Family Visit...

My sis-in-law came from Arkansas with her kids, one being our new niece, and we met them at Chuckie Cheese on a very rainy Atlanta day. Boo had a great time with his cousins and these are just a few shots to show you how sweet they are.

No, not twins, but my Boo with Peanut and Lydia (I think they are 2 weeks apart).Caleb, Joshua and Boo

Doesn't Jeremy look good holding a little girl??

Nana and Papa with just a handful of grandkids...

Enjoy!

Karen

Family Pictures

We went for our family photo this past week, in time for Christmas holidays and since I haven't gotten Boo's picture taken since his 3rd birthday, I figured he could shine his winning smile and boy did he ever! Jeremy was blown away, since after all, he only saw the pictures from his last photo session...not the actual child blowing me away with every tilted head and crooked little smile. Whew...3 1/2 years is so little time, but sometimes feels like an eternity.


So, here are just a few of his precious moments...

We could not have planned that any better...his jumping out of the tree was NOT PLANNED, he just did it and she captured it. It was hilarious!

With the white background it's hard to tell, but his hair tells you that boy is mid-air.

Awww, now that's my cutie boy.

And this would be one of our family shots. It became more sentimental to me when I realized that it would be our last family photo of just three.

SAY WHAT?

You read that right, we are EXPECTING A BABY!!! I have included the countdown calendar and will move it to top in a few days. We are due mid-July and very very excited. Boo is thrilled and he really wanted a brother AND a sister, but we got confirmation that there is only 1 sac in there, much to his dismay. He said at first that the baby was growing in my heart (isn't that sweet????), but now it's in my belly. I have been dealing with high blood pressure for a few months now, so I need to keep my pressure down so I can carry the baby to close to full term. I will see a specialist because of the blood pressure, but we are not worried. God, in His inifite timing and perfect plan has granted us this...we are beyond grateful and marvel at His awesome ways.

In Christ-

Karen

Grandma Land

Boo went to Grandma's yesterday to spend the day. Jeremy had to be "in-house" this week and we had no one to keep the little man. Luckily, the grandma came to our rescue! She picked him up at the church and then we went and got him last night. I called to check on him and her during the day...she says he talks big. I agreed. She says he looks taller. I agreed with that too. He is just growing up so fast.
Grandma Land is filled with many things, but two things are for sure...the lay of the land is all for him and the dog, Buzz, is his best friend. He is a big helper, taking trash cans back to the house, getting the mail, and always willing to walk with her when she takes Buzz for a walk. She sets up a pool for him to play and he smells like suntan lotion when I get there. He sure does love his grandma.
The last few weeks he has had some incredible time with his grandparents...I am so thankful for their willingness to take Boo and love and nuture him. They may not do everything like Jeremy and I do, but it's okay; it's the priceless moments that help mold who Boo is. Two more weeks till Papaw comes and spends a few days with us too!!! We are headed to the Braves game!!
His memory is growing and being filled with memories of the last year - Disney, Busch Gardens, and even most recently he is recalling the time he spent with Nana and Papa to us. He knows 8 scriptures very well and told me all about Jonah and the whale from reading a book the other day. He blows my mind.
Happy Saturday to all!
--Karen

BIRTHDAY MONTH!

Oh my gracious! It's AUGUST 1st! PEOPLE! PEOPLE! Do you know what this means???? IT'S BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Crowd goes wild! Ballons and streamers EVERYWHERE! And this year, I am excited to say, I will be 30!!!! WAHHOO! Not that I think anything great comes with 30, except more wisdom than the previous year, but I enjoy birthdays...can you tell? Really? You can tell? hm...


Attention Family: In honor of birthday month, I will be accepting cards, gifts, flowers, notes, money, mail, email, blog love, etc. beginning today and ending on the 31st. Even though my actual birthday is before the 31st, I will still accept some lateness from the fam....it's a gene we can't control.


Show the Love: I have lots of friends, some of them have blogs, that have birthdays also...so, I would enjoy it if you would show them some bloggy love this month, too.

Mandy - she is a wise, dear friend of mine who lives in Texas. She is due to have her third child in about a month and she needs to blog more. :)

D - he has a real name, but that's what his name is for this summer. :)

Laura - She is my brilliant/wisest sister-in-law and I love her dearly.

Meg - My neice Meg, who is Laura's daughter.

