Just our life...

I feel as though I have so many topics to catch up on (including the 2nd part of our Christmas), and I am working on writing things down so I do not forget! Also, I have slowed down on picture taking and I am not sure why. Other than, I took 9 million (or so ) during the holidays.

The weather has been less than desirable around here (at least for me). I admit that I am not a fan of winter. Anything under 50 just really bugs me. If you add rain and clouds to that, I am sure to not enjoy!!! Therefore, I have had to be creative in ways to burn off energy for my little people! Again, I do not have many pictures so I will throw in a few random ones just to share.

This past week:

My babies do spend a fair share of their time arguing, but overall they are the very best of friends. Many times I have to remind them that we are going to play with friends and that means "talk" to them and not ignore them. They are truly used to being in their own little world with each other. I love it, but feel they need to branch out when we have the opportunity.

We went to one of our favorite play places earlier this week and it was so amazing to watch them from a distance when they had no clue I was even around. Let me paint the picture (no camera):

Addison was having trouble accomplishing what her brother was doing ( climbing up through a hole onto a net) because she did not have the upper body strength. However, she really really wanted up where he was and he wanted her to come up. I watched for a while as he encouraged her and told her she could do it. After even trying to pull her up (with nothing for her to stand on) he gave up and jumped down to try and lift her up. So there they were for a few minutes with him trying to serve as a bench to her. She still did not have the upper body strength to pull herself up. So, once again, Alex pulled himself up through the hole to try and lift "Sissy" up. It still did not work. Over and over again they tried until they just weren't sure. One more time, he jumped down, let Addison stand on his knee (he was kneeling down) and he pushed her bottom and she was able to make it!!!! ; ) My heart was overjoyed with this beautiful moment. I watched my two babies work and work until each one was successful. I kid you not, as soon as Alex pulled himself up to join her, they high-fived each other. I was in AWE of what just happened. I LOVED IT!!! Somehow they figured it out. Alex has the physical strength in their relationship and Addison has the emotional strength. It was simply a beautiful moment. One that I did NOT want to forget about and one that I want them to have written down.

I love you babies. May you always love each other enough to wait for each other to be successful!! You bring me joy everyday and I am so proud of the little people you are becoming.

Sweet Mama

Gladys Gertrude Stark Atteberry

Born: April 17, 1910

Died: January 20, 2010

She was 99 years 9 months and 3 days when she went home to be with God for all eternity!

Gladys was the name she was given at birth but Mama was the name she earned from her family. Simply put, she was loved! We always knew we would have to say goodbye, but the longer she was with us, the more difficult we knew that would be! And difficult it was.

I will write this post from our little families perspective. She was loved by so many that this post could go on and on if I wrote down the thoughts of everyone else.

For the past ten years we have been saying on each of her birthdays or Christmases, "This could be the last time she is with us for this". Before Jody and I had children we were always hoping she would be around to see them or at least meet them one time. Little did we know they would know her well (or as well as almost 3 year olds can). Know her they did and LOVE her they did!

The first time she met the babies was a very special time for us. We will never forget the look on her face! PRICELESS!!! This is a day we were not sure we would be able to see. Her legacy will live on.

Look at Mama's hands over her face!

Seeing Alex up close for the first time.

Seeing Addison up close for the first time.

Look at that smile... pure joy!

Protecting and admiring her babies.

Priceless!

97 years separate their ages.

This was the first time we took the kids to Mama's place!

Mama loved having us come to her. It was fun for her to show them off to her friends.

Many times on Saturday mornings we would go and visit Mama. Some Saturdays if I had something going on, Jody would take them by himself and they would stay for lunch with her. The kids ADORED eating lunch with Mama! Of course, it could have been all of the attention they received at her assisted living center! ; ) The kiddos also enjoyed pushing Mama in her "stroller" (wheelchair), playing the piano for her (we are sure all the other residents enjoyed it as well), playing in the courtyard, talking to the parrot, and talking to other residents. Jody and I loved watching all of the other residents smile when watching them play. Speaking of play, Mama always had a little bucket of "toys" for them to play with (hair rollers, old necklaces, McDonald's toys, etc). She adored our babies and they ADORED her!!!! Just yesterday morning they both wanted to go see Mama and eat lunch with her. The kids have heard a lot about Heaven lately because of Jay's passing and now Mama.

