We were so blessed to have my parents come visit us. We blessed Evelyn and my Dad came to be a part of it. AND...he didn't even get airsick!! My mother came prepared with several "barf bags"! We had so much fun just hanging out and enjoying one anothers company. We spent an afternoon at Herb Parsons Lake and ended up with some darling pictures. ENJOY!

In ONE Week

In one week, only 7 days, Toby destroyed the roof of our playcenter (the heavy,thick,vinyl kind), shredded Jeremy's grill cover ($40.00-and this is the second one), dug another hole to the neighbors yard, tore a window screen to pieces, and figured out a way to get out of his kennel!!!! I'm not joking, this dog is out of control and I am so ready to get rid of him. I am in AWE that he can climb ladders and unlock his kennel. Toby is too smart for his own good. What do I do?

BATHROOM TALK

I'm sitting down, nursing Evelyn, when I hear this conversation from the bathroom.
"OOhh! That one hurt!" cries Sammie, "That was a big one!"
"Let me see, Sammie!", says Myles, as he climbs down from the bathroom countertop.
"OH, that is a big one, Did it hurt?"
"Yes it did Myles!"
"Sammie, have you ever touched poop?" (My ears really perk up).
"No. Have you?"
"Yes, it kinda feels like cheese."

TWO OF A KIND

Our Sammie is alot like her Aunt Maria-who she loves and adores. They both have an infectious laugh that begs for you to join in. Samantha reminds me of my sister Maria-the young and the old! Beautiful, big, blue eyes and a smile that brings happiness and love wherever they go. Both have alot of energy for life and it's hard for me to keep up with them. They have such a happy go-lucky personality-they just want to enjoy life for what it is. I might add, don't get on their bad side. :-) I have found myself calling Samantha, "Maria" when she has given me "The Look"! (My mom knows exactly what I'm talking about) Both are stubborn and determined to figure things out on their own-and that what makes them so loveable. We love our Aunt Maria and are so grateful she came to my rescue and help me get back on my feet. So, here's a song for the two of you. Samantha loves "Pocket full of Sunshine".

Our Beloved Papa

As of October 4th 10:00 am time stood still at our house. All activities stopped and the calender was ignored. It was at that precise time that I called 911. Grandma Jessop had called me over to check on Papa. "I just can't seem to wake him, Angela. Please come over." My heart skipped a beat and I knew something awful had happened.
Our beloved Papa had passed away in his sleep, laying next to the love of his life. It was sudden, unexpected and heartbreaking. Time stood still for the Jessop family as arrangements were made, goodbyes were said, and the grieving began. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.
I was only his daughter-in-law, but he treated me like one of his own. Our children adored him. He showered them with love and candy, and I know they will miss both. Jeremy is heartbroken and I feel he hasn't had a moment to truly grieve. So many responsibilities now.
Papa was truly a great and generous man. I looked up to him in so many ways, never complaining, always smiling, a loving husband and father. He has sacrificed so much for his family and I know he wouldn't have had it any other way. I've learned and enjoyed watching him help his dear wife, Yula, recover from her stroke. True love is watching a man putting curlers in his wife's hair, so she can look beautiful.
Life does go on and so the clock has started ticking again. The calender has been reevaluated and now we ask ourselves, "Was it all a dream? Did it really happen? Is it really Oct. 15th? What would Papa do?" He would continue on with a smile on his face.

How Thoughtful!

I do declare that I have the sweetest boy around. Myles has always been one to please and help me. Since Evelyn's arrival he has magnified that 100%. Rarely complaining and being very careful with my aches and pains. Recently at the dinner table he volunteered to say the prayer. Jeremy reminded him to thank Heavenly Father for our new baby sister. Sometimes I wish I could get inside the heads of my children as they are thinking and understanding the world around them. As Myles proceeds to pray, he surprised us with "and please bless Evelyn that when she grows up and is 16 years old, she can be a Mamma like my Mamma." (My eyes pop open!!) And to make sure God heard him, he says it again, "when she is 16 years old help her be a Mamma also." (Now Jeremy and I are looking at each other, suppressing the giggles and surprise). As we start to eat, he turns to me, "Did you hear what I prayed for?" He reaches out to hug me, one of those heartfelt ones he gives. "I prayed that she can be a Mamma like you." What a compliment to me, but please, dear God, not at the age of 16. "Very thoughtful of you Myles, very thoughtful!"

Big Sister, Little Mamma

Samantha, curious little girl, has been watching me nurse Evelyn. As usual, she is full of questions. "what are you doing? how come? can I do that? is she going to fall back asleep? do i have chests like that?" After I thoroughly answer all her questions, she's satisfied and runs off to play. Several hours later she shows up with her new baby doll "firmly attached" to her "chests". I'm grinning ear to ear as she tells me that she is "breasting her baby". "Just like you Mamma! I'm breasting my baby just like you!"