LeRay - friend and wife to a pastor, who just got in to blogging - you sent her some bloggy love a few weeks back through Thankful Thursday. Her son was born on her birthday!

Jim - my father in law; my neice (his granddaughter) was born on his birthday!

Michelle - a long time friend with twin girls and a little boy - her birthday is between mine and Jeremy's.

Kim - friend of mine with two little girls - they just moved to Alabama...:(

and lest I forget, my beloved, Jeremy, his birthday is 5 days before mine.
If you are an August baby, leave a comment and I will be glad to send the blogosphere, or the 10 people who actually read this, over to your blog!

Additions 8/2: Terri - She is one of my favorite people in bloggy land!!! Her and her family are in the final stages of adopting a little girl from China! Praise the Lord! And guess what - TODAY, 8/2 is her BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy Birthday to us! Happy Birthday to us! Happy Birthday to UUUUSSSS! Happy Birthday to us!

Love,
Karen

Rest of the Week and Home from Camp

Been out of touch, but all for good reason...been on "vacation" from the grind and from the Boo. :) I only worked three days last week, so I was writing my Thankful Thursday from my own room! Thursday was nice! We worked out with a trainer at our apartment complex - that was not the nice part. I didn't eat breakfast, so it didn't start out so good. After an apple it got better, but after finding out the cost I fell into much nausea again. We agreed to discuss it and we would let them know.
After that, we drove up to Helen, GA. Nice drive from our place and we managed to dodge most of the rain. We watch several people make fudge and candy apples and walked around looking at all the nick-nacks. We drove up to Unicoi Lodge and scoped it out...I recalled a retreat I went to there years ago, and Jeremy and I just enjoyed being with one another, talking and sharing and laughing - lots of laughter. He took me to eat at a new seafood place near Lake Lanier park and it was yummy.
Frida we started our day at the driving range. Hubby got a new driver and wanted to try it out. I brought a book to enjoy, but managed to hit a few balls myself. :) I am still learning. We then drove and made a huge decision to join a fitness club. We liked the place, knew some friends went there, and took the plunge. This wasn't a spur of the moment decision; it's been a long time coming. I went to another appt on Tuesday where my BP was still high...it's not just stress...it's LIFE CHANGE and it needs to happen soon or I won't be around to see my child grow up. That might sounds drastic, but it's truth, and I am up to admitting that I need help, so that's why we joined the fitness club. We each have our first appointments on Monday evening.
We topped Friday night off at Stoney River Steakhouse. We didn't gorge ourselves, because, you know, the fitness club, but we did have a great meal.
Saturday, our actual anniversary, was spent going to get the BOO BEAR! We met at a 1/2 way point, had lunch, and then brought our Boo home. He looks so much taller and talks some mature. Oh my heavens...I just missed him sooooo much! I did enjoy the time with Jeremy as well, so maybe in a few months he can go back and spend some time. My sister-in-law wants him now and she didn't get that much time with him...:) He had a great week! We had a great week! Till next time....

Newlyweds Again

AHHHHHH!
Did you hear that?
Yeah, me too.
Nothing. You could hear a pin drop in this place! No little man...you hear ME??? NO LITTLE MAN!
Boo is enrolled at Camp Nana and Papa this week. I said goobye to him last night really when I put him to bed, but managed to sneak into his room this morning (early!) and kiss him and tell him I loved him. He will be there till Saturday. Nana and Papa will take such good care of him - I know this, because my in-laws raised 5 kids. I wasn't sure who was more excited - Boo or Nana! He will get to see his cousins and auntie too, I think. Praise God for family.

How am I? I doing okay, but like I said you could hear a pin drop! Jeremy is at a meeting and I am home just relaxing, cathing up with old friends and all of their kids and family. So, we are newlyweds this week...and did I mention, this weekend will mark SIX YEARS for this Greer family. Hard to believe that much time has passed and that we used to live in Texas for a brief stint of our marriage. We are taking some time off later in the week to spend with each other and get away from the grind of life. The Do Not Disturb sign will be up come Thursday. :)

On another note, my replacement at work started today. Hip Hip Hooray!!! I love her dearly and pray that she stays a long time there...I have three weeks to take my brain out, dump all the work info and put it in her brain. Wish my luck! :)

Resting in Him-
Karen

Pictures Galore

I am organizing my pictures this morning, so I figure it's probably time I post some! I think I promised Boo's birthday pics back in April/May, so I will start with those first. Enjoy the plethora of photos!! :) I have loaded them to slide.com because it will automatically scroll through them for you.

