Thursday, March 26, 2009

This is AMAZING!

I know some of you may have already seen this, but if you haven't, watch this:)

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

a day in paris

Well, Paris Island anyway:)



Kyle showing Brittany and Paige around

Carter trying on Kyle's coke bottles (excuse me, I mean his military issue glasses!)
He couldn't wait to get back to the house and put on his contacts!!

Seeing him for the first time after the ceremony.... have I told you how proud I am of him??

Kyle's platoon.... if you click on the pic it will make it bigger.. he's the 3rd from the left, front row:)


Early in the morning, on March 1st, Rusty's brother Brian called to tell us the news that Mom was gone.... We knew it was coming, but it was still hard to hear those words. That following week was so very bittersweet.... because on that coming Friday, Brian's son, Kyle, was graduating from Marine boot camp at Paris Island, SC. We wanted to be there to visit with Kyle, after all, who knew when the next time we would be able to see him? Also knowing that we might need to head to Florida for Mom's services at anytime made us stop and think.... could the kids miss that much school and could Rusty and I miss that much work?? Well, as usual, God's timing is perfect! Mom's memorial was scheduled for the next Monday, so we were able to stop in SC for the graduation and then all caravan the rest of the way down to Florida:) So on Thursday, we packed up the car and headed down to South Carolina to meet Brian, Lisa and the kids for dinner the night before graduation. Then the next morning we all drove onto the island to find some good seats for the ceremony. I have never been to a military graduation, but let me tell you, that day left an indelible mark on me. It was breathtaking to see the rows and rows of men and women who volunteered to serve our country, especially now, when their safety is so uncertain. We sat together in the bleachers, in between other families whose children, grandchildren, siblings and spouses, all made that same selfless decision to serve. It was like one huge (and somewhat loud and obnoxious!) family! All of us tied together with a common thread:) I was so proud of Kyle.... seeing him in his uniform just brought me to tears.... I know it sounds so clique' but I honestly do remember holding him in my lap when he was just a baby. Where does the time go?? Well, he's not a baby anymore! He's a Marine!! Our Marine! Grandma's Marine! Kyle, please know that we are so proud of you and praying for you everyday! We love you!!

I'm back!


It's been awhile.... I know...... To be completely honest, I been struggling with coming back to blogging since Janice passed away. I knew that since we made the move to North Carolina, Mom had probably been my most faithful reader. Then last summer, when she started getting sick, I felt the need to step up my game. I wanted her to feel like she was a part of what we were doing. I didn't want her to miss out on pictures of the kids and seeing what our crazy family was up to. Whenever we spoke to Mom on the phone she always told us how much she missed us, but she always ended with something along the lines of, "you are right where God wants you, even if we'd love to have you closer". That always meant so much to me. Being away from your family is not easy, but knowing that your family believes in you and what you are doing, means the world. Now I know there are more of you out there that read this sad excuse for a blog (although, I'm not sure why?? lol) and I know if I don't post something soon, my brother in law, Brian, and my sister, Sam, are going to have my head :) So, I'm back.... but now I'm trying to figure out how to "catch up"???? So be patient with me ~ I'm sure the next few posts will seem really random.... I've got everything from a Marine graduation, to Family Night, to KidVenture with Ridge and everything in between:) So here it goes......

Sunday, March 8, 2009

rough week

I know I haven't posted lately.... it's been a very difficult week. Rusty's mom, Janice, passed away last Sunday morning. Even though it was expected (she had been sick for quite a while), it has still been a hard few days. We arrived in Florida on Friday evening and it seems like we've been going and going ever since. I have alot of things I want to write about.... my head is swimming with thoughts I know I need to write down.... but not now. My feelings are too raw. So many of you have asked what you can do for Rusty and I, and we have been so blessed with the amazing outpouring of love from our friends and church family. We appreciate it all so very much:) If you can, please continue to pray for us today and tomorrow..... It's going to be a tough, tough 24 hours. Please pray for Rusty, his brothers, Brian & Jimmy, and their dad, Larry. These 4 men are feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders right now.... Thank you for all the love and support.....