To say it has been crazy around here is not doing us justice. Since my last post there has been a break-in, a painful good-bye to my beloved Grandma, a car accident (I hit my boss' car), a clinical rotation out-of-town, multiple doctor visits for multiple ear infections, 8 plane rides with a one year old, and lots and lots and lots of happiness in-between that keeps us going....so brace yourself this is a long overdue catch up post...
About two months ago my beautiful Grandma was placed on hospice. She had been battling Multiple Sclerosis for many many many years and was, understandably, tired of the fight. Being away from home was horrible. I wanted so badly to be there to help her and my granddad but all I could do was call and pray for them. She had said she wanted me to come to see her and I said I would. With work, Dave's schooling, James and other obligations it would be a challenge but I am eternally grateful that I made it happen as soon as I did. James and I came up for a very quick 36 hour trip, spending every moment I could with my grandma saying a very hard and bittersweet goodbye. She passed away peacefully less than two days later. She was a beautiful person. She was smart, witty and the most giving and selfless person I have ever known. I miss her dearly.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?n=shirlee-charon&pid=151281270About a month before my grandma's passing this happened:
Our home was broken into. Dave was out-of-town doing a month long rotation in Prescott. While this was super scary and stressful to say the least there were many tender mercies involved with this incident. First I had come home about three hours early from work that day (which I almost never do). The police believe that my coming home spooked the kid and he left. As a result he did not get away with very much stuff. Second the police came to my home before I even realized what had happened because the kid had broken into a home earlier and been seen and he was hiding out in his parents house which unfortunately is just behind ours...so the 'suspect' was caught and I had help right away. Finally while it was awful to have Dave out of town it was a blessing that he was still close enough to drive home that first evening so I didn't have to be alone that night. I still feel very safe in my home and neighborhood. It is sad that people are so desperate and have no problem violating or hurting other people to get what they want. I am just so grateful that everyone is okay!!
Enough sadness here are the happy parts of the past two and a half months..
James had his one-year photo shoot as a gift from my mom (thanks again mom) by this talented girl
http://www.megsphotographyanddesign.com/
He is so cute!
We played with these guys.
For James' birthday we came to Utah to celebrate some more (because two parties in AZ wasn't enough!). It was so much fun playing with all our friends and family. Thanks to my sweet parents Dave and I had our first night away with out James!
These guys came to visit us !!!
Soon after we left Utah my sister jenn (not pictured, she is the photographer of this photo) and her wonderful family came to play with us while Dave was in Prescott. We had so much fun going to the zoo, hiking, playing wii, visiting the science center and eating lots of yummy things! We loved having the Tullis' here!!
I made this.
Which resulted in this....
Yes that is my sewing machine needle....no this picture does not do it justice. This was yet another thing that happened while Dave was gone (he misses out on all the fun). I have LOVED my new sewing machine I got for Christmas. I have made james ties, bow ties, toys, a quiet book...I saw this reversible cape on my friends facebook page (thank you Stacy for the idea) and Dave had a bunch of old t-shirts that were just the right colors so I made James one...but stupid me couldn't wait for the next nap to finish it so I was sewing with the one-year-old when I was rethredding my needle and he snuck under the table and sat on my peddle...resulting in a shattered needle that went straight through my finger. It hurt less than I would have guessed. Morale of the story....wait until nap time to sew.
James had his first haircut
Thanks Uncle Cary!
And his first swim lesson.
He LOVES the water!
Thanks to my wonderful husband and amazing baby I had an AMAZING mother's day!
And somehow we have found time to play, a lot...
At the Zoo
At the Science Museum
At Papago Park
And at the Children's Museum
Also we have been doing lots of family bike rides with our 20$ yard sale find:
A bike trailer for James. He LOVES it!
Finally We just returned from an AWESOME Trip to Philly....but that will have to wait enough catching up for now.
It was a wonderful trip that came and went to quickly. Thanks so much to Mom and Dad Freestone for the great time and for everyone for the many happy memories!!
