Happy Mother's Day!

Daniel, Robin, and Abigail!!

Abigail

Kylie and Grandma

My beautiful mother in-law with Tabb and me.

I am so grateful for my Mom....she's strong, loving, and a very caring
person. She raised me to be a kind and compassionate person, and if it wasn't
for her, I doubt I ever would have become a nurse. I appreciate so much all of
the sacrifices my mom made for me and my siblings. She gave up a lot to make
sure that we all had a great future.


My mother in-law, Audrey, has been a second Mom to me. She has always shown
me love and supported me in all that I do. She also raised my sweet husband.

I'm grateful to Robin for being such a loving daughter in-law. She's
patient with me. I do try to not give advice or be pushy. She's a wonderful
mommy to Abigail and a great wife to Daniel!!

I am so blessed to have such loving children: Daniel, Brian, Cory, Nicolas,
Melissa, and Katie. Today I was served breakfast in bed (french toast and eggs,
with OJ). This evening, they have prepared my favorite dinner: pot roast and
mashed potatoes. We're having strawberry shortcake for dinner. Tabb has done all
of this hard work - thank you honey...it means alot!! The best part of being a
Mom: seeing your kids live the gospel of Jesus Christ! I have shared with them
so many times that by living the gospel, they'll always be on track and be able
to withstand the pressures of life! Just a few minutes ago, Melissa came up to
me, gave me a hug, and said, "Mom, I'm happy." Now, that's a Mother's Day gift
to remember!!

The Kids

Mark, Marlin, Mom, Carolyn, and Me

Katelyn, Carolyn, Marlin, Mom, and Me

Tornado Damage

The tornadoes came through on April 16th - Katie's 11th birthday! I was at a movie theater with 8 little girls watching Gnomie and Juliet. Before the movie started at 3:00 pm, I told Tabb that I thought we should cancel due to the reports that this storm was going to be really bad! Tabb assured me that we'd all be okay and that we didn't want to disappoint Katie. It was her first birthday party with friends....I know, I'm a slacker. That's what happens when you're # 6. Anyway...despite the terrible looking clouds and the threat of tornadoes, all the parents dropped off their kids. About 30 minutes into the movie, the hail and wind hit, the lights went out and my kids started crying. I was holding as many as I could and praying with all my heart that we would not die (while watching Gnomie and Julie). I felt terrible that these kids were not with their parents at such a serious time. It took about 10 minutes for the storm to pass. I ran out to the lobby to see what was happening (i.e. tornado coming). All I could see was intense rain, winds well over 50 miles an hour, and crazy people out driving in it. The storm passed, but it was really scary....I wasn't sure it was the last of the storm. When we got home, we were so fortunate...just a few small limbs down (we have over 70 pine trees on our property). However, about 5 miles tornadoes tore apart several large areas of NE Raleigh. 4 children died and many, many people lost everything. It was surreal to think that I still have a house and power, while others have died. From what I understand, 42 tornadoes tore through NC. We had twin tornado tracks in Raleigh. My guess is that there were many tornadoes touching down at the same time in Raleigh. Some members from our church went out yesterday morning to help clean up storm damage. I'm so grateful that more people did not lose their lives ....if you saw the damage, you would realize it truly is a miracle that more people were not hurt. On the humorous side.....I'm not sure I'll ever plan another party for Katie! :)

Happy Easter!

Carolyn (my sister) and Nicolas......he loves Auntie Carolyn!!

Birthday girl ...Katie....age 11

Fun time with Granddaddy at his favorite hangout....Walmart! (It is not my favorite hangout)

Hmmmmm.....is this a new baby sister for Kylie??

Katie, Angela, and Melissa.....It's Hair Day. Angela takes such good care of my girls!

Brian loving on Kylie....

Tabb and his brother Chas

Hey Dad....there's no room to take a nap!

Tabb's cousins....Hugh and Laurie Stocks

Katie, Kylie, and Melissa!

My Daniel has grown up to be such a great Dad....he had a good example

Abigail...joyful as usual!

Abigail and Mommy....

Kylie loves her sunglasses!

I'm so grateful for the blessings of Gospel of Jesus Christ. For a wonderful family and for the promise of eternal life with each of my loved ones!

