Halloween 2019

Halloween came in a hurry this year it seems.





Haven landed on her costume back in June when we went to see Toy Story 4... Bo Peep! Everett made the jump this summer into superheros with his most favorite being Batman so naturally that is who he chose to be and Rory keeping with her sister's theme re-wore Haven's old Jessie costume!






I love this season so much as the weather turns cooler and it feels cozier. We carved pumpkins, baked treats and soaked in all that Fall has to offer. 










The kids had a costume parade at school that they loved participating in and Rory and I loved watching. Then we went and trick or treated around a super fun neighborhood here in Midland that puts Hocus Pocus to shame. We went with all the cousins here and had the absolute best time. After we went to Nana, Mimi and Aunt Kelsey's house for an amazing dinner of themed finger foods, cider and delicious desserts.

Alzheimer's Walk 2019

While Mom was alive the Walk to End Alzheimer's felt like such an empowering thing and like a way of showing her that she wasn't alone and people cared about finding a cure for the disease. I look back over pictures of the past walks and know how proud she was at each one despite her deterioration. Since she passed I couldn't even think about participating in one without her but also felt real guilt every year not contributing to finding a cure.

This year as Midland's walk grew closer I felt like I really needed to participate for her, for me, for the kids! We had never done the Midland walk before and having it be a completely new atmosphere felt bearable to me. With that being said just the thought of doing it without her caught me in my throat and brought tears to my eyes.

Nana had just made the move to Midland which was completely amazing and made life feel whole again! Knowing that Nana would be here as well as Neeley, Aunt Tammy, Kelsey and family here gave me the courage to sign up for the walk. The most amazing part is though that the rest of our family showed up in a HUGE way. We had Patrick, Taren and baby Wesley come in for his first out of town trip. Ryan and his girlfriend Liz drove in from San Antonio as did Aunt Cindy. Tenell and Zack drove in from Abilene. Aunt Paula, Sara Brooke, Stetson, Rebecca, Taylor and their kids all came in from Ft. Worth. We had all the twins and their kids come out and walk with us too! It was the most extraordinary show of support for a cause and a woman who made such a difference in each one of our lives.








































The emotions were strong and incredibly hard to face but I felt Mom shining down on us and was thankful to be surrounded by family! We concluded the walk with a little picnic lunch at the park across the street from our house.

We are back Alzheimer's and we are here to kick your butt!

Rory’s one year photo shoot

While we were out driving one weekend we found the sweetest little public garden in a neighborhood and knew this was the perfect place to take Rory’s one year photos! I think these capture so much about who she is at this point in her life...

Wesley Patrick

I have always felt a maternal protection toward my little brother Patrick so when I found out that his wife Taren was in labor with their first child Neeley and I made a last minute decision to jump in the car to drive to Dallas to welcome their son into the world. It was an absolute whirlwind of a trip with Neeley and I driving until midnight, sleeping in a hotel and waiting the next day for his arrival. Aunt Cindy also felt the pull to drive in and made the waiting game all the more exciting having her there. We were able to meet my nephew, Wesley Patrick within an hour or so of his arrival, give his parents big kisses and hugs before we jumped back on the road to Midland.



I knew without a doubt that Mom would have been there to welcome her grandson and felt like it was my responsibility to represent her in that moment. I was so proud and grateful to have the opportunity to leave things behind in a flurry and be there with my brother on that day. We can't wait for the kids to meet their new cousin and the memories they will hopefully create together!

Back to School 2019

When the Summer started I kind of thought "what in the heck are we going to do all day every day and not go crazy" but now that school has started again I am deeply sad to not have y'all here with me all day every day! Everett and Haven are both attending Golf Course Road Church's Discovery school again this year. Haven will be in Pre-K 3 which means she goes 3 days a week and Everett will be in Pre-K 5 where he will go 5 days a week. Haven is thrilled to death and has no hesitation whatsoever. Cousin Merritt is in her class and she will absolutely flourish. Everett is a little bit more skeptical, as is his mother. I am so saddened that the time has already come that he is going 5 days a week to school. It happened way way to fast!! I am encouraged because I have heard amazing things about his teacher Ms. Janet. So off we go into another  year of routines, packed lunches and themed days! Rory meanwhile will spend her days with me still being toted around and discovering new adventures and I will cherish every single minute of it!

 

Rory's 11 month update

Our little Rory has hit 11 months old and is bringing more joy to our house than we knew possible!



She wants to be in the midst of all the commotion happening and can not stand to be constrained by sitting in a lap or a stroller. She is becoming more and more vocal and keeps us all on our toes. Although she is not walking yet she is crawling around like a master and is getting into absolutely everything! We foolishly "baby-proofed" the kitchen cabinets only for our sweet girl to find her way into almost every single one of them. She is discovering things her brother and sister never did!

Rory is sweet as ever with the most precious smile, joyful spirit and juicy kisses! We absolutely adore you little one!