House Blessing

A few weeks ago we had a house blessing for my mom's new house.  We invited her closest friends over to enjoy some refreshments and put their mark on the new place.  Here's a few pictures from the event:

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Even Gavin wrote something.  However, I'm not sure how sentimental it was.

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And of course, we had to put Georgie's mark on the place as well.

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Lost.

Do you ever feel lost?  I'm feeling it now.  I've been questioning God a lot lately.  I don't doubt him, but I question his reasoning- his plan.  What is his plan for me?  Why will he not let me catch a glimpse of this plan, but instead leaves me wondering?  I feel ashamed that I question him.  Is it wrong?  I mean, I'm so grateful for the things he has given me- a loving husband, a wonderful family, great friends, a nice house, a good job.  But, still I'm left in this funk.  What is my purpose?  Am I supposed to be here or somewhere else?  Am I meant to do something else?  What is it?  I feel like I'm supposed to be somewhere else, doing something else.  But I'm not unhappy with where I am and what I'm doing.  I feel stuck.  Like I'm just here.  Like I have no purpose.  But God has a purpose for everyone.  So what is mine?

Prayer Request

I'm not even sure where to begin, so I'll just start from the beginning.  My stepdad, George, was diagnosed with glioblastoma (brain cancer) in January of 2009.  Immediately after being diagnosed, he had surgery to remove the tumor.  He then went through a round of chemotherapy and radiation.  Last summer he was told he was cancer free.  He started to improve and things started looking up.  Then, this spring he was told that the cancer was back.  The doctors and he was extremely positive as he began a second, more rigorous round of chemo.  Through five treatments we saw gains.  Then after the sixth treatment, he took a turn.  This was two weeks ago.  George became weak and felt like he was coming down with a cold.  Last Thursday, he became unable to walk.  My mom called the doctor and was told to take him to the emergency room.  George was admitted into the hospital and the immediately began running tests on him.  His white blood cell count was 1.4 when it should be anywhere from 10-12.  The doctors ran more tests, but couldn't find anything else to explain his illness.  But due to his low white blood cell count, the doctors decided to keep him in the hospital because his immune system was so week.  So, for a week he has been in the hospital.  He has shown small gains, but quickly reverted back.  This morning my mom called to say he has been moved to ICU.  The doctors think he has some sort of auto immune disease.  His children (who live in Philadelphia) have been called and are flying down today.  We've been warned to prepare for the worst.

So I'm asking you to please pray.  Pray for a miracle.  Pray that God's will is done.  Pray that George is not in pain.  Pray that my mom finds peace through all of this.  Pray that our family has the strength to deal with this.  Pray for anything, just please pray.

(George and me on my wedding day)

Remembering Granddaddy

This past Friday my Granddaddy passed away. It was sudden and unexpected. He was one of my favorite people in the world. I loved to spend time with him and listen to his stories. I don't think it's quite hit me yet that he won't be with us any longer. The realization of this comes and goes, as well as the tears. I'm going to miss him so much.
Gavin and I headed down to my Grandmother's house Friday after work. This weekend was filled with tears, hugs, prayers, and lots of great stories. Saturday I was looking at an old photo album and found some pictures. My Grandmother doesn't have a computer, so I took a few pictures of the pictures.

These pictures were from mine and Gavin's wedding. I will definitely cherish the memories of dancing with my Granddaddy at the reception. I'm so thankful that he was able to come!
I'm not sure exactly when this was, but obviously I was a baby. I love the expression on his face. I hope I was able to bring him that much joy and happiness throughout all of our times together.

I'm pretty sure this picture was on Christmas when I was about 3. He always used his pocket knife to open presents. I'm thinking that gift might have been for me.

This picture is one of my favorites. It's not of him and me, but farming was his life and his love. He worked so hard at our family farm to grow that corn (as well as many other crops) and really had a passion for agriculture. He loved the land! My mom found this poem and included it in the program:

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God's Farm

God needs someone in heaven

to plow and plant the rows.

And when He calls on me,

I know that I must go.

Remember that I won't be gone--

I will just be away,

working on God's farm

'til we're united again one day.

There will be no storms in heaven

and the fields are long and straight.

When it's time for you to join me,

I'll be waiting inside heaven's gate.

Remember, until that day arrives,

when once more our lives we'll share

to look in the green fields growing

and you'll see me working there.

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I am really going to miss my Granddaddy, but I know he is in a better place. One day we will meet again, and I look forward to hearing all of his wonderful stories about his time in Heaven. I imagine him up there with my uncle working on God's farm.

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While I was looking at that photo album, I also ran across a few old pictures of my mom:

Do you know how many times I was called Debra during my Granddaddy's visitation and funeral? Apparently, we look a lot alike. What do you think?

Brittaney

Hockey, Snow, and Prayers

This has been a busy week! I feel like I haven't stopped since we returned home from Atlanta Sunday night. I am definately going to enjoy this long weekend by resting a lot!

Tuesday, our school went on a field trip to the Cottonmouths game. The kids loved it and I always enjoy a good field trip!Gavin was nice enough to help chaperone. Who am I kidding- Gavin pass up a hockey game? Yeah, right!
I've also been working on these this week:
I decided to experiment with these onesies, and they turned out pretty good. I think this is going to be my gift of choice for all of my friends' kids.

In other news, my long weekend was made even longer by this:

That's right- snow! It started snowing Friday morning, so we were dismissed from school at 12:30. I rushed home to throw on my snow clothes and play.
The dogs were too funny in the snow. Maddie kept grunting and growling at us for making her stay out in it.
But, Maisy absolutely loved it!
Wait- was there an extra dog in that picture? Yes, we are also dog sitting Daisy for Beth and Brett this week while they are at Disney World.
After the dogs had had enough, we headed to Auburn to play in the snow with some friends. Unfortunately, my little camera died before all of the sledding began. But, I did get some pictures and video with my phone. After sledding, we headed back to Kim and Ward's to pick up my Canon. We decided to go to Samford Hall for some more pictures.
I have enjoyed the snow, but am glad it is starting to melt. I'm definately ready for warmer weather!
Now for the prayers. One of our student's father was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon. We were notified of this on the way back from the field trip. A few of us stayed with him at the school Tuesday afternoon until 5:30 when someone was able to pick him up. He hasn't returned to school and no arrangements have been made because the police are still investigating the incident. He is such a good kid and I hate that this is happening to his family. So, will you please pray for him and his family? That God will wrap his arms around them and comfort them through this difficult time? It would mean the world to me.

Brittaney

Christmas Wrap-Up

Christmas Eve we opened presents with my dad, Alicia, Ashleigh, and Lexie. I already included pictures in the previous post, but I wanted to include these in the Christmas post. Their facial expressions are priceless!Christmas Eve night we snuggled in our Christmas Jammies and prepared for Santa.Christmas morning we headed to Gavin's mom's for lunch with the family. Berkley insisted on showing us all of her goodies from Santa as soon as we arrived. Then, it was time to eat. After eating, we all enjoyed some coffee and hot chocolate.After dinner, we opened more presents.Then we decided to get Berkley's birds out to visit with them.

Berkley quickly exhausted from all of the Christmas excitement.Gavin and I then went to my mom's house for supper. (taken with her camera.)

The day after Christmas, we still had more celebrating to do. We headed over to Gavin's Granny's for lunch. We were greeted by Sam, Warren's dog.

The kids all enjoyed playing with their new toys. As well as each other.And, of course, enjoyed spending time with family.We had a great Christmas. How was yours?