My Best Friend

Can I just say how crazy I am about my hubby? He has been soooo overwhelmed by work, figuring out all the specifics and weighing the pros and cons of building vs. buying a home and all the other "activities" life throws at us. Today we had a family "crisis" so I called him in the middle of his hectic day at work to cry on his shoulder. He asked if we needed him to come home and I told him no. Nevertheless, only a few minutes later I heard his key turning in the lock and there he stood, arms wide, to "check on his girls" and make sure we were ok. What a blessing he has been in my life. He is always right by my side, ready to lend an ear, a shoulder or whatever else might be needed at the time. I just cannot imagine life without him. I love you, sweetie pie!

All She Wants to Do is Dance

As a Ya-Ya, some of the greatest joys in life are seeing your grand babies grow and change. We were in love with Skylar from the second we laid eyes on her. It's so hard to believe she's changed so much these past 2 years. She's 3 now and certainly has her own cute little personality, mixed with a pinch of attitude. OK, maybe more than a pinch. But it just makes her so much more her own person and we absolutely LOVE her just the way she is. It's been discovered she loves to dance, although still a little shy at times. She fits right in with her Auntie Alysa, dancing, singing (she also loves Hanna Montana) and dressing up. These pics are a prime example of what I'm talking about. Is she cute or what?! Love you Skylar!!

New Perry News

Just thought I'd let everyone know the latest on Perry. He calls fairly often (not often enough, of course, for my preference) to let us hear his voice and take another sigh of relief for one more day. You may have heard about the Ambush in Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago (while we were on vacation). Well, Perry was the lucky guy to receive that call and submit it. It was a bit of excitement for him, and sadness, of course. But they are all forging onward and he's doing well and looking forward to coming home, hopefully, late October/early November. He sounds wonderful.....he likes to reminisce about the more carefree times of his life and mentally taste the foods he misses so much. I've sent him 4 care packages so far, jammed packed with comfort foods and other fun things, and he's receive several others boxes from friends and family. He is so thankful for every single one of them and all the prayers and inquiries over his welfare. I'd say he's developed a healthy appreciation for the good ol' US of A and how wonderfully blessed we are here. He continues to amaze us with the giant leaps of growth and maturity he's made. It's obvious to us that the Lord has his hand in Perry's life and we love what's happening.
P.S. These pictures still take my breath away - to think my baby is doing such grown up things!

Cal-i-forn-ia, Here She Comes!!!!

To everyone who knows my mom, she received her mission call yesterday! She'll be going to the San Diego, California mission. She is set to leave July 28, headed for the MTC in Utah. She's been preparing for some time for this and is so excited. California is one place none of us even thought about. This is her second mission. Her first being 12-13 years ago to Cape Town, South Africa. This is a work she truly loves. I think, given her choice, she'd serve a mission continually for the rest of her life. She's a beautiful person with a great love for her Lord and Savior. Congratulations, mom. We love you!

Happy 4th!!!

Although I am most grateful for this special day of the year (even more so now that I have a son in the military), our 4th this year started out waaaaay yucky. My sweet little honey, Alysa, woke up promptly at 7 a.m. complaining of having a stomach ache. We played it off because she'd been complaining for a couple of days because she'd "stretched" a little too much while dancing with some friends, making the muscles along her sides sore. That was most definitely NOT the case today (boy, did we feel like heels!)! Let me just say the situation went downhill rapidly. She was sick as she could be the entire day.....no breaks. Finally, I got wise and "introduced" some medicine for just such a problem and she quickly fell asleep and slept peacefully the rest of the night. We tried to rouse her to watch the fireworks, but she just wasn't in the mood. However, she was regretting that decision the following day. Speaking of the fireworks........Richmond does the 2nd largest pyrotechnic show in the state, just across the street from where we live, over Lake Reba. We were going to watch from a blanket beside the lake, but under the circumstances, we watched from our back patio instead. We are located up on a hill and had a perfect view. It was beautiful and truly tugged at our patriotic heart strings. We'd invited friends over and grilled burgers and dogs and even had angel food cake with strawberries and blueberries and whipped cream (creating a yummy red, white and blue dessert)! We even heard from both boys, Wes and Perry (via internet). Just to hear Perry's voice from so far away and know he's doing well eases my heart and mind tremendously. I have always been a crybaby when I hear the National Anthem. But I boo-hoo'd through every comment and song during church on Sunday. My heart is so full of gratitude to live in this wonderful, free, blessed country and for all those who made and continue to make it possible to have all that we have. I love my family more than words....each one of them....and feel so tremendously blessed to be able to share my life with them. And I'm so grateful for all the wonderful friends I've made throughout my life. I thank the good Lord for them all every night. May God continue to bless America!

James Family Vacation

Here we all are.....on the beach of TopSail, NC. We were all together at our yearly vacation for an entire week! It was wonderful to have no responsibilities, time restraints or set schedules. Just total freedom to come and go as we pleased, snack throughout the day, laugh and play and visit. Isn't that what families should be about (besides, of course, the seriousness of "teaching/learning" from one another)? I am a true believer in the fact that vacations and family time really do bring us all closer together. It is soooo important in our own homes, as well as with our extended families. Keeping our children closer to their cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents is very important to me. If they can't be together on a regular basis, special times, like vacations, become hugely important - at least in my mind. I am so thankful for Marks' parents, who have made it a priority to have as many as their children/grandchildren as possible together every year to reinforce the bond already created. Their message on the importance of family togetherness has obviously been received. We all have a terrific time and look forward to the coming years' trip.

Keepin' Up With the Girls

OK, Lynetta, I've read all about your workouts and how so many of you gals meet at SPAR, admiring you and your perseverance all the while. My gal pals here have all started meeting at the YMCA...at 8:30 am!!! We do "Triple Threat" class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and we will be doing Palates on Tuesday and Thursday......until week after next, when we will do Group Circuit for the following 4 weeks (which I've been told is a real KILLER). I've done pretty good at keeping up, but I HAVE made my share of modifications. BIG DEAL!!! At least I'm moving! And we all get an A for effort!! Right?