I am going to miss this.

It is starting to feel real.

The boxes are stacking up.

The moments of this season in our lives are flying by all too fast now.

It has been nearly three years of living at the Four Sisters Farm and nearly two years of living here with Pop and Grammy.

My head knows that I am only moving fifteen minutes away.

My head knows that I am the one who initiated this move.

My head knows that we need to have more room to welcome the children who are coming.

My head knows that this is a good thing.

But my heart just doesn't get it.

My heart, that stinkin' heart.  It loves so big and it feels way too much.

I am going to miss this.

I will miss cooking for everyone.

I will miss coffee chats with Mom.

I will miss watching my boys scurry to the back door to greet Pop and Grammy.

I will miss stolen moments with my Dad when it was just us even in a house with this many people.

I will miss Buzz Lightyear pancake mornings.

I will miss walking to the pond when I need a little time to myself.

I will miss the front porch.

I will miss being in the middle of all the action.

I will miss lingering after dinner with EJ, Pop and Grammy while we solve the world's problems or maybe just laugh our heads off about something that happened that day.

I have to remind myself that Pop and Grammy will still be here. 

The farm will still be here.

I can come out anytime I need to.

I can drop off my boys so they can soak up special time with Pop and Grammy.

I am not losing them.

It is time for the next chapter and I know good things await for all of us.

That doesn't mean there won't be tears.  Change is hard but God is good.

Pop, Grammy, and EJ,
I love you each so much.  Thank you for this adventure.  I am proud to have been a part of it.
Love always,
Farm Chick

to comfort all who mourn

Today we went for a routine OB appointment.  Our Dr. decided to do a sonogram to check on the twins.  The minute he started the sonogram I knew something was wrong.  I didn't see the little flicker of a heart beat for either baby.

Dr. K. looked at us and said, "I have terrible news."

I said, "Their hearts aren't beating."

Dr. K. "No, their hearts aren't beating."

There are really no words to describe how it feels to hear those words.

One baby died first, then the other one a few days later.  He could tell by their rate of growth.  One was bigger than the other. 
 
EJ and I took it all in.

Dr. K and Nurse T were so kind.  They were sincerely sympathetic.  They have known us for years.  They have shared in our joy when we welcomed Bubba and Wubba into the world.  They shared in our sorrow when we lost our baby in 2006.  When Baby Q came home I sent a baby announcement to them that said, "the only thing that would have been better is if you had delivered him!" 

The plan this time was to have them share in our joy as we delivered healthy, happy twins.

That will not be the case.

We will not meet these little ones here on earth. 

We so wanted to hold them here.  We had begun the process of preparing for their arrival.  What joy and anticipation we felt!  Two babies.  I mean, how crazy is that?  What an amazing challenge and blessing all rolled into one. 

I'm not sure how to describe the peace and calm I have felt today.  Laying on the sonogram table.  I even said, "It's okay."  Maybe to make myself feel better and maybe to let EJ know I still had my wits about me.  The reality is...

It is okay.  God is still in control.  He has thrilled me beyond belief with the blessings he has so graciously given to me.  I will include in those blessings getting to be the twins momma.  No matter how short the time I got to have them with me.

My advice to my friends who have miscarried has always been..."allow yourself to mourn for this little one."

Now it is my turn.  It is my time to mourn.  I do not mourn alone.  Not only do I have EJ and the cowboys at my side but I am also blessed to have so many people around me who love me and love my babies.  I am in good company.  I am grateful to be loved so much.

I will have to walk through this.  I know I can.  God has held my hand my whole life and I can feel him here now.  He makes me sweet promises and I believe him.

Isaiah 61:1-3

1 "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of joy

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the LORD

for the display of his splendor."

Do You Get Me?

Lately, I've had a series of events (or should I say, missed events) that have made me stop and think. There are people in my life I love. A lot. I would die for them if the opportunity presented itself. I certainly hope you know who you are...if not, I'm failing even more miserably than I suspect.

