Yes, she's almost 15 months...

but this is the 14 month post! I just wanted to jot down a few memories before I forget them.

Everly can say lots and lots of words, but only when she wants to.
These are the latest things she can say-
G'ee for Gimme
Moo when asked what the cow says
Bow
Baby
Bite

If her ask where her diaper and bow are she can point to each. She can find her cup when I ask her where it is. She says Nah Nah when she wants a snack.

She is now just about running everywhere. Everly loves to go in her room and get books off of her bookshelf and bring them to me to read. I love that she love books!! She also takes books to Pop and Gimme to read to her when she is at their house.

If she sees a pair of shoes sitting out in her room she will also bring them to us to put on her feet. She always brings the correct shoes too. She hasn't mixed up a pair yet.

Everly is an excellent shopper and a wonderful baby all together. We couldn't have asked for a sweeter child. We often say we're scared to have another because she's spoiled us so much!

First time coloring, but she was more interested in stacking her markers neatly on the paper. (Making magnets for Grandparents Day)

Cleaning the tables at Tacky Jacks-Orange Beach

Swimming makes her so sleepy! We're glad she's over her fear of the water.

Having a roll at Lambert's Home of the Throwed Roll-Foley. I've got to get her back in the routine of eating lots of fruits and veggies. Lately she's been our little carbonator!

She does NOT like the sand! Maybe we can work on that next year!

Ice Queen

That's what I felt like all day at my dad's funeral. His visitation began at 9:00 am on Tuesday, August 10th. His funeral was at 2:00. There were still loose ends to tie up at the funeral home. I stayed strong and tried to keep my mom from having to deal with anything. Sometimes she would go in the office and talk to the funeral home staff just because she didn't know of anything else to do. Sometimes I would cry silently as I looked at the pictures of my dad. I cried thinking of Everly and her not getting to know her Papaw. She wouldn't get to go on one of his camping trips and eat some of his grilled food. She wouldn't get to go fishing with him and listen to him tell jokes. But all-in-all I held it together. I felt like many people were looking at me thinking, "how could she not be bawling her eyes out?" Well that's just not me. I don't like for people to see me cry. I want to be strong. I don't want to make a spectacle.
As I sat on the back pew I was talking with my sweet husband and my papaw (who I love SO much) came up to me and talked about me being the strong, silent type like him. I told him I was just trying to do what needed to be done. Then my Uncle Barry (I have two Uncle Barrys) this was the one by marriage sat in front of us and talked. He talked about how much he liked my dad and the great times that we had when we were little. He was the easiest person for me to talk to there and he was so raw with his emotions. I just busted out crying. He wasn't trying to just comfort me, but he wanted to talk. I think that is what I needed...just someone to talk to. I don't know if that makes any sense at all, but it helped me.
The whole time I was trying to be unselfish and accommodating, but when was it going to be my turn to grieve. I did not want to see my dad in his casket. I wanted to remember him as the funny guy he was with a big smile on his face. Some people might have thought that was weird too...but everyone is different. I had no choice but to see him, but I didn't get close. That wasn't my dad in that coffin, just a body. My dad had already gone home.
I wasn't the Ice Queen that some have made me feel like I was. I just choose to do things a little differently than most. Recently a person has made me question my dad's love for me. How completely heartless is that? I have no doubt my dad loved me. We had our ups and downs just like every other relationship out there. If you think my actions showed otherwise, I'm sorry. I'm just different than you...not one is wrong or right...just different.

Reconciliation

The Sunday after we came back from my dad's funeral in Kentucky our Sunday School message was about Reconciliation. Oh boy, I knew exactly who I need to reconcile with...this person is a member of my family. We have never been close. I just don't understand the reasons why this person does the things that are done. The message that morning gave me hope and I wanted to work it out. I mean we both should have learned something from recent events.

The verses we went over that morning were from Corinthians. The one that really hit home was 5:18-19 "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.

