Back home...

I arrived home on Monday evening. The trip to Texas was a good one for so many reasons. First of all, though it was sad and painful to see Uncle Tommy so sick, it was also good to be able to say goodbye. He was up and walking and interacting some, though we don't know how much he recognized us or understood what was going on. He smiled at us a lot, responding to gentle touches and kisses, and didn't mind all the commotion we brought with us. It was good to see him.

Secondly, my Na-na got to come along and say goodbye to her son. I watched her tuck his blankets in and try to make him more comfortable. He tolerated her fussing and that made her happy. I still get choked up when I think of the pain a mother goes through when saying goodbye to a child. It isn't the normal order of life and I know it must break her heart. This is the child she nursed and cared for, and when he was small, she was able to kiss away all of his hurts. It was an incredibly moving experience to be able to observe Na-na and her son.

Finally, how good it was to be with family. We didn't see them all that much during a normal year, but when we are together, it's as if no time has passed. We laugh lots and enjoy each others' company. It was my hope that our visit would bring some joy and some distraction for my Aunt Ellen and cousins during what has been a very difficult time for them. There was laughter and tears. It was bittersweet.

Saying goodbye is never easy. But it is good. And, as always, God is faithful.

Unexpected trip to Texas

I just booked a flight to Texas for Friday, joining my parents and grandmother. My Uncle Tommy, Mom's brother, has been battling lung cancer and kidney failure. The prognosis is not good and it doesn't seem he'll make it much longer. Saying goodbye is important to me. Being there for my Aunt and cousins is also important. Prayers are appreciated during this sad and difficult time....

A Spring Day

Well, at least it felt like it! It was 60 degrees today! Georgia Kate, Stitch and I headed out for a little walk. I couldn't resist getting out of the house! We walked around town, talking about everything we saw. We stopped at a local ice cream parlor for a bite to eat and a Wet Walnut Sundae! YUM! I've really been enjoying my time with just Georgia Kate.

I also got a hair cut today. I decided to try something different. Now, for all of you blog readers who are adventurous with your hair, you'll probably laugh at me. But for me, this was a big deal. I trust my hairdresser, so I showed her a picture and asked if she thought I could pull off the look. She said absolutely and set to cutting. So, it's just a swoopy bang in the front, nothing drastic, but enough to freshen up my look and make me smile. I love my infrequent trips to the hairdresser! I always walk out of there feeling like a million bucks! I thought I'd snap a few pictures for a nice layout for my Book of Me. And because I hardly even turned up in pictures from MY birthday! :) I'm usually behind the camera.

I set to snapping the self-portraits. I sent one to Scot after I told him I cut my hair. I think I scared him. :)

It was a nice day. Too bad the weather won't last. At least it gave me hope that spring will eventually arrive!

Birthday Fun

Well, my birthday is over. I don't feel any older, so I guess that's a good thing! :) My in-laws brought pizza, my mom brought an ice cream cake from a favorite local ice cream shop, and they all brought gifts.

And Scot got to be there...virtually! :) He was free and skype/webcammed his way into the par-tay. He even got to be there to sing Happy Birthday and see the candles getting blown out! The kids loved having him there almost as much as I did! I really do miss him, and it was fun to have him there, live! I really love modern technology!

I also need to mention that Scot and the kids gifted me before he left. I got the Indiana Jones movies on dvd and an Indiana Jones dvd game. Oh...and a hysterical card with an Office quote!

My in-laws and my parents gave me lots of nice, new clothes! I love not having to do my own shopping! I loved everything I got, including the many Birthday wishes on Scrapshare and my Facebook page. Birthdays are FUN!

But I still really miss Scot. :(

Happy Birthday to ME! :)

It's my birthday! I love my birthday! Yep, shamelessly love celebrating my birthday! Of course, I enjoy celebrating other people's birthdays also! But I do love mine!

I woke up to hushed whispers. You know how kids are when they think they're being so sneaky? I knew they were up to something and decided to stay in bed a little longer to let them do their thing. Yeah...that's why I decided to stay in bed! ;) I made lots of noise when I woke up and made sure they heard me coming.

Maggie and Thomas were busy with something in the living room. Rather than entering the kitchen, I sat down at my computer to give them more time. They entered the kitchen with more whispers. About 5 minutes later they appeared at my side with 3 mini-bagels and cream cheese, a tiny cupcake from Walmart, and a half-full glass of milk! They were so proud of themselves for making me breakfast since Daddy wasn't home to help them out. I loved it!

They had no idea that my mom was taking me out for breakfast a little later this morning! So, I ate the semi-toasted mini-bagels and drank my milk. They drew me lovely birthday pictures and were beaming at my joy. Kids are great for some good birthday love! :)

Mom took me to breakfast with Georgia. We stopped by my Na-na and Papa Joe's house where she gave me a card and a big hug. And now it's nearly time to pick the kids up from school and move onto the next party: my in-laws and mom are coming back for pizza and a birthday cake!

Of course Scot called first thing this morning. I miss him.

But it's been a good birthday so far! I know it'll only get better!

He's gone...

For two weeks. Scot's gone. Waaaah. I don't like it one bit. He's speaking at several churches in Florida. He'll be awesome. But I miss him. It's a major bummer and the reason I'm sitting here typing this at 11:40pm instead of sleeping. At least the kids went to bed okay without Daddy to tell the story. Though Maggie was out of sorts all day. Georgia Kate asked me about a hundred times, "Where's Daddy?"