We have lived in quite a few different places and made friends in each location, have a fairly large family (that continues to grow, of course) as well as large extended families on Pop's side and mine, and have precious friends from early on in our lives with whom we still try to stay in some form of contact.

Facebook is a wonderful tool and my "friend list" keeps growing but I've noticed that the larger it grows, the less intimate the contact becomes. I'll keep at it because just hearing what folks are doing and seeing pictures of them and their families is important to me. Besides family, I have elementary through high school chums I see there, friends from churches we've attended in various places, cousins I haven't seen in years, and the list goes on. It's all good stuff.

But...I have a hard time focusing on one thing at a time. I've let birthdays, anniversaries, and expressions of sympathy go unattended; meaning I haven't sent cards or letters or made arrangements for memorials or flowers to be sent. Then there are what I call the "Hallmark-Generated Holidays" like Valentines Day, etc. It's overwhelming! I feel like a "deadbeat" mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister, niece, and cousin.

I remember feeling this same angst some years ago as I tried so very hard to pray for everyone I know. I also remember the sweet relief that came when I realized I can rely on the Holy Spirit to bring to my mind the people God wants me to pray for - when He wants me to pray for them. Then, I learned I could focus intently on one person (or couple/family) at a time.

I just finished reading "The Forgotten God" by Francis Chan about our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit residing in His children. I guess that is why this is so fresh on my mind that I felt compelled to share how I'm feeling today.

While I'm not giving up recognizing life events of those I love, I need to actively release the people I love from the trappings of expressions that we feel compelled to be bound by...and I seek to be released as well. My heart's desire is to be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led. How about you? Do you get me?

2 Corinthians 13:14 "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Auntie Self-Esteem Booster

I adore my nieces and nephews.  My heart for them is so big.  I am thrilled that my sisters live close enough to me that I can be a part of their lives.  I love to give them a squeeze and a kiss and tell them that I love them.  I want them to always know that their auntie thinks they are the bees knees.  (What exactly is the bees knees anyway?)  I pray for their little lives and I dream about the ones yet to come.  It is a privilege to be their aunt.

Each little one warms up in their own time.  Little Super Girl is sort of a Momma's girl.  She is a sweet and sassy mix that is just perfect to me.  Her little smile melts my heart and her sad faces make me want to fix it fast.  During our Christmas gathering I received a special gift from her.  She came to me on her own will for a snuggle...twice!  Her Momma snapped a picture I will always treasure.

As if that wasn't enough to keep me flying high...

Little Lady Bug slipped and got a bonk on her head.  Her Momma and Daddy rushed to her aid.  She was sitting in her Daddy's lap with a cool cloth on her boo boo when she said through tears..."I want Aunt Farm Chick"  (Granted, she didn't say Farm Chick because our babies don't know our secret blog identities.  She called me by name)  You better believe I dropped what I was doing and rushed to get her.  I snuggled her for a long time while she recovered from her boo boo.

Thank you, baby girls, for loving this Auntie!

Hollywood Part Two

Hollywood and the four sisters share a very special Grandpa.  We call him the Sheriff on the blog because that was his job during our growing up years.  The Sheriff is Pop's Dad.  He has been in Heaven since 1990 and we all miss him.  He loved us and he made sure we knew it.

Hollywood sent a really sweet note to our family after the marathon.  I cried as I read it.  It includes a moving childhood memory of the Sheriff.  I'm so glad she shared it with us!

"Just want to tell you all how much your love and support meant to me on Sunday! My cousins are such amazing and powerful women that just being around them will give a person power and encouragement. All of you hold a special place in my heart. But I must say I think you got a lot of your best stuff from your mother. Aunt (Grammy), you are one of the most beautifully loving and calming people in my life - - I love just to look at you because when I do . . . I see Jesus in there :) Some big moments in my life (wedding, J's diagnosis, and marathon) have been blessed with your love and I need you to know what it means to me.



