Oh, What A Day!

Anna's High School Graduation Today 

Happy Moments

There is much about my life right now that I really do not like.

Don’t get me wrong. 

I am so grateful that I am alive. 

I am so thankful that I am able to take care of my children. 

I am so thankful that, as my dad says, 

it is as good as it is.

But there’s still much of my world that I just don’t like.

Taking care of 2 households, 3 kids, and 2 parents is a very hard job – on a good day.

On the bad ones – well, I have to just remember to breathe.

Mostly though, I just don’t like being alone in my daily life

 – even though I am surrounded by people.

So there is a lot about my life right now that I will not want to remember.

In fact, I will be happy to forget a lot of it someday.

But today, right in the middle of a very busy day,

I took some photos of happy moments that

I don’t EVER want to forget!

Just Busy

Someone who reads my blog regularly asked me if I was okay since I haven't blogged in so long.

  

Thanks for caring enough to notice!

I just haven't had the time to blog.

We have had dance recitals, 

theatre productions, 

church (which is not as easy as it sounds since it involves 

getting all of my children and my daddy ready to go each Sunday), 

end of the year curriculum stuff, 

Anna's final exams, 

a day trip with the church to Biltmore House, 

my dad's 55th high school reunion, 

Memorial Day at church today, 

and of course - all of the preparations for Anna's high school graduation.

And all of that is in addition to the normal caretaking for my kids and my parents.

So, just to touch base with those who have cared enough to notice my lack of blog posts,

we are fine - just extrememly busy!

I do plan on catching up someday...

Love to you all! 

May 15, 1993

Happy Anniversary to Joan and Scot - my sister and my brother-in-law.

This photo is from the rehearsal and I've always loved it!

Hard to believe it's been 21 years since that day.

I was Joan's maid of honor.

I also caught her bouquet.

And it must have worked...

...I married Rob in that same church just 7 1/2 months later.

Happy Anniversary Joan and Scot!

Carter Ming

Today is Carter's birthday - 

his 7th to be exact.

Carter is my nephew, the son and youngest child of Rob's brother, Bryan and his wife, Jenny.

.

Carter, we were all so excited when you became part of our family.

(2010 - Crystol, Anna, Wesley, Luke, Cassidy, and Carter)

(2013)

Through your parents' blog, your Uncle Robert and I followed every step of the way when you were joining our family - from the very first orphanage photos shared all the way to when you arrived home.  I printed many of the photos out and made our "Carter" book. 

When your mom and dad flew to China to your "gotcha day," your Uncle Rob and I got up really early to see the first family photos that your parents posted.  You were so cute!  And you still are! 

Even though you won't remember him, I am glad you got a few chances to spend time with your Uncle Robert and that he got a chance to know you.  These photos are my favorite ones of you and him.  We were at Paw Paw Jim's house for his 70th birthday and you and Rob were playing dinosaurs with just your imaginations and your hands.  It was fun to watch and fun to photograph.  He loved you and was proud to be your uncle. 

Carter Ming, I have loved you since I knew you existed and I am blessed, grateful, and glad that I have had the opportunity to be your Aunt Janna!

I love you - always have and always will!

Love, Aunt Janna