Serving Others

We really hoped to be in the habit of finding consistent ways to serve others this year.  I confess, we have not done as well at this task as I had hoped.  However, new breathe has been breathed into this goal.

Last week, we were working on the girls' badge of citizenship and government for AHG.  One of the tasks was to find an organization in our community that serves people, learn about them, and then volunteer with them.  We drive by "The Big Red Bard" quite often.  We usually donate our used items there for the thrift store, and pick up cheap books when we can.  However, we didn't know what the main focus of the organization was...so we stopped by to find out.

Ms. Tina, the manager was so sweet and took special time to talk with the girls and share the vision of Christian Social Services.  They are here to help people and families in the community.  The thrift store earns income to help pay for the different services offered, including the food pantry, backpacks for school, dental services, etc.

The exciting part is that they allow children to help!  Most organizations do not, so it's been hard to find a place to serve.

Nicole instantly wanted to help.  For the next several days, she asked me when I was going to call Ms. Tina, and what day we were going to go in and help.

Jeremy read Mathew 25: 31-40  to Nicole that night.31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

So, today was our day.  We went in and worked for an hour in the food pantry.  We emptied 8 boxes full of canned good, and two large bags filled with dry goods.  

All three worked, with happy smiles on their faces.  They all had fun and enjoyed serving. 

Nate tried to go grocery shopping and pick up some extra crackers.  

This was such a fun experience for us.  We can't wait to go back and help again (and hopefully more regularly)

Mama Pat

At our wedding rehearsal dinner

After a fast and furious battle with Alzheimer's, my sweet Mama Pat went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, May 3rd.

Papa Sam and Mama Pat

It's hard to express what my feelings are for her.  I never lived near my Mama Pat and Papa Sam, but I always felt so close to them.  I think because our visits were always few and far between, the time spent with them left an impact, a mark, on my life.  Not that the time I've spent with other family hasn't, but I think I always knew that I needed to take in every moment I could when they were around.  So I did. The beautiful, loving memories of baking in her kitchen, sitting at her sewing machine, listening to her ornery giggle, swinging on their porch swing, and watching her care for her ailing mother, and soon after her ailing husband.

Swinging with baby Nathan (about 5 months old)

Mama Pat was a servant.  She gave her life in service for those she loved.  After her own mother had a stroke, she cared for her in her own home for years, and when she could do it no longer, she spent hours upon hours with her in the nursing home.  After many years, Grandma Blanche passed away, and just a few years later, Mama Pat was caring for her husband while he battled a rare form of cancer.  When he passed away two years ago, I think he little body just needed a break.  She was a servant to others at the expense of herself.

Playing with Nate on the floor.  They always got down to be with the babies.

Mama Pat did something years ago that I will always appreciate and treasure.  She took time, lots and lots of time, to search deep into our family records and put together an amazing family tree.  A family tree that went back, at least as deep as the 1700s.  I am grateful for the legacy she left behind.

My mom, with her mom and dad

I wish I could have bottled her little laugh.  I always thought it was so ornery.  This sweet lady, with eyes that twinkled with enough mischief to know that she could possibly be "up to no good", but would fool those not expecting it.  I loved to hear her laugh.

This is what Mama Pat loved to do.  Coloring with her grandkids

She loved to cook and bake.  She spent hours with me in the kitchen, teaching me how to make home made noodles, using no recipe but silly measurements in your hand, and words no one uses anymore (What is Oleo anyway?  Well, if you ask her..."Oleo is Oleo, and butter is butter.")  She did things the good ole fashion way....at least until she realized she could fool most of us with ready made mashed potatoes and noodles.  Oh, but she loved to cook.  

Nicole with Papa Sam and Mama Pat

Mama Pat was one of the craftiest people I've ever met.  I think I inherited her desire...which is no good without her talent (which I don't have).  She has sewed quilts, crocheted quilts, hand made photo albums, taught pottery classes, and tried other crafty little crafts with seashells and other random items.  

Mama Pat and Nicole

Reading to Nicole

This sweet woman is finally at rest with her Lord, whom she loved.  She loved Jesus and could not wait to see him.  She was a hard worker, a fun lady, and great grandma.  I love her, and will miss her dearly.

With the news of her death, I quickly made plans to drive to Ohio.  I had to be at her funeral.  There was no way I could not go.  Thankfully, my dad was able to ride up with me and Jeremy flew up the night before the funeral.

Our last visit, she got to come to Tampa.  

To be honest, this was something I've never really experienced before.  This was a full out funeral service, and I was really scared.  Scared of what I would see, scared of what I would do (or not do), scared of what the kids would think or do....it was just a bit scary for me.  But, it didn't need to be.  It was beautiful, peaceful, and it was closure.

One of the displays at the funeral service

The funeral home had two sets of Calling Hours, or visitation.  The kids and I went for a little while.  I tried to prepare them ahead of time of what they could see, knowing that she would have an open casket.  They seemed much more at ease with it than I expected.  