Temple Trip

Melissa had the absolutely best time at the Temple. She came home and told me that it was amazing. She said that she was so excited to do baptisms for people who couldn't do it for themselves. Melissa also shared that it was the first time that she had felt truly happy in over a year! We couldn't be happier! I think back to last year and stand in awe at the tender mercies God has bestowed on my family. If you ever doubt that the Lord can turn sorrow into joy...just look at her sweet face in the back row on the left!

Nothing too exciting.....

How about that.....there's nothing too exciting going on!! Wahooooooo. I don't have a new haircut, no one is sick or in the hospital, school is on track out, I'm still slaving away at my school, work is fabulous, and I can fall asleep within 5 minutes of my head hitting the pillow. I snap awake at 4:30 am every morning. My new weight loss plan is about to start - the 6 week body makeover.....watch out birth weight...I'm going to get as close as I can. Busch Gardens in the next 2 - 3 weeks. That about sums it up....isn't it wonderful!! Oh....one more thing....how could I not write this next sentence: "I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for ALL of his love, patience, and comfort." You will never experience a deep understanding of gratitude until the Lord tests your endurance. You can be grateful for blessings, but not on the depth you should, until something insurmountable is in front of you. I don't wish it on anyone, but once you've been through the refiner's fire, you will KNOW of the Lord's love for you and his faith in your ability to perservere. Just a thought....

So Many Changes

I havn't been so good about blogging lately....so many changes! I find as I grow older that each change ripples my world a little stronger than the last. You'd think that as you age, you'd become more accustomed to change and better able to "go with the flow." I go with the flow, but have a harder time enjoying the view along the ride. This past week, made huge change and left WakeMed after almost 6 years. Talk about hard. I love WakeMed! I love the people I served with and the people I served. What I did, matched my heart. Each day I felt that I was doing what the Lord wanted me to do, that I was learning and growing, and that I was making a difference. Nursing is so much more than a career. For those nurses who "don't get that," it's sad. Several months ago, an opportunity presented itself at a time when I was not needing anymore change in my life. Usually, the Lord speaks in small whispers...this was so much more than that. I just knew it was something I had to look into. I spent so much time questioning the timing of this change, but the reason for the change just kept becoming clearer. So, I find myself starting over again at a new hospital. I'm anxious to feel my feet on solid ground again. Leaving my dear friends at Wake was like losing a limb. I look forward to new friends and new opportunties to serve. I'm surrounded by truly amazing coworkers at my new place of employment.

Melissa - doing so much better. Each day since the beginning of the year has been better. She smiles all of the time now. Melissa started in a new school with a much smaller student population - it seems this is a good match for her right now. Melissa also has braces now. She went for a consultation and when it was finished she asked the orthodontist if he could put the braces on right then and there. So .... he took advantage of her willingness to have braces and put them on that day. She did great, although she tried to peel them off later that night. We're past the ouchy part and she's adjusted to the feel of braces.

Katie: Should we just call her Katie Bieber?? She's a member of the Justin Bieber fan club....I call him Justin Boobie head. Of course she doesn't like any silly comments about the love of her life!

Nicolas: He has been so sick for the last 2 months: strep, bronchitis, and the flu. Poor guy! He's starting to feel more energy. Hopefully, he'll get through the nasty pollen that's on its way.

Cory: playing basketball as usual and enduring the endless torment of being 16 and surrounded by annoying family....my heart breaks for him :)

Grandbabies: Growing fast and both are so sweet. Kylie spent 5 days with us. She was sick the entire time...came to us with a severe cold and ear infection. She started feeling better the morning she left. It was hard for Brian not having any quality time with her...all she did was cry for 5 days. Poor baby. Abigail is almost ready to walk. Kylie is walking well.

My sister is visiting from California. It's been a joy to have her here even though I'm totally occupied with the change in employment and school. *I only have through December before I graduate....the end is in sight!!!!

Enjoy the photos.

Brrrr.....It's Cold Outside

My nephew Kevin arrived from California during NC's lovely tropical weather! He's never visited the East Coast before. What can I say....except....he has the lovely green pollen to look forward to in March and April. It's wonderful to spend time with him and get to know him better. Since I was unable to get home to California for the past few years, this is a real treat to have him visit. Tabb is excited to have a new buddy....yesterday he took Kevin to Steven's Used Bookstore, Burger King, and Game Stop. Aren't you impressed....Tabb didn't start with a visit to Krispy Kreme! Enjoy the photos and stay warm!