When I was 9 years old I wanted to swim in the mile swim and get a plaque at the end of the school year awards ceremony but didn't believe I could do it. Just when I was about to hang up my suit and cry myself back to school, I saw a pair of grey cowboy boots walking along the pools edge and looked up to see a Sheriff's uniform. Grandpa appeared mysteriously from nowhere and proceeded to just "small talk " with me until 24 laps had passed. The PE instructor had to interrupt our conversation to tell me I had just swam one mile. Needless to say the Sheriff went back to work covered with pool water from my crazy excited hug.

I walked into the rest of my life with that love and encouragement that has stuck with me. Through the course of this training, I have secretly wished that at some point in this race I could smell his tobacco (Grandpa smoked a pipe) and hear him yelling "sister" at me. Here's the crazy thing: He did show up but he looked and sounded exactly like my uncle (Pop)   :) What an incredible blessing to have him carry on a family legacy of love and encouragement in such a powerful way.

Much Love and Appreciation -
Hollywood"

Hollywood Part One

Hollywood is one of our cousins.  She could be easily mistaken for the 5th sister.  Her Momma is Pop's sister.  She is a beautiful, fun, fantastic woman.  She lights up a room and we love to be around here.  She set a goal to complete a marathon and we were privileged to watch her run victoriously across the finish line.

Here is a picture of Hollywood and EJ carb loading the night before the big race.  They both have fierce determination even when it comes to their pre-race dinner.

 Here is Hollywood at mile 17...still giving a thumbs up!

 Here she is ready to cross the finish line.  Still lookin' good!

EJ and Hollywood celebrate a job well done!

Hollywood wrote her reflections on the marathon.  It is amazing and I got her permission to share it here...

"Why run 26.2 miles? What on earth would possess you to do that?

In January of 2008, we learned that our first born son was missing a tiny piece of a chromosome. . . something called PWS. . . something scary. . . something that seemed impossible. . . something that would change our lives forever. . . Can I do what I will ask him to do? Persevere through great difficulty. . . can I deny myself that which I crave. . . continue to push through physical discomfort that seems too much. . . accomplish something amazing beyond my natural abilities. . . trust my heavenly Father to bring me through. .

Who am I? Where does my power come from? Am I powerful even though I feel I'm never enough? How will my story end? Will fear and endless toil find relief? All questions that must be answered but they could only be answered by a partnership between God and myself.

So that's what we did.

I grabbed a training schedule and expensive shoes and gave Him my time and attention. He grabbed my soul and wrestled until deep pockets of fear and self doubt were replaced with faith and security.

This was a grueling class and the final exam happened on Marathon morning when I awakened at 4 am and proceeded to puke my guts out for over an hour and a half. The final exam had only one question on it: Through a trash can of puke God asked me " do you trust me?' My heart's reply was I trust you God. If today is not my day to accomplish this task it is because you are protecting me from something I will never have to go through or because I am not spiritually ready to let go of myself and give you the full Glory for what you are wishing to do. Either way I trust you and I have loved the time with you on every run during every prayer.


God desires to do incredible seemingly impossible things with our lives if we will let Him. He will turn devastation into victory and overcome insurmountable obstacles for our joy. He will quiet your stomach and your very soul to take you on spiritual adventure like no other.

You see God is preparing me for the calling on my life in everything he brings into my life just like a training schedule prepares you for a marathon. We will breeze along through much of it - - not even fully aware of how much I need HIM much like the first 13.1 miles of yesterday's race.

And then there will be times of pain and darkness where I will beg for the energy just to make it through fully doubting that I can. But he will never forget me. . . He will always show up. . . He may ask me to relax and stretch like He did at mile 18 or He may ask me to dig deeper and lean into HIM like He did at mile 25 when he gave me the desire to finish stronger than I started.

