This was in an email that was sent out by the Race Across America (RAAM). My Dad loved RAAM and enjoyed being a part of this huge race for so many years. He gave so much of his time to this cause. Glad they put a blurb in the newsletter last month remembering him. I think he would be surprised. Dad’s (Short) Journey with ALS
Well, we’re all home again today for another “Snow Day.” However, it’s 45 degrees and sunny out! Back at the end of January, we were all home for 3 days because of real snow and ice. Here’s a few pics after much of the snow and ice had already begun to melt.
Two weeks ago, when we were at our church’s retreat, I finally began to grieve. It slapped me right in the face as I sat there Saturday night, listening to Olu Brown recount the story of him dealing with the loss of his Dad. There were many similarities in our stories, but it wouldn’t have mattered. I just sat so stiff grasping on to my emotions as if I let a tear drop, I would go plunging from the highest of cliffs. I made it through Olu’s message without coming completely unwound, but then we sang 10,000 Reasons. Or rather…
I just realized I never really finished talking about our trip back from Texas. We had flown out there with plans to visit with Dad, help him out with whatever he needed help with, and prepare the truck he was giving us and drive it back home. Well, as you know plans changed while we were in flight to DFW. After the Memorial Service on Monday, Rob and Drew took over the task of getting the truck ready. We also decided to take the trailer that my Dad had as well. Meanwhile, I spent time helping Justin and Jason going…
I’m still playing catch up with all my pics and posts. These pics were taken while we were in Texas in December. We took a break from all the memorial service planning, cleaning out of Dad’s house, etc to let the boys play at the park with my Brother, Mel’s kids. It was a much needed break for everyone!
Friday afternoon, I dropped Drew off for Winter Retreat 2014. I get chills to see the 100’s of teenagers anxiously waiting to load the 7 charter buses to drive away. Shocco Springs in Talladega, AL hosts both the Youth Retreat and the Family Church Retreat.
I snapped a few shots of my excited Drew after he was finally able to get his driver’s license today. He turned 16 a week and a half ago, but was waiting on the “Gold” card from the state. He took driver’s ed the 2nd 9 weeks and at the end of the class, which ended after Christmas break, he was able to take the Driver’s Test with his Driver’s ed teacher instead of at the DMV. The “Gold” card has to be sent from Montgomery and it didn’t make in time for his birthday. So this morning we got…
If you missed my post about Day 1 & 2, you should read it here first. Sunday we got up pretty early so we could hit the slopes before the crowds. We ate breakfast at the hotel, rode the tram back up the mountain, got our ski boots and skis, and then it was time for ski school for most everyone. Waiting for our lesson to begin Not long after we took this pic we saw Drew as well as most of the other boy scouts, flying down the mountain like they’d been skiing for years. The realization hit that…
This month I was happy about: was that we got some snow!! This month I was sad about: Rob and Alex getting the flu. Something I accomplished this month was: surviving this crazy month.
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…