowers.” I choose to be happy. I choose to listen to and feel my exact feelings. I choose to give myself a whole lot of grace and have the expectation I am a constant work in progress. I respond intentionally and accordingly to learn and be a better human. I choose to live my life with with gratitude, intentional behaviors/decisions, and to be in the moment. I want to soak up all the little moments on this journey of my life and just enjoy it. I encourage you to do that same!

It’s been all fun and games catching up! Until next time pretty people!

Amanda

Hi friends! What’s the good news? Livin’ life? Looking for God’s favor in your life? OR are you struggling? Barely making it? Maybe a mix of both? I have been a mix for a while. Happy, healing and grieving all at the same time.

March 2018 is when I feel I was put into a sling shot and have been slowly pulled back, under tension since then. One day I will be released to soar. In the meantime, I have had great moments and even more moments of growth. It’s been a journey to say the least. The most incredible journey with ups, downs and just about everything in between. I used to get annoyed during those life “rainstorms”, but now I have learned to dance in the rain because things are shifting, moving and changing. I am being formed into the person I am made to be! Call me overly optimistic… I believe you always have a choice. Don’t get me wrong I definitely have moments of, “WTF?!” They are full of tears, worry, stress and no hope. It’s not always rainbows and sunshine around here. Let’s just say I live life with a 90/10 rule with my thoughts and 80/20 rule with food. We’ll talk about food stuff another day… maybe my favorite go-to recipes. Stay tuned! Squirrel! Back to our topic.

I think I changed the most when I took moments to sit back and watch all the ways God moved in my life. I saw first hand that everything down to the tiniest detail was taken care of. It showed me that the things I thought were happening to me to “destroy or set me back” were in reality happening FOR me.

When something is meant for you, it will happen the second God wants it to. Not the moment you think you are ready for it. The moment you ARE ready for it.

Since it’s been a while since I have blogged (even though I said this year was going to be full of blogging… well well well we have 5ish months left of 2022 so there is still time to make up for it), let’s recap some of the things I have learned, have lived by for years and just some simple reminders that have smacked me in my face the past eight months of 2022. Here we go, yall!

• I have a new attitude that the things that are meant for me will find me when I am actually ready to receive them.
  
• This year has strengthened my faith in massive ways. I have watched God move mountains in and for the people around me. I have watched their faith grow. I have seen God deliver exactly what they needed and then some.
  
• I adopted an unwavering faith that I am being taken care of down to the smallest things. There has been many many many thankful tears shed in moments when God delivered exactly what I needed. Sometimes it is in the last hour, but it always comes through. I literally sit in compete aw and know there will be more grateful tears to come.
  
• I have really learned you have to grieve the life you thought you would have, the relationships with certain people and the things you would do. That has been the hardest part of my divorce. I had a 5, 10 and 15 year plan. Things were falling right into place and then divorce. Just because I miss the life I had planned doesn’t mean I want that life back. I just thought I would be married, have kids, a house and all the moments/memories that come with that by 30. Again, if I meant to have those things they will happen in God’s timing. Not mine. I am perfectly okay with that. I am enjoying this season. This season is very peaceful, full of sleep and freedom. Haha!
  
• I am enjoying the season I am in and cherishing each moment. I used to look so far into the future and what was next I would miss the joy right in front of me. I would be lying if I said I didn’t worry about the future and “timelines” at times. I do. I just know if it’s meant for me it will be.
  
• You also have to grieve the person you were. Yup. You will change and grow into a new you. Not an entirely new you, but a new version… let’s say Amanda 2.0!
  
• Friends come and go. You get on different paths. You don’t talk as often. I am always here if you need me.
  
• Boundaries are for you, not for them. I have found holding a boundary every time versus having a big conversation about your boundaries has worked better from my experiences. People freak out when you have big conversations about new boundaries because they feel like you are taking something from them. Remember people resist change because of the impact it will have on THEM.
  
• Calm, cool conversations are key. It’s all in your delivery.
  
• Physical fitness and a routine will change your life. That routine should include things for YOU. What fills your cup? It can be simple things. It can be grand things. Just think of the things you enjoy doing and include at least one in your daily routine. One of mine is making my bed everyday. It starts my day right, brings me a sense of accomplishment and there is nothing better than getting in a made bed at night. I’m a simple soul with a grateful heart and easy to please.
  
• I experience big emotions when when I am close to a breakthrough and working through my crap. I am typically tired, no energy, overwhelmed, have lots of tears, frustrations, irritable, impatient, and little things that normally don’t both me do. For example, my friends and I laugh because when we are in these stages we say, “[Insert name] is just breathing too loud!” Haha I have learned to embrace these moments and just sit in it. It may be uncomfortable, but I will work through faster if I do.
  
