Life Lately + Dealing With Loss

It has been six months since I last posted.  The past six months have easily been the hardest of my life after losing my dad.  I miss him every hour of every day.  The first few days and weeks were nothing but a flood of tears and an ocean of emotion (channeling my inner Dr. Seuss there).  I feel very grateful to have had a father as wonderful as him and these days lately, most of my emotions are dealing with missing him and also a great sense of gratitude to have enjoyed so many years, moments, and memories with him.

I find myself wanting to do more of the things that he loved, although we have always shared similar interests; namely painting and drawing, fishing, and enjoying a tall can of cheap beer.  I'm still trying to acquire the taste of Jameson.  Someday.  Never.

I decided to dry some flowers that we had on display at his visitation and funeral so that I can make a special keepsake for myself and my family members.  

The weather here is finally changing and I know it is exactly what I needed for my heart to feel full again.  The new growth and change of the seasons is a reminder that although life ends, new life begins and it is a beautiful thing.  The only advice I have to offer to someone dealing with loss is don't always focus on what is missing, focus on what you have.  If you keep that perspective, it will help you make it through the hard times.

As I get older, I find myself more at peace being outdoors.  The girls have been quite the little flower pickers.  I love every single one they give me.  It has been wonderful being outside again.  The cabin fever was real in the Christensen house this winter. 

 

Tate had a day off on Sunday.  We had such a good day of family time.  After lunch, we went to the ball fields and Tate helped my nephew with batting practice while all of us fielded the balls (from the outfield for safety).  After that, we went to the park and watched the kids go down the slide several thousand times before hitting up our local ice cream shop that will be the death of my hot summer bod.  From there, we went down to the river to throw rocks in the water.  The kids love it, I know it sounds kind of lame haha. I found three shells by the river and Libby wanted to keep them.  Towards the end of the day she took a picture of her shells using Tate's phone.  I was so impressed.  I think I am going to print and frame it as a reminder of our perfect day.

 

Libby had to relax on the porch swing after our long, adventurous day.  Some upcoming projects we have on the docket for our house include updating our dining room (I can't wait to show these blown up old posters of our parents) and also transforming our treehouse!  Now that life is getting back on track, I will be posting more.  Thanks for reading. XOXO.

"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive." -Eleonora Duse