My Aunt Winnie

This past week was a very sad week. My mother's sister, Aunt Winnie, lost her battle with cancer. She was diagnosed with lung cancer back in January. She had had some rough spots during chemo, but was doing better. About 2 days after my parents arrived here, she took a turn for the worse. She passed away on Wednesday.

My heart breaks for my mom and Aunt Winnie's Children. Aunt Winnie holds such a special place in my heart. She kind of became my "Grandmother" after her mother, my Grandma, died. She treated me like one of her own, except I think she spoiled me a little more :-) She taught me to make some of my grandma's recipes, hand stitched beautiful things for me, and was always there to listen when I called. I loved going to her house. She always had "treats" in the cupboard and always made sure you didn't leave hungry. She let my kids tear around her house, that was most definitely not child proofed. She didn't care. She let them bang on the piano and gave them candy she had hiding somewhere. The Christmas ornaments I just put on my tree are a reminder of how much she loved my kids. I am so sad that she is gone, but know she is in a much better place now. No more cancer and suffering. She is finally reunited with her parents and her husband, my Uncle Scott.

Aunt Winnie, thank you for always showing me unconditional love. This world is a little darker without you! You were such a ray of light to those around you. People loved and respected you. You were a true friend to so many. Even though my heart is breaking, I am celebrating the amazing Godly life you led. You were a wonderful example to us all and will be sorely missed!


Aunt Winnie with the kiddos in June before we left for France.

A Long, Long Week!

A week ago Thursday, my parents arrived. We were excited about a great visit, but unfortunately things didn't go quite as planned. I ended up in the hospital overnight for another kidney stone. I had to have a surgical procedure done. I am still not 100%, but hopefully the stone will pass on it's own and I don't have to have another surgical procedure. Thank goodness my parents were here to take care of the kiddos.
Then on Wednesday evening our time my mother's sister, Aunt Winnie, passed away. We had a difficult time getting my parents flight changed, but were finally able to. They had to cut their visit with us about a week short. We were sad to see them go, but can't wait for them to come visit again. Next time, under better circumstances we hope!


Grandma Jean reading stories to Adalee.
Adalee is wearing a Belle dress my Grandmother made around 20 years ago for my cousins. It is in great shape. She loved twirling around in it! Thanks Tracey for sending it. We will take good care of it!

Adalee twirling around in her Belle dress

Our Lion King movie night ice cream treat!

On Sunday, after my parents arrived, we headed to the market as usual. We bought lots of fruits and veggies and a delicious chicken, potatoes, and fresh bread for lunch!


Mom and Dad with Adalee and Alden crossing the street on the way to the market.

My Dad, Abrahm and the boys picking out the right fruit at the market

Alden and Daddy

A happy Adalee in her stroller

Where's Adam?

There he is!

A not so happy Adalee
She was tired of sitting in the stroller.

Alden trying to cheer Adalee up

After our trip to the market, I let the kids play in the leaves on the sidewalk. They had wanted to play in them for a while, but they have been so wet from all of the rain, they hadn't had the chance.


Playing in the leaves

All 3 of my cuties

Having fun in the leaves
This outfit is the same one both boys wore. Both boys wore it for their second Christmas. I just love that she can wear it too!

Happy Adalee

Throwing the leaves

Giving me one of those fake smiles

I love this picture with Alden's tongue sticking out

Alden having a blast!

On Saturday before Thanksgiving, we put up our Christmas Tree. We don't normally put it up that early, but Abrahm was starting an exercise at work the next day and he would be working late every night for the next two weeks. So if we didn't do it then, we wouldn't be able to do it until the 2nd week of December.


Helping Daddy put up the Christmas Tree

All the kiddos putting the snowman at the top of the tree

Grandma Jean helping them put ornaments on the tree

At Adam's school during his English class last week, they had the cooks make a "traditional" Thanksgiving meal for the children. I say traditional because the turkey and dressing were not quite the same, but they did have mashed potatoes. The American mommies made pumpkin pie and brought cranberry sauce. I am really happy that they try to incorporate our holidays into the school. It makes the boys feel special.


Ready for lunch!

Ready to eat Thanksgiving Dinner!