• Serve where there is a need and you will be blessed. Live your life with a servants heart. You are doing the work of God – he will give you exactly what you need to serve. Matt is the very best at this.
  
• Look for God’s favor in it all. Example, when I get a green light God get’s a quick Thank you!
  
• Make a bucket list for each year. It can be whatever you want. Some of the things on my list I have been wanting to do for years, I just always brushed them off. It has been fun to cross things off my list!
  
• I also created a grateful jar this year. I have been writing good things, memories, funny moments, etc. on sticky notes and putting them in a big mason jar. I will read them on 12/31/2022. I have a feeling this will be a norm going forward!
  
• Healing is messy, tough, and not fun. Those days when you are angry, sad, frustrated, etc. you are healing. Remember those feelings are secondary emotions. Try to figure out the core of what is really going on. Once you identify the root cause, you normally will simmer down. You can now move forward to resolve that feeling or setting a boundary to prevent it in the future. You will always have triggers or things you don’t like. That’s life buttercup!! It’s not what happens to you, it is how you react. You can control that, so work on it! It takes practice and you will get better the more you do it.
  
• Shit is going to happen. Things suck at times. It’s a season. It’s either a lesson or a blessing. I challenge that it is always both. Some seasons are longer than others, but it’s a season. Sometimes it’s so shitty all you can do is cry or laugh. Grace, my friend, grace. It will get better. Life is a rollercoaster full of ups, downs, twist and turns. Strap in sister! What a ride!!
  
• If your heart is in it, you can’t fail. Ever. You only fail when you quit. Just keep getting back up because one day you will stay up.
  
• When you feel complete peace about a decision, that’s when you know it’s right. Trust God’s direction for your life and your intuition. I always say that “gut feel” is God’s voice or your guardian angels directing you. Trust yourself and don’t be afraid to make the “wrong decision”. There is no such thing. Again, lesson or blessing. You will always end up on the path you are supposed to be on. Even if you take a few or a lot of detours.
  
• Get you some God friends. They will be game changers.
  
• Everything that happens to you in your life is for you. Whether it’s to help someone else in a similar situation, grow, impact, change, encourage or simply just learn. It is all for you and for his kingdom of people. Remember he made YOU exactly the way you are for a reason. He knew the world, today, needed a YOU!
  
• Save your money. Budget. Spend within your means. Learn to say no. Your people will understand. There will be sacrifices. It’s worth it.
  
• You will only get what you want in life by working for it, asking for it and being assertive. This is a HUGE lesson I have learned this year and is 100% a work in progress!
  
• Laugh. Say what is on your mind. Put it all out there. Love your people big! Invest in your people. Invest in you. Invest in your future. You are worth it!

The last five years have been game changers for me. I have put some serious intentional work to be better in all areas of my life. At times it has been harder than others, but the reason I have had so much personal growth these last five years is because in each moment I intentionally choose my reaction/response. Some reactions/responses have not been great and are definitely “be better” moments and others I have nailed. I accept I am 100% a work in progress. I just don’t accept having a victim mentality. It actually makes me cringe when people make that their excuse for horrible behavior. Shit happens to everyone. We have all had unfair, bad or unexpected things happen to us. Put your big girl panties on or pull up your boot straps and move forward. What happened to you, happened. Now Choose to be better. Choose to rise above it all. CHOOSE TO LEARN FROM IT! It’s your choice. I have made my choice and my life is better because of it. I have great relationships and friendships in my life because of it. I sleep with peace at night because of it. I have a stronger relationship with God because of it. I am who I am today because of all the shenanigan’s I have been through and the choices I have made.

Life is too short to settle for misery. You are worthy of GREATNESS! You are worthy of JOY! You are worthy of LOVE! You are worthy of those pulls on your heart! You are worthy of it all!!

Have a great day! Look for God’s favor. Smile. Laugh. Give a stranger a compliment. Go make someone’s day!

Until next time,

Amanda

On 3/31 my precious Ava girl went to be with Jesus. I wanted to do a blog post to capture the good moments, memories, and create a post that honors her life. How? Because I have tried and I keep starting over because it just doesn’t do her justice. So instead of attempting to put together the perfect words, I thought it would be more fitting to write her a letter. So here we go….

Ava,

My sweet, precious and perfect girl! I miss you so much! When you went to Heaven, I felt a piece of me went with you. I have had this pit in my stomach for a week now and my heart feels bruised. I know all too well that feeling is grief. Even though I knew it was time, it doesn’t make it easier. Everyone told me I would know when it was time to let you go. I believe in a way, you told me too. You were sick for a while and we did everything we could to help you. Being your mama made my heart grow ten sizes. You were a true rescue (who could leave you at a dump in Baytown?!), but Lord knows we both needed to be rescued. Baby girl, you did just that. You helped heal parts of me that needed pure unconditional love that only a four legged fur baby can provide.

