July 2010

Ok, so here is a somewhat quick synopsis of July happenings. There are only a few major events that I can attribute to this month so here we go. My BFF Keli and I had planned a girls trip. First one since having Miller and her having the twins. Our plan was to hit the beach in Naples. We were to stay with Dad and Anita, have wine and margaritas, and just veg without kids. Spending some time catching up on life.

Brian and I had continued on the house hunt. We found the neighborhood we were set on, and even the house. Now to find someone who would loan us the money. Just so you know, not many banks have had experience with a couple who short saled a home and within one year came into enough money for a significant down payment and who has no current debt. That is where we had some trouble.

One the way home from the house hunting on a Sunday, I received a call from my sister Kelly. She was calling to let me know that Anita's children, Tera and Jeremy, had been in a motorcycle accident. Jeremy was killed on impact and Tera was life-flighted form Olive Hill, KY to Huntington, WV. Kelly was on flight duty trying to help Dad and Anita get out of Naples and to Huntington ASAP. My world crumbled...for Anita. See she has a very special place in my heart and she treats us as her own children. Though I have never met Jeremy or Tera, they are my family, my siblings. My heart was broken as I could not imagine what Anita was going through.

I called Keli and canceled the girls trip. Loaded up the car and drove to Huntington instead. My sisters also drove to WV so we could all be there for Dad and Anita. Oh, by the way, I think I forgot to mention that I had a positive pregnancy test on the Monday following the news. When it rains it pours.

We spent 5 days in WV, attended Jeremy's funeral, and just tried to provide some support and distraction for Anita at the hospital between visiting hours and the drama that so unfortunately surrounded the waiting room at the hospital. The whole trip was a nightmare for all. One positive in the mix though, my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Lee had made the trip from east TN and NC to be there in support of Anita. They were sitting in the waiting room with Dad and Anita when we arrived. I have never been so reminded of the true meaning and importance of family as I was in that moment.

Maybe amidst the tragedy, we will see some new relationships form. I could be happier that my aunt, who has lost both of her sons, will be actively involved with her "new sister" in the grieving and coping process. God love my father, but he isn't exactly made out for things of the heart (by his own choice).

So that is enough for July...

Blogger Fails

Ok, so I obviously stink at this whole blogging thing. I will say, though, that have been some happenings in our world in the last 8 months that have brought it to my attention that I should be taking the time to write it all down. Thoughts, feelings, happenings...etc. So, here goes my third try. It is said third time is a charm, right? Here we go....

Its Only Been a Year!!

That is kind of funny to say. I obviously have not done well with blogging. But, I'm giving it another shot. May also be a little easier now that we have a laptop and I can spend "time" with my hubby while blogging.

Lets see, what has changed? EVERYTHING and nothing at the same time. Miller is 3. So very grown up, right before my very eyes. She is wonderful!!! She is very smart, says her mother and father. She loves puzzles and playing mommy to her dolls. She is testing her limits as I am sure every 3 year old does. I surely knows what it feels like to have my heart walking around outside my body.

We have a lot going on right now, so I will keep posting on our happenings. See you soon!

Settling In

Not so sure where we are headed, but we are finally settling in here in Memphis. We have rented a house. It is perfect for what we need at this moment-simple, unobtrusive, and somewhat secluded. We are working on selling the house in FL-a work in progress, possibly closing at the end of July.

We are constantly reminded of the positive aspects of moving back to Memphis. The support of friends and family are so important and I think that those of us who are so bent on being independent sometimes forget that relying on others is a gift. Those neighbors who let me use their phone because I was locked out of the house, the sweet childhood friends that offered to watch my child with 12 hours of notice b/c the baby sitter's daughter was sick, the sister in law who calls and makes me feel truly needed as a friend when she is going through a rough time.

These are all the reasons God called us back to this place. I am constantly amazed at the plans He has in store for us, but I gladly take them on!

May we all find the beauty and happiness hidden in every day and every moment, for it is there...waiting to be found.

Enough Moving Already!

We have officially landed in Memphis, but no where permanent yet. The move went pretty smoothly with great thanks to my in laws for their help. Miller has had a blast with her Pop and Nini. In the car on the 10 hour ride from Florida to Memphis, Miller looked at my mother in law and said, "Nan yooo my Nini!" to be interpreted as "Thank you my nini!" Pretty cool that she has adapted so well.

We are in the process of moving our things into a rental house in East Memphis. The original plan didn't quite work out due to the crime and safety factors to be considered here in Memphis. The utilities were turned on in the house today. We will probably be able to officially move in this weekend! Hope so-Brian and I are quite anxious to get settled. We are learning to be patient with God and His plans, though.

Brian has quickly fallen back into the steps of his familiar job. He enjoys being outside to work SOOOO very much. He is practically in hog heaven! I started my job in dialysis last week and think I am truly going to enjoy it. I forgot how much I enjoyed working with this population and the challenges the patients present.

Miller has started back to the in home daycare she was in before we left Memphis. She LOVES spending her day with Mrs. Amy, her daughter, Miller's cousin, and my best friend's daughter. Nice crew! All folks we are very close to. Miller has been awesome throughout this entire move. she is such a flexible kid and adjusts well to new situations. We are Blessed!!

Summer is upon us with many things to do now that we are back in the land of friends and family. We already have our first lake trip planned and are planning on hitting ItalianFest with the bro and sis in law Yates this weekend! Looking forward to lots of new memories, though the Florida ones won't be forgotten!

Here's to another new beginning!

Happy Mother's Day 2009

So, this Mother's Day, it is just me a my girl here in Florida. I received a beautiful bouquet of yellow tulips from Miller and her Daddy yesterday! And he really doesn't like to send flowers! Very special! Miller and I set up her Dora tent for her to play in today while I try to get some more packing done, This time next week, my little family will all be in one city again remembering how wonderful life can be when we are just together!

I am very much remembering my mother today as well. She was such a special lady. I realize, the older I get, that she was such an incredible woman. I feel like there was so much about her I didn't know. But, I'll tell you a few things that I do know. She had a beautiful smile. She could light up a room with that smile. She was very serious about a lot of things in life. She loved her children more than herself. She made a few bad choices in life, but regardless of regret, learned to move on. She was an inspiration to me, with strength that will be unsurpassed. She battled cancer with grace that we can all learn from. She loved the Lord and her faith was to be admired.

I like to think that I learned a lot from her while she was here. I pray that I picked up on some of those amazing qualities. I miss you, Mom! Today and every day. I pray that I can be half the woman and mother you were to me! Happy Mother's Day