Fail.

Well, my fancy-pants camera that I got for Christmas will not transfer any pictures to our computer. Total bummer. In the camera's defense, I totally blame the good-for-nothing-Toshiba(so to speak) that has been a pain in the buns on quite a few occasions. Note to self: when dropping a load of cash on a computer buy an Apple. Anywho, that has been part of the reason for my absence on this here blog,so in the meantime I will post the few pictures I have on my phone. When all else fails (read: fancy-pants camera/pictures) stick to less than ideal iPhone pics.

heavy hearts...

It is with a heavy heart that I sit here typing about my mother-in-law, who has since gone to be with Jesus.  It has been a whirlwind of a Christmas season that is meant to celebrate the birth of our savior, yet instead of celebrating our joyous traditions honoring our savior we spent those days honoring an amazing woman, Susan. We are all broken, broken-hearted and just broken.  Broken with one phone call in the candy aisle at Publix.  Broken, while holding my sobbing husband and knowing there was nothing I could do.  Broken, telling Ansley that Grandma was now in Heaven and that we would not being seeing her again.  Broken, when she asked why everyone was sad.  I told her, "well baby, we all just miss Grandma a lot" to which she responds, "but Grandma is with Jesus and Aunt Shelly." Sigh. Yes baby, she is and yes baby, you get it.  If we could all have that child-like faith!

Susan passed away on the 18th of December and was placed to rest in Atlanta on the 22nd of December.  Christmas will never be the same, and yet, neither will our lives.  If I've learned anything over the past three years it is that you never get over the loss of a loved one.  Really, how could you?  These loved ones shaped who we are.  The gave hugs, that no one else could, made you laugh when no one else could, and shared a bond that no one else can ever again share with you.  They shaped you.  How you look at the world and other people.  My mother-in-law was a very sweet and quiet lady.  Never meeting an enemy.  She had enormous pride for her family, and grandchildren.  She was an amazing cook, baker, gardener, crocheter, mom, wife, grandma, and mother in law.  Whatever she did, she did it with her full heart. From my perspective, however, her one crowning achievement, that I get to love everyday, would be her son.   During her funeral, I had the honor to call Freddy my husband.  I was in awe by the grace and strength it took to speak his mother's eulogy, not only was he graceful but so were his words.  Her legacy is Freddy: a kind, sweet, gentle, loving, compassionate, man, father, and husband.  Thank you, Susan for raising such a man of integrity, that in itself shows your own.  We love you!

Without further adieu, Freddy's eulogy for his mother Susan:

The one defining memory of my mom is not a major event or story.  Simply put, it is the way she smelled when she hugged me after I got home from school and she got off work.  No major event, but something that is distinctly her and something that cannot be replicated.  It’s simple, yet wonderful.  I guarantee that each of you also has a distinct Susan memory and that none of those memories were negative.  That’s who she was, quiet and caring.  Quiet and caring, those traits have now been passed down through at least two generations.  This is exactly the point.  My mom lives on through, us, her children and grandchildren.  We are a part of her and she is a part of us.  And now she is a part of the Father.  Let her live on through you as well, through the simple memories created and many lives that were touched.    

First hair cut

Today we finally bit the bullet and got Ansley's hair cut. She was so excited and told me that she just wanted a little bit cut and wanted brown in it like me. I told her we would not be getting any brown in it today but she could indeed get a little bit cut off. She was all business when we finally got there. She sat there like a boss, quietly studying what was happening to her golden locks. After it was all said and done she quietly gave her seal of approval and my little nut, Emerson, tried to make friends with a woman getting highlights.

movie night

On Friday, Martha the elf brought the Stokes fam quite the movie set up.  After being prompted by Martha, I decided to set up the air mattress in the living room.  I must say it made much cozier movie watching than the couch.  We all enjoyed our snacks, but not as much as Emmy loved her M&M's.  I don't think the girl knew what living was until her sweet little lips wrapped around some of those candy-coated-chocolates.  She has freaked out every time she sees the candy jar since.  Our movie for the evening was Brave, and while it was a really cute movie, some of the scenes with the bears scared Ansley.  I don't think there is permanent damage though.  All in all it was a fantastic evening, and for that we thank you Martha.

*Sorry some of the pictures are so blurry.  iPhone fail.

little helpers

I have two of the cutest little helpers in the world.  Ansley has been very helpful lately, and this may be due in large to the appearance of Martha the elf.  Martha is Santa's watchdog and reports the behavior of the Stokes munchkins to him nightly.  Martha's presence has been so appreciated that we wish she could stay here year-round! 

Ansley's help has been much more focused in the kitchen lately, and she has been more than happy to help with all things cooking.  On Tuesday we made rice krispy treats, biscuits and muffins.  She would've cooked even more if  I let her.  It is going to be so much fun making all of our holiday treats this year. Ans has also been "helping" in disciplining her sister.  She will boss Emmy around and scold her for doing something wrong.  The other night Pop and Mimi were going to stop by, and Emmy was very grumpy. While Emmy was crying and screaming Ansley told her, "Emmy, Pop is not going to want to see a whiny butt!" We were rolling on the floor.  It was priceless. 

Now, Emmy our little fire cracker, is actually a very good helper.  She loves to put things where they belong.  Ansley and I were playing the other day and were watching Emmy in action.  She had found a cup and was trying to fill it up in the refrigerator.  Little did she know that there was water in the cup already.  As she reached up to fill it, she dumped water all over herself.  After we were all done laughing my sweet little helpers cleaned up the water. Those little boogers always keep me entertained!! I love my girls!! 

thanksgiving

We had quite the unusual Thanksgiving this year. It was very quiet, which, honestly I don't think a Thanksgiving should be.  We tried just having dinner at home with the four of us, because we would be traveling all weekend. We all agreed that we wouldn't be doing that next year.  While we love our family of four, it just didn't quite feel like Thanksgiving.  After finishing our lunch/dinner, which Ansley helped me make, we headed up to Atlanta to see the family before we headed to Chattanooga for our family reunion.  Well...that's where the plans ended. Turns out, my body was not having any part of those plans.  I woke up Thursday night/Friday morning with the worst stomach aches/problems imaginable. I will spare you the gory details.  After I felt like I had been hit by a Mack truck, it was decided for me  I decided to go to an urgent care clinic.  A stomach virus, sinus infection, "possible" ovarian cyst, and three prescriptions later we  headed back to Augusta and not the reunion.  So all of our grand Thanksgiving plans were thwarted by my weak immune system. Boo. I spent all.   weekend. in. bed.  I think I slept a total of 20 hours on Friday. That is the most I have slept, with out being under anesthesia, in 4 years. Well, I hope y'alls Thanksgiving was better than ours! With all that said, I have a tremendous amount to be thankful for, and honestly I count my blessings every single day.