Aloha Mom & Dad

My cute parents are not only my parents, but they are now officially missionaries for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. It was so hard yesterday to say goodbye, but I am so proud of them. I will miss them so much, and all that they do for me, but a year will fly by and then I will have them home. (Don't get any ideas about extending.) We love you both so much, and can't wait to share this experience with you and our family. Thanks for being such an example and giving us two amazing people to look up too and try to become!

Halloween

We had a very busy Halloween this year, and during it all I forgot my camera. MacRae got sick on Friday night, and Saturday day with a high fever. By the time to go out, he was feeling a little better. Our first stop was to Grandma and Grandpa Heathers house to trick-r-treat. Grandma Heather has a hard time saying no to MacRae, and before we left he had dumped her entire bowl into his pumpkin. No wonder he loves her so much!



Next stop was to my sister Nicki's for pizza and Carmel apples. We then took MacRae and some of his cousins trick-r-treating. MacRae didn't quiet understand the concept, and just kept trying to eat everything he was given. We went to a house and they gave him a Toy Story coloring book. After he received this, he was done and ready to head home. Thanks to my sister and brother for all your hard work. It was so nice to get together for one last holiday before Mom and Dad leave. You throw an amazing party!!!

Mom and Dad

My Nephew Tanner

The Nunleys

The Tripps

The Campbells

Happy Retirement Dad!!!

After being in the construction industry and owning his own business for over 40 years, my Dad has decided to finally retire before going on his mission. My sweet sister-in-law and brother through him a luau luncheon today at their office in his honor. My Dad has always shown us an example of being a hard worker, and taking pride in your work. Growing up, and still now there is nothing that my Dad can't fix. We are so happy that he is retiring when he is still young enough to enjoy it. Being retired has a totally different meaning for him than most 67 year old men. To my Dad it means a little more golf, no time spent in an office, and most of his time building and repairing things. We love you so much, and are so proud to have you as our Dad and Papa!!!

Grandma's Hat

We were over at Stu's parents house watching the Yankees game, and MacRe got to to take a bath in Grandma and Grandpa's big tub. While he was getting in he found Grandma's hat and, had to wear it while he was in there. He also like to use her toothbrush, luckily Grandma is a good sport, and let's him use it!!!

Gardner Village

My Mom, some of my sisters and I, made are annual trip to Gardner Village last week. It was so cute to see MacRae all dressed up in his costume. He was a little afraid of the witches up close, but he loved the one with a cat and mouse running under its skirt. We ate lunch, fed the ducks, and took in all the sights. It was a beautiful day, and so much fun being with my family!!!

Courtney, Hendrix, Lily & MacRae

Grandma & Grandkids

Me & My Mom & Sisters

Footy Pajamas

One of MacRae's favorite things are Footy Pajamas. He loves to wear them, and has been begging to wear them all summer long. When we finally told him it was warm enough to get them out again he was so excited. He now hates to get dressed, because he know he has to take them off. He also like to wear more than one pair per day which makes for a lot of laundry, but is worth it after seeing that big smile on his face. These cute ones came from Grandma Heather. he could not get over the fact that they had faces on his feet, and stills laughs at them every time he wears them. Thanks Grandma We Love You!!!

Learning To Sew

So my cute Mom has been teaching me to sew. I am so proud of myself at the cute things that I have made with her help. She has been an amazing teacher. She has taught me how to thread the machine, wind the bobbin, hem, surge, sew a quilt. I love the time that we have spent doing these, and I am going to miss her so much. Don't worry I will have a whole year of projects to think up for us to do while you are gone.

Wipes holders that I got the idea from sewing group with my cute neighbors!

Quilt for MacRae's New Bed!

Curtains For MacRae's Bathroom!

Double Ear Infections

Saturday night MacRae woke up in the middle of the night screaming that his ear hurt. He was inconsolable and didn't sleep at all. The next morning he seemed perfectly fine, until I noticed some dried wax by his ear. We then took him to the Dr, and found out that he had a double ear infection. He has never had an ear infection, let alone double ones, or ever been on an antibiotic, and we have been lucky enough to have a very healthy kid. He was only down for about 2 days, and then was right back to his usual active self. I am amazed every day how tough of a kid he is. Besides the diarrhea from the medicine, you would never guess he was sick.

Big Boy Bed

After having to cage MacRae in his crib for the last few months we decided to get him a real bed. He was so excited to have a "good boy bed" as he calls it. The first week was a little rough trying to get him to stay in it, and he did fall out a few times. But he is doing so good now he only gets out when he wakes up. We debated on getting a twin or full, and finally settled on a full. I am so happy we did, because I love laying in it with him. The hard part is every time you go to get out of his bed he asks you to stay and cuddle him. I am the biggest sucker for those big brown eyes, and I give in every time.

Stephen Michael Tripp

This is my sweet little nephew Stephen Micheal Tripp that was born, and died on September 18, 2009. He is named after my father and brother Stephen, and my other brother Micheal. My brother's wife Sarah was 37 weeks pregnant with him when he died and was delivered as a stillborn. They have 5 beautiful girls, and were finally expecting their first baby boy. I was lucky enough to get to go to the hospital shortly after he was delivered, and hold and kiss this sweet little baby. He looks exactly like his Daddy, and was completely perfect. I have never felt the spirit as strong as I did when I walked into the room and saw my brother holding his son. I can't even imagine the pain these 2 parents feel.

It has been very difficult dealing with such an unexpected loss. Almost all of my family was able to get together for a funeral for him a few days later. It was very hard, but such an amazing day to see how much faith my brother and sister have. All of the girls in my family sang a lullaby that has been sung in our family for 6 generations. I sing it to MacRae quite often, but I will now think of that precious little boy every time I sing it. It was so heart-breaking to watch my big, strong, brother carrying the tiny casket of his son. No parent should have to ever bury a child.

The one thing that has helped my family get through this, is that we know we will be together forever. We know that he is waiting for us in heaven, and we will strive harder to make it there to be with him. I want my brother and his family to know how much we truly love and care for them. They are such amazing examples to me, in all that they say and do. I am so sorry for the pain and suffering that you are going through. I believe that the reason you have been chosen to endure this trial, is because of what strong and obedient people you are. I know the pain will never go away, I just pray that it gets easier to deal with it. We love you so much, and you are always in our prayers.