Convoy to TX and Heartache

After receiving the devastating news that my aunt would not be here much longer we packed our bags and headed to Texas. When I say we I mean my Mama, Donnie, Justin, the kids, and me...in my Pathfinder! My aunt, uncle, and cousin from Georgia followed us in their truck. It was a 12+ hour journey, but the kids did beautifully. They slept almost the entire ride. When we got there Justin took care of the kids so that I could spend some final minutes with my precious aunt. She was brought home on Hospice that afternoon (Wednesday), and I was able to introduce her to Luke. A woman who could barely open her eyes, lifted her hand and grabbed the legs of each of my children as I took them to her bedside. She mouthed the words "I love you" to each of us as well. Those moments are priceless, and I'm so glad we took that journey in the middle of the night to be there with her. Her amazing boys decided to celebrate Christmas on Thursday the 23rd, because they knew she might not make it much longer. They had her room beautifully decorated, and we cooked and celebrated Christmas together.

Luke is resting up for the long ride ahead!

Emma gave him this Mickey Mouse! :)

Opening presents at Aunt Paulette's!

Faith, Beckett (aka "Bucket"), and Emma

Luke celebrated 12 Weeks in Texas!

In my 27 years here on earth I had never realized just how strong the little lady below really is. My grandmother proved to be a source of strength for her daughter (my aunt) and her family during these last months. We are all so grateful that she was able to be there for them. She is an inspiration!

Emma and Luke holding hands in

preparation for the long journey home.

On December 24, 2010 the world lost an amazing woman to cancer. My heart is aching, but I know that she is in a new body. Until we meet again...I love you Aunt Paulette! You will never know what a mark you have left on my life!

Prayer

If you're stopping in to check on us today, please take the time to stop and say a special prayer for my family. My precious aunt has been battling cancer for about 6 months now. Things are not going the way I wish they were, but I realize her life is in His hands. This is a tough time for the many people who love her. Below is a picture from her oldest son's wedding. She is pictured with her husband and four sons.

Fantasy In Lights (and Big Boy Bed!)

Guess who slept in his big boy bed last night?

Yep...I finally "took the plunge" and let Luke sleep

in his own room. He did fantastic, and I survived too!

We got up this morning and got ready to go to Callaway Gardens.

Luke stayed with Nana and Papa so we could enjoy the festivities

with Emma.Thanks Nana and Papa! We hope you enjoyed your visit!

Emma & Cheyenne on their way to Georgia!

At the gardens...

Back in the car waiting on "Fantasy in Lights".

E was so tired, but refused to take a nap!

The girls were checking out Santa!

Face Painting!

The girls played at the playground

while we waited on the "Jolly Trolley"!

It's finally time...

...and Emma was out before we even got on the ride!

She woke up in time for the lights though!

How pretty! Thanks MawMaw & Poppa Dale for a fun day! :)

A Shower & Two Christmases

We have had a very busy weekend! On Saturday we were invited to two Christmas showers for two very sweet girls who will be getting married this summer. Since I haven't been able to "get it together" this Christmas season I still had to get gifts. So...we got up, got ready, and headed to town.

I went to change Luke's diaper before we left, and when I

got back to the living room E had fallen asleep in the recliner!

Luke Man was ready for the shower!

We weren't able to attend Megan's shower, because we had the McCollum family Christmas that night...but we were able to be with Anna for the first of her many wedding activities! We are so happy for both girls!

Lisa (or Aunt Lisa as E likes to call her) & E

*Can you tell these two have a special bond? :) 

Aunt Robin talking to Luke!

Emma entertaining Luke!

Flower Girl Emma and the beautiful bride-to-be!
Anna - I am thankful that you are a part of my babies'
lives. We wish you the best in your marriage!

McCollum Family Christmas 2010
Aunt Cat and Luke

Emma had to get in on the action!

Aunt Cindy, Luke & Emma

Cousin Tyler & Luke

Tyler was so good with Luke! He played in the floor

with him, and when Luke got a little fussy he picked

him right up and started walking him around! ;)

Luke & PawPaw Gwen

I couldn't believe it when PawPaw agreed to actually

hold Luke! He always says he can't hold them until they're

big enough to climb in his lap. I think he did a fine job! :)

4 Generations of McCollum Boys

Daddy, Luke, PawPaw Gwen, Poppa Dale

MawMaw Ann, Luke, Emma & the baby doll she

loves to drag around when we visit MawMaw!

Graben Family Christmas 2010

On Sunday after church we went to MawMaw Nell's to

celebrate Christmas. Here is MawMaw & Emma Girl!

Aunt Lisa & Emma

Luke & Uncle Roger

Alexis wanted to hold Luke. I can't believe how grown up

she has gotten. It's hard to believe it has been almost 5

years since the birth of miracle babies Andrew and Alexis!

Aunt Robin has the magic touch!

Lauren, Stephanie & Luke

These girls have really grown up the last few years. I have a similar

picture of them and Baby Emma. Click here to see the difference!

Cousin Josh & Luke

I think he likes Josh! What do you think!?!

This is not all of the kids, but I was taking pictures before they all

got there...and trust me, once they all got there it was useless to

try to sit them down for a picture! They have so much fun together!
Andrew, Emma, Rylee & Alexis

Rylee, Alexis & Emma

MawMaw Nell got Emma a new pair of gloves!

Thank you MawMaw!

Emma trying to dig into her package from

Uncle Chris, Aunt Lisa, Stephanie & Lauren.

The face says it all! Thank you Uncle
Chris, Aunt Lisa, Stephanie & Lauren!

Andrew got a new slinky. Poppa
Dale was showing him how to use it.

I think he's got it!

Luke snoozed through all of the action. He got some precious outfits

from MawMaw and Uncle Greg, Aunt Robin, Josh & Chad. Thank you!

Big Sister giving Little Brother a BIG KISS! :)