The next is our vacation to Florida...

I hope you enjoyed the pictures! Have a blessed weekend! Jeremy preaches this Sunday! :)

In His Hands-

Karen

Live, from H.O.T. Florida

Oh my blazes...it's h.o.t. here! Like I didn't expect that... :) Just checking in with you all and hoping to find you all well. It's nice here - the weather is good with the occasional shower, although, that's only rumor, since I haven't actaully seen one for myself. Close though.
Father's Day was event-filled at Weeki Wachee/Buccaneer Bay with my family - fun was had by all and the Mermaid show proved itself well to my son. He loved the ice cold natural spring water and the kiddie pool. Rock On Buc Bay! It's been a long time, but it proved worthy. Today it's playdates and golfing for the little man and tomorrow...well, we head to the jungles of Africa - okay, not really, but at Busch Gardens, it will give him just a tad glimpse as to what his daddy is experiencing while there.
Speaking of Jeremy - he made his way back to the village which is their headquarters - they have been traveling to different villages testing the water and they will begin their trek back to the main city tomrrow morning. We now talk in days as to when he will be home. Please pray for his trip back to be uneventful.

Much love to you all-

Karen

THE week

It's THE week.

You know the one...the one that you kindly refer to 6 months from now as "that week." I know that's what this week will turn into for me. Although, it just occured to me that's a great header for a chapter in my book. Hm...see THE week can be curse or blessing, however you are choosing to view it.
I currently am choosing to view THE week as a blessing...life happens, ministry does as well, and so, we press on.

Yesterday Jeremy left for Africa. I will tell you which country after he gets home. He's there. It's exciting and Boo and I got to take him to the airport. Big planes, a trip by Grandma's office (she was bored!) and two slushies later, we were home chillin' out. Now, Boo is incredible. One on one that kid is the total polar opposite of the kid who plays his mom and dad against each other every moment of every other day. It's night and day. He obeys. He talks nice. He loves on me. He takes a bath. He goes to bed on time. It's glorious. The same thing happens when I am out for a night or at meetings or the boys are having quality bonding time...he thrives on one on one time. So, I suffice to say, although Jeremy is gone for the next 16 days, I will be enjoying the little man in my house.

This is just the first part.

Wednesday my grandmother passed away. She was the wife of my grandfather, who passed away in February. My Mema was some woman. She told me the story of how they met all those years ago and it seemed she hadn't lost that love for my grandfather. She birthed my father and his three sisters, all three years apart from each other, and managed to run a fort (with a nanny) while my grandfather played professional baseball. A lot can be said of her, but none more valuable than how great her cooking was. In fact, the first thing I did when we arrived for my grandfather's memorial in February was go to the cabinet where I believed the recipe box was held. I was right on the first try and spent a few minutes just thumbing through it...remembering all the hours of the day she would spend in the kitchen. I said before that's where the heart of our family is. The last several years have been rough, as we watched this strong woman's body begin to deteriorate. My last incredible memory with her was in July of 2000. Jeremy and I took a trip to FL to meet my family, as he was about to head off to seminary. As we were getting ready to have our meal, my family asked Jeremy to pray. We all held hands and he prayed. After we said Amen, my Mema let go of my hand and walked to Jeremy and kissed him on the cheek. I got teary and my other family stood there in awe. It was the most incredible sight. I know she liked him...and that told all of us that she approved.
Alzheimer's began to take it's toll on her and her manageable life began to slip away. My family placed her in a nursing care facility when my grandfather could not longer take care of her fully. It has been the saddest years watching those things take place, and in this moment, I will choose to not remember those times. I choose to remember her the way she was so many years ago and I hope that my cousins will be able to do the same. They aren't as old and didn't get the days to see her in her prime...but I tell you something, it doesn't matter if she wasn't always nice, she took care of her family the only way she knew how. I have already missed her for so long now. I hate that she doesn't know I married an incredible man and that I was so blessed to give her a great-grandson. I know she would have just ate him up!!

All of the emotion of that is starting to get to me.

