Anniversaries

Today, Clint and I are celebrating 7 years of marriage.  It's hard to believe it's already been 7 years...it goes so fast.  I am so grateful that God blessed me with a husband who seeks after Him.  Clint has been such an encouragement and support to me.  Especially over the last year.

As I am reminded today of this special anniversary, I realize that in just one week from today, I'll be experiencing the first anniversary of a different kind.  The day my mom went home to be with Jesus.

 

How has it been a year already?!

 

This question has ran through my mind many times recently.  A year seems like such a long time and yet it has gone by so fast.  It's hard to fathom that I've been without my mom for a whole year already.

As I reflect on this time last year, I have good memories.  A year ago today, was the last time we were out with my mom.  My parents had gone out to eat with us after church and we got a good laugh when they realized they had forgotten it was our anniversary :)  If I remember correctly, they insisted on paying for the meal.

In a few days, on February 6th, that will mark the last time I ever saw my mom, hugged my mom, told her face to face, that I loved her.  We were at church that evening and I remember sitting with mom in class.  I'm not sure how focused she was on the lesson, since Ella was sitting on my lap, distracting her :)  Of course it was easy for her to be distracted whenever her grandchildren were around.  After class, we said our goodbyes to my parents, since they were leaving for their trip to Florida that Friday.  I would never have thought in that moment, to hug her a little longer...never thought that'd be the last time I'd ever see her.

And in one short week, February 10th, a date I will never forget.  Finding out that my mom had passed away.  Even now, a year later, it is still as surreal as ever.  I am thankful to know that she is with Jesus, but it sure is hard no longer being able to call her up with some goofy story about the kids, or ask her some ridiculous question that I should already know the answer to.  There's just something comforting about being able to ask your mom something.  And probably the most difficult part of it all, knowing that my children will never truly know their grandma.  I am so thankful that Wyatt does have memories and I pray that those will remain.  There is just something about a mom...I know that there is no one else who will ever love my kiddos the way that she did.  I am so grateful for the memories that I have of that and so thankful that she got to experience those things her heart desired.

I realize that this week, of February 3rd, will be a week filled with anniversaries.  Anniversaries that I will remember forever.  The amazing, the funny, the sweet, and the difficult.

I am so thankful for my God who has been with me through each moment. 

From the amazing to the one that flipped my world upside down. 

He has never left my side. 

He has steadied my heart through it all.

Here is a song with truth that has meant a lot in this last year.

I pray it speaks to your heart too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0ip40j82ws

Yes, Christmas

Finally getting around to sharing some Christmas pics!

Christmas Eve was spent at dad's.  We had a really nice time.

Dad read a book with the Christmas story for the kids, which I think they really enjoyed.

And it was really sweet of him to do :)

Of course trying to get a picture with 3 kids is a bit of a challenge,

but I think this one turned out pretty good!

Dad was able to share a special gift with the boys. 

Mom had gotten these gifts for the boys last Christmas, but decided not to give them yet. 

So dad was able to give them this year and tell the boys who they were from.

I think they both really enjoyed their gifts!

Christmas morning was a lot of fun, especially since Ella is a little more into it this year :)

And I love that everytime Ella sees the camera, she says, "cheese"!

Wyatt was really excited about the gifts he received!

Ella enjoyed spending time with Papa Al on Christmas night.

And it looks like Wyatt was really pumped to get Dusty Crophopper :)

Wyatt at 3 1/2

Wyatt is 3 1/2 years old now!  (Going on 20)

It has gone so fast!

He keeps us hopping and entertained.

He is quite goofy...as you can see in the picture below :)

Someone got into mommy's makeup!

Here are some of his current favorites:

Favorite Toy: combine

Favorite thing to watch: Wild Kratts

Favorite book: Daniel & the lions

Favorite Food: French Toast

Favorite color: lavender

Favorite Sister: Ella

Favorite Song: Jesus Loves Me

Favorite snack: goldfish

Favorite animal: lion & tiger

Favorite outside activity: swim in the pool

Favorite thing about Ella: he said, "I think she's pretty"  :)

In the picture below, Wyatt is showing off the new toys he got when he finally pooped on the potty!

It happened about a couple months ago and he has done really well with potty training since!  Hooray!

