Happy Birthday, DUSTY!

Today is my brother's birthday, he would have been 48 years old this year. Unfortunately we just don't get to celebrate it with him this year, he passed away about 3 1/2 years ago from colon cancer. Ya know, I have really become to absolutely HATE the word "cancer". I think I could go a billion years with out ever hearing that again. (I just don't think I'll have much luck with that though)

Dusty is a giant of a man if I ever knew one. Not to say that he was perfect or anything, as we are all human, but I have never seen anyone (personally) become closer to that as he did in his final months. He became so close to our Lord and Savior. I admire him so much for that and for so much more. Dusty absolutely loved life. He did more is his short 44 years than I think I would ever do in a lifetime. I sure love and miss this guy so much. What a reunion I have been planning when I get my turn to go home. Oh how I look forward to embracing both him and my sister Tina, who left us about 19 years ago. Wow, how time has gone by.

Happy Birthday, Dusty!

We all Love you SO much!

Greene Family Photo Shoot 2009

Is that not a good look'in family...

...who aslo knows how to have some fun

Bryana, Matt, Peyton, Tatum, and baby Kade

us... Cindy, Jeremy, Cassidy, Taylor, Emma, and baby Ryann

Sandy, Tucker, Madison, Sadie, Noah, Drew, and Aly

Mom, Dad, Suzy, Brandon, and Jake

Suzy, Brandon and Jake

Derick, Tristyn, Ashtyn, Kaidyn, Jackson, Dustin and baby McKenna

Jay, Brooke and Aaron

Savannah, Aaron, Niki, Meghan, baby London, and baby Ella

Savannah, baby London, Meghan and baby Ella

Mom and Dad

Mom and I

Mom and Sandy

Jay and Mom

Mom and Bryana

Mom and Brandon

Mom and Madison

Niki, Mom, Savannah, baby Ella and Meghan

Easter 2009

Easter was a little different for us this year. It seems that we came to the cliff part of our life's hike about a week before Easter. My sweet mom unfortunately found out she had pancreatic cancer at the same time Jeremy's dad's colon cancer turned very aggressive. Both of us were torn in different directions and it became quite the uphill climb.

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However, it is amazing how you realize how MUCH you love those close ones around you and how you can get a good perspective on life. Somethings that you think are so important just are not that big of a deal.

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It has also been a time that our family has become truly indebted to good friends. With both Jeremy's family and my family dealing with major trials, I depended on the strength of some amazing friends for support with my kids and basic life stuff. Thank you SOOOOOO much for your true Christ-like service!

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Through everything, I was still able to get some sweet Easter smiles. You gotta love the nature of an innocent child.

Ended the evening with an Easter Dinner at Grandma Greene's

The girls helped Grandma Greene with her famous fruit salad. And yes, that entire bowl got filled up by the time they were done.

Grandma's Birthday

Happy Birthday Grandma Atkin! We love you and are so grateful to all you do for us.

Ryann's 1st Birthday!

Oh sweet baby doll! How time has flown by...

Ryann had her 1st birthday in March.

These three kiddos were so excited to have little Ryann join us. It was quiet the struggle of who got to hold her.

Bald and lov'in it! Like father like daughter

Cassidy is so good with Ryann. Half the time Ry prefers Cassidy over mom or dad. Thank goodness for big sisters, for both my sake and hers.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY RYANN!!!

Does that smile not just melt you? Gotta love those teeth.

"What is this brown stuff? CHOCOLATE?!?"

Emma's 4th Birthday

As long as we are playing catch up...

My Emma had her 4th Birthday in February. I can not believe she is already four, she is stuck at 18 months in my mind.

Emma was a very even-natured baby and toddler. She was very easy going and happy.

Emma found her current sassy personality around the age of 2 1/2. But we still love her more than she will ever know, sassy and all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!!!

Thank you Grandma Tami! We love you very much.

Quinci, Ryann, Taylor, & Emma

Oh, how we love those dress-ups. The dancing outfits that rarely go a day without being worn.

Thank you Grandma Atkin! We just love the Tinkerbell house SOOOO much.

Happy Birthday, TAYLOR!

Ok, this is a really old one, but for journal purposes I am adding this in. Besides Taylor's baby pictures are just too dang cute to not post.

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My big guy turned 7 yrs. old in November. (it has just taken me forever to post about it). Wow! Does time fly when your having fun, or what?

Taylor is such a good kid. We enjoy having him in the family soooo much!





Happy 7th Birthday!

One of my proudest "mommy" moments this year was while I was cleaning the glass of our back sliding door, when Taylor came up and asked for help with something. The entire time he was asking he watched every stroke of the paper towel and Windex. I explained I would be able to help him as soon as I finished cleaning the glass. He stood there for a moment, then leaned over took the paper towel from my hand and said, " Here mom I'll do it, you missed a spot"
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I had to seriously hold back my tears. I was so dang proud of him for having those instincts.

A good birthday dinner at Taylor's favorite restaurant... Good 'ole Serrano's
We love you Taylor SO much! Our family would not be the same without you.