Christmas 2010

A good thrift store find. New bed side tables for cheap. We painted and put new knobs on them.
Maybe I should start brushing his teeth?

He loved climbing in and out of this big pot and my parents. He was so proud of himself for figuring it out on his own.

Perfect fit.

New Christmas shirt

He sat like this all on his own. Little show off.

Christmas Eve pajama opening

Loves his new jammies

Santa brought him the nicest rocking horse. He loves it.

Top of the Mornin' to ya Tara. Lookin good.

New Year's Eve....notice the party snappers flying. Awful picture...recovering from the flu.

Best family picture ever...eeeeeeek.

Uncle Rusty and Cole

Cole with the tree before I took it down.

He was so thrilled that he was finally allowed to touch the ornaments without getting in trouble. That was the best gift to him.

Texas Trip Pictures

Kailee, Gene, Sharon
Gary, Jenalee, Nicole

Mom and Nanny

Kailee, me, Jenalee, Nicole

Mom and Sharon

Ryan, Nicole, Chad

That's the most brotherly love I saw all weekend between Jared and Chad

A lot of the whole fam-damily

Howland Family

Gaines Family

Nicole and Gary

Reidhead Family

Original Gaines Family

Jenalee and me

Glen, Chad, Ryan, Jude, Jared, Gene, Dad, Gary

Dad, Gene and Gary...pretty sure they were all sleep deprived

The Pallbearers

Goof balls...Glen and Chad's faces are the best

Granddaddy's Funeral

Last Wednesday, my Granddaddy left this Earth. His health has not been good for the past couple years and it quickly took a turn for the worst. My parents left as soon as they could but within an hour the word was out that he had passed. It wasn't easy news to hear even though he is in a better place and is no longer in pain.

It worked out that I was able to hitch a ride with my brother Ryan for the 12 hour drive to Odessa, TX. It just seemed like another visit to Texas until the viewing the next day. It was nice to see how peaceful he looked and to feel the spirit comfort me and my family. Even during such a sad time, the family still has an awesome time laughing and laughing. I've never laughed and cried so much in such a short time frame. What a blessing Granddaddy was to so many people. I wish my kids could've known how funny he was and what an amazing person he was.

Temple Lights

What a wonderful time of year! I can't help but get choked up as I think about the way I felt when we looked at the temple lights. I loved seeing the marvel consume Cole as he walked around pointing at everything. It is such a blessing to have such a sweet boy who I know came from Heaven and was sent to Cody and I. We didn't get the chance to go to the lights last year because...well...last Christmas was just a huge struggle for us and my mental health. I wish I could explain the happiness I feel about still being on this Earth and getting to spend everyday with Cole. Last year I wanted to take my own life and also hurt those that I love most. I know faith, prayers and lots of love from our Heavenly Father kept me alive and got me through such a dark time in my life. I hope everyone has felt of the wonderful Christmas Spirit in their lives and will give an extra tight hug to those they love most! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tree

The tree has been up since WAY before Thanksgiving and I finally got pictures of it. I love it. It makes me so happy. Oh and those cookies....absolutely amazing if I do say so myself.