Friday, December 30, 2016

2016

2016 started out with Michayla's 15th Birthday. I'm so thankful for the invention of Facetime, it was like my sister and family were right there celebrating with us.


Mick and I went on what was to us a vacation of a lifetime. Mick's work earned the opportunity through Consolidated Construction Supply to go to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in Jan. We spent 6 days experiencing many firsts, making wonderful memories and new friends.


February we went to Vegas with Michayla's club softball team, Idaho Crossfire. The girls played rather well being their first big tournament against teams from other states that they hadn't been up against. We had a great time exploring that crazy city and my suspicions of not being a big city girl, rang true! Ha! (by the way, that's her on the left of the top picture, creeping towards the batter. She caught that ball in the air and the girls had a triple play that game. Very proud of this girl)


Michayla had also made her high school Varsity softball team.


My sister and the girls were able to be here for Easter and to celebrate Abigail's Birthday. A picture of all the cousins together added to that memorable day. 


May 2nd Mick & I celebrated 18 years of marriage. 


May 28, 2016
13 years in the making. Watching Clayton walk across that stage and receive his High School diploma was a huge accomplishment and we were all so very proud of him that day!!


I won't recount the last 7 months. I know that anyone who is reading this is very much aware of the heartache that we have been going through. I continually relive May 29th , over and over. We  unfortunately experienced a majority of our families firsts almost instantly; birthdays then the holidays. 

I've heard many say that they can't wait for 2016 to be over, for me, I wish it wouldn't end. 
 I don't want a new year to begin. I don't want another min, hour, day or month to go by. It is not fair and this is not right and I do not want to pretend like it will be when a new year starts. 

2017 will not change, not during month one, two or six. 
My life, our lives, will always have a hole in it. That hole will never get smaller, fill in, diminish or go away. I know it will change, but get better, probably not for a very long time.

This tragedy reminds me that our family is blessed to have one another; parents, sister, brothers, grandparents, nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who are our family as well. We are in this together, may not be experiencing it the same but we are here to help each other and that means a lot to me.

I will hold tight to all the fun times and the great memories we had with Clay. His sense of humor, independence, adventurous self and his love will always be what helps get me through these hard days and nights. 

Love you always Clayton Samuel Tully!!


Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!
Psalms 61:1-4






Monday, December 12, 2016

12 things I am grateful for on the 12th of December

I was reading another blog and it was about the 12 things she is grateful for on the 12th day of December.

It has inspired me to list 12 things I am grateful for.

1. Family- Their never ending love & support
2. My sister- Our daily talks-sometimes about nothing at all
3. Friends- Those who have become more like family
4. Memories- The good, fun, great and all the inbetween
5. Job- Even on the days I don't want to be there, I am glad it keeps my mind busy
6. Music- When I can't put into words how I'm feeling, there is always a song that can
7. Perspective- The ability to see things in a new light. The things I wish I should have done, the things I could have done & the things I will do
8. Alone time- I've found that being alone I'm able to think, cry, reminisce, hurt, smile and hope
9. Clay's friends- Each of them brings a different character to our lives and shows the diversity of the friendships Clay had
10. Our home- The warmth, stories, certainty, togetherness, simplicity, memories and love all makes this a lovely home
11. Animals- Their consistency keeps us company, makes us laugh. They keep us active, challenge us, keeps us present and gives us purpose
12. God- Until Jesus returns we still experience death, but one day life will not give way to death. Children will not mourn their parents. Parents will not mourn their children. Jesus will not let death reign forever. On the cross He defeated death and his resurrection is your guarantee that one day all who believe in him will be resurrected to a life of glory and peace. One day He is coming again to end physical death and to usher in a new heaven and earth where there will be no dying, no tears and no sorrow.