TGIF!! I have spent this week moving my Mom and Dad and cleaning out their home of 41 yrs. Need I say more? I am convinced that they didn't throw one thing away in that time span. Yea, but we sure did!! I don' t know what I would have done had my sister not come for the week to help me. We've laughed and cried and we are exhausted. I think I'll go away for a couple days next week. The guys are leaving for Tupelo and Mom and Dad are settled and I will be "fancy free"!! Think I'll do a little early Christmas shopping. It won't be long you know.

Happy Birthday to my wonderful first-born grandson Riley Michael. He is one of the very best things in my life. I can't believe he is "5" today. Tonight we will celebrate his life, a life that has already taught me many things. I love you Riley.

Evan has been dedicated to the Lord. He is such a sweet baby and my prayer is for him to fall in love with Jesus at an early age. I have learned (I know I'm a slow learner) that being truly in love with Jesus is all that really matters. I am awaiting my sister's arrival so we can move my parents to an independent living home. I will really be glad when we have accomplished this. Saturday is the day, but the work will go on far past that. The house is so full of stuff, it will take quite some time to finish this project. I have so much on my mind lately, I don't really feel like myself. So many changes taking place around me. I don't do well with change. Once again, a song to help me express myself.

And the pain falls like a curtain
On the things I once called certain
And I have to say the words I fear the most
I just don't know.

And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this tuth that my life has been formed from the dust.

God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He's painting
God is God and I am man
So I'll never undersstand it all
For only God is God

And the sky begins to thunder
And I'm filled with awe and wonder
'Til the only burning question that remains
is who am I

Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me?
He is first and last before all that has been,
Beyond all that will pass.

God is God and I am not.

Another week-end. After working at my mom's house for a few hours I swore I would not leave that much stuff for my kids to sort through. So...every year I will clean out my house. We worked on the basement today. Now we have a garage full of junk. It feels good to get rid of stuff and get somewhat organized. We have an olympic star in the family. Riley won first place in the softball throw at the toddler olympics. He was the youngest in the event and brought home the blue ribbon. Tomorrow we dedicate little Evan and we will bring Riley and Trey home to spend the night and go to the zoo Monday. I am really looking forward to spending some time with them. Evan is smiling and trying to make noises. He is so sweet. I love my boys. Mike and Mikey have gone for Chipotle and I think the rest of the day will be relaxation with my two bigger boys.

Just finished Blue Like Jazz. Good book. It had a lot to say but the end said it all - there is nothing that compares to truly falling in love with Jesus. I don't always do the right things, I don't always please him in my choices. But there is something inside me that makes Him love me and I am so glad for that. It isn't complicated, I love Him and He loves me and that's really all I need to know.

What a great Sunday!! It started with an unbelievable sermon from our worship leader. Unfortunately he has resigned. He is an awesome person and I have watched him evolve into one of the best preachers I have ever heard. Fear was the topic of his sermon; a topic I think we all can relate to. We've all said "what if"... the words that invite fear. "Then God..." If those are the words that finish the sentence - fear is banished. It's really sad when you haven't heard an old hymn for so long that you have forgotten how powerful the words are. We sang "How Firm a Foundation". WOW may I never forget what that song says.

Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God I will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee thy trials to bless
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The flames shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

E'en down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!

As I was leaving the first service, I watched my mother walk in to the second by herself. You see my dad was at home, not able to attend much anymore. My parents have lived this song in front of me. I am watching God's unbelievable grace carry my mom through a very hard time. Because of them, I know these words to be true. No one will ever convince me otherwise. He is a firm foundation even down to old age that will never forsake us.

The rest of the day included a work-out at the gym with my husband, lunch at our favorite chinese place, some training for the new guy and watching the Espy's with Pup. It was a great show with some very inspiring stories.

I'm looking forward to a visit from Kerri and the boys this morning.

I know I have used these words here before but I really like this. I was reminded of this song today and I think there is a lot of comfort in their simplicity.

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith in love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering
When you're lonely
And it feels like the whole world is fallin on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus

To the widow who struggles with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

Cry out to Jesus

Thank goodness He never gets tired of hearing our cries. Have a blessed Sunday

We're enjoying a very nice week-end with nothing we have to do. Mike is watching a movie I am not the least interested in so thought I would post a blog. We met the boys at Easton for just a little while today. They saw Curious George at the bookstore then played in the fountains. Evan just slept. He is so cute. Mike and I did a little shopping and had lunch at Fado.
We are still in the long process of trying to decide the timeline to move my mom and dad. I know what my timeline would be but it has to ultimately be her decision. I will really be glad to put this time behind and get them settled. I guess the work will actually just begin once we move them. So much to do with the house it makes my head swim.
Last night we stopped by one of Gahanna's establishments for a quick dinner and our neighbors walked in and ate with us. I love it when things like that happen unplanned.
Mike and I will be going to Nashville Indiana for a few days this week - one of my very favorite places!! I am really looking forward to it. Church tomorrow and a new week begins. Summer is flying by. Enjoy, drink lots of lemonade and relax. That's my plan.

