Just had to post... Shannon has died. (if you can't recall who Shannon is, see my post a few down from this one, entitled, "And so it continues".
They unplugged her life support earlier in the day on Saturday and she died soon after. My Mama called me and said the same thing I was thinking- even though you expected it, you aren't prepared. You know, we felt the same way with my Daddy's death even, and goodness! He had been sick for so long. With Shannon, 26 year old Shannon, it was all such a shock- the accident, the surgeries, the losing her life... shock.

Please pray for Shannon's family. Shannon was dear to us, and her family is aching terribly now.

Just so you know I'm alive...

I didn't want anyone worried that I had fallen off the face of the earth or anything! I'm still here, hanging on, just seem to be so busy that come my normal time on the computer, I'm too beat to worry about it!

Let's see if I can update you a bit....this past Friday morning, Glenn went to see/hear McCain/Palin at a rally. I was jealous, really wanted to go, but for various reasons decided it was best I didn't. Such a good thing I didn't too, since he arrived at 9 and STOOD the entire time until past 12:30. I would have been so paying for that for days.

Friday night, I HAD to attend the local high school football game because Ethan's flag football team was to run on the field during half time. I couldn't miss that! I must add in here that I've always HATED football. Seriously, I couldn't understand it, and just didn't want to learn, period. HOWEVER, Glenn always said if he could just get me to one game I'd be hooked.

Uh.... I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M SAYING THIS!!!!!!..... He was right! I've declared we will be at this Friday's game too! ha haaaaa (it's an away game but not too far away). After all, I feel like we HAVE to redeem ourselves and get the pleasure of rooting for our local team. You see, last week, it was soooo very packed in this football crazy town that there was nary a spot to be found on "our" side, and so... because of there being no possible way I could stand that long, we uh.... sneaked to the opposing team's side and sat down (in the front row none the less!). As we were walking to our spot, someone there said, "you're on the wrong team!" ha You see, Ethan was wearing his flag football uniform shirt which proudly displays our town name, leaving no doubt we weren't fans of this team, rather fans of the home team! ha We sat down and quickly told the kids NOT to cheer because it didn't seem right or respectful to do so when sitting in the midst of the guests. Boy was that hard!

I laughed when a man and woman who found themselves in our same situation came to sit down... she was wearing a hometown team sweatshirt, and covered it up, looked at me and said, "sorry!" I said, "oh, don't worry! We're on the wrong side too!"

During half time, I even ended up talking to the folks behind us! Well, after all, I overheard their conversation and I knew the answers to what they were pondering... couldn't leave them wondering now could I!?

I SOOOOOOOO wanted to jump up and shout with glee when our team won! (and won big!) I didn't, well... at least not until we got out of the bleachers and back into "friendly" territory! ha ha

Yep, I'm hooked alright. Can't believe it, but it's true. Too bad our season is so incredibly short (due to weather).

Saturday, if we were keeping score, Ethan's team won again! He is so happy in football. He and Seth play daily in the house! (practicing their moves- so cute!).

Sunday, we had a nice day of worship.

Today (Monday)- we took Ethan to his practice and he spent much of the time looking back to see if we were watching him! He really loves knowing we are there and proud to be playing!

Looks like another busy week! That's becoming the norm here!

Tomorrow night I will be the parent helper for Cala's Brownies meeting, Wednesday is church, Thursday is our after school club and then church visitation that night. Friday- well, see above post! We are heading to a game!!!!! (and early so we can be on the right side!)

Go team!

Five Years Ago

Five years ago (on September 17th), I miscarried. I can't believe it's been five years already since I lost "Faith".

To read about it, visit http://www.angelfire.com/blues2/evanfaith Click on Memorial to Faith (down at the bottom) and you can read all about that dreadful day.

So many losses lately... today (Wednesday) I thought about my Daddy now being in heaven with my children there. How precious is that?! They've met their Grandpa!

And so it continues....

My heart just continues to ache, not knowing how much more I can stand!!!! This morning, my Mama told me about Brother Burgner, a Pastor who was a long time friend of our family. He died this morning. He had alzheimers but had done really well until recently. He was one of my Daddy's dearest friends and his wife and kids (all older than me!) are like family to us- it was long "the Barkers and the Burgners". This just brings our own grief right back to us- knowing how this family is feeling right now. :o/

Then, within 3 hours or so, my Mama called to tell me about 26 year old Shannon (and Mama of two boys). This is breaking our hearts so badly! Right after midnight, Shannon was driving (alone) and somehow had a car accident... she was pinned under her car until sometime around 9 a.m this morning!!! She was life flighted to the hospital and has a 50/50 chance to make it through the night. Shannon was in our youth group when we worked there in our "home" church in Florida many years ago.

