Busy, busy

Daniel & I had a busy week - it felt like we were both going in opposite ways each night, and we barely got to see each other.  Last night, I went to Collegiate to help Mildred chat with some potential future Hokies.  His aunt was in town, and I was bummed to have missed dinner with her.  I came home to a sweet note & my favorite sour crawlers!

I hope we get to see more of each other soon... but with the race tomorrow, and me going to Williamsburg next weekend to celebrate Annabeth's birthday, it's not looking good.  Have a great weekend ya'll!

Annabeth's 21st Birthday

I can't believe Annabeth turned 21 this week - she ws 12 when Daniel & I started dating!

We had some scheduling conflicts... so instead of everyone making the trek to Farmville, she came home and we all celebrated at Don Jose.  Even J's family came!  It was my personal mission to make sure she celebrated accordingly (because I had so many awesome friends who did the same for me).  She had a jumbo marg... then I bought her a shot of Jose Cuervo.  We think she may have some sort of tequila intolerance... mainly because she turned BRIGHT red, appeared to have hives, and upchucked her dinner on the way home (yep, in my car).  But she was SUCH a trooper - and rallied!  We took her back home, and all of the siblings played cards, sang, and danced the night away.  She drank Grey Goose and some sort of Strawber-rtia thing.  We had so, so much fun, and I think she did too!  Happy Birthday, Annabeth!




taking a shot... like a champ...



...and it was kind of gross haha



not feeling so well.. hanging out by the trashcan

sisters

Matthew sporting a stylish floppy hat

Annabeth & J

J taking a breather... too much singing and dancing

He asked... She said Yes!

A few months ago, I'm sure you remember, Ben got down on one knee and asked Robin to make him the happiest man ever.  Woo hoo!  This past weekend, Robin & Ben's parents threw an engagement party to celebrate.  Daniel & I drove down for the occasion, and stayed with Wanda & Richard.  The food was delicious, hanging out with Robin's maids was a great time - just like dress shopping (she picked good ones), and we had a nice evening away from Chester!  Ben got a little bit more than drunk, and my sweet husband helped take care of him.  We had good laughs, though... at Ben's expense :)

Love how the cake turned out!

The amazing couple

Hard yard workin'

Back in the fall, we worked hard on getting the huge bushes out of the front of the house.  We've continued to work real hard in the yard - getting it nice and pretty for spring, and also a few new projects - herbs & veggies!  Take a peek:

Getting the bed ready to add annuals, an azalea bush, and mulch

So pretty! 

My dad gave us some Iris's...

...and they're planted!  Hoping for a bloom this Spring

Daniel got the Crape Myrtle trees mulched and waiting for blooms

basil, dill, and parsley ready to grow

do you notice something missing?  yep, that's the dill missing.... damn squirrels :(

jalapeno plants



the first of the cucumbers have been planted!

...and they've sprouted!

Daniel is experimenting with different ways to start cucumber seeds

 

and here they are today, 4/19, only 12 days old, and already so tall!

 

Family times

In the middle of all this chaos, we've celebrated a few birthday's in my family.  Daniel turned the big 2-7, and my dad turned an even bigger 6-1.  Here are a few pictures of our sweet Abby at these celebrations :)

Grandpa reading to Abby

so sweet

Enjoying the nice weather and a nice cold brewski.... just kidding, the things my uncle does to me!
Does this look familiar?  It should!!

Just to make you smile

There is no doubt we've had lots and lots of laughs the past 8 weeks since Buddy has been sick and passed away.  Here are just a few snippets to make you smile.

Grandma's "update" email the morning Buddy died:

George passed away this morning at 6:30.  He died in his sleep peacefully.  Anna came down and told me  about 7.  Was awake waiting for clock to go off for my daily trip to Richmond.  He was just considerate to save me another trip.  Will let you know more when we decide about arrangements.  Love to all you guys.Aunt Stella and Stella

 

Here are two cards Aunt Anna's first graders made for Grandma

 

"I hope your husband is ok in heaven"

Dear Stella I am sorry he past away.  I know how you feel because I had some family (...something illegible...).  I know you are not ok with out him.  that's why I'm writing a note to you but the good thing about it is he had a good long life.  I bed he had the best life with you.

I hope your husbien is ok being in heven.

