The Ralston Clan

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Éowyn is One! (Tomorrow)

My "twins" being themselves.

We never thought we'd have 5 kids.

I NEVER thought I'd have babies 13 months apart!

I wouldn't change it for the world.

Happy Birthday Winnie!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Afton is Two!

Our little princess turned two!
We just love this little girl and I am so grateful to be her mommy.

She makes us all laugh each and every day.

Right before her party with her big brother!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

I've started a new blog with Leslie that will be craft/sewing/cooking/gardening only. :) Go check it out!

The Crafty Woman

Ok, so it is boring at the moment, but give us time! If you are interested in becoming an author or sponsor, email me! chris at doodleonyoo dot com.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Hazel

My Great Grandma

passed away at 95 years young

September 18, 2011

I love this woman so much.

Growing up we would take turns staying at her house for the weekend. We would do chores, walk the dog, accompany her to her hair appointments, have dinner, and go shopping.
We were so lucky to get one on one time with her.

A few years ago I hit a really ugly time in my life. I was literally left with no place to go, no money, and had signed my children over to their grandparents so they could be provided for.

Hazel took me in, no questions asked.

I was able to get a job, save a little, and then moved into an apartment with Nate when we got married.

Nate and I adored her humor, her stories, and her funny quirks.

She allowed him to stay over until 1045 pm every night.

He called her Miss Hazel and she thought it was so funny that his southern upbringing required him to do so.

Even when she didn't remember most people, she remembered Nate when he'd visit.

This picture was the last time I saw her a year ago.

We had a party before moving to Arizona. I had a feeling it would be my last real visit with her.
I couldn't bring myself to visit her this summer as I knew how poorly she was doing and I just couldn't face it.

I regret that now.

She was always smiling.

She loved her grand kids

She loved her great grand kids

and she loved her great great grand kids.

I have a 5 generation photo of her, my grandma, my dad, myself, and baby Taylor.

I will cherish it forever.

She is now with my Pappaw whom she has missed for 25 years.

I am so thankful for my Savior, for the Plan of Salvation, and for the knowledge that

my Mammaw will be waiting for me with arms opened wide.

I love you Mammaw! Always have, always will.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Smile that melts my heart.

December 2009-Taylor won't smile for pictures,

she is embarrassed by her large gap and crooked front teeth.

Grandma offers to help with braces and Taylor has her consult.

January 2010-broke her pallet.

January-May 2010-expanded her pallet by key .5 inch.

May 2010-braces are put on and expander is left alone, no more key.

May 2010-June 15, 2011- NO gum, hard candy, chewy candy, or popcorn.

June 16, 2011-She has a perfect smile.

Today was the first day she was willing to smile for a picture! A REAL SMILE!

I am so thankful that she has grandparents that were generous and in a position to help her.

Some people might not see it has a big deal, but for me IT IS.

My parents couldn't afford to put me in braces,

plus, the amount of work to put them on me scared me to death.

I HATE my teeth and dread smiling in pictures.

I don't want that for her.

Seeing her happy and knowing she will thank us and her grandparents someday for taking her to appointments, reminding her to brush constantly, nagging her to keep her retainer safe, etc.

Taylor is a shy kid, super shy, and I feel this little boost in confidence will go a long way.

{I actually had a consult today and will be *hopefully* getting braces on this year.}