A Holiday, a funeral, a “vacation”, and home on the horizon!

 

My Little Boys!

It doesn’t even seem possible, but a little over a week ago, I was sitting at our kitchen table discussing the events of the Fourth of July. Roger and I were planning out the activities for the day, when my mom called. My Papaw had passed away and the family was preparing for the funeral, which was to be held in North Carolina. Roger and I had to make the decision about whether or not we were going to try to attend. I didn’t feel up to the task of driving 17 hours at 34 weeks pregnant with four small children, so after praying about it, we decided to see about a plane ticket for Roger. He would get a round trip ticket from Charlotte, NC. To Milwaukee, WI.  Since Roger can’t miss any work right now, we needed a ticket that would allow him to drive me and the kids down to N.C. and then he could fly back for work. The following Saturday, 7/13, to drive us all back home again. I was a little skeptical that we would be able to find a ticket in our price range with only a two day window, but God provided!



Jet Skiing!

We went about our plans for the Fourth, attending the parade, picnicking at a friend’s house, and then moving on to a cookout with fireworks! What a day! My parents were planning to leave on Thursday afternoon, and they called to ask if some of the boys wanted to leave with them. Wyatt and Garett decided to go with Nana and Papa, and the other two boys would come with us.

Fishing

Friday, 7/5 was a circus day with running around to complete errands, clean out the truck, gather snacks, finish laundry, and try to get ready to leave by the time Roger finished up with work …a huge task! We did manage to pull out of our driveway headed to North Carolina at 5:30pm. Roger and I were already tired, but we knew we needed to get some of the many hours out of the way. We made it until 12:00am. before stopping for the night outside of Indianapolis. We were up and on the road again at 6:30am., so the night was short! We did make good time to North Carolina and pulled into the driveway of the funeral home, about 10 minutes before the wake was to start. I’m thankful that God allowed us to make it there safely and in good time.



Slip n slide!

 We visited with family for a bit, and then headed to the lake house. This was the home of my Papaw, so I had some memories from years past at the lake. We stayed up late talking, and then Roger and I had to get up early to take him to the airport on Sunday. My parents brought the boys to church with them, so at least I didn’t have to get them up early to come along to the airport. I and the boys, along with my parents attended my sister’s church and then needed to leave immediately after to get to the funeral on time.  I had been having contractions on and off all morning and by the time we arrived at the funeral, I was starting to get a little nervous! I had been having on and off contractions for about four hours, and was starting to think about what I was going to do if this was for real! I knew that I was probably over stressed, dehydrated, and hungry! J Thankfully, we survived the funeral, the graveside service, and then got to eat the luncheon! J After lunch, I did start to feel much better and the contractions stopped…praise the Lord! We went to my Aunt Lisa’s house and spent the afternoon swimming and relaxing.

Fishing

The boys have completely enjoyed their visit here to the South, and other than missing Daddy, they have no complaints! J They’ve been jet-skiing, boating, water tubing, fishing, swimming, and lots of fun in the sun! J This mama, on the other hand, is looking forward to going home! J I love my husband and praise God for him! I’m thankful that my parents were there for a good part of the week and willing to help out, along with my sisters; but, it’s hard being a single parent (and 34 weeks pregnant!).  I’m still the one who has to put them to bed, get up with them at night, discipline, and correct, and try to have endless amounts of patience…so yes, I’m ready to go home! J

Papa fishing with the boys

My Papaw was extremely helpful in allowing me to complete my college degree, he loved the great- grand kids, and I’m thankful that God placed him in my life. He had been in poor health for the last several years, so it wasn’t a huge surprise that he passed away; but, I treasure the memories I have with him. I’m thankful for the opportunities that I and others had to present him with the plan of salvation. I rejoice in the fact that God allowed him to live for so many long years and for his love for his family and his service to our country. While I will miss him, I’m glad that he is not in pain any longer. My heart’s desire is to see him again in Heaven.

Garett's fish