tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180906155895491242024-03-19T02:41:39.974-05:00Joy in All ThingsMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-49710926304375901742012-11-08T20:30:00.000-06:002012-11-08T20:30:03.132-06:00Thankful - Thursday November 8I'm very thankful for the location the Lord has put me in and the excellent medical facilities nearby. Being 20 minutes from UIHC has been a GODSEND during Morgan's leukemia treatments, as well as with managing Will's arthritis!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-27909406764967542802012-11-07T21:00:00.000-06:002012-11-08T12:12:58.312-06:00Thankful - Wednesday November 7I'm thankful for a pillow and a comfortable bed to rest after ONE OF THOSE DAYS!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-25688752257688960312012-11-06T21:00:00.000-06:002012-11-06T21:00:06.572-06:00Thankful - Tuesday November 6I'm really thankful that this election will be over tonight. I have to say I'm tired of all of the phone calls during dinner, the TV ads and wasted money on bulk mailings to our home. With that said, I'm still grateful for this country and for the chance we all have to voice our choice.<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-15504924712945616402012-11-06T12:30:00.000-06:002012-11-06T14:59:30.892-06:00New Family PictureThrough our journey with Morgan's illness, we've become acquainted with a wonderful photographer here in eastern Iowa. She has taken some photos of Morgan for the upcoming Man & Woman of the Year campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's yearly fundraiser. Morgan will be the 2013 Girl of the Year. Below are some of the photos she took of Morgan: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MpEO8sCsj6d-WN0ynFqIn_3zRRUVLmfH1ogqKvUSux0Mw6G6-aeQiUrz-ZDMTIsWfBKdFXCEATiUJJZCnyAz96mHjyVB-XwpMoThPYBQrG6tYhEhux38tRnnczHg8TB8yXHJ3M8iUOs/s1600/morgie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MpEO8sCsj6d-WN0ynFqIn_3zRRUVLmfH1ogqKvUSux0Mw6G6-aeQiUrz-ZDMTIsWfBKdFXCEATiUJJZCnyAz96mHjyVB-XwpMoThPYBQrG6tYhEhux38tRnnczHg8TB8yXHJ3M8iUOs/s320/morgie1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJELoZjCOzpBSrF5X-V_IiV5wS4wTf_3_AuC8GoifDFSGGf9YFdlNWpCkco-KVnZor78_mT-Jg6PdcR1u_2oz0_mk5W13pnDHRXhrKg3ZcGfnGUdnABjoGl2AE_AqhwwLPQvHyhBTtYek/s1600/morgie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJELoZjCOzpBSrF5X-V_IiV5wS4wTf_3_AuC8GoifDFSGGf9YFdlNWpCkco-KVnZor78_mT-Jg6PdcR1u_2oz0_mk5W13pnDHRXhrKg3ZcGfnGUdnABjoGl2AE_AqhwwLPQvHyhBTtYek/s320/morgie2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGY_rkpuDzuUaJ-JbwRdAQveFGzVfrSr37cEmcHikLwbro1H8RX7haIvB7WSnOnUMTI8ef-N-IobJ4ctkU303bxOHpJBJLtb99WFcbR2AXWOaZTWXoWN_4rxkHK0SR89-Z5_ThyphenhyphenD9zAc/s1600/morgie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGY_rkpuDzuUaJ-JbwRdAQveFGzVfrSr37cEmcHikLwbro1H8RX7haIvB7WSnOnUMTI8ef-N-IobJ4ctkU303bxOHpJBJLtb99WFcbR2AXWOaZTWXoWN_4rxkHK0SR89-Z5_ThyphenhyphenD9zAc/s320/morgie3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We also had her shoot some family photos as well and the photo below is the first sneak peek we have but I can't WAIT to see the rest!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoo79qqpBy7PkTimLFBKAXA1lc4POXfq_RjVPyhyphenhyphenaWCRcKMrIcZ5K5J2jDpqyXgaTTYh01FocKOp_LwMSUF_neITnULiYJaW37fd5b3pMklkmHPMmQJUYjeMrHlu_HRiPWSMBB_CfhrI/s1600/Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoo79qqpBy7PkTimLFBKAXA1lc4POXfq_RjVPyhyphenhyphenaWCRcKMrIcZ5K5J2jDpqyXgaTTYh01FocKOp_LwMSUF_neITnULiYJaW37fd5b3pMklkmHPMmQJUYjeMrHlu_HRiPWSMBB_CfhrI/s400/Family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-51861171278562814702012-11-05T23:30:00.000-06:002012-11-06T14:41:27.938-06:00Thankful - Monday November 5I'm thankful for the right to vote. I'm thankful for this country and that my voice (quiet as it may be) can be heard.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-13902433903058386392012-11-05T10:39:00.005-06:002012-11-05T10:39:31.245-06:00Thankful - Sunday November 4<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I'm thankful for the joy AND the pain in my life. Thankful for the growth of my faith and the guiding hand of my Father in heaven. Always. I am never alone.</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-51548389985418023272012-11-05T10:39:00.001-06:002012-11-05T10:39:02.612-06:00Thankful - Saturday November 3<span class="userContent" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I'm thankful for my extended family. My in-laws who love me as their own and are so giving and helpful. My incredible grandparents who have always been there for me and are such an example of commitment to family and each other. My cousins who I've shared both good times and bad. I have such fond memories of our times together. I love each of you!</span><span class="userContentSecondary fcg" style="background-color: white; color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-75054393943577883802012-11-02T07:19:00.000-05:002012-11-02T11:09:56.928-05:00Thankful - Friday November 2I'm thankful for my family I was given at birth. For my mom who gave up her life for several months this spring and summer to help us care for Morgan and so diligently attends nearly all of her appointments with me. She loves us and her grandchildren well and we are all blessed by that. For my sister who I can laugh and cry with. With her I have someone to remember the past - the good and the bad and the funny, too ;). She also keeps giving me babies to love on without having to be pregnant! :) For my loving Daddy who would have just turned 70. For the 18 years he was in my life here on earth he loved me unconditionally and taught me to follow God. I miss him every day and give great thanks that I will see him again.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-88139405171829506362012-11-02T02:00:00.000-05:002012-11-02T11:09:19.860-05:00Morgan's Journey<br />