Dear Stella I know your husband died and am sorry for you I hope you are ok with out him in you house.  I know how it feels about that.  I am sorry he past away I know how much you love him.  I know he was 86 whe nhe died but he lived a long time at lest.  I know you much he loved you to I bet he had the best life with you.

The day Buddy died, the three girls and Grandma Stella made arrangements at the funeral home and cemetery.  They told Grandma she owed $1695 for the tent, chairs, and to dig a hole.  She thought for a minute, Georgia said "mom I'll pay it if you can't", and Grandma said "No, I have the money, but it's a RIP OFF!" [right in front of the man they were making arrangements with!]

Grandma Stella & great-grandson, Ash

We had dinner with Daniel's family on Wednesday evening and Grandma Stella came to visit.  She told us a story about how she called Geico to remove George from the car insurance, and her premiums were INCREASING.  She said "that's a crock!".  After the lady kept explaining it to her, about how statistics show if you drive two vehicles you are more likely to get into a wreck, she said "yeah, but statistics show that the 86 year old is more likely to get into a wreck than the 83 year old!".  hahaha, at the end of the conversation she said "Just forget I told you he's dead!" and hung up.  She's a hoot!

Also at dinner, she said "I'm going to have to do more research on this Heaven thing.  I certainly hope they can't see what we are doing down here!"  She proceeded to tell us a story about how she had the cable company out to "de-nigger-rig" the cables!  [in case you didn't know, Buddy "nigger-rigged" EVERYTHING!]


Love that sweet woman so much <3

Buddy's "Urology"

It's been 9 days since Buddy was laid to rest, but I'm still thinking about his eulogy and how beautiful it was - still brings a smile to my face.  I promised I'd post it, so here it is.  I hope you enjoy as much as our family has.  Katie, you did amazing.

               Hi!  I'm Katie!  One of Buddy's 12 grandchildren!  A couple of years ago buddy asked me to do his urology.  I cracked up laughing and said we will leave that to your urologist, Bud!  But in all seriousness of course he meant his eulogy.  Am I the best person to give this speech?  Probably not, but to buddy I was the best.  His daughters and grandchildren were the best to him. For his daughters, he was the strong foundation for the success of their life.  My mom, Jackie, is a nurse and to Buddy – she was the best doctor of any one in any hospital.  He could have all the best doctors in the world lined up in front of him but only what my mom said mattered.  When Aunt Anna was six years old, the teacher asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up.  She stood up and said, “When I grow up I want to be a mother and have a hundred kids.”  For those of you that know Anna, she has done exactly that.  Buddy took pride in the love and compassion that she shows to these little tiny souls, for he loved children just the same!   Aunt Georgia has always been quite the businesswoman, and Buddy always thought that she was CEO of every company she worked for.  She could have been a customer service rep and he thought she ran the entire company.  That is the pedestal that he held us all up on. 

               His grandchildren were made of the best fisherman, the best preacher, the best teachers, the best baseball players, the best accountant, the best students, the best dancers, and the best hockey players. To him we were the best.  To have as many grandchildren as he did, he made us each feel like we were the apple of his eye.  We were his soul and the reason his heart beat.  In one of grandma’s recent emails to “the greatest grands in the world,” she said, “I love you to pieces and when buddy is able to hear of it, he will love you more if that is even possible.”  No one loved their grandchildren as much as he did.  I’m pretty sure none of us have had a bigger cheerleader than Buddy.  Grandma and he were always an active pair, and would come to our sporting events, our plays, our dance recitals, and even travel to visit us in college.  He thought he was the lucky one, but we all know we were.  He and grandma instilled faith, love, and compassion in their children who ultimately instilled it in us…what a great legacy he leaves behind. 

 

               He was such a manly man, but definitely a charmer.  He was blessed with three daughters, but still remained involved in all things manly!!  His dreams of a son were made possible when his son in laws were welcomed into his life.  He was as much of a father to them as he was to his own.  He loved to build things, and “fix things”…and could usually rig up anything to work, and rig is probably the right word.  With knots and bungee cords he thought he could build or fix anything.  Just saying that bungee cords were his tool of choice is an understatment!!  Grandma even joked and said she was going to tie down the casket with bungee cords!!