I've been busy lately. Not a lot to post about. I have been looking for a place to move my parents. It has become painfully obvious that it is time. It hasn't been the most enjoyable thing to be involved in but we're getting through it. Trying to decide what kind of place they needed has been the first hurdle. They are really at different places when it comes to their needs. We are doing what we think is best and I am following my gut you might say. Gahanna has some really nice places and we are hoping to move them by the first week of August. Now that the decision is made I really need to get this finished and have them settled. I don't know what to expect from my Dad. He is not happy about this and it is next to impossible to discuss anything rationally with him anymore. I am trying to keep a positive attitude, hoping the move will transpire smoothly. For the longest time I thought it would be fun to have the families of three of my friends over for a cook-out. So I finally made that happen this past Saturday. It was really fun. We will probably try to make it a yearly event. We had 22 adults, seven rug-rats and two cutie patooties, lots of food and an all-around good time. We passed on Red White and Boom this because of little Evan. Papaw says "thanks"!! It just wasn't the same for me on t.v. but that's o.k. I'll take Evan any day. Trey and Riley will get back from the cottage today. I'm sure they'll have lots of tales to tell. I don't have a clue where June went. It seems to be the fastest moving month every year. I just wish summer would slow down. I'm trying to spend some leisure time and enjoy summer on my new porch. I purchased two new books - Blue Like Jazz and Velvet Elvis. "Everybody" seemed to be reading them so I thought I would see what they are all about. I started with Blue Like Jazz and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I'm getting fairly good at Sudoku also!!

Mike has been gone this week with Mikey on a golf trip. They are really having a good time. I really miss him though. I'll be glad when tomorrow night comes. Tomorrow is our anniversary. We will celebrate Friday instead. Thirty two years and still counting. We have had some tough times like everyone but never once did those stressful things pull us apart. Quite the contrary, they brought us closer. Trust me when I say that the bad I refer to could have and often does pull people apart. I'm not bragging, I'm giving God the thanks because His strength and power in our lives is what kept us from turning on each other. My husband was ALWAYS there for me, ALWAYS. He was by my side when we lost Kerri's twin sister. We mourned together. He has been patient with me through two times of real emotional weakness. He could have so easily turned and walked away. He literally held me up when I saw my son for the first time after his car accident. When his world caved in and we woke up one morning without any source of income he chose to put one foot in front of the other and do whatever he had to do to get us to the other side. And he did. He is a rock. He is my friend. He is my partner.

Three of the most beautiful boys in the world for me to love. I am blessed far beyond what I deserve. It didn't take long for Evan and Nana to bond. He has already stolen a piece of my heart. For some reason I was concerned during this pregnancy but thank goodness all is well. My little girl is such a trooper and has so much love to give. I am so very, very proud of her. Sorry about all the bragging, I just can't help myself.

Well he made it!! What a precious little boy he is. I stayed with Kerri yesterday evening and when Evan came back from his bath he was wide awake . I couldn't believe how alert he was. He listened to me as if he understood every word I said. They sure do know how to make some cute little ones. Mom and baby are doing well and Riley and Trey are proud big brothers. Life is good.

Well, its getting close. In some ways it seems as if it has been forever and in others it seems like yesterday that Kerri learned she was expecting. Friday is the big day. I will go tomorrow afternoon to get "big biddy" and "little biddy". They will spend the night and then we will take them to Grant hospital Friday afternoon to see their new little brother. We are all really excited. Evan will be born the day before Mikey's birthday so we went out tonight to celebrate Pup's 24th birthday. That seems impossible. We had a good time at Gibby's and we met the new kitten he got from his girlfriend. I have tried to get some rest this week as I know it will be a busy week-end but an exciting one. It's just so hard to believe that in a few short hours there will be a new edition to the family and very quickly we will wonder how we ever got along without him. I guess I better get to bed, tomorrow will be here soon.

Waiting. I'm not very good at that. We are waiting for Evan Daniel to arrive. Friday is the day. At least we know when it will happen. It would be really nice if he would come sooner. We'll wait and see. Graduation parties filled this week-end. This is a nice time of the year. Some of these kids that are graduating were in my pre-school class. They're getting older but thank goodness I'm not!! I held a newborn just for practice today. I can't wait til it is our own Evan!!

