Christmas on the Farm

More presents!  Of course! Our next stop was with Nanna and Bubba!

Everly found a good spot.

Look at all my cool cars!

Shopping girl!

Walker the Chef!

We all got aprons from Aunt Wendy.  This was our attempt at a group shot.  Makes me laugh!

It was very cold and wet, but the kids still got to enjoy the cows!  Moo!

You would think this would be our last Christmas celebration.... nope.  One more to go!

Christmas Morning

Wow!  Santa came down the chimney and left a bunch of presents!!!

Walker excited by his Buzz Lightyear gun... Everly loved watching him!

Look!  There's stuff in our stockings!

Oh yes!  My girl has her first pair of heels!

Look at our awesome new kitchen!

After playing with new toys for awhile it was time to pack up and head to the farm!!!

Christmas Eve

So, there isn't a lot to tell about Christmas Eve.  We made it to church, but didn't make it through the whole service.  The bottom line.... these kids are cute!!!!

So sweet together!

Our wild man!

Daddy and his sweet babes.

Mommy trying to get a good picture!

Say CHEESE!

Did I mention that he's wild?

My attempt at getting them both to look at the camera.  At least he is smiling at her!

Just thought this was too cute!

Christmas PJs!  Go to bed, Santa is coming!

Got to leave Santa our delicious cookies!

Christmas Cookies

As you can imagine, our holiday time was hectic and plans didn't always turn out the way we all wanted.  But, there was something I really wanted to do with the kids this year.... make Christmas cookies!  We didn't have a lot of time so we opted for round cookies, not shapes.  But, I'm proud to say.... we got it done!

I think Walker and Everly both enjoyed the frosting!

Everly liked all the little sprinkles!

Hmmm, her mouth is very red and his is very green!  I think they ate more than they decorated!

Yep, I think so!

Such sweet babies!

Pre-Christmas Festivities!

Time to update the blog and show everyone all the fun the kids had during Christmas time!  Peepaw and Maggie came to visit and brought presents!  Walker ADORES his cool new car!

And, a few days later we got to spend a little time with Savannah, Carson and Ryder!  Here are Bunny and RayRay with all the grands.

Everly wasn't into picture taking, but did enjoy opening presents!

Walker got the greatest present ever... a Woody costume... he loves it!

Thanks Aunt Trisha!  Walker likes looking like his handsome older cousin!

I can't wait to see these two actually wearing their shirts!

Lots of fun... all before Christmas!

My Googie

I am completely overwhelmed.  It truly feels like I am in the middle of nightmare and can't wake up.  I never, ever thought of a life without my big brother.  Why would I?  He has been there for me, taken care of me and made me laugh for almost 35 years.  That shouldn't change, but it did.

I hate cancer.  I really, really hate it.  I have no idea why it took hold of my brother and wouldn't let go.

I hate that there wasn't a pill or a shot that would make it go away.

I hate that Savannah, Carson and Ryder lost their Daddy.

I hate that my mother, Ray and my dad had to bury a child.

I hate that Trisha is left without her soulmate.

I hate that Walker and Everly will not know their Uncle Googie.

I hate that I won't get to laugh with Googie again.

But, with all that being said, I am thankful that he is with our Heavenly Father. He is in a new body, no longer suffering.  What a blessing that is.

I'm sure some people decide to be angry when something like this happens.  Even when Googie got his diagnosis, I wasn't angry.  I know God has a plan.  I may not understand that plan, but I know it's there.  And, I know that many people are being touched by his life and by his death.

I have learned many things over the last few months....

Don't take things for granted.

Enjoy every kiss, hug, snuggle and smile from your babies.

If you say something you don't mean, apologize immediately.

Tell your parents, your spouse, your kids and your friends that you love them.

I heard a lot of stories about Googie over the last two days.  Hundreds of people came to visitation and the memorial.... they all had common thoughts:

He was a great guy.

He was always smiling.

He was never mean or ugly to anyone.

One of my favorite themes was from my friends that I grew up with...  they all remembered him as a brother that was always sweet and never one to ignore us.  This wasn't a surprise to me.  I always remember him being sweet to me and including me in things.  But, hearing from my childhood friends confirmed to me that he really was the BEST!

I am so thankful for all our amazing memories.  Even though my babies won't remember their Uncle Googie, I will remember how wonderful he was with them.  Even when he felt terrible, he made an effort with them and I will never forget it.

I loved Googie my first 34+ years and I will love and miss him everyday of my life.

December Catch Up!

Wow, it's been over two weeks since I last blogged.  Not good.  That means I have a lot to cover.... because we've been busy!

It's been cold and my kids look cute in hoodies!

While Walker was off at school one day, Everly and I joined our MOPS group at the fire station near our house.  We took them some yummy goodies and the kids got to look at the truck!

Everly liked being on the front of the truck by herself....

She didn't like it with a crowd!

She was happy with Mommy near!

Gotta love firefighters... they are always so nice!

One night we went to a nearby church for a drive through Bethlehem City.  The kids enjoyed this one because they got to sit in the front seats!  Walker was an excellent driver!

And, tonight we went to an AWESOME house.... the lights are set to music.... we all really enjoyed it.  We might be back before Christmas!

Oh, and somewhere in the middle of all this activity, Clark and I managed to attend his company Christmas party!

It was a fun night away.

And, this week we have to find some time to buy Clark a new car.  Unfortunately, I totaled his!  Yikes.  Googie hasn't had a good week.  I was in Dallas visiting him and had a pretty bad accident on my way home the other day.  I feel so blessed and thankful to God for protecting me that day.  It could have been so much worse.  So, next, we have to find time to car shop!!!  (Something I actual enjoy, but Clark hates!)

I'll be sure to update on how that goes!!!