Saturday, April 28, 2007

Pre-K Funny

Reminder found at the bottom of the William's Weekly Classroom notes:

"Please keep caterpillars and other bugs at home. They have been the source of many conflicts this week and it would be helpful if they were no longer brought to class."

(William did not bring any caterpillars or bugs to class this week. Guess what they were studying this week? The metamorphasis of butterflies and frogs.)

Monday, April 23, 2007

live like you were dying

Yesterday we attended the funeral of a 41 year old man. A fellow Auburn graduate and spouse to one of my sweetest sorority sisters. A man with five children and a loving home. Intelligent, Honest, and Kind were words used to describe him. The world was a better place because of him.

Diagnosed in April of 2002 with a brain tumor he had almost made that magical five year milestone when the cancer returned in February. Laura C. and Roger spent two months up in Boston having the surgery and beginning the recovery then moved him back to Emory hospital here for further rehabilitation. It was a scenario they had faced before and they knew what was ahead. In the end the cancer had a mind of its own and simply overtook Roger's body quickly. Within a matter of two weeks the prognosis had changed dramatically and Roger was home with his family for the last time.

Amazingly my friend was able to participate in the memorial by reading some words she had prepared. Some of those words were also Roger's words he left behind. They were so elegantly written by someone who knew the true meaning of living. He had no regrets along the path and considered the cancer diagnosis a hidden blessing. It caused him to stop and take stock of his life and realign his priorities. Instead of thinking about the negative things cancer did to him he considered it a "most effective tool" to get his life in order.

I am still amazed by how life can change in a heartbeat. I've had it happen in my own life and I'm quite sure that Roger had no idea what was ahead of him as he celebrated Christmas this year. If you will, I'd appreciate a prayer for my friend Laura C. and her family. Please pray for her strength and ability to parent these children in the days ahead. I'm quite sure she would appreciate it.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

and before spring break

Our schedule before spring break was c-r-a-z-y! That's why I was so happy to break away from reality and escape for a week. We are in the midst of baseball season and I do love how William responds to the schedule of practices and games. It's a lot of work, but he loves the sport already. It's neat to see a kid enjoy a sport. Jordan's now beginning to really enjoy her volleyball team.



Jordan's schedule also included chorus and drama practices prior to the break. First we had the "year end" chorus production at a local church. Then a few days later we had a big drama production at a local arts center. This was the first play in which Jordan had to audition (hard core audition because there weren't enough spots) and then study in order to play the role well. She won the part of a makeup artist in the play. (The play was about how life is backstage behind the scenes.) She loved every stinkin' minute of the work, the practices, and the deadlines. Here's her photo after the play with her stage makeup:

I was so proud of her. Better yet, she was so proud of herself. I've always known she would enjoy drama, but it seems we are now getting to the point where the opportunities to participate will become available.

Did I mention starting my new contract position? I started working with a software company the day after Easter and I've very pleased. I am doing the screen interface design for several software programs in addition to some branding of new products. I'm working with a nice group of people and have some flexibiity with the work at home situation. Grace started school that same day also and has adapted very well. She's not shy (who is in my family?) and comes home talking about everything in the afternoons. I believe my baby is a full blown little girl now. Lots of changes for us, but all good.

Monday, April 16, 2007

cool things about our spring break

Headstands on the beach:


Bike rides with Dad:


Dinosaur sand sculptures and forts:




Getting along with a sibling:


Seeing a minor league baseball game in Savannah (after we ate at the oyster house owned by Paula Deen's brother, "Uncle Bubba"):


Coming home to a neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt which required winter coats - fastest hunt in the history of the neighborhood!


Celebrating Easter Sunday before we returned to normal life: