A Random Act Of Kindness To Celebrate Brandy's Birthday

1. My sister Brandy had the kindest heart of anyone I know.  One of my earliest memories of her are when we use to watch the road runner cartoon.  Brandy would cry not because the Wile E. Coyote was trying to get the road runner but because he never caught him.  Her heart was sad for him.  That of course is only one very tiny example but a good one that shows that she didn't exactly see people the way most people do.   

   
   

   As she grew up and became an adult that fact stayed true.  She loved people and saw in them things that others did not.  She saw their heart.  Regardless of choices they made she wanted them to know God loved them and that He still cared.  Of course that she cared also.  

   
   

   I posted this on Facebook last night with my friend Kelly's permission.  I want to thank everyone that is going to participate today.  Brandy would be so honored to know that people are celebrating her birthday this way.  

   
   

   Our wonderful friend Kelly sent this message and I couldn't agree more with every word she says. I think this is the perfect way to honor my sister. If you would like please join us tomorrow on what would of been my sister Brandy's 34th Birthday. I love you sweet sister! 

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Hi everyone! I've been thinking an awful lot about Brandy and her birthday tomorrow. I miss her so much! I...

   miss her sweet spirit and her giving heart! So, I was thinking of ways I could celebrate her. I prayed about it and I feel like God laid this on my heart and I wanted to share! What if everyone who loved Brandy celebrated her birthday by doing exactly what she did best...Loving people! Brandy loved people no matter who they were or where they were at in their life! she was always willing to give up her time, her money or just anything to show people God's love! I think the best way we can remember Brandy is to show others God's love! I think it would be awesome if every one of us did a random act of kindness tomorrow! There is so much negativity in this world and we all get so caught up in our lives we forget to show kindness to others! I just think it would be really cool for all of us to do this together on Brandys birthday!

   
   

   Happy Birthday sweet sister!  I love you and miss you so much but I am glad to know that you are spending your birthday in heaven with God.  It blesses my heart to know that you are still making a positive impact on this world.   XXX OOO's
   
   
   

Caldwell Zoo

Sharing pictures. . .I'll add words later. 

Two Months

My hands haven't stopped shaking today.  I am okay.  I think it's just the knowledge that it's been two months today.  Also Brandy's birthday is Thursday, Carolina's is Friday.  I feel like a horrible Mom because I just didn't plan anything for Carolina at all this year.  I told her we would do something when we get back from Oklahoma.  Also I am sure we will sing happy birthday to her and have a cake at some point while in Oklahoma. 

This is Brandy and Carolina last year with their cake my friend Rae made them.  

I am not even ready for Thanksgiving.  I would honestly like to just curl up and sleep through it or pretend it's not even coming.  It just feels like there is so many things coming up that I usually really look forward to and this year they just don't seem important. 

I know when I get to Oklahoma and see Brandy's kids and the rest of my family things will be better.  I'll make it through because I have God.  I couldn't imagine going through this without Him.  

I wish I could do more to help Chris and the kids.  I really enjoy seeing the pictures he sends me and his Mom posts on Facebook.  It does bring joy to my heart and peace to see their smiles and how they are enjoying life.     

Yesterday I met a very good friend and her Mom in Tyler, TX at the zoo.  I was concerned about my mood because on the way I just kept thinking about our last trip to the zoo. I felt like I was on the verge of tears most of the drive.  Our last trip to the Caldwell Zoo was in March with Brandy and her kids.  She met me there when they had a missions meeting in Dallas.  Brandy and the kids were free on Saturday.  It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday! 

It turned out to be a great visit with my friend Elizabeth and her Mom Becky.  We've known their family since Brandy, Amanda and I were young teenagers.  Becky's kids are a little younger than we are.  We went to church with them and have a lot of great memories!  

I'll post more about our trip and more pictures when I finish editing them.  I got a lot of cute pictures. 

Here is one this is Elizabeth and her nephew Kyler with my kids and I.

October's Picture Overload

Play date at the Park on October 8 for Caden and a couple of new friends.

Caylea's 4th grade field trip to the Red River Revel October 9.

Carolina's 1st grade Field Trip to Papa Simpson's Farm October 10.

Caden's Golf Trip with Daddy and Papa Charles October 12.

Our weekend with Anthony's Dad Charles and Grandma Ina October 14.

Caden's field trip to the Fire Station October 19.

A little pumpkin decorating with his Kindergarten class on October 22.

Running Club October 22.

Hat Day at school October 24.

Carolina and Mrs. Elgin October 25.  Carolina got The Terrific Kid Award in her class. 

Oklahoma trip October 26-29.  Blessed weekend! 

Chesters Pumpkin Patch October 27.

Some family mixed with some church family.  Wonderful group!

Caden and his cousin Samuel on the big slide

Zebra princess's 

Saturday afternoon visit from Aunt, Uncle and Cousins

Saturday evening dinner with family.  Missed having Brandy there with me to watch all of the kids.  Usually she would of taken them outside and I would of followed with my camera.  Brandy was the fun one with the kids.  She invented a game with them this summer.  There are not enough swings so she taught them to play dodge ball with the kids that are on the swings.  They love it.  I stopped it though this time because well. . .kids started crying.  

Mom and Amanda were inside finishing getting dinner together.  The guys were talking in the living room.  I enjoyed the kids!  Our family will never be the same.  There is a big piece missing in our hearts.  However we can still say God is good.

I love this boy and his Mamma's orneriness lives on through him! 

Carolina reading Caleb her books.

