I was talking with someone recently about parenting and milestones--particularly with my sweet girl starting KINDERGARTEN last week. The person reminded me that the "days can be long, but the years go fast..." It seems like just yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital, raising her with alongside our families, friends and wonderful congregations in Burlington and Greensboro. And there she was, walking into her Kindergarten classroom, telling daddy that "she KNEW where her classroom was, not to worry..." Oh, we'll worry, but we'll also rejoice in the special person she is and will continue to become.
WHAT A GREAT SUMMER!! We have so enjoyed a "regular" fun-filled summer with our families and friends. Chris took 2 weeks off in a row for the first time in awhile that didn't include a D.Min. course, and we discovered the joys of really taking the time to relax as we headed to Montreat for a while. EB had a great time in Clubs, we got to see old friends, I got to run with the dog on the golf course each morning, celebrated the 4th, and we had a good relaxing time in the mountains. Thanks to Chris' parents for having us for a LONG time! :) (see pics in the post below) My dad's side of the family gathered at Nags Head for our annual beach trip--thanks to my wonderful Aunt Nancy and Uncle Robert. I think there were 30 of us altogether--lots of children. Jamie and Colleen were even able to be home from Haiti for the gathering and two long car rides with all of the neices/nephews and siblings (they are good sports!!). I forgot my camera, so there aren't any pics of this trip...perhaps we were having too much fun??
family time, with "the cousins" as EB still calls them is so important.
We came back in time to head to Black Mountain to celebrate Chris' grandfather, Bop's, 99th birthday. It was a great celebration (see pics in the previous post--this blog only allows 5 pics for each post...) and really special time to celebrate an absolutely amazing man. Aunt Sarah and Uncle Robert flew in, which was really special for the kids (the rest of us were not nearly as exciting once they were there).
At the end of this trip, we were able to meet the Landreths at the park at Montreat. you may remember hearing about Heath's roommate in the PICU who also had a heart transplant? Well, she is doing really well and lives near Asheville and we keep in pretty close touch. I don't have words for the joy of seeing the two children together, playing in the water and laughing and being "regular kids." what a gift. (the pics are in the previous post)
We spent some other family time with Chris' extended family for some tougher reasons this summer as well. Pat's cousin, Rebecca, passed away after a long battle with cancer, and Chris was honored to participate in the celebration of her life in Greensboro a few weeks ago. We spent some time at Duke in the PCICU as baby Thomas (cousin) had major open heart surgery at 4-weeks-old. He is doing well (is HOME!) but we would be grateful for your prayers for his continued recovery. I continue to be moved by the amazing care that is offered at Duke hospital. It was surreal being in that space and watching "our" medical team caring so beautifully for another family member; stopping by to ask how Heath was doing. I ran into our primary cardiologist, Dr. Carboni, who was leaving the hospital as I was heading to the PCICU. we both shook our heads as he told me that he had just come from sticking his head in to see if we were in the waiting room.
My prayer is that all of the world could have this kind of care.
(I don't have many health updates on heath right now--still dealing with leg thing but everything else is going WELL--we have some check-ups in the next few weeks, so I will update as we go!)
family time, with "the cousins" as EB still calls them is so important.
We came back in time to head to Black Mountain to celebrate Chris' grandfather, Bop's, 99th birthday. It was a great celebration (see pics in the previous post--this blog only allows 5 pics for each post...) and really special time to celebrate an absolutely amazing man. Aunt Sarah and Uncle Robert flew in, which was really special for the kids (the rest of us were not nearly as exciting once they were there).
At the end of this trip, we were able to meet the Landreths at the park at Montreat. you may remember hearing about Heath's roommate in the PICU who also had a heart transplant? Well, she is doing really well and lives near Asheville and we keep in pretty close touch. I don't have words for the joy of seeing the two children together, playing in the water and laughing and being "regular kids." what a gift. (the pics are in the previous post)
We spent some other family time with Chris' extended family for some tougher reasons this summer as well. Pat's cousin, Rebecca, passed away after a long battle with cancer, and Chris was honored to participate in the celebration of her life in Greensboro a few weeks ago. We spent some time at Duke in the PCICU as baby Thomas (cousin) had major open heart surgery at 4-weeks-old. He is doing well (is HOME!) but we would be grateful for your prayers for his continued recovery. I continue to be moved by the amazing care that is offered at Duke hospital. It was surreal being in that space and watching "our" medical team caring so beautifully for another family member; stopping by to ask how Heath was doing. I ran into our primary cardiologist, Dr. Carboni, who was leaving the hospital as I was heading to the PCICU. we both shook our heads as he told me that he had just come from sticking his head in to see if we were in the waiting room.
My prayer is that all of the world could have this kind of care.
(I don't have many health updates on heath right now--still dealing with leg thing but everything else is going WELL--we have some check-ups in the next few weeks, so I will update as we go!)
We were able to steal away for a short visit to Harker's Island right before getting back into the schedule. It was gorgeous and just a really nice time. Mom and Strow joined us at the end, and it was so nice to relax together. A perfect way to get ready for school to start. EB and i got to go up in the Cape Lookout lighthouse (pics above), we had a good boat ride and perhaps had the most fun watching Autumn discover her love for swimming in the water! I had a little "wake up" call to my "always in a hurry/late" ways (those of you who know me well know that this isn't a new theme in my life...) last Thursday with a minor car accident. I was rushing to church and looked back at EB for a split second and barreled into the car in front of me. Everyone was ok. My van was not--pretty significant damage for a rear-ending. The reality of what could have happened hit when i realized that EB had a little "burn" from the seatbelt on her neck. I realized that it was a call for me to take a deep breath and try to live in the moment a little more than I usually allow myself. Really, what is more important that the lives of our children and loved ones? Do I really need to be in so much of a hurry? I talk alot about savoring the moments in life, but I am not sure I live it as much as I should. So, I leave you with that this morning. Fall is always a crazy time in our lives with so many things "starting up." I challenge you to take a breath and ENJOY it instead of just making it through the craziness.
blessings on your day.
carrie
