FAIL!
If blogging 101 was a course I would have a big fat "F"!
March 31, 2016
was the last time I posted on here.
Now that 2018 is here I am going to try to attempt to remember the
McMullen happenings of a year and a half.
I could just pick up and start on the current date but my OCD mind will not let me.
Although there are things about 2016 I'd rather not rehash,
March 31, 2016
was the last time I posted on here.
Now that 2018 is here I am going to try to attempt to remember the
McMullen happenings of a year and a half.
I could just pick up and start on the current date but my OCD mind will not let me.
Although there are things about 2016 I'd rather not rehash,
there are so many good things that I want to remember
and
I want my family to remember.
So,
buckle up Buttercup
(I'm talking to myself!)
Here we go...
How fitting that this is the first reminder of where I left off.
Like this tree,
Todd and I felt as if our world was crashing down.
I left at 5:30 this particular Thursday morning to take Todd's mom
to one of her CT scans/chemo treatments in Richmond.
I got a call around 7:00 that morning from Todd saying that another tree,
I believe this was our fourth that winter,
had fallen across our driveway.
He wasn't sure as to what time it happened as he didn't even hear it fall.
No one was hurt and there wasn't any structural damage.
I remember thinking that here was something so close to home so huge and ready to fall
yet,
there was no warning, no sound, or even a storm that brought it down.
It was just like cancer.
The silent killer that attacks the body until it makes itself known in a big way.
One person who knows about cancer all too well is this pretty lady, Camille.
Cancer struck again in one of my closest friends life.
Amy's Aunt Nancy, who was a nurse, died that April.
After telling my mother that she was a nurse,
Mom wanted to volunteer her time that Sunday to honor such a caring person and her profession.
My mother and other nurses around the area started The Nurses Honor Guard.
This organization has grown nation wide!
Nurses retired and active volunteer their time to honor their colleagues
in such a touching way.
The above picture is my mother and another volunteer before the service.
(advertising picture)
They "stand guard" over the deceased during viewing hours.
During the service for their fallen colleague,
they read the words of Nurse Nightingale,
call the deceased name three times to report for duty,
and
when the call goes unanswered
they blow out the candle on the lamp and hand it to the surviving family members.
It is so moving!
Mom wishes to have this tribute done at her own funeral...
I will not be able to take it if I am still here to witness it.
That same weekend Graham was in AZ competing for
The Butler Club Tennis Team.
(Graham is last one on the R in the back row)
They came in 9th out of 48 teams!!
Spring was defiantly in the air and this Friday night and we were all feeling it!
One day after selling two of his three companies
Todd decided to partner with Glenn, a neighbor/friend of ours,
and
buy a company that makes medical screws, tools for knees, hips, dental, etc.
While contemplating on a name for the company
they decided to use the first part of their wives first names.
"Hol"
after me
"Gin"
after Ginny!
It was a family affair as Evan came up with the logo and design.
Graham is a Biomedical Eng. student at Purdue and has been able to work there on breaks.
Pretty cool, huh?!
Cool weather was finally behind us
blooming everywhere!!
I needed a five light fixture over each of the sinks as four was not enough.
These were not my first pick but the price/finish was right
and
with the new paint they really helped to brighten up the space!
Before adding the final touches...
Before
Before
If you do,
this guy will smoke something good for you!
thanksgiving turkey
pork chops
(just to name a few)
I don't even have to get ready and go out to eat anymore!
I can just stay in my yoga pants and eat all that I want! Ha!
I was going to need all of the energy that protein provides for the following week
because I was watching Vera for three days!
Vera was cutting teeth and was not feeling well. :(
Kiely was pretty nervous leaving her with me feeling this way
but
I assured her that it was alright!
Spring was in the air and we tried to get out as much as we could!
We saw this momma duck and one of her 10 ducklings!
The two males in the water guarded her very close.
But, she held her own!
She came squawking at us because unbeknownst to me we were way too close to her nest!
So,
we packed up the pink car and...
This gave her a chance to ride her tricycle.
One day we bumped in to Evan while we were there!
She even went to the polls with me.
I kept telling her that we were going to vote and when we were finished I said,
"Ok, let's go let the poodles out!'
which she replied,
"I thought we were going to boat!" HA!
Poor thing!
Kiely sent this picture to me while they were down there.
Chad's ship was in for Fleet Week so they went to meet him!
Vera got her share of visitors too.
Graham stopped by for a game of hoops!
And,
chase!
Bath time was always fun!
From
Troll hair,
and
get his teeth brushed too.
I always missed her when she went to bed and couldn't wait until she woke up!
Poor Deebo Dog! ha!
And,
poor Vera!
And,
she was running around watching Paw Patrol like nothing had happened.
That mark was on her face MONTHS after this happened! ugh!!
It was a busy three days and while I was tired my heart was full!
I am so thankful for that time I got to spend with her :)
Back home it was a beautiful Spring morning.
I took a walk down the lake trail.
I got to see Mr. Blue Crane.
and
there were some keeping the mallards company on the log.
Sure signs of Spring!
Another sure sign is the 500 Mini Marathon!
This was Graham's first year to run in it.
He didn't have much time to train
and
still crossed the finish line in less than an hour and a half!
Youth! What a blessing! ha!
Another blessing is being a mother!
Having a day to celebrate it...
welllllll,
it's nice but not necessary.
But,
The kids got me super sweet gifts.
They just don't realize that THEY are all my gifts!
I wouldn't be a momma without God's undeserving blessing.
A few days later I got to hang out with my Kimmie at her new house!
We picked out lots of paint colors, carpeting and talked about lighting options.
I went there a few days later to help her paint her kitchen while she painted the dining room.
Before
After!
After!
It was so much fun.
I recently was there to help with accessorizing and picture placement
and
her home is so beautiful!!
Most all of the painting
(including that gold strip up by the ceiling in the hall)
is finished.
The wood floors have been refinished, all new carpet and some new furniture and lighting!
I say we have a girls weekend there SOON!
I was going to need a girls weekend after
mulching, planting, and trimming shrubs around
"Breakwater Retreat"!
The new mulch makes the double knock out "red" roses pop!
I guess I just like more of a PUNCH of color when I look out from the indoors!
I looked out my window one day and I saw these two :)
then ran them over to her house.
The event took place at a local nursery.
This picture was taken at the end of the show.
It was a beautiful evening and a fun way to kick start Spring!
I could go on and on about these two!
However,
I want to talk about who's turning 2!!
Miss Vera Lynn!
which makes it hard for people to come to her party on her actual day.
Kiely was trying to get her to sit with her friends and eat...
for garland on the outdoor and indoor fireplace mantles.
The crafts were theme related too!
I bought these beach chairs for our upcoming family trip.
Cleanest house inside and out on Morningtide Circle!
Grammy Kay and Kiely chose the strawberry flavor.
and
she dug in!
I wanted to brighten up this room with some paint, get new screens,
and
paint those white blades on the overhead fan-light.
Tom is helping me rehang the fan-light after I decided to paint the whole thing.
So clean and bright!
After it was finished Todd informed me he wanted to get new furniture.
It took awhile for this to happen because the furniture I quickly ordered came in
but without the cushions.
After waiting all summer into the Fall of 2016 for the cushions to show up...
they never did :(
I had the frames taken away and waited until the next Spring to order anything.
Any other summer/fall I would've missed sitting out there.
But,
life soon took a turn and I wouldn't have had time to sit out there anyway.
Life was about to take a turn this Memorial Day weekend
for this high school grad!
Uncle Todd got in that cold water!
Job well done...now, get to packin' because we leave in the morning for
St. Simon's Island, GA!
Ashley is the person that made this all happen!
Hold on Vera
(and Alan and Kiely!)
you're almost there!
Somebody is telling me that she will be taking a bath in here! :)
After we got back from walking the beach we walked around the grounds of the house.
and
I want my family to remember.
So,
buckle up Buttercup
(I'm talking to myself!)
Here we go...
How fitting that this is the first reminder of where I left off.
Like this tree,
Todd and I felt as if our world was crashing down.
I left at 5:30 this particular Thursday morning to take Todd's mom
to one of her CT scans/chemo treatments in Richmond.
I got a call around 7:00 that morning from Todd saying that another tree,
I believe this was our fourth that winter,
had fallen across our driveway.
He wasn't sure as to what time it happened as he didn't even hear it fall.
No one was hurt and there wasn't any structural damage.
I remember thinking that here was something so close to home so huge and ready to fall
yet,
there was no warning, no sound, or even a storm that brought it down.
It was just like cancer.
The silent killer that attacks the body until it makes itself known in a big way.
One person who knows about cancer all too well is this pretty lady, Camille.
She is a cancer survivor!
Shortly after becoming a widow she was diagnosed.
She knows the importance of prayer and what it means to have support from friends and family.
She and Tony,
who is no stranger to cancer himself as he was a caretaker to his mamma and ex mother-in-law,
came over bearing gifts, food, and wine to help celebrate Todd's birthday!
It was a welcoming distraction from the "new norm".
Todd had recently gotten a new smoker so Tony gave him some meat to smoke!
During meal prep
Todd was in charge of the music!
Tony was in charge of the food!
He made Todd's favorite mushroom (reconciliation) soup.
Mamma's meatballs...
...and gravy!
And
homemade bread to dip into the gravy!!
Well lookie there,
Tom always knows when to show up! Ha!
And Evan!
When T cooks there is never a shortage of people stopping by...or food!
Yes,
It tasted as good as it looks!
After dinner we took a walk down by the lake to make room for dessert.
A little espresso
and...
...some gelato
makes a perfect affrogotto!
We wrapped up the evening playing the game Compatibility.
Todd and I have never won this game but we came closer this time than in the past.
Which doesn't really bode well for us since we were competing with a couple
who hadn't been dating very long! Ha!
Thank you both for always being there for Todd and I!Cancer struck again in one of my closest friends life.
Amy's Aunt Nancy, who was a nurse, died that April.
After telling my mother that she was a nurse,
Mom wanted to volunteer her time that Sunday to honor such a caring person and her profession.
My mother and other nurses around the area started The Nurses Honor Guard.
This organization has grown nation wide!
Nurses retired and active volunteer their time to honor their colleagues
The above picture is my mother and another volunteer before the service.
(advertising picture)
They "stand guard" over the deceased during viewing hours.
During the service for their fallen colleague,
they read the words of Nurse Nightingale,
call the deceased name three times to report for duty,
and
when the call goes unanswered
they blow out the candle on the lamp and hand it to the surviving family members.
It is so moving!
Mom wishes to have this tribute done at her own funeral...
I will not be able to take it if I am still here to witness it.
That same weekend Graham was in AZ competing for
The Butler Club Tennis Team.
(Graham is last one on the R in the back row)
Spring was defiantly in the air and this Friday night and we were all feeling it!
We decided to go to Caslers to get dinner and listen to
The Flying Toasters!
By the way, nice stash E!
Kiely was pregnant with Eli so virgin drinks it was for her!
Cheers!
Tony and Camille were there.
Tony was the one that had introduced us to the band back in November '15 at a church fundraiser.
Here is Alan and Evan dancing to Earth Wind and Fire's song "September"!
I wish I knew how to put the video on here
because
some random guy at the bar started dancing with them! Ha!
Speaking of random...
Todd decided to partner with Glenn, a neighbor/friend of ours,
and
buy a company that makes medical screws, tools for knees, hips, dental, etc.
While contemplating on a name for the company
they decided to use the first part of their wives first names.
"Hol"
after me
"Gin"
after Ginny!
It was a family affair as Evan came up with the logo and design.
Graham is a Biomedical Eng. student at Purdue and has been able to work there on breaks.
Cool weather was finally behind us
and
it felt good to get outside and walk the trails by the lake.
Color was sprouting
and
April showers bring May flowers!
On this rainy day I wanted to finish painting the guest bath upstairs
and
with Tom's help, change out the lights.
A couple of before pictures.
It was so dark in there!