And most importantly after we take this unbelievable journey of faith and tears and trials and sufferings and victories and mysteries with HIM. . . we will be surrounded by his supernatural LOVE and PEACE. . . fully relieved of the strain of this life and united with him in Power and Mercy beyond our imagination. He gave me so many gifts along the way but this hopeful vision of my true future of resting in HIM will prove the most valuable to me. . . and so " I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us" Philippians 3: 14 and I strive to "lead a life worthy of my calling, for I have been called by God" Ephesians 4:1

TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE

Hollywood, A Child of God and A Victor in Christ Jesus"

4th marathon...2nd this year...and what it means...

So I just ran my fourth marathon this past Sunday. I changed my training to use the FAST training...I highly recommend it! I ran less, spent more time with my family, had less pain during training, had very little pain during the run, and basically finished at the same time (~30 seconds faster, ha ha ha).

Again, it took me about 18 weeks of training; I ran on beaches, on cruise ships, many miles were in 100+ degree temps, before 6am many times, used much more sportslick (keeps me from bleeding on my chest), many pairs of running shoes, started using a hydration pack (so I could get H2O and NOT overheat in the summer), and changed to using Hammer gel and Gu chomps (both are much easier to get down...hammer is more viscous, and chomps are like gummy bears, yummy!)

So here I am at the beginning of the race, ready and raring to go!

Here I am at mile 7.5 miles! I'm still kickin' hard!

My wife asked me the night after I ran this, when I was already planning my next race (hopefully a trail ultra marathon 50k or 31 miles!!!), she asked "what is going through your head; because most people would be thinking, just put one foot in front of the other and I hope that I can just finish; and you're thinking run faster than you are you slow poke; you know you can finish it and you're already thinking about the next...you're not like most. While I didn't really come up with a good answer, what I do know is that while I really like to run and I'm sure that in the next several decades I'll continue to run in some way, this last picture is what life's really about, the important stuff that I love! Savour every moment God gives you! Allow God to bless you the way He wants to bless you! Don't look a gift horse in the mouth! Children, family, relationships are more important than money, things or races; keep that in mind!

I couldn't resist posting a couple more photos from Grammy's 50th birthday party! Especially this one! Isn't Grammy beautiful! She is such a joyful and happy person and we all love to see her laugh!



And she is at her happiest when surrounded by her grandbabies! They would do anything for her...especially help her blow out her candles! Good times!


Happy 50th, Grammy and here's to at least 71 more!

The Year of the Super Heroes

Merry Christmas 2009

2009 has been a year of changes
for the Four Sisters Farm Hands...

Pop and Grammy moved from South Carolina to Kansas and are happily adjusting to farm life. Doc changed jobs and now has a long commute but more family time which DW and their family are happy about. EJ, Farm Chick and the Cowboys (aka Bubba and Wubba) made room in the farm house for Pop and Grammy. PhoJo, Rock Star, Superman, and Spiderman welcomed Super Girl into their home. Pretty Princess has healed from her broken leg and she and Romeo are going through all the trials and tribulations (so far) as they work toward their spring 2010 wedding.

For all these changes and blessings, we are thankful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:6-11)

Apart from God, we ARE nothing of value and we HAVE nothing of value. The Christmas Season brings us once again to the recognition that Christ CHOSE to come and save us. He is our reason for being and we find our purpose in Him alone.

Our prayer is that you know the fullness of Christ and the joy that comes with knowing Him as Lord and Savior. That ONE change in the life of a person brings about unspeakable peace and joy that no other change can bring.

We love you and hope all the joy of the season is yours...no matter what your circumstances are right now...we have the hope of eternal life that began as a baby in a manger and that hope is what we build our lives on at Four Sisters Farm.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Not JUST a Grammy.... SUPER GRAMMY.

My mom is an undercover Superhero. I think I've always known that, but I was recently reminded of her amazing super powers this past couple of weeks. She always takes time from her schedule to stay with each of us girls as we bring home a new baby and need an extra hand. She cooks, she cleans, she takes care of all the kids. Here are some pics to show just a few other things this supergrammy does:

She loves our babies in a way only she can...

She cuts hair and bathes stinky boys....

She even plays secret agents until she's exhausted... and then plays more.