I am having some issues with some things, so I made an appointment to see my doctor. As I arrive this morning, I am feeling joyful, which is nothing out of the ordinary, and the nurse proceeds to be tell me my blood pressure is 140/100. Now, I know what you are thinking...how in the world have I not had a heart attack. Yeah, I know. When she said those numbers, I was a little nervous too...so I finished my appt and went to the lab to give them my blood. I spoke to my friend, Alicia, and my mom before coming to work. I am really not stressed out....although, if you made it this far in my blog today, you might be second guessing that. But seriously, I don't feel stressed out. For real! I am not having anxiety or any feelings of being overly stressed. So, I am going to take it easy tonight and the weekend and see what the future holds. Please don't worry, just pray.

That was the last part.

Here I am in THE week. The week I will look back on and say, "whew, I made it through...look at all that God did." God's hand has never been more gracious than in the last 48 hours.
"The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him..." (Exodus 15:2)

In His Hands-
Karen

Making Memories

Today was all about making memories. It's these kinds of memories you want him to think about years from now and look back and say, "Remember when..."

We all ventured to the golf tournament today! Boo was originally supposed to go to school while Jeremy and I went. After thinking about it, we knew he would probably just love it there, so we decided to take him with us...taking the chance that if he so even sneezed at the wrong time, we could possibly be kicked out of the tournament! :)

We parked, rode the bus to the country club, which turned out to be an adventure in itself. I mean, the kid loves anything that's different and new to him, so riding a huge bus was like, awesome! We get there, walk to the 18th green and watch a few batch of players come through. Then we walked back to the 17th, since their green is great for spectators. We told Boo the rules - when they put the signs up (Hush, Y'all) you have to be quiet. He did pretty good, and learned to say "In the Hole! In the Hole!" really loud after the guys putt the ball. It was classic. Some of the players liked it so much they gave their golf balls to him after they putt...now, that's classic. He was so tickled and excited and it seemed to make the players excited too. One guy even stopped us hours later to ask us if he still had the ball...of course! He loves golf! So, that's our family today, making memories for a lifetime.

Love,
Karen

Mother's Day

I was so filled with good stuff this weekend for Mother's Day that I didn't make any time to blog about it! I don't know about you (other Moms), but I was spoiled this weekend. I got to go shopping with my mom, with boys in tow, to a fancy little store at Phipps Plaza - the high end retail place in Atlanta. It wasn't so much that I was going for something spectacular, but it was necessity more than anything, and they have the one store for the NECESSITIES. We then went to Lenox Mall and shopped around there - with me trying on a ton of clothes. I so enjoyed that part! And we concluded with a nice lunch and time at my momma's house. It was soooo much fun!! My boys spoiled me some more when they bought me THIS cute little item. I was completely in shock! Even more than that was a cute little card that Boo got me that had Minnie Mouse on it - and I think he was more tickled about that bit of information. Although, in the car this morning, you wouldn't have known it, because he was loving singing any of his songs, like Backyardigans! He is pretty excited to have the iPod too, since he knows we can play any songs we want - in any order! We are now set for our adventure to Florida in less than 5 weeks! WAAAAHOOOO!

This week is packed full of goodness for golf fans in the area - the AT&T classic, used to be the Bellsouth Classic, kicks off today at TPC Sugarloaf. Jeremy and I are headed out there on Friday for the day and if it's anything like last year, it will be a blast. We also have the Classic Breakfast at our church this week and I will also be in attendance for that...so will Boo, since it's early in the AM. Should be a packed out week and I only have four days of work...picture Happy Dance going on at my desk!
My company has their Company Picnic on Saturday, so we will be enjoying that, and oh my word, the following weekend is Memorial Day. We are moving right along into Summer, aren't we?

I hope all the Mommies had a wonderful weekend! Please share what your family did for Mother's Day...

In His Love-
Karen

Happy Birthday Boo!

Three years ago we went from this...

a happy little couple, married for a few years, and desired for the Lord to give us a child...

And He answered us...

with Boo! We will celebrate Boo's birthday over the next few days and then complete it next week with a birthday party at his favorite place.

I will be completely honest, I got teary this morning when Boo came running into our room and I realized I have a three year old!! Here is just two of my favorite pictures...

Daddy snuggles

First smiles

I could probably post pictures all day...

Happy Birthday Boo Bear! I love you! May the Lord have His way with your life and may you sail your boat anywhere His wind blows.

I love you,

Mom

Birthday Month and more...

