Get Ready for Chills

As I am sure you all remember the horrible time we went through back in February with Emerson getting so sick. For those of you who don't, the doctors were certain that she had leukemia. God absolutely proved them wrong and we are so thankful for that. I have felt very close to God since I was saved at the age of 15, but I have never felt closer since witnessing that miracle that he performed. I know a lot of you reading this are probably shocked at my relationship with the Great Physician based on my past and there are some of you who like to question/judge it, but it is there and it is strong.

Having said that, last month my sister gave me this:
Break the monotony and do something strange and extravagant. - Emerson

Upon receiving the results by the Oncology team at Duke, I could not wait to call my sister. She had given me tons of verses to cling to during that difficult time. The one that stuck out to me was, "Do not be afraid. Just trust Me." Mark 5:36 I repeated that verse over and over. When I was finally able to call her ( a few hours later due to the time difference of 14 hours) she told me of a plaque that was on her doorstep. A woman with whom my sister had gone on a trip with had custom made it for her. She had to order the words several weeks earlier, sanded the board and painted it for my sister to thank her for planning their "girls trip." How ironic? Not irony, GOD! He speaks to us in so many ways and I think this is his motto for Emerson's life! I am so thankful to have good health for not only my children, but for everyone around me. We don't ever need to forget just what we have. Thank you, God for loving me!

Happy Birthday...Village Inn Style

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Cousin Love

My brother-in-law, Jerry, brought his three boys over to Grandpa and Grandma's last night for a visit. We ended up going out to dinner with them and then to feed the fish/turtles at our lake. The kids all had tons of fun running and playing. Emerson even lapped Conner at one point. In all honesty, I think Conner let her win. I heard him come running by saying, "I wanna chase her again!" They are such sweet little boys who completely melted my heart by their love for their Aunt Christy! Don't get me wrong, they love their Uncle Chris too, but I was the one being fought over last night! I didn't like that one bit either...can't you tell?! It's a shame that we can't spend more time with them. I think they all would grow up really close.

Rainy Afternoon

I took the kids outside yesterday afternoon while it was raining out. Ethan always come up with games for he and Emerson to play and she just follows along. Here is a short video of "The Ant Game" and a few pictures of their "adventure." He was telling Emerson that the lightening was Gi Gi taking pictures and the thunder was Gi Gi and God bowling. Guess he listens to me after all. ;)

Emerson's 2nd Birthday Party

We had Emerson's birthday party at the pool Saturday night. It was a very hot and humid evening, so the water felt great. All of her family (with the exception of her cousins, Aunt and Uncle in TN) were there as well as some of her friends. Unfortunately, a lot of her friends were either sick or on vacation. We didn't really have a "theme" other than keeping with her hippo invitation. She never watches TV, so she could really care less about any of the characters. We had a lot of fun and are thankful to everyone who came out.

Hey...at least she matched!

My mom was there to help me, THANK GOD! I am so happy to have her around and wish that she lived closer. She knows just what to do to help me out. Our kids can't get enough of her. Thanks for everything that you do, Mom. I absolutely adore you. Enjoy the pics in the album.

Mountains

Chris and I took the kids to the mountains last week for our vacation. My sister and nephews stayed with us for a few days before going to my mom's house. The boys (and girl!) had an absolute blast. They all got along so great that we were wondering if it was too good to be true. We did a lot of exploring in the mountains and especially the streams/rivers. We used to love walking through the rivers of New Hampshire when we were little, so it was nice be able to see them enjoy it as well. We had a little party for Emerson on her birthday. This was her first with Amy's boys. Hopefully we can make it an annual thing!

After Amy and the boys left, we went to Dollywood for a few days. Ethan enjoyed riding rides with Chris. Chris even took both children on the ferris wheel. Emerson decided at the top that she wanted mommy. Needless to say, they only rode that one once. We played lots of mini golf, explored caverns and hung out at the pool/water park at the resort.

On Saturday, my brother-in-law flew into Charlotte, so we all met at Monkey Joe's. Logan, Tyler and Ryland had never been, so Ethan and Emerson showed them the ropes. Then we went back to my mom's house for a BBQ. I have typed some comments on the pictures in the album with a few more descriptions of our week. I am also uploading all of my sisters pictures as well.