Back to School 2009

If only I had a student who would do this tomorrow!!

(thanks Mel for the picture!)

Tomorrow is the first day of school for the kiddos and I have to say that I am quite ready to get back to the routine and "normal-ness" of school! I got to meet many of my students tonight at Open House and it just reminded me again of how much I really enjoy my job. I have been entrusted with 24 kids, for 7 hours a day, 180 days of the year -- what an incredible mission field I have! I pray each year that I will be the teacher that these students need and that I will be love them with the Father's love. Tomorrow will be no different...

Naming our boys

Just today I have stumbled over the blog of a dear sister in Christ who has gone through the heartache of losing a child, as I have. Her blog certainly struck a chord in my spirit as I spent nearly an hour reading through her many posts, all of which have been so encouraging to my mommy heart. One of her recent posts asks about how the names of your children were chosen. I thought this would be something I could do for posterity sake! So here goes...

Michael and I hadn't really thought too much about names in the beginning stages of being pregnanat. I think the shock of parenthood was still on us! We had thought about naming Baby A with an 'A' name and Baby B with a 'B' name but decided that was a bit weird! Once I went on strict bedrest we became more intense on thinking about names for the boys. And once we had confirmation that Baby B had Downs Syndrome, that made it a bit different. I was intent on having names for the boys that had some kind of meaning. Michael thought of the name Abraham. I wasn't so keen on it because it was a BIG name for a little boy (and it means Father of Many.. yikes!) But in the end, I really liked it. Abraham's middle name is Connor which was Michael's grandmother's maiden name.

Moses' name on the other hand was decided a bit differently. Since Abraham had a Biblical name we wanted to give Baby B one too. Michael jokingly threw Moses into the pile with the rest of the possibilities. As I laid in bed for those wonderful (HA!) 5 weeks, I found a meaning of Moses that fit him perfectly -- Created for Special Purposes. I knew that was to be his name immediately. We already knew he had Downs Syndrome but we also found out that he had a severe heart condition as well. We felt (and still feel) that God gave him to us for a reason and that this name would fit him perfectly. What we didn't know was that we'd have to give him back to God so soon after he was born. Moses' middle name is Mackay which is the last name of a singer from a band Michael likes. (Fugazi)


So I guess Michael basically picked out the boys names! But have no fear... if (or when!) God gives us a girl I have a name all ready for her... and NO I'm not spilling the beans now! :)

Chalk the Walks

I took the kids to Chalk the Walks at our local library last week. I had thought it would be something that they'd enjoy -- well, I was 1/3 right! Alex and Abraham decided it was much more fun to dig in the dirt to see what treasures they could find. Oh well! You can't win them all!

Chloe on the other hand thought it was cool! She and I drew HER together. It was her idea to lay on the sidewalk for me to trace her body outline. I did that and then she and I filled it in to look like her. I had fun with her! Honestly though, she is pretty easy to entertain, especially when it comes to art stuff. Next time we'll just make it a girls day!

Day at the Beach

Abraham and I spent a day last week at Rehoboth Beach with a friend of mine from school, Theresa and her 2 girls, Sadie and Vanessa. Sadie and Abraham go to the same day care and Theresa and I have been informed that they are going to marry each other! We actually quite approve of the match! :)

We had to take them to the Fun Land for some rides. I made Theresa ride the Teacups with them...

because Abraham had already gotten me on this ride and it went super fast forward and backward and nearly made me sick! :) oye!

They started out on different sides of the ride... then Sadie scooted over next to Abraham.. next thing we knew, Abraham had his arm on the back of the ride and she was sitting right next to him! My little flirt! :)


Goof ball!

Let's Stay Together!

Eight years ago yesterday, Michael and I made promises to each other that we intend to keep for a lifetime. It was one of the happiest days of both of our lives! What a blessing to marry my best friend, the one that makes me laugh, one that knows just what to say to calm my anxious spirit, my Babe!

We have seen many seasons in our short 8 years together. God has been faithful to carry us through the ups and the downs and to make us even stronger as a couple. It has only been His great love and care for us that has kept us together.

I look forward to many more years spent being with you, Babe, laughing with (and sometimes at!) you, crying with you but most of all just simply LOVING you with ALL my heart.

I Love you more today than yesterday.. but not as much as tomorrow! :)

ps. Let's Stay Together by Al Green is "our" song! We played it as we walked back down the aisle as husband and wife.

