Friday, June 12, 2009

Catching Up

I know I have a lot of catching up to do again, but first I must start with one of the biggest things that has happened to us in the past few weeks. Our sweet little dog, Ashley was hit by a car and has gone to doggie heaven. Our family was crushed. She was such a sweet puppy and one of her favorite things to do was roam the neighborhood and chase cars. We have been told by our neighbors that they loved getting to visit with her and pet her whenever she came around, and that she became known as the neighborhood dog. I guess we find solace in knowing she died doing what she loved. Explaining this to your young children, however, is horrible. My kids seem already to have suffered a lot of loss in their lives, and this one was very close to their hearts. They still talk about her all the time, and how much they miss her. We buried her with a little ceremony in the backyard and placed a large rock there to remember her by. The kids always go out to check on Ashley's rock. It breaks my heart to see them go through such sadness at such a young age. In fact, while Charlie seems to hold his thoughts in some, Madeline has now reverted to telling me often that she is sad about Goldie (our 1st fish), Dory (our last fish), Ms. Debbie, Uncle Louis, Win and Ashley. Oh, my aching heart! So here are a few pics of when we first got Ashley.
Madeline also adds to the list above that she is sad about Hope. Here is why. We found out on the SAME DAY that Ashley died that our very best friends in Nocona, the Ratliffs, are moving. Russell has taken a new job coaching in Pottsboro and they will be leaving this summer. Dave and I refused to tell the kids that day- Hope has always been Charlie's girlfriend, and we have spent time together almost daily for the last year or so. It will be a huge loss in their lives. (And mine!!!) Mandy and I have gotten to be wonderful friends at a time when I didn't really have someone in that position here in Nocona. She has been my go-to person, the one I can always count on at church and confide in as a Pastor's wife. We began homeschooling at the same time, and even Dave and Russell have been great friends. It is difficult to find COUPLES that you can be such good friends with. Usually it's the wife's friend or the husband's friend and the others just tag along. So we told the kids a few days later, and now we are all dreading next month when the move will take place. But we wish them well, as we all know it is a God-thing. Russell will have a better position and be able to spend more time at home with his family. And it is only a little over an hour away.

We have just finished a week of Vacation Bible School at another Baptist church here in Nocona, and the kids had great fun. I was actually recruited to help out- pretty funny seeing as that I'm the Pastor's wife of the other Baptish church in town! But I loved it and it was so great to know that we can all act together as God's church instead of "this church" or "that church." It was very eye-opening for me and may have even led to God laying on my heart the need for children's ministry to "take off" a little at our own church this summer. You know me- I can't seem to not have a project in the works!! Speaking of, my Summer Dance Workshop is next week. Pray that I will have a good turnout!!
Charlie just had his first ever real sleep-over last night. The couple that lives behind us has a grandson that is a littlw older than Charlie but they always play together whenever he comes to visit. So last night Charlie ate dinner there and then came back to ask to spend the night. Dave's comment as we sent him out the back door was "we're old." And Charlie continues to grow up uncontrollably.
Madeline is looking forward to homeschooling and also her birthday this month. We are trying to put together a pool party for her, but aren't sure of the specifics. She is about the worst decision maker I know- besides myself!! I have had the hardest time getting her to decide on a party. But she can't wait to turn five!! She is also reading now which blows my mind. She's not a baby anymore!
Caroline is a babbler! She has so much to say and it is so funny to watch. She even gets her hands involved and just goes at it! Unfortunately, there are no real words, but she's got a lot on her mind! The only word we have gotten so far is "Pee-Pie!" I'll take it though! We have discovered that she has Sleep Apnea and we are going to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist in Dallas next month. My guess is a Tonsilectomy/Adnoidectomy. Makes me sick to think about!! But she can snore like a train and sometimes I wonder if she can even get a full breath. So please be in prayer for her.
I will update more and with pictures soon.

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