In this separate area where the tub and toilet are there used to be one recessed light.
That definitely was not enough light so I replaced it with my favorite shade light!
I needed a five light fixture over each of the sinks as four was not enough.
These were not my first pick but the price/finish was right
and
with the new paint they really helped to brighten up the space!
Before adding the final touches...
After!
And I don't even have the lights on!
After
I used drapery panels for a mock shower curtain because I needed the height.
I have since added a curved double rod and functional vinyl curtain behind the panels.
After
All of the accessories,
including the towels and drapery panels I bought at World Market.
I still need to add a candle to the green glass holders!
The lantern/clock was from a local floral shop.
I'm happy with how it turned out.
All of it needed to coordinate with the french laundry toil bedding in the guest bedroom.
Come and stay for a while P L E A S E!
If you do,
this guy will smoke something good for you!
As you can see by all of the boxes in the garage
Todd was assembling his new toy!
This sits on our deck right outside of the kitchen door because it gets used rain or snow!
You name it, Todd can smoke it!
meatloaf
pulled pork
meatballs
beer can chicken
pork chops
(just to name a few)
I don't even have to get ready and go out to eat anymore!
I can just stay in my yoga pants and eat all that I want! Ha!
I was going to need all of the energy that protein provides for the following week
because I was watching Vera for three days!
These two were going on a "baby moon" to Key Largo and asked if I would watch her.
Ummm...Y E S!!!!
Kiely was pretty nervous leaving her with me feeling this way
but
I assured her that it was alright!
Spring was in the air and we tried to get out as much as we could!
She loved to go down by the pond in their neighborhood to see the ducks.
The two males in the water guarded her very close.
But, she held her own!
She came squawking at us because unbeknownst to me we were way too close to her nest!
So,
we packed up the pink car and...
Vera pushed her Monkey lovie all the way home :)
If it was too cold we would stay inside and paint
and
practice writing her name on the white board.
She would also color my masterpieces! ha!
Or,
create her own masterpieces!!
When she found this light we were soon on the hunt
for spooky ghosts!
She played a lot with the kitchen that Todd and I got her for Christmas that year.
Made obstacle courses.
Stirred up some chocolate chip cookies with Grammy Kay.
Of course she had to eat some batter.
(I am living proof that no child is harmed by this! ha!)
YUMMY!
We did some potty training.
Cleaned the house both inside
and
outside!
She loved cleaning with that squirt bottle!
Everyday we would go to my house to let the poodles out to potty.
She also liked to sit in Uncle Todd's car...shhhh!
And,
sit in the golf cart with the poodles
and
try out the jet ski's! ha!
I kept telling her that we were going to vote and when we were finished I said,
"Ok, let's go let the poodles out!'
which she replied,
"I thought we were going to boat!" HA!
Poor thing!
Kiely sent this picture to me while they were down there.
Chad's ship was in for Fleet Week so they went to meet him!
Vera got her share of visitors too.
Tom visited and was showing her a picture of a house in his neighborhood that caught on fire.
Graham stopped by for a game of hoops!
chase!
Bath time was always fun!
From
Troll hair,
to
bubble beards,
to
synchronized swimming!
It was always an adventure!
Even Deebo Dog had to get his bath :)
get his teeth brushed too.
I always missed her when she went to bed and couldn't wait until she woke up!
Poor Deebo Dog! ha!
poor Vera!
On the last day just minutes before laying her down for her last nap
before Mommy and Daddy were due back,
she ran right in to the sharp corner of an end table!!
She cried so hard and I cried with her!
I sent this picture to Kiely to show her what happened :(
After a good cry that sweet dimple of a smile showed back up on her face.
And,
That mark was on her face MONTHS after this happened! ugh!!
It was a busy three days and while I was tired my heart was full!
I am so thankful for that time I got to spend with her :)
Back home it was a beautiful Spring morning.
I took a walk down the lake trail.
Some turtles climbing up the boat ramp,
there were some keeping the mallards company on the log.
Sure signs of Spring!
Another sure sign is the 500 Mini Marathon!
He didn't have much time to train
and
still crossed the finish line in less than an hour and a half!
Youth! What a blessing! ha!
Another blessing is being a mother!
Having a day to celebrate it...
welllllll,
it's nice but not necessary.
But,
when asked where I wanted to go to eat I chose Texas Roadhouse.
It was super busy so we all took a seat at the bar and had a great time!
The kids got me super sweet gifts.
They just don't realize that THEY are all my gifts!
I wouldn't be a momma without God's undeserving blessing.
A few days later I got to hang out with my Kimmie at her new house!
We picked out lots of paint colors, carpeting and talked about lighting options.
I went there a few days later to help her paint her kitchen while she painted the dining room.
Before
After!
After!
It was so much fun.
I recently was there to help with accessorizing and picture placement
and
her home is so beautiful!!
Most all of the painting
(including that gold strip up by the ceiling in the hall)
is finished.
The wood floors have been refinished, all new carpet and some new furniture and lighting!
I say we have a girls weekend there SOON!
I was going to need a girls weekend after
mulching, planting, and trimming shrubs around
"Breakwater Retreat"!
I love all of the color God gives us in the Spring after a dull drab winter!
The Japanese maples were so gorgeous that year!
These are fire spirea!
Beautiful!
In that same area as the spirea you can find this purple clematis!
in the front with the knockouts are dwarf "red" rhododendrons.
I have transplanted these already once and need to do so once more.
These are wedding veil and crimson astilbes.
One of our projects in 2016
was to put heavier rock in the river bed
so
it won't get washed away in to the lake every time it rains.
It looks so much nicer too!
I tried a different color scheme this particular year.
It was ok but I wouldn't do it again.
I guess I just like more of a PUNCH of color when I look out from the indoors!
I looked out my window one day and I saw these two :)
I had just gone to the nursery to pick up some more astilbe
so
Vera was helping me water them.
Kiely was needing some plants at the nursery too so Tom and I made a run
to get some arbors
and
I got to see this sweet girl two times in one day!
What a treat!
Another treat was watching my Ashley on TV helping to promote the
upcoming Dottie style show that she was walking in
and
also styling the hair for the other models.
This was her before going in to the TV station.
The event took place at a local nursery.
This picture was taken at the end of the show.
These were the models that were in the show.
Ashley just couldn't resist that baby "Eli" bump!
Her hair...from every. possible. angle! HA!
A cousin selfie!
Some of Ashley's friends :)
She did their hair too.
I could go on and on about these two!
However,
I want to talk about who's turning 2!!
Miss Vera Lynn!
Kiely decided to celebrate her Paw Patrol birthday a week early.
Vera's birthday falls on Memorial Day weekendwhich makes it hard for people to come to her party on her actual day.
Grammy Kay and Pappy were there!
but,
she kept wanting me to hold her.
At the time crowds overwhelmed her...I get that!
I wanted to take some pictures of how Kiely decorated for the party.
And
Vera was never too far from my side ;)
She thought of every little detail!
Pup treat favors,
cupcakes that made a bone shape,
paw print background for pictures of Vera the past year used for table displays
and,
for garland on the outdoor and indoor fireplace mantles.
The crafts were theme related too!
Even the ribbon on the buckets matched!
I wonder where she gets this...hmmm!
Some neighbor friends were taking turns pushing
Vera in her swing.
Here she is sitting by one of her best buddies, Carter.
Soon it was time to sing happy birthday
and
blow out the candles!
Make a good wish!
YUM!
Back outside!
It was such a beautiful Sunday evening!
No worries Carter,
she is just going to clean off the grass not squirt you! ha!
Evan and Ashley were helping her make her craft.
Graham showed up a little late due to tennis practice.
It didn't take him long to engage!
Those smiles!
So sweet!!
You are so loved, Vera!
It was such a great party, Kiely!
Right down to her Paw Patrol dress!
On the day of her birthday we celebrated at Gigi's cupcakes.
But,
before we went I came over to watch Vera while Kiely took Molly in for an emergency vet appointment. :(
She tried it out but soon went back to cleaning! Ha!
I got her to sit long enough for another picture.
I may or may not have bribed her with saying she would get a cupcake if she did. ha!
YUMMY!
Look at all of that icing!
Vera chose the birthday surprise flavor.
Of course this was mine!
If it's not chocolate it's not worth the calories!!!
Grammy Kay and Kiely chose the strawberry flavor.
We sang again,
and
she dug in!
Of course,
cleaning her mouth as often as possible!
It was a fun afternoon :)
Speaking of afternoons,
this is where I like to spend mine!
and
paint those white blades on the overhead fan-light.
Lookin' good so far!
Ahhh...
After it was finished Todd informed me he wanted to get new furniture.
It took awhile for this to happen because the furniture I quickly ordered came in
but without the cushions.
After waiting all summer into the Fall of 2016 for the cushions to show up...
they never did :(
I had the frames taken away and waited until the next Spring to order anything.
Any other summer/fall I would've missed sitting out there.
But,
life soon took a turn and I wouldn't have had time to sit out there anyway.
Life was about to take a turn this Memorial Day weekend
for this high school grad!
Haley Hampton!
Getting her diploma from Argus High.
Amy brought to my attention that the three of us sure did love Kate Spade! Ha!
Awww...
Hugs from Kimmie
and
Amy.
We sure do love our Haley Bell!
Through thick and thin,
good or bad
we will always be there for each another!
What a beautiful family!
Soon,
these three would be celebrating another graduation for Haley...
...from the US Marines!!
(December 2017)
Before we know it Lauren will be graduating High School!
I'm so proud of you, Haley!
Thank you for your service!
Speaking of that,
this is how we spent Memorial Day in 2016.
It was finally warm enough to go boating!
But first,
cupcakes!
Vera wanted to go in and as you can see on Kiely's face
the lake was a bit cool!
Vera's lips aren't blue because of her being cold
it's just cupcake icing stain!
Here comes Graham!
Uncle Todd got in that cold water!
And Daddy,
and
s l o w l y
Evan got in! ha!
She could've done this all day!
But,
The sun was setting and I had to get some shut eye
because,
The next week was going to be super busy!
First up,
A surprise makeover for Ashley's blogging room!
The lighting with just enough bling was in
and
it got me motivated quickly to get in there and get those walls and furniture painted!
Ashley was gifted this piece
so
I just painted it a light grey to fit in to her new space.
Mammy wanted to contribute to the room so she bought this chaise lounge for her!!!
I had this pillow, rug, and lamp lying around
which really helped our budget!
Evan and I painted her favorite shade of lavender on the walls
and
hung up some simple white cotton sheers.
It took a lot of planning and a couple days to put it all together.
But,
It was now time for the reveal!!
Here she comes!
Evan is so excited!
The desk used to be Evan's.
He purchased her a new chair.
We have since added pictures and she has put her touch on it
but,
I think that she liked it!
She started shooting pictures for her blog right away!
Evan wanted a way to show her that he supported her blog
and
all that that entails.
I think he did it!Job well done...now, get to packin' because we leave in the morning for
St. Simon's Island, GA!
Ashley is the person that made this all happen!
She had to do hair for one of her co-worker's June wedding.
So,we decided back in March to make it a family trip!
(minus Graham because he was taking summer courses)
With snacks in hand and all the Paw Patrol she could watch
Alan and Kiely were on the their way!
Kiely was pregnant with Eli and I know that the trip wasn't easy!
But it looks like she did a pretty good job of keeping Vera entertained!
And,
so did Uncle Todd!
We sent this picture to Vera shortly after they crossed the GA line.
She was getting restless and we were trying to keep her laughing from afar.
(and Alan and Kiely!)
you're almost there!
We all arrived close to the same time.
I had posted on IG my excitement about this trip back on March 5
and
now it finally was finally happening!
And,
while we were driving down this was happening!
Ashley's talent to do all things hair just amazes me!
She had flown there a couple days prior to do hair for the bride for the rehearsal dinner etc.
Evan met up with her at the wedding and then they stayed with us.
We rented the cutest beach cottage.
