Friday, June 26, 2009

SUMMER, SUMMER, SUMMERTIME

I am pretty behind with our blog. Wow......let's see....we spent 16 days in Florida with family and friends. It really was a wonderful trip. While there, we spent 4 days in Daytona on the Beach. Now that, was wonderful. Amber has been able to spend some quality time with her Daddy and her two little sisters while in Florida. I know she has enjoyed this. Fred and I got back to Georgia on the 23rd of June. Amber decided to stay back and continue to spend time with her Dad. She is getting pretty homesick now. Mom and Dad are coming to our place for the 4th next weekend and will bring her home then. In the meantime, Fred and I are enjoying some alone time and making our list for all our little "HGTV projects" around the house.

We returned from Florida, only to find out that our stove is malfunctioning and releasing carbon monoxide. So, the debate is on as to fix it or replace it. Again, HGTV has many kitchen ideas, so my best bet is that it will get replaced! I have grown to hate stainless steel. Considering all our appliances are just that, getting a new black/electrical stove sounds really nice. We are painting Amber's room and bathroom FINALLY this weekend, so I'm excited to see how that turns out.

Summer is flying by too quick. I don't think I'm really ready for Amber to be an 8th grader!!!!! She is growing up way too fast. As she blossoms into a teenager, I truly enjoy being a mother. Of course, we all enjoy it when they are babies, but now, as challenging as it is at times, she offers Fred and I so much. She is such a unique individual and such a sweet young lady who has grown to love the Lord! What more could a mother desire for her daughter. I'm confident as we embark on this next chapter in her life as a maturing teenager, she'll hold tight to her faith in God and make all the right decisions.

Going to sign off for now and try to get some work done around the house. Good Evening!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

LIFE IS GOOD

Fred and I finally started running again after a month. I had some trouble with my shins, and now we are back to it. It really does feel good. Amber is having a blast in Florida. Of course, smiling and getting her way on everything. Guess that's mom and dad's role???? Anyhow, she had dinner with her daddy the other night and spent some time with her new little sister. She really seemed to have a good time. Mom and Dad took her to dinner two nights ago and then shopping. We really miss her, but are taking advantage of this time together here.

I think we will be heading to Florida next Monday or Tuesday. I have a workshop in the 26th back here in Georgia so we'll have to return by then and it looks like everyone will be here in Georgia at our house for the 4th of July! Yeah......I love hosting!

I spent some time on Skype with my sister last night talking to her and playing with the kids. That little camera thing is great! If anyone else is on Skype and wanna talk, let me know. I have the best time with that. It really is neat to be able to see the kids. However, I can't seem to figure out how to make the microphone work, so I have to talk on the phone too so they can see AND hear me. If I can't figure it out, I'm just going to buy one. Technology and Jamie don't mix.

Well, I guess I'm going to get off the computer for a while. I really need to do some more little projects around the house before heading out for a few weeks. We are debating whether or not to drive over and check out UGA. It's only a 30 min drive from here and we've never been. It's hard to think in a few years, we'll have to do this for Amber in search of a good college. YIKES......not ready for that one.

Oh....a quick little reminder of God's grace. We have been following a young girl (age 15) from the school Fred taught at last year. She ran track for him when he coached. She was diagnosed with cancer in March and has fought very hard these past few months. She has undergone some intense chemotherapy and has experienced a great amount of weightloss and pain. Well, this past week, she has been somewhat pain free, minimized her pill intake, spent time with friends, attended Basketball camp to help her teammates and is planning on going to a Braves' game tomorrow. Her mother has a site on caringbridge of which we follow her progress through that. This is such evidence of answered prayers. Please keep her, Amanda Riley, in your prayers as the road ahead is a long one for her and her family. However, their faith in God, is carying them gracefully through this journey and his grace is being revealed as I write this. I'm just so happy for her and her family and wanted to share this with you.

Have a great day my friends!