Happy Birthday Chloe Abigail!

My niece Chloe's birthday was this past weekend. After racking my brain, trying to figure out what to get her I finally decided -- NOTHING! I decided to take her out for a "girl day" for her birthday. So we went out yesterday. I took her to this cute little cafe that also has pottery painting on the side. Chloe is quite the artist so this was right up her alley!

She of course chose a giraffe with tons of LITTLE spots on it -- probably THE hardest piece to paint. Unfortunately this giraffe ended up on the floor in 3 pieces :( We couldn't have a BROKEN giraffe for the b-day girl so we started a new one!

Chloe and me with our giraffe twins!

We ended our day with a snow-cone!

I had a great day with her. It is a privilege to live so close to both her and my nephew and to be able to do things like this with them. They were MY kids before we had Abraham.

It's been a while since we returned from PA and the funeral for my Great Aunt. We (my family) are slowing getting back to normal... whatever normal might be. Simply being home and around those we love without the stresses we had been feeling is so great.

The time we had in PA was good, for all intents and purposes. It's never easy to let go of someone you love so much. But the number of people that came out to honor Aunt Hazel and to remember what an amazing woman she was, was incredible. I mean WE knew she was a generous and kind woman... but it was neat to see that others knew too!

The service was performed by Aunt Hazel's minister and she did a great job. (yes, SHE!) The hope that we have in Jesus was evident in her words and the Scripture that she used was some that my mom had read to Aunt Hazel in her last days.

Many of our family (mostly cousins) from MD and VA were able to drive up and to be with us. It has been a long time since we have seen them, so that was good to visit with them as well.

We will always remember and miss Aunt Hazel but we praise the Father for the confirmation and peace in our hearts in knowing that she had accepted Jesus into her heart only a month earlier. For a woman who lived her 97 years thinking that she was good enough to make it into heaven.... to open her heart and accept and believe HIM a month before she got to meet HIM face to face -- this simply proves to me that GOD'S timing is perfect -- HE doesn't need me to draw someone to Himself -- and it's never too late. Praise Him for His great love and mercy!

Mom, Pat (my grandfather's fiancee), Kari and Me

Kari, Mom and Me

Kari, Pappy and Me

Abraham and Uncle Scott

Life is not measured by...

the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.Maya Angelo
(** This was something that I wrote a few days ago and put on my Facebook page but wanted to include it in this email.
Mom, Kari, Abraham and I will be driving to PA tomorrow for the viewing and funeral for Aunt Hazel. She stepped into the arms of Jesus yesterday. The viewing is tomorrow afternoon and funeral Tuesday morning. We would covet your prayers as we travel and are face to face with the many memories we have of her.
Thank you!
Erinn

Ps. Aunt Hazel told the nurses on Friday that she was going to heaven tomorrow. Guess she was ready!)

Me with Great Aunt Helen (in chair) and Great Aunt Hazel

My Great Aunt Hazel is one of the kindest, most generous women I know. She would give you the shirt off her back - she is always thanking others when they do anything for her. She has a quick sense of humor and can enjoy a good laugh. She has a collection of watches. I don't know if she did it on purpose but she probably has 30! Aunt Hazel has great taste in jewelry. She has been very shrewd with her money and investments. She is a no nonsense kind of woman.

I remember spending time with her and my other Great Aunt Helen during the summers growing up. Kari always stayed with Aunt Helen, playing cards until the wee hours of the morning. Aunt Hazel and I would stay up watching TV then go to bed, only to be up early in the morning. We would go to one of their homes (right across the street from each other) for breakfast. It was the best.

Aunt Hazel taught me to crochet and to do some needlepoint, neither of which I still remember! What I do remember is the crocheted skirt and matching vest she made me when I was about 5 - dark green with a red ladybug on the front of the vest. I was quite the fashion statement!

And I love her with all my heart.

Which is why my heart is breaking to know that she is not well, in fact Jesus will be calling her name very soon. It makes me sad to know that she is alert enough to know and understand all that is happening in her body, how it is shutting down slowly.

Yet in the middle of all my sadness, there is great rejoicing -- yes rejoicing!For all my life, my family has talked about Jesus and lived Jesus to my mom's family - my great aunts, grandparents, uncle. And all my life both of my great aunts have had views on God that just didn't mesh with Scripture. Either they were good enough to get into heaven or everyone went to heaven.

