Takin' Pictures

A few weeks ago, I took pictures of my little sis Haley.  She is super photogenic, and pretty to say the least.  I finally got to really use my new camera…and after the first photo I fell in love.  These were the first set of photos I’ve ever taken just one on one.  Boy, did we have a blast. 

We went out the ranch that Kody works for where everything is perfectly manicured, and the old barn is still frozen in time.  It just seemed like the perfect backdrop.  I grabbed and old comfy chair out of the store and we were off to see what we could do.   

~Wyoming Wife

My Brother Who I Still Think Is Three...

This is Little Cody…he got the name little Cody since Big Kody (My Kody) came into the picture, before that he was Cody Bear or Baby brother. He grew up…and it upsets me.
I was talking to someone the other day and I was telling them about my little brother Cody who is 8...I stopped and said, “Oh my goodness, he is 10.” Then I had to tell them if I think he is still a little boy maybe he will stay that way forever.
We are about 12 years apart, I’m his big sister, if he wants a soda pop, candy bar or ten bucks to buy a toy he knows I will give it to him…but we never take advantage of each other.
Were identical in the sense of our personalities. He is my buddy, my friend and the best secret keeper.
Cody always gives me a hug when he sees me, even if it’s in public. He still thinks it’s cool to hang out with big sis.
One time we went out of town for the weekend, Kody, Cody, My brother Troyboy and myself. We picked Little Cody up from school…he was wearing all camo as if he just got out of the tree stand. He looked at me and said, “ I knew you were going to like my clothes.” …he refused to change out of it all weekend. And for Cody being Cody…that is why I love him.
Here are some of my favorite pictures of little Cody….the best little little little brother anyone could ever ask for. I only say little 3 times because I have 2 other little brothers.
　

Love you Little Cody! 　

Photos courtesy of my Mama

A Final Farewell

Last Christmas my family got a very unexpected, dreadful phone call. Our Uncle had passed away at the age of 43 while lying on the couch taking a nap. Uncle David Christian Barrett was my Moms only brother and my Grandparents only son. My Mom and Grandma left on the next flight out to comfort my Aunt Lori and mourn over the loss of a beloved person. My Dad and Grandpa left the same morning, but driving with all the kids. I was unable to go….but I terribly wanted too.

A grave site service was planned for the month of July and we as a family could comfort each other, because there is no better comfort than a family coming together for each other during such a desperate time. 7 Months after the loss of my Uncle, we were able to start laughing and telling stories instead of being numb.
The grave stone had been placed in the ground, my aunt sang a beautiful song, while a few people stood up and reminisced of a life taken too soon.

　
We had a picnic in the park and visited with family we hadn’t seen for years.  And we wished my baby brother Cody a Happy Birthday.

　
I’m really not sure why all of us kids end up wrestling at family gatherings…if you come from a wrestling family you would understand. I guess we will just have to face it, all of us together cannot take Troyboy down...he is an animal. 

　
　
　
Later that evening we wanted to send my uncle out with a bang, just as he would want us to do. We lit hundreds of fireworks in a residential area. It was fun, and everyone made it through the night with all their eyebrows intact. We danced on the side walk while the little kids stood in amazement of all the sparkling lights.

We had fun, just like Uncle David would have wanted us too.