Remembering Gramma Fox

Yes, today would have been Gramma Fox's 98th birthday. This picture is actually from her 95th birthday party. It's actually the first birthday party photo I found when searching and thought it was perfect. I'll tell you what, my Gramma sure did something right, we are sure a close family. Take this weekend for example, I went to a surprise birthday party for a friend last night and Jenny was there. Mike and Colleen ended up not coming but were also invited. Meanwhile, I was texting cousin JoAnn to see if cousin Sam could babysit. While at that party, cousin's Josh, Doug, and Nick were all working together on Doug's house and Jodi called to see what I was up to to get the kids together. Then I take the kids to the gym today and see cousin Todd and find out three of his kids were playing with Mackie and Jack. I mean, that just doesn't happen in most familes (if you followed any of that)! It's amazing and the heart of all of it...my Gramma and Grandpa!! Family's the best what can I say :) Happy Birthday Gramma, we've all been thinking about you today, but know you are having a blast celebrating with Grandpa.

Yes, we moved!

Mackie and Jack on Christmas morning...Cole wouldn't stay put!

Christmas Eve before going to my mom's! Our new tradition! The kids all get new pajamas on Christmas eve so they all have comfy new pj's to wake up in!

Waiting on the stairs. Cole didn't want to wait, but good Ole Mack made sure he did!

Hello middle of January! You came quick! We moved into our new house on Dec. 2nd and had all boxes unpacked in just over a week. We worked and worked and worked! I came down with the Norovirus 4 days after closing and threw up for 15 straight hours every half hour. It was terrible and I lost 6 pounds in 15 hours, but the good news was that NO ONE else got it! Thank the good Lord for that! We absolutely love our new house and are so thankful for the extra space and my sweet loving sister that lives down the street!

The kids are now at their new school and adjusting. Mackie met a friend who she loves and is officially excited to go to school. Jackson went on Monday without crying, so that was a big step. Lots of sad tears at breakfast that made me really sad, but we are moving in the right direction.

Cole still seems to like the early hour of 5 (more like 5:45, but it's still early). We wish he'd realize that it's not quite morning yet, but if that's all the complaints we have, I'd say we're in good shape. He's talking and repeating everything. Don't get me wrong, he definitely screams when he wants something and can't quite verbalize, it's a little frustrating for everyone, but he does say a lot...primarily MOMMY...MOMMY...MOMMY

Tim's adjusted fine to his new drive. Seems long for me somedays, but it's the price we pay to be where we want and at least I have my sister down the street!

I'll do a seperate post for Christmas later this week!

Lots to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving! We sure have a lot to be thankful for. We are all very healthy and pretty darn happy to. There isn't anything else we need, and for that, I am one thankful person. Sometimes it's good to sit and really think about it because we are so fortunate in many many ways.

We went to Aunt Pauline's for Thanksgiving and it was a wonderful day except for Cole falling down the stairs! He was fine though :)

The food was unbelievable once again. Thanks Aunt Pauline!

Silly picture before heading to Aunt Pauline's. What a perfect shot of them. Mackie and Jackson just loving each other not listening to me asking them to cooperate. Then there's Cole who is taking every opportunity to run away from me. What a little stinker he is! You just gotta love him!

There's my three little cuties!

On a seperate note, we officially move tomorrow!! We are so anxious and excited. Surprisingly enough, I'm not stressed at all. Maybe once I see all the boxes and furniture, I may change my mind.

A Sneak Peak!

Jackson at 3 years old.

Cole at 16 months

Mackie at 4 and a half.

We had a fall photo shoot with a new photographer. You just pay a flat rate and you get the CD. She's affordable and so great! She picked a great location in Rochester and our kids did great. The only hiccup was when our good ole mild mannered Cole took his shoe off and threw it in the river. I jumped in after it almost falling all the way in. Then he proceded to throw his sock in too! Oh Coley...always making it interesting. I think they turned out great though. The title is Sneak Peak because I am saving the family pictures for our Christmas Card!! Enjoy :)

Pinkalicious, The Spaceman, and one cute dog!

and two scary mummies! Tim and I go to our old next door neighbors Halloween party and they always make fun of us that we always dress up as happy people, runners, aerobic instructors...etc. Anyway it's because we usually put our costume together in 5 minutes. Although this costume took only about 10 minutes, we finally came up with something scary!

We volunteered to be a "warming station" which meant we gave out hot and cold cider, donuts and cookies. Yes, in the garage, we actually made room with the furniture and bikes for a table!

The two "biggies" heading to Gwen's, our next door neighbor in which they both just adore!

All ready to go and still in hour to wait!

Pinkalicious! For those that don't have little girls, it's a book in which the little girl ate too many pink cupcakes and turned pink. It's Mackie's favorite book.

The spaceman! He wanted his face painted since Mackie had hers painted. He said it was stardust.

The little Dog! It's quite fitting since he just loves and adores all dogs! He was a trooper, but stayed in the stroller. It was a really really cold night this year.

My Gramma!

Holding Jackson, she's held all 23 Great Grandkids!

The only true four generation of girls in the family! We never missed an opportunity to take our picture!

Celebrating my Gramma's 97th birthday last January!

My Gramma, yes Gramma with two M's passed away on Oct. 11th at 97 years old. She was someone I idolized, someone to live your life after, someone that had a heart of gold and someone who had a memory like no other. She was my Gramma and I loved her very much!

During my childhood, she lived in Florida for the winter and Up North during the summer, so our time spent with her was rather limited. After my Gramma and Grandpa moved into Independent living in Rochester is when I really became close with her. We'd visit often and Mackie would have her read book after book after book. I'd tell my Gramma that we were going to bring lunch, but she always insisted that she would MAKE us lunch, 97 years old! Wow! What a lady. She never missed a birthday, had a very strong faith, and never dyed her hair. She never even had a grey hair on her head.

She has 13 Grandkids, and 23 Great Grandkids. I was her favorite, at least that's what I always believed:) She was never really sick, could still walk until a week before she died, and had a better memory than I have at 31. She was blessed with a wonderful life, and served God. Her faith stood strong with her and she lived her life as we all should. Although she lived a picture perfect 97 years, we will all still really miss her. I sure do. We had a wonderful memorial service at Our Shepherd and a luncheon afterwards. I told Tim the only thing missing there was my Gramma! I know she's smiling down on us as she walks hand in hand with my Grandpa once again!

We love you Gramma Fox!

First day of School

Yes, I am well aware that it's October 1st, so I'm a few weeks behind as always, but Mackie is back at school as well as our big boy Jackson. Jack just goes two mornings a week and doesn't like the thought of going to school at all, but does great once he's there. We just have to get him to socialize a little more. Tim and I are convinced he's not talking to anyone yet. He does like to tell me what kids got in trouble though :) Mackie loves it as we fully expected. She's made even more friends and just loves loves loves school!

We are still at my parents and although space is very limited we are doing fine. We've pretty much taken over my parents house, not sure how to avoid that since we have three little kids. We are definitely getting anxious to move, just waiting for that right house to pop up!!

By the way, Tim broke my camera lens by accident and went out and bought me a new lens. This is teh first time we've used it. It's awesome! Thanks Timo :)