Strike Up The Band

Today was Hannah's first band concert at school. She proudly played her trumpet with the other fourth graders and then in a duet and a solo. She really enjoys playing and has no problem playing in front of so many people.

Kermit got a promotion this week. He was really excited at the new opportunity and the change of pace.

Other than that, things are finally getting back to normal...busy, hectic, chaotic, noisy....but PREDICTABLE!

We started planning our trip south. Lord willing, we plan to be in Mississippi April 12-16. We will be attending Kermit's 20th reunion and enjoying the Amory Railroad Festival (you have to be from Amory to understand!). The kids are very excited because it has been three years since they have been south. Have to admit, we are pretty excited too : )

Back to Normal

We have spent this week trying to get back to normal. No more overnight visits at the hospital or my grandmother's house. It's back to work, school, etc. Things were so crazy that we didn't even get our Christmas decorations down until Sunday afternoon.

Today was Lily's first day of pre-k! She was very excited about riding the bus. She helped me pack her backpack and insisted on carrying it even though it weighed as much as she does. I went to the school to be with her for awhile but left after just a few minutes. She was completely comfortable and didn't need my support at all. When the bus dropped her off, she ran to me and gave me a hug and immediately looked up at me to tattle on her teacher. She said (with tears in her eyes) "Mom, they took all my stuff out of my backpack!" Of everything that happened in the day, that was the most memorable and traumatic for her. She was very upset that she would have to share her Disney Princesses box of Kleenex with the rest of the class.

Jacob has been working on his 'Citizenship in the Nation' merit badge and had to write an Illinois senator about an issue and wait on the response. Senator Obama has been very slow moving. We'll see how long it takes.

Hannah has been practicing for her first band concert which is next week. She's doing great, but I must admit I have tired of hearing Jingle Bells played multiple times a day!

During all the commotion of the last few weeks, my older sister was able to come in from North Carolina for the funeral. It was so great to see her. The last time we saw each other was about 18 months ago when I went to see her get her Masters of Divinity (with Distinction, I might add). Despite the circumstances we had such a great time laughing and teasing. If you are reading this, Mary....LOVE YOU!

Thank You!

We had the funeral for my grandfather today. It was a difficult day, but we were so glad that this long journey is over. Not only was the illness, hospital stays, etc. long, but the wait to have the closure of a funeral was long, as well. Not only did we have to wait because of the long holiday weekend, but there was also a coroner's inquest to determine if his fall at the nursing home contributed to his death in any way. We haven't hear from the medical examiner yet, but I feel confident that they will say that it was not a contributing factor.

Thanks, so much, to any of you reading this that sent cards or called. It really has meant so much to my family.

We now look with anticipation towards the new year and what the Lord has in store for us in it.