M.I.A.

Sorry, but just wanted to let everyone know that I have not fallen off the face of the earth. So, we were in Fort Smith until yesterday. We even tried to leave Saturday but powers to be had a different plan in mind. Originally we were to be in the Fort Christmas Eve until Jan. 2ND. We even planned to leave Saturday, but after we got the jeep loaded (including Brock) and car top carrier completely loaded our battery died. This was all around 3:30 so by the time Will and his Dad got us a new battery it was just to late to hit the road. Also, while packing I decided to run smack into the corner of the hatch door of the jeep. It doesn't raise all the way up w/ the car top carrier attached and I walked full speed around the back of the car into the corner of the door. It knocked me on the ground and broke my sunglasses that were on top of my head. I almost cried but started telling my self to be tough. I got a nice little egg on my head now, but I am thankful that I didn't actually get cut and need stitches, etc. I think my sunglasses took most of the impact...thank goodness.
Well, we had a wonderful Christmas with all of our families and rung in the New Year w/ some great friends.(Promise to post pics once we get settled in) But with the good comes the bad sometimes...our trip home was also a sad one for us. My mom's ex-husband, Jeff, ended his battle w/ cancer. Jeff was diagnosed w/ stage 4 kidney cancer this fall and it had spread to the outside of his lungs and stomach. Just awful, awful news for Jeff and everyone that cared for him. It hit him hard and he spent the past few weeks at St. Edwards. It was just awful and so unfair....he was only 54. Jeff was my step dad for 9 years...I called him Papa Jeff. He truly was one of the most amazing guys and such a blessing to have in our lives. He did so much for our family and words could never explain the impact that he had on our family. I probably wouldn't be where I am today if we wouldn't of had his influence in our lives. He was the "Dad" that my little sister never had, and her world has been crushed around her. He was big buddies w/ Amie while married to my mom and even after the divorce they remained tight. They did things together like canoeing, dirt biking, go carting, etc. They were such dare devils together! He was special to all of us in so many ways. I love that we have so many great memories w/ him. He was such fun to be around.....a good man!!! Here are just a few pics of him to share:

We dressed him up one Christmas in this get up. :)