Watch out Mama!

Addison loved to read to Mama!!! Loved it.

This was our last Thanksgiving lunch with Mama. November, 2009.

Mama had 6 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Four of her 6 grandchildren lived very near her. Mama really enjoyed reading the Bible and was a dedicated servant. (I could write an entire blog about this.) In the last couple of years Mama was not able to see much and her grandchildren would read the Bible to her daily. They would rotate reading to her. Rick, Terry and their wives were very dedicated in doing this. Jody's day was on Thursdays and this is something he will really miss. Mama read through the Bible every year for as long as anyone can remember! She was extremely dedicated in learning as much as she could about her Lord. Awesome example to us all.

This was one of Jody's Sundays to take communion to Mama. He was able to capture the picture of her praying during communion. So special!

When I was on home bed rest, I would drive to see Mama and just sit and talk with her. She was 96 and I was 31. We would just sit and chat and talk a lot about her and Papa (Chris- her husband). She and I would talk about her friends past and what was in the newspaper and so on! After my baby showers, I would take items to show her because she was in awe of all the new items it took to raise babies! ; )

Friday, January 22, 2010 was her burial and Sunday, January 24, 2010 was her memorial service. At her burial it was just family (the way she would have wanted it). We shared stories about how much she meant to each one of us. It was truly a special time. At her memorial service today, it was amazing to see all of the people whose lives she had touched. And just think, many of the people her and Papa Chris reached out to had gone on before them. Wow!! She is someone to be celebrated.

Walking to the burial.

As tough as it is, this is in fact a death to be celebrated. She is no longer in a wheel chair, or with a hearing aide (that didn't work ; )), or not able to see, or not able to feel, but rather she is running and dancing and singing! SHE IS HAPPY!!!! She is HOME!! She is having a reunion with those she loved that went on before her. MAMA IS HOME!

Sweet Mama, we will miss you forever, but we are thankful for what you passed on to us. Thank you, Mama. See you soon and save us a place at the banquet table! Love you.

We knew the time would come....

Stitches!

My sweet Alex

I am not exactly sure how the story goes because I was at the grocery store when this happened. I was headed home when I got the call from a very panicked Jody. Alex and his sister were chasing each other (like usual) and Jody heard a LOUD scream and then lots of crying. The crying did not come from Alex but rather Addison because of the amount of blood gushing out of his face. These pictures were taken after his sweet face had been cleaned up. I arrived home to a VERY upset daughter and daddy. Alex was very calm... almost in shock. Jody had already called the emergency clinic down the street and they did in fact do stitches. So we headed there very quickly. My sweet best friend came to be with Addison because we weren't sure how long this would take!

I did not take pictures of the holding/pinning down scenario because I was too busy crying. My little boy has been pinned down too many times in his life due to ears, nose, or blood draws. I just couldn't pin him today. Jody did. Alex was so brave. The numbing shot was the worst. They had to stick it all around the area about 10 times. He was soooooooooo upset.

This was right after it was over.

He asked for extra stickers and lollipops for "Sissy". Of course they game them to him.

Re checking the stitches.

Tired and ready to go home. "All done Mommy."

Alex, Daddy and I could not be more proud of you. You were so brave! You and sister both were supposed to have surgery on this upcoming Tuesday to have your adenoids removed and Balloon sinuplasty. It will be rescheduled for you for sure. We are not sure yet about Sister. I love you baby boy. Mommy thinks you are so brave.

Best Christmas EVER (part 1)

This holiday season was just wonderful. There is really no other way to describe it! It was pretty close to perfect. We started out by celebrating with Mimi and Pops (my parents) the weekend of my birthday. My birthday was on the 17 of December and my parents were in town for that.

The day after my parents arrived, we went to see Santa at the mall. Addison and Alex are really in to The Polar Express movie this season and therefore our trip to Willow Bend Mall was the perfect place for us to visit Santa.

