Trunk or Treat

Sunday night our church had their annual Trunk or Treat! It is so much fun and a safe way to trick or treat. One area of the parking lot is marked off and the cars are decorated with different themes. We started out at the pumpkin patch sponsored by the youth. The last few years we have been going to the "Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch", but just didn't make it this year. So, James and Annamarye each picked out a pumpkin to carve ( or for Daddy to carve).

Next, on to get candy!Here's Annamarye and a few friends ready for some treats! Annamarye was Fancy Nancy, although we forgot her jewelry and sunglasses!

Here's James and Sid helping out at the puppet car. They both go to the puppets class on Sunday nights before choir. James liked passing out candy.

After getting way too much candy, we went to the field and the kids jumped on the inflatables. A few free hotdogs and chips later and then we called it a night and headed home!

Where did the week go?

Where did the days go this week? The kids had the Boosterthon Fun Run at school on Monday.
For those of you that are wondering what that is - it is where the kids get sponsors to pledge money per lap they run or just give a flat donation. It is sooo much fun! (Except getting the sponsors, which our kids are only allowed to ask a few relatives. I hate when they coached kids to ask for money. I'll just leave it at that.) Anyway, it really is a blast, and the kids absolutely love it. The company that does it marks off the fields and they have a huge tunnel type inflatable for the kids to run through. There is a stereo system set up playing music etc.. I don't know how much money they made, but James and Annamarye had a blast!

Also this was Parenting Week at school. Tuesday was 2nd grade and Thursday was 3rd grade. Parents visit the classrooms and stay for lunch. Annamarye's class showed us lots of math games they are playing and James' class put on a few Reader's Theatre plays for us. Here's a picture of Annamarye and me. My friend Jeanne took one of James and me with her camera I'll get and post later. Johnny didn't make it for Parenting Days because he took a day off last week and went with James' class on a field trip. I'll post pictures from that soon.

Children and Funerals

Children are funny! I love the things that come of my kids' mouths! Until my Father passed away, my children had never been to a funeral, visitation or a funeral home. Needless to say it was all very interesting to them. Johnny and I talked with them after my Father passed about the days ahead and what to expect. I knew they would keep me going and while I felt it was important they see the grieving process, I wanted to have some control over my emotions. They provided some much needed comic relief.

We had a closed casket, but had it open for the family to view. James wanted to know if they sawed off Granddaddy's legs to get him in the casket. James also kept referring to the visitation as "Granddaddy's reunion". Which is ironic, because as we all get busy in our daily lives, how often do funerals end up being "reunions". I know growing up there were cousins on my Dad's side I never saw except at funerals.

Finally, while driving to the graveside, James and Annamarye were commenting on all of the headstones as if it were a parade. They described each one, made fun of some and picked out which kind they wanted. While it was a difficult day, it was great to have the kids there to lighten the mood. I was worried how it would effect them and as usual my worries were for nothing. I truly believe they have taken this experience and it has made them stronger.

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3.

We went by the day after the service and the kids had to have their picture made! Actually, they wanted to run around and have their picture made at the ones they liked but I wouldn't let them.

We're still here!

Hello everyone! Thanks for hanging in there! This update has been in the works for a while now. Actually, I have started and stopped several times over the past few months, never able to finish. It is hard to believe it has been almost 4 months since my Dad passed away. Thanks so much for all of the prayers and support! There are so many of you that have reached out to me, my sister and my kids and you will never how much it means to me! We were all very close and so the transition has been difficult. I talked with my Dad on the phone at least 4 times a day and we saw him a couple of times a week. Either stopping by or at one of James' games etc. Those of you that have been there know exactly what I'm talking about. I remember after my Mother passed away how devastating it was when I was cooking something and went to grab the phone to call her about a recipe and realized she wasn't there anymore. It has been the same this time around too. It is the little things you do everyday that you take for granted!

It has been rough. Especially this fall. My Dad loved the fall with the leaves changing and the cooler weather and of course Alabama Football! That was his all time favorite! It has been tough making the trips to the games without him, but I know he is watching from above and cheering on the Tide!

I wanted to share a couple of pictures with you. My Dad was in the Air Force, so they sent a couple of servicemen to the service. They folded the flag and played Taps. We chose James to receive it since he is the only grandson. Sorry the second picture is a little blurry. We bought a keepsake case for it and had a plaque made.

I had to include one fun picture! Here's the kids on the first day of school! I can't believe they are in 2nd and 3rd grade!!