Are we there yet…

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!

Wednesday morning was spent with two new friends. We met Lofa and Nicole during our summer swim lessons and look forward to many more playdates together.

Me: Where are you going, Mary Reese?

MR: To the “gras-rey” store, mama!

MR’s first haircut!

We said goodbye to the curls and hello to a new Farrah inspired cut.

Sometimes its the simple things in life that we enjoy the most.

Holding hands,

Being brave,

Letting go,

 and lots and lots of laughter!

Our time at the beach was fabulous!

We ate lots of junk food,

danced to some great live music,

enjoyed local seafood,

learned to love our floaties,

rocked our new Petey Pie shirts,

picked up a few new tricks,

learned that three kids equals three times the fun and mess,

added a new “crush” to the list,

and…

laughed, loved, and gave plenty of hugs!

Unfortunately, our 6 hour ride home was marked by high fever and several emergency pull-overs due to a very sick little girl. A trip to the pediatrician confirmed that MR has hand, foot, and mouth.  We’re praying for a speedy recovery so that MR can enjoy next weeks family vacation to Fernandina Beach, Florida. This will be MR’s fourth trip to the beach in three months; it’s a tough life for this little lady, but somebodies got to do it!