We've known Shannon since her birth and are just aching for her family. We love them all. They have amputated both Shannon's legs... tomorrow they may have to do even more. (that's if Shannon makes it tonight). They are talking of amputating one arm and then she would also be put on dialysis as it looks like her kidneys are failing.

I go to bed tonight very, very sad. PRAY for Shannon please, and the Burgner family as they grieve for their husband/father- and for my family grieving so terribly right now for my cousin and all this other going on. Sad times. Weird times. So glad to have God.

My Cousin

I am heartbroken tonight and so very sad. Grief had hit me terribly bad today concerning my Daddy- funny how it does that, but then tonight... this evening, my cousin died. She was 36 years old and had battled colon cancer for a couple of years. She leaves behind a husband and a 9 year old son. Please, please pray for them!!! Also, remember to pray for her brother, her sister, and her Mom and Dad. My aunt and uncle need your prayers desperately tonight I am sure. No one expects to out live their child.

Julia and I were close. Growing up, their family would travel from their home in South Carolina to our home (our Mamas are sisters) in Florida for Thanksgiving. Julia and I would spend the time laughing, playing, and as we grew, shopping! We had fun, real fun! As we both married, the trips stopped, but any time we were in South Carolina, we were sure to stay with Julia's Mama and Daddy. Julia and her own family would be sure to stop by as often as possible. She and I would hit all the local consignment shops. What wonderful memories I have of this "cuz" of mine. I am sad tonight. So very sad. My heart is there in South Carolina.

I wonder if Julia and her Uncle Junior (my Daddy) have talked yet. I wonder.

The Past Week in Pictures :o)

On Wednesday, September 3rd, Ethan asked Glenn to take off his training wheels. Glenn did, but was really busy at that moment and told him, "Son, I can't help you right now with riding your bike, but you can go try until I can." We really didn't expect what happened next! Ethan took off as if he had been riding forever!!!!!!!! He taught himself to ride his bike!!!!!!

Thursday, September 4th- Ethan started Kindergarten. On the left, here at home before we took him... On the right, at his locker. The picture on Ethan's locker is of a brown boy and his name is there.

He is waaayyy excited to be in Kindergarten but this past week has been a bit trying to him though as he's tired, poor guy.

On the same day that school started for Cala, on September 2nd, I began Seth in pre-school here at the house. We did a little work last year, but this year he is really into doing school! Here he is hard at work on an art project.

Friday, September 5th- Cala had me paint her face in support of the high school football team. It appears each Friday will be Spirit Day from Cala's school on up, and so, she is to wear school colors if she wants. Of course Cala wants! ha She plans to paint her face every Friday. Now, I've got to say I'm proud of her for one thing... I asked if anyone else painted their face and she said, "No, but I like to be different. What fun is it to be like everyone else?!" I certainly hope she keeps that attitude throughout her life!

Sunday, the 7th- We celebrated our Homecoming at our church. Seth is shown here in our garage where we came back and ate together. We enjoyed that day so much! We had seven visitors which is good! We pray they will return as well as we pray especially for their salvation!

Monday, September 8th- Seth's 3rd Family Day celebrating him being with us for 3 years! (and yes that's a Father's Day bag! ha ha) We gave him a Diego book that had Spanish and English in it. (this way somewhat celebrating his heritage).

On that same Monday night, Ethan had his first flag football practice. I will post pictures tomorrow from his first game.

So, after Monday what did we do?! It seems like we didn't slow down a bit until Thursday when for once nothing was on our schedule!!!!

Tonight Glenn, Cala and Ethan attended the high school game. "We" won! Seth and I enjoyed the couple of hours together. Of course he had plans for Mama. We played and we played and we played. It's tiring work being 3 years old!!!

Catch you tomorrow.......

I will try my best to post tomorrow, I realize I haven't posted now in several days. I have plenty to catch you up on, just haven't posted. For today though, let us not forget the families changed forever, seven years ago today. May God comfort each one of them!

Third Grade

As is our first day of school tradition, Papa (Glenn) made omelets for us all. (this year, it was ham and cheese, and we also had toast).
And here she is at the front door, off to her first day of Third Grade! I can hardly believe it.

She's had two really good days.

She came home yesterday, having already made a new "friend." She was also very happy that she got to eat lunch "like highschoolers-you can eat with whoever you want, Mama!" and so, she sat with almost the entire class from last year! ha They missed each other.

Tomorrow it's Ethan's turn for his first day of Kindergarten. I'll post pictures then!
He's waaaayyyy excited!!!!!!!!

I am having a rough time tonight. We've had a full day and tomorrow is Cala's first day of school. (3rd grade). This is a full week for sure.

Please just pray for me. I have had a panic attack tonight. I just want to call my Daddy.