Johnny Simmons

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{Last week my family and I celebrated my grandpa's life. He passed away a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't a shock... he's been sick for some time. He was a veteran of World War II... so, it was a veterans funeral... I've never been to one. It was actually very beautiful. They did the 3 salute shot, the flag folding, and the very sweet/sad funeral trumpet song for him.}

{The trumpet song was so beautiful I immediately started crying. Not just for my grandpa and his kids (my uncles and mom), but for all the soldiers that lose their lives in battle... I spotted a few young women in the cemetery with their young children... I'm tearing up right now just thinking of losing your husband so young. I couldn't even imagine.}

{I wasn't sure if I actually wanted to take photos... but, then I realized this was a moment to remember. My great uncles (my grandpa's 3 brother's) aren't together very often... at all. And, we barely get to see them. I know my future generations will appreciate these photos... just as I appreciate the photos my family took before I was born so I could see my past family!}

{This cemetery was gorgeous! Wildlife everywhere... so well kept and loved. AND, my baby butt, Ruari, was there. :D She wont remember her grandpa... but, she'll have the photos to see she went to his funeral to celebrate is life.}

{And, one more thing... my brother carried my pretty purse/diaper bag the entire time we were there! That's like 2 hours! What a good brother. I'm sure he'll appreciate the photos I took of him. ;D}

{And, if you all get a moment.... 

I'd LOVE a vote! :D}

{There she is. My sweet new tattoo. I've had the flowers on my shoulder for about three years now... and, have been scheming out my newest addition ever since then! I wanted it to sort of be a continuation of the shoulder tat. There's a honey bee by my wrist... she represents Ruari for me... AND, I also added two bees on the front and back of my shoulder... these represent Mike and I.}

{I had planned to add more branches/touch up my original tat, but because of the surprise Angus butt surgery costs... I thought it was best to scale it down. :) Maybe this fall I can add more? :) And, I wont be filling it in. It's done with grey ink and she just did some shading. Exactly how I wanted it. It will fade more and look as light as my shoulder in... I don't know... 3 years? :D}

{Let's talk about my amazing tattoo artists... Traci Manley from New Rose Tattoo in Portland, OR. She did the original... and then she did my addition. She's so talented. Please check out her website and visit her portfolio. She's awesome. AND... hey! If you're in Portland and need a tat... why not schedule one real quick at New Rose Tattoo? Great idea!}

{And, if you all get a moment.... 

I'd LOVE a vote! :D}

{We wandered over to the Beaverton Farmer's Market.... which is so huge and awesome! One of the main reasons we went was to check out the local beef and chicken farmers. Were trying to switch over to hormone/antibiotic free range raised animals... and local! As much as I love fuzzy sweet animals... I do love to eat them. And, I want them to be treated well and taken care... before I eat them. :) There were actually a couple of farmer's there selling their meats that will be offering a whole butchered cow in the near future. We're thinking of splitting a cow with a couple of friends... we have a nice large freezer.... now breastmilk free... to store it in. ;D It was holding my massive collection of pumped milk... not anymore. ;D Happy Wednesday!}

{And, if you all get a moment.... 

I'd LOVE a vote! :D}

{Hey! Don't forget to check out my sponsor me button below! Yeah!}

{ONE more thing... a vote? :D :D :D}