Friday we headed out in a caravan with Drew’s troop towards Gatlingburg for a weekend of ice skating, snow tubing, skiing and more fun. We got in around 1am, handed out keys to boys, and found our way to our cozy little room. Driving through downtown Gatlinburg to our hotel Saturday morning we got up and shoved down some hotel breakfast before hitting the town. Who can’t go to Gatlinburg without drooling over the caramel apples, taffy, and handmade candies?
This past weekend we went to Birmingham for our Cub Scout Winter Trip to McWane Center. We did this back in 2012 and had such a good time. It is such a fun trip and is so easy for the leaders. As the Cubmaster’s Wife, I am so happy when there’s less work for him! Laying on a bed of nails. Watching how the shape changes as it begins to spin Drew got the High Cycle stuck! Alex waiting for the IMAX movie to start About to work on a Belt Loop We got placed on the 3rd floor this…
I am trying to get caught up with all my posts from last month and now this month. So for now here’s pics from Christmas Eve and Day. You can scroll over the picture for a little explanation.
Late Saturday night, I sat at my Granny’s bar shuffling through songs on my laptop from Bob Dylan, ZZ Top, and Eric Clapton. I just couldn’t find a song for Dad’s slideshow that I’d made for his memorial service. Drew sat across from me. We laughed at some of the choices, like “Blowing in the Wind” and “Death is Not the End”. I told Drew I was going to look at the Beatles, because surely they have a song that would feel right. “There’s “Hey Jude” or “Yesterday”. Mmmmm…no, I’m gonna keep lookin’,” I told him. Then, I saw it.…
If you missed my first post about the day after Christmas, you can read it here. So Thursday afternoon was filled with calling my brother to tell him that Dad was gone. Going to Dad’s house to clean up some and then talking with family about details with Dad. My brother got into town in the middle of the night, I tried to sleep for a couple hours before going to get him. Friday was very busy, but I’m thankful that my Uncle Brad and cousin Maddie were at Granny’s to hang out with the boys and play games with…
Servings: 12 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese 2 (8 oz.) packages refrigerated crescent dinner rolls 1 cup sugar 1 tbs. vanilla extract 1/2 cup melted margarine or butter 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
The day after Christmas the family and I got up early and headed to the airport. I’ve been dreading this trip since a couple weeks ago when we planned it. When Rob and I were visiting my Dad last month, he had us test drive his 1991 Ford Ranger truck. When we got back from that visit, we decided to see if he would like us to get a one-way-ticket and fly back out and drive the truck back. After talking to him a couple times, he finally said it was ok. I don’t know what it was, but he…
This month I was happy about: Christmas! This month I was sad about: my Dad passing away. Something I accomplished this month was: being able to speak at my Dad’s memorial service, but it was all God!
My favorite moments of 2013: ================ [January] Over MLK weekend, we went to the mountains with the S family and stayed in their cabin. So. much. fun! ================ [February] Rob, Alex, and I attended our family Church Retreat for the 1st time. While we were there, Drew was also there with the youth. Drew played in his first season at Jr. Varsity Soccer.
During the Boy Scout Court of Honor/Christmas Party, Drew and Vincent were recognized for their leadership as Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
After Rob and I got home Monday, we had a quick turn around to get ready to hop in the car and drive 7 hours down to Tampa for Thanksgiving. We had originally thought we’d stop part of the way and get a hotel, but we ended up driving all the way. We got in around 2am. Wednesday we hung out with Grandma, Grandpa, and Cousin Tara. We had lunch at a yummy restaurant and then, went to Linda’s house to see her farm. Thanksgiving Day we didn’t have the traditional turkey and dressing. We instead had homemade pasta. Before…
This month I was happy about: just life in general. Excited for the impending holidays. This month I was sad about: my Dad’s diagnosis. Something I accomplished this month was: flying out to see my Dad.
Today we got up, packed our bags, and headed from Spring Hill, FL to Mobile, AL to allow Drew to play with the band during his high school’s AHS State Football Semifinals game. It was a crazy, crazy game that came down to last 3 seconds when AHS stopped the other team from scoring the go ahead touchdown. Very exciting! We will be headed to T-Town next Friday for the State Championship game.
Saturday morning Rob and I got up early, dropped Drew off for his hiking trip, and got to the Atlanta airport. Everything went really smoothly, parking the car, checking our luggage, going through security, so we had time to grab some breakfast. We decided crepes at Freshens. Really yummy! We flew Spirit Airlines out of Atlanta to DFW. So much was running through my mind when we got on the plane, so I just ended up closing my eyes and sleeping most of the flight. Dad called me once we got off the plane and were waiting for the rental…
I am not ready to say goodbye! God, it’s too early. I’m too young! He’s too young! These are just some of the things running through my head the other night after getting the news that took my breath away. Hearing my Dad try and ease the blow, finally saying he’s got ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. A disease I knew enough about to know it’s a horrible, horrendous disease that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. What’s even worse is that he believes that he’s had it for several years. Today he had another test and it confirmed everything.…
Alex’s first handbell performance today at church!
This month I was happy about: Rob starting his new job a few days ago. This month I was sad about: random stupid stuff. Something I accomplished this month was: starting to eat healthy again. Hoping I can keep up with it now and not let a slip up ruin my whole plan.
As a family we started doing a daily bible devotional every morning at 6:40am. We’ve wanted to do one, but with our crazy schedules we haven’t been able to come up with a time. We want to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk as a family and keep God at the center of all of our lives. Rob suggested we start doing it before the kids go off to school. It’s worked out really well. We are using the family devotionals by Josh McDowell. We can get done in about 15 minutes with a prayer to wrap…
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. ~Micah 7:7 > So for those of you who follow Rob on Facebook, you’ve heard the good news. Rob has accepted a new job at Auburn University. We are just so elated at this wonderful opportunity. He will be working in the Facilities Management in the Information Systems Department. Over the past 5 years, we’ve had so many ups and downs (more downs) with my job situation and my eventual career change. As much as I love and…