Visiting with Family

Sunday afternoon we decided to stp by and see Lance's grandpa and grandma. It was a nice visit and the girls enjoyed showing great-grandpa and great-grandma all the things they have learned at preschool.  I think they were fully entertained, too!

This was the first time Toby had been to visit, as we were scared of sharing any harmful germs with them. Great-grandpa Benny couldn't believe how heavy Toby was, but held him 3 different times!  It was a good visit, we need to be better about making time to go see them. 

Jenna's Birthday Party

One cold snowy winter day we watched the new Tinkerbell movie, Secret of the Wings.  It is about Tinkerbell and her sister Periwinkle.  Jenna decided she wanted a Tinkerbell party and I happened to be able to find a cake that was decorated to match her party theme.  We were originally planning a Sunday afternoon party at our house for all Jenna's grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins to help her celebrate.  However, due to Larry's death, we had to rearrange the party so we could attend the funeral visitation.  So, the Hofmann family came over and visited Saturday afternoon.  

 

Jenna loved her cake! 

Her reaction to her Barbie from Grandpa and Grandma Hofmann was precious! 

Some of her party guests 

Opening her books, stamps, and paper from Ivan, Angel, Kaity, and Kent. 

 

We got up Sunday morning and headed down to mom and dads to have cake and ice cream before heading to the funeral home.  We still had Tinkerbell and Periwinkle on the cake!

 

Opening her card and scooter from Mawmaw and Poppy 

Ciara showing her everything fun from her new My Little Ponies.

 

It wasn't the party Mommy had planned for her, but we made the best of it!

Saying Goodbye

I received a heart wretching phone call last night.  Larry Beckley, my Godfather, passed away.  It was very unexpected and sudden.  I am just in shock.  Anyone who knows me knows that Larry was my best buddy. 

 

Larry didn't take much interest in my until I was "old enough to have some personality." (aka past the baby stage).  This was the earliest picture I found of us together.  I was 4. 

 I remember that Larry used to carry me, even when I was really too big to carry.  We spent lots of weekends and time together.  I used to love to sleep over at their house.

 It's funny as I was going through pictures, every birthday I have a picture of Larry next to me.  Sometimes Rita would be there too, occasionally Carla, never both of my parents, but always Larry.

 Of course they were there for all the other things too, like my first communion.

 And another birthday

And playing cards 

And teaching me how to make baskets.  This was #2 of 10.

Larry was my best buddy.  We would play chinese checkers, cards, the triangle game, and play outside with the plants or cows. 

Through all the years, he was always a very improtant part of my life. 

Next to my parents, Larry and Rita made the most impact to my life.

As Larry would say, "we have fun."

God gained another angel yesterday.  Please pray for Rita, I know she is taking this loss very hard, too.  I still don't know what his funeral arrangements are going to be, but I do know it is going to be very hard to say goodbye.

Jenna is 5!

Yesterday, our first born turned 5.  It has been a crazy adventure, but one that has been very rewarding and most definately worth it.  Jenna is such a funny, happy, entergetic, mother-hen. 

 

 We made cupcakes for our daycare friends and had the extras tonight.  Five candles for one cupcake is reaching capacity!

She has been really into Tinkerbell, so she got a couple faries for her birthday.

 She had lots of fun opening her presents from Mommy & Daddy.

She has been begging for a blanket like Shelby has on her bed, so she got Minnie Mouse to match her comforter.

 She had a ton of fun rolling around on the floor with it.

1. What is your favorite color? pink
2. What is your favorite toy? baby dolls
3. What is your favorite fruit? apples and grapes
4. What is your favorite TV show? Magic School Bus & Veggie Tales
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Hot Dog
6. What is your favorite thing to wear? dresses
7. What is your favorite game? Checkers
8. What is your favorite snack? Pepperoni on circle crackers
9. What is your favorite animal? Cat
10. Who is your best friend? Blake, Brylee W, Brylee F
11. What is your favorite cereal? Fruity Pebbles
12. What is your favorite thing to do outside? blow bubbles
13. What is your favorite drink? Lemonaid
14. What do you want to be when you grow up?  a grown up, "work for the bank for quarters"
15. What is your favorite movie?  Little Mermaid, TinkerBell's Secret of the Wings
16.  Favorite pass time:  Coloring and playing school

Football Rolley Polley

I turned on the "big game" this evening so I could watch the commercials.  I honestly don't care much for football.  Last week this time, I didn't even know who was playing.  The only way I really remember which weekend is Super Bowl weekend is it is usually the weekend of Jenna's birthday.

 

I laid Toby on the floor while I was watching the game and he was loving the access he was getting to his feet. 

He also went rolling from his back to his belly, to his back, to his belly, to his back.  I told Lance I am scared!  He is almost mobile!!!! Though the turns took quite a bit of effort he was extremely proud of himself for the movements he made.