Just last year with Hannah and Nicole

As we walked up to pay our respects, I reminded them that this body that they see, that it's not really Mama Pat.  This is just her shell.  Like the seashells we see at the beach.  It's a remnant of what once lived there, but it's not really her.  You see, She is with Jesus.  Yes, we are sad because we won't be able to see her again, hug her. listen to her laugh, or watch her cook...but we don't have to be overcome, because we know that she is with one who loves her more than any other.  It was beautiful.

The next day was the funeral.  Jeremy was asked to be a pall bearer (I gave him that news the night before).  Once again, this was all new.  While in the service, the funeral home puts flags on our cars to indicate the procession we would be part of.  After the service, we watched the men carry her to the hearse and then we followed behind, in a procession I won't soon forget.  She lived in this smallish town outside of Columbus.  Small enough, and country enough (because true country was just a couple miles away), that respect and honor are still in tact.  We were escorted by several police cars who blocked off the roadway to allow our group through.  Cars, and even a man on a lawn mower, would pull over and stop out of respect.  When our escort ended at the edge of town, the police gave a final solute.  I have never experienced anything like that.

The grave side service was short, the weather was beautiful, and the family was all there.  

I got to see the gravestone for the first time, a dual stone for my Papa Sam and my Mama Pat.  

Nicole made a rainbow loom heart and flower that she left on the tombstone.  

We went back to a church in Amanda and had a little reception with final stories, laughs, and chats with family and friends.  

DAD!  I wanted a picture of Cassidy and I!

Oh there, that's better.  My 'little' cousin Cassidy and I.

The whole few days leading up to the service were filled with fun and memories, just the way she would have wanted it.  The one thing missing was her (and Papa Sam of course).  It all felt normal, until reality set in that we would not be having a home cooked meal in their dinning room that night.  That was hard, and really sad. 

Getting a full service spa treatment when she came to visit.

I think what makes me the saddest is knowing that my children won't know this sweet woman the way that I did.  We had a nice visit with her the year before, and hopefully a few memories from that will remain.  But, it breaks my heart to know that they won't hear her giggle, look into those eyes, and feel the warmth of her hug.  

So it is with life...and with death. 

Farewell Friends

Add caption

Today was a difficult day at our church, as we said goodbye to our wonderful, Godly Pastor Andrew, his beautiful, sweet, Godly wife Melinda, and their three fun and kind children, Drew, Austin, and Alyssa.  They moved to the Tampa area almost 8 years ago, feeling led to start a Gospel centered church in the North/New Tampa area.  That church is now well established, healthy, loving, and growing, and it was time for them to move on.

Presentation of the quilt made for them, then signed by our church family

Two and a half years ago, I went to the Goodwill to get a cheap trash can for our new home.  I saw the sign for Grace Baptist Church in an office building behind the Good will.  After spending a little time on the website, I called the number, and Pastor Andrew promptly picked up.  We chatted for a few minutes as he shared about the church, his preaching style, and the body there.

The next week, we stopped by after a Wednesday night meeting and met for a few minutes.  That Sunday, we attended our first service, and never searched for another church in this area.  We were instantly greeted with happy faces, friendly handshakes, and a pizza lunch with Pastor and his family.  We knew this is where we were suppose to be.

We have spent many hours with this sweet family, both worshiping together and enjoying life with one another.

It has been so neat to have our Pastor so accessible, his family so real, and to have a real friendship with them.

We have spent evening together grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, shooting off fire works,

Last Year's Fourth of July bicycle parade

having water balloon fights, watching football, listening to crazy "southern family" stories, and even celebrating birthdays.

BCS Championship bowl game....outside on the big screen

Pastor Andrews sermons were always full of spiritual meat and always went back to the gospel.  He is a servant shepherd who loves the families God put in his path.

Melinda is a beautiful, God fearing woman who is real as can be.  She is lovely and loving.  She shared her beautiful piano playing and singing frequently, and I could always rely on her to help me scrape up the last remains of the brownie pan :)  I enjoyed days spent at her house making popcorn, talking about the Lord, and about homeschooling.  I am thankful for women like her that God has put in my life.  Women I can look up to and strive to be like.  I will miss her terribly.

Their children  are full of life and energy.  It has been a joy to watch Drew grow up these last 2 years as he learned to play guitar and began leading worship on Sundays.  I loved to see that 15 year old, using his talents to honor His Lord.  He is always respectful and kind.

Austin has such a sweet personality that draws others to him.  He works well with the young children of the church, careful for their safety, but also plays like a big brother.

Alyssa has an amazing little personality.  She and the girls would often hunt for lizards, climb trees, and run around barefoot together.  We will miss her.

I love this family.  My heart is sad to see them go, but I also know that they are where the Lord has now called them.  Good byes are hard.  I am thankful the Lord brought us to our church when He did.  I am thankful to have known this sweet family, and I'm thankful that, although it is good bye for now, it is not forever.

Thank you Pastor Andrew and Melinda for pouring your life and love into our family.  We appreciate you, love you, and will miss you.

Unofficial Beach Birthday Party

Nicole has been planning her birthday party for a year.  Unfortunately, it was not in our plan book, and even if it was, we could never have made it happen this year with everything else going on leading up to her birthday.  We tried to invite a small group of friends over on her actual birthday to do some of the games she came up with, but only one friend could come.