Well, I was counting this person's sins against them. So I reached out in a way that I thought was easiest for us both, email. I voiced my concerns and that I was praying for her. I thought we should all try to do better.

Much to my surprise I received an email in return that was so negative and hurtful. Of course I retaliated with a few jabs of my own. I'm not very good at holding my tongue. Now that I am looking back over my SS notes I see something else that is so fitting. The question was asked, "How do you handle conflict?" My answer this time would be not very well at all. I'm sorry I said a few ugly things, but sometimes we deal with pain by being angry. Not saying this is right, but it happens.

I tried to follow what I learned-I declared my concerns and seeked to strengthen, but the negativity I received was extremely hurtful. I shouldn't have said the things that I did, but this person has ALWAYS been able to get under my skin. I am sure everyone knows someone like that.

I'll just start over with step one...Approach Courageously in Prayer and follow the biblical truth-Christians can seek and develop skills to improve relationships that are lacking. I really hope it all works out. I've prayed for this person for years.

Memorial Service

I had to cut my post short yesterday. My little walker is keeping me very busy!

On Saturday morning Brett and I dropped Everly off at his parents and headed north to my parents' house. I knew there would be lots of things that my mom needed help with and we were all in unchartered territory. Not to mention just being in the place where my dad passed away. We handled the business that needed to be taken care of and through this I once again was reminded what a strong, caring husband I am blessed with.

My dad was buried in Kentucky where we are from, but as we found out after his death, he had so many friends and acquaintances from work that wanted to pay their respects and honor dad. My brother-in-law and dad have worked at several of the same companies. He helped alot too, by calling various people. As both my husband and BIL talked on the phone they both were asked about a memorial service in Alabama. It was late Saturday afternoon when we decided that we must have a memorial service. We wanted to honor dad and have a way for his friends and co-workers to pay their respects. My brother-in-law talked with the pastor at our childhood church and we were allowed to have a memorial service there the next day (Sunday) at 1:00 pm....less than 24 hours away. My sister and I went into action mode and started gathering pictures. This is all while talking to my aunt on the phone, many, many times (thank you Aunt Gaynell) and trying to make decisions about my dad's funeral and getting him transported to Kentucky.

I know my strength only came from one place, the Lord. I stayed up until 3:30 (and if you know me I NEED my sleep) working on the slideshow. It was by no means perfect, but I think it did the job. It showed Daddy with his family and doing the things he loved. My sister was talking about music that our Dad loved and Nickelback was one of the bands she mentioned. So the slideshow had music from Nickelback, Luther Vandross, and Mercy Me. I never would have imagined that I would ever do a Google search "music for memorial services". That is where I found the Mercy Me song. I like them, but I had never heard this particular song before. It's called "Homesick". Now I play it when I need a good cry. It is a beautiful song and is very meaningful.




The memorial service was a beautiful celebration of dad's life. The church was full of people that loved him and our family. I wasn't sure how the turn out would be since we just decided to have the service less than 24 hours before. I was so glad to see my best friends. These girls have been through it all with me. My sister, Susie and I read some thoughts that we wrote. I still have mine and maybe I will post those later. Mr. Headley also spoke. Our family appreciates the overwhelming support we've received from our family, friends, and my dad's co-workers. He has been gone for a month today and we miss him greatly. He was the glue in our family.

I've been dreading...

this post. On the date of my last post, August 6th my dad passed away completely unexpectedly. He was alone at home. So many random things have run through my mind about that dreadful night. I've always used this blog as a family journal that I share with my friends, family, and maybe a few strangers. This is the hardest thing I've had to go through. I hate to live in the past, but their memories nonetheless. Odd things about that day...(they'll probably seem ridiculous to you, but once again this is a journal for our family).