I love renting homes instead of hotels whenever possible.
We had a lot of fun in this room
and
it was also my inspiration for a little kitchen makeover at home!
I won't take you through the whole house
but,
this was the master BR where Todd and I stayed.
And
the Master Bath.
This was the boardwalk to the beach just past the pool area.
Vera had been to the beach in Jacksonville in the Fall of 2015.
But,
this time was much different now that she was older.
She loved it!
(look at those pretty pink nails 💅)
Even though she is one that doesn't like to get dirty
the sand didn't seem to bother her in the least!
After we got back from walking the beach we walked around the grounds of the house.
She unpacked while Momma unpacked ;)
Well you know what they say,
"Red in the morning, a sailors warning!"
We woke up on the first morning preparing for Tropical Storm Colin.
After some morning giggles,
And Kiely and I were dying over this courtyard!
BATH TIME!
When we got back to the house we ate lunch
and
Ashley braided Kiely's hair
Becky had to work that day but joined us later in the afternoon.
After Vera's nap we headed back to the beach.
Soon
it was time to head in for dinner!
We grilled out
and
The next morning Vera helped water the flowers.
We then got ready to go to the lighthouse!
NO,
we did not let Kiely carry her up and down the steps!
It wasn't easy being a lighthouse keeper.
I recommend going if you ever get the chance!
That evening we went out to dinner near the pier.
Breathtaking!
We came back to the house for some ice-cream before bed!
Soon it was our last walk, pool, and beach day :(
trade ocean views for familiar lake views.
The following day brought concerning news for Todd and I about his mom.
Another gift that day was his mom was able to go home from the hospital!
That next morning I talked to Mammy on the phone.
She seemed to be in really good spirits which in turn made me feel very happy!!
Another thing that made me happy was this one showing up out of the blue!
She was calling from the ER.
She had fallen that morning on her kitchen floor.
She was alone at the time and managed to somehow get to the phone and call for help.
She ended up breaking her right wrist in a couple places
and
her right ankle in three places.
Todd and I rushed to the ER.
They were trying to get her into surgery but there were other emergencies ahead of her.
At 3:00 in the morning she went in.
We left around 5:30 when we knew she was stable.
This was the sunrise we saw that morning as we crossed over the bridge going home.
I took it from the car window.
I really just wanted to stop the car, stop time...just stop!
There it was again,
"Red in the morning, a sailors warning."
It was a warning for sure.
The next few days seemed like a blur.
We got a phone call the same day as her surgery,
at 4:00 in the afternoon saying she was going to have to choose a nursing home
because
they were moving her soon.
Transport didn't come until 10:00 that night!
We weren't there to help her.
We felt awful!
That next morning I jumped up and went to her house first before going to the nursing home.
I tried to think of what she would need...clothes, toiletries, medicine etc.
I also grabbed family photos to decorate her room, magazines and her sudoku books.
After I went over and unpacked her things,
talked to the nurses, social worker, and sat through a physical therapy evaluation,
I visited a while then kissed her goodbye.
I went back to her house to clean out her refrigerator, take out the trash, get the mail stopped etc.
Painting has always been therapy for me!
So, when Kiely was needing help painting Vera's new room
(because Eli would soon be moving into the room she was in)
I was more than happy to help!
We also took advantage of this time
(while Vera was with Kiely's dad)
to purchase everything for Eli's room.
As you can see Kiely wanted a nautical theme.
We purchased most of the accessories at HomeGoods and Hobby Lobby.
The drapes came from
At Home
Alan made the shelves!
Later that week we took another trip to Richmond to keep Mammy's spirits up.
This time Graham joined us!
July 4
My favorite weekend with my family!
We boat, and eat, and boat and eat
and
watch fireworks!
But,
not that year.
It was cold and rainy!
So,
Tony made Mamma's gravy and meatballs instead of grilling hotdogs and hamburgers!! Ha!
and played with the poodles.
The weather wasn't the only thing that was yucky.
Mammy was feeling very yucky so Todd left to go see her.
He came back after his visit so depressed because she was feeling so bad.
I met her at an orthopedic appointment early that week
and
it was as if she wasn't even there.
It was one of the worst experiences I have ever been through.
I will spare you all of the details but I will say this,
if you have a loved one that cannot speak for themselves because they are too weak
BE THEIR ADVOCATE, BE THEIR VOICE, BE THERE!
One good thing came from that appointment...
she was able to get the cast off of her arm!
However,
After that appointment she crashed and was sent to the ER the next morning.
Todd and I thought for sure we were going to lose her.
We decided that day that we were going to remove her from the nursing home in Richmond
and
bring her closer to us in Fishers so that we could be there for her everyday.
Her sisters and brothers had been SO good to be there for her
and
always kept in contact with us.
But,
we felt it was our responsibility to take care of her.
She would be right down the road so
Todd, myself, Ashley and the boys could visit her at least twice a day!
When we went to move her I drove her van and Todd followed me.
Her sister's were all there to say goodbye to her and promised they would visit.
She sat in the back seat as I drove her down familiar country roads.
When I drove through Hagerstown I was ready for her to say,
"Just take me home," followed by her giggle.
But instead,
she just sat quietly staring out of the window.
I thought about turning and driving by the her house anyway to let her see it
but
then I thought that it might bring her more pain than joy.
So, I continued on to Fishers.
On this morning as I was getting ready to go watch Vera
I got a phone call from Todd's Aunt Kathy to tell me that Todd's Uncle Kenny had passed.
This was Todd's mom's brother.
He too had been battling cancer that summer.
I thought to myself this is it.
Todd's mom will hear this and she will just give up.
I felt sick.
"The soul is healed by being with Children"
-Fyodor Dostoevsky-
No truer words have been spoken!
I needed to be with that sweet baby girl that day!
The following day I followed Melody around our yard and down by the lake
(these are just my iPhone pictures)
as
she took Kiely's pregnancy pictures.
Mammy was in need of seeing some family.
So,
Troy came home for a visit!
While he was there he and Todd set up a video chat one morning with Sophie.
After we left the nursing home Troy came over for the night.
We took a boat ride and had dinner.
It was the day for Uncle Kenny's funeral.
This is what I posted that day on Instagram:
We said goodbye to Todd's Uncle Kenny today.
What a beautiful service for this well deserving man.
He was a man of God, a family man, and a patriot.
His godly legacy lives on in each of his children and grandchildren.
This was evident today at the church ceremony.
What a beautiful ceremony it was.
All of his children and grandchildren eulogized him with words or song.
If one sat down before the service as a nonbeliever
they undoubtedly stood up and walked out believing in the same God that welcomed Uncle Kenny home!
He was always the one that made sure his fourteen, now sadly eleven, brothers and sisters, met once a month for lunch. Family meant the world to him. I'm so lucky that he considered me family.
He was a patriot!
He proudly served in the Marines and truly loved this great country!
He was given full military honors.
Per her request, I recorded taps at the burial sight today for Todd's mom who was just too weak to be there.
And lastly,
after Todd's dad's death he made sure to call Todd and check up on him, especially on each anniversary of Dad's death.
Todd still has a voicemail from one such call where he said,
"I love you, Buddy,"
over and over.
Precious...he was just precious. You will be missed Uncle Kenny...so much!
When I got home I changed and went over to the nursing home to show Mom the video
she asked me to take at the grave site.
She watched all of it, never said a word or shed a tear
and
said, "That was nice" when it ended.
She definitely was not herself.
The following day I got up early and went to see her.
I was so happy that she was up
and
out of her room doing some physical therapy!
as the physical therapist pushed her closer towards us I knew Mom was in trouble.
I knew that look.
It was a "dialysis look".
She had "foam" coming out of the sides of her mouth and no color to her lips.
I turned to the social worker and told him to forget about everything.
He knew by the look on my face that something was wrong.
I explained what I saw and how I felt that something was going on with her kidney.
After being with her most of the day I went home around 6:00 to tell Todd she wasn't any better.
We both went over after dinner and she was sleeping so soundly I hated to bother her.
So, I just grabbed her dirty clothes and we left.
We no longer got home
and
settled in for the evening when the nursing home called us to ask which ER we wanted her to go to.
She was crashing.
Thank goodness we have two ER's within minutes of us and the nursing home.
We flew over there to meet her.
She was bad.
Again, we were told she was lucky to even be here.
They transported her to IU Med because that's where she had her kidney transplant.
She was in a step down ICU for about two weeks.
Again,
she was dehydrated, and her white cell count was at zero
and yes,
her kidney numbers were not good.
All this while her body was trying to heal two broken limbs, lymphoma, and C-diff.
While she was there Jim, a close friend, visited almost everyday.
One afternoon when we visited
she informed us that she did not want to go back to the nursing home in Fishers.
At first I felt so upset!
We wanted her at the best facility near us and near the best hospitals.
I had to leave the room and go to the bathroom to collect my thoughts.
As I looked into the mirror while I was gathering my thoughts it dawned on me,
"We aren't enough for her."
She wanted her family,
but,
she needed ALL of her family near her.
She kept saying she wanted to go home.
Home to her was Wayne County where most all of her siblings still live
and
where she had spent her whole life.
In his defense it's not a state of the art facility and
they were giving her mini hot dogs and beans when we left...which I'm petty sure a C-diff patient shouldn't have.
Anyway,
I just reminded him that it was what she wanted.
I said, "She just wants to be home and Wayne County is home to her."
I remember him angrily saying,
"You make it sound like she's going to die!"
I just turned my face toward the window and said nothing.
The sky and scenery that night reminded me of God's many promises.
Something that I was dearly holding on to everyday.
Kiely was dearly holding on to some one on one time with Vera.
We took her to the Children's Museum right before Eli was born.
After we visited her favorite places
So sweet!
The night we went to say goodbye to all of them Mammy was in the stages of crashing.
I had seen it twice now and I really didn't want her to have to again go through all of that.
I voiced my concerns to the oncologist on call.
Well you know what they say,
"Red in the morning, a sailors warning!"
We woke up on the first morning preparing for Tropical Storm Colin.
After some morning giggles,
snuggles,
and,
sharing Grammy's breakfast we were off to the grocery!
Well... AFTER the girls got their Starbucks!
We were set for the next few days!
We made it home just in time!
While it stormed we colored,
hugged,
checked on the "wasts"
watched TV, and played on our phones...
meanwhile,
there's Ralph on the floor in the background under the table! ha!
He was wanting to see if it was real wood.
It was btw...just in case you were wondering too!
We finished the night with hide 'n seek ;)
The next day brought in Chad and Becky!
Chad was stationed at the time in Jacksonville, FL
which was about an hour away.
We were supposed to be getting ready to go to the beach
and
I was upstairs on the main level cleaning
and
happened to look down and Kiely was doing the same!
We just cannot leave a messy house!
This sign hanging in plain sight as she was sweeping was true whether you are cleaning, sleeping, eating etc.
But,
off to the beach we would go!
She's ready to go!
Taking a snack break by the pool with Grammy.
Finally,
Becky
and
Chad!!
Jump to Aunt Becky!
And
hold on for dear life with Uncle Chad! ha!
After some swimming we went in for some lunch,
and
opened up Vera's bday gifts from Uncle Chad and Aunt Becky.
This was lunch for a few days!
It was from Southern Soul BBQ.
Chad said that he and some other pilots would fly in there
(it is located right by the airport on the island)
from Jax just to get lunch while out logging flight hours.
Then it was back to the beach!
That night we went out for dinner.
And of course had to have a photo shoot with Vera before we did so! Ha!
When we got back we changed clothes and took a walk down the street.
We were showing her the gas lamps.
BATH TIME!
We were trying to wear this little one out as she wasn't sleeping very well :(
The next morning we went for a walk.
And,
it ended up here!
Look at that cute baby bump! :)
My heart :)
When we got back to the house we ate lunch
and
Ashley braided Kiely's hair
and
Vera's hair!
