Justin had been addicted to heroin, among other things, for many years. He was 27 years old and because of his childhood and addictions had never experienced a happy peaceful existence. He had been to jail multiple times and each time relapsed and returned.
The most recent time, my parents offered him a place to stay in our home. Justin lived with us for 2 1/2 months and we watched him transform into an amazing human being. We discovered his kindhearted nature, his humor, and his passion for life. My children adored him, especially Landon, and enjoyed having him around. He held a job, made good friends, and was working toward his goal of getting his drivers license.
3 weeks ago he and I both moved out of my parents home. He found a great friend and roommate that was a positive influence and we were all hopeful and excited for his future. He came to our Sunday dinner and we all saw him at different times during the week, some of us the same day that he passed away.
Our beautiful Justin succumbed to addiction and died of an overdose in his home some time Friday night. We all feel like we could have done more and wish we'd have known or seen what was to come.
I am so grateful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation. I know Justin is happy and that he is finally free from his mortal stress. I know that I will get to see him again and tell him I love him. I know he will be given the chance to fix his choices that were made on earth and that Heavenly Father is there with him.
I love you Justin and I'm sorry that I was unable to help you and know your grief and pain. I will see you again.
We miss you, Landon the most. We think you are amazing.
It was the day of Katey Jane's Tea Party and we were all excited!
Having our tea and fruit and cakes :)
Then we did our makeup....
and our nails, of course.....
Then we had a photo shoot to show off how lovely we are!!
Then we danced and played until it was time to go home.....
We got some snow!! The kids were so excited......except Landon, he didn't really like it.
Lots more playing in the snow!! I stayed in with Landon and made everyone hot chocolate when they came in frozen to the bone. They had so much fun and stayed out for a really long time. They made 2 large snowmen and attempted an igloo (much harder than they'd anticipated).
Cameron makes the oddest faces. I find my camera on my phone full of these selfies.....
Landon got sick and boy does that kid like to cuddle when he doesn't feel well. We had many blanket days that week.
Any excuse to bust out the tea set is used. Today she just had a tea party all by her lonesome......she loved it!
Crazy Cam
Having lunch at our Home School group. We love it!
My new do......thanks sister. (Heather Whittaker @ Fancy Salon, if you're interested) She is AWESOME
I went to a Mom's Meeting for the Home School group and as usual, I was the only one who brought diet soda, oh well, gotta be me :)
I love her outfit.......her little legs are EDIBLE!
I've been packing and packing and packing........and PACKING. It's crazy how much stuff we've accumulated. Our house looks so weird.
My happy boy - he loves to be outside.
This tubby is getting full!
Fun Extras:
We LOVE The Muppet Movie (with Amy Adams) and KJ and Cam can quote almost the entire thing. Landon has picked up on it and started singing one of the songs......
Here is the movie version - in case you have no reference :)
http://youtu.be/sb3tHsCLWsI
We took the kids to Big Als for a Birthday party and they each got $5.00 to spend in the arcade......this Ski Ball game was the best .50 of the entire time. I only caught the end of the game, but I think you'll get an idea of how long I was standing there......:)
We were gifted some pretty sweet costumes from a friend (Jenae you ROCK) and the kids haven't changed out of them since :)
I just love this baby face!
I saw this on Pinterest and had to try it -
I would say the result was pretty awesome :)
This is Landons favorite spot whenever GG or I are in the kitchen. He stands there with his mouth wide open saying "Ahhhhhh" whenever he sees something that might taste good.
Cameron is still loving his planks. He is getting really good at making towers too!
Halsy and I had a weekend away and we had a blast. We stayed in a Hotel and slept in, went on dates, slept some more, ate yummy food, oh and slept even MORE. We love our weekends together. This was taken outside of Wunderland - a great date if you're trying to think of something to do!
Landon found the dryer - Oh Joy!
Katey Jane helped me make the invitations to her Tea Party and we walked them to the mailbox together. She was so excited to have some friends over and do girly things :)
I have to stop and take photographic evidence when they are playing nicely together. Katey Jane is teaching Landon the joy of putting Trouble game pieces on your fingers :)
Bowling. This is classic Cameron lately - total Creeper face.
Apparently it was selfie day?
Landon loves to be outside. We took advantage of the sunshine and went for a walk.
KJ loves to play games and she is really good at Go Fish!
LAndon is my buddy - I just love him. Every time we go to Target now, he starts saying "Ocorn" before we even get inside the door....smartie pants.
Cameron drew this picture for me. Its me and him under a rainbow.....duh.
