Memorial Day

Fun in the sun was our plan for the day. Momma and Daddy got here first, and after telling Daddy about the bird that attacked me while putting out cushions, etc. by the pool, he decided to go check them out. What did he find? Under a crepe myrtle in the far corner of the yard, a young family was trying to fly. While the little ones were hopping around and trying their wings, mom and dad were VIGILANTLY protecting their little ones. Daddy was actually attacked and had to raise his arms in defense.

Here is a picture of the family working hard. If you look close, you can see one of the little ones hiding in the trunk of the tree.



Next to arrive were Jason, Savannah, and Libby. Libby had a rather nasty looking rash on her thigh. It had blisters and was red but did not seem to hurt or itch. We decided, however, to take her to the nearby clinic while Jason started the ribs and burgers. Libby is now on steroids for an allergic reaction. We have no clue to what---no change in food, detergent, etc., but since allergies tend to abound in our kids, it is not unexpected.

When Savannah, Libby, and I got home Jeremy and Cheri had arrived, and the food was ready. So, we sat down to a delicious meal of ribs and burgers prepared by Jason. I also tried a new homemade ice cream recipe that was awesome!



After we were all stuffed, we got Libby down for a nap and hit the pool. Dennis still has his port, and until he gets it removed, he cannot get in the pool. When Libby woke, we let her play in her own pool.



While she enjoyed the pool, she still wanted to help Gran "weed" the flowers.



One of the best toys that I got this year was a bubble maker from CVS. This was the first time she was actually interested in the bubbles, playing with them and trying to catch them.



Before we went in for the day, we decided to see how Libby would like the big pool. She didn't seem afraid of it nor was she anxious to get in. We will work on that this summer.



While we had a good time with famiy, we also remembered those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for those still actively serving in our armed forces.
Knowing friends who have lost loved ones brings it closer to home.

Update

Each day I check to see if someone has added a new update to their blogs. I always look forward to seeing what new fun Maddie has been having with her grandparents or to seeing what Dennis's former ball players are doing as mothers. His former players and Savannah's friends have such cute children, and all these girls are wonderful mothers. I can tell by their stories and pictures.
I just realized that I have not updated our blog, so that is what I'm doing. Specifically, I want to give an update of Dennis's health. Dennis finished his treatments early about three weeks ago. He had blood work and a scan two weeks ago, and both came back cancer free. He has been working for two weeks now with a break due to the tornado that devastated Tuscaloosa. Although he is no longer taking treatments, he is still extremely tired. It is very frustrating for him because he wants to get out and help our community. Actually, he has helped several times, but it is extremely hard for him to bounce back and go to work. SO, I've suggested that he and I wait a few weeks when helpers from out of town are not as many. We can then work, and hopefully, he will have more energy back.
Speaking of the tornado--Parker has called every day since the 27th. He actually called during the storm as he was watching it by router through our television. We know that he wants to be home so badly. One of his friends, Colby, is the Associate Pastor/Youth Minister at Alberta Baptist which was demolished. A group from this church also went to Paris to work with Parker, so I know he wants to be here helping them.
Savannah and Jason have worked several times since the tornado--Jason more than Savannah because Libby was sick, and she did not want to leave her--even with me. Savannah teaches at Holt, and that area was one of the worst hit areas. She volunteered there several times in the Holt High Gym where they set up emergency help.
I didn't mean for this blog to be about the tornado, but it has had such an impact on our community. I have never seen so much love, faith, and empathy as I have in the last two weeks. I was so proud when the national government said that Tuscaloosa did in one week what it took New Orleans six months to do. Sweet Home Alabama. What an awesome place to live and what awesome people who reside here!