She wanted to show daddy! :)
She grabbed her jelly shoes
(which matched Ashley's)
and had Ashley help put them on,
and
then we were finally off to the beach!
I mean...
It's always a lot of work gathering everything you think you need for the beach
BUT,
it is sooooooo worth it!
We cooled down at the pool.
I was so glad these two had a chance to spend time together.
That was hard to do while Evan was in Law School.
After Vera's nap we headed back to the beach.
To be a kid again!
Soon
We grilled out
and
Becky brought dessert!
We hung out on the front balcony while the sun was setting.
We took in every moment thinking that this was going to be the last time we saw Chad and Becky while we were there.
Beautiful sunset!
Great company and front deck!
One more picture!
Always hard saying goodbye!
And,
saying goodnight to the "wast"!
What a gorgeous evening.
I remember not wanting to go inside so I didn't!
Evan and I sat out there and talked for the longest time.
It was so nice catching up on the happenings in his life.
We then got ready to go to the lighthouse!
I could've lived in this lighthouse!
Look at that view!
Lighthouse views.
we did not let Kiely carry her up and down the steps!
I carried her up.
We made it!!
Hi Grammy Kay!
Mom got a shot of us waving at her :)
Ashley carried Vera down!
Not a bad view in the joint!
We were allowed to visit the living quarters.
Vera wanted to play with their toys.
But,
I'm sure the location helped!
That evening we went out to dinner near the pier.
Looking at pictures while waiting for our food.
After we were finished we walked down to the pier.
The sunset that night!
It.
Was.
We came back to the house for some ice-cream before bed!
Vera let me braid her hair!
She wasn't really in to the walk that day so we cut it short.
I sure was going to miss spending time with these two.
Before we went to the pool Ashley did this beautiful braid!
One last walk with my girl.
She went in early to take a nap as she just wasn't sleeping well at night.
When she got up just the Garrett Gang went to the beach and pool.
Bathing beauty!!
What a great picture!
She really mastered jumping off of the edge that week.
The last time on the beach as a family of three :)
That night, to our surprise,
we were able to see Chad and Becky again at dinner!
After dinner we again went back to the pier and playground.
Then we HAD to have family pictures taken!
After pictures we really did say goodbye to Chad and Becky.
And then we went on the hunt for ice-cream!
We were thrilled...
...the others who did not get any ice cream were not!
Bahahaaa!!!
Just goes to show ya,
ice-cream makes you happy!
Soon we were back at the house.
Look at that sweet tan!
She is pointing to the moon
and
saying goodnight to it. :)
All good things must come to an end.
I sure am thankful for this family and to have these beach memories!
It's always good to be home
and
Later that week I went with Kiely to the strawberry patch.
She planned to meet Jerrica, Carter and Carter's friend.
It was a pretty successful day!
Though,
not a very successful picture of trying to get all three to look at the camera!ha!
The following day brought concerning news for Todd and I about his mom.
Life was about to get a bit harder and I could just feel it when I woke up.
I posted this on IG that morning...
Walking and giving myself a pep talk for the day! I could stay in the dark
(which is how my bothered self felt when my feet hit the floor)
like the trees on the left,
or
look on the bright side like the trees on the right.
I choose the bright side!
Sometimes it just takes a gorgeous morning walk to clear the mind and find peace.
#thanksgod
Todd's mom's white cell count after her last chemo plummeted.
It was zero!!!
She was admitted to the hospital right away and was to stay there until her numbers started to rise.
I hated the way that I was feeling and thinking.
No hope.
This is it, this is the end.
Not again.
I can't see another loved one die of cancer.
These were my immediate thoughts and I just couldn't shake them.
That is until I went on that walk and turned the corner.
I saw those trees and I immediately heard God talking to me.
I chose the light and fought the urge that was pulling me into the darkness.
I needed to be there for Mammy, Todd, and the boys!
I had to be strong!
It was NOT about me!!
A great distraction that week was watching Graham play in the City tournament.
He and Abe, his roommate in college, were playing men's doubles.
And,
He and Michelle were playing mixed doubles.
We kept saying,
"The buns have it!"
And
they did!
They ended up playing Graham's private coach/assistant coach
from
High School,
and
WON!
Dennis is such a great guy and obviously good coach ;)
Grandma Kay and Grandpa talking after the match.
Whenever and where ever they will be there to watch the boys play!
Abe and Graham
won their doubles bracket, too!
It was fun to watch and a nice Father's Day gift to Todd!Another gift that day was his mom was able to go home from the hospital!
That next morning I talked to Mammy on the phone.
She seemed to be in really good spirits which in turn made me feel very happy!!
Another thing that made me happy was this one showing up out of the blue!
It was the first day of summer so that calls for riding your tricycle
and
going on a golf cart ride with the poodles!
That sheer joy of happiness was quickly replaced in a matter of hours.
I got a phone call from Todd's mom while I was finishing up my lunch.She was calling from the ER.
She had fallen that morning on her kitchen floor.
She was alone at the time and managed to somehow get to the phone and call for help.
She ended up breaking her right wrist in a couple places
and
her right ankle in three places.
Todd and I rushed to the ER.
They were trying to get her into surgery but there were other emergencies ahead of her.
At 3:00 in the morning she went in.
We left around 5:30 when we knew she was stable.
I really just wanted to stop the car, stop time...just stop!
There it was again,
"Red in the morning, a sailors warning."
It was a warning for sure.
The next few days seemed like a blur.
We got a phone call the same day as her surgery,
at 4:00 in the afternoon saying she was going to have to choose a nursing home
because
they were moving her soon.
Transport didn't come until 10:00 that night!
We weren't there to help her.
We felt awful!
That next morning I jumped up and went to her house first before going to the nursing home.
I tried to think of what she would need...clothes, toiletries, medicine etc.
I also grabbed family photos to decorate her room, magazines and her sudoku books.
After I went over and unpacked her things,
talked to the nurses, social worker, and sat through a physical therapy evaluation,
I visited a while then kissed her goodbye.
I went back to her house to clean out her refrigerator, take out the trash, get the mail stopped etc.
This was EXACTLY how I felt as I was cleaning out her refrigerator.
I wanted to just sit there and cry.
Instead,
I pushed through the tears.
I continued cleaning because all I really wanted to do was get home to Todd.
I went back to Richmond, where the nursing home was, that next day.
I sat through physical therapy and wound specialist appointments.
When I left I promised Mammy that I would be back the following day with Todd.
It was always so hard to leave.
When I got home that evening Todd grabbed the poodles and said,
"Let's go watch the sunset!"
The poodles were thrilled!
It was now the end of June and we hadn't been out at all since Memorial Day!
My therapy!
My loves!
This crane flew right alongside of our boat for the longest time!
Patiently waiting... ;)
These two, too! Ha!
Just beautiful!
Thank you for knowing just what I needed.
As promised,
we went to visit Mammy the next day
and
Evan came too :)
We took her outside thinking that the warm sun would do her some good.
I remember thinking that I couldn't wait 'til September came.
Because,
if all went as planned
that would be the time her bones would be healed
and
physical therapy would be done
and
she could go home!
So, when Kiely was needing help painting Vera's new room
(because Eli would soon be moving into the room she was in)
I was more than happy to help!
Each of their rooms leads into a Jack 'n Jill bath.
They have a sink area right off of their rooms
which you have to go through to get the the the main bath.
Mercedes was helping ;)
(while Vera was with Kiely's dad)
to purchase everything for Eli's room.
We purchased most of the accessories at HomeGoods and Hobby Lobby.
The drapes came from
At Home
Alan made the shelves!
And,
he hung these mirrored trays that I saw at HomeGoods.
I thought they would make cute "portholes"
and
they did!
All of these accessories and picture frames came from Hobby Lobby.
The picture frames hold pictures of Chad's ship
and
the helicopter that he flies in the Navy!
(This picture was taken the day that Vera was going to the hospital to meet her new brother!)
The lamp and clothes hamper were from HomeGoods.
The rug was from At Home.
This time Graham joined us!
This was one of the last time she was outside
other than transporting her to various nursing homes and appointments,
and one sunny afternoon when her sisters took her out.
It was also the last nice warm day for a while.
Definitely the calm before the storm.
July 4
My favorite weekend with my family!
We boat, and eat, and boat and eat
and
watch fireworks!
But,
not that year.
It was cold and rainy!
So,
Tony made Mamma's gravy and meatballs instead of grilling hotdogs and hamburgers!! Ha!
It was really good
and
with Vera around who can not be happy even if it's crappy weather!
Since we couldn't boat we stayed inside
and
sang Itsy Bitsy Spider,
colored,
The weather wasn't the only thing that was yucky.
Mammy was feeling very yucky so Todd left to go see her.
He came back after his visit so depressed because she was feeling so bad.
I met her at an orthopedic appointment early that week
and
it was as if she wasn't even there.
It was one of the worst experiences I have ever been through.
I will spare you all of the details but I will say this,
if you have a loved one that cannot speak for themselves because they are too weak
BE THEIR ADVOCATE, BE THEIR VOICE, BE THERE!
One good thing came from that appointment...
she was able to get the cast off of her arm!
However,
After that appointment she crashed and was sent to the ER the next morning.
Todd and I thought for sure we were going to lose her.
We decided that day that we were going to remove her from the nursing home in Richmond
and
bring her closer to us in Fishers so that we could be there for her everyday.
Her sisters and brothers had been SO good to be there for her
and
always kept in contact with us.
But,
we felt it was our responsibility to take care of her.
She would be right down the road so
Todd, myself, Ashley and the boys could visit her at least twice a day!
When we went to move her I drove her van and Todd followed me.
Her sister's were all there to say goodbye to her and promised they would visit.
She sat in the back seat as I drove her down familiar country roads.
When I drove through Hagerstown I was ready for her to say,
"Just take me home," followed by her giggle.
But instead,
she just sat quietly staring out of the window.
I thought about turning and driving by the her house anyway to let her see it
but
then I thought that it might bring her more pain than joy.
So, I continued on to Fishers.
On this morning as I was getting ready to go watch Vera
I got a phone call from Todd's Aunt Kathy to tell me that Todd's Uncle Kenny had passed.
This was Todd's mom's brother.
He too had been battling cancer that summer.
I thought to myself this is it.
Todd's mom will hear this and she will just give up.
I felt sick.
"The soul is healed by being with Children"
-Fyodor Dostoevsky-
No truer words have been spoken!
I needed to be with that sweet baby girl that day!
The following day I followed Melody around our yard and down by the lake
(these are just my iPhone pictures)
as
she took Kiely's pregnancy pictures.
It was so hot that night!
We told Vera just one more picture
and
then we will go inside for lemonade and chocolate Bel Vita bars!
Always a family affair when Melody is here ;)
So,
Troy came home for a visit!
While he was there he and Todd set up a video chat one morning with Sophie.
Technology, gotta love it!
After we left the nursing home Troy came over for the night.
We took a boat ride and had dinner.
This picture will forever be one of my favorites.
I just wish we were all together that night for happy reasons
but,
God was working things out in his own way.
It was the day for Uncle Kenny's funeral.
This is what I posted that day on Instagram:
We said goodbye to Todd's Uncle Kenny today.
What a beautiful service for this well deserving man.
He was a man of God, a family man, and a patriot.
This was evident today at the church ceremony.
What a beautiful ceremony it was.
All of his children and grandchildren eulogized him with words or song.
If one sat down before the service as a nonbeliever
they undoubtedly stood up and walked out believing in the same God that welcomed Uncle Kenny home!
He was always the one that made sure his fourteen, now sadly eleven, brothers and sisters, met once a month for lunch. Family meant the world to him. I'm so lucky that he considered me family.
He proudly served in the Marines and truly loved this great country!
He was given full military honors.
Per her request, I recorded taps at the burial sight today for Todd's mom who was just too weak to be there.
And lastly,
after Todd's dad's death he made sure to call Todd and check up on him, especially on each anniversary of Dad's death.