She is a hero to me, my sisters, our husbands and especially our kids. Thank you for taking care of us grammy. We love you more than we can say.

From Life's First Cry

As I drove to the hospital for Super Girl's birth, I was totally overcome with emotion. I praised the Lord and cried out to Him as I drove. Mind you, I was very careful to blot my tears with a tissue as to not mess up my make up. After all, I wanted to make a good first impression! (Do not burst my bubble and tell me that Super Girl can't actually clearly focus on my mascara stained face yet. I still wanted to look good)


I asked God for a safe, quick delivery for Rock Star. I asked for a healthy baby. I praised Him for her life! I was thinking about how much we already love her. Do you know that God's word says that he knit her together in her mother's womb? Knit her together. He formed her. Conception, pregnancy and birth are not an every day hum drum experience. Life is a MIRACLE every single time. He ordained Super Girl's life. He wrote her days in His book before she even took a single breath.


Psalm 139:13-16
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

When I got to the hospital it was 10:30am. Rock Star and PhoJo had been there since 6am. Grammy and Aunt DW were in the waiting room (they have one within her birthing room). Grammy told me that they were about to break her water. I told the girls I was a mess! I was already fighting back the tears and the baby wasn't even here yet. I told them that I had been thinking about God's promise to be faithful to a thousand generations to those who love Him and keep His commandments. Grammy shared that that verse was very important during a time when she fasted and prayed for our family. I can understand why!

Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

PhoJo was a solid source of support, always at Rock Star's side. He is so gentle and loving with his wife. They were so good at labor that you'd think they have done this a couple of times already. :)

It appeared that her contractions were coming one on top of the other pretty quickly. By 11ish or so they were cranking up the meds in her epidural to try to catch up to the pain. By 11:30am it was pretty obvious that this baby was going to make her entrance very soon! I stepped out of the room and called Pop on my cell phone. He was leaving work and headed directly to the hospital.

I stepped back in the room in time to join in as Grammy prayed over Rock Star. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that her nurse had gently laid her hand on Rock Star's leg and joined us in prayer.

PhoJo, Grammy, DW and I were all near Rock Star as she was laboring hard. At one point I realized that her legs were shaking. I caught both DW and Grammy's eyes. We know what this means. Transition. Rock Star was amazing through this stage of labor. So calm and controlled. At one point I heard DW gently touch her head and say, "Don't be afraid, you can do this."

Around 11:37am or so Pop came through the door. I motioned for him to come on in and see her before they broke down the bed and prepared for the birth. He quickly made his way in to encourage her. Then he headed to the waiting room within the birthing suite.

DW grabbed the video camera. I grabbed the camera. The medical team all got into place. PhoJo was on one side of Rock Star and Grammy on the other. The Dr. asked Rock Star if she could push through the next contraction. Rock Star said yes with a look of sheer determination on her face. A few more contractions and Super Girl was out at 11:45am. Rock Star was AMAZING. She looked like a runner sprinting through the finish line of a marathon. I'll tell you what, she is aptly nicknamed. That girl is a ROCK STAR!

Super Girl is perfection, pure perfection.

After Pretty Princess finished her final she rushed to the hospital to meet her newest little niece. (Stinkin' finals!) I waited until Pretty Princess made it before I left. I wanted to take a photo of the Four Sisters in that moment. These women are so precious. What an amazingly proud moment as we all gathered around Rock Star and baby Super Girl. We are sisters and best friends. We are so privileged to walk through this life together.

On my way home, I was listening to the song "In Christ Alone". One of the lines in that song goes like this..."From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny." Father, that is my prayer for our little Super Girl! Thank you for her life, Lord. You are too good to us. We don't deserve your grace and mercy but you give them anyway. I ask that you would continue to bless our family. We love you Lord! In Jesus Name, Amen

Waiting for Super Girl

Rock Star, PhoJo and the super heroes are anxiously awaiting the birth of little miss Super Girl.

Waiting on this little blessing has me thinking...

