Six years ago I woke up for the last time as a single girl at my mom and dad's house.
Six years ago I drove to the church and was helped into a white dress by four close friends, each representing a major part of my life until that point.
Six years ago I held a bouquet of pink roses and white alstroemerias and was walked down the church aisle by my dad.
Six years and two kids later. I asked Travis if he had any regrets...
I've spent some time this holiday season thinking about how we as a family could give back. Travis and I have talked about what we would like to do for 4-H clubs and the FFA when we get back to Olney. (Both played such a big roll in what we are.) But for the time being, we want to make sure our kids realize how good they've got it and what it means to help others.
Finally I realized what we could do. A local radio station was holding a 13 hour toy drive at Walmart. Perfect. We would hurry to get ready and go to Walmart before I had to go to work. August was to pick out a toy, something that she likes to play with at home, to donate to Toys for Tots.
Quickly she settled on Strawberry Shortcake, with pink hair of course. We checkout out and August proudly carried her purchase to the tent outside. She was about to drop it in the box when the morning radio personalities appeared. One of them recognizes me from work. He looked at me, looked at August and said, "can we interview her on the radio?" Sure. "Great. We are live in ten seconds." A man from AT&T rushed out and recorded it.
We had never intended on such a big deal being made of August's first donation. However, I am so happy it did. I hope that she always remembers that day.
We are so proud of her. She is wise beyond her years and compassionate. She may have taught me more than I taught her that day.
(Thank you WIXY for hosting the toy drive. Thank you AT&T for making a contribution and for recording it for us. Thank you Roofing Dog for being there. Both kiddos were amazed to see such a large and friendly dog.)
August. She is smart, funny, and unnaturally compassionate. She has never met a stranger and I instantly best friends with anyone who will talk to her. She is honest to a fault, but her voice is always sweetest when she gives you a compliment.
Gentry. His eyes will make you melt and you'll want to eat his chubby cheeks. He laughs the best laugh when his belly or thighs are pinched. He is sweetest when he says "love you toooooooo."
The older I get I would much rather spend my evenings seeing this, August and Gentry holding hands as we take a walk on the farm.
This was taken a couple weeks ago. I remember I had had a rough day at work. I walked in the door and told the kids to put their shoes on. They eagerly headed out the door wondering where we were going.
To see the cows.
That is all it took. They headed in the direction that was most familiar to them.
This red Holstein was extra curious. August was extra helpful. Gentry was extra careful.
The older I get I would rather spend my evenings like this, watching them talk sweetly to the girls and trying to get them to eat feed from their palms.
The older I get I would rather share a bowl of ice cream and rock my kiddos before they go to bed.
The kids and I got to ride in the combine with dad yesterday. It reminds me of the times I rode around with Grandpa Byron. Back and forth across the field, time after time sitting in the grandkid seat. It was almost an honor to ride. Yesterday riding with dad took me back to those days. I'm glad my kids get to have the same experience.
Aug got the seat of honor. She got to sit on the lunch box...I mean dinner bucket. She rubbed her face all over the windshield.
Me and Gent. This was the most emotion he showed. He was really excited to be there...he just doesn't show it...ever.
See. No emotion.
August is proud and Gentry's belly is showing.
And in case there was any question about yield this year...just kidding. I watched a long time to get this picture!