Todd still has a voicemail from one such call where he said,
"I love you, Buddy,"
over and over.
Precious...he was just precious. You will be missed Uncle Kenny...so much!
When I got home I changed and went over to the nursing home to show Mom the video
she asked me to take at the grave site.
She watched all of it, never said a word or shed a tear
and
said, "That was nice" when it ended.
She definitely was not herself.
The following day I got up early and went to see her.
I was so happy that she was up
and
out of her room doing some physical therapy!
I watched as she did the bicycle and thought to myself,
"finally, she is getting some physical therapy!"
I was very excited and felt so happy that we had moved her closer to us.
This is why she was in the nursing home...to strengthen her muscles so she could go home!
I started talking to the social worker about having her go to the dining room to eat
instead of staying in her room.
I thought this would help with the occupational part of her therapy.
He agreed and then...as the physical therapist pushed her closer towards us I knew Mom was in trouble.
I knew that look.
It was a "dialysis look".
She had "foam" coming out of the sides of her mouth and no color to her lips.
I turned to the social worker and told him to forget about everything.
He knew by the look on my face that something was wrong.
I explained what I saw and how I felt that something was going on with her kidney.
After being with her most of the day I went home around 6:00 to tell Todd she wasn't any better.
We both went over after dinner and she was sleeping so soundly I hated to bother her.
So, I just grabbed her dirty clothes and we left.
We no longer got home
and
settled in for the evening when the nursing home called us to ask which ER we wanted her to go to.
She was crashing.
Thank goodness we have two ER's within minutes of us and the nursing home.
We flew over there to meet her.
She was bad.
Again, we were told she was lucky to even be here.
They transported her to IU Med because that's where she had her kidney transplant.
She was in a step down ICU for about two weeks.
Again,
she was dehydrated, and her white cell count was at zero
and yes,
her kidney numbers were not good.
All this while her body was trying to heal two broken limbs, lymphoma, and C-diff.
While she was there Jim, a close friend, visited almost everyday.
One afternoon when we visited
she informed us that she did not want to go back to the nursing home in Fishers.
At first I felt so upset!
We wanted her at the best facility near us and near the best hospitals.
I had to leave the room and go to the bathroom to collect my thoughts.
As I looked into the mirror while I was gathering my thoughts it dawned on me,
"We aren't enough for her."
She wanted her family,
but,
she needed ALL of her family near her.
She kept saying she wanted to go home.
Home to her was Wayne County where most all of her siblings still live
and
where she had spent her whole life.
So,
we called the social worker into the room
and
set up transport to yet another nursing home of her choosing, in Centerville,
for when she was released.
Todd and I held hands as we left that night.
While walking down the all too familiar halls of IU Med he stopped and turned to me
and asked,
"Do you feel relieved? Because I feel relieved."
I told him about my
"come to Jesus moment" in the bathroom
and
how we weren't enough for her.
I said that I too felt relieved
and
I definitely understood why she wanted to go "home".
I felt it in my gut.
She was not going to make it.
She just wanted familiar surroundings and wanted to be close to family so they could visit.
Honestly, I would want the same thing!
However,
all of those feelings I kept to myself inside my heavy heart.
A few days later I took this picture after leaving Mammy at her new "home" in Centerville.
Todd stopped the car before exiting the parking lot that evening and said,
"What are we doing? We can't leave her here!"In his defense it's not a state of the art facility and
they were giving her mini hot dogs and beans when we left...which I'm petty sure a C-diff patient shouldn't have.
Anyway,
I just reminded him that it was what she wanted.
I said, "She just wants to be home and Wayne County is home to her."
I remember him angrily saying,
"You make it sound like she's going to die!"
I just turned my face toward the window and said nothing.
The sky and scenery that night reminded me of God's many promises.
Something that I was dearly holding on to everyday.
We took her to the Children's Museum right before Eli was born.
we went out to eat for lunch.
It felt good to have a fun day.
Something else that felt good, to Mammy, was to have that last cast taken off!
An ambulance transported Mammy to the orthopedic facility where I met her.
That is one of the drivers in the background.
After that visit it was clear that she was struggling to remember things.
Troy thought it would be best if he brought the girls up to see her for a few days.
I'm so thankful he did.
To pass time sitting at Mammy's bedside the girls wallpapered her room with posters to cheer her up!
The night we went to say goodbye to all of them Mammy was in the stages of crashing.
I had seen it twice now and I really didn't want her to have to again go through all of that.
I voiced my concerns to the oncologist on call.
Mom was still considered a cancer patient so that is why she continued under their care.
I also was in constant communication with the nursing home the next day
and
continued to voice my concern.
It was happening about every two to three weeks.
Always the same thing,
needed hydration, blood, and then she was better for awhile.
They assured me that she was fine and Todd and I would see them in the morning
as we had an appointment with them to go over her case.
Morning came and the phone rang before I even got out of bed.
It was the nursing home telling me that Mom was being rushed to the ER.
Ar!g@u!
Why oh why didn't they listen to me?!
I was not happy that they let her suffer all night!
When we got there it was the worst that we had seen her.
The ER doctor thought she might be septic on top of everything else
but,
thank goodness that was not true.
After a few days she soon was out of the hospital and back at the nursing home.
From one hospital to the next.
This time to celebrate the birth
of
Elias Paul Garrett!
For a thank you for watching Vera while Kiely was delivering Eli
she got me this sweet bracelet.
I waited a week while family visited Kiely before I went to see that new baby boy!
I also was in constant communication with the nursing home the next day
and
continued to voice my concern.
It was happening about every two to three weeks.
Always the same thing,
needed hydration, blood, and then she was better for awhile.
They assured me that she was fine and Todd and I would see them in the morning
as we had an appointment with them to go over her case.
Morning came and the phone rang before I even got out of bed.
It was the nursing home telling me that Mom was being rushed to the ER.
Ar!g@u!
Why oh why didn't they listen to me?!
I was not happy that they let her suffer all night!
When we got there it was the worst that we had seen her.
The ER doctor thought she might be septic on top of everything else
but,
thank goodness that was not true.
After a few days she soon was out of the hospital and back at the nursing home.
From one hospital to the next.
This time to celebrate the birth
of
Elias Paul Garrett!
I arrived at Kiely's early that morning before Vera was awake.
After breakfast
before Vera got dressed to go to the hospital to meet her new brother,
we made him a card!
And,
braided her hair :)
(any chance I can get!ha!)
Oh. My. Goodness!!!
Vera couldn't quit looking at him.
Kiely was so sweet and started crying when she had her family all together.
Her heart was full :)
Lisa stopped in!
She's the best friend a girl could have :)
My heart!
My little buddy.
I have NEVER touched a baby's skin that was so soft!
Grammy Kay and Grandma Phyllis were there.
Grammy is making sure everything is ok...always a nurse!
And,
always spoiling this sweet big sister.
I mean...
I stayed with Vera that night.
After her nap we visited the poodles and took a golf cart ride with Uncle Todd.
The next morning she wanted to dress up.
She was Princess Paw Patrol!
Later that morning we went to let the poodles out, ride the tricycle,
and
drive the golf cart!
For a thank you for watching Vera while Kiely was delivering Eli
she got me this sweet bracelet.
I waited a week while family visited Kiely before I went to see that new baby boy!
I didn't want to take my eyes off of him!
I sat outside with him while Kiely was trying to plant her flowers.
Vera was helping playing in the dirt! ha!
When she came in I thought that a sink bath was a good idea!
She thought so too!
My sweet Vera :)
That weekend Todd and I got to meet Graham's sweet girl, Ali.
We went boating
and
I got to see the ducklings!
The top picture was from the Spring and the bottom that August!
It was so nice to spend the afternoon with Graham and to meet Ali.
That weekend it was nice to celebrate Mom's birthday!
Their birthdays aren't too far apart!
On the porch with no furniture we took some pictures.
Then Uncle Todd let Vera drive the golf cart down to the lake.
That is one full cart!
Pappy running beside Vera as she rides her tricycle.
Scaling rock walls ;)
We came back inside before they left.
Hard to believe that Labor Day was here!
The week before we left for Italy
Todd and I had to meet with his Mom's oncologist, a couple of case workers, head nurses, and physical/occupational therapists.
We really did have some productive meetings with everyone.
We first met Mammy at the oncologist appointment.
After her appointment
Todd and I met with the oncologist while transport took Mammy back to the nursing home.
I had done some research and talked with some of her sisters about Palliative Care.
As soon as I said those two words you would've thought that I had two heads!
That oncologist made it clear that Mom was progressing...blah, blah, blah.
She wasn't interested in listening to our concerns or experiences we had with her crashing
and
Palliative Care was out of the question.
and
Palliative Care was out of the question.
It had been a couple weeks since she had been in the ER
and
we were wanting to try to avoid the "crash".
Palliative Care, from what I had researched, seemed to be a reasonable solution.
They could keep her hydrated and give her blood when needed.
She would have constant care
instead of the kind of care a nursing home nurse was able to give.
instead of the kind of care a nursing home nurse was able to give.
DISCLAIMER:
In the oncologists defense,
Mammy didn't make it easy to "sell" such an idea because she put on an act that day like she was
A-OK!
A-OK!
It was like she was a completely different person when the doctor entered the room!
In turn, this makes it hard for caregivers to get the proper care needed for the patient.
We then met with the above mentioned care takers
in an evaluation/progress meeting at the nursing home.
in an evaluation/progress meeting at the nursing home.
They were all so kind!
I saw the look of relief on their faces when I told them that I thought she needed Palliative Care.
I saw the look of relief on their faces when I told them that I thought she needed Palliative Care.
They agreed that she wasn't a physical therapy patient because she was in constant need of care.
We talked for an hour about putting a plan in place for one last push for physical therapy,
nutrition, and signs to look for before the "crash".
They even agreed to hydrate Mammy the day we were to leave on our upcoming trip.
Our thought was this would help her to keep moving forward and hopefully start to progress a little.
Our thought was this would help her to keep moving forward and hopefully start to progress a little.
We left the meeting feeling like everyone was on the same page.
I went to check on all of Mammy's medication
because
she was to be taken off of some and strengths and doses had been changed that day.
because
she was to be taken off of some and strengths and doses had been changed that day.
Todd went to say goodbye to his mom.
I finally made it in there to say goodbye.
I didn't want to tell her that we were going out of the country.
Her memory was so bad anyway
and
I doubted if she would remember so there was no reason to upset her.
and
I doubted if she would remember so there was no reason to upset her.
Her room was filled with the brightest warm sunshine that afternoon.
I was thankful that one of her sisters had come in to visit.
I didn't feel so bad leaving her.
I didn't feel so bad leaving her.
I hugged and kissed her
(even though we weren't supposed to because of the C-diff)
and
she said, "Thank you for everything, Holly."
I said, "You're welcome, Mom. I love you."
She said, "I love you, too."
She said, "I love you, too."
I started to stand up straight after hugging her and she reminded me to call Troy.
I said, "Ok, why?"
Defensively she said, "You heard them, I'm going to die in three days!"
Ummmmm....
No. No I didn't hear that!
I assured her, and her sister, that the oncologist did not say that!
While walking outside of her room I stopped dead in my tracks in the hallway.
I was numb and felt like I could not take another step.
I must have had a look of fright on my face because a nurse asked me if I was alright?
I told her that I didn't think that it was a good idea that Todd and I went out of the country.
She tried to assure me that all was well and that caregivers have to take care of themselves first etc.
Todd had gone to get the car so I felt like I needed to go.
I looked at Mammy one more time before I left and walked away with such a sinking feeling.
I looked at Mammy one more time before I left and walked away with such a sinking feeling.
The next day I was busy packing for the trip.
One of Todd's Aunts called that afternoon voicing her concern for Mom.
She was telling me she wasn't making any sense when she went to see her.
I shared his aunt's concerns with Todd
and
told him to do what he thought he should about leaving the country.
and
told him to do what he thought he should about leaving the country.
