Remembering Jared

Today is Jared's 30th birthday. It hurts that he is not here. We still miss him so much. Micah still asks about him and tells us not to be sad because we will see him again. We know that, but wish he was here to celebrate with us. I'm sure that Jared and Popi are celebrating in heaven right now. :)

We love you, Jared! We miss you and we look forward to seeing you again someday.

Until then..... Happy Birthday.

Daddy's Little Girl

Abby is a daddy's girl.

Last night, she wasn't feeling very well, so I brought her in our bedroom and put her in bed with us. When she saw that daddy was in the bed, she wanted him to hold her. Heath took her in his arms and snuggled her up all nice and warm. I turned off the lights and breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that maybe she would finally go to sleep, when out of the darkness, we hear this... "Da-ddy? Where are ooo?"

Here are a few images of their special relationship.

Abby probably gives Heath a hundred kisses a day.

Her preferred way to sleep.

Just watching some "toons" together.

Daddy's adoration.

Trick-or-Treating together last Halloween.

Proud of his little girl.

It's easy to see why Abby loves her daddy so much.

Daddy has always had a special touch that could put Abby right to sleep.

My Dad

Today, we found out that my dad is now cancer free. We couldn't be happier, more relieved, or feel more blessed. My dad is an amazing, loving, giving person and we are so glad that we are going to have many, many, many......more years with him. We love you, dad!

Feeling a Bit Out of Touch

Since March, our lives have been utter chaos. Between having my parents here while my dad was undergoing cancer treatments (finished treatments last week- awaiting results to see if he is cancer free), Heath's lay-off, and the deaths of Grandma Garner, Jared, and "Popi", it seems that normal life went on without us. And while I know that just because our lives stopped, everyone else's did not. This morning, I think I realized for the first time that friends and family went on. They planned things without us and did things without us, and while I do not begrudge that for a second, it is surprisingly hard to deal with. I feel out of touch with everyone and everything, a bit lonely, a bit sad, and also a bit grateful that we have come through it all still a family. Thank heavens for the gospel and the eternal perspective of it all. I know that through it all, our Heavenly Father has not forgotten us, he has carried us.

My Little Super Heroes

Micah and Abby were little super heroes for Halloween. Micah was Spider Man and Abby was Wonder Woman. Micah picked out his own costume this year and could not wait to wear it. Actually, he didn't wait- he wore it several times before tonight. :) Abby loved her costume too. She didn't want to take it off. And, if anyone around the neighborhood happens to find a silver cuff looking thing, it's ours. It fell off Abby's wrist somewhere along the trick-or-treating route.

I love it when I capture the few moments where they are getting along. :)

The mighty Spider Man!

The cutest Wonder Woman around!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Where o Where Has My Patience Gone?

I'll be the first to admit that I am not a very patient person. The last several days however, my patience seems to be completely gone. I know having patience is a choice, and by not exercising it, it shows how truly weak I am.

In the midst of all that has happened the past few months, I seem to have forgotten that I am so blessed. Even when I am at my wit's end and have yelled at my kids for the umpteenth time, they seem to amaze me. Like today, I yelled at Abby for not getting her shoes on. Hello! She's only two. And Micah, I yelled at him for not putting the pillows back on the couch correctly. Like he has any idea what order the pillows should be in. Even after all that, Abby still wanted me to hold her tonight when she somehow got spooked in the dark. She snuggled her little head up into my neck and then relaxed her whole body as if to say, "I know you're struggling with your patience right now mom, but your touch still makes me feel better." And then Micah, instead of being defensive with me for yelling at him, he comes up to me and says, "Mom, remember, we are happy when we all work together."

Here are a few reminders of how blessed I really am...

I had to run to WalMart today, and as I usually do lately, I got inpatient and frustrated with the kids for doing whatever it was they were doing. And because I was being inpatient, I decided that we would just grab McDonald's for dinner on our way out. After we ordered, we took the food to the car to eat when we got home. I had strapped the kids into their car seats when I reached into the bag and took out a french fry. As I put it into my mouth, Micah said, "I want one." Jokingly (really), I said, "No, it's mine." To which Micah replied, "Mom, don't you know what it means to share?"

Doesn't Abby look cute? Everyday, she lets me indulge myself and dress her up in what I think are adorable little ensembles. She's patient with me as I play with her hair, dress her, and usually even accessorize her.

After all of this, how can I not be patient, especially with my sweet children who love me unconditionally and forgive me daily for my weaknesses? Starting right now, I'm going to try harder. I will be more patient. My kids deserve it. :)

Popi's Funeral

Popi's funeral was on Monday. It was so sad to say "goodbye for now," but was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.

Heath and his brothers, as well as all of Michael's brothers were the Pallbearers.

The casket is identical to the one Jared was buried in.

My mother-in-law, Jean Ann. Words can not even express the depth of her sadness.

Popi loved Michael Jordan. The boys had this floral arrangement made special for him. I know he would have loved it.

Heath, Ian, Jeremy, Jean Ann, and Josh. There are two empty spaces in this picture. Jared and Michael are missed so much.

Heath and his aunt, Susan.

This isn't a very good picture, but I was touched at the way Ian took care of his mom at the graveside ceremony. It was so sweet and loving.

Great grandpa Garner. He lost his wife in July, his grandson in August, and now his son, in October.

Jared's headstone. He is buried right next to Popi.

The back of Jared's headstone. This was the first time we had seen the headstone. It was hard to see it and to see Michael's final resting place right next to it.

We love you, Popi!