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| 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!
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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| 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.
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| Garett's fish |
