Thankful

Many, many, many thanks to all who sent prayers! My mother gave us a scare after going into the hospital a few days ago. Chest pains can be scary. She was having trouble breathing because of the pain. We all felt so helpless knowing we couldn't do anything but sit there and pray. But sometimes that is all that needs to be done. The Lord is good and mom is going to be fine. Now it is official that she and dad are quitting smoking (actually they have done a great job of cutting back thus far). Now I just need to talk my hubby into quitting and all will be well! Mom is a real trooper. She hardly ever falls ill, but when she does it is all the way! But nothing will hold her down. She is up and at 'em. I am so thankful that she is well. I'm not ready to live without her just yet, and her grandkids surely won't allow that. =) Love you, mom!

Pics and stuff

This is how Ryan gets his vitamins and minerals =)

Horse Play!

Hello! This is Ryan!

Natalie likes to help with the chores.

Natalie discovered a huge spider in the pool.

Spaghetti fun with Uncle D.D.

THRILLER!

Helping Uncle D.D. plow Nana's garden.

Natalie loves to help in the garden

Spring is here! The weather is warm and inviting and perfect for starting the yard work and gardens. Natalie helped Uncle D.D. with my mother's veggie garden. Her favorite part is watering the garden with her little watering can. Ryan just likes to play in and eat the dirt. It's been so nice being able to spend so much time outside. The air is good for the soul and watching everything bloom around you brings peace. All of mother's azalea's are in full bloom and just gorgeous! They start blooming in February around here. We like to tease our northern friends and relatives about the flowers blooming when they still have snow. =)

Things are okay over in our neck o' the woods. Business is slow for Daniel, but not too bad. There are still those out in the world who can still buy new cars and trucks. I'm enjoying being at home in the evenings after so many months of late nights. It's nice to have meals ready for my hubby when he gets home. Natalie and Ryan are doing well. Natalie is so precious! The other day I had asked Natalie to do something for me, to which she replied "No, it's too complicated." I was speechless. Where had she heard that word, and how did she know the meaning? So smart! I know I say it all the time, but that little girl is such a joy to have. She is my tattler as well, always reporting Ryan's whereabouts and mishaps. As for her dancing, she will be in her first recital in June and is currently raising money for it and the programs they will be passing out. Any takers? The ad spaces start at only $10! She really likes to help in the yard. She asked her Papa what she could do and he told her to help pick up all the pine cones. After a while she came prancing into the house saying, "Papa, you are going to be so happy with me!" She is such a sweetheart. Ryan is turning into quite the challenge. He has decided to start his tantrums. He also has started hitting and biting. He is such a boy! Always picking on his sister and getting into things, throwing fits if we tell him 'No', climbing onto all the furniture, undressing himself... he is definitely keeping us on our toes! On happier notes, he is doing well with his signing and can now tell me if he is hungry or thirsty. He isn't "talking" quite yet, but will repeat words. He blows kisses and can sign 'thank you.' He is running everywhere! We had our first big bobo this week when he tripped over his feet, fell on his face, and busted his lip. I heard his teeth hit the floor and I was afraid he had chipped a tooth, but his lip only bled for a minute. Phew! He has started calling his sister "Natty" since he can't quite say "Natalie". It just might turn into a special nickname between them.

Prayer Requests: My brothers are doing well and I'm proud of them, but continue to pray for them and their families. My pregnant employee has decided to keep her baby. Yea! My BFF Megan (the maid of honor in my wedding) is going through hard times. She and her family recently found out that her step-father has cancer. After a consultation this past week with a specialist, it was discovered that the cancer is already too far advanced for treatment. They have estimated that he only has 2 to 4 months to live. This news has been very hard for the family to digest. Please pray for them! I told her not to dwell on the fact that he is dying, but to celebrate his life and make the most of what time he has left.