Grandpa Welker

We lost a GREAT man two years ago today. Grandpa Welker was loved by many, and we miss him terribly. He was a great example of unconditional love, and a hard worker. He would do anything for anyone, he was so giving of his time, talents, and love.

We found out he had cancer and God gave us four months to spend many days and hours letting him know of our love. I know for a fact that those four months were given to us (his kids) to prepare ourselves for his leaving us. Dad was at peace with going, he was such a great example in his last days. I only wish that when my time comes that I can be like him. I know he is around everyday, my youngest (Makayla) was 6 months old when grandpa died, and you can ask her questions about him and she will talk like she knows him, I truly believe she does.

Dad, I love and miss you EVERY day and I thank you for letting me be raised by such a GREAT man. I try every day to make you proud, I know we will all be together again. I LOVE YOU!

This poem tells it best. (Thanks Kris Ann for letting me copy you)

God's Garden
God looked around his garden,
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you,
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you were suffering.
He knew that you would never
get well on this earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered, "Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.

Dad was young (53) so we have to think God needed him more in Heaven than he did on Earth.

My kids are FAMOUS!

Fox10 News came to Power Ranch Elementary School today! The helicopter landed and the weather guy Cory came! The kids were so excited. I recorded it and we watched it in slow motion today after school, Callie and Cody were both on T.V.!! (They will be available for autographs at a later date.) The lame mom that I am, I didn't get dressed to go over to the school to take pictures(it's to cold) so you'll just have to believe me!

We did it!!

My brother-in-law (Dustin) and I ran a 10K! It was so fun, it felt good physically and emotionally. The whole coarse had pictures of kids that have lost their battle to cancer. It just makes you realize that you don't have life so bad. I thought of my DAD the entire run, I even felt him along side of me telling me I was doing great! All I can say is "cancer SUCKS!" I am proud to be a small part of helping other families effected by it. This is going to be my new yearly tradition, it's the least I can do. Last year I ran the 2 mile this year I did the 10K, maybe by next year I will be ready for the 1/2 marathon. (doubt it) :)

The kids had a great time too! They had face painting, inflatable jumpers, a helicopter and fire truck they could sit in! Makayla was in heaven sitting in the fire truck!

Its not to late!

You still have time to sign up for the Queen Creek London's Run! It is on Saturday January 31st. There will be a 2 mile fun run, 10K (I'm doing this one), and 1/2 marathon. The money goes to a great cause. There will also be lots of fun activities for the WHOLE family! Check out the website http://www.londonsrun.org/ ! What a great way to help out! My dad battled cancer, so this hits close to home for me, come join us!

Pretty Sad!

I had to take McKenzie to the doctor and so I actually got dress and did my hair! It's pretty sad that when Callie and Cody saw me after school asked, "Why are you all dressed up? Where are we going?" Maybe I should start getting dressed (other than lounging clothes) more often.... I'm pathetic!

Easy dinners

I love to make dinners in my crock pot -- I'm all about easy meals. I just came acrossed the coolest blog -- check it out! crockpot365.blogspot.com The first one I'm going to make is the Original Taco Soup, under her Mexican Food tab -- can't wait!

Trying to be crafty and having fun!

My good friend Becky came and stayed a couple nights with us, and while she was here she tried to teach me how to be crafty (I failed miserably). We made flower clippies and bows. (I gave up on the bows and sent the ribbon home with her to make me some!) Of course I didn't get any pictures of us together, (she wouldn't let me). I really enjoyed her visit!

My Sister-in-Law Tamara and her cute girl Addy came to play! I always wonder why we live so close to Clayton's family but we don't get together very often. So it was exciting for Tamara to call and want to come play! We took the kids to McDonald's for lunch and to play. We then walked to the park to feed the ducks and let the kids run wild for awhile. I had so much fun and so did my girls, we need to do it more often!

Supercross!

Clayton and I took Cody to Supercross at Chase Field. We have gone the last 5 years and Cody has come the last 2 with us! He kept telling us "this is the best day EVER!" We met up with a group of about 12 adults and 6 kids and did dinner and supercross. We have a blast every year!

Our FAVORITE rider won! James "Bubba" Stewart

Grandma Welker

I had the chance to go visit my Grandma. She was recently placed in an assisted living community. I enjoyed our visit, but it broke my heart to see her in her condition. She asked the same questions over an over and she had to keep asking where she was. I hate to see people you love in conditions like these. She is such a sweetheart!

Christmas fun!

We had Christmas with my family (Welker's) two days before Christmas, and spent Christmas in Snowflake with Clayton's family. All 5 kids (siblings) were able to be there! It was a house full, but lots of fun. The most exciting part for my kids was going to play in the snow! They had a blast.