It's Birthday Month for my Boo bear...yet again! It feels like I just wrote this same post...
Boo will be accepting gifts, cards, money, packages and more from now until the end of the month. He will be 3. I tell him often lately that my big boy has grown up. He got a big boy haircut yesterday...I will have to post a picture of it tonight. He's so cutie!!! We are going to get our pictures taken on Wednesday night for Easter. April is picture month for us, since we try to do his birthday shots too, but not for another couple of weeks.

"April showers brings May flowers"
We kicked that off pretty well this weekend with a nice downpour on Friday and Sunday here. It was nice to see the pollen washed away, however, it was back on the cars this AM...just not in full affect yet.

Atlanta has been packed with people this weekend with the Final Four being here and the Braves opening day is today!! Woo Hoo! I have a radio that I brought from home, so I can listen to the game while at work. I would do it on the computer, but it doesnt' have speakers...crazy huh?

I pray your week is great and we remember the significance of the Passover and Easter this week and weekend.
"Let is be said of us...that we choose to be a blessing for life..." by John Waller
In Christ-
Karen

Pictures

All in all the trip to Florida was good...an adventure, but good. We arrived Thursday to my aunt's house. We got settled in and over the next few hours, my aunts and uncles would arrive, but I was waiting on my cousin, Mike. I hadn't seen that boy...excuse me, man in 10 years!! David was all over the place, laughing with Papaw, finding out that bean bag chairs are awesome and telling my cousin, Nolan, about pottying. Oh dear. Dinner proved fun and exciting with me getting a great chance to catch up with my cousin.
Friday, Jeremy and I took Boo to Disney, literally flying by the seat of our pants that day and my cousin, Mike and his wife Jen went with us too. We split off, only because we weren't planning on riding any of the big rides, just the kiddo rides. I believe a good time was had by all...although Mike and Jen got stuck in the mass arrival of people coming to the Pirates/Princess party.
Here is Boo and I on the teacups!!! We went fast!

This is Boo and Jeremy on Dumbo...notice that this time he is not crying his eyes out!! If you saw our pictures from September, then you will know why this is the cutest pic ever.

On to the real reason why we went to Florida...my grandfather's memorial service. It was wonderful. Just exactly how I pictured it would be, although, the stories were unscripted in my head, they were all funny, hilarious and serious all rolled into one. Gary Caruso, friend and editor of Chop Talk magazine, gave a resounding eulogy that I am sure my grandfather was humbled by. My husband spoke eloquently and directly with authority from the Lord about marrying into our family and about the decision my grandfather made to make peace with the Lord. As my uncle said...he was fine until he said the word, Pepaw. Then, it made it real and personal. You can see below the fine picture of my grandfather after pitching Game 7 of the 1957 World Series. Boo and I were trying to do the hand signal for 3. He does it well and kept telling me that he is going to be 3, but he's now 2. :)

Ahh...this picture now adorns my desktop at work...it's titled, My Boys! I love these boys dearly, with the love of a sister. I am blessed to be the only granddaughter in my family, which also means, I am blessed to have some fine men in my life. From left to right - Lewis, Nolan, my, Mike, and Danny. Mike is my older cousin, the me, then Danny, Lewis, and the baby, who now stands taller than me, Nolan. This is what I grew up with!!! Mike and I spent summers, spring breaks, and Christmas' at our grandparents house each year. As we got older, we drifted apart, but I gotta tell you, we reconnected like we hadn't been apart in years. It was awesome. Danny is a junior at FSU. Lewis is a freshman at TCC. Nolan is a sophmore in high school. These boys...well, tears just well up in my eyes when I look at them. They are strong, independent, men and I pray each day that God will bless them and watch over them.
It was a nice 5 days in Florida and a nice gathering of people honoring my grandfather. He was and will remain a special man in my heart. I look at these boys and see him in each of them...

In His Hands-

Karen

Tags: Lou Burdette

Happy Belated Valentine's

Valentine's Day did not escape my mind, I was just too busy not to post! :) Don't you hate those days??
I hope each of you had an enjoyable Valentine's Day with your spouse, fiance', child(ren), or just with Jesus...can I get an AMEN? We spent Valentine's at the church...after all...it was Wednesday night and we had a delicious meal and I say Jeremy got off easy. Although, he is taking me out on Saturday night, and we have a babysitter!! Yippie! I think Outback is calling our names.

