On Our Own?

Mom and Dad have been in Jamaica for over one week. It may sound strange to some but this has been the longest amount of time, since being on my own, that I have not been able to contact my parents for immediate guidance, assistance, or conversation. Yes, as some are thinking, I am getting along just fine. Since they left their has been a death, a birthday and a "holiday" weekend.

The death was bitter sweet and my sympathies go out to my brother in-law and his family.

The birthday was celebrated in fashion. My grandmother turned 86! At her request we went to lunch at IHOP, yummmmmmmm! Audrey decided that grandma needed extra attention. While using the potty with her dad, she informed our bust boy that it was grandma's birthday. He made it his mission to have her sang to. We had seen other birthday wishes yesterday and two or three staff members would sing, but Grandma got the whole crew (well at least 10) and ice cream! Audrey's face was quite funny as she "supervised" the ordeal. Not necessarily playing and singing along but watching everything as if she planned it to happen (I guess she did in a way).

Last night we had a few hamburgers and smores with my sister, brother in-law and brother. We played outside and euchre inside after the mosquitos had ate us up. The highlight of the evening was when we all decided to get in the pool! Please remember we just filled our pool on Friday! The only smart one was Braylon, who refused to be in the water! We only lasted about 15 minutes but it was fun having our first splash of the summer!

The weekend has been great and I have enjoyed it but I cannot help to wonder what will it be like when places are reversed. When my family is in Jamaica and Mom is here, reporting to me all the news and events from the states. When I hear about mulching and garage sales at Aaron's parents and know that Audrey is missing out on cousin/papaw time. When my family is having a summer splash and we are not with them. While talking with mom and dad on skpe this past week, I have enjoyed showing them the kids and telling them their latest adventures, funny sayings and abilities (Braylon learned to clap) but the entire time I know they will be home soon. I see in my mom and dad's eyes that they long to hold the bouncing boy on the computer screen and give my giggling Audrey a hug....how will I feel when in Jamaica as I see those longing eyes knowing it will be another month, maybe two or three before we can actually touch again.

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting

I am tired of waiting, sick of not knowing, impatient with being patient, ready for consistency and answers.

The weather cannot be stable for more than two days

Aaron's schedule has been changing daily for two weeks and continues changing (thank you weather, grrr!)

We do not know any plans for Jamaica (are we going? we think we are going, When will leave?)

 I KNOW that God has a plan and everything will happen as He designs.  

Right now I need an attitude adjustment and a better outlook!

Congratulations!

Today is a BIG day! My baby sister graduated from college :) It took 5 years of hard work, sweat (yes a PE class does require sweat), tears, laughter, determination, many gallons of gas, money and lots sleepless nights but it is over, she is a graduate with a Baccalaureate degree! I am so proud of her! What will she do next? She is capable to do anything she puts her mind to. As she worries over where the future leads, I want to remind her of Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Great Job Carla!
I am excited to see where the next part of the road in your journey leads you!

Take a moment please

Please pray for the family in this article. I do not know them personally but my heart aches for them. It appears the boys were on there way to a pre-county meal in preparation for the county track meet today. How quickly our lives can change. With the close knit community of Union students and parents, I am sure there are several people effected by this tragedy.

It's BACK!

Well, my knee injury that began here, is back. It actually never went away but only hurt when running over three miles. With that thought in mind I should not be surprised that it is slightly swollen and very sore because I completed the Indianapolis 500 Mini Marathon yesterday (this was my first half marathon)! My goal was 10 minute miles (my training was poor, well I cannot really say there was any training) so when I completed with 11.5 minute miles I was satisfied. I only walked a total of 1.5 miles out of 13.1 so I was happy with myself. I must admit about mile 10, I was really wondering why I did not train just a little, teeny, tiny bit! Overall the experience was great. I ran with my brother and Aaron. Aaron is not a runner by any stretch of the imagination. In fact if Aaron is not running with or after a ball he considers running to be pointless. He ran the mini for me and I am very PROUD of him for completing it! He did a great job at pacing himself and staying motivated. I think if you ask him he is proud of himself too and may actually consider running a mini again :)

I hope to run another mini in the fall or next spring but with some training and a goal under 10 minute miles. This time I will enjoy the fact that I completed the race and my brother and husband were there with me!

Craft Ideas

Audrey loves to do crafts. For mother's day she paints clay pots, for father's day she paints landscape pavers, at Christmas she used old Christmas cards to make a collage. We use glitter, stickers, glue, construction paper, stamps, markers, and so on for weekly craft projects. Sometimes I allow Audrey to use finger paint on a big sheet of paper and incorporate her toes and hands in the painting. Her current favorite is taking a pine cone, painting it with melted peanut butter, placing it in container full of bird seed, shaking the container until the pine cone is coated with bird seed, then tie a string to the cone and putting it in a tree for the birds. The birds must love Audrey right now b/c they have plenty of pine cone treats :)

I think crafts are a good way for Audrey to express her creativity and a great opportunity for me to teach so this is where I am asking for your help......
I am running low on creative craft ideas......any suggestions?