• I love to go to Happy Hour at Sonic. Everly and I went that afternoon before coming over to Pop and Gimme's. As I waited for my drink I saw a crow from my rearview mirror. I do not like birds...especially crows. I think it's something to do with the Alfred Hitchcock movie, The Birds. Anyway, I moved so the bird would not be in my line of vision...the bird moved too. I know it's weird, but it was even weirder for me to see one in the Sonic parking lot.
• I called my parents house as I drove to Opp. I didn't leave a message...and I always leave a message. I often think to myself...what would have happened if I did...would Daddy have called me back and told me that his chest hurt. Would I have called 911 and sent them to his house? I know that is purely torchering myself, but I can't help it.

Some other feelings I've had...

• My sister, Susie and I planned on talking to my dad about salvation...but we didn't. We kept putting it off. You see in my family, we don't talk about feelings. It's just something that didn't happen.
• My dad and I weren't on the best of terms when he passed away. I was selfish. I know he did the things he did out of the goodness of his heart...not as a jab to me. It just felt that way and I never talked to him about it. I had not talked to my dad in over a month. Yes, bad I know. I felt so much guilt for this for many days, but I have peace about that now. Only the Lord could have taken these feelings away from my heart. I know I have a purpose. I know my dad loved me and he knew I loved him. I know he was proud of me and I hope my future actions will be the same.

The best news throughout this event came at my dad's memorial service. The preacher, Mr. Headley shared news that my dad was saved. After hearing this news my strength came.

13 Months

This was taken on Everly's 13 month "birthday". We had just arrived to our hotel. We were in Montgomery for the Alfa Young Farmer's Summer conference. Notice we have given the paci back to her since we think she is finally teething. I don't think it will be too hard to take it away again. She's not too attached.

This is where E and I spent most of our time during the conference...in the hall. She did get entertained by the President of Alfa, Mr. Jerry Newby for a while. As soon as the keynote speaker began, E decided she wasn't interested and began to squirm and whine. I was ready to head out. Mr. Newby was sitting behind us and reached out to take her from me. She sat with him for about ten minutes. I was shocked! She usually doesn't take well to strangers, but she liked him! While in the hall I noticed there has never been a female president of Alfa. Mr. Newby better watch out! I think E is out for his job!

This is how I found my loves on Sunday morning after I got out of the shower. When I started getting ready they were playing. I guess it wore them out!

New things I can do at 13 months-

Messily feed myself!

Shake my head yes and no when asked questions

Say new words-nack (snack) and I am sure there are others that I will add when I think of them.

Eat new foods-Baby Goldfish, fruit strips

Favorite foods-Peaches! Mickey cheese(but I can't have any right now)

New 'Dos

Miss E is now 13 months old. She loves to laugh, learn, and play. We're still waiting on her to walk, but lately she has showed more interest by taking steps here and there. She still has no teeth, but we think she is finally teething. She is sporting something new though...'dos...hairdos that is!
Pigtails! Gimme says she looks so grown with her piggy tails. Also note the new "I can do it myself" snack cup! It is supposedly "no-spill" but Miss Smartypants knows how to hold back a flap with one hand and shake it with the other hand it create a huge mess.

Super Why! still puts Everly in a trance. I was looking at Halloween costumes the other day for Everly and saw a Princess Presto(one of the charters from Super Why!) and thought of getting it for E. I'm not sure many people would know who she was though. While at Wal-mart I also got E her first DVD...you guessed it Super Why! Sometimes I just need a few minutes to finish a chore...yes, I am stooping to the television as a babysitter. Anyway, she held onto it all through the store and handed it to me at the register. This girl knows how to shop! She loves to ride in the cart. I love her going with me too. I always ask her if she likes things and she responds with a definite yes or no shake of the head. Sometimes Mommy rules though and we get it anyway.

'Do #2-New big girl bows! I ordered these a while back, but was a little put off by their size when I received them. They got stuck in the drawer where next size up clothes go. She wore this little outfit the other day for the first time and I wanted a gold bow to go with it. The big one was the only one she has. I put it in and thought it was so cute! It's a true Southern girl thing! We got 'em, so we're gonna flaunt 'em!