Our Girls Weekend...

While the boys went on their trip to Talladega the girls stayed home and had our own little girls only weekend.

We started off Friday night by ordering pizza, making brownies for ice cream sundaes, and watching movies while putting on press on nails. (I'm a big fan of press on nails for the little girl...no drying time, no mess, and they pop right off when we're done!!)
We watched 3 movies that night...Hannah Montana (I'm a secret fan of...except not a secret anymore since I just posted it on the blog), Pheneas & Ferb, and The Tale of Despereux (very cute). Abby went to sleep around 11:30...I started reading The Shack, bawled like a baby--ugly cried at a few parts, picked the sleeping girl up and held her for almost an hour...fell asleep at around 2:30am. Thought I was going to get to FINALLY sleep in...but noooo, Ab woke me up at about 8am. (I guess that is sleeping in for me since I usually am rolling out of bed at 5:30)...anyway, made a KK (Krispy Kreme) run...watched the last of our movies (Little Mermaid-The Beginning)...and then started our second round of baking.
Sunday was a work day for us because unfortunately packing for the move does not go on hold just because of girls weekend. So we went thru her toys and have them all organized for goodwill and the house. We were very productive.

We had a wonderful, great, awesome, fun weekend. I love doing the boy/girl stuff from time to time...its just nice to be able to hang out with each child and give them special attention.
Enjoy the pictures!

Talladega!

Here's some pictures from the boy's trip to Talladega. Hayden, James and Grandpa Jim had a GREAT time. They saw an awesome race and I'm sure they will never forget this weekend. I'm so glad they were able to share it together.

Hayden was given a lug nut by one of the Nascar Official's from an actual race car. You would think it's gold!! He also painted his own wooden stock car and raced it against other kids' cars...he won one of the races. He's still walking on cloud 9!

My Papa George

Since my grandmother (aka Mama B) passed away back in '05 we did not think my grandfather, (aka Papa George), would live much longer after that. In fact, I was surprised that it was Mama B who went before him. But Papa George was stubborn...and we think he and his Aunt were in a silent competition to see who'd outlast the other (she's 97)...she won.

Honestly, I always thought that when Papa George died it wouldn't hit me that hard because he'd lived such a long life (91 years for crying out loud!!!) and he'd experienced a good life. A very good life. So it took me by surprise the reaction I felt. I mean, people, I ugly cried at the funeral...UGLY CRY...come on! I cried at my grandmothers funeral as well...but I thought it was because my sister was sitting next to me bawling her eyes out. Ummm...no, I guess not because this time she couldn't be there--so it was just me sitting there bawling my eyes out.

It wasn't so much the fact that he'd died...because in reality he was finally getting to live again. We believe beyond a shadow of a doubt he is in Heaven where he is no longer confined to his ailing aged body. I think why it hit me so hard is that a chapter of our life has closed...one chapter that held very special memories. I think that's what I mourned...I mourned the past.

My grandparents were such special people. I was more like my Mama B...(yes, Mom I just admitted that)...she was creative and funny and liked to be around people.
My Papa George was quiet, he did amazing woodwork...tinkered with things to make in the garage...he was loyal to his friends and his work. He worked for Nabisco for 39 years and they would NEVER buy competition...NEVER.
He served our country in World War II and was given military honors at the gravesite...we have a flag and that's something I treasure.
Did I mention though, he's stubborn? I get that from him. I'm very much like Mama B...but I'm just as hard headed as Papa George.
My grandparents were different in many ways, but I think that's what made their marriage work the way it did--they weren't outwardly lovey dovey when it came to their feelings for each other but they were committed to one another, they took care of each other--they showed their love thru actions not just in words.
I do have to mention this because I think its funny...while my Mom and my Aunt were growing up in the house my Mama B and Papa George had two separate twin size beds...not until Mom and Aunt Carolyn moved out did they put the beds together. I think it's hilarious.
My grandfather lived on the same street in Orlando for 87 years. I can't fathom that since I've moved to 9 different cities/areas, lived in 17 different houses/apts etc in my life. My Mama B had to live two houses down from her Mother-In-Law...whew...(just kidding Joni!)

My grandparents always made my brother, sister and I a priority--we were their only grandkids....and they loved us so much. They drove from Florida to Texas numerous times to take care of us when my parents would go on Mission Trips, Ski Trips, Vacations...okay, just kidding...most of the time my parents did not leave us at home while they took a vacation although maybe they should have. We had so much fun when they came to visit--always a new adventure.

We really do have great memories of Mama B and Papa George that will stay with us the rest of our lives. We cherish those memories...

I'm a little behind...OKAY, I'M A LOT BEHIND!!!

I realize its been just over a month since I've updated the blog...and I've become one of those bloggers that drive me crazy because I like regular blog updates (like daily if possible)...life has gotten so busy and there is so much I want to share--so much going on in our family, but for tonight I want to focus on our extended family...specifically James' sister, Kristin's family.  

Kristin and Al (Kristin's husband) have made a huge and in our opinion a very admiral decision that really deserves the gratitude and respect of every American.  Al has enlisted as an Officer in the Army.  Tonight he was picked up and they're heading to Spokane where he will be sworn in tomorrow.    The next 6 months are not going to be easy while he is in training...it won't be easy for him by any means, or for Kristin...but its also going to be tough for their son Vince (who's 5) and Madison (who's 3).   

So this may sound crazy to some, but I'm putting it out there anyway.  I'm asking for YOU to commit to praying for Al, Kristin, Vince and Madi every day for the next 6 months.

I have some specific prayer requests to start with...and I'll add more as they come up.  

1.  You may remember the post a while back regarding Kristin and Al selling their house??  Well, it hasn't sold yet.  For any of you that have been in that situation you know how stressful it can be.  I'm asking that we pray for peace while they wait, comfort in knowing that God's timing is perfect and He's never late but also ask that if possible would He please send the perfect person to purchase the house quickly--it would be a HUGE blessing to get that sold...and if anyone is interested in purchasing a wonderful family home in Moscow, ID (it could also make an excellent rental property since its near two different colleges for anyone looking at a different investment option enlight of the current stock market situation)...they have a GREAT house!!!  (Just my little plug)  

2.  Al will not have access to the computer--so no skype--while in training.  He gets one phone call a week.  Did I mention its not going to be easy?  While James and I were apart (waiting for the house to sell...hmmm did I mention it can be stressful??)  it was so hard...and it was right at 6 months that we were apart, BUT I got to talk to him every day--(atleast 20 times a day, okay not that many--but all I can say is good thing for free minutes).  Pray for comfort and strength and also that this time will go by fast for them.  

3.  We are blessed with a family that pitches in when needed and already Nana is there to chip in and help out...but it's still going to be difficult on Kristin being a single Mom for the time being.  I'd say pray for patience, but I like Kristin--so I wouldn't do that to her--PLEASE DO NOT PRAY FOR PATIENCE!!!  Just kidding.  In all seriousness, being the sole parent is extremely difficult--strength...pray for strength and love that surpasses tantrums of children!!  :)   (Hey, I know what I'm talking about here!!)  

4.  Vince is very aware of what is going on and that his Daddy is going to be gone for a while.  Its not easy on kids when their missing their Dad.  From our experience, actually that is the hardest part about being apart.   Pray that Vince is able to be kept occupied and that Kristin & Nana will have the words to comfort him.  Madi is still pretty young, but she also realizes her Daddy isn't home...pray that it will be a smooth transition that isn't too confusing.

Well, that's a starting place...I know this may seem corny to some, but I am a firm believer in the power of prayer.    I'll keep you updated along the way.  Thanks for walking this road with them.