Yes, yes we are!

Grandkids

I absolutely LOVE this picture of my parents and their grandkids! Priceless!

My Grandparents

A lot has happened since I wrote back in November. I have been so busy I haven't had time to do any blogging. I'll try to be better at it this year.

We had a nice birthday lunch celebrating my Gramma's 95th birthday at Warren's (her favorite place) the first Saturday in December. Here is a picture of my grandparents on that day. They looked great!

This is the last picture I have of them together. :( My Grampa started to get sick and he ended up passing away on February 4th. We had a lovely funeral and it was a very nice remembrance of him and the life he lived for almost 97 years.

My Gramma was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor at the end of January. She didn't want my Grampa to know as he was really deteriorating during that time. After he died, she went down hill so very fast. She went home to be with the Lord on March 15th. They died 5-1/2 weeks apart from each other. They wouldn't have had it any other way. They were together for more than 70 years and she probably died of a broken heart. I love them dearly and I will always cherish the times we had together. I am so blessed that my girls knew them and loved them dearly too.

Long overdue

I realized that "life" has gotten in the way of keeping up with my blog. I don't like that I haven't had time to keep up. I thought this past summer, I'd be able too...nope! A LOT has happened in our family the last 7 months. Things I can't wait to talk about and others not so much.

The biggest life change was that my father-in-law passed away on my birthday (April 2) after being diagnosed 6 weeks prior with liver cancer. I/we miss him so much and sometimes it just doesn't seem real and I expect him to be in his recliner when we go visit. Instead, he is with his Savior up in Heaven with no more pain. Here is the last family picture we have the 9 of us in December at the annual Chauvette Christmas party.

This is another favorite picture when we all went up north and hiked the flume in September 2012.

Three weeks after "Dad" passed away we went to Disney World as a family. This trip had been planned for a year and Dad was looking forward to going. He was greatly missed. It was a very bittersweet trip, but we all managed to put on our happy faces and have fun for the kids. We can't wait to go back and enjoy it all over again! :)

Summer came and we were busy with the lake, ocean trips, hanging out with friends and family, my parents came to visit for 2 weeks, we enjoyed swimming in our (ghetto) pool, playing mini golf, going to the Cape for a few days, Camp Berea, 6 Flags, fireworks, staying up late, movie nights, and just being together! :) Hayleigh lost her two front teeth within 2 weeks apart, and Lindsey got a retainer and headgear!

Summer came to an end and the girls are now in 4th and 1st grades. They are both doing well! A lot more homework each night, but they love school! Lindsey continues to do gymnastics each week, and she is now a Junior Girl Scout with her BFFs. Hayleigh played soccer this fall and she is really good! She gave up gymnastics, according to her it was boring. She is currently doing swim lessons because she told me that she is really a fish (true!). Here are some pictures of their first day of school.

Hopefully I can keep up now. I'll try my best. I am pretty sure I'll fill in the "gaps" now that I feel I have some time....the first quarter is already finished in the school year, yeah! Oh yeah, I moved down to 2nd grade this year...so far, so good!

Parenting in Faith, not Fear

Awesome post today!

parenting in faith, not fear

Foot Surgery

So on Friday February 1st I had to have foot surgery. I have had a problem with my left foot for a few years now. I have what's called a Morton's Neuroma. I get pain in my foot which is caused by nerves in my foot. I have been through cortisone shots and I have inserts for my shoes, but it just wasn't getting better. I decided to have the surgery. I have been off work, and I am off this coming week too. I am starting to get a little stir crazy, but resting was the best option. My doctor didn't want me going back to work sine I work with kids. Someone was bound to step on my foot. I get the stitches out on the 14th and I can't wait. I have to keep my foot up and showering has been tough. I know this will be the best in the long run, but since I can't really walk now, it is hard to see the end result. I accidentally got it wet, so I had to take the dressing off. I took 2 photos, so if you are squeamish, don't look. :)

My foot and toes are swollen.....and the orange medicine is still on, yuck! I can't wait to take a "real" shower!

An AG kindof Christmas

The girls each got an American Girl Doll this year! Lindsey got her first one last year for her 8th Birthday. She has been asking for McKenna forever! And Hayleigh followed suit and kept asking for a Look-Like-Me Doll. Well Santa came thru and they both were SO excited when they opened them after their stockings. The expression on their faces were priceless and one we will never forget!