Kerri and the boys just left. The house seems so quiet. They have been here since Monday because Eric has been out of town. I wanted her close by in case she went into labor. We had such a good time. It is non-stop motion where the boys are concerned. I loved every minute of them being here. Eric and Mike will be getting back in town tonight. Evan's birthday is coming quickly. Just one more week. It will be so good to have one more to hug. I better rest up because next week will be a busy one.

I haven't felt very well since I returned from my trips. I've got some kind of crud and can't seem to shake it. Mike and Mikey have it too. Hopefully it won't stay around much longer. My sun room is officially finished and Mike is picking up new furniture for it today. Looks like the weather for the week is going to cooperate and I can enjoy it. Monday should bring the family over for some fun. I'm going today to get Evan a new stroller. Mom and Kerri are going with me. I am so blessed to be able to spend time with my Mom at my age. I realize a lot of women my age don't have their mom around. Evan will soon be here and she will be able to see another great-grandchild.

I am by far the most blessed mother on the face of the earth. First I was taught to be a mother by a very precious lady. She taught me the importance of sharing a home-cooked meal with the entire family sitting at the table and doing this on a regular basis. She taught me the importance of being there when the kids get home from school. She taught me that sharing her faith by how she lived was something for priceless to pass on to her children.
Secondly, I found the best man in the world to parent with. He loves me and my children more than anything else in this world. We have always been his first priority. He has been a man of integrity for my children through every phase of their lives. He has often had to travel with his job but we never had a night go by without hearing from him and he always looked forward to coming home.
My kids - I don't even know where to begin. Kerri. I remember how we used to fight. I think all moms and daughters go through that. My friends would tell me, "just wait, you will be the best of friends". I hoped and prayed we would. Today she is my best friend. Her smile lights up my world. Her happiness is my happiness, her pain is my pain. She has given me more joy than I could ever deserve. She is beautiful inside and out. I hope I have played a small part in building the strong faith that gives her the strength that makes her such a lovely woman.
Mikey - Pup - my baby!! I go back so often in my mind to that little five-yr. old charmer with his blonde hair and ear-pierced. Yes he had his ear pierced at five. Maybe that's where I made the wrong turn. No, just kidding. Laughter has always been a part of home and that is largely due to Mikey. He was able to make us laugh when we were trying to discipline. He was able to make us laugh when life's circumstances should have been making us cry. I am very thankful for my son. He is a handsome, fun-loving, life-loving young man that has taught me to live a day at a time. He has lived that way all his life. He has had experiences that no one else in our family can relate to. I am sure as the years go by, he will continue to share what he has learned and we will all be better for it.
Riley - a little boy that is already teaching Nana so much. I can't wait to tell him how he helped me through a really tough time when he was only a baby, just by being there. I thank God for my grandchildren everyday. Riley with all his questions, so deep in thought but still able to be a little boy as silly and goofy as any. And Trey, ( Mikey re-incarnated) what will he get into next? Rough and tumble, short-round-one, Mommy's little bitty. Talk about a smile that lights up your world!! And I am about to be blessed once again. Evan, come quickly before your mommy loses it! Thank God for a wonderful son-in-law. He takes such good care of my daughter. I never have to worry that she is being loved.
I'm sorry for going on like this. But I am a very blessed Mother. Thank you all for being what makes my life so wonderful.










I'm sorry for going on. This isn't like me but I am a very blessed Mother. Thank you

I'm back. Good to be here but a really nice trip. It was good to see my sister and her family, share in a little of their lives in OKC, see where they live. I like to have pictures in my mind, it helps me feel closer. We shopped and laughed and basically did nothing. My sister works a 40 hr. week and watches over a husband, two "adult boys"(ha) and three grandkids. She doesn't have much time to do nothing. It was good for both of us to re-connect. Now I pick up with my life - one day at a time. Right now I could look ahead at some things coming up but I will try to continue living in this day. I'm glad to be home with my wonderful husband. I'm not crazy about traveling withot him. I'm going to hit the gym - it's been 2 weeks!! Then I hope to see the boys and Kerri. Yeaaaa!

Well, we have a scheduled date for Evan's arrival - June 9th. But even with it scheduled, you still don't know for sure. That happens to be one day before Pup's b-day. Another thing to celebrate in June. I think June will just be one continuous party for the family. Sounds good to me!! I'm getting ready for my trip to OKC. It will be so good to see everyone and to spend some quality time with my sister. Who knows what kind of trouble we might get into.

We are home. What a looooooooong week. All went well. The construction on the back of my house is going up like gangbusters. I am so excited. Now I will get ready to leave Thursday to visit my sister for a few days. I'm looking forward to that. I need to get some rest this week before I leave though. Hopefully I can see my little ones sometime today. I really missed them and I think Kerri has officially hit the pregnancy wall. Evan can't come too soon. Well, time to unpack and start laundry. WOW I'm tired!!!