A week from today we will be on our way to Florida. I don't love the reason we are going, but spending time with my extended family is like one of my most favorite things to do!! Seeing my cousins, hearing my dad's voice, being with my aunts - well, it's just pure joy for me. They are all just as excited, but only because the one and only, treasured Boo bear is coming. I mean, who doesn't enjoy a little humor with the almost 3-year old??? He is a sight and full of energy waiting to be released on these people. He is practicing his singing and playing air guitar and oh my word, the wiggle groove. He thinks his Papaw, Nolie, Danny, and Lewis (my dad and my three cousins) are going to watch the Cars movie with him and he thinks that's all they have to do in an extended weekend, ya know???

Resting in Him-
Karen

Pictures with Pepaw

I apologize that it has taken me a while to get my pictures up...some of them were located elsewhere and it took me a while to remember where...it's been a long week if I should say so.
I think it's starting to hit me. I am emotional today, and there seems no other reason. The pictures are helping. Enjoy.

Boo was just under 3 months when he attended his first baseball game and got to see why it means so much to us...the plate with my grandfather's name and number on it is in the plaza at Turner Field.

Just a week later, Boo made his first appearance in Florida...he was loved immediately!!!

Here is Pepaw telling Boo his first story...you may be surprised to know it wasn't about baseball, but about life and love.One of my favorite pictures...I think I actually some pics like that with me in his arms.A month later (August 2004) Pepaw came up for the Braves Hall of Fame induction ceremony. That's Pepaw, Boo, me holding him, Jeremy behind me, my momma next to me and Uncle Les, my grandfather's brother.
Here we are almost a year later in June 2005. We stopped off in Orlando for a few days before my 10 year reunion in New Port Richey. Gotta love that paci!
Augus 2005 Pepaw came back up to Atlanta for the induction ceremony again...this was the year they celebrated the 15 year anniversary of the 1991 Braves (the worst to first team) - it was awesome to meet Steve Avery and Dave Justice, but it was even better hearing my grandfather walk around holding Boo saying, "This is my great-grandson!" I was teary.
It would be over a year before I would see him again...Jeremy, Boo and my mom saw him in August 2006, his last trip to the induction ceremony in Atlanta. We would make the trip to Florida in September and knew leaving that it was probably the last time we would see him.

The tests in the weeks ahead proved what we had all suspected, the cancer was there and spreading. Over the weeks between September and December, he would start showing more signs of his outward man wasting away. He was able to celebrate his 80th birthday at his favorite local place, surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly. I was unable to make it, but my daddy sent me pictures! As the weeks went by from December to this past week, I would talk with my family more than I ever had in years...weekly updates, doctor visits, Hospice entered their lives and so did in-house care. He passed away peacefully, with no signs of pain and that's exactly the way he wanted.

I pray that as the coming weeks come to a close he will find we as a family have been faithful to his requests and honored him in a most loving way. The memorial service on the 24th will be much of a celebration of his life as it is ever could be.

Enjoy the photos!

In the Lord's hands -

Karen

Tags: Lou Burdette

Pictures

It may be time to update the pictures...the family is getting ansy...
Decorating the tree...Boo helped Jeremy decorate the tree by stretching out the lights across the room and moving slowly closer to the tree as Jeremy needed them. This is him posing by the tree after the lights were on.

Boo helped me put the ornaments on...

We went to Jeremy's parents house on Christmas Eve Eve (23rd) and Boo got a taste of what it's like having a big family...lots of people, lots of food, and you have to share your toys! :) Here are a few pictures from the day. Boo and Papa. Cousins - Caleb (4), Andrew (1), Boo (2). We marveled at the fact that next Christmas Mom and Dad will be in a new house and the boys (the last four grandkids have been boys!) will be 5, 3, 2, and 1. WOW! The Greer household next Christmas will need to be boy-proofed!

I started this post on Saturday and today is Monday, so I am going to go ahead and publish it and add more pics to my next post.

Love,

Karen

The New Year!

Whew! We made it through Christmas and New Year's with no major or minor incidents in our family and for that, I am grateful and blessed. It has been a long two weeks that I have been gone, so I will do my best to catch you up...

