Rest (I mean Party) Well Sweet Julie

Senior year in high school ~ all snowed in at my house

Today was a hard day, yet bittersweet in so many ways.  My sweet friend, Julie Hall Holt, went to be with Jesus on Sunday night after a hard courageous battle with cancer. She will always be remembered as being sassy, witty, and truly the life of every party.  She made her presence known and was just one of those people you loved being around.  We graduated high school together and then headed to ASU together where we were in the same dorm.  

A fun night out at ASU

I have so many fun memories shared with Julie, one of which Marie reminded me of today.  When the blizzard of  '96 hit and we were all snowed in at my house we decided to take turns doing each other's hair in my mom's shop.  Someone had a little mishap washing Julie's hair and she ended up soaked!  I'll never forget how she stood up screaming and was soaking wet!  Fun times!

20th high school reunion last year

There are so many ways Julie touched my life.  Although my heart breaks for her family, especially her 2 young kids, I rejoice in knowing she is safe in the arms of Jesus having the party of her life now.  It makes me long to join her and my mom, because I know they are having one serious party together! 

As a side note, I was also reminded just how amazing my mom was. . . I mean who on earth rejoices when about 10 high school girls get snowed in at your house?  Oh if I had just an ounce of her carefree, loving, generous spirit . . .

I'll see you both soon.  Until then, Julie keep my mom laughing!

Charlotte Checkers

This weekend we were able to attend the Charlotte Checkers hockey game with Preston's Y Guides group.  Although they lost terribly it was still a fun night out with the family. :)

SNOW Day!!!

School was cancelled early yesterday afternoon for today.  When we woke up this morning to dry streets and nothing falling, we were quite frustrated . . . but it wasn't long before the snow started pouring down!  

The kids begged to have the Richards girls come over to play so after lunch the fun began.  Of course we had to venture out to get hinges (I"M SO OVER THIS REMODEL) to deliver to the new house today and since we were out we stopped at Harris Teeter (with everyone else) to get milk.  But after coming home and getting in a quick run they had lunch and started playing outside.

I may be starting to get a bit emotional about leaving Whitmore Pond.  Just thinking about this being their last snow here makes me a bit sad. :( Trying to focus on the bigger hill that is coming . . . 

New Year's Fun

Christmas passed by as fast as lightening and we were off to New Year's celebrations!  With the kids being home we have had lots of fun with several of their Christmas gifts.  Dave has really enjoyed using the karaoke machine after work with the kids . . .

Savannah and Preston spent hours a few days working on "training" and building their Star Wars robot . .

We spent LOTS of hours (at least 4) moving Christmas decorations and storage stuff from one attic to another on New Year's Day.

And we ended the winter break by being able to visit with my friend Jen and her family from Hawaii!  It has been a long time since we were able to see her, and what a treat to visit with not just her and her husband (who we met for the first time), but also her new little guy, Ethan!

It has been a jam-packed holiday!  From selling our house, doing inspections, moving stuff, family celebrations, trying to keep the kids busy, all of my allergy testing and searching for new products that are approved, and the tons of remodel decisions that continue to need to be made it has been a FULL two weeks.  BUT, we are grateful!  We are blessed.  We truly feel that we are right where the Lord wants us.  I am trying to press on knowing that this is just a season of craziness and that it will pass.  Here's to an exciting 2018 full of joy, laughter, good health, and fun memories!