Grandma Shotton

Grandma Shotton passed away early Monday morning. (12.13.10). She was two hours late to their 71st anniversary. To say she was amazing is an understatement. When I was little, Ryan and I would spend countless hours at their house with my cousins Les & Nate. We would have sleep overs and build tents. We'd wake up to Grandma making us the perfect animal pancakes...I still don't know how her animals came out so perfect no matter what animal it was. We'd play on her typewriter, ride her bike, help her with her strawberries and tomato garden, play in grandpa's old pick up, build tents, go on walks to the duck pond and look for baby eggs, walk and pick wild flowers in Pinetop, build forts, play her organ or her harmonica, road trips to Kansas, the memories could go on and on. She encouraged us to explore and be adventurous. Her face would light up when we'd walk into the room. Her family meant the world to her, but so did God. He always came first and she was a true prayer warrior. Her faith was unwavering and her service was steadfast. She and my grandfather were amazing examples and love and faith. I enjoyed reading her devotions to her and she would always say "that was a good one". She was beautiful and her eyes shined. Her wisdom always was true. Although I am happy she is back with Grandpa and both are with the Lord, it still leaves an empty space in all of our hearts. Grandma and Grandpa you will be missed and although I'm sure Nate is showing you

around...I can't wait to catch up with you in heaven where we will have eternity.

Getting ready for the holidays

Well I finally had time to sit down and catch up the blog. I know I haven't been so good about this, so hopefully everyone follows us on Facebook...it seems easier to put snippets about what is going on on there. So anyway here's a little catch up.

The girls in typical fashion have been funny. Their personalities are becoming more unique. You can tell in how they say good night. The other day Bella said "Mommy I love you all the way to Heaven" Gabby said "Good Night Toodles".

Bella is very sensitive. She'll say "I love you mommy" out of the blue, or come up and hug us. She gets worried people don't like her clothes, so I'm trying to instill that it doesn't matter as long as she does. The other day she wanted to buy presents for kids that didn't have any. It means a lot that she's learning the importance of giving at such a young age.

Her inquisitive little mind did get a rock stuck up her nose a few weeks ago. I had to go pick her up and then Papa had to get it out with forceps...pinchers as she called them. It took 3 of us to hold her down. I think she was for afraid of forceps than it actually hurt her.

Gabby is our little comedian. She seems to be okay with having a brother or a sister now. For awhile she would insist on only having a sister. We would try and tell her that Jesus would decide what we would have and we'll be happy with a brother or sister and she would reply "Jesus better pick a sister, a girl, girl, girl". Finally she has turned the corner when I explained she could play catch with a brother, since she loves sports and has quite an arm. I think she's just excited to be a big sister. She prays for the baby every night and hugs and kisses my tummy. She is still a little lover and definitely Daddy's girl. We are trying to discipline her more as we recognize she gets away with so much more than Bella.

Polar Express

Last night we drove up to Williams, AZ to go to on the Polar Express up to the North Pole.
We headed on a carriage ride before dinner...Bert was our horse and Bella thought that would be a good name for her brother...if we have a boy...not so sure about that.After dinner we put on our pjs and got on our train.Gabby loved the hot chocolateBella was so excited when we got to the North Pole. Her face was smashed on the glass in awe. When Santa got onto our car he started at the other end. She was so excited bouncing on her seat. He handed them bells and Gabby now like Santa. She didn't touch him, but she didn't cry either.We sang carol on the way back and even shy Gabby joined the other kids at the front of the train. Bella of course was one of the first out of her seat if you can see her little face in the back. Bella didn't know the words, but it didn't stop her from singing. The conductor came and punch their tickets so it would snow on their heads.
We had a lot of fun...and can't wait to go back when Gabby's a little older and the baby too.

Thanksgiving

The night before Thanksgiving we headed up to Pinetop and when we woke up the next morning it was snowing. "Hundreds of snow" according to Bella. So we got the girls bundled up and headed outside.

snow angelsWe came inside and warmed up with some hot chocolate and marshmallows...or marshmallows.The girls helped Nana make the pumpkin pie and pecan pie. The girls had made place cards and place mats for everyone. They set the table and were such big helpers. Bella asked if we were having Moose or Turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.We went on a walk after dinner...some of the snow had melted.The next day we went sledding. Gabby was not a fan of snow getting in her face, but Bella loved it and would have spent all day there. She even went down by herself.Bella helped Nana make a snowman...possibly the world's smallest snowman.Having a snowball fight with Papa