We haven't had a new born baby in this family since Ladybug was born over a year and a half ago. For a period of time were having babies ever 6 months or so. It was a whirlwind of babies and it was a lot of fun!

If you are keeping track Super Girl will make girl #3 and we already have 6 boys. Looks like the girls are still out numbered.

Maybe this is God's way of making things a little more even. After all, Pop was outnumbered by women for a very long time!

Super Girl, you are so loved! We all can't wait to meet you!

Four Sisters Farm Family Fall Party or FSFFFP

I am aware that this is probably cheating but I don't want to leave you hanging. DW posted about the party on her blog so go check it out so you can see pics from that day. Am I a lazy blogger or what!

Yes, sweet one, I will pray for you

Recently I was enjoying a quiet night with just the boys. Pop and Grammy were at a football game and EJ was on his way to run in a half marathon (more on that later). As I got them ready for bed I noticed that Bubba's voice was sounding pretty rough. I told him to drink lots of water and we would get out some of Grammy's medicine (honey) to help his throat feel better.

He thought that was a good idea and happily complied. Sitting up on the kitchen counter he looked at me and said, "Mom, would you pray for me and ask Father God to protect me and fix my throat?"

Be still my heart.

I called Wubba over and we all held hands. We prayed and talked to our God. We asked him to heal Bubba's throat and to protect our family.

We have so much to teach them in these early years. I have to stop in these moments and be still. We need to focus on the really important things. Like teaching our children to call on the Almighty Name of God in every situation. He is the one with all the answers. He formed these precious ones in the womb. He knows every hair on their heads. He knows the plans He has for them. He will answer them when they call.


Jeremiah 33:3 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Thank you, Father.

Blessings...

Baby sister is getting married and sister Rock Star is having a baby. Life is good and full of blessings.

20 & 30

I was 10 when Pretty Princess was born. Can you imagine how much I loved toting that baby around? I have uber maternal instincts and I was pretty sure she was mine. Grammy was always sweet to let me help "mother" our little baby. She is all grown up now and I get to enjoy her as my peer. This fall I turned 30 and Pretty Princess turned 20.



I had a wonderful 30th birthday. Filled with family and friends. The night before some of the goddesses dropped by to give me these tasty chocolates. They were beautiful and delicious!

The next morning, Grammy made tasty birthday waffles! Hey, there are some major benefits to living with your Momma. The boys sure enjoyed them too!

Then, my sisters kept showing up bearing gifts. Thank you Ladies! You made my 30th extra special with your presence!

Then it was on to dinner at PF Changs with EJ's folks. Oh Changys how I love you! We had lots of good fun!

I will have to do a post later about my birthday present from my hubby...a weekend of clothes shopping...just for me. It was awesome!

Pretty Princess came to the farm for a good old fashioned family party. We ate Grammy's lasagna, salad and bread sticks followed by the ever tasty funfetti cake with rainbow chip icing. It was so good!

Look at all those candles! Pretty Princess had to warm her hands over the fire.
Romeo and Pretty Princess showing us how to party!

Thelma & Louise (aka Annie Oakley & Grammy)

So our road trip from South Carolina to Kansas was memorable. We had Pop's little pickup STUFFED with stuff...lots of stuff...we barely had room for our luggage...in fact, at one point early into the trip we had to move some luggage from the bed of the pickup to behind the seats. All I can say is that it's a good thing that Oakley and I have short legs...and that's all I have to say about that.

We stayed the first night in Charleston's Riverview Holiday Inn...of course it was so late by the time we got there we couldn't see the river view...but we went to the scenic restaurant for breakfast and the view was stunning. Oakley and I don't quite get the attraction of "marsh living" but it was pretty (and you can't smell it) from the restaurant. Oakley took some pictures from there and we stopped to photograph a group of ladies with their cameras so they could all be in the pictures. They were grateful. Then we toured Charleston just a bit so I could show Oakley some of my favorite sites - like the Battery and the Market Place and Waterfront Park.

