Garola Gang

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Corny!

We loved the Ottawa farms corn maze! Check out the fun!

cow train

The corn crib! So fun! Cade and Cora's favorite! They had kernels in their ears and down their pants!

must. get. that. pony.

little sister abuse on the hayride!

CORN!

ready to start the maze!

cade leads the way!

clara stops for a break.

Happy fall, y'all!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

While we were in Indiana on Thursday and Friday, Clara and I FINALLY got some long over due time to hang out with my family. We loved seeing everyone, but it was so much fun to get together with my first cousin, Cara and her son, Wyatt. Wyatt is just a couple of months younger than Clara. They're about the same distance apart as Cara and I are. They live in Salt Lake City and we don't get to see them nearly enough! Clara had fun with Wy-Wy, although she tried to get the point across that she WAS the boss. I'm quite sure he heard it loud and clear. This little guy is so happy and cute! Check them out!

We love you, Pa-Paw!

This is my grandfather, William Cherry. He was born on Jan.22, 1919 and he went to heaven on October 10, 2011. He was such a cool guy.
He jumped out of planes in World War 2.
He put up with my grandmother for 67 long years of marriage!
He loved hunting and fishing.
He loved his bird dogs.
He used to have a porch with green turf carpeting.
And he hated gumballs in his yard.

The last five years were rough on him.
He was confined to a wheelchair, although he fought right up until the end to be rid of it.
After a stroke he lost most of his speech and could not communicate.
He had to eat through a feeding tube.
But he never complained.
He wasn't grouchy about what was lost, but often seemed to be lost in memories. Probably memories of better health, younger days.
All my kids know of him, was the wheelchair version.
But the last few days I've recapped to them many fond stories and memories of him. When we were little he used to take us in the basement and let us crush old cans with his can crusher so that he could recycle them for a penny each.
He could make us laugh for hours by rolling up an old newspaper and playing "the swatting game" with us. He always had time to help someone out.

Minutes after I heard of his passing, Cade and Cora and I were chatting and I said, "What do you think he's doing in Heaven right now?" Cora said, "probably running! He's probably glad to be out of that wheelchair!" I know she's right. No more pain, no more slurred speech, no more dependence on others for a meal, a bath, or a change of clothes.

Because he was a World War 2 veteran, a line of soldiers waited for us at the cemetery. They lined the walk way, offered a 21 gun salute, gave their words of gratitude for their fallen comrade, and folded the flag from the top of the casket and presented it to my grandmother. It was so special, and so him. He would have loved it!

Clara and I were the only ones that flew to Indiana for the funeral last week. Cade and Cora made cards for both he and my grandmother. Cade said it best, "We love you great grandpa! You were a good man! Have a good time in Heaven!"
We'll see you soon!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Soccer Season

Isle of Hope soccer season has started!
Cade is the oldest in the league this year and is enjoying being a barracuda. He is more into soccer than he's ever been. He's working hard and averaging about two goals per game. It's fun to watch him.

And then there's Cora who decided she'd try soccer this year. Her team is called the Lizards. She looks cute in her uniform.

Mia Hamm should not feel threatened in the least. Cora's foot has touched the ball ONE time in her last two games. I can't wait to hear what she's going to tell me when she comes over between the quarters to get water. Some of her comments have included, "Do you have a towel? I got some sweat on me." and "This soccer game is babyish. I keep hearing people say, 'go lizards, kick the ball' that is not what they say to teenagers."

FYI, sista...you're not a teenager! You're 5! And how do you know what they say at teenage soccer games?

I think Clara got more ball time than Cora did! :)

Monday, October 3, 2011

She's about to pop!

As if our weekend wasn't eventful enough, we helped Gran throw a baby shower for our NEW BABY cousin, Sloan, who we expect to make her appearance at the end of November. This is very exciting for us, because my kids have NO COUSINS!!! My mom can craft up a pretty good baby shower! Check it out...
Our theme was...she's about to pop!

my mom's diaper wreath---love love love it!

gone, but hopefully not forgotten!

Well, last week I left my family for the first time ever! No, not on some romantic getaway with my husband. Nope, not on some fun girls shopping weekend with friends. I left my family to go spend 3 days with 90 10 and 11 year olds on a Science field trip!!! Yep, that's right, for work! I am sure my departure was long overdue. Cade practically pushed me out the door as I attempted to leave one more frantic list! But I spent 3 fun filled days at Jekyll Island chaperoning the SCPS 5th graders on a really fun field trip, AND my family survived. All in all, it was fine! My only beef is that I don't get paid extra! A special shout out to Gran and Pop for all of your help last week!!! Check out my week!