Haiti, Part One

Here are some pictures from Haiti. Most need no explanation, they are strong enough to tell their own stories.

This is an example of the rubble left after the earthquake, hurricane and war that have hit this country. That is raw sewage running down the street.

Tent Villages...where people live.

This precious little girl loved looking at the pictures on the phone.

Church

This is where Brad and the others slept.

This is a man whose leg was amputated during the earthquake. He is standing in front of the house the team built him. They ended up building 2 houses for amputees from the earthquake. They were very grateful.

What we've been up to, plus a lil bit of snow!!!

Just a quick update!!

First off, I can't wait to post about Brad's mission trip. The first week of the year Brad was in Haiti. He went with a group made up a few people from our church and a few college kids from Henderson. He had an amazing experience and as much as we missed him...I am so thankful for what he got to be a part of. I can't wait to go myself one day and take our kids when they are old enough! I just uploaded his pics so expect a big post about that soon!! But, for now here is a few from the last week or so!

Here we are waiting not so patiently at the airport anxiously awaiting Brad's return!

Megan, Brynn and myself got to go hang out with Hillary (Hannah's sister) and help her get ready for the Cheerleader/Drill Team dance. It was very fun and we thought she looked beautiful! She was brave to hold Brynnie in that white dress!! (For those that do not know, Hannah is my brother's girlfriend and this is her sister, Hillary)

And, did you hear? It snowed!!! We had fun playing in the snow for a few minutes at a time! It was too cold to be out there very long!

Brynn's first snow - January 2011

We took lots of Hot Chocolate breaks by the fire.

Attempting to Sled

Hanging out inside, keeping warm!

Of course there had to be a snowball fight. I carried Brynn and my camera so Brad wouldn't hit me!

Alright, we have had our snow for the year!!!! I am now ready for Spring!!!

Sugar...not so sweet!

The night of the Sugar Bowl the fam came over to watch the game! We had a really good time except that we missed Brad (that will come in a later post!). Here are a few pics from the night!

Hannah and Megan

Laci with the "G" from the Go Hogs cookie cake!

We told the girls they could cheer during the pregame and then they were going to have to be quiet! So, here are some pics of them putting on a show!

Brynnie decided to sleep on Auntie during the show!

Tumbling was involved...

Jumps...

and HUGS!

Wes helping Laci with her homework...he owed me. I've done enough of his homework!

It was a great night even if the Hogs lost.

What About Megan?

After that last post I had several people mention that I didn't say anything about Megan. Isn't she still home?? Yes, Megan is home with me (she goes to preschool 5 hours a week) and I love her being here and watching her interact with Brynn. She loves her dearly!!

But, helping me with Brynn?? Not exactly! For the most part Meg does her own thing and doesn't mess with Brynn. But, I really can't turn my back for one second. Megan will try to pick her up, shove her binky in her mouth, pat her on the head or tummy, wake her up etc. So, I never like to leave them alone. Megan has gotten in trouble several times for being too rough with her and she knows not to mess with her. She is doing better but I still want to keep an eye on her because there are still a few things she likes to do all in the name of loving on her sister!

For some reason, Megan likes to get right in her face!

Give her kisses all the time, even when she is sleeping!

And, of course, take her binky out of her mouth...

...and shove it right back in!!

So glad I have another year with these two home together before Megan has to start Kindergarten! I love it and wouldn't change it for anything!

I'm gonna miss her...

Today Laci goes back to school and let me tell you, I am going to miss her!!

She has been HUGE help to me with Brynn. She got to where she could hold her, pick her up, rock her, get her to sleep and Laci even changed a couple of diapers.

She watched Praise Baby with her, talked to her, and entertained her while I was in the shower or cooking or cleaning. Laci is such a big girl and I appreciate her so much! It was a great Christmas break with all 3 of my girls home. Makes me look forward to summer!!!!

Don't get me wrong, I had a few of those "when does school start again" moments, but for the most part I enjoyed having her home with no where to go and nothing to do but play!

And, just because here is sweet Baby Brynn!!

A lil Bit of Christmas (picture overload)

Twas the night before Christmas...

The girls in their Christmas jammies ready to go to bed! Megan wore the same gown as Brynn has on when she was a baby.

We always wake up Christmas at our house as a family of 4....I mean family of 5 this year! Here are the girl's piles from Santa.

Santa even left a basketball goal.

We enjoy watching the girl's excitement as they come down the stairs and see what was left by Santa!

Brynn didn't much care for the excitement!

This year we did something new that I would like to continue. Now that Laci can read, we had her read the real Christmas story on Christmas morning. It was pretty neat and I think the girls enjoyed it. Megan even sat still and listened!

After we finish up at our house we head to my mom and dad's for Breakfast and Christmas over there. When we arrived, Sarah had already done her job of sorting the piles! Mom tends to go a little crazy at Christmas!

Brynn was ready to go at Nonny and Poppy's house!

Megan's big gift was her very own pink recliner!

Laci's big gift was a scooter! She was pretty surprised!

Wes had to try it out first! We are going to have to practice with Laci. She rode it and did a great job. But, it goes pretty fast and it made me nervous!

Brynnie and her new giraffe from Uncle Benny and Auntie!

Christmas night we were invited over to the Quinn's for Christmas dinner. It was so fun and relaxing. And, the food was delicious! Here are a couple pics before we left.

During the parent switch Megan's head got bumped by the camera so that is why she is crying in this picture.

The day after Christmas we went to church and out to eat for the first time as a family of 5, just us. It was fun.

Then we came home to have Christmas with Brad's dad, Step-mom and Step-sister.

Here is one of the things we had every day this week!! A fire! It was awesome!

The girls got matching pink BB guns!

Laci and her sewing machine.

Megan and her gas station which she has been wanting for some time!

We had Christmas earlier in the week with Brad's mom and step-dad. They got the girls and XBox Kinnect and we have had a blast playing with that. I have some pictures and videos that I hope to get loaded soon!

It was an amazing Christmas and we are truly blessed (spoiled). We are thankful for our family, immediate and extended and we hope to never take that for granted! This year was a the first Christmas in a long time that we were missing loved ones. Christmas at the farm was awesome, but was different without Papaw Grant. He would have loved our Dirty Santa gifts this year and I'm sure he would have played dirty to get the good gifts!! This also would have been Weslee Faith's first Christmas. And, although it has been awhile since we have lost her, she was definitely missed and on my mind throughout the holidays.

With sadness comes much joy. This year we also had blessings. Brynn was a blessing to all and such a joy to have with us this Christmas. Also, the week before Christmas our cousin Katie got married to Jace. And, although he has endured our Christmas's at the farm in the past, this year he was an official member of the family and it was great to celebrate their marriage.

2011 will bring ups and downs I am sure. But, no matter what God is good and I am looking forward to see what he has in store.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!