Birthday Weekend - Day 3

We now have an official four year old in our house. I can't believe Hannah is already four. She has had one big weekend. The morning started off with a stop at the Donut Palace for some donut holes for her friends in Sunday School to celebrate her birthday. Then we came home to Papa, Uncle Al and Uncle Andy putting together a swing-set. This is a present from Papa, Nana, Aunt Lin and Uncle Al. She also had a message on the answering machine from Daddy wishing her a happy birthday from Moldova. We had to listen to it twice. We had birthday cake followed by more presents. She has had a big birthday!! We miss daddy and wish he were here to celebrate with us, but we know he is doing a good thing in Moldova. We are very thankful for Nana, Papa, Aunt Lin and Uncle Al for helping with all the birthday festivities.

Birthday Weekend - Day 2

Well, one more successful day in the birthweekend. This morning we dropped David off at the airport and Hannah and I headed to Waffle House. We spent most of the day at my mom's just relaxing. Then it was time for the real fun. We had Hannah's friends at McDonald's Playland for her birthday and they had a big time. Hannah never grows tired being the center of attention, so needless to say she was in her element. There were eight kids all together and Hannah had a blast. She got so many neat presents. We ended the night with dinner with Nana, Papa, Aunt Lin and Uncle Al. So until tomorrow...

Birthday Weekend - Day 1

When you are spoiled rotten you not only have a birthday, but birthweekends. So will be the case with the princess of our house. Today started the beginning of the birthweekend. David's parents came into town yesterday and tonight Hannah got her first present from me and David. David leaves for Moldova tomorrow, so we wanted to go ahead and give her the big present from us. So, Hannah is now the proud owner of a bright red mustang and she thinks she is something!!!

At first she didn't know what to think about it and was a little unsure of the whole thing, but it didn't take her long to get the hang of it. She went back into the house and got one of her babies and she was ready. You can't tell it here, but she also had her drink in the cup holder.

She was taking her baby to church and she would drop her off in her class and then go back and get her and put her in the car. It was so funny. I am sure in no time she is going to driving around everywhere.

So, day 1 of the birthweekend was successful. Stay tune for day 2.

On a side note, if you think about it, please lift up a prayer for David and his team. I know he will appreciate it.

RBC

The church building I grew up is being sold within the next couple of weeks and I am surprised at how sad this has made me. This is a place a spent a significant amount of time for 19 years of my life. So much of who I am is because of this place and the people that came in and out of my life while we were there. I know church is not about a building, but when you can look at a place or think of a place and so much emotion rushes you...it feels like an important part.

My mom and dad started attending this church when I was 3 I think. Basically, it was all I ever knew.

It was the place where:

- I went to VBS for the first time and then every year after that.
- I was able to be a part of GA's and thought I was so grown up and cool.
- I would leave Sunday morning service with a friend and spend the afternoon with her and then come back to church with them that night. The fun you could have in those few hours was hard to come by any other time.
- I was able to go to the youth house when I became a 7th grader and the feeling of being able to walk across the street and into that house with all the youth was amazing.
- I was introduced to Centrifuge and youth camp and lock-ins.
- I felt the sadness of a youth minister leaving and then another and yet another.
- I felt the pride when my mom stepped up and agreed to teach the college class.
- I spent most of my summers either working at Camp Mack or just hanging out with my friends.

It was also the place where:

- I heard Jesus call my name when I was 9 and I stepped out of the aisle and walked down all by myself.
- I stood in the baptistry and heard my pastor ask me if I had accepted Jesus as my personal savior and I said yes.
- I learned what it means to be loved by people all most as much as your parents love you.
- My mom and I could feel safe when times were hard.
- I sat with my friend during her Mother's Home Going.
- I learned what it means to have a pastor who loves you like his own and want the absolute best for you.
- I cried my eyes out when he went to be with the Lord.
- I wish I could go back and it be like it use to be.

Just to be able to walk in those doors one more time and have Bro. Paul greet and hug me and be able to hug Mrs. Cry and go off to my class with all my friends and sit in the center section of the sanctuary with all the other youth. That is what I would like to do. It's not about the building - it's about the memories and the thankfulness of having the heritage where going to this place Sunday mornings, Sunday nights and Wednesday nights is going to be without a doubt one of the most important things I remember - EVER!

Randomness

It has been a little while since I blogged lately (except for trying to get people to leave me messages :)). I have been wanting to do a wrap up post on Thailand, but to be honest - I'm just not ready yet. It is weird to me because when we left I knew I had a great time and I was very excited about having had the opportunity, but I didn't realize what an impact it would have on me once I was home. I miss it - honestly. I miss the feeling of true service and more than anything I miss seeing the people I really got to know while I was there. Today at church some of the team lead worship and I can't tell you the feeling of true excitement and pride that overflowed me. As I watched them and worshiped with them, I went down the row and I could tell you a way that each one touched me and how I got to know each one better while I was in Thailand. When you attend a church with over 6,000 members...that is a good feeling. It made me smile to see them. Every time I am asked about the trip the one thing I have continued to say is how thankful I am to have had the chance to travel with 100 other people across the country. Now when I see them in the hall at church, it isn't just a "Hi" or a nod - it is an all out hug. We have shared something together and that is a great feeling.

David leaves for Moldova in two weeks and Hannah's birthday along with a party at Playland will be that same weekend. A busy few weeks are ahead and I will for sure post pictures of the princess turning four. I can't believe how fast the time has gone.

Until next time...

This is Hannah's sad face because no one has left a comment telling her Mommy how to fix the blog. Thankfully my friend Sandra is going to help me out. So, as soon as I call her and let her walk me through it - I should be in business.
So, if you stop by and read this blog at all, can I at least get a hello??? I always wonder who may stop by. Don't be a stranger...