Addison is dressed and ready

Alex is excited too!!!!

They just love all of the excitement.

The picture below is really a great description of their personalities. Alex has turned into the super sweet one (for now; ) ) and Addison is always gritting her teeth when she is trying to get something accomplished in a hurry or move someone out of the way. Uh oh, where does she get that? Scary!

Alex is tooting the horn for the Polar Express



Addison loved the snow

This picture CRACKS ME UP because this is exactly what it is like at our house right now! Alex gets shy when someone new or not as familiar approaches him, and Addison starts chatting their ears OFF!!! Santa was NO exception. HILARIOUS!!!!! She is telling him all sorts of things and Alex just said he wanted a blue present. I think he meant color of package. All he truly asked for this Christmas was a race car. Addison said a baby doll AND a race car! What a mess.




The next day was my birthday and we celebrated. Mimi made a cake and the kids helped eat it FOR SURE!

The kiddos went to take a bath and we told them when they got out of the bath that Santa will have brought them presents. It was so exciting!!!! Sure enough, when they got out of the bath, Santa had in fact arrived! Presents were everywhere! Unfortunately I did not take many pictures, but Christmas morning is ANOTHER story.... picture overload.

Alex and his first package that evening.

Mimi and Pops, thanks for coming up. We had a GREAT time and each year will only get more fun. Thanks for all the fun treasures ; ).

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays! Today was absolutely perfect!!!! I cannot wait to write it all down! Merry Christmas....

Love you babies. Love you Jody.

Holiday Happenings

We are having a blast enjoying this exciting season! The kids are the PERFECT age!!!!

I want to hold these moments in time and etch them in my soul. I beg God to not let me forget these precious times.

My little angel.....

Addison

My other little angel.....

Alex

He LOVES the lights......

They have so much fun looking at all the ornaments.... notice hands behind their backs b/c they are NOT supposed to be touching!!!

Well, I suppose little miss might be touching.

We hope you are enjoying the season as well.

The kids are learning all about baby Jesus at school (and home too) and they love singing Happy Birthday to him! It is great to hear it.

Excitement Is In The Air........

The kiddos are getting very excited about Christmas!!!

See for yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Addison has a "new and improved" smile. *sigh*

We had a nice day! Our day was spent at our home with Nana, Papa Jerry, Aunt Debra, and Uncle Jeff. We really missed Uncle Jay a lot and spent a lot of time talking about memories of him. In general, we could not feel more blessed by all of the amazing people in our lives!! Happy Thanksgiving!

No more Pacifiers

What a big day!!!! Friday, November, 21, 2009 was a huge day in our family. I know it sounds silly, but for us it was BIG!!! We literally threw our pacifiers in the TRASH CAN. The babies started out with them in the NICU so that they could learn how to suck while they were being feeding through feeding tubes. They did not learn how to suck before they were born due to being preemies. Jody and I had talked for several months on how/when to do this. We honestly had grand illusions on having a paci party and doing it up right. Well, it did not happen like that.

After all that we have been through this Fall (A LOT), we knew we needed to put a date on when to get rid of them and STICK WITH IT!!! We/I decided let's just pick a Friday and do it.

The plan was to take them to the twin babies (boy/girl twins live a few houses down and are 18 mo. old.... funny how my kids think they are babies) down the street and hand them over because "pacifiers are for babies and not for big kids". I was going to give their mom a present to give to my kids in place of the pacifiers. It did NOT happen like that.

Here is how it went down: It was Friday morning and the kids had just eaten breakfast and then somebody "stole" somebody else's pacifier and a full on fight broke out (this is why it was time... it was getting ridiculous). I looked at the kids and said, "We are all done! The pacifiers are going in the trash." I got them off the table and just chunked them in the trash can. Then, I FROZE! "What in the world have I just done to myself," I thought!!! OH NO!!!!!!!!!!! There was WEEPING AND NASHING of teeth. They literally cried like they were in pain. I look back now and it is comical. However, at the moment, I was terrified. They have NEVER known life without them and they were ADDICTED!!! I almost started crying too. I began thinking, "Quick, I have to do something here." I made an announcement that we were going to the store to get a surprise because we were so big now. Everyone got happy very quickly and off we went.