2 weeks isn't such a long time. But I know it's going to move at a snail's pace. I won't feel like myself until Scot gets back. Okay...enough wallowing. Off to bed with me!

Disney Wishes Fireworks, January 14, 2009

First, I just want to tell you that the kids are on day 3 of school, and aside from a few complaints about the length of the day from Scoty (he used to finish at 1pm and now finishes at 3pm), they have been happy and even excited to go! Thanks to all who prayed for them! So far, so good!

And now, I thought I'd share a short video clip I took while we were watching the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. My pictures of fireworks turn out mediocre at best, so while we were there I thought I'd try capturing a short video clip of the finale. It turned out pretty good for my little point and shoot camera, and the kids have expressed that it makes them feel like they are back at Disney World! That's what I was going for. Anyway, I thought some of you might enjoy seeing the finale of the Wishes fireworks from Disney World. It was really something to take in!



ENJOY!

First day of school jitters

Oh, I've got the first day of school jitters...for my kids! They begin school here tomorrow morning. They are excited and nervous and anticipating a good year. I'm biting my finger nails off and praying we have made the right educational decision for them. It's never easy to make choices that affect your children.

Prayers are appreciated! Pray for new friends, a warm reception, and a good rest of the year. Oi. Hope I sleep tonight!

Back from Disney World!

I just finished this blog post for our ministry blog and thought it worked here too. For those who read both, sorry this is a repeat! :) Enjoy!

Our latest travels led us to Walt Disney World! My mom had mentioned in passing more than 4 years ago that maybe she would take us to Disney World when we were back in the US. Maggie, who was 3 years old at the time, never forgot! She held her Mo-mo to that "promise," and Mo-mo didn't disappoint!

After months of mad planning by me (hey...it was a good stress relief for me to plan for a fun family vacation!), we finally flew out on January 8. A small, funny mistake? When I booked the flight out of Allentown via Newark, NJ, I failed to notice the little note that read, "Continental Bus Service" next to the Allentown flight. Yep...we were on a bus to Newark! :) The kids were excited, but I have to say the adults on the trip were less than thrilled. We didn't realize it until 2 days before we left!

We stayed at the Disney All Star Sports resort. With it's larger than life sports decorations and fun theme, it made a great place to crash at night. And that's pretty much all we did there! We were on the move!

Staying on Disney property meant we got to use Disney transportation to and from the airport and to and from the parks everyday. It was literally Disney Disney 24/7. It might have been a bit too much Disney for Scot and my Mom, but the kids loved it! And it was convenient.

We were off to the parks every morning at 7:30am and didn't get back to the hotel until 8 or 9pm at night. The kids did well with the long days. We had few meltdowns and nothing more than the usual sibling spats.

It was as magical for the kids as I hoped it would be. Meeting characters was exciting, especially for the younger 3. And even Thomas got excited about a few of them. As we exited the Buzz Lightyear ride at the Magic Kingdom, Scoty spotted Buzz Lightyear. I wish I had a picture of that moment! He shouted, "It's Buzz Lightyear!" and all 3 kids took off running to get in line to meet the Toy Story space ranger. It was fun!

Our days were filled with princesses and pirates, mice, ducks, bears, and dogs. :) We got to ride favorite rides over and over again, meet lots of Disney characters, take in some nighttime fireworks, see parades, participate in some Jedi training, enjoy delicious food and take in lots of Disney shows. It truly was a magical vacation by my estimation. It was a once in a lifetime experience for us, and I'm so grateful we had the opportunity to share it with my mom!

So, now it's back to the grind. The kids had physicals (and lots of shots and bloodwork! UGH!) yesterday, we got them registered for school, and we did a school tour of the elementary school where Thomas and Maggie will attend. We are all anticipating life on some kind of a "normal" schedule. Scoty has a doctor's appointment Monday with an Orthopedic specialist to see what's going on with his tip-toe walking (prayers appreciated for that), and then the kids start school on Tuesday. Please pray for a smooth transition for them.

So, that's where we are! Thanks for your prayers for us. Scot begins his spring tour on February 2 with 2 weeks back in Florida. The remainder of the tour will be done in Eastern PA. We've got lots of speaking engagements lined up. And, of course, our hearts are with our friends back in Palestine/Israel.

Disney Sneak Peak

Well, this is the first time I've been on this computer this week! I can't believe it either! :) We've got a lazy morning tomorrow, so I thought I'd take advantage and get a few pictures posted and let you all know we're having an amazingly wonderful time! The weather's been great everyday. Today we had some sprinkles, but nothing major. The rest of the time it's been warm and sunny! We've seen all 4 parks and are heading back to Epcot for dinner with the princesses and then ending our vacation at the Magic Kingdom on Wednesday.

Highlights so far? Toy Story Mania, Rockin Roller Coaster (managed 3 trips on that with a trading off fast pass and then rode in the single rider lane), Expedition Everest, Crush chose my kids during the Turtle Talk with Crush show, Scoty and Maggie got to be in Jedi training, we had ringside seats for the Block Party Bash parade at Hollywood Studios, dinner at Ohana was delicious, and getting to meet lots of characters without any long waits in line!

And here are a few shots (sorry...no time to edit!)...more to come, so check back soon!