Morgan has a carepage that I'm using to document her journey: www.carepages.com/carepages/MorganClaire Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-66401565157754086232012-11-01T23:59:00.000-05:002012-11-02T15:14:45.864-05:00Thankful - Thursday November 1I'm thankful for the family I have created. For my husband who loves me unconditionally and far better than I deserve. For my growing-way-too-quickly, strong and sweet son Will who made me a mommy. For my cancer butt-kicking warrior Morgan. She is the strongest person I know. To wake up with them each day is a gift.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-36365974804098937642012-11-01T23:00:00.000-05:002012-11-02T09:10:08.196-05:00A long timeI can't believe my last post was almost a year ago. I've continued reading blogs, doing a lot of journaling on my own and doing a lot of other things in the last year. As I look back at the last few years it feels like something HUGE and LIFE-CHANGING has happened each year. 2007 was precious Morgan, 2008 was my divorce, 2009 was learning a new reality and learning to love again, 2010 was the year I married my incredible husband, 2011 was marked by the loss of my beloved Auntie Les. That brings me to 2012 which will be marked in my memory as the year was that my sweet daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. Morgan has ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). It is the most common form of cancer in children and praise God, the most treatable. It's been a wild ride since her diagnosis on March 29. 7 months of fear, tears, joy, blessings and pain all rolled into one. She's ok. I have faith that she WILL be ok. She has approximately 2 more years of treatment in front of her but she will beat this and it will be part of the story of who she is. It has been a journey this year to truly hand over my daughter to the God who created her. Who loves her more than I do. It's showing me that I'm really not in control of anything - something my head has told me for years but my heart ignores whenever possible. <br />
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We've had lots of other things going on as well. We took a quick vacation a few weeks before Morgan's diagnosis, Will played baseball in the midst of our crazy spring and tackle football this fall, Eric had weight loss surgery and has lost over 90 lbs (and looks INCREDIBLE), I switched jobs and Morgan started Kindergarten. Add all of those to weekly clinic appointments and frequent blood draws and we're running around a lot around here. I've frequently seen a list of "Things that cause stress" on the internet or in magazine and let me tell you we've checked the box on far too many in the last few years (both good & bad). <br />
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In the midst of all of that I've lost sight of so much. So much of myself, so much of my beautiful family, so much good in the world, so much beauty. I've been bogged down in the details of the craziness that has taken over. God hasn't let me go, I've let myself go - let myself fall victim to fear, sadness, and anger. I've gained weight. I've eaten horribly. I've had trouble sleeping or slept far too much. I've been selfish in so many ways. I've forgotten to be thankful, to be grateful for all that I've been given. So many things. So I'm trying to get back to me. To being grateful. To being humble. To being content. To loving my family and my life the way the deserve.<br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-72294675686787209672011-12-30T16:17:00.001-06:002011-12-30T16:17:25.372-06:00ClubhouseThe kids in their clubhouse today.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ8Sj_orYLiuxhwp_G7mMl-LKqwTCAq_SmoaENe9HmqMSqHbucTno0IzLWnQVokDAT3L6Epxa2ukgh1tpS8qDAbe7K4kCbLiZvBLbR6ZVyVd-1SJ1uxum2u0f9X4etl6ZmGw79QLnY9g/s640/blogger-image--555253626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ8Sj_orYLiuxhwp_G7mMl-LKqwTCAq_SmoaENe9HmqMSqHbucTno0IzLWnQVokDAT3L6Epxa2ukgh1tpS8qDAbe7K4kCbLiZvBLbR6ZVyVd-1SJ1uxum2u0f9X4etl6ZmGw79QLnY9g/s640/blogger-image--555253626.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-76405415981730909312011-10-24T09:39:00.001-05:002011-10-24T09:39:25.359-05:00Craft for Will&apos;s ClassAmerica Reads Day was Friday. I made this simple craft for the kids to enjoy while they were reading. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONsELx7Z3L9FK1KI8cqqKo4ScPK3a8Jy9_r8SZFNXww4xOD06-g7JYwzREhnU9QWLs-trITNqAiGjxHuDwdZnSpyYqrwBX5kfI1Mhk_vCrgJnUqrn2rb3nca0SWlukjbEpXyrtssSyT4/s640/blogger-image-808138856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONsELx7Z3L9FK1KI8cqqKo4ScPK3a8Jy9_r8SZFNXww4xOD06-g7JYwzREhnU9QWLs-trITNqAiGjxHuDwdZnSpyYqrwBX5kfI1Mhk_vCrgJnUqrn2rb3nca0SWlukjbEpXyrtssSyT4/s640/blogger-image-808138856.