We both knew that she was probably about to crash and it did make us uneasy.
We had done all of the preparation for her not to have to go back in to the hospital.
If she did go back in,
we figured she would bounce back after treatment like she always had previously
and
we would be back home by then.
we figured she would bounce back after treatment like she always had previously
and
we would be back home by then.
So,we went ahead with our plans.
As I was standing in line to get on the plane I got a call from the nursing home.
They wanted to tell me that Mammy had gotten fluids that day but no blood
and that she seemed to be doing well.
I thanked them and reminded them that I was just about to board the plane to go out of the country
and Troy was the one to contact with all future decisions.
After the phone call we felt a little better
and
shifted focus on these two behind us! ha!
After all, they were the reason why we were going to Italy!
Tony was going to propose to Camille!
When we got off of the plane and got settled in we decided to climbed to the top of
St. Peter's Basilica.
I mean, why not?!
We had only had a little sleep on the plane ride over that night.
#pieceofcake
Amazing views!
It was tight quarters going up and down!
We made it!
You could see all of Roma from up there!
Now that we worked up an appetite it was time to eat!
Todd and I were so tired!
After dinner we went to sleep! ha!
The next day we went to some familiar places.
Trevi Fountain
She had just reopened after having a face lift and looked absolutely beautiful!
Camille making a wish with right hand over left shoulder.
All money is collected and given to the poor.
We stopped here and had some lunch.
Thank goodness there were awnings because it started to storm!
So good!
Arched doorways and topiary's
everywhere!
We walked to the Spanish Steps but they were closed.
I was glad that I got to at least see the finished renovation of the Spanish Embassy at the top.
We split up and Todd and I went to see the coliseum.
I can't even describe the feeling you get when you see this structure.
The "basement" with all of those walls made hallways and each opening was a dressing room for the gladiators or whomever was performing there that day.
It was also where they kept the animals.
We met up at the Pantheon.
This was Camille's favorite church.
Because it ha rained that day you could see the droplets coming through the Oculus in the dome.
It was magical!
Everything you see has not changed much in 2,000 years.
All of the floors and columns are the same.
They are made from precious marble from the Mediterranean Sea.
Because it ha rained that day you could see the droplets coming through the Oculus in the dome.
It was magical!
Everything you see has not changed much in 2,000 years.
All of the floors and columns are the same.
They are made from precious marble from the Mediterranean Sea.
He is speaking at the top where the crimson throw is draped over the window sill.
After "church" we had some affagoto's.
We rested until late afternoon when we went to one of Tony's friend's house to have an
authentic Italian meal with her family.
Any day that I can get my hands on a baby is a good day! ha!
Truly delicious!
The following day we were off to the island of Sardinia!
This is the first view we saw upon arrival at the resort.
They had cute refreshing drinks to sip on while checking in.
Our patio off of our suite
and view!
I tagged along with the soon-to-be engaged couple while Todd worked.
We went to dip our toes in the Mediterranean Sea!
It was chilly!
Everywhere you walked on the resort property was beautiful.
Well,
almost everything! Ha!
Camille and I decided to have a drink that afternoon in the lounge
and
look out at the view!
We all went out to dinner that night.
It was the only night we were able to do so because
Todd had been in contact with the nursing home that afternoon and his mom was failing.
The next morning plans were made to leave Sardinia that afternoon and fly to Rome.
We would catch the earliest flight going to the States the following morning.
We had one last Italian meal at the airport in Sardinia
then started the long haul home.
We landed in Rome around 8:00pm
where the driver from the hotel we had previously stayed was waiting on us.
He dropped us off around 8:30pm.
We hurriedly checked in and went to our room to call Troy.
He told us he was with the boys.
They hadn't left Mammy's side the moment they found out that she was dying.
We tried to get some sleep before our 6:00 am flight
but at 10:00pm Rome time we were told that Mammy had passed.
And,
at 10:30 Rome time the funeral home was already calling us with questions.
I kept thinking to myself, "I wish I was there!"
As quickly as I thought that though,
I came to the realization that we were right where God wanted us to be.
If we would've been there Todd would've tried to once again save her.
Her poor body couldn't go through that one more time.
God put him on a remote island in the Mediterranean Sea, at the furthest part of that island,
to spare each of them more hurt and pain.
Mammy was at peace.
No more doctors.
No more drugs.
No more chemo.
No more pain!
September had come like I had prayed for that June
and,
she got to go home.
That is what I held on to all the way home.
That, and knowing that she was once again with Dad.
The next days were filled with making funeral arrangements,
reminiscing while gathering old photographs,
and
mending relationships.
A picture when they were dating.
My word she was beautiful!
She sure did love her family!
And,
these boys!
And,
these sweet girls!
Sophie Kay,
named after Mammy.
Sweet Sarah,
her first granddaughter!!
Evan Charles,
her beloved first grandson
and
beautiful Ashely,
her first granddaughter by marriage :)
Graham Alan,
her precious "Troy" :)
She would always mistakenly call him Troy
and
I can see why.
She loved all of her grand kids like they were her own.
Todd and Troy,
her two boys that she loved with her whole being.
After the funeral was over these two "officially" mended fences.
I thought to myself,
"I wish Mammy could've seen this."
But,
she was the one orchestrating it from heaven of that I am sure!
I would like to stop right here and say this...
All families have "falling-outs"
Resolve your differences NOW!
We are only together on this earth for such a short time.
Memories can't be made when time is spent apart.
And,
as Mammy always said,
"Take God with you!"
If He is with/within you there is no room for bitterness
and
forgiveness is made possible through prayer, faith and His grace.
God could NOT have given the world two better parents, grandparents, and in-laws.
I cannot tell you how much they are both missed.
This was the moon the night before the funeral.
It was under that same full moon in Italy that Tony was purposing to Camille
and
where Todd and I were preparing ourselves for the funeral the next day.
After a beautiful funeral service honoring Mammy's life we said our final goodbyes at the burial site.
My two boys men...
what can I say!
This picture breaks my heart.
I look at it through tears and see such strength.
With broken hearts they saw their Mammy take her last earthly breath.
What a hard thing to do when you're so young and you love someone so much.
Dad and I will be forever grateful to you both for such maturity and courage!
The rest of the men are some of her dear nephews.
We asked the first son,
from each of the sisters and brothers families who were going to be at the funeral,
to be a pallbearer.
We then went to the second son when the first sons were not able to attend.
Together again...at last.
I was so blessed to know you both and through God's undeserving grace I will see you again.
Unfortunately,
the day of the funeral was also the day of Ashley's birthday.
(I took this shot for her blog/Dottie)
This sweet girl that loves flowers as much as I do,
the Gilmore Girls like no other,
and,
loves the poodles like they are her own,
had a somber 24th birthday.
We celebrated later that week at her favorite restaurant.
She is our joy and we love her like she is one of our own!
This cute couple couldn't celebrate with us because they were attending a
"Red Carpet Event" at Graham's fraternity
at
Butler.
The following week
Todd, Troy and I
started the process of cleaning and staging their childhood home to get it ready to sale.
First, Todd wanted to clean all of the closets, dressers, and cabinets
before Troy came back to help with the bigger things.
We donated, gifted, and threw away many things.
This process took us over two months.
Todd's mom was a keeper
and,
I can understand why.
She was one of fourteen children and she shared most everything when she was growing up.
After she got married she held on to things because they were hers!
She kept this!
I made her this sweat shirt one year for her birthday.
I used the boys hand prints for angel wings.
That same year I painted this apron for her for Christmas
which
Graham found one day while he helped clean out the basement, and kept.
She kept some really great things.
I found this razor in perfect condition still in its case.
That cool Tiffany blue hair dryer!
I donated that to the Richmond Civic Theatre.
I figured they could use it as a prop.
I also found this note affixed with a rubber band around...
...this cash!
While in the hospital she told Todd and one of her sisters that she had cash in her bedroom.
We didn't know whether to believe her at the time because her memory was slipping.
She had hidden it under the leg of a dresser.
She always did like a good scavenger hunt and
I bet she was quite entertained watching us all trying to find it.
FYI:
I found it when I was wrapping up furniture that Evan wanted to take
after Mammy and Paps' house had been sold.
One of the hardest things to clean out
was the shed that Pappaw built to store outside furniture etc. in for the winter.
He pretty much let the boys use it as a playhouse when they were little.
He put their "names" on the outside.
We opened it up and found some of Todd and Troy's toys
and
some of the boys toys.
We also saw this sign that mammy had made.
Curtis and Debra lived in the house next door
and
would often come over and play with the boys when they were there.
I'm not sure what each number by their name represents
but
I know it wasn't their ages ;)
One beautiful November day Todd put a for sale sign in the front yard.
The last few months had been very emotional for all who helped us
comb through every inch of the house and all of the items in it.
Thank you to everyone for their help!
Thank you to everyone for their help!
At times it felt like that process would never end.
However,
this part was the hardest part for me.
Having to let go of it and let someone else call it home.
I prayed that God would put someone in there that Mom and Dad would've liked.
If you ever stage a home to sell remember the most important thing...declutter!
Decorate with minimal accessories and pictures on the walls.
Make sure that lighting fixtures work and update them when needed.
We updated this chandelier to get more light in the kitchen.
Clean, clean, and clean some more!
Clean the appliances!
And carpeting.
Brighten every space as much as possible.
I freshened up the living room with new draperies and kept the door opened during showings.
Mammy and Pappaw's room
It's always important to clear all of the counter tops off as much as possible in kitchens and baths.
Main bath.
Todd's old room.
Troy's old room.
Basement rec-room,
bath,
and,
sunroom.
Since this type of space is always appealing to buyers
make sure the windows are clean inside and out
and
that all of the bugs are swept up!
Todd and Troy
power washed and bleached the outside of the enclosure and all of the gutters.
They also painted the garage floor and I painted the walls and washed the window.
The boys had such a great childhood in that home.
I know that myself and my boys made so many great memories there.
January 14, 2017
(Papaw's birthday)
We sat at the kitchen table
with the buyers and signed papers that started the process to make it theirs.
The same table where we all used to play Rummy, Uno, and Phase 10 for hours!
It's where we used to look at the Christmas toy magazine/flyers and plan out our list for the boys.
Where Mom and I sat for hours solving all of the world's problems over a cup of coffee.
And,
most recently where relationships between brothers were mended.
By the end of the month
we had everything moved out that the new couple didn't buy
and
handed over the keys.
If you look closely,
sitting on the hearth of the fireplace is a sample of stacked stone
and
there was a gray piece of wood flooring lying in the kitchen.
It made me happy to know that they were already in the process of making it their own :)
After leaving some flowers and a welcome home card for a couple that I know
mom and dad would've really liked,
we packed up those pesky "last items" that never seem to end,
and
shed a few tears
while looking around for one last time.
Ashely took this last picture in front of the house for us.
And,
this is the last shot I took as we were backing out of the drive.
I feel so blessed and am so thankful for all of the memories that were made there
for thirty years of my life.
The following week after Mammy's funeral
Chad and Becky came home for a few days.
While I was sharing some news about Ashely with Kiely on the phone
the morning before Chad was to leave for FL,
I offered to bring some chili over for dinner so that Todd and I could see them real quick.
Graham called me that afternoon and he wanted to join us too.
His afternoon class had been canceled and he hadn't seen them yet either.
It was the perfect evening for chili and porch sittin'!
Evan and Ashely came over too.
Ashley was supposed to be working that night
however,
that morning she had received some concerning news from the doctor about some test results.
Evan told her to find coverage and that she'd feel better being around family.
I know that I aways feel better when I'm surrounded by family.
Especially when I'm snuggling the newest member!
Kiely wanted to get a family picture since Chad and Becky were going to be moving to CA .
Tom had been over to my house earlier that afternoon while I was making the chili
and
said that he and Karen wanted to come by too to see Chad.
I'm glad he was there as we had him take the picture.