 

              We have THE best grandparents that anyone could ask for...they have always supported us in anything and everything we did.  Of course unbeknownst to gma, buddy would support our wallets too!  He called it sneak money!  He would slip us money in a hand shake!  i know from stories when my mom and aunts were in college, they would get an allowance deposited into their account.  But Buddy would always send extra in the mail and the girls would call home thanking him so much!!  It was grandma who had deposited their big allowance, but Buddy got the glory for that sneak money!  Poor Grandma!!  If he knew I was giving away his secrets right now he would probably give me a buddy face!  But buddy's main concern in life was to make sure that his grandchildren were taken of.  He wanted to live long enough to see that his grandchildren would be okay on their own.  And he did just that.  He gave us all the tools in life to succeed.  His legacy is amazing, and we will all be better people because of him!

 

               Some of our best childhood memories was time spent at the bay. The bay was magical to us and many incredible memories were made.  This past Christmas we all sat around and reminisced about those special times where so many of our fondest memories were made.  Well, except for Jeff maybe...he was always trying to keep up with the big boys and breaking bones in the process!  We used to go down there (all 19 of us) and spend holidays or vacations during the summer... Buddy even built a little house out back at the bay that had 2 bedrooms and bathroom so that we would all be able to stay there together. I’m pretty sure that was buddy's heaven on earth, to have his whole family together in a place he loved.   As great as he loved his Earthly life, I can’t even imagine how great Heaven must be for him. 

 

               Growing up, I never realized how special our family was.  My aunts and uncles were like extra moms and dads, and my cousins, just more siblings.  What a great joy to grow up alongside each other.  Even now, I talk to my cousins wives as if they are my very own sister in laws.  Our family is growing, and just keeps getting better.  Over the past couple years, Buddy gained 5 new grandchildren through marriage, and 2 great grands.  The more the merrier to Buddy.  We all welcomed the first baby, Ash, into our family by Doug and Jessica, and Buddy said there has never been a prettier baby come through the Staley’s.  That is just a small testament of how everything we created, or had a hand in was the very BEST to him.  How lucky are we to have such a tightly knitted family?  The knot in the middle is buddy and grandma, holding together the prettiest bow that you ever did see.  At the center of our family was a man of Christ whom loved his family more than life itself. 

 

               Even in the past couple weeks when we were sad, we all found joy in each other and continued to make special memories with buddy.  These memories were a bit different then the ones of him guiding us on the honda, or baiting our fishing pole.  We were now his guide, giving back the love he has always given us.  I think if u ask any of us, it has not been easy, but has been an incredible honor.  Sure we will miss buddy, every single day...but we will not stop living.  In buddy's honor we will live each day that much more because we never knew a man who loved to live more than Buddy did.

 

               I believe that though his last days pained us...he was teaching us that family is forever invaluable.  Our family, not surprisingly, rose to the occasion and we were able to give him around the clock care.  We had about 6 nurses that wanted to be adopted into our family.  Buddy was such a joyous, vibrant and outgoing soul.  He made friends wherever he went and made everyone feel so special.  He always found the good in everyone.  Even in the hospital, he would praise the nurses and doctors for their knowledge and care.  Despite being sick, he could still put a smile on our face and the nurses too!!  He was a ladies man for sure. 

              

               An old fashioned gentlemen no doubt.  But the one and only for him was grandma!  His sun rose and sat on her and even though they would have hilarious arguments mainly because they couldn’t hear each other, he would always says, “She is the best thing that has ever happened to me and we have so much fun.”  He and grandma have shown us what real love is, for this June they would have been married 60 years.   I have seen the most beautiful love story that was ever written play out in the beautiful life of grandma and Buddy.  What an incredible honor to be the granddaughter of such a wonderful man.  He was so selfless, and always thought of others.  He would take anyone in, without a second thought.  During the winter he would pray at dinner time, Lord if there is someone out there cold tonight, just send them to us. 

 

               In the hospital all he wanted to do was go home.  He tried to convince each of us to just get our cars, asking where we parked, he finagled many different ways to get his keys, and get his pants so he could get out of there!!  We each have hilarious stories and memories even in some of the darkest days.  He wanted nothing more than to go home.  And by the way of the Light and Truth, we find joy in knowing that he did finally make it home!

