Thanksgiving and other random thoughts

Well, we survived Thanksgiving, sans William, but were blessed beyond measure. It was a rough beginning to the week, William flew out Sunday morning to Texas. His Granny passed away last Saturday and he flew down for the funeral and spent Thanksgiving with his parents, brother, sister in law, and niece(the nephews were unable to make it) He enjoyed himself, for which I am very grateful. While we we realllly missed him here in KC, we were also very happy he had the chance to be with his family this Thanksgiving.

I, personally, had a rough and emotional week. Many thigns contributed to this but am now on an even keel and rolling along nicely. lol While the kids were home alone, man do I *ever* appreciate that William is home normally, and I was working things were very interesting around our home. The kids argued(nothing new) and I called to check and be sure there was no bloodshed. I was home in the evenings and listened to more arguing and tattling(do they *ever* outgrow this????!!!!!) We ate whatever we could find for dinners, layed around and then repeated the same thing the next day.

Wednesday evening Emerald made SIX pies for Thanksgiving at my mom's house. I thought six pies was excessive, being as there were only gonna be 12 people there but mom/grandma asked for six pies. Well, surprise!!!!! There were 18 of us there......my sister and her family drove up from Texas to spend Thanksgiving in KC!!!! We were all surprised and very excited, we had not seen them since last December. So we spent Thursday at mom's with family and she and her family spent yesterday with her hubby's family. My parents are divorced and mom has been married to David for 19 year, he has three children from his first marriage too. For the the first time in......FOREVER, all five adult children were present and accounted for. We also had all eleven grandkids together. I got some photos, still in my camera, and will post soon.

Yesterday, the kids and I surprised William and picked him up from the airport!!! When he left things were up in the air as to who would pick him up. I simply told him to look for a familiar face. The look on his face was priceless when he saw not one but five familiar faces yesterday afternoon. He said "Ya'll aren't supposed to be here" lol I told the kids we may as well leave then. William was having none of that and happily followed us to the van and came home.

Emerald has begun watching my two year old nephew every other weekend, or so, and we dropped her off. Sounds stupid, but I truly miss her. lol I know, I know, she is 17 and not my *baby* but I miss having her home. She is maturing and spreading her wings, for which I am grateful, but man it is hard on the mama when they grow up. LOL

OK, enough rambling from KC. Off to clean house, please don't be jealous, and enjoy what sounds to be a FANTASTIC late November day here in KC.

Just rambling

Well, we are actively looking for colleges for Emerald. She has been scouring the internet for information. She is most interested in Christian colleges, as she is wanting to study music and youth ministry. She is receiving stuff in the mail several days a week. Sometimes I am NOT ready for her to go, other times I am searching for colleges in a foriegn country. lol Anyone know of good or bad experiences at colleges. This is all new territory for us.

We had Nathaniel evaluated for Asperger's. He has been diagnosed and we are trying to seek out resources but are not having much success. Anyone know of resources out there?? We are hitting a brick wall in our search. He keeps asking what exactly Asperger's is and we are having a hard time explaining it to him, even at 13. *sigh*

Emerald and Nathaniel are headed to youth convention in the Branson area this weekend. They are stoked and ready to go. Lots of loud music, services and food; what else could teenagers ask for right?? Please pray for the safety of our youth and the sanity of our youth minister and the sponsors. I pray for safe travel and a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on each and every teen attending.

OK, off to put Rebekkah to bed since she is now sniffing my feet. She is one weird cookie. Emerald says she gets that trait from her. SISTERS!!!!!

November 5, 1992......

We were blessed beyond measure by this beautiful daughter we call Emerald Renee!!! We were very anxious to meet this wonderful child and had not a clue that you could fall in love with someone from the very second you laid eyes on them. Emerald showed us that it is very possible!! She stole our hearts from the very time she was born, 8:20PM, on that very special Thursday in 1992. She continues to amaze and bless us daily, even seventeen years later. She is our jewel that can never become dull or dingy over time. She continues to let her light shine every day. Her love of God and life continues to amaze me today and every day!! Emerald, I am so blessed and I thank God everyday for the wonderful young lady he gave me. Love, Mom A few years back, playing at the park!!!

August this year, Crown Center, with ther new hair style. We had just had lunch and she was preparing to run in the fountains.

Part of her "Sweet Sixteen" phot shoot. Just a mom and her baby girl playing around. :-D

Emerald at three months old, I just LOVE this picture of her!!!

Emerald Renee, November 7th, 1992, just two days old. We continue to be blessed every day of our lives by this amazing jewel from God!!!