I look at it and I know the stress and worry behind some of the smiles
but,
for a brief moment that beautiful Fall evening
all was forgotten.
This girl brings in Autumn with a bang!
October 1st is "my person's" birthday!
I don't have an earthly sister anymore
but,
I feel that God has given me Julie and five others that help fill that void.
October was here!
I always look forward to the last three months of the year.
Each one brings some type of celebration.
This particular night we were celebrating the newly engaged couple!
We went to St. Elmo's and sat in "Peyton Manning's room".
It's on the lowest floor in the "cellar" away from everyone and everybody!
It felt like our own little private party.
It was good to see them and catch up on what they did the rest of their time in Italy
and
get all of the important details on the proposal!
The following week we went to the Pumpkin Patch!
Alan was still on family leave so he joined us!
Those boots!
Vera is checking out all of the bunnies.
Petting the goats.
The hayride to the pumpkin patch.
Gorgeous day!
Daddy and Vera trying to find the perfect pumpkin!
That's the one, Daddy!
She's such a joy :)
Goodbye until next year!
Eli's birth pictures :)
Glowing Momma!
Mr. Sandman ;)
Proud Papa!
Loving Sis!
My heart!
The October days were growing shorter and colder.
It was time to bring in "True Blue".
Capturing one last sunset.
Saying goodbye to the swan family.
Picking up Evan for one last ride.
Ashley and I tried to take a selfie with the sun setting behind us...
...and
that's where it all went wrong!
Sooo many chins! Ha!
Nope,
that really doesn't help!
My crazy girl!
The next few days brought lots of work around the house and in the yard
in preparation for winter.
Before
This is one section in the back of the house that I neglected all summer.
With everything going on it was tough trying to keep up with all of the landscaping.
After!
There's the pathway!
It felt so good to get out there in the dirt!
I also had a lot of wood from fallen trees to burn to keep me warm.
And,
I also had a lot of wood to stain! ugh!
(the door on the right hadn't been done yet)
I had the first two doors finished
and
one more to go!
In between projects Ashley and I went to watch Grant and Lily
in
Alice and Wonderland.
Brian, Alice Lily, and Sandy
Ashley and Lily
Pictured are Niki with her son Grant, Aunt Nita, and Aunt Linda.
Grant and Lily
Cousin's
Lily and Ellie
I might be a little biased but, Grant and Lily stole the show!!
The last few weeks of October brought such beautiful color from leaves to sunrises!
This particular morning I decided to walk down to the lake and take pictures.
So beautiful!
Just like this sweet girl!
Sarah was voted Princess of her class at Beaufort High for Homecoming.
She won by class vote, volunteering so many hours in the community,
and
by raising money for the school.
The next week brought in Halloween!
It had been awhile since I saw these cuties!
He looked so big to me!
Ha!
I know her love language!
Forget the candy...gimmie all the cookies to dunk!
Her first Oreo...
OH YEAH...Ha!
I think she liked it!!
When I got home I helped Graham cut sheets for his frat
Halloween party.
Yep,
he went as Jesus.
If I could insert an emoji right here it would be the big eyed closed mouth one.
Moving on to November!
On this beautiful first weekend in November all of my kids came home that Sunday! :)
Even though they live close they lead very busy lives so it's always good to see them.
Ali was down from Purdue!
She was helping to coax Graham in to taking a picture!
It worked!
After finishing up dinner we walked down by the lake.
On our way up to the house I wanted to press pause!
My whole family all in one place that gorgeous Fall afternoon.
It never lasts long enough!
Something that WAS long enough was Graham's hair.
He had grown it out for the organization
Wigs for Kids.
The before picture was taken in the afternoon and it was still wet from showering that morning!
He has the thickest hair and it was really getting to him.
It was during this time that Todd and I were working at his Mom and Dad's house.
We finished near the end of November.
On Thanksgiving Day,
that afternoon we went to Todd's mom's side.
It felt empty not having her there.
We then came back home to celebrate with my side of the family.
Todd had already brined, smoked and pulled the turkey out of the smoker
and
I had already made up the side dishes.
Persimmon's, apples, oranges, cloves, peppercorns, rosemary, and onion were used for spices.
Todd then put the turkey in a cooler
and
added ice and sat it out on the porch overnight and into the next day.
The night before Thanksgiving he smoked it.
And,
pulled it out of the smoker the next morning!
It was so good!
Something that also good is the annual pumpkin toss!
Every year since we have lived here
it has been a tradition for Graham toss the pumpkin's I used for Fall decorating into the woods.
This year he decided to do it over the dining room banister!
Ali was there to witness it for the first time. HA!
That night we went to the Pacer's game.
Ali's dad has season tickets and wasn't using them and offered them to us.
So fun!
While we were there Ashley sent me a text with this picture.
At the top right you can see the future Mr. and Mrs. McMullen ;)
Everyone else is posing or watching the game...not these two! ha!
Another tradition is going to A Christmas Carole.
This particular year though, we went to see Rudolph at Clowes Hall instead.
Tony and Camille went with us :)
We parked in front of Graham's fraternity house.
They were flying the W after Cub's win!
It was dark out when the play was over so we got to see it all lit up for Christmas.
After the play
we went to Harry and Izzy's to eat!
Such a great way to kick start Christmas!
Another great way is celebrating my birthday! ;)
Ashley surprised me with this cake when mom, herself, Kiely and the kids took me out for lunch.
Later,
we went over to Kiely's and ate cake, fed the baby, and braided hair.
You know, girl things! Ha!
Tony brought over all of this for me!
My birthday falls on St. Nicholas Day so he always brings me over some treats!
Todd ordered me my favorite boxed candies from Norman Love Chocolate in Naples, FL.
Yep!
He knows me well and knows what I like! :)
Our first snow came three days later.
And,
the first annual Holgin Christmas Party!
Good group!
I was glad it ended at a decent time because the following day was cookie day!
After taking pictures it was time to get to the business of cookie making!
With my great-grandmother's recipes in hand we were ready to go!
It was Ali's first Cookie Day with us :)
Two old pros! ha!
Making a pro out of Vera!
And,
someday we'll make a cookie day pro out of Eli!
Just like his cousin Graham,
and
Momma,
and
big sister!
So proud!
And,
so happy...or just completely full of sugar!!!
She's saying, "Happy Halloween!" here! ha!
Hmmm...
I wonder where she got all of that sugar AND marshmallows!!
I won't mention any names, Ashely and Grammy Kay!
#truth!
Pretty yummy!!
Meanwhile,
down in the basement
Graham is assembling Vera's Christmas present from us.
I can always count on him to help put together all of hers and Eli's toys.
He is going to be an awesome dad someday!!!
I always look forward to this day that was started so many years ago
because
let's be honest,
it's more about being together than about baking cookies!
Evan just loves that little girl!
We must love her lots too because
the following week took us back to The Children's Museum.
MAINLY,
because of the Yule Slide!!!
After waiting in a very long line
Ashley and Vera were on their way down!!
We got that out of the way first and then proceeded on with the day!
Ha!!
In with the dinosaurs!
We went to one of Vera's favorite spots,
Doc McStuffin's exhibit.
Helping her with her lab coat.
She thought that was pretty neat :)
And,
she's off!
Lots of squishy love hugs!
The only time he was really awake :)
I forgot he was even around!
Grooming Santa's reindeer at Santa's Village.
Guiding her through the ice castle.
Good catch!
Eli's passed out! ha! This was one of our last stops.
Bahahaaa!
Crazy girl on the carousal!
I looked out of the window and couldn't believe how much it had snowed!
He's awake!
Soon,
it was time to go :(
Until next time!
That weekend was Ellie and Ian's wedding.
She had Ashely do her hair.
Aunt Melissa talking to her Niece :)
The bridesmaids looking on.
So pretty!
Proud Aunt and Momma!
Waiting on the guys to park the car.
They did it!
What a beautiful Christmas wedding!
They had a huge reception.
We took pictures while waiting on them to be announced.
Mr. and Mrs. Lady
So happy!
First dance as a married couple :)
The flower girls coloring...so cute!
Headed to the photo booth!
and
Sandy and I without Gretchen because she didn't come back! HA!
My gosh I love this girl!
And,
my sweet Ashley!
When we were in GA for vacation earlier that Spring Todd and I loved the kitchen table they had.
So,
after Mammy's funeral we got serious
and
started measuring and ordering a new table, rug, barstools, and lighting so.
Our hope was to have it all finished by Christmas.
The lighting came first.
We needed two because of the table width.
Here are a few before pictures with the new lighting.
And,
after!
I couldn't wait until Christmas when everyone could sit together!
Some more before and afters.
We also replaced and added one more bar stool.
The old table, chairs, and bar stools went back to our old house in Pendleton!
I've since protected it with some varnish
and,
I moved four chairs to the dining room table to give us more room for everyday use.
It's been fun adding different centerpieces for different seasons.
Something else that is always fun is when Greyson comes over
when his momma grooms the poodles.
We go over and play with Vera and now Eli too!
Having pretend lunch made them hungry for a real lunch!
And when Eli had his milk it made them want a snack! ha!
These three will be buddies for a long time :)
Soon it was time for Christmas.
We have celebrated Christmas with the kids on Christmas Eve
ever since Evan and Ashely have been engaged.
It makes Christmas Day that less hectic with everyone going to different places.
Evan and Ashley got Dad a case for his chainsaw.
We thought it looked like the sponge number 1 finger sold at sporting events! ha!
Ashley anxiously awaiting on Evan to open his gift.
New shoes!
Evan surprised Ashely with...
...a new laptop!
V just wanted everyone to hurry up and unwrap their gifts because he wanted the paper!
Just like a kid,
he'd rather play with the wrapping paper instead of his new toy!
Graham got a new bike!
Christmas Day before everyone came over that evening we celebrated with Ali.
They had been at her two Christmas' that day.
This picture was taken at one of them :)
I felt so bad for Alan, Kiely and Todd!
It was the same ER he had to be at where his mom was just months earlier when she was crashing.
It just seemed to bring it all back.
Ellen was down with a frozen shoulder so she and Troy didn't make it either.
I set the table with Nana's Havilland China.
The table was just a little emptier than hoped but we were used to that.
Every year I light this candle.
It is one the last birthday gifts that Lori gave me before she died.
I light in remembrance of her.
Thank goodness for kids!
They are what it's all about!
Poor Kiely looked so tired.
Having two kids at Christmas with a husband that is so sick he can't move is tough.
I love how Eli is looking at his Pappy :)
After dinner it was dessert time before opening presents!
Vera is eating the most delicious peppermint angel food cake
with peppermint icing from Taylor's Bakery.
Ali brought it and it is now her duty to bring that to EVERY Christmas dinner! Ha!
My grandma and Nana always made angle food cake.
They would be thrilled knowing that their great-great-great/great-great grandchild was eating that off of their china!
Mmmm, mmmm!
Holding tight to Grammy Kay's finger!
Every Christmas I get the kids their clothes and jammies.
I was wanting to get a picture of her dress but she was just too excited to open gifts.
The last one was good enough!
She was ripping through them fast!
But,
she made sure to hug and thank everyone :)
Next,
it was off to the basement to give her our gift!
I think she liked it!
Big hugs of thanks for Uncle Todd and Aunt Holly :)
Graham helped her put the Paw Patrol lookout together.
She was showing Grammy how to use it.
A snack before jammie time.
Evan teasing her and telling her goodbye.
Checking out the deer.
Sweet dreams, Babe.
We left for Fripp a couple days after Christmas to be with Troy, Theresa and the girls.
It is not warm that time of year but its not 30 degrees and snow either!
Beautiful marsh sunset.
Graham and Ali came in the night we did.
We got up to go eat breakfast first thing that morning.
This is how you light a tree! ha!
That night we met up with these two for dinner on Lady's Island.
Chad and Becky stayed with us for a few days!
They were in the midst of getting ready to head to CA from Jacksonville so he was in between work.
Evan and Ashley joined us a few days later.
