Chirstmas Presents From Tricia (Mother In Law)

Every year we celebrate Christmas at my husbands Mom's house the Sunday before Christmas. I always look forward to the creative gifts that she gives us. She is so talented, and it comes naturally for her. Here are some pictures of some of our faves! The pictures below are ornaments that she made by hand using beads, pins, and ribbons. It must have taken her a long time. She made them in all different shapes and colors. I absolutely love them. The Santas are hand painted.

Honey Westmoreland

My second year in college I got my puppy, a blonde lab. I named her Honey, and she became part of my family. She was so sweet, and I assure you had human characteristics. She could eat from a fork, dance on two legs, talk, give hugs and kisses, tear down walls, jump five feet in the air and dive into the water, and so much more. She was my best friend through school. I laugh sometimes when I say that, but she greeted me everyday, loved on me, and kept me company. She was very loyal to me, but she had the worst habit of running off. I eventually gave in because I knew that she would come back. She loved to hunt, but was waiting on me when Axton and I got home everyday. Well, last year we went to South Carolina, and had to leave her home for the week because she was pregnant. I had no idea where she was, so we left food with my neighbors. She had the puppies under our neighbors house, and was walking home to eat and drink when she got picked up by the pound. By the time we got home all of her puppies were dead, and Honey was no where to be found. I called all of the pounds and finally found her. When I saw her I started crying, because she looked starved to death and mistreated. At this time she was 6 1/2 years old. I took her to the pound to have her shots updated and $250 plus later I got to take her home. While there she tested positive for heart worms. The Vet at the time told me she was already so old and in terrible condition and she wouldn't make it through treatment. It took me 3 months to get weight back on her, but she got better. I gave her vitamins and fattened her up. I tried to get her spaded, but the Vet didn't recommend the surgery. I continued treating her heart worms with Hartguard, and she continued to get better. A year letter she was great. I thought she wasn't going to be able to have anymore puppies. I was wrong! I came home from work one day with her waiting on me at the door, not the driveway. She was crying, and wanted me to let her lay on me. Her stomach was bloated and she was bleeding. I instantly thought she was having the puppies and didn't think much more was wrong. I honestly thought she was hurting because labor is painful. Brandon immediately put her outside to have them under the porch. I had a bad feeling, so I followed her. She laid down at the steps whimpering, so I brought her back in. I helped her the best I could, and let her sleep. The next morning she wasn't too much better. I worried about her all day at work. I rushed home that day, and found a premature puppy in the floor. I hadn't seen it that morning because she covered it up. Brandon, Axton, and I rushed her to the After Hours ER in Horn Lake. The Vet. had no good news. My heart stopped, and my stomach churned. Our options were: give her an emergency C-section followed by a complete hysterectomy and heart worm treatments followed by days of IV's costing us any where from $1,500-$3,000 plus with the odds of survival being less than fifty percent or have her put to sleep, so she wouldn't suffer anymore. I wanted to do the surgery and would have with no doubt if money was not an option. We could not afford that, and I knew that she wouldn't make it. She laid in my lap the whole time we were there. She hadn't eaten in two days, and I could not get her to even drink water. She was dying, and I had to let her go. Axton and I walked out, because I couldn't face what was happening. Brandon was strong for me and stayed in with her in the room. He said it was very quick, and she closed her eyes and went to sleep. To me, it felt like I didn't give her a fighting chance, and I killed her. That is when I had to remember that my baby was sitting beside me and I had to do what was best for our family. Honey was in pain and suffering, so we let her rest. She will forever be missed. I know it is silly to some, but to me she was family. To Axton, she was a friend. He still asks about her, and we tell her that she has gone to Doggy Heaven. Axton says, "No, she is at the doctor mommy." I miss her so much, and pray that animals are in Heaven. We buried her at my parents house the following Saturday morning. My parents and sister laugh because Honey the Human was still going every where with us. :) A week ago our sweet neighbors brought an album that they made for us of honey. Their dog and Honey were best friends. Thank you for being kind! The Veterinarian also sent a letter to me sending me their condolences, and a poem signed by all of the office staff. I will use the Horn Lake Animal Hospital again. Thank you! I hope that people who read this get some relief in knowing that it is normal to grieve over a lost pet. They are family, and will be missed. Axton and I look at her pictures and laugh at the stories he tells about her. She was a good dog, and now I am ruined of having another pet. It is so hard to say goodbye. Here are some pictures of Honey Girl!

Thanksgiving Break

This year on Thanksgiving, we spent our time in Greenville, MS. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. We went to Momma Lisa's family lunch first. There we played a little football, volleyball, and ate a whole lot of good country food! My Mammaw is one of my favorite people in the world. She has the purest spirit of anyone I know. She is a Godly woman full of wisdom. I love her with all my heart. I have tried multiple times to convince her that my home is way more suitable for her (wink, wink)! She is 70 and still skates, works, and plays volleyball. She played on a professional volleyball team when she was younger. Here is my Mammaw playing a little Volleyball!!

A lot of us enjoying the gorgeous day!

My handsome brother and me; he is 19 now. I am proud of him, and pray that he goes to college and reaches his potential.

My very precious son leaving with MeMe. He jumped in the car, and he said see ya later mommy!

After visiting a little while longer we headed to my dad's family. Here is a picture of a lot of us; The Wankers!

My Pappaw in the red in the above picture is another role model in my life. He has been through so many trials and tribulations, but has never once lost his faith with God. When he cries in pain, he cries out to Jesus. When he is happy and recovering, he praises God for the miracle. No matter the circumstance, he is always on the right side; God's side. I love him so much. My Mammaw beside him in the picture is a trooper. She has stuck by him, and she has taken care of him doing whatever necessary to make him comfortable and happy. I love that I have the best grandparents one could ask for. Thank you Lord for the many blessings in my life!