 

               He was a great provider, husband, father, and grandfather.  A friend, a pal, and no doubt, the best buddy that we will ever have.

 

Sad, sad week

Last week, we received sad news about Buddy.  When they removed his gallbladder (remember those funny pictures of Gma Stella?), the doctors also did a bone marrow biopsy since his white blood count and platelets have been so out-of-wack.  Last Wednesday, Grandma Stella received a phone call from the hematologist that Buddy has a disease called MDS (also called pre-leukemia).  Basically, his body is producing red/white blood cells and platelets, but they aren't "growing".  In Buddy's case, the disease was terminal.  He basically had no immune system.  The outcome wouldn't have been any different if they found in when he was admitted to the hospital (so there is some comfort knowing that, as weird as that sounds).  On Thursday, the girls and Grandma Stella met with Palliative Care (kind of like hospice), and they were told he had a few days to a week to live.  It was such sad news to hear, but Buddy had been suffering for so long in the hospital, and we finally had answers (that made so many things make so much sense), that we were thankful for those answers and he would soon no longer be in pain.  It was a stressful weekend - visiting, cringing whenever the phone rang, and trying to be "normal".  Grandma Stella had a really sad day on Saturday, and that just broke my heart.  We visited with her on Sunday, and that was also our last visit with Buddy.  At one point, she started to sing to him "The King is Coming!" - it was so sweet and so sad at the same time.  God bless her.

As we were getting ready for work on Monday morning, Daniel received a phone call from his mom with the news that Buddy had passed away.  We were both so sad, yet thankful at the same time.  Buddy was no longer suffering!  But our Buddy, our sweet grandfather, was no longer with us.  No more fun times at the Bay, no more holidays with him at our side, and he won't meet any more great-grands.  Daniel & I met Ashley & Matthew at McDonald's for breakfast.  Nothing like drowning your sorrows in greasy fried food :)  It was good though, we laughed and talked and ate.  I went to work for a bit, and Daniel worked in the yard.  The girls and grandma made arrangements in the afternoon, and then we all gathered at Grandma Stella's for dinner.  It was just like a holiday gathering - food, laughing, and catching up!  It wasn't a sad time, though we missed Bud.  The arrangements were all done quickly - the Visitation was on Tuesday and the Funeral was on Wednesday.

We shared a meal on Tuesday prior to the vistitation (thanks to Aunt Anna's amazing Sunday School - we had NO obligations other than to show up!).  The visitation went well - there were so many friends and family, the mood in the room really wasn't sad, I'm so glad.  The funeral service on Wednesday was perfect.  It was really very sad, lots of tears shed, but the good times were remembered, and Buddy's legacy shined through.  Daniel's cousin, Katie, presented the Eulogy (or in Buddy's terms - the "urology"!).  To say that it was written beautifully, spoken eloquently, and a true representation of Buddy is a real understatement.  She had us laughing and crying.  I'm going to have to post it on here so I can go back and read it when I need a good laugh (or cry!).  Doug, another cousin, gave the "message" as the family preacher, and he did an excellent job, too.  He and his wife, Jessica, wrote a poem, which was amazing, I can't wait to share that either.  Buddy was in the Navy, so he had a flag-draped casket, and two servicewomen from the Navy folded & presented the flag to Grandma Stella at the Internment.  The weather was hot, but a breeze kept us cool. 

Honored to be the first car... following the most amazing man, escorting the most wonderful lady

There are so many people that have been touched by Buddy, and the outpouring of love and support definitely showed that!  I must say, I also have an amazing support system, and Robin even drove down from northern VA to support me (and Daniel).  A huge thanks to Robin for always being there for me - through the good and the bad - and for always being "my person".  My family - parents, sister, and brother in law - have also been amazing.  They've been at our side every step of the way, and Kelly & Derek have so graciously brought Abby to everything, so we all have a smile on our faces!  We have received several cards, a multitude of calls & texts, and more support (and food) than we could ever imagine!

Buddy left us with the most amazing legacy.  He has a very large, but very tight-knit family.  We will strive to live life to the fullest, just as he did.  We will strive to live out a love story, just as passionately as he and Grandma Stella.  And we will strive to have an amazing, tight-knit family just as the Staley's have created.