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-89008350891550826522011-10-20T12:32:00.001-05:002011-10-20T12:32:05.884-05:00iPhone pictures<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HeD4F75XLUDRUQnYVUPjUhJz45vjfGxaDo_ITe8bf8Z6oPcXaBHGltXULJRmwkPD_Q7Ss6ncc4ayDO-Q1Mae5-bWTHs88wwk6yWZJtjubnRJ4K8p6o14ztaOebXMeHx8MmDmefS6xZk/s640/blogger-image--132028508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HeD4F75XLUDRUQnYVUPjUhJz45vjfGxaDo_ITe8bf8Z6oPcXaBHGltXULJRmwkPD_Q7Ss6ncc4ayDO-Q1Mae5-bWTHs88wwk6yWZJtjubnRJ4K8p6o14ztaOebXMeHx8MmDmefS6xZk/s640/blogger-image--132028508.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAlLuBQMVyUzX41_r9cmepwZrvUdKtSAwoetgmJYtAIvRy3AQ6fOCO1aJKtSy3N34tlD7tBsnXUf5QbWZDNn9-fPtkkKaGDJ5b3DLBYm4wjPZ2E2ftyRgL70qtmz5n0qD0ekIFDy7SwQ/s640/blogger-image-2076780664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAlLuBQMVyUzX41_r9cmepwZrvUdKtSAwoetgmJYtAIvRy3AQ6fOCO1aJKtSy3N34tlD7tBsnXUf5QbWZDNn9-fPtkkKaGDJ5b3DLBYm4wjPZ2E2ftyRgL70qtmz5n0qD0ekIFDy7SwQ/s640/blogger-image-2076780664.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnvoGGBzjRKxKqZkDXBoKR53i7jZ3h2Ss0FTMKas5cNxA-v5eID5Pk9-ujHrkCiIbiSH4ONDdyFIQsrMCu1NPRg3y4eenn-0GHDm4JaUpAAL_I5dWtqks_yWTrXPxO3agZAacWz71OyE/s640/blogger-image-1164323398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnvoGGBzjRKxKqZkDXBoKR53i7jZ3h2Ss0FTMKas5cNxA-v5eID5Pk9-ujHrkCiIbiSH4ONDdyFIQsrMCu1NPRg3y4eenn-0GHDm4JaUpAAL_I5dWtqks_yWTrXPxO3agZAacWz71OyE/s640/blogger-image-1164323398.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHo58iqUwxpX79GMtB_dSIS87AK4-BRMWHk5Zd0CwdO0wWLJxqcdiKsBwHp59lyGX4sUX7sMQ5mPQae0_NUyPXsDkUFBATpuG2YRSzVNKb0SIssYTW7meiINrNaNb_tH3Ohuavbwd_rQ/s640/blogger-image-1707071170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHo58iqUwxpX79GMtB_dSIS87AK4-BRMWHk5Zd0CwdO0wWLJxqcdiKsBwHp59lyGX4sUX7sMQ5mPQae0_NUyPXsDkUFBATpuG2YRSzVNKb0SIssYTW7meiINrNaNb_tH3Ohuavbwd_rQ/s640/blogger-image-1707071170.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLG3kk2yXt76F8Q17R26Bi4EDkUAy9DoWYVIVkg1pHT7ybnukM3zC5YVPUWKWTztE83VrB1mL7AT8UKM66sLXIVwl5T92V_vKvOqqXNb255kATIsHts4FMaPZdqES6p3_xwScmgDDgwhA/s640/blogger-image--907074237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLG3kk2yXt76F8Q17R26Bi4EDkUAy9DoWYVIVkg1pHT7ybnukM3zC5YVPUWKWTztE83VrB1mL7AT8UKM66sLXIVwl5T92V_vKvOqqXNb255kATIsHts4FMaPZdqES6p3_xwScmgDDgwhA/s640/blogger-image--907074237.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL80NiQdgOEqqf7Jzb5wk2bbC0t3qFWorK_mH1iHJaB2gr0XGMiw5jQxrnqQRoLjY9KXZraZIeyy-Ae-VhZVqgwRlmtD4NNBxwbLGdSjIhphv19oszhqu-nWaOOfgijK8wXLrp7_3eGQY/s640/blogger-image-1100508512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL80NiQdgOEqqf7Jzb5wk2bbC0t3qFWorK_mH1iHJaB2gr0XGMiw5jQxrnqQRoLjY9KXZraZIeyy-Ae-VhZVqgwRlmtD4NNBxwbLGdSjIhphv19oszhqu-nWaOOfgijK8wXLrp7_3eGQY/s640/blogger-image-1100508512.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIpegBceXCp8a9_JI0-wa-d4sVszhWQ2c8Q9KhgIPOaKUXn8QpeQ966QcCqFSkAuZtkywgfai95P2qRqmX4ZckWObKCsarxtza1o5_8mE_p1yxOPHpnD6rynVnwkFAIf0VwgTq6e_TVo/s640/blogger-image--998275885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIpegBceXCp8a9_JI0-wa-d4sVszhWQ2c8Q9KhgIPOaKUXn8QpeQ966QcCqFSkAuZtkywgfai95P2qRqmX4ZckWObKCsarxtza1o5_8mE_p1yxOPHpnD6rynVnwkFAIf0VwgTq6e_TVo/s640/blogger-image--998275885.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-73525823393280194542011-10-20T11:23:00.001-05:002011-10-20T11:23:48.991-05:00Alive and trying this outMy darling husband mentioned I've been neglecting this little blog. Well we are all alive and doing well. I'm trying out posting from my phone....maybe I'll be better about posting this way? :)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-6541183024647061872011-07-15T11:56:00.005-05:002011-07-15T12:27:24.920-05:00Pictures!All of these pictures are taken with my phone so forgive the quality!!<br />Front of the new house:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629782861884770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqG588DE7tagENIAAbUkcQHUl46bhsn5UqwxDfz-kZM6iopmKxtzRJG56vIDJY9RlpjygMm218egi_gGml8JTh7Rg2Hm-5ujZEkI0SK6OCPLqAmpUqVjEJu1gYdGQve_19IK_7r2yz5s/s320/outside.jpg" />Eric's new pride and joy: 5 ft x 5 ft tiled shower with a rainhead showerhead<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkChDYShLBaCY72oFNnndZqI7XaBiIPNDvUn0YozpnvNeYddmYCWEaSE6jwnuQ2ZXNEIjusw7U8GE0gniScCj3PQdl6s1Ie-TyYQCAdpFa8_qEJsrBmFkJnrVoNS7FAWI6RTa6CGnYV4/s1600/showerhead.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629788462784258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkChDYShLBaCY72oFNnndZqI7XaBiIPNDvUn0YozpnvNeYddmYCWEaSE6jwnuQ2ZXNEIjusw7U8GE0gniScCj3PQdl6s1Ie-TyYQCAdpFa8_qEJsrBmFkJnrVoNS7FAWI6RTa6CGnYV4/s320/showerhead.jpg" /></a> Custom lockers for all of our stuff in the "drop zone" - organization HERE I COME!!! :)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629390846931618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUi4ldejdo9H6TOuBKc2-DmvB_YXowGue3zR5Vv0Xh6Rr3YIRNPctZuS6TaLadavVC8DfhfGIWW58_JJn-mdrxK2TN8YsueS_ehhDt8ZDWR5oMTMLZHbfECRoBM5ZXqg1wN1uYbkD9mL8/s320/lockers.jpg" />The mostly done kitchen. The large cabinet on the right side of the picture was ordered in the wrong size so they just got that fixed yesterday. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629384157665410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuFv9XwFEtPyuwHHNWXT6lwM51JQ9rHit-UlTcfw6G_02qfOjjljfVom2O8Agp4lxDmZWidK28QUIWaljdRm9-VuA05g6foeBz_vTjD0sNqj3Kt38IWM1buF3kFyTHLrORG7BAtBeE3Q/s320/kitchen.jpg" />Will had a busy summer playing baseball, going to Drake basketball camp, Kernels baseball camp and ECC daycamp. He's really not as grumpy as the pictures make it seem ;) Gotta get that boy smiling for the camera!