Thanksgiving weekend

Maraya having a laugh with Corey's Grandma Katherine

Corey, the kids and Corey's Grandma Katherine at Thanksgiving 2009

Raya helping her daddy hang her first bulb

Breckin decorating the tree

Today the kids and I helped Dad, Amy and Breylee pick out a Christmas tree. Mom and Dad always went the day after Thanksgiving to get the Christmas Tree. Dad wanted to go to the same place that Mom and Dad went last year. Dad found the perfect tree. Mom would have been proud of it! It was a journey getting the tree home but we made it!

Breckin hiding between the trees!

Dad asking which tree looks the best?

Breylee and Breckin in front of the tree Dad picked out!

Amy and Dad tying the tree down. We had to pull over two times to tie the tree tighter!

Amy making sure the tree is fine!!! I'm sure Mom was laughing at us. Her and Dad never had problems getting the tree home!!

Maraya helping Anthony and Jason with the lights. I think she was making sure they worked!!

A tradition we have is hanging up our Name Ornaments on Mom and Dad's tree. Here's Dad hanging up Mom's name.

Dad hanging up his name next to Mom's ornament.

Miss Maraya hanging up her name!

Breckin hanging up his name!

Amy making sure her name is in the right spot and Dad helping Breckin with his ornament.

The tree all decorated! Mom would have loved this tree!!!

Breckin & Breylee

Lighting up Mom's Grave!

My father -in-law made this solar light for Mom's Grave. A week ago Corey's Dad and Step Mom called and said they had something to put on Mom's Grave. Corey and I went to Davenport to meet them for supper Saturday and this is what Bob made! He put two pinball games on the side. He tried to find slot machines but couldn't find any! The kids loved playing the pinball games! I am thankful to have such thoughtful in-laws!

Breckin found a "flower" for mom. The wind was blowing and the dandelion petals were starting to blow away. I told Breckin that Grandma Judy was blowing the dandelion with him! He had a great big grin and was excited knowing Grandma Judy was right with him.

Dad and the kids making sure the solar light looks ok!

The kids playing at Grandma Judy's grave!

Playing pinball!

Raya and Breckin checking out the pinball game on the solar light.

Breckin showing Raya how to play!

Breckin and Maraya still having fun with Grandma Judy!


Dad and I drove by Mom's grave tonight. I love the solar light on her grave. She was the only one lit up. It was so peaceful at her grave. I always thought cemeteries were creepy but since Mom is there it felt so safe!

Trick or Treat

Halloween 2009, Toronto, Iowa

Halloween was Grandma Judy's FAVORITE holiday. She loved decorating and giving all the kids lots of candy. She loved seeing what her nieces and nephews dressed their kids as. Mom loved spoiling them with candy too. She always said when they are at Judy's house they can have what they want!!! Mom always had her grandkids take pictures with these pumpkins. (shown below) Raya was sleeping so she missed out on Halloween this year. We missed mom and it wasn't the same without her. We missed you Mom and know you were watching down on us!!!!

This picture was for Grandma Judy!

Here's our clown, jail bird, Chrissy and tinkerbell! Raya was sleeping and was supposed to be a lady bug! She would not put the outfit on!

Found a hawkeye pumpkin! GO HAWKS! They won and are 9-0!

Breckin with the Halloween Cat at Steines' house.

I love this picture! Breckin running to get more candy as Dad follows!

Breckin and Brooke waiting patiently for some more candy.

Say "BOO!"

Jason getting his free birthday shot at the Toronto Bar!

Breckin at the scary Toronto house!

Hurrying to get away from the scary house!

Brooklyn and Chrissy

Dad, Breckin and Jason on their way home.

"Look at all my candy, Mom!"

Breckin said, "I'm a funny clown not a scary clown!"

Brooke sharing her chapstick with Jason! It was so cute!







Miss Raya with no costume.

Raya is awake!! Uncle Justin and her having fun.

The kids with the birthday boy!







Dad with the trick or treaters!

Justin and the kids posing!

The kids just hanging out after trick or treating!

Justin being silly before going home!



Happy Halloween!!!