"Daytonism"....out of the mouth of Dayton

My life has truly been blessed with the nieces and nephews I have. I love each and every minute I get to spend with them. Dayton, my 4-year-old nephew who lives in Oregon, is such a special little guy. This is how his conversation went with his daddy (my brother) the other night:

Dayton: Daddy, I got to give a prayer request in Cubbies (Awana)

Daddy: Oh yeah buddy, what did you request?

Dayton: I got to pray my request, Daddy!

Daddy: Oh? So what did you pray for?

Dayton: I prayed that God would make my Uncle Larry able to see.

~This conversation was told over the phone to Larry today and it rendered him fully humbled and the sweet innocence of Dayton. Could God heal Larry's vision? Absolutely! And, I am sure one of the things Larry would love to see would be his nieces and nephews, who have all truly won his heart. Will God heal Larry's vision? Perhaps not this side of heaven, but for Larry that is okay because this is the season of life God wants Larry in. And, it does not take physical sight to fall in love with all the little children!

Puppy Sitting

ALBERT MEET DARCY;

DARCY MEET ALBERT........

...AND TOGETHER WE SHALL HAVE LOTS OF FUN! (perhaps)

We are so excited to get to watch Darcy (the daschund) again!! She is just the cutest little peanut. As much as we enjoy being with her, we think it is hilarious that this little doggie....

needs to find comfort and protection from this cutie patootie.....

Arry's Girl

ARRY'S GIRL

(enough said) :)

19 years

I really was not ready yet. I think perhaps someone forgot to ask me how I felt. How do you go about packing up memories? Sure, the tangible items can move along from place to place, but what about the precious memories? Memories like children's laughter outside as bubbles are being blown; family sitting around the table enjoying a wonderful meal. Or, how about seeing the joy on great-grandparent's faces when a new baby is placed in their arms and forever in their hearts? Oh, I know, what about the memory of the Christmas tree impeccably trimmed or the can of "peanut brittle" surprising each unsuspecting little one? So many memories. Packing up the tangible memories is difficult enough. Despite the fact they can come along with you, they belong right where you picked them up from - - that picture belongs there; that doll belongs right there; and that room or that room does not need to be disturbed, really! Ohh how surreal it feels. The feeling is almost too overwhelming! Did I mention that I really was not ready yet? But God's timing is always perfect and we must follow His will for each of our lives. So, when the door forever closes on the house that sweet memories were made in, as difficult as it may be, I must walk away, wipe the tears away, and pack up the sounds, the smells, and moments deep within my heart even though my mind screams this was grandma and grandpa's house for 19 years!! It is now time to create sweet memories with my grandma at her new home.

In just a few short weeks, my grandma will be moving into an assisted living home. I know it is best for her; for her safety and well being. It is difficult for all of us to come to terms with, but ultimately, we want what is best for grandma. The house at 6559 E. Des Moines will forever be etched in my heart.

But, did I say I was not ready yet? How do you pack up 19 years in one house of sweet memories and move on?

Hilarious Hunter

While at my in-laws this evening, I had the joy of having 2 of my nephews and 1 of my nieces joining us, as they are spending the week with me for VBS @ church. Anyway, Hunter, the youngest of the bunch was sitting with me alongside the pool and he said a little something like this:

Hunter: Hey Uncle Larry?
Uncle Larry: What Hunter?
Hunter: Go jump off the "water slide board"
Uncle Larry: The "water slide board?"
Hunter: Yep, like Amanda, Lizzie, and Cayden.

**never heard a diving board called a "water slide board"

~I love it!

Darcy's Diary

May 16, 2011

Dear Mommy and Daddy~

So, I went on my first over-nighter with a family from church who was willing to care for me while you got married (seriously though, I would have gladly been your flower girl). My day on Monday began kind of sad because I had to tell my mommy goodbye, but I was a very good girl on the car ride home and didn't make a peep; I kept a close eye on my puppy-sitter though. When we got to our destination, I was greeted by a new little friend named Albert, but they call him Al for short. I think he was a little scared of me because he ran from me when I wanted to play. That's ok though, he's an only puppy and I think he thought I was replacing him (silly doggie). But, I started to wonder if I was going to take up permanent residence at this new location..I was kind of sad mommy and daddy because I missed you. So, I went to sleep until a girl came home. Her name is Amanda. Oh mommy and daddy, I had a lot of fun playing with her, being carried around by her, and spending the night in her room. Fun, fun! She was funny too. She kept telling Al that he was a "wimp" for being afraid of me since I am so little (and adorable mind you; oh sorry, need to get my ego in check). Then a man came home and held me, held me, held me and he held Al too. He told me he had a wiener (seriously, is that what they call me?!) dog growing up and wanted to hold me for memories sake. He can't see, but he loved me anyway.

The next day, Al and I played a little bit more together and it was fun! My puppy-sitter really loved having me and told me if ever I need cared for again I can come over. I was kind of sad to leave, but happy to be going home to my mommy and daddy.

All in all, I was told I was a very good little girl, well-behaved (only pooped on the floor once to make it known "I was here") and a bundle of joy. But mommy? daddy? it's good to be coming home.

I love you with all my puppy heart,
Darcy

**my arrival

**100% cuteness

**meeting Albert

**Alannah, 2, loved me very very much

**just the right size for each other

**meeting Jeffrey and Hunter; but

Alannah wouldn't give me up

**she did now and Jeffrey wanted to hold me

**sleeping on my puppy-sitter's toes

**Amanda, Albert and me

**Larry loving on me.

P.S....Congratulations on your wedding!! So happy for you both! ~Anne

Just a Little Good Ol Competition Goin On

D-Group competition at church today was a lot of fun! I have the most amazing young ladies in my group and they all did an awesome job participating. The competition consisted of a scavenger hunt, we only had an hour, and then we had to build a bridge out of flexible straws and scotch tape. Once the bridge was built books were stacked up on it and continued to be stacked up until the books fell--we had 40 books plus a Bible. Bam! Our bridge was really well built...way to go girls!!! You rock!

As for the scavenger hunt, we had to obtain various items and have various pictures taken such as:

1) Build a pyramid next to an upside down pyramid. (Thank you Tempe Public Library!)

2) Create a football team @ a football field. (Thank you McClintock High School!)

3) Spell out either RUSH or EPIC using the girls in the group. (Thank you girls)

4) Take a picture with a red-head. (Thank you random lady in Wal-Mart!)

5) Take a picture in the deodorant aisle @ Wal-Mart. (You girls smell lovely now!!)

6) Lick a dog. (Thank you Charis and Buddy)

.....and the list goes on. All in all, this afternoon was one filled with fun and laughter. Good times and memories created. You girls did awesome! L O V E all of you.

Oh yea, and by the way, who took first in the competition in junior high?! We did!! Way to go!! We had over 4000 points and won an ice cream party! Congrats to all the other teams too, seriously!

*pyramid by an upside down

pyramid

*Lick a Dog

*Smelling good girls!