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>The sno-cones at the Farmer's Market were bigger than their heads!<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqq4yl8Yr3kmAzNhoQyi4VBUFUEtsa_Ksj-F2hBkYl3qM5I9c7jQLNC2MNsd_WLD-Vmo7reWwPMQz_MBtVIYMyS24mkKUAqHZXwAo0WOwiMIcs2HzcNeGokkB4hB_62Q0ysNBWs_zoJKE/s1600/willmarket.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629771008720274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqq4yl8Yr3kmAzNhoQyi4VBUFUEtsa_Ksj-F2hBkYl3qM5I9c7jQLNC2MNsd_WLD-Vmo7reWwPMQz_MBtVIYMyS24mkKUAqHZXwAo0WOwiMIcs2HzcNeGokkB4hB_62Q0ysNBWs_zoJKE/s320/willmarket.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHcBusASDVNuWFQ9ewMAvc2RJAl_1y6a3BZ3JmoJSnn_gzO_gfUfvYKQdZZanIzhoIjAvmu8pyOh37Um4p3bPf6XWynfB7sIRm2eFmTc7ak_9ezzYy4MaqCs8-5bMNfAshPeKv7ey6K4/s1600/willkernels1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629580174599026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHcBusASDVNuWFQ9ewMAvc2RJAl_1y6a3BZ3JmoJSnn_gzO_gfUfvYKQdZZanIzhoIjAvmu8pyOh37Um4p3bPf6XWynfB7sIRm2eFmTc7ak_9ezzYy4MaqCs8-5bMNfAshPeKv7ey6K4/s320/willkernels1.jpg" /></a> Love Instagram! :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2LaGlI1fZ01RS7BMccEsoYMMIeJbEzSlixMHYdKaWoi95jI5r63F6t0zHYL41oc9bjG-754O5qlIUN8ZuTC7vzE-UT7_ORFtohNG8QVXcSEDsljdw4ehHLkrn5We5lOcAf-QSBDKQO8/s1600/willgame.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629570643150754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2LaGlI1fZ01RS7BMccEsoYMMIeJbEzSlixMHYdKaWoi95jI5r63F6t0zHYL41oc9bjG-754O5qlIUN8ZuTC7vzE-UT7_ORFtohNG8QVXcSEDsljdw4ehHLkrn5We5lOcAf-QSBDKQO8/s320/willgame.jpg" /></a> Morgan's summer has included swimming lessons and lots of time sitting with us at Will's baseball games. She's been lucky to stay home with Grandma for lots of them...but she's sat through quite a few as a REALLY good sport too!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45IIfc9wtnVMrP0_gDIMH4DlZQCKKTcHCXB2p1pbC1JRZyMCp74Frz052nbpRvz-SnFJ6YyWkZYQxVfYIp-wYYiH2nY_3Lc5vt9hVpaa9hlWCERD7JczN-96ck2i9aPw6Zg_PXUV-PoA/s1600/morganswim1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629563222149890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45IIfc9wtnVMrP0_gDIMH4DlZQCKKTcHCXB2p1pbC1JRZyMCp74Frz052nbpRvz-SnFJ6YyWkZYQxVfYIp-wYYiH2nY_3Lc5vt9hVpaa9hlWCERD7JczN-96ck2i9aPw6Zg_PXUV-PoA/s320/morganswim1.jpg" /></a>Her sno cone was YUMMY!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFW4YKblsWjxLbJ8liANpORbIQGOkhFqKmxE3M1Sti4EJgrxbwNPG4V_LZ_p-cJo-8jEpInvGj17R64MY_RTKqxgHXhloHJ1A7Wk4TLZk6l7fGTAvJqmxQ-6S_IVho83nD6a82KNSzHVk/s1600/morganmarket.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629552854933170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFW4YKblsWjxLbJ8liANpORbIQGOkhFqKmxE3M1Sti4EJgrxbwNPG4V_LZ_p-cJo-8jEpInvGj17R64MY_RTKqxgHXhloHJ1A7Wk4TLZk6l7fGTAvJqmxQ-6S_IVho83nD6a82KNSzHVk/s320/morganmarket.jpg" /></a>Cheering on Will and sporting the black & orange!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnyYv6Cqw4Y2EZG1doScb0tBQ9rvc_PuEbWP3fLct0_IviuRNHk4eP-82GBjobLQbphb1eEWX-nie7liFQIEor4kiekArgi87havreDxFc93QVx-aB3K7cKgMkfN6d6J5-lPx0-S8MN8/s1600/morgangame.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629417770231138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnyYv6Cqw4Y2EZG1doScb0tBQ9rvc_PuEbWP3fLct0_IviuRNHk4eP-82GBjobLQbphb1eEWX-nie7liFQIEor4kiekArgi87havreDxFc93QVx-aB3K7cKgMkfN6d6J5-lPx0-S8MN8/s320/morgangame.jpg" /></a>We've also spent a good amount of time at the library this summer - she never wants to leave!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMPMl6u9hAntH21_mzQirHqqK69D1BQiWkoUAgl0n14OXlkjfLolHxq9T4pwueFMzmUZZ4I9PpNufbBQlQhP1GO9n9Rk0SSz9L2LyxSXwVSh_5PpGc0NdovvnWPOOqoNUqDMSgG2qvMU/s1600/morganlibrary.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629410284989618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMPMl6u9hAntH21_mzQirHqqK69D1BQiWkoUAgl0n14OXlkjfLolHxq9T4pwueFMzmUZZ4I9PpNufbBQlQhP1GO9n9Rk0SSz9L2LyxSXwVSh_5PpGc0NdovvnWPOOqoNUqDMSgG2qvMU/s320/morganlibrary.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-17499548769989731372011-06-24T20:31:00.006-05:002011-07-15T11:56:54.320-05:00And May and June went flying by....My incredible grandparents with the great grandkids (11 of them!!)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629622932427413810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPiHx1bPTQImfrvZVhpXPI561_w_2_4malnE4QWS05g4QwE4IyQNahwniZKGKGPSDfEzraFSo-QWRGxIYEKHK-pz8VUeHvSnc5RbBHAv-RzdBce4K8XUzzaiKGNVFQ7aEV_JYKh5gFF4/s320/greatgrands.jpg" />The whole family (minus one incredibly missed and loved woman)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629622928291136962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA2nfJhYfcx1alNDtPjPURnM1nY-sR1eR5fZLrZGOiWOVUPYcRr_87zy_3WhlbebcVd6418eTnw1cIk3sLNW8X8EU5VDpLht7achiS9dQXGWvIytYiJ2K4k7lQMM8rqfBs5nDSto1Ei0/s320/fam.jpg" />Yeah, it's June 24th and I haven't posted in nearly 2 months. Eric has laughed at the "framing" pictures several times since the house is now completely done on the outside and the inside is moving right along as well. The cabinets, flooring, tile, trim, etc are all done and I think the painting started today. Our builder told us today that we can expect a July 29th closing date! It's been amazing to watch the progress each time we are there.