We're keeping our fingers crossed!

My cousin caught this classy picture below at Ella's birthday party.

I guess he was just entertaining his audience!

He is such a sweet & smart boy.

And he's looking forward to having a new baby brother or sister!

15 months!

Ella is 15 months now!

Thought I'd share her stats and some pics from her birthday party!

Guess I'm a little behind on sharing those :)

Height: 30.8 in.  (67th %)

Weight: 20 lbs 7.5 oz.  (18th %)

She's a peanut!

She has decided that walking is fun!  Yay!  Although, she gets around super fast when she's crawling :)  She jabbers a lot too...guess she gets that honest!  And of course, my favorite thing she has started doing is saying "Mama"!!!  Finally!

Ella got a chair from mommy & daddy.  She also got a lot of other nice presents from our family and friends that came out to celebrate!  We were so thankful for everyone that could be there! 

I sure had a lot of fun making the cake and cupcakes...although my cake was a bit of a pinterest fail...I thought it still turned out alright :)  I decorated with handmade bunting.  I also had hydrangea from our landscaping on all the tables.  And of course pink balloons!  I think that was one of her favorites...she kept pointing and saying, "boooo"!

Ella sure enjoyed her meal!

I'm pretty sure Ella's favorite gift of the day was her dolly from Grandpa Devon!

I think she held onto it the rest of the time!

Her first taste of sweets...Pretty sure she won't ever go back!  She attacks anyone with a treat!

 Clearly she enjoyed this :)

Of course Wyatt had to help...and play with all her toys...

My favorite pic from the day!



Party of five

For those in blog land who haven't heard the news...

We will soon be Cripe "party of five"!!!

Some days I can't quite believe it myself!

Here's the picture we used to announce this to our family...

I've also included a few outtakes for your enjoyment :)

Love her expression!

Our sweet Ella

Our sweet little Ella is already 14 months!  How time flies! 

Thought I'd share a little about her and some of her 1 year pics :)
Ella is full of energy and loves following her big brother everywhere! 

Ella really loves looking at books.  Especially if there are animals, balloons, or balls.

Ella typically calls every animal "boo"  :)  We think she is trying to say "moo".  She loves seeing the cows at Papa & Grandma's, the horses across the road, and says "hi" to any dog. :)

Ella adores her daddy.  She gets so excited when she hears him come home.

Ella loves to eat!  She really loves vegetables and bread!  If she sees bread, she has to have it!

Love those pics :)  She is super friendly, just like her brother.  She says "hi" to everyone!  She loves playing with her doll that Grandpa Devon gave her.

She really loves Wyatt and he loves her too.  She usually wants to be wherever he is, which he is normally okay with...unless she's trying to take his toys :)

Love it.

She just melts our hearts!

(All photos by Jessie Nichole Photography)

Hope

A couple weeks ago, I finished a 12 week session of griefshare classes.  My dad, sister, & I were able to attend together.  I think that it's been a very helpful experience...to read scripture, gain biblical perspective, hear testimonies, and share with others who are experiencing grief.  We all experienced loss in different ways, but we were all grieving. 

Our last griefshare meeting was about heaven.  During the meeting, this image of mom popped into my head…I knew that it was her in heaven…I just remember seeing clouds and blue sky...The only way I can describe how she looked, was that she had this beaming look of expectation & absolute joy on her face as she looked around at her eternal home…it was a beautiful image.  Thankful that the Lord provided this for me.  I left our last meeting filled with hope.

This is very fitting, because what has stuck out most to me during this difficult and confusing time, is to "grieve with hope".  I guess for me, it's the only way to deal with losing my mom.  Today would have been her birthday.  It's not been easy without her.  And although I wish she could be here to celebrate, I am comforted in knowing that she is celebrating in the most perfect way.

"But we do not grieve as those who have no hope." 1 Thes 4:13

Today in my devotions, "Jesus Calling", there were definitely some comforting words...

"Your hope and your future are rooted in heaven, where eternal ecstasy awaits you."

"Sometimes I grant you glimpses of your glorious future, to encourage you and spur you on."

So thankful for the Lord's sweet presence and peace in this time.  So thankful for the many who are praying for and encouraging our family. 
So thankful that the Lord sustains me and helps me to grieve with hope.