Sunday, February 1, 2009

Happy 1st Birthday, Eva Grace!!!





I made a whirlwind trip to Texas this past week.  I needed to bring my car back so I flew down to Tx.  I was able to see one of my friend's husband who was home on R&R.  Then I did a bunch of things with the house to get it ready for the movers.  I took all the pictures off the wall and patched up all the nail holes.  The office was the hardest to do since all the pictures that were hanging, Rob had put up.  I saved it for last and took pictures of the entire room so I would always remember it.  I have to say that this trip to the house was a lot harder than when I went down for the memorial service.  I was by myself this time and the silence was deafening.  I absolutely love my house but I couldn't stand to be alone in it.  My friend Ali then drove with me back to Nebraska.  Ali and I went to see Rob at the cemetary.  I had bought a little Willow Tree figurine that was a little girl holding a balloon saying "birthday girl"  and a pink rose that I put on his grave.  Ali bought a yellow rose and guardian angel pin from the guys and also layed it next to him.  I cannot believe my little baby is now one year old!  It's so bittersweet.  Rob was supposed to be here for her birthday.  This morning when we woke up, my parents, Julia and I all told Eva happy birthday.  Eva then said "da-da".  Julia said "Don't worry.  Daddy will be there.  He'll see you at your party."  That little girl never ceases to amaze me!!  We had a great time with family and friends.  Eva was a hoot with her cake thoroughly enjoying all the delicious sweetness! :)  So much has happened this past year but it still seems she should NOT be one!!!  Time truly does fly.  She is more fun every single day and I can't help but feel blessed that my two girls are in my life!!!!

21 comments:

Household6 said...

It still seems so surreal that Rob is gone. I know it must feel 1000x worse for you.

Again, Happy Birthday Eva!!

Any offers on your house in TX?

Heather

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Thank you for sharing the wonderful pics of your darling 1 year old! The cake picture was a hoot! My little girl is already 4 months old, hard to believe how fast time flies. Julia's comments about Rob being at Eva's birthday couldn't be more perfect. I hope you felt his presence. Each momentous occassion brings back so many memories. I know it must be hard, but he is truly there. He wouldn't leave you hanging. Hold on to the memories you have and live for those yet to come. Give Eva a birthday hug and God Bless you and the girls!

Heather in Helena, MT

Nancy said...

Great photos Dena, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Eva! You have the best Mommy, and big sister around! They love you so much, and we know your next year will be even more fun than your first! Keep being your cute self!

:)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Eva! It looks like you really liked your cake! I see so much of your Dad and Mom both in you--what a blessing you and Julia are to your Mommy!
Dena, I'm so sorry you had to go through taking down so many peronal memories from your house in Texas. Hopefully it is one more step towaards healing for you. Those things will help to make your new house a home. Julia is a very wise little girl--I hope the Charlie Brown Kids groups continues to provide help to both of you. Here's hoping you will soon be settled in your new home--we continue prayers for you and the girls. Love and prayers....Jackie and Joe.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Eva! I have been thinking of you both all day today.

Anonymous said...

Eva definitely has the joie de vive and looks too adorable for words! Happy Birthday little one!

brittneyjackson said...

Hey Dena, I was thinking of you all. Happy birthday to Eva! It looks like she had a great time with that cake. That girl has a BIG sweet tooth. :o) I'm so glad Eva has Julia to always remind her of her daddy. He'll be with you guys always. I love you guys.
Brittney

Elizabeth Mills said...

Oh my Dena Eva has gotten so big! I am still thinking of yall. Hope all is well.

Mary Reilly and I wish Eva a happy birthday!

Anonymous said...

Happy 1st Birthday, sweet girl.

We have been thinking about you and your family a lot. And know we are as always, here for you all.

Julia is so amazing and her Faith is unwavering. And am so glad you had the precious time and beautiful figurines to place by Rob's resting place. But know Julia is right, he was with you at the party and will always be with you all. It is different now, but with each passing day, we all - you especially, will learn to accept that and embrace the beautiful memory of our Rob and the importance of his role now in Heaven.
You hang in there and great job on getting the stuff done in Texas. And how sweet that you took the pictures of Rob's room. You amaze me....and we love you dearly.

Love you bunches,
Karen and Craig

About The Caddo Tribe said...

Thanks for the update and happy birthday to Eva. I'm sorry I missed you when you guys dropped Gunner off the other day. I wanted to meet you. I had another commitment that I couldn't get out of. I was also embarassed at the state of my house with the remodeling.
We continue to pray for you and your girls every day and think about you often.

Shani Ginani

Liz said...

I'm just speechless...


I'm glad your sweet lil one had a good birthday!! The pictures are adorable!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Sweet Eva - Dena, God bless you all, and keep you wrapped in His Loving Arms!! Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you always!! Love, Trish Benefield, Rome, GA
TrishBene@bellsouth.net

Anonymous said...

Had a great time with you guys yesterday at the party!
You are doing an AMAZING job Dena at "carrying" it all on!! You are a FABULOUS incredible women and I am so proud of YOU!!!
I can't wait for the "house warming" party at the new house!! :)
Love you to pieces..xoxoxAunt Nancy

B-Mama said...

Dena,
You all continue to amaze me with your strength and fortitude through this undoubtedly trying time. Blessings to you and continued prayers! Your little Eva is a dollbaby!!

In Christ,
Bethany in Virginia

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Eva, she looks like she was having fun. Your littles are so cute. Sorry you had to do that alone. I bet it was hard. I know Rob was looking down with a big smile on his face. He knows you are a good mom. I was glad to see your update. Carol

Anonymous said...

Dena, I recommend printing all photos you like. Some say the digital age may well be the lost age, since most photos are taken digitally, are rarely printed out and often lost to crashing hard drives etc. I can relate as my wife and I seem to have photos from vacations etc back when Kodak was the norm, but everything else is on the computer and I know I've lost some photos already. Anyway, I was just thinking I sure hope you've thought about that. Take care and know that others still feel Rob's loss.~Matt

Anonymous said...

Happy first birthday Eva.
I remember babysitting your sister, but I haven't met you yet. If you are anything like her I am sure you are wonderful.
Lots of hugs,

Anonymous said...

Dena,

I continue to be amazed by your strength. I know Rob is so proud of you. I often think if the situation was reversed and it was Beau that had been taken; I just don’t know if I could be as strong as you are. You are truly an inspiration. Being so far away it’s still hard for us to realize Rob is gone. Do you remember the time you guys visited us and we took the boat to the Gulf. We saw dolphins and parked the boat on the beach. That was a great weekend, as were so many others. I hope you and the girls can come down and visit us sometime soon.

Eva is so cute and so much bigger then when we saw her in November. You have two beautiful girls. They are lucky to have such a great mom.

Love,
Beth and Beau

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, Dena, that poem is so Julia!!! How fitting that we are reminded once again of Rob's constant presence in yours and your sweet daughters' hearts forever. No one can ever take away your wonderful memories, and hopefully they will be yet another healing tool for all of you. Love and prayers........Jackie and Joe

Long-time RN said...

Hi Dena,

Delightful birthday photos of your darling Eva! The girls are adorable and Julia is so wise beyond her years.

Thinking of you and prayers for continued strength and courage. My heart breaks reading of the Texas trip and packing up. So many challenges, stay strong as you carry on.

Blessings and (((hugs))).

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Just thinking of you and the girls.
We are in a snow storm here in Arizona!
Just wanted to send hugs and virtual hot cocoa through the web!