Sunday afternoon Amanda and I went through Brandy's clothes.  Amanda was able to take most of them to wear.  I have a few sweaters and purses.  Chris also gave me a cross necklace.  I am so thankful for what I have of Brandy's.  I know it may not make since but it makes me feel closer to her.  

I know I've said this a million times but I wish I could be in Oklahoma.  I miss my sister so much.  Sometimes it still takes my breath away.  I am thankful to be past the anger.  I may not understand but I need to feel God's love and that He is on our side!  Of course I still do not understand and I am pretty sure I never will.  I have to be okay with that and remember that God is good and He does not make mistakes.  I am thankful that the kids and I will be able to spend almost a week in Oklahoma over Thanksgiving break.   

We made it home Monday evening then got busy on carving pumpkins 

(phone picture but the only one with all three pumpkins)

Pumpkin Light Night at school October 30.

Caden's Kindergarten field trip to Papa Simpson's farm October 31.

We went to church Halloween night.  Awana's had a fall festival.  The kids had so much fun!  I didn't really get any good pictures because it was inside.  

I think this maybe a record for most pictures on one post! 

Oklahoma in October

What a blessing it was for us to visit our family in Oklahoma last weekend. Friday evening we got into town and our first stop was to see Chris, Elijah, Sarah and Caleb. My Mom, sister Amanda and her family and Brother Nathan and his wife Bre came over. Chris grilled out and it was delicious!  More importantly the company was great!

We hung out all evening and then we went to my Mom's to unpack and go to bed. So that we could be up early to meet family and some church family at the pumpkin patch. I think this was one of my favorite times of the weekend. Just watching everyone enjoy themselves. Of course those cousins have a lot of fun no matter where we are.

Amanda and Elizabeth were unable to come because Lizzie had gotten sick the night before.  

My sister Stephanie and her family came to visit me at my Mom's Saturday afternoon.

Amanda and her family and Chris and the kids came to Mom's for dinner and to hang out Saturday night.

I took the kids outside while Mom and Amanda finished up dinner and the guys were talking.

Caden giving Caleb a kiss

Pretty Lizzie

Cutie Caleb

Kiddos playing ball

Little Monkey Caleb

After dinner Carolina read Caleb her books

That was the best day I have had in a long time! The day, my family was like salve to my heart. I miss my sister so very much!! I was worried that in going to Oklahoma there was going to be a moment that it all seemed real all of a sudden and just knocked me down. That wasn't true in fact it feels just as not possible now as it did before I went.  Coming back home was so much harder than being there.  

Being with those who love me and love Brandy and her family was amazing.  I wish more and more everyday that I could go home to Oklahoma to stay.  I know that there has to be a reason that God has us here but I am not feeling it right now.  I am thankful that now that I have started going back to the kids school that a few of my friends are reaching out.  Talking with them and realizing that I matter to them has given me a since of normalcy.  Even if it's not what I feel all the time it is nice to feel it again!  Being at the school and staying busy is also helping in the normalcy department and even though it is hard to leave this house and at times I can hardly make myself.  I really need to do it as much as possible and even everyday.  I was really surprised how lonely I have felt and the few friends here that I thought would be there for me just weren't anywhere to be found.  I know they are just busy and maybe uncomfortable talking to me now.  I am not really sure.  I just have to keep telling myself that God has a friend for me someone who I will be able to talk to and relate to.   The more I get out and talk with friends the less it seems to matter.  Maybe God just wanted to make sure it was Him and Anthony that I counted on during that time in my life.

While in Oklahoma Chris's Mom gave me a book to read, a lady at our church there gave me a book also.  (Our church here gave me a booklet also)  I have read the beginning of the one Nancy gave me.  I haven't had time to read much of it because it was a busy week.  I would of read it on the way home last week but I get motion sick.  It is helping me to understand a few things that I thought I knew.  Growing up in church I felt sure I knew how God worked.  I am finding that I do not know as much as I thought I did.  The book is called Why:  Making Since of God's Will.  Like I said I haven't read much but the part I read makes me know I need to finish it.  I somehow believed that it was God's will for Brandy to go, however it maybe more because of man's free will.  Although I do know that God could of kept her here had he wanted.  I am still very very confused and may always be.  However I do feel this book will be helpful.  I also can see with my own eyes how God is talking care of Chris and the kids.  

When we left Oklahoma Monday morning we stopped at Chris's to have one last visit.  It was a nice visit.  Not too short but still not near long enough.  

Here is a collage I made with my phone of these sweet cousins

A video of Caleb This is my very favorite!!!

Silly Cousins

I have this video that we made for Brandy's Home~going service.  I have watched almost everyday most day's several times. It has helped me so much.  I wasn't planning to share it.  However I know that so many people loved Brandy and most have probably not been able to watch the video since the service.  Some maybe couldn't even make it.  So I thought I would share it.  Chuck did a great job on the video I think it is a testament to the kind of person Brandy was.   So much love.  I think that is what I feel most when watching it. . . Love, Peace and the wonderful memories.  

Brandy's Memorial Video

Thank you all for your continued prayers for our family and mostly for Chris and the kids.  Seeing them with my own eyes I have no doubt it is only by the grace of God that they are doing so well.  God is good.  I know they have to have their struggles but I also know that God has given Chris an extra amount of everything he needs to get though each day.  Chris is an amazing testament to God and His love for us! 

I want to share one more thing.  My Friend Rachael niece's name is Ashley Kate.  They have a blog and a little girl who could use a lot of prayers right now.  I know that the family appreciates all the prayers they can get.  This little girl and her family have been such an inspiration in my life.

http://ashleyadamsjournal.blogspot.com/