Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Happy Birthday Car-Car!!

Well yesterday was pretty bittersweet! I will never forget the feeling I had on 8/4/06 @ 7:45am at Germantown Methodist. It is one that I do not wish on anyone, and one that I sometimes wish I could get out of my mind at times. That is when my wife, my best friend, and mother to my baby girl left this world. I remember the feeling of complete emptiness, and how I could not believe God was taking Scarlet from Madison and I. I had issues for awhile wondering how a loving and caring God could cause so much pain for one family!! Why could he not just heal her??? In time that feeling of resentment went away, and I realized that God knows all, and his plan is greater than we realize. That is hard to swallow because we lost Scarlet here on earth, however God had a greater plan for her! She is now free of her deadly cancer, and is thankfully in no more pain. Those who were around Scarlet the last few months could see the pain she was in, and how it was just eating away at her. That tore me up more than anything! I was suppose to be the one who took care of her, who comforted her, and who made her feel better. However, I couldn't do anything to stop this aggressive cancer. For those who know me well, you know I am a control freak, and that one really threw me for a loop. The thought of her resting comfortably now (pain free), and watching over Madison and I on a daily basis, really makes me smile. We may have lost her here on Earth, but she is still around on a daily basis, and her memories will never fade!

I have now moved on to a new part of my life, but Scarlet will never go away. Memories of her, stories of her, will continue to be a part of my life whereever it may lead me. Madison Grace is a spitting image of Scarlet, and I know 100% where she gets all her wit and charm. We went to bed last night with an agenda this morning and boy did Madison make me stick to it! She woke up calling for Balloons, Birthday, Mommy, Get them, Sing....She knew what today was, and what our plans were.

Below are some pics from this morning, and a cute video as well! She wasn't super chatty this morning, but she gives "Mommy" a big kiss at the end of the video, and even gives some sound effects to let you here the "Muahhhhh!!".

In closing, I want to wish Scarlet a Happy 30th Birthday! She was fantastic, and know if she was here today we would be having one heck of a Birthday Party tonight!!

Love Always....Jody


On the way to see Scarlet this Morning!!



Of Course, Madison had to carry the balloons



Madison didn't quite want to leave the balloon!



She always, always goes and points to Scarlet right when we get there!


RIP Car-Car!!

Madison getting ready to let the balloon go!!


She called the Grave area, "Mommy's Yard"


Hope you get this Scarlet!! Lots of Love...JA & MGA




Great Video of Madison this morning (8/5/08)

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Madison, Reagan, the zoo...

So this weekend we had Jennifer and Reagan in town to visit us. We were probably the bravest 4 people in Memphis on Saturday, as we tackled the zoo in the 100+ degree heat. It started out as a nice stroll thru cat country, but ended up rushing out of there, and skipping the monkeys!!

They were not too impressed with the zoo, but we had a great time nonetheless! Also included are some bathtime pics of the kiddos playing together, and believe me, after the zoo and cheese pizza, they definately needed bathtime!

Enjoy....JA
All 4 of us enjoying the Zoo!!!

Madison excited to see the Elephants and Lions!!



Reagan thinking more about maybe a lil' nap time


Jennifer pointing at the Tigers, but Madison insisted they were Lions!!


This guy refused to pose for the camera!!



JA & Gracie at the Zoo - 2008



Jennifer & Reagan Zoo - 2008


Toucan Sam!!




Yeah, this is not gonna end well for this Rat...





A sign reminded us that this alligator was real, and do not approach!


Getting a lil' restless at this point!!


JA showing MG & RW the sea lions


We also liked this exhibit, because of the A/C



Where you going Reagan??


The elephants are JA's favorite!!


Reagan was a fan of the elephants as well!!


So ready to get out of here at this point! Sorry Giraffes for lack of attention


Bathtime @ Casa Akins



She digs the bubbles...


Reagan cheezin!!


Touchdown Georgia!!


Not exactly sure what Madison was constructing here??


Daddy's lil' Monkey!!


Madison was not in posing mood after church


Where's your pants Gracie??

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Slumber Party's, Sara Reye, and Bathtime!

Just wanted to share these cute pics from last weekend. Madison got to have her first slumber party with her cousin Sara Reye! They had a great time together and look forward to more slumber parties in the future. :) She kept calling for "Sara Reyeeeeeeeeee" on the way home! It was really cute. Enjoy the pics!

JA

Wow!! Now that's some Cheesin'


Madison really enjoyed all the new toys @ Sara Reye's



Nice Ponytail Allison!!

Just Precious!!!

Showing off her pretty smile :)

Hanging out in the dirty clothes!!

The girls get in the tub!!

Whatcha doin' over there Sara Reye??

Cute, Cute!!

Love Sara Reye's Pigtails!

Lil' Scarlet!!

Playing in the tub!

Madison made Sara Reye cry...


So she dumped some on her self to make up for it!!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

4th of July, Pooltime, and Good Food!

Well happy belated 4th of July to everyone! Madison and I had a great weekend, and it was full of family time, pool time, and great food. Don't have alot to cover in this blog, but did want to post a few cute pics from this weekend. Until next time...JA

P.S. Hope to see everyone at the 2nd Annual Run From the Sun© 5k on August 1st. This race is in honor of Scarlet, and hope to see all my friends and family out at this event. Please check out our webpage to register or for more info: paleisthenewtan-sla.com


MG rocking out to some Timberlake!

Gracie and Daddy exhausted after Sunday Funday!

My Chocolate Monster!!!