Silicone or Soda?

I've always said I would give up just about anything before I'd give up my soda. However, I may just give up soda for a little chunk of silicone. We officially got rid of Mitchell's binkys yesterday. They were very "old" and all six of them just "happened" to break the past couple days. It's heartbreaking really. Heartbreaking for Mitchell, but mostly heartbreaking for me. I'm not sure it's worth it to be honest.

Our love affair with the binky started long ago. I loved the smell of them (sweet baby's breath smell), and loved to watch his mouth as he sucked on them.

And, I did what I swore I'd never do. I let him keep it longer than I normally do, because he's my last and I can't bear the fact that he's growing up (just like I swore I'd NEVER get a mini-van, etc, etc, etc...).

We learned to play tricks with it...

And used it to stop the little guy from putting anything less desirable in his mouth.

He found them anywhere they were, and was willing to be in uncomfortable situations just to have one to munch on.

Those little silicone things gave us many hours of contentment...

and traveled with us wherever we went.

Now we have a three year old who refuses to take naps unless I'm right next to him, takes two hours or more to fall asleep, and can't seem to find a way to self-soothe. He doesn't cry himself to sleep at night, he just talks and talks and talks and talks and is SUPER wired.

Poor kid.
Poor me.
Oh, the joy of silicone.

A Trip For Joyce

Mitchell and I just got back from a four day trip to Utah. A trip for my Grandmother, Joyce Bell Mitchell, who passed away last week. She and my grandpa were married for 64 years, what a story! It was so good to be in Utah with my family during this time. My sister and I (and a few friends) were fortunate enough to help my dad on the farm while his sisters took care of funeral plans, and attended to my heartbroken grandpa. We only had a few days to spend together, but they were full, very memorable days.

My grandma and grandpa at our wedding in 2008. My grandmother was such a spit fire, she will be missed terribly.

Our dear friend, Melissa, and my sister working for my dad. They did such an awesome job and sold loads of produce. My family, and a few good friends, really pulled together to help my dad with the farm. My nieces and nephews, along with some neighborhood kids, were also there picking raspberries all day on Monday. It's amazing how generous people are with their time, people just showed up and asked what they could do. We're so grateful for all who came to my dad's aid.

We even got Mitchell involved. He helped Ty get the sweet corn ready to bag and sell.

Paul, Ty, Ben, and Dustin running peaches. I ate an obscene amount of fresh fruit and veggies while I was there. I had tomatoes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So delicious!

Mitchell and Ty Man at my grandmothers viewing. Mitchell was so good, as long as Ty was by his side. Everyone LOVES Ty, he's so good with all the kids.

My dear grandpa at the cemetery. His poor heart is just broken, and he feels so lonely. He and my grandmother had a unique marriage, in that they spent most of their 64 years TOGETHER...day and night. They farmed their whole lives, and he isn't sure what to do without her. I love him so much, he was so good to grandma.

The flowers were so beautiful ( and my dad was the one in charge of them). Well done Jeffrey! (He may have had a little help from my mother too :))

My brother, my grandpa, and their pale bald heads.

Mitchell admiring the flags.

Family photo.

The night of my grandmother's viewing, my dear friend, Kenon, had a baby girl. She's so tiny and so beautiful! I was grateful to be there to see my grandmother off, and get to hold this new little life. Congrats Scott and Kenon!

It's amazing how many four wheeler rides Mitchell can fit in in just four short days ;)

When we got back to Georgia, Drew was so excited to pick one of only FIVE tomatoes we managed to grow this year...

Until he turned it around and it looked like this. Dang, you really would never know I am a farmer's daughter. I told my grandpa he would be disappointed in my harvest this year. Thank goodness I ate about 30 tomatoes while I was gone. Maybe next year.

On Friday morning, George and the boys went to "Breakfast with Dad" at the elementary school. They love spending this time with George, it's something they look forward to every year. This is a picture of them (and friend) with the cardinal, the school mascot.

And of course, Chopper was there from the Gwinnett Braves.