2013, that is. Several of you have chastised me for only having one post this year (so far) and also for not really explaining why I skipped over the end of last year. In the spirit of keeping it simple, here's a snippet of what was going on:
At the end of the summer, Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, so the fall was kind of a blur.
She had surgery to remove the cancer, a rough bout with chemo, and is currently wrapping up her radiation treatments. She is doing so well and we all feel really blessed that they caught it early, and that it was treatable. I am especially thankful to be staying at home now which allowed me the opportunity to go back home and to help out.
My talented cousin Ashley Ray hosted a benefit painting party for Mom. We had so much fun discovering our inner artist and proving that laughter really can be the best medicine.
G turned 14...
...and played volleyball for her school.
Diva turned 18...
...and was accepted to TROY University!
Smalls enjoyed playing in the festive Fall decor after church.
We had Cousin Kayla's wedding...
...and Smalls' first experience with a sparkler!
We played Barbies!
We supported the TROY Trojans!
Smalls joined the cheerleading squad!
The cutest little T-I-double grrrr-R ever!
Husband and I (bravely) hosted the Thanksgiving Family Reunion at our house for the first time!
(With only a 3 day notice!)
There are A LOT of people on Husband's side of the family...
...but I'll go on record saying that I'd do it again this year!
I think a good time was had by all!
Vickie and I finally got our angels this year!
(After all the heckling we gave Husband over the years, we're just thankful we had wings and not horns!)
Smalls got her own angel this year too, and she was proud that we let her hold it!
Grandpa had a stroke in October, so we're thankful that he is feeling better and was able to host Open House this year.
I also started keeping this little fella a couple of days a week. I like to call him "Z" and he's six months younger than Smalls.
We took the kiddos to the town's Christmas parade, but they weren't very impressed.
We sold the OLD house and are forever rid of renters!!!!
Christmastime was lots of fun this year!
Smalls was at the perfect age to be amazed by everything, even though she really didn't have a clue what was going on. She just thought it was fun!
And she loved the choo-choo!
This was from Thanksgiving/Christmas on Mom's side of the family, and it just makes me smile!
This little sleepy head was slow to wake up on Christmas morning...
...but perked right up once the Sisters came back!
Santa came!
And so did Honey and Papa!
They didn't want to miss out on the fun, and Mom had just finished up chemo and was feeling up to the trip!
It is always a fun time when all the family can be there!
Well, there you have it.
It was a crazy and emotional season of life, but it helped me to take a step back and really evaluate what is most important to me and to be thankful for all of God's blessings in life!
