Little Brower Men: A Mamaw Celebration

We went back to the hospital once Mamaw was moved down to a regular room so the boys could see her. It is always interesting trying to keep this one quiet. I'm not sure if "Mr. Chuck" worsened it or helped. But either way, we were so thankful they got to see her.

It's hard for someone outside of our friends and family to understand since she was 96, but Mamaw still did laundry everyday, still cooked bacon and biscuits every morning, and still cooked our turkey and dressing among other things for our big family get-togethers. Her eyes and ears may have been giving out on her, but everything else was healthy. She was the most petite yet strongest woman. She was definitely the treasure in our family. She was our glue.

Mamaw took a turn for the worst Tuesday, but she was able to see most of her family. She was having a problem with names since an episode (probably a stoke) but she knew who Mason and Brody were the moment they walked into that hospital room. She had been so concerned of what they thought about her being sick. She never wanted them to be scared or upset.

She waited until my last aunt and uncle got into town about 1am. She called all her children up to her bedside. Told them she loved them and to stay out of trouble. She said she was tired and ready to go home. She was most excited about seeing my Grandfather. She passed soon after.

Obviously, we are all sad. But she lived a long, wonderful life filled with lots of joy. She had so many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren - and they all adored her.

Although it is hard on us, we are also so happy for her. I'm sure Heaven already smells like bacon, and she is loving every minute of it. =)

One of Mason's new chores is laundry. He actually really enjoys the responsibility.

He did great with impressions for his appliance. I was super shocked and so proud!

Happy Friday.

Last week was crazy with everything that was going on. We had to make different arrangements for drop off and pickup since Mickey Mouse was taking care of everything. I lost my mind and had a bit of miscommunication so no one picked up this guy. No worries though, we had someone there shortly after....and he wasn't concerned one bit. In fact, I think he had fun. But that still doesn't mean I didn't feel horrible!!!!

I picked him up Friday since I was off...

I made it up to them by getting ice cream two days in a row...

Brody had his first soccer game Saturday. We signed him up for Munchkin Madness because he really wanted to play. We did a similar program with Mason at this age. Since Brody is so young for his grade, he was actually one of the smallest kids out there.

He was very excited.

And Mason was excited to cheer him on.

How cute is he?! Orange is his favorite color, so he loved that ball.

There were a ton of kids out there. It is only a 45 minute practice and it is very parent involved. John went out there with him to do all the drills.

It was a little chilly, so he wanted his jacket.

They are kicking the ball around the "dinosaur egg".

They scrimmage the last 15 minutes. He was about over it all but big brother convinced him to get back out there to play. Here he is after the first time he got to kick the ball during the game.

Here he is kicking in a goal!! He looks so tiny!

So proud of himself.

Here is the funniest part of the morning.
He saw that ball and started running to it.

Once he got there, he picked that ball up and headed to the other side of the field....with about 20 kids chasing him.

He got to that goal and threw it in.
And then followed with a celebratory dance.
Maybe he thought he was playing football?!

He definitely got the loudest cheer from the audience, and the coach even walked up to tell us that was the funniest thing he has seen in his years of coaching. =)

Grandma Judy was there to cheer him on!

We went home for a break but had to be back up at the field at 12:30 from Mason's game. I don't know how we've gotten ourselves so busy already with a 6 and 3 year old. Ha.

Discussing a game plan. =)

We won!

Shaking hands with the other team.

Saturday afternoon/night we went to my cousin's hog roast at their new land. It was a party planned a while ago but since all of our family were in town for Mamaw's funeral, it became a much larger party. We celebrated them finding their future forever home but also celebrated Mamaw. I will admit, it was kind of odd having all of our family hanging out without her.

So good to see all of my cousins from Illinois.

Her funeral was Sunday. We decided not to bring Brody. We had to be at the funeral home for a few hours, and it was right during nap time. Mason on the other hand really understood what had happened and was very sad. He did so well at the funeral and wanted to see Mamaw a couple of times. He really cried during the service and was very worried about his Mickey Mouse. He went and sat with her at the graveside service to make her feel better. =)

Robert and Becca kept Brody and he had the time of his life.

They got baby chicks! How cute are they?!

Reese drove him around on this awesome scooter.

We came back to get him before eating at my aunt's house with the family.
It was hard to pry him away from all the fun...

We ended the day with great food and good laughs with my entire family. Although it was a sad occasion, it was so good to see everyone. It is not often we are all under the same roof at one time.

And this is what Brody thought of the day...worn out!