<br /><br />We celebrated my Granddaddy's 90th birthday in early May. Our entire family gathered in Des Moines to celebrate this wonderful man. It was bittersweet though to celebrate him while Auntie Les was gone. It was a great family weekend, but different and didn't feel complete. I kept expecting her to walk in the door. We shared many memories and stories and enjoyed our time together. It's always too short. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629622923948129858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdtLtMlwCzocSMmrSRbQtmostnKrdONSXvgdwaJRymZusZrm6yVpQ4KlhsZMpC8kq3sXmcMWOIP9zg6T9SzP_6YXxDhokNgLQGO8daOUu_0xsDPZJVyOviDBMIRJrP7yyIDXbIRhdJTQ/s320/gdadgmom.jpg" />My mama, sister, and me<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629622939459345586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRF4Ma-iqvVsi7s57uSX2jyVfVHNQwScjKWC2RPqZ6DeUBYnKboDRSioEnFC-cfIpIb3fPJ0a5t2uiU5r8mdZBJ1jdIjgFJb94goAIz-gcyDaN9h_UX1xPovAZ8dQiHcTzp6U8C2Ntqo/s320/momlaurame.jpg" />Will had his last day of 2nd grade on June 3rd. He had a great year and we are very proud of his grades. He's excited about his teacher for next year also. He's in summer school/day camp now and is enjoying that. Next week is Drake Basketball camp in DM with his cousins (and best friends!) Max & Charlie! We're looking forward to spoiling Morgan since she'll be an only child for a few days next week.<br /><br />It seems like the rest of the time is take up with football & baseball for Will and swimming lessons for Morgan. Will had a ton of fun playing flag football again this year and has had the new experience of playing club baseball. It's a fairly competitive environment (kid pitch) and has really been a learning experience. It's a bigger commitment than we were expecting but I think Will has enjoyed it. They are at State this weekend and have one more tournament in mid-July.<br /><br />Morgan was a superstar at her first "without parent" swim lessons. She's growing more brave each time she gets in the water and we are SO proud of her. We hope to do more lessons this fall to increase her comfort and skill in the water.<br /><br />As usual, Eric and I have been busy at work. I recently talked to my boss about other opportunities that might be available as soon as this fiscal year (Sept 30) is over. She was very receptive so hopefully I can move onto a new challenge in the same organization soon. It's been a stressful June - but it usually is, so at least it's not a surprise. I'm grateful for my endlessly supportive husband who picks up my slack...what a blessing he is!! He's been busy as well with a new project that he's enjoying - and getting his hands on hardware and testing so he loves that!<br /><br />That's it for now...pictures later!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-22759170188705252022011-05-01T17:38:00.004-05:002011-05-01T21:56:17.456-05:00Framing!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601881548134990242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSx0RNAPkYdrjYMSJ1jHuG4rM9jBSG7TyR-QKkZPrki7JQ9OwPVY3Kp1J8Rd2FLuyPFnmeu0pIs5Vc7z1daSPwHu-X36_keyjaQwxctl6VfauzjJZMMT2ojD6_8X_7XUuQDrh5fghLlk/s320/April_2754.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKJoWHwH3bdE7KUB4SYxIiQnhpQtCi4fGF1JCQWDBmp3kQK4tkIuPh2wt6PPNv4VrutH11w2DYCJfWrY_w3XHFeY9V4M6tz0enamQmgvww6rSCPEYtihvOE1Qhaha_PBfzp-DjlcbF6w/s1600/April_2748.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601881554539274258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKJoWHwH3bdE7KUB4SYxIiQnhpQtCi4fGF1JCQWDBmp3kQK4tkIuPh2wt6PPNv4VrutH11w2DYCJfWrY_w3XHFeY9V4M6tz0enamQmgvww6rSCPEYtihvOE1Qhaha_PBfzp-DjlcbF6w/s320/April_2748.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgqzjO1p8eENs66fOxYvCF1XLOifvx0NHx2SkIRQBP0xl4FrX4ZtVBOamGqPdZjCzexqIYWP3L7uauMHItw8Qnct56fKNX-WPKmGBeOKpps-jeHM4-zeAeVpIiQhdsQgOhFVGa7-dN2c/s1600/April_2751.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601881543017512866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgqzjO1p8eENs66fOxYvCF1XLOifvx0NHx2SkIRQBP0xl4FrX4ZtVBOamGqPdZjCzexqIYWP3L7uauMHItw8Qnct56fKNX-WPKmGBeOKpps-jeHM4-zeAeVpIiQhdsQgOhFVGa7-dN2c/s320/April_2751.JPG" /></a> We've made most of our decisions regarding flooring, cabinetry, siding colors, etc, etc... I can't believe how many choices there are! </div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-86227537829561701622011-04-30T13:25:00.007-05:002011-05-01T21:55:26.560-05:00She's 4!<div><div>Miss Morgan is 4! She had lots of fun and several parties...one with Nana, Aunt Laura, Uncle Buck & her cousins. One at school that MIGHT have involved skittles. And a fun night out with Mom, Eric & Will at Chuck E. Cheese's.</div><br /><div>Riding the 'roller coaster'<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601879367557384354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_z61cqD2igfOGy0bh9T7bnq0MKQ34bbOYU7gkBKkhi2ZbrItms1CFmg_K1xAsmKtI7xS3D2kPeDVMEz3mt0LY1s8JKmffToxOkt6tqoNaB8ZKkMWLQBw3yub8xLQDrmIAwGrZEBJN9E/s320/April_2724.JPG" />And the horse<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601879367119507202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikt_qUKE5SEc12v_-IViCC0L8N7zUfhoWaxN4xqFkY8xHl4f3V1vIfSUnIVtPee8LrTJ4Amg0Vk7OWc1s-1uA3h_5rvaXJN6vyZdRxqHYrQJB_ftyLOHPGCtKWEdIgONo2LShosT_eomg/s320/April_2720.