We began Christmas on the 23rd, celebrating with Jeremy's family. We got to see our new nephew, Joshua, and he is quite the cutie pie. Boo had a great time playing with his cousins and all we could do was imagine what next year would be like with FOUR boys that will be 5 years old and younger. WOW! Good thing mom and dad are moving...yep, that's right, Jeremy's parents are moving out of their little cape cod home to a ranch with a basement closer to the church that Jeremy's dad is serving at. The next few weeks they will pack up, so we will celebrate that.
Christmas Eve was busy (it was Sunday, so it's a work day), but we managed to have a great time. We decided against the child-friendly 4:00 service, since uh, my toddler is still sleeping at that time, and went to the 8:00 Lord's Supper service. I gotta say, Boo did pretty well, and the funniest part of the whole evening...well, let me just say, it was probably the funniest moment of 2006! So, Jeremy has a part in the service...his part is to read the scripture, you know, the Christmas story from the Bible. Boo and I are in the balcony, so he can see, and maybe behave through most of it, and when Jeremy starts reading, Boo starts repeating!!!! Here's how it went down...
Jeremy: "there were some shepherds..."
Boo: "SHEPHERDS?"
Jeremy: "an angel of the Lord..."
Boo: "ANGEL? Mom, Angel!"
Jeremy: "today in the city of David..."
Boo: "DAVID? That's me!"
The caps are stressing the LOUDNESS of the words coming out of his mouth. Ahh, yes, he wants to be just like his daddy. I love that!

Christmas Day was awesome. Grandma came up and we waited till she got there to open presents. That kid could not get enough...he kept asking for more presents pretty much up until we took the tree down days later. :) Boo got lots of goodies, mostly trains, but he did get a new chair and Cars sheets and bedspread. WOO HOO! He was thrilled. Jeremy's parents came over for dinner and we all had a great time.
The day after Christmas we went to my family's house and spent time with my aunt and uncle, cousin and grandmother. It was good and Boo racked up again, getting a huge tool set with tool box. WAY COOL! Thanks to Aunt She-She and Uncle Apple Juice. :)
We both returned to work after Christmas and Boo returned to school...although, it was so dead around there that he actually said it was only him and one other girl there. That was kind of sad, but I knew he was having a great time despite that his best buddy wasn't there.
And then...and then...it was time for the New Year. As is customary in our household since we got married, we have yet to stay up and ring in the New Year. In Texas it was easier, because of the time change, so we actually did stay up till 11:00 that year and rung it in with the Eastern Time Zone, however, after that year it just didn't happen. So, we went to bed at a decent time, because the next four days would hold to be the most incredible, tiring, awesome days in our lives...but that will have to be saved for the next post. :)

In Christ-
Karen

Busy!

Are you busy?
I am busy!
Not busy enough to write about it, though. :) HA!
We had a get-together at our house last night...most of the pastoral staff came and some of our Sunday School leaders and then a few extra special friends that we have. It was great! Dessert and coffee all around and it was fun and homey in our little apartment. Boo has a little friend who came over and boy I tell ya, the two of them...they are so hilarious! She hugs him lots and he blows her off some of the time, but then always comes running back for more hugs and smoochies. The Pastor and the little girl's daddy commented that in about 10 years we are going to have to put a wall between them and no playing in the bedroom unsupervised. Seriously. She is a pretty special girl and I would love to have Gayle and Charley as David's in-laws! :) hee hee.
So, I am swamped at work, lots of paperwork to do and I have a class to attend today. The class should be good, but in the back of mind, I am thinking about Boo. He has his party at school today, Jeremy has his party at his office today, and Boo, well, he isn't feeling all that great. He's allergic to the holidays. Every major holiday he gets sick...think there is something "they" call that??? Maybe it's because we get so busy and his little body just doesn't adjust? Maybe it's because he hasn't had a decent night sleep in 4 days....I definately know that contributes to it. I hope he is okay today and that I can get my work done and manage to take Friday off.
I am not letting my busy-ness cloud my true thoughts I'll have you know...it's Christmas and I am looking forward to spending it with my family this weekend. My new nephew is home and I can't wait to hold that little boy and give him lots of smoochies...assuming I am not sick by Saturday! :)
I have more stuff to share, but like I said, I'm BUSY!

Never to busy for you, Lord-
Karen

Portrait Innovations

I forgot to bring my CD with me this morning, but I do have one picture of Boo and I to post. It's on my desktop and it's just the cutest. Daddy-I think you will love it, and fear not, you are getting one in the mail soon. :)

Ain't he sweet??? Oh yes, he absolutely is!! I will post more tonight if I think about when I get home. Hope you enjoy the day the Lord has made. Rejoice!

In Him-

Karen

Tags: Portrait Innovations