Dear Hard Knock Life...

You aren't easy, are you life?

You come with trials and tribulations, you come with good times and bad. The trick is getting through the storm and dancing in the rain.

This week has been full of ups and downs. Maybe just downs. So the goal has been to continue to stay positive. As I say, head down, mouth closed, smile on my face. And let me tell you...this is hard. But here's what I've learned in the process.

I've learned that keeping my mouth shut causes me to get some serious built up tension, which causes me to be able to run faster than normal (bonus!).

I've learned that keeping my mouth shut gives people an impression of maturity and 

Professionalism, when really..the thoughts I'm not putting a voice to are from that.

I've learned that keeping my mouth shut has kept others from getting their feelings hurt.

I've learned that keeping my mouth shut has also shut down any drama.

I've learned that keeping my mouth shut has made me feel proud - like I actually deserved a star or something.

I've learned that i like to get my way, and when I don't - It pisses me off.

I've learned that when all else fails - a good run and one glass of wine is like a cure-all. 

Most importantly...I've learned what I've known since my childhood: if I can't say something nice, I shouldn't say anything at all.

Dear Papa Hans

Today is your birthday, September 10. Happy Birthday In heaven Papa Hans! I know to some it may seem strange I call you Papa Hans, considering I never got to meet you. But in our house, you are so regularly remembered, it seems as though I know you very well. Your memory lives on very strongly in your kids.

Your birthday is always a special day for me, as it reminds me where my amazing husband got most of his fabulous qualities. He loves to talk about you, telling hunting stories or farm stories. Most of his favorite memories with you lie on a Mountain in MT. Your birthday also reminds me of where my kids got their signature ears, just like yours. Their signature eyes...

Today we celebrate you. We celebrate your work ethic that you taught your kids,  and will be passed on to your grand kids. We celebrate your love of the outdoors, your of hunting. We celebrate you spending the week on the mountain with the Mr, randomly placing elk around him as if it were a game of cat and mouse. He laughed about what you might be thinking.  We celebrate your kind heart that you passed on to your kids. We celebrate you. 

I know this day is hard for your kids, their hearts ache because they miss you. I try to let my heart sing and encourage the Mr to let his sing too, remembering you are with us daily. Even though you don't get to join in on playing with the nuggets, they know you and you know them. Our nuggets love to talk about you, discussing stories with Daddy. They love to send balloons to heaven, and make small trinkets in your memory. 

You are a true legacy, something all hope to accomplish In their lifetime. You didn't even have to try, you became a legacy just by being...you. 

So today, Papa Hans, we celebrate you on your birthday in heaven. We know you're feasting on a big Steak and doing all things you love. Here on earth, we'll think about you and a smile will fill our faces. 

Love,

J