Okay, I have been meaning to do some 'family' catching up, but haven't really been in the mood for it. Like my "in-box" is getting bigger and bigger of things to write about them, and I just keep walking right past it.
But I always say I am so happy when my sis. or friends post their pictures because I feel like I got to be apart of whatever was going on. So these following paragraphs are short descriptions of the past few months and all the pictures I threw on slide...that will hopefully be done downloading by the time I'm finished writing this!
My brother got his mission call last week and I was on the speaker-phone while he announced it at my mom's house...with EVERYONE there! It was SUCH an exciting experience!!! So where is he going???!!! Well, you'll just have to CLICK to find out! This link isn't the best, but you can surf on your own for better sites!!
I gotta get on with this blog!!! But I LOVE YOU JAKE!!!! I am so proud of all the accomplishments you've achieved and of all your hard work. You are gonna rock!!
Okay,I just found pictures way back from Halloween. So!...I'm going to start from there. Jalen was the Island Princess, Rosella; but she's our princess for sure! ;)
Brooklyn, our little Evil Knievel finally let us put her SO SO cute Ladybug costume that my sister Sheba sent her. Thanks, Sheb!!
Because the houses are a little apart here, or most of them are between vacation homes, the schools have a huge carnival night and the teachers decorate their rooms for the kids to go trick-or-treating. We did that the Sat. before Halloween, and then we decided to take the girls to the Senior Living Home instead of sticking around the neighborhood. The girls had a lot of fun and the members loved seeing all the kids! It was a lot of fun.
Oh no, wait, before Halloween there were a few outings so I will throw in a few pic's of those as well. We went to Busch Gardens, and some other places. Celebrated Brooklyn's 2nd birthday, and I HAD to get her a Carvel ice-cream cake...that's just tradition in our family when you're little!
Okay, then there was Christmas! We took the girls to see Santa at the Elizabethan Gardens here. It was so beautiful, and the girls had a BLAST with the fake snow! Brooklyn wasn't so sure about Santa, she ran to give him a hug because she saw Jalen do it, then as soon as she was up...she was outta there!! Then you know it's time to go when all you want it ONE GOOD family picture, and it ends up with one kid fussing, and the other asking when they can get down...etc., etc.
We spent Christmas here in the OBX, but had to leave a few days before the holiday to attend John's Grandfather's funeral in PA. He had a Military Honorable Funeral; it was a very beautiful and touching service. He was a very decorated soldier, and they had all of his medals (including a Purple Heart) and awards beautifully framed.
So many people turned out to pay their respects. As I was looking around, I felt so blessed to be apart of this family that truly stuck together and showed their love for each other.
Unfortunately, we had to leave on Christmas Eve to drive home, but it was nice to enjoy the holiday with our girls. The drive home went very well though, so I was grateful for that! The sky was totally gorgeous. I took a few pictures of that too.
I did not go to church for a while after we lost our baby, so when I did return, it was my week to teach R.S. and I wanted to do something nice to thank the ladies for their help. I made Lemon-Vanilla mini-cupcakes and they were sooo good! All of a sudden, after church, I had half the men coming in to steal one. Our bishop walked in while I was teaching to give an announcement, and he eyed me for one. I told him to take two and he was very happy with that!
A couple weeks ago my friend who is like a long-lost little sister, she is a dance major, came into town and we had a little get-together! We get wild and crazy...and totally silly! I love it. And it was very much due! We went dancing for the night and a bunch of us all ended up talking and laughing till 5 in the morning! I was seriously paying for that (since I couldn't sleep in) the next day!!!
I'm leaving so much out, but for those who know me well, KNOW this is a BIG accomplishment! This weekend, was absolutely awesome. From Jake getting his calling, to General Conference to John's baptism...it was one - AWESOME - weekend. I love my family to death! Each year has brought us closer and it's been so amazing. What a ride it has been!
I am so thankful for all who came down to spend this weekend with us! One of my best friends - Casey came and was so wonderful to help with the girls...who absolutely ADORE her! (Cool "Aunt Phoebe"!)I swear she is the only one that could get away with doing the things she does with our girls. I just can't ever get mad! Anyone else, I would kill without a doubt! I love her!
And my other good friends' dad, "Pop" came and it was SO great to have him here. Wish you were there too, Tera!!! And everyone else - especially my family, who couldn't be here, but my mom sent the sweetest letter to John and it totally brought me to tears. I am so grateful for the strong woman that she is. And when I think of strong women I also think of my aunt. She is fabulous in every way, and has been there for me and my family since day one. I am thankful for you all!
With the hope of not sounding ridiculously gushy (did I say that right?, you know what I mean!)....I am so grateful I found the love of my life. I don't know what I would do without John! When I was around 8 or 9, I wrote in my 'diary' what my husband was going to be like, looks and personality-wise. I have to say, I have truly found it all in him. He is so understanding with me and puts me in my place when I need it! I love that my heart still flutters when he comes home. Our road was not the conventional one taken, by any means....but I don't regret a thing!
These girls are crazy! :)