They both chose a Lightening McQueen sports car from the Disney store (Addison really wanted another Nemo but geez... come on) and were so excited..... until nap time! Ugh!!! There was stalling (on my part too) and lots of crying (almost on my part as well)!! However, somehow we survived and sleep did occur. We are well over 48 hours in to the "no pacifiers" and things are going a bit better than expected!!! I really am soooooooooo very proud of our kids!!! They are just truly awesome! Thank you, Lord for such great little people!!!

Addison and Alex, Mommy and Daddy think you are pretty great!!! I know this is a tough transition but you guys are just really great kids. You never cease to amaze us with your enthusiasm. We love you!!!

Jay Steven Bunt

Jay Steven was born on December 15, 1965. He went home to be with God on November 10, 2009. It was a very difficult day for the entire Bunt family. Tuesday, November 10, was a very long (yet too short) day.

Jay was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on July 15, 2009. He was diagnosed that day with stomach, esophagus and liver cancer. Stage 4 is the final stage of cancer but for our family we refused to believe this was it for Jay. You see, we believe in God and know that he is capable of completely healing. He always has a plan and knows what is best for His people (even though we do not understand it). For some reason, God chose not to heal Jay. We are choosing as a family to believe that God knows what He is doing and we accept that he is in a better place. He used Jay's illness and death to draw our family even CLOSER together than we already were. Jeremiah 29:11.

There are so many amazing qualities that Jay posessed. Many that I am jealous of. ; ) He was always the life of a room and very very passionate about whatever he was doing in life at that time. Jay LIVED life to the fullest when he was capable! Jay did not please people. You always knew exactly where you stood with him. There was no beating around the bush. He simply was who he was no matter what the situation. You either like him or you didn't, but almost everyone did!!!

The day Jay passed from this life was a very long day for the family. The doctors began saying the morning he left us that it would possibly be before lunch, if not it would be for sure by evening. They were right. He passed at 6:15 p.m. very peacefully. He was surrounded by his mother, father, Jeff (older brother) and Jody (little brother). Jay knew his family was surrounding him. When Jody arrived he said to him, "Jay, it's your little brother, I am here and I love you." Jay responded, "Love you." Those were the last words Jay spoke. What a wonderful way to go..... your last words being, "Love you".

Jay, you will forever be missed by us all. Alex and Addison prayed for you from the time they found out you were sick and still do. They know that you are living with God and Addison says that living with God could be "super fun". Those are her exact words. Alex says that Heaven is like a "pumpkin patch". Your mom and dad loved you more than I think anyone is capable of loving and will never be the same. Your brothers miss you and will always remember the awesome times you 3 had together. Your crazy sister in laws will miss taking the brunt of your jokes ; ). We love you, Jay. Thank you for making us all better people and for challenging us. You completed our family and it will always be different yet so beautiful!! You made us better people.

I am sharing these photos because this is our family scrapbook. This was the day of Jay's funeral. It was a beautiful day yet tough.

Every time Jay headed down to Houston at MD Anderson for chemotherapy with his parents, he carried these photos of Alex and Addison in his over night bag. He adored these kiddos and I put them in his pocket to take with him ; ). I tucked them in the pocket over his heart. They are now with him. This is the exact little baggie he carried their photos in. This is their school picture from last year. They were 18 mo. old.

Nana and Papa Jerry: What do we even say? Your example of love is amazing on so many different levels. You truly do show the qualities of unconditional love. You guys truly love the way Christ wants us to. Thank you for your example. The following pictures are pictures of Jody's parents on the day of the funeral enjoying Alex and Addison. They carried on with the kids even through their pain. You guys are incredible and please never doubt how much you are loved by SO MANY people. We love you.

Saying goodbye to them was not easy.

We love you Nana and Papa Jerry! You mean the world to all of us. Jeff and Debra, we could not have made it through this without you guys. Love you all!