Ava you brought so much love and laughter into my life. I was so proud of you and proud to be your mama. You were so sweet, playful, super smart and obedient. A true border collie and golden retriever mix with the perfect combination of each breed’s best qualities. You were the hide and seek champ. You could find anyone. You made the best bear noises and had the prettiest shark teeth. You had an insanely good memory and I felt you could understand every word I said. I loved how you would sleep at the foot of my bed every night until you got too hot and then moved to the tile floor. You would get SO excited when we went on walks or when we went to Mamo and Popper’s. Anytime we would get ready to leave you would run around making it tough to put your leash on. You loved to bark at the trash people and really any noise outside our door. Those high pitched barks would practically give me a heart attack. Sometimes you would sit next to me and listen to me ramble on about something I was trying to figure out. I always appreciated those moments, because even though you can’t talk you helped me work through so many situations. Those gestures of big sighs, winks and eye rolls were great feedback. You were a nap queen and the most peaceful sleeper. Sometimes I would just watch you sleep and express complete gratitude to the big man upstairs for allowing me to be your mama. You would sit by the window and watch everything and everyone. That is something you got from your mama… your love of people watching. Your favorite treats were bones, bell peppers, frozen green beans, apples, carrots, eggs, but your favorite treat was popcorn. When the kernels would start popping you would prance around the kitchen waiting for the popcorn to be done. Sometimes you would bark at me if I didn’t put it in the bowl fast enough. You would always stand right under me just in case a piece fell. You were quite the foodie! I mean I don’t blame you…. let’s just say you go that from your mama too! You would work it to get food. The ears, the smile, the eyes and the patience. I mean how could we ever resist your sweet face?! Some people *cough Matt cough* were suckers for sneaking you food. Ha! Baby girl, you know this list could go on and on and on. I was so in tune with you and your behaviors. I was really in a constant state of aw. You were my girl and I was your mama! I unconditionally loved you, adored you and soaked up every second of you.

You and I went through a lot of life together. Highs, lows, and about everything in between. You were right by side through it all. Dance parties to bawling crying in a ball on the floor. You were there for it. Thank you for never leaving my side! Just your presence was healing and comforting. Again, who rescued who?

No matter how bad or good my day was, I knew I was coming home to you. Your greeting’s were the BEST!! Shark teeth smile, loud barks, waggin’ tail, and just so much excitement you could barely contain yourself. You would get your lovin’ and then run over to the crate to let Murray out. You were the best sissy to Reba and Murray. You shared your toys, played hard, snuggled and every now and then would remind them you were the boss. The apartment is really quiet now that you and Reba aren’t here. Murray is just not quite the talker you were. He is gentle, calm and so laid back. He misses you a lot too, but is adjusting to the only child life. I am sure he will love being the center of attention soon just as you did when you were an only child.

Ava one of the many things I loved about you is that you were always happy even on the days you were in a lot of pain. The only times you weren’t happy was if you got a bath, mama trimmed your toe nails, cleaned your ears, or if someone left without saying good bye to you. I loved your personality and your larger than life heart! You truly lit up any room you were in.

I know you are sitting next to Jesus and are pain free now. Guaranteed you got a fast pass to Heaven with how sweet you were. You served your purpose and there is purpose in your passing too. I am just not sure what that is yet. I can imagine you are running around in beautiful green pastures filled with the most beautiful flowers chasing cows, tennis balls and your sissy and friends. You have a comfy bed to sleep in every night and all the toys to play with. You are in complete peace! I rest easier knowing you looking down on us with the most beautiful smile and those sweet chocolate brown eyes. I just wish I could hear those moans, groans, growls and barks again. I just wish I could give you all the kisses on your face and give you one of those mama loves you with everything hugs. I know I will again some day and until then you are my guardian angel watching over me, Murray, Matt and the rest of your family.

Ava you were my world and I was yours. I cherish each second we were able to spend together. Being your mama was a precious gift from above and the good Lord knew exactly what he was doing when he brought you into my life. A true match made in Heaven!

We all miss you so much! Our hearts hurt and tears fall from our eyes often. We also find joy, laughter and healing when we talk about you. Thank you for loving us, protecting us, and making us laugh so much! You were the best little sassy pants diva girl!

You came into my life and changed it for the better. I am better because of you and who you were. I will always love you, cherish you, honor you and talk to you (even if that makes me look cray cray)!

I miss your loud barks, dog hair, and wet nose kisses. I miss your good morning’s and your playful spirit. I just miss so many different moments of you. It will take time to grieve your death. I promise to move forward in bravery and live life to the fullest because that is how you lived. Life is short and your death is a reminder of that. Fly high baby girl!!

I will love you forever and always, Ava!

XOXO,

Your mama