Jeremy's College Graduation

Daddy and Roy at the graduation party
Jeremy with his two brothers prior to the diploma ceremony.

Jeremy spends a moment with Abigail before the service.

Jeremy and Christina before the cutting of the cake.

Jeremy with his cousin Mandy.

The proud parents with their college graduate!

The very proud grandparents with their grandson.

Pastor Dale and Brother Michael drove to Lynchburg to offer their support.

Jeremy with Uncle Buddy, Aunt Susie and their children.

Jeremy with Aunt Sharon and her children.

Luci decides to join in on the college graduation picture taking

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

May has been quite a month for us. We had Jeremy's college graduation party on Saturday, May 8th. It was wonderful having John, Melissa and Luci home so they could join in the celebration. Friends and family came by to offer their support and congratulations and while preparing for the party and the clean-up afterwards is a lot of work, as usual my siblings and extended family helped out tremendously so it was not near has much work on me as it could have been. It was a great time of fellowship and we eagerly anticipated the actual graduation that would take place the following week.

John and I drove to Lyncbhurg on Friday evening, May 14th, for the baccalaureate service. Shane and Abigail spent the night at Aunt Sharon's. Thank you Aunt Sharon for always helping out with the little ones. We went out to dinner at Applebees after the service with Jeremy and his friend, John, it was a great and relaxing way to end the busy week.

On Saturday, the actual day of graduation, me, John and his parent left at 7:00 a.m. for the 10:00 a.m. Commencement Service. None of us take for granted the blessing that the Lord has provided us with allowing Lorene to be present for Jeremy's college graduation. We are so thankful that he has seen her through yet another health hurdle. The commencent ceremony was held at the football stadium and the weather was warm and sunny. Jeremy's diploma ceremony was at 2:30 p.m. and fortunately it was in the basketball stadium at Liberty so we were indoors in air conditioning! We are blessed with a very supportive family and church family. Sharon drove down in the van with two of her kids, John and Luci and was followed by Susie and her van of kids who was followed by our Pastor and his son. Carol and her mother drove down a little later so they were also there for the ceremony. We arrived home around 6:30 p.m. exhausted but very proud of our son for having achieved his bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

All of my 4 children are now at home and of course my sweet grand baby, Luci! Our house is a little crowded and stays messy most of the time but it is truly wonderful having the whole family together again. Our prayer is now that John and Jeremy can find full-time jobs.

John's Return Home to VA, Dinosaur Land, Banquet, School Play, etc.

Luci enjoying a ride in Shane's jeep.
Shane was just too cute in his costume.

Me and girls ready for the Mother-Daughter Banquet

Nicholas and Shane are in the mouth of the dinosaur!

I think the boys had a good time!

They look so small!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

I find it more and more difficult to keep up with not only blogging but checking out the blogs of my dear friends. It is not that I don't want to, it is just that it has been so BUSY lately! I find myself a month or two behind trying to update on all that took place recently. I am trusting that things will start to slow down really soon.

On May 1st, our church had a "Mother-Daughter Banquet". I had looked forward to it for some time as it would be the first official outing for Abigail and me that was for the "girls only". I talked about it all the week prior and Abigail was very excited about it. John and Melissa was still on the long journey home from Boise so I also took Luci. It was a very special time for me and the girls. While we girls were enjoying the banquet, John took Shane and Nicholas to Dinosaur Land. He had taken John & Jeremy there many years ago when they were little boys and they loved it. Shane and Nicholas had a great time and I am sure they will remember it for years to come.

John & Melissa arrived home in Virginia around 2:30 a..m. on Monday, May 3rd. It was the first time that John was home for his birthday in 5 years. I took the day off from work and we all went out for dinner that evening to celebrate his birthday. John's parents, Sharon's family, Susie's family and Melissa's mother and brother joined in the celebration. It was a great time! Luci now has the best of worlds! She has her parents with her, her grandparents, and aunts and and uncles that adore her and great-aunts and cousins who spoil her rotten. She now has 4 teeth and has taken up to 5 steps of her own (yes, she is only 9 months old!). We are a busy but happy family!

Shane had his second school play on May 4th so our week got off to a busy start. He was really cute in his little doggie outfit for the "Mother Goose Nursery" play. He remembered his part perfectly and it was a fun time.

Jeremy's college graduation is up next!!!!

Virginia Beach Trip

Shane is all smiles at the beach!

Luci and Abigail playing together in the room at VA Beach

Granddaddy and Luci spending some quality time together on the boardwalk


Luci and grandma at Chuckie Cheeses

Andy, Sharon and the boys enjoy the pool at the hotel.

Kelsey and Nicholas stop for a moment for the camera.

Abigail enjoys riding the horse at Chuckie Cheeses

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

I must stay that April was a better month than March. We started the month off by spending 5 days at Virginia Beach. The weather was absolutely perfect with sunny skies and warm temperatures. Shane and Nicholas spent lots of time on the beach playing in the sand. Abigail was still recovering from a severe ear infection so I kept her in quite a bit as I didn't want her ear to be exposed to wind and water. Shane and Nicholas also spent a fair amount of time in the indoor pool at the hotel. Of course Abigail did not get in the pool but was content to spend time with me in the hotel room. Luci had her first "pool experience" and loved it. The only trouble was that she kept dipping her face in the water and scaring her great-Aunt Sharon! She also does this in the bath tub.

I was so literally worn out from being sick in March and all the other stresses that I spent most of my time in the hotel room just resting. I didn't want to take Luci out during the day as she is very light skinned and I was afraid she would get a bad sunburn. We would take her strolling in the evenings when the sun went down. We took the kids to Chuckie Cheeses one day and they all, including Luci, had a great time. I forgot to mention that John, Jeremy and Shane went down a day ahead of us and had a "boys day out". Me and the girls, along with Sharon's family, left after church on Easter Sunday to join them. It was a great and relaxing time and I think I needed it more than any vacation that I have ever had.

The rest of April was pretty uneventful except that Luci has cut two additional front teeth and is now up to 22 pounds! She is crawling all over the place, will kiss you when you ask for a kiss, and is one of the happiest and most lovable babies that I have ever seen. Abigail and Shane adore her. Nicholas also wants to hug her every time he sees her. She is very enjoying all the attention that she is receiving from her extended family. John's mother is continuing to recover from her surgery and is doing well. Praise the Lord!

Next post will be Luci reunited with her parents and Jeremy's college graduation!