Are we there yet…

We decorated for the occasion (on a shoe string budget)…

A make you feel good, easy project for just $5…buy a straw wreath at your local craft store, wrap sections of grosgrain ribbon around it, and add seasonal embellishments.

Another easy project… purchase an apple basket from the crafts store; cover it with felt and decorate with fabric, ric rac, and scrapes of ribbon.

carved a pumpkin under the watchful eye of sweet MR,

baked goodies for the cousins,

attended a Halloween party,

dressed up as a fairy princess,

trick or treated for the very first time,

and had lots and lots of fun at the neighborhood fall festival.

Unfortunately, we did most of this without G. He’s on day 7 of the Swine Flu. Send those prayers our way and pray that MR escapes this nasty bug!

I’m quite certain that the good people in Waycross, Georgia are some of the best people around. In fact, their presence and constant flow of casseroles, meat trays, and sweets are what got us through the depths of the last two weeks.  

It’s been a whirlwind, that’s for sure. MR and I said goodbye to Waycross last Sunday and headed back to Atlanta. G stayed behind to be with his mom. By mid-day Monday, it was obvious  that my nausea and upset stomach was not due to nerves, but rather a vicious, relentless stomach bug. For the next two days, I sat in bed, unable to eat or rest. Thankfully, mom and Julie were there to take on Mary Reese.  By Thursday, the stomach bug had hit Garrett, Hannah, Mary Reese, Hendley, Boss, and Julie.

Garrett returned late Thursday night with his mom. Danette has long been our “rock” so we were honored to have her lean on us for once. Our weekend was spent as a family. We cried. Laughed. And prayed.

Danette headed back to Waycross yesterday morning. We hugged her tight and prayed for God’s guidance. There is no denying that we have a long road ahead of us. Wiby’s presence will be missed. We ask that you continue to lift us up in prayer. These prayers and God’s promise are truly a comfort to us!

Fernandina, July 2005

Fernandina, July 2008

December, 2008

The last week has probably been the toughest time in my life. Never before have I felt such sadness. What started out as a fun-filled week at the beach, ended with a telephone call around midnight with the tragic news that Garrett’s step-dad had unexpectedly passed away. We are all heartbroken and ask that you lift us up in this time of need.  

These pictures were taken on day two of our vacation, just hours before we received the devastating news. They have become a constant reminder that we should hold our loved ones near and praise God for each and everyday!

Julie and Mom drove over for the night so that Hendley and Trent could have some beach time. Their timing (or God’s) allowed us to head to Waycross, Ga as soon we received word. For the next three nights, mom and Julie kept Mary Reese and made a special trip to Atlanta to pick up more of our belongings. Their support was a tremendous source of comfort for G and I!

I always like to hear good news first, so here goes…

Thanks to the grace of God and your prayers, Marie is well on her way to recovery. The blood clots are beginning to shrink and if all continues to go well, she should be released from the hospital tomorrow!

Now that we’ve got Marie back on her feet, I have yet another prayer concern to add to the list. For the last three to four months, Julie (my sister) has been experiencing numbness and pain throughout her face and legs. In early December, she was admitted to the ER and diagnosed with atypical migraines. As the months have progressed, her pain and numbness have gotten worse. Yesterday, her symptoms reached a new level, forcing Julie back to the emergency room to undergo more tests. While the original diagnosis of atypical migraines could be to blame, the doctors want to rule out the possibility of multiple sclerosis. A MRI is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the extent of her symptoms.

Please lift up Julie, Bill, Hendley and Trent over the next few days as they await the results of the test. Most of you that read the blog are mothers so you can imagine how scared Julie must be for herself and for her family. Pray that regardless of the results, God will grant Julie with peace, comfort, and understanding.

And because I know my sister needs something to raise her spirits, here are a few pictures of her favorite niece. We spent the afternoon attending an event at the Atlanta High Museum of Art sponsored by Garrett’s work. After exploring  “The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army”, we had lunch on the house, and access to the entire museum. We felt pretty important until I realized that I spent three hours, roaming around a museum with hundreds of Garrett’s coworkers, with my zipper down. I’m sure that left a lasting impression.

Waiting in line to get MR’s face painted.

Sweet Bunny.

Sweet Mary Reese is wide open these days. She tears through the house like a Tasmanian devil, laughing and squealing as she goes. She a mess, alright. Prank calls and stickers are amongst two of her favorite things. A few nights ago, unbeknownst to me, she picked up the phone and called Gran C. When Gran C answered, a sweet little voice on the other end said “dew dat” (we are assuming this means “who that”). After a short pause, she promptly hung when Gran C failed to identify herself. Safety first, right?!

Thanks to Valentines Day and Aunt and Unca B, stickers are a hot commodity in our house. MR loves to wear and hide them. I’ve found “ickers” in just about every room in the house. The most interesting place being in the refrigerator. Although she won’t share her stickers with me, I was relieved that she would offer one to an elderly woman in Walmart who mistook her for a boy. A boy wearing pink sneakers and a giant polka dot bow. That’s MR for ya. She’s full of laughter, mischief, and fun. She brings so much joy to our house. And we think the world of her!

Please continue to lift up Marie and pray that God will provide her with comfort and rest. She is still in ICU and undergoing countless tests. Her family continues to be by her side, so I ask that you lift them up as well. A big thank you to all of my prayer warriors for taking time to out to reflect on God’s amazing grace!

Please lift up Garrett’s cousin, Marie, who is in dire need of your prayers. Earlier today Marie was admitted to the ER after experiencing breathing problems. After several tests, the doctors determined that she has 3 small blood clots in one of her lungs and a large blood clot in her other lung. Consequently, she was rushed to Emory hospital (in Atlanta) to undergo treatment. Currently she is in ICU. I will keep you posted as to any updates, but ask that you pray for Marie and her family as they face the unknown.

Update Tuesday at 10:30 am: Marie is still in ICU and being administered heparin to dissolve the blood clots in her lungs. Her vitals looks good today and she is getting plenty of rest. Please continue to pray for God’s healing touch and pray for her family who is traveling back and forth from Griffin to Atlanta.

Update Monday 9:15 pm: The doctors have ordered a CAT Scan due to some numbness that Marie was experiencing in her face. Please pray for the doctors that are working with Marie and continue to lift up her family.