About a month ago, Aunt Hazel was watching a pastor on TV talking about faith. She brought this up to my mom in talking and said that what the pastor was talking about really struck her and she believed. In other conversations that my Mom has had with Aunt Hazel this week she believes in her heart that my 97 year old Great Aunt accepted Jesus that day when listening to the pastor. I mean WOW! What a total God thing. Who'd have thought that for 35+ years we have been talking about Jesus and here, a month before God takes her home, she opens herself to Him!

So tonight I am sad knowing that my sweet Great Aunt is losing her battle -- yet I am rejoicing that her life will begin anew in Heaven with her Heavenly Father.God is good ALL the time and He is faithful to carry out HIS plan in our lives -- even if it seems like He waits until the last minute. His timing is perfect. Thanks Father for the peace of knowing where Aunt Hazel's eternity will lie.

Uncle Scott and Aunt Hazel at our wedding - 2001

Vacation to Georgia

We enjoyed time with Michael's mom and some of his siblings. I don't think that a day went by when someone DIDN'T get in the pool with Abraham! He is such a water bug! Keeping him out of the pool was hard :)

Swimming with Grandma Kay

Just Chillin'!

Michael's brother Elliott became Abraham's new playmate! They were joined at the hip for most of our time there... and they BOTH loved it! Elliott and his girlfriend Stacy made the "mistake" (I think they meant to!) of mentioning Chuck E. Cheese to Abraham and ended up taking him for a little to play. It was so nice to watch Abraham spend time with his family, especially aunts and uncles that he rarely sees. Makes me wish we lived closer...

The poor cat got chased all around the house by Abraham. He even tried to read to the cat, and that seemed to work!

Elliott's girlfriend Stacy brought her dog Sabre with her. Sabre kept trying to eat Abraham's popsicle and Abraham wasn't having it!

Grandma Kay and Abraham - Grandma Kay took Abraham to his first 3D movie -Ice Age - and to Chuck E. Cheese also. They had a great day together while Michael and I got a day to ourselves. It was nice to get away just the 2 of us and know Abraham was loving on Grandma Kay! :)

Abraham with Grandma Kay and his Great Aunts Susan and Marianne


Aunt Emily and Bubba

Dinner with Emily, Stacy and Elliott

John, Susan Kay, Marianne and Michael

Vacation to Georgia and Florida

A week ago we got back from our time down south and it's taken me this long to get them up on the blog. Life has just caught up with us and well, we just were along for the ride.

But we did have a really nice time seeing family and enjoying a few days at the beach. Michael's Dad and his wife took us to St. George Island and Appalachiacola, FL. We have been before but it was before Abraham Gramie really wanted to have some time to play with Abraham on the beach. And play they did! Gramie is a GREAT beach partner!

Gramie and Abraham

Gramie, Grandpa and Abraham at St. George Island

Our little family on the beach


We did a little shopping too and found this place - Appalachiacola Sponge Company - and Abraham thought the old scuba gear was pretty interesting!


Grandpa and Abraham admire the pelican :)

Silly boy!


Someone tell that kid you are supposed to SMILE when you are having your picture taken! Sheesh! Such a goof ball! :)

Update on Dad

So it's been a little while since I have posted anything about my dad -- for the 2 people that read my blog! But for the record and for my own journaling mind.. here goes nothing.

So Dad did have the triple bypass surgery on June 30 and came through it with flying colors. He was released on Sunday, July 5th after passing all the tests that he needed to do. On Monday evening he was drinking a cup of coffee and immediately began to have chest pains. Mom and Kari debated about what to do - weren't sure what was happening but Kari told Dad they were going to the hospital... he agreed but wanted her to take him back to St. Joseph's. She said No, she was taking him to the closer hospital. After getting him down the stairs and in the back of the car, he began to tell my mom that his fingers were numb and he was in a lot of pain.

They got him to the hospital and the doctors hooked him up only to find out he was having a 2nd heart attack (the 1st being the one that put him in the hospital originally) There just "happened" (nothing is a coincidence with God!) to be a St. Joseph's doctor at Upper Chesapeake who performed a catheterization on dad to find that the bypass that they put in for the artery which was 99% blocked had failed. This bypass was the one that they had to splice together. Apparently the body thought it was an injury and tried to heal it but that made the bypass clot and get blocked. The doctor put 2 stents end to end in his blocked artery and that seems to have done the trick.