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601879749232342226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtcN1VvSOag8Vfb209t0PexHwmIT0vIWURpSSLFxfW5a2vDtmNwSBo5dPAIwHLJkV4O5JDuyKXNOEINyQv8Pk2ri7V2gGxmGM1jGJaXZaGkj5vsfm6DZO67hMlirvOskVLeK0P6srkxQ/s320/April_2736.JPG" />Hello Kitty cake & cupcakes<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601879747815138434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdU_ncl_emKgOTi96hfkIVcZ9amMWEST1Q_0N8fPUcq9TObObDs_lznA5npQQ7LN28flLemmSjd2Dr7Fpg-y3XoNiaV1u_gdUMmme9JMMkwKQ7mJ8dUNxLXOy6UDF3jc-Ca0I_4-vQek/s320/April_2731.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601879361283900402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWYGt4iq3OVGkSskEzkA1kjxlqlftTTI1kAl_RTZ04jM3PJA7IUYuLc3x9PMKnB_7PWpVzo7ZgJDp143vKMljOkPlcHhF7-QUI5a9UGBWQOklyqSuUAwGOPC8CaGiIVch_k8-ZhAHYjw/s320/April_2714.JPG" />Her magic wand<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601878601813285074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lba5c4p7gutbi4gTIba9TceqUKXxUm0H81EqGn9tVhyBLWV3L0KqqwtrAa5n7RaWLphGlcFEEucNMBb_4J14biAjhVfdY-69gqgTPIVqmNleJPDOVCMHMCzGqX9mrZ51aKHaPV1atpY/s320/April_2682.JPG" />Dora coloring book<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601878606451563602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAp_O751Z1M94RVfNVxZo4i3Ta1MGouw1wShUa41kRRDn4GaSd3Qro0j8QGQI7F_pem5_zrsiD1tVwauvvX9i2VbmJq_FEmkjc74QodSSaY3qPb3jsm8wLmtpuuc-u8aAUb8hR5IYj69o/s320/April_2690.JPG" />And a BEAUTIFUL pink purse from Grandma & Grandpa along with the polka dot flip flops she loves.Mommy can't quite believe how grown up my baby girl looks in this picture!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601879356497910162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Dy4Yxl7bP38YdDdhZmD2tgtGSYls1UqHw4HFRukLG9x91zaWvbN-VEifPvSaHCIiTq-scxzwIMpW0PU_cNRvnL0s9OzjnitTDYs7eNNOmuf3xjy8LXYIspsEUe0T7_ErTcLZ3WGd4gY/s320/April_2709.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601878597821193298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMleH5FB_uyJDUp-4x3EydoSGEO3QxUqMyuBiKqIkEasG_ZbB4VbiaK5AmeCu_e6OIht157jSEo9Ohzs8sXGUynJQL1cDTgdqmeGCjfA37yBwVAIftPtv8CIMBi5-B9wCcfU1ywbesN8/s320/April_2677.JPG" /></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-65098163733635668162011-04-26T22:11:00.005-05:002011-05-01T21:56:28.510-05:00Easter<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601875764910555330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqB8dBNGV4gUohDmhA0eDYVqhJ8ypIy-hUbpaDv_er9qwtl9VKakgsS8cwU1Gb7W2AG8nccz9y84Cs84elywA45RAWbqHn94xgpdgkfJC2igCE7AeZe5EArN_XQyrZ-eGv08MBeNF4Qa8/s320/April_2616.JPG" /> We had a fun weekend in Des Moines over Easter spending time with my family. Mom had an Easter party and egg hunt for the kids and we all enjoyed an uplifting worship service, yummy food and a quick birthday party for Miss M on Sunday.<br /><br />My handsome hubby :)<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601875490017850546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSqaaYPpAwLvrnHCnw7LxMxt_wQoact9XiHlRD_F1HUf_AcHJLeJ6e2JIUWLd-Qj5BllsKms8lwkEOILY6mfeRF_i9SAxSImZrTq0NRitKOAWOP_TDAkhdUmZKUh8GNdJu-O4W57zHjY/s320/April_2598.JPG" />Cheese, everyone....<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601875488497586834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi0Lc83Ru3g8JBuiARBz69uJn0cLxoVp1yjlcq_xuc7ziuXQQIQ2rf2XQc-oird1CMN79fHiYY1Mq6beGNaUd2omoupMiMK1q4mT842lq0iTvM27eBahwnt5GQR-PKVX68CTjRyc6sGg/s320/April_2590.JPG" />There were lots of quarters to be had:<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601875482363184706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvGxz1YmLpTHUf46abwqn-om7UEZfUtvHcUp03wSJ9abZF771xFeWpxXRalUNbzbPH9k_XvJ20_EvRRif7Tkjc7V6oBdbPNK1-_c0yhF0RLzLV0gwT86NN593_ejyHgSbQE3zPvzXJmQ/s320/April_2589.JPG" /> Twins vs. Cubs....<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601874673020822626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7bPfwenkRrnSQ8EcaLngk0FLtheLIrD7zmEUfGvi0cw_9cXO6mpV2kFZtXUy_VT6jADomkFbEWEf_1HGbsBQFt52WbDLee0QumWc4u0oLXIEyCBZMEhQXQw1_PFam7EIx9KdZJhPquw/s320/April_2584.JPG" />Nana and her 'oldest' grandson...(never mind that he's the oldest by *1* week, he'll remind you that he's the OLDEST!)<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601874668533818242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQjMa7pdnLG6CBZ8J6icPpozIZixqi-Y62rEAUEXK1QLzYN5Oa2gsnxd5T7Nmp28mfOqIH6aE65h8KeC4_bIXjEQ3bTKKKYsoh0f1qCoUmFDTShO1fjfWn70QxNatIjyIxvQz3CzB8RM/s320/April_2580.JPG" /> More egg hunting fun<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601876813188492018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc6eH-Zi7-Z-LFZ4p2QcsQcheAbhkmPhL5jPZX4t8jdAc7QEJr2o4ZTa3Dilsr84zHVuuzMVMZ1TOf87fA5bDEpHCRgTPiU-iEYJDI4xFzdVa2vOTffHh6NMEp-FXdK2XfdWm_TpzSLg/s320/April_2572.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-70292718619264435272011-04-24T23:03:00.002-05:002011-05-01T21:57:31.797-05:00Crazy Weather and Cute Pics<div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601872994714069122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61cNySswuxHDWPsPgA2mYmMoux5O5pogFAgIboYTEZX6M6PpxL7wKUGTwt22flR-Usr2znMVNzd6LwyzeMHed1OKMSZHulCk1ot0BJqzc67U_3Y-CwdsoSWs8oAJ1-ZfwFeiH0XuKtpU/s320/April_2552.JPG" /> <br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601872550750481682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RZW00p0OEFBrtuAIEYGP75qiLb9ZTwSeeCjnRmmB-y4rmCAiQSS3iaL303Uku36qQAWMFk2TjqNTOfawUlLKSPQMp8pjtpSbbCBc2HcTqL3LjmwG1KmpIFcb8Pa5eT77Yi1K0UGdTNY/s320/April_2556.JPG" />We had the craziest hail storm on Good Friday. The kids were facinated and have some stored away in the fridge!