Ch-ch-ch-changes

Change is in the air. I'm not sure how it will affect us, but I know it's coming. Praying it's not as hard as I think it will be.

Remembering

Memorial Day was established as a holiday to honor soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the field of battle to remind us that freedom is far from free. To these brave men and women who gave their lives for my liberty, I say "THANK YOU!". It seems so inadequate, but I am truly thankful and I have the utmost respect for our military heroes.

For me, Memorial Day is also a time to remember the family members who have passed from this life into the arms of Jesus. My parents, grandparents, Chris' mom and uncle. We miss them and there is an ache that won't go away until we see them again...and we WILL see them again! Praise the Lord!

Happy birthday, Daddy! May 28, 1943 - Jan. 23, 2005

Pretty Cool!

I was contacted via my blogpost regarding Relay for Life by HotelsCombined.com. They support several charities and if you become a fan on Facebook, mention them on Twitter, or blog about them they will make donations in your name to their supported charities. I'm choosing World Vision as my charity and all I have to do is email them to let them know about this post. I think that's pretty cool!

Relay 4 Life

If you're a friend of mine on Facebook you know that I've been raising money for The American Cancer Society's Relay 4 Life. Thanks to my wonderful friends and family, I reached my $200 goal. I haven't participated in a Relay in a long time, but something made me want to this year. I'm not sure why, but it was important.

I signed up with the Little Miami United team and recruited a friend to walk with me on Sat. night. Gracie and I had already decided that she

would go with me and I tried to explain what cancer is and why I feel so strongly about finding a cure. I lost both my parents to cancer and have other family members and numerous friends who've been affected by this horrible disease, so I when I am able to do it, I raise money, walk, or buy "pink" products to do whatever little bit I can.

Gracie was a trooper! Our team captain made out a schedule with each participant walking in 30 minute blocks. Gracie was always paired with someone older so that if she got tired, she could just go sit for a while. My girl not only fulfilled her 2-30 minute obligations, she walked each time Heidi or I walked...for the full 30! She walked appoximately 3 miles all by herself! She never complained about being tired or wanting to go home, until the very end when she wasn't feeling great...I suspect too much junk food. She had a blast and we will definitely do this again together.

This is why I walk. I miss them so much. I think they'd be so proud of their Chinese princess.

Blessings

I'm feeling a little depressed today so I decided that instead of dwelling on what's bothering me, I'd count my blessings instead. This is off the top of my head as I type, so they're in no particular order.

1. Jesus loves me, this I know...for the Bible tells me so!
2. Chris is the most amazing husband on the planet! I love him so much that sometimes it makes me cry.
3. Gracie...wow! There are no words to express how much I love my daughter.
4. My friends love me...and I love them, so much!
5. I have 2 beautiful sisters and I wish with all my heart that we could be together more often.
6. My pastor and my church family...Jesus with clothes on!
7. I have a wonderful home and we are all healthy...except for Chris' shoulder and my left elbow!

Gracie's school was on a 1 hour scheduled delay today, so we got to sleep in. She always crawls in bed with me when Chris leaves for work at 5 am. This morning we woke up at the same time because a big crack of thunder made us jump. There is nothing in this world like cuddling under the covers during a thunderstorm. I'm so thankful that I got to start my day that way. Thank You, Lord for my blessings!

Spring!

Spring is finally here and the grass is green, the trees have leaves, and the flowers are blooming! Time for a new look to the old blog! Since this is the season of new beginnings, I once again hope to be a more faithful blogger. So many things going on right now and some of them I can't talk about...not even here. I'm thinking of beginning a journal for those thoughts that just can't be shared anywhere else. We'll see...

Hello!

Well, so much for being more faithful! My last post was about losing a beloved family member and this one is finding us grieving yet again.

My mother-in-law passed into the arms of Jesus on Dec. 23rd in the wee hours of the morning. It's difficult to lose a loved at any time, but the holidays make it much more difficult. Chris is an only child and was very close to his mom. Mike, Chris' dad is lost without his soulmate and Grandpa and Grandma George have now buried BOTH of their children. It's just not supposed to be that way! Gracie never knew my parents because they both passed away before we adopted her...my mom April 22, 1996 and my dad Jan. 23, 2005, only hours after we got home from China. She loved her Grandma Cheryl and misses her, but like most 6 year olds she doesn't dwell on it. It's been almost a month now and the healing is beginning, it's gonna take time.

Rest in peace, Cheryl George Wilson 7/23/1950-12/23/2009