Missing Grandaddy

Most, if not all, of our family blog entries are celebrations of life and the small pleasures and treasures we are blessed with on a daily basis. And in the Spirit of Truth, this entry must also be considered one such "celebration of life," a time to rejoice in days past with Samuel's Daddy and the comforting hope and assurance of his present home. I must confess, however, that in the flesh we are truly heartbroken and bereft of his presence. On Christmas Eve 2009, Grandaddy had a heart attack due to surgery complications and very quickly and peacefully went to be with the Lord. For that, we are so grateful and remind ourselves often that if ever a man desired to be with The Father, it was him. He will be so greatly missed though, for so many things; his thundering laugh, great big bear hugs, Godly wisdom so freely given, and his love for the grandchildren and our whole family. There are very few truly great men today and we were so blessed to share our lives with one of them. We love you and miss you Grandaddy. Thank you for reminding us, both in life and death, that this is not our home nor does this world hold any true treasures for us. Instead, we will store up treasures in Heaven, where one day we will see you again and dwell together in the glory of Christ.

Always a loving Daddy

On the day Jason was born, Grandaddy practically ran into the delivery room to see his first grandchild. How proud and beaming he was!

Colleen stole his heart and always came to Grandaddy with love. He would get so tickled at her expressions.

Fun times with the Warbington cousins

Jason and Colleen were able to spend a lot of time with the Warbingtons one weekend and had a great time as usual. Riley has really become quite the babysitter during these visits and even changed Colleen's diaper once all by herself. These two are more alike than the age gap shows and it is such fun to see them together.

Ty and Jason have been into playing dress-up, unfortunately, as of late that has involved purses and tap shoes from Nonna's closet...their "fancy clothes". Clearly Will stepped in to provide some needed masculine influence!

Merry Christmas 2009

" 'Twas the night before Christmas..."

And they don't even know it! Jason seemed to gain a bit of excitement this year as we talked about the coming day and all the possibilities it may hold, but for the most part he remained in blissful ignorance about Christmas just taking things in stride as usual. Colleen, of course, was just along for the ride! Never-the-less, when that morning came, there was much joy and pleasure to be had.

We prepared all the gifts the night before and couldn't wait to see their faces.

The Mini Market

Monster Trucks!

A Book about the New Baby

Bike Horn and Toothbrush

A Slinky...for fun it's a wonderful toy!

Jason's bicycle, which he is still riding all over the house!

Daddy helping on the big hill

It truly was a Merry Christmas for our little family and we are blessed by Jason's reminders that gifts are given as a way to celebrate that Jesus was the greatest gift of all ...given on Christmas Day!

'Tis the Season...

We decided to do a Christmas craft to get in the spirit but weren't quite ready to go the route of real gingerbread, so here is our Graham Cracker House instead. Jason and Colleen were big helpers making sure there were no decorations left uneaten!

Disney Princess and Fun Dip!

Although the differences between boys and girls are not always so apparent in our two, they have been more so recently in small ways. Jason has really been a helper outside, stacking logs as Samuel uses the chainsaw, spreading pine straw, using the shovel to move out excess dirt, etc. Not to mention digging for worms, going tee tee on every bush in the yard (!), flying down the hill on his big wheel, and jumping off of anything that is high enough to be a challenge. Colleen on the other hand is very into her baby dolls, brings me her hair bow if it falls out and wants me to put it back in, loves to blow kisses and give hugs (especially to Samuel and Jason), holds up her hands to be wiped off if they are dirty, and will sit happily with her one Disney Princess book just looking at the pictures. It is great fun to watch them develop into their own unique persons.

"Reading" Disney's Cinderella with baby
Jason's first experience with Fun Dip. He was eating this while we made our Blessings Tree ornaments, at which time he said, "Write this down, 'I am thankful that God gave us candy!'"

Nap Time

No, I will not come back in there

We've been through all this before,

And I expect you to be sleeping

The next time I pass your door.

We have played all morning long,

Riding big wheels and exploring.

I've enjoyed your songs and laughter,

Now I want to hear you snoring!

Little bodies need their rest and

Yours is growing by the day,

Not to mention this is my time now

To quickly slip away.

Keep those eyes tightly shut

So as not to sneak a peak,

As I race into my bedroom

With a stolen chocolate treat.

What these brief moments will hold,

It is difficult to tell.

Be it cleaning, reading, or paying bills,

You can bet I'll do it well.

Because there will be no interruptions,

No more questions or demands.

I'll be wiping counters and potties,

Not your little bottom or hands.

It's remarkable the things

That are accomplished when alone.

I can prep for supper and make the beds,

All while talking on the phone.

Yes, I must confess my sleeping ones,

I live for this reprieve.

With the simple gift of quiet,

My stresses to relieve.

And yet still, oh blessed curse,

Have I gone and lost my brain?

For I'm missing you already,

Wondering when you'll wake again.

Don't mistake me, I can wait,

But I've discovered something true...

I AM CRAZY, like all other moms,

Just crazy about you!

Hannah Kirkland

11-12-2009

Halloween 2009

Our Church's HarvestFest theme this year was "Sports" so Jason went as an Atlanta Braves Baseball Player and Colleen was a Dublin Fighting Irish Cheerleader. Her costume is one Momma made years ago when we were little girls cheering on Daddy's team in Dublin, GA. They both had a wonderful time and got bags full of candy.

HarvestFest was scheduled for Halloween night so we got all dressed up and ready for the festivities only to arrive at Church and find that it had been rescheduled for the following day due to rain. So as not to dissappoint, we made it a fun evening by going to Fender's, a local 50's style diner. We had a great time eating Reuben Sandwiches, Patty Melts, and a Malt Milkshake. We are really enjoying small town life and the fun benefits it provides.