Dad came home on July 9 from his 2nd hospital stay -- and last for a VERY long time we hope! He is feeling pretty good - doing everything that he is supposed to - walking, using the breathing machine, not using his arms a lot. He is healing well.


Thank you all for your prayers for my sweet Daddy. Things like this put life and what is important into perspective. Makes you reevaluate where your priorities are and where they should be. I encourage you all to make the most of every moment and to take the opportunities that the Father gives you. I... really we, believe that all of these things that have happened with Dad were for a reason and we know that our Father will use them and my Dad's testimony for HIS glory and to touch others. HE is faithful and good ALL the time!

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Maya Angelo

Answer to prayer!

Thanks so much for all your prayers! Dad went in around 1:00PM today and was out by 4:00PM. He did wonderfully and was the model patient (if only they REALLY knew him! :) He'll be in ICU tonight but then tomorrow will be back to the cardiac unit. The game plan is to get him up and moving ASAP to help his leg heal. His recovery in the hospital will be about 5 days before they'll send him home.

I can't tell you what a relief it is to have him out of surgery and doing well! The peace of the Father is an AMAZING thing! Please continue to pray for quick and easy healing and recovery for my Poppa.

Please Pray!

After experiencing some chest pain and discomfort on Saturday, my mom took my dad to the ER. They saw that his enzymes were high which we later found out meant that he had most likely had a mild heart attack. Dad was transferred to St. Josephs Hospital (one of the top in the state for heart related stuff). The doctors did a catheterization yesterday where they found numerous blockages in his heart. He is tentatively scheduled for bypass surgery today, but for sure by tomorrow morning. This is all very sudden for us all, including Dad who has been the picture of health up until Saturday. No one knew all this was happening.

However, we are seeing God's hand in it all. Had he not been doing some strenuous physical activity and been feeling badly, mom might not have taken him to the ER and it could have been much worse. Dad had NO symptoms of heart attack or anything. The doctor said that 35% of people like dad don't realize they have heart problems until they drop dead... so like I said it could have been 1,000 times worse.

We would covet your prayers during this time. It is certainly unnerving to see your Daddy in the hospital being readied for open heart surgery. Dad says he is at peace with it all -- of course this means no driving the Mustang for 3 weeks and he's pretty PO'd about that one!! :) He'll get over it!

PS-- just got word that they are taking Dad right now - 10AM Tuesday for surgery at noon! pray!!

Abraham and I had a relaxing day today -- slept in til 10 (him, not me!) chilled at home for a bit, had a picnic at the playground, came home and chilled while watching a movie together... ahh, this is the life!

Is that not the SWEETEST face you've ever seen?? :)

I SAID CHEESE now TAKE the picture!!

Abraham loves the sand almost as much as he loves the water!

Hard at work

Kelly and Tony's Greek Wedding

This past weekend we had the privilege of celebrating the marriage of a good friend of my sister's (and she has become one of my friends as well) Kelly and Tony were married in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Baltimore and had their reception at the Walters Art Gallery. It was A-Mazing let me tell you! The traditions and culture in the Greek ceremony was really cool. Granted much of it was in the Greek language but still the whole aura of the church and everything was neat.

Then we (Joel, Michael and I) had to find our way through Baltimore, through a parade to find the art gallery. It was pretty stressful but once we got there and were able to nibble on some food we were better. The art gallery is pretty neat -- and since it was closed for us, we got to check out some of the art first hand.

The dinner was in the cafe area and again I say A-Mazing! What a grand, romantic place to have a reception! Let's see.. from the open bar, to the chocolate fountain, to the artists who drew a characature as your favor, to the filet mignon.. it was just a really incredible night. We had a good time just being adults and enjoying being out.

Unfortunately, the men (ahem!) were over the whole wedding thing and wanted to leave before the party REALLY got started but that was okay because the shoes I was wearing were K.I.L.L.I.N.G. my feet. Oh the price of beauty!

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the night...

The happy couple - Tony and Kelly

Their cool cake toppers -- Kelly had them made to look like them! It is TOTALLY Tony!!

The best looking couple there!

Yea, they were pretty good looking too!



This has got to be one of the BEST pictures we have taken together!

Love you sis!!