We went out to the beach to shoot some pictures for Ashley's blog.
Rain was coming in :(
I found some puzzles to keep me busy!
I welcomed everyone's help
and
shared frustration when it came time to put the water pieces together.
Chad and I also passed the time eating our favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream.
We went over to Troy and Theresa's New Years Eve Day.
The guys played corn hole.
It was brothers against brothers!
Threw the football.
Again,
brother against brother. ha!
<3 p="">
(cousins)
Ashley brought her "good camera" and took the pictures above.
One of my favorites of them :)
Becky, unfortunately got really sick so Chad ran her back home to Jacksonville, FL.
He returned later for New Year's Eve!
They all got dressed up and went to the beach club to celebrate
They all got dressed up and went to the beach club to celebrate
but
they came back saying that no one was there.
They found out the next day they had gone too early!ha!
That's ok.
That's ok.
They came back to the house and played cards
The next day we headed to Savannah, GA.
and
had a party of their own! HA!!
Picture in front of the old Cotton Exchange Building.
Savannah is a beautiful City.
We didn't stay there too long before we headed to Pooler Outlets.
The next day Graham and Ali had to head back to IN for school and tennis commitments.
So,
we had one last meal together at Johnson's Creek Tavern.
The guys went golfing late afternoon the following day.
Ashely and I went to the beach to take some more blog pictures for her blog.
We headed home after shooting for a while because it was getting quite cool.
Todd captured the sun setting that evening while finishing up golf.
So beautiful!!!
It was COLD!
We went in and got ready to go eat some lunch.
Afterwards,
we went to see some of the storm damage from Hurricane Matthew.
Most of the rock had washed out to sea.
You can see the exposed groin beam here.
I took this picture in 2010.
Why? Your guess is as good as mine! Ha!
But, it does show how the rocks on the right are now in the ocean in the picture above.
In the far distance you can see that Ol' Blue
was still standing.
This is Ol' Blue up close.
I too took this picture back in 2010.
Hunting Island's erosion took out all of the cabins on this side of the island.
Deemed a safety hazard after Matthew hit in 2016
they tore Blue down in the Spring of 2017 :(
One of my favorite pictures of us taken by Ashley :)
That night we went to watch Sophie Kay play basketball.
I'm so glad she played that day
because
we had to leave the next day ( a day early) due to a Southern snow storm coming in.
Kiely had a birthday while we were gone so when I got back we celebrated at Olive Garden.
Vera wanted to try my cake :)
She likes it as much as I do!
While in Beaufort one HAS to go to the Chocolate Tree!
I got some turtles and toffee for Kiely.
And...
Vera liked those too!
Yes,
this little guy was with us too :)
He was asleep through the whole lunch but woke up right before we left.
The next day I went to see Vera in her first ballet class at the YMCA.
She was beyond excited!
She kept saying she was going to point her toes.
Then she showed me how she was going to point her toes ;)
I need to find it but my sister was a flower girl and her hair was just like this
and
she even had this same pose and smile.
Everyone on their circle!
Listening to instructions.
Pointing her toe just like she practiced!
Ribbon dancing!
And,
what is a ballet class without twirling!!
She kept coming over hugging me in between dances. ha!
She had so much fun!
Eli had fun too!
He was so good and just laid there listening to the music.
Oh Vera,
you are such a sweet light in my world.
Kiely sent this picture to me on another class day.
I just cannot get over the cuteness!!!!!
She looked like such a big girl.
looked like such a good idea...until I saw the price.
So,
I texted Tony the above picture and asked if he could do this?!
He replied, "No problem!"
I cannot believe how well he captured their personalities :)
I gave him the pictures on the left for inspiration
and
he gave me two masterpieces...well, in my mind anyway!!
Thanks, T!!
God was sure painting some morning masterpieces!
"The things that we love tells us what we are." ~Thomas Aquinas
I love me some sunrises, sunsets, sun, warmth, light...
It was the last day in January and I was holding on to any little bit of light I could capture!
We all were in need of an outing this second week in February!
So,
to the Muncie Children's museum we went!
Jerrica and Carter met us there.
They had so much fun together!
Only in Indiana can you ride a cow! ha!
She loved this!
She has such long fingers like her Momma she would be good at it.
Momma loving on Elias Paul!
Those lashes!!!
He was so good and just loved watching Vera and Carter play.
Carter grabbing Vera's hand and helping her in to the boat!
What a little gentleman!!
They played here a long time.
The museum was empty so that allowed them all the time they wanted at different stations.
Mesmerized!
Even though I didn't want to like anything snow at this point I sure did like this snowman!
And,
snow baby!
Melts my heart!
It was time to hit the grocery store.
We had to line up the bananas and put like fruits together first,
then she shopped! ha!
(we're both OCD...it's fine ;))
Checking out!
After taking turns checking out their food it was time to make lunch.
Vera sat here in the "house" while Carter made lunch! ha!
She's really concentrating on that fire poster.
After sharing a cup of coffee and conversation
together they cleaned up their dishes! ;)
My little buddy!!
Next it was time for a check-up!
Jerrica was first!
No cavities!
Carter was next!
Then Vera.
Sooo,
we didn't stay here long! ha!
Things were going south quick in this venue!
A huge Light Bright board?!
I could've stayed at this station forever!!
Soon it was time for lunch and exchange valentines. ;)
One more tractor ride before we go!
The best museum if you don't want to walk your legs off and it is so clean!
When we got back to Kiely's
I gave Vera some jewelry that Amy had given me from her Aunt Nancy.
She put her Frozen Elsa dress on
and
tried on each piece!
Eli was happy to be able to spread out on the floor and play!
He was such a good boy!
That week was Valentine's Day!
Uncle Todd stopped by to see us before we went out to eat.
And,
watched her unwrap her gift.
Thanking him for the gift.
Cutest shirt and boy wearing it!
A new book.
He loves to sit on your lap and be read to.
My funny Valentine's!
Back to our favorite spot!
I helped her with her coat and she held my face and said,
"I love you, Aunt Holly."
I can't take it!
We then went back to Kiely's
and
made the traditional strawberry cupcakes!
Momma's little helper!
Mmmmm!
You gimme that! ha!
Eli was very interested in the cupcake liner!
While the cupcakes were baking we played with this cutie!
Biggie, biggie boy!
Time to decorate!
Good job, Babe!
So good!
Next up,
making valentine's for Eli and Daddy.
And,
Mommy!
This one was for me :)
This is starting to be one of my favorite "holiday's"!
Grammy Kay's back from FL!
I think she missed her!
This was Vera's second year to take swimming lessons.
Since Kiely cannot be in two places at once Mom and I went to watch Vera and Eli.
Getting used to the water!
She warmed up quick!
It was warming up quick outside too!
On this February day it got up to 70 degrees!
After eating some of my chocolate chip cookies we went outside to play!
Eli wasn't too sure about the golf cart ride :(
Uncle Todd came home early and we took a ride down by the lake to feed the ducks.
She rode her tricycle while Eli napped inside.
Walking up the hill we saw that Ashley was here!
She's showing her her Zombie stick! ha!
Warm weather was making us all feel like a kid!
Uncle Todd watched Eli for us so we could take a ride through the spooky forrest.
Good thing Vera had her Zombie stick!
I wish that that weather would've lasted until Spring.
Vera had her last swimming lesson for the year.
She was ready for Grammy Kay's and Pappy's pool!
I watched Eli while Kiely took her.
He was getting so big and really close to crawling!
I was rocked and read to Vera before her nap.
I wanted to freeze time!
Though,
freezing time does not work!
Evan's birthday brings in Spring every year.
That makes me very happy and melancholy at the same time.
He turned 24 and was in the midst of finishing law school.
Graham's birthday is three days later.
He turned 22 and was still at Butler getting his Biology degree
and
IUPUI getting his Biomedical Engineering degree from PU.
It is a five year program so he is getting closer to graduating!
One thing Todd and I have done the past few years is attend the Zoo Wine Fundraiser at
The Conrad Hotel in Indianapolis.
It's nice to get cleaned up every once and awhile ;)
This year's spotlight animal was the Madagascar lemur.
It is an endangered species and very cute!
I wish that I had more than two pictures for this post.
It was Amy's 50th birthday!
Julie, Amy, Kim and I had planned a girls weekend trip to her parents new lake house.
I grabbed this old board from her parents old lake house garage one girls weekend there.
I had Tony write in calligraphy Est. 2016.
(year the new house was started)
I was so excited to give it to her.
I had cooked up enough food to feed an army and could hardly get to sleep the day before we were to leave...then BOOM!
I got really sick and that was that :(
I have never been more disappointed!
We later made up for it in the Fall.
This evening Ali's grandparents couldn't use their symphony tickets so they gave them to us.
The music all geared towards sci-fi tv and film shows.
It was very entertaining!
That following weekend was Todd's birthday and we went to Bloomington, Il to celebrate.
We had a wonderful dinner and then went to see
Kathleen Madigan,
a comedian he likes.
Well,
the weather was getting nicer and I was so excited that my new furniture was
going to be delivered this day!!
It's here!
And V couldn't be more excited! ha!
He jumped up there first thing and laid in the warm sun.
Graham came home from school and did the same thing.
Doug and V were happy campers!
Everyone loves a good comfy screened in porch.
Later I added these pillows to lay our heads on.
And,
this fire table to keep us warm on cool nights.
(of course the company forgot to send the fire rock...it eventually showed up...3 times!! now we have lots! ha!)
I am super happy that that project is behind me
and
pleased with how it turned out!!
The Friday before Easter Mom and I went over to Kiely's for a little Easter lunch and egg hunt!
Lovin' on Grammy Kay!
Mom made my Nana's egg salad and Kiely made the chicken salad.
I bought some chicken salad and angel food cake
but
made some strawberry preserves to pour over it!
Next,
the egg hunt while Eli took his nap!
She kept showing us each egg she would find :)
She found most of them and would empty her basket in to this bin.
There were just a few more by the mailbox to find!
And,
that's when this happened...
...she bumped her head on the bottom of the mailbox really hard :(
She was soon better and was all finished with the hunt!
We took them all inside to open them up.
Kiely had put stickers, change and candy in them.
She opened up gifts next.
And,
then I went up to get my little buddy up from his nap.
So big!
We had such a fun day!
That Sunday we went to Easter services at Mom and Dad's church.
I cannot remember the preacher's sermon
but
this act of selflessness and kindness is etched in my memory.
As I was walking out I took this picture of my parents helping out their dear friends.
"...(God) will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10 NIV
This is 95 years young Mr. and Mrs. Tanner.
My father would always help him to and from his car on Sunday mornings.
Last Fall Mr. Tanner went to be with his Savior.
My dad was in the hospital with pneumonia and couldn't attend his service.
It was probably best as he loved him so.
"And do not forget to do good and share with others, for such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16
Next to this underlined verse in my Bible I have written,
*helping people is fruit not salvation.
What wonderful seeds my parents unknowingly sow for others to witness and want to follow.
May their eternal crowns be heavy with jewels for this and other selfless works they do for God's people.
Thank you both for being my daily inspiration!
The baskets they are holding
are the same baskets Mammy had filled several times before with treats every Easter for the boys.
They were so surprised and happy when they reluctantly went on the search for them ;)
My joy!
After all of the pictures were taken we went out to eat.
I thought I was sneaking a shot and then saw Ashely's face! HA!
Hey, E?!
He's so happy! ha!
On this warm April day Kiely and I walked over to her neighborhood park.
She told me that Vera called the shirt she was wearing her Moana shirt.
She loved anything Moana!
On this windy Wednesday I said,
"Vera Stop! You look just like Moana with your hair blowing in the wind!"
(her favorite scene near the end of the movie that she has acted out on more than one occasion)
That's when she turned and posed for the picture ;)
* Stinker *
It was when I looked at this picture that I didn't see a toddler anymore.
She was a very happy and active preschooler :)
Now I'm only a year behind!
(End of Part I)
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