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601872546948769106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCMy6ZKsoNfiDP8fQOVCL5oeUwBYpWo4EO2HePCouYRRqUXKywFfvZiveBiNr-eaKkC7vhme6GIuUEpwyjgW4Skml2jfCD6rk67kLGsPctQ1U26o-kkZlPFKhbcpo1IVc-dXVjcT7nb8/s320/April_2558.JPG" />I also wanted to post some pictures of Morgan's family night at school. She loved showing us what she does on a daily basis as well as her classroom!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601873005021503522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXu4whOo8kijSkJ-_bOHvLLWU39LWGuMVsOg8eQ-EIfXbcyXBtrWaLQyfRsRHGoL9aPSnlABHXXUftAXyaG0Wt2D30Rxeiq-X2xTrplMotSz3KjnOF2dsFnn0CZ6JDjnAyivajJqq7dc/s320/April_2536.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601873002740985858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pvlkLHjnBF7d_ShLa6ObVs6m9GLkxXQKidX8dlMq6taiYgAkAAWldQ_p8EqbGY0bQlX5l6xxETi3s8RSO8fDrRRHbioVg4E74SWG5XGNQfgMbE21_6t3UC3c98fjChhL04HOJNDb2G8/s320/April_2541.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601872560245311634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqA1t9ElD7p-hm291Flmv1YK4jEZy4rLtNa0rtJjQj7ZgKixnoMmOM-7bJd4LRS_glh8cilttcWUuOIVlWDruZUGp3WZYTJVtveqrMsObI1dtkb0i381SouGcd5f-CfVQHPt2SJUIk56o/s320/April_2535.JPG" /></div></div></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-31868465507673677522011-04-16T17:00:00.006-05:002011-05-01T21:57:05.009-05:00We have walls!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcuZzxP0kVyaEAjrv2j5qvKpQqibsYGFNPFzSlvEdWcWDE26xM0p1iLVBawvam-w9WYWOkwxQ_1duir16lHsLvfwAhVqVfoZBMPTwGHyedcInhnn931CKlKX2BS9SEv5SZZGdGKd_zP4/s1600/April_2566.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601871496296245842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcuZzxP0kVyaEAjrv2j5qvKpQqibsYGFNPFzSlvEdWcWDE26xM0p1iLVBawvam-w9WYWOkwxQ_1duir16lHsLvfwAhVqVfoZBMPTwGHyedcInhnn931CKlKX2BS9SEv5SZZGdGKd_zP4/s320/April_2566.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYJ8VMjGVuLKdLdahd0MqX-yE27_RPlG4LGaaAVorCMLw3h30_kqgzGEFmB73D133HmJRPEgOpX4MEWATOInDCR2I3AeDU6G0QNJDMgrk_v4qeigZuben4f7J1yFUew0TPLxLppzRzNQ/s1600/April_2565.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601871492349729314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYJ8VMjGVuLKdLdahd0MqX-yE27_RPlG4LGaaAVorCMLw3h30_kqgzGEFmB73D133HmJRPEgOpX4MEWATOInDCR2I3AeDU6G0QNJDMgrk_v4qeigZuben4f7J1yFUew0TPLxLppzRzNQ/s320/April_2565.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-76652044045687923692011-04-06T19:50:00.007-05:002011-04-06T19:53:07.508-05:00DIGGING!<div><br /><div>We drove out to our lot today and couldn't believe it!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592635633810788898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrBx6WJc5YClDLa1FY8eSwyFoTesxn0zl1pz8JXRHNckm-p969QzG7kFf1soRR20pRGsO3GhPs5n9XDq-hX1zPPldXtGmeHokxCd6scRSFrkxAcQ6xjWnpINVIDKorY4mjlLsc9K-QYA/s320/April_2525.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592635645492567810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjkpmHP4gRzuXiJ7lQ57hzVCXS-8_A6jvqYWen0_dJbKrqKmEx0oQdagHlXpHhE6EW6YKmunLDsVhXIax1kPYZncua2BONven8Y97kPutPSvkVqSHaG8lRi7EscLneE0KrRmqV1KMzW0/s320/April_2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592635638729080658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdz9k7h_8qEl47OhQcpq7t9jDHZuJcqOcoWXbXHhhgTQGD_krg7LqW9TZYL_b_tITluklxmo08SB11Bzzg5lTZ5p9QfO81p7q3xAkUm27PSm8kToZafGix-2a19Nh9Dl1B3YZz2YnGEo/s320/April_2528.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592637807323693554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicF6cqCL5sRWlarO-JC33cz8WmBGVBIxEGgHcPjwujKYdCBMg87iM6Oc0TGWWSn-suLLkvc4JBIGAC3MT4bsvSQbNgdNq_66Ji56q7oSPVL2ih8PUr0FLir4IpnwEhRnh2528niXmzg44/s320/April_2533A.jpg" /></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-47396462499863231022011-04-04T20:22:00.005-05:002011-04-06T19:38:00.632-05:00A Blur<div>The last 4 weeks have been a blur. Obviously the first week and a half after the accident was consumed with the funeral and family time. But once we came home, it was trying to get back to "normal". I'm still not quite sure what normal is for us. Eric and I were talking last week about how most of the time we've been married, we've been living in John & Karen's home! Crazy for a 36 and 39 year old huh? On that front, we've had good news. The buyers of our home closed on March 25th and we are officially mortgage free. We had a lot of loose ends to tie up before the closing but we got everything done and closing went off without a hitch. On Wednesday March 30, we signed the contract to build our new home. We're so excited to see things come together over the next few months. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our lot!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592631832661747042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1EBn-pwsKudxDlGaXExjED3B2gcrEZ5wWjpS0fItRIPDrHv4-T6fu3l525_njUbVwBozecWq23u2B9x-AANRuPLaVfQiOkmtsB8pBS8AHs2Y3QqHseqoCy83yjxYDhTTnYE1Q4CRufc/s320/March2.