Family

Here's a little bit of love from Grandma Stella.  She sent an email to all of her "grands" thanking them for all of their hard work and dedication recently, but mainly for the Easter weekend.  Makes my heart so happy, we have an incredible family.

"I love you to pieces and when Buddy is able to hear about it, he will love you more, if that is possible." ~Stella Staley

Easter Weekend

We had a relatively quiet week last week.  Buddy was moved to Chippenham on Tuesday, so it's much easier for us to scoot over and visit, especially at lunch.  I was off on Friday (thanks to an amazing workplace to gives so many holidays!).  I went to the dermatologist and allergist (boo!), and then spent some time at the hospital as Buddy was having his gallbladder removed.  You would think the family would be on pins and needles with such a high-risk surgery, but no!  Daniel's aunts, grandma, & sister are always laughing and having a good time!  We did lots of laughing.  In the meantime, here are the many sleeping spots for grandma stella, as we moved spaces several times...

"Kim, you better not have taken a picture of that"... muahah

"I have deprogrammed BOTH of my ears, tell the girls they'll have to shake me!"

The surgeon came out and said that his gallbladder is out (woo hoo!), and they would "slowly" wean him off the anesthesia and ventilator. Well, that didn't go as smoothly as anticipated, so they decided to send him to the surgical ICU and keep him sedated and on the ventilator until yesterday morning.  We had a rough weekend - his temperature spiked and his blood pressure dropped.  Very scary.  In the meantime, we had Easter dinners to figure out.  I was supposed to host for my family on Saturday, so my family, oh so graciously, changed it to my granma's house, and did all of the cooking.  Annabeth, Katie, and myself quickly pulled together on Saturday to prepare for the meal on Sunday.  Whew, lots of work, but so worth it!  Flexibility was the name of the game.  We had almost everyone attend on Sunday, but certainly missed Grandma Stella, as she was hanging out with her sweetie.  We made sure to send lots of leftovers home, so she stays full and focused this busy week.  Buddy is still hanging in... fighting all of the nasty infections in his body.  The prayers, love, and help have been so appreciated :)

We also celebrated Daniel's birthday with his family on Friday night, at a neat restaurant in Church Hill called Station 2

Daniel stayed at his dad's house on Sunday morning to make sure all of the food was cooked.  While at church, Abby was a little wiggle worm, and finally fell asleep during the LAST hymn!

Daniel purchased an iCade for himself with his birthday money (arcade-style game using the iPad).  It's been lots of entertainment for us - and everyone who uses it!  Even Abby herself:

using a "good old" toy!

This wasn't the typical type of Easter we had anticipated, but it was exactly the type we needed.  Our families came together and spent lots of good quality time being there for each other, and that's what it's all about.

Daniel's Birthday Fun

Last week/weekend we celebrated Daniel's birthday - he turned 27! 
On Friday, we had Derek, Kelly, and Abby over to enjoy some chinese food and cards.  Our sweet niece is all over the place!  She is walking and babbling, and finding the tiniest bit of trouble she can!  Here, she was hanging out in the corner playing with the end of the cable

Nobody puts baby in a corner.... unless it's the baby herself!

Then on Saturday, we went bowling with several of our friends and came back to our house for some cards and firepit fun.

<3

Daniel working on his skillz



cuties

Love the little bromance going on... thanks for the surprise, Bobby!



Kim, Kristen, Katie <3



Happy Birthday, Daniel!  Thanks to Katie & Darryl for the cake, it says "Starwars DSS".... :)

Bobby providing the firepit entertainment





....and this is how tired Bobby was

Then on Sunday, we spent the day recovering with some movies and sweatpants.  The weatherguys were calling for some inclement weather, but we didn't really believe them.  It started sleeting about noon, but we didn't pay much attention to it.  We went to Chipotle for an early dinner, and went home in this:

things got nasty real fast... couldn't wait to get home and enjoy it!

And this is what a pretty scene we had out front

 

extra-pretty snow that stuck to EVERYTHING!

And this was my "view" from the couch that night - watching the snow fall

I know it's hard to see, but it was sooo pretty.  And I was sooo cozy!

Daniel teleworked on Monday, and I was delayed until 10!  Mornings are so much easier when you aren't rushing around :)  Happy, happy, happy birthday to my best friend!  I look forward to many, many more <3