It was time to head toward Kansas after that and we chose to drive through the Great Smoky Mountains. Stunning scenery and well worth the mountain driving...partly on two lane road...in the rain...fabulous.

Our destination was Nashville, TN and we almost made it there...but we got too tired and made a call to PhoJo and Rock Star so they could get online and make some room arrangements for us in Cookeville, TN which was a nice place to stay and I think it was less expensive and less crowded than Nashville would have been. Oakley ran into a friend at Ernest Tubb's Record Shop so I took their picture.

We sang at Music City USA but don't want to brag...Oakley has a picture just like mine below but we only have so much space. Like I said, we don't want to brag.

Our next night's stay was in Springfield, MO and PhoJo made arrangements again...this hotel was beautiful with a fountain inside and glass elevators...I decided that I should always have PhoJo make my accommodation arrangements from now on. One of the highlights of the Springfield, MO stay was that I finally got to eat a hot Krispy Kreme doughnut the next morning with a great cup of coffee before Oakley and I stopped at the mall...we decided that no good girlfriend trip was complete without a little shopping. :-) At one point, Oakley was waiting on me and decided to try out one of those massage chairs...I found her there fighting the chair and when she could get out of it she invited me to try it...OUCH! We just are not tough enough for that kind of rough treatment!

Our last day of driving was our shortest day on the road but the excitement kept building as we got closer to Kansas...we were a bit shocked and dismayed and began to wonder about our navigation skills when we spotted a sign that said, "Charleston 13 miles" and I wondered aloud if we had been driving in circles! We discovered that there is a Charleston, MO and all was well - we were still on track. We also managed to see a sign for "Goose Creek" which is about 4 miles from our Charleston house!

But our "homing" abilities are strong and the closer we got to home the more sky opened up and easier my breathing became...we were getting closer to Kansas...closer to home...closer to Pop and to Oakley's hubby...closer to family and long-time friends. By the way, Oakley and I both missed our wedding anniversaries because of the timing of this trip (Pop and I 33 years, Oakley and Big Dog 27 years) so when we all met up we celebrated with dinner out at Outback complete with the world's best cheesecake.

Here's to Kansas, to family, to great friends. There's no place like home.

Thanks for making the trip with me, Oakley..thanks for the memories, the meals, the prayers, the company, and the long overdue time together. I love you and thank God for you and for all our family and friends who have been waiting, watching, helping, and praying for our return to Kansas.

Oakley says "Thanks to Grammy for our many years of friendship, both long and short distance, through difficult times as well as happy ones. It's very special to me that I got to make this trip with you and develop these many new memories. I know we'll create many more in the years to come since you are now 'home'."

My Man

6 years ago, EJ and I had been married for 1 year and we were already starting over. His first job out of college ended with a lay off after just 9 months. EJ and I prayed and asked God to make it abundantly clear what our next move should be. Instead of being depressed over it all, EJ worked like a dog to get another job. For three months he hit the pavement. It was hard every day but he did it.

In the end he had 2 promising offers sitting before him. I can remember thinking he should go with option A because it came with a base salary and that made me feel better. He wanted to go with option B because he is a born entrepreneur and he knew he could do it! He was passionate about option B. I was afraid. I distinctly remember feeling as though the Lord was saying, "Shut your mouth and support him." I did. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He adores his job. He loves to go to work in the morning.

Here we are after EJ received an award at a company dinner. I am so thankful for God's provision for our family. I am thankful for EJ's drive to provide and allow me to be home to raise our boys. It blesses me more than I can say.

During the company retreat, we had a western themed dinner. We can really get into that!

Happy Anniversary Grammy & Pop!

Pop and Grammy are both traveling today. Unfortunately not together...Pop is traveling for work and Grammy is in route from SC to the Farm.

Ironically, the family friend helping Grammy move celebrates her anniversary tomorrow. Glad they can keep each other company while they miss their men!

Pop and Grammy, we all love you so much! We are thankful for your marriage...after all, look what smart, beautiful, funny children you got out of the deal. Wink, Wink.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!