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592631824490934162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5JgYy5Vsuo_0tE2lMK1SKSC7SQtIkLU22lsdO7r-e51do6AdIHtaW4yOaWZ_lil_q1k8rKdGl84lilOGSM86OdVYN_Z5X7k_ofN_NFyAEYp5jna55IqTrVTGDAo01Ne_4r1BqbnocuY/s320/March1.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We're also diving right into spring sports with Will. He's playing both football and baseball and my goodness...for an 8 year old he has quite the schedule! Football practice Tues/Thurs and games on Saturdays. Baseball practice Monday/Friday/Saturday - although those will switch to games soon. He's loving both and he's improving at both sports with all the practice. Whenever we're home he wants to be out throwing the football around and is already intent on improving my spiral! :)</div><br /><div>Miss Morgan's doing a lot of tagging along and watching at this point. Thankfully, most of Will's practices are at Prairie so she's able to do the tour of all the school playgrounds! She loves swinging and testing her limits on the climbing walls. She loved having an "Erie & Morgan Day" last week. Eric took the day off and they spent the day having breakfast at IHOP, grocery shopping, met Mommy for lunch at the McDonald's play place and then went home to make cupcakes. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592633596735408050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwnk7woMfobAFgkeO2Q-dEL7nN1rtwIe0g3rlBJm5TBPH8vyHvxixiCp3xUcJtQnv5AvSzyXE2lTeDXZUsqfPfYZogQJCsz5Dv2DoNSin9G1Z2xTsEaKJ61bT-CTA2e5pm39m7P9Z_pQ/s320/cupcakes.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592633604302978642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8vdwCL9MT07AtkoiuBPZBNUIncdLUF_WNTY-mvONEyoMPvTL926MlPNw2TmFbgRb3ITKQNowbUCu_Rw3oqChKncZ6FS4xnRvubJCJdCgFluHBazkLbgBeMzQRN2060jm3756Xx3ulL0/s320/frosting.jpg" /> <br /><div>E & I have been glad to be more regular again about going to church. It felt like for awhile someone was always sick or we were out of town. We're grateful to have a more normal schedule ahead of us for a bit. We're both busy at work and trying to make time for each other as well. Sometimes it's easier said than done...but SO worth it. I can't believe we've been married 11 months! Time flies when you're having fun, right love?</div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618090615589549124.post-80010553624586620542011-03-15T15:55:00.001-05:002011-04-04T14:15:59.558-05:00No WordsHow do I even begin to describe this past week and a half? I want to write it all down so I don't forget the details. The moments of peace and grace in the midst of horrifiying sadness and grief. My uncle and cousins decided to have the visitation and funeral in Des Moines, where my grandparents, mom and aunt (as well as my sister and I) grew up. On Thursday evening my two cousins, my sister and I were SO privileged to spend sacred time with my aunt. We were able to hold her hands, pray and cry with her and begin to say goodbye. We spent hours looking through photographs in an attempt to capture who she was. If you knew my aunt you'd know that any piece of paper or photo doesn't do her justice. But we did our best. We had 4 photo boards showing the areas of her life that she loved so very much. Friday night was very possibly the most emotional night of my life. Our entire family (Grandmommy, Granddaddy, Mom, my Uncle John, Kelsey, Shannon, Laura, and myself as well as Shannon & Kelsey's kids) gathered to see my aunt for one last time before closing the casket for the visitation. We sang our Traveling song for a safe journey. My mom covered her dear sister with a blanket to keep her warm. Her mother gave her a kiss. I truly can't describe the feeling in that room. As the top of the casket was lowered my granddaddy whispered "Goodbye sweet lady". The tears flowed freely and didn't stop. We just kind of clung to each other. And then we had friends and family to gather around us. We were so blessed by so many people who came to the visitation. The two hours flew by. Saturday was a celebration of her life. We gathered in the church I grew up in, the one she & John were married in, the one we celebrated my dad's life in. We listened to her dear friend Pam and her son-in-law David remember her life and legacy. We read scriptures and we sang. It was a wonderful service. In all these rememberances though, the thing that is sticking with me is that she's still gone. I'm so touched by all the people who love my family, who loved my aunt. But in spite of all of those things, we still lost someone so precious to us that it's hard to bear. I know God is here. I know that God is working in the midst of this incredible tragedy but it's not easy right now. My cousins had to go home. My uncle had to go home. I had to go home. My grandparents are heading back to their home sometime this week. We drew so much strength from being together as a family and we're feeling awfully far flung at the moment. It's going to be a long road. My oldest cousin Shannon said it best yesterday: "It's so strange; as good as all the kindness and generousity and hugs coming my way are, the only person I really want to hold me and talk to me isn't here." Please pray for us as we begin to see what the future looks like without Auntie Les.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00572127912853639246noreply@blogger.com0