Little Jackson checking out Hannah

A couple weeks before her birthday, we went to Honeymoon Island State Park with some friends and she mentioned that she wanted to come back with daddy on her birthday, so that was the plan.  To return to the beach on the Saturday after her birthday.  We decided to invite some friends along as well.

It was a beautiful day, the beach was busy, the waves were moving, and a sign said the sting rays were out.

Friends

We were joined by several sets of friends.  Friend we have made from homeschool groups, from AHG, and from church.

My friend Jessica and I

It was fun to see the different personalities come together, and to also see how the Lord has blessed us with relationships these past two years.

Nicole, Kate, and Addison

Nicole made up a scavenger hunt game.  She hid a container that was full of bubbles.  She told the kids the general area and said, "Dig!".  And dig they did!

They found the treasure

The kids had birthday cookies instead of birthday cake.

Sprinkle or Chocolate chip?

It was a fun. laid back little unofficial beach birthday party.  Just what we needed.

Perfect ending

O-H....I-O

Last month we took an impromptu trip to Ohio after my sweet Mama Pat passed away.  Within a day, we were on our way, driving 18 hours with my dad.

Papa, spending time with his grandkids

It was fun to take a road trip with him again.  He's a good driver, with interesting conversations, always looking for (and finding) animals, and he is the best at driving the backroads of Ohio ;)

After a quick rest stop in Kentucky where Nicole finally captured a wild bird, we were on our way to visit Grandma, or Mimi as the kids call her.

Re-enacting a photo they saw in Mimi's room with dad and his sisters :)

Dad and his mamma

The kids have never been to grandma's house, so I asked her to show us her room and sitting area.  We enjoyed looking at pictures and talking about family.  Grandma even gave me her brown bear.  Growing up, I would spend the night at Grandma's house almost every Friday night and we would play games, watch movies, and snuggle with our bears at night.  This is a sweet gift to me.

The kids enjoyed rolling around in the soft Ohio grass.

The grass...oh the grass!!!!

They got to meet Aunt Paula and eat some yummy snacks from Uncle Terry.

Aunt Paula with the kids

Thank you Uncle Terry

After our visit with Grandma, we took off for my Uncle Garry's farm.  My heart was seriously filled up watching my children interact with my Aunt and Uncle and fall in love with his farm.  They enjoyed every moment there, from running down the big hill, to feeding goats, riding on tractors and four wheelers, climbing trees and playing with cousins...it was perfect!

First ride up the hill with Aunt Debbie

We started with goat feeding, and the kids kept trying to pick those goats up (because their friend's goats like to be held).

Here little goat, little goat

Feeding Peanuts with Uncle Garry

But, these ones did not like it at all!

There they go!!!!!

This quickly escalated into rides on the Four wheeler and tractor.  Aunt Debbie took the girls on the 4 wheeler while Uncle Garry took Nate out to plow a field.

This will be a long time favorite picture of mine.

Checking to make sure their equipment is up before moving out.

Yep, Nate got to ride in a big tractor and plow a field that would be planted in days to come.

If we didn't have other things to do, I'm pretty sure Nathan would have sat in that tractor all day long!

The four wheeling continued with Yaya, Papa, the kids and I.

Taking my boy for a ride on the four wheeler

 I took Hannah for ride, but I told her that I wasn't as fun as other people.  She said, "Mommy, you are going so fast!  You are more fun than anyone else, and you're the prettiest mommy ever."  Well, shucks!

I love this picture of my parents :)

Uncle Garry and the kids.  They loved spending time with him.  I hope they remember this.

She's a natural

Soon, my cousin Michael and his lovely wife Jyme Beth showed up with their boys.  Let's be honest here, these country boys did not look to thrilled to be playing with a couple of girls from the city ;)  However, that quickly changed as the girls followed the boys around, climbed trees, and ventured off into the woods.

Hmmm...their first meeting.  Not sure what to think of one another ;)

Before they left I told Colt, the oldest, that I was putting him in charge of taking care of the girls.  I said, "They are fun and adventurous, but they aren't used to being in the woods.  They don't always know the right place to step, and may not know how to look out for things like snakes."  He took that very seriously and took great care of Hannah and Nicole.

Yes!  Yes!  THIS is what childhood is.  Walking in the woods with your cousins.  My heart was full.

From that moment, an instant friendship was formed, and these kids were inseparable.

Where in the world is Nicole?  Can you find her?

Where's Nicole?  Can you find her?

They played games together, rolled down hills with one another, cooked marshmallows and just flat out had a great time!

 I love this series of pictures.  Check out Lane...he couldn't stay in his chair. He kept falling over! hahaha

Colt is taking Hannah and mom for a ride.

That night, Hannah kept asking when "the boys" would be coming back.  I found out the next day that they were wondering when they could play with the girls again ;)

 Beautiful sunset at the farm

Before going to my grandmother's visitation service I took the kids to Mt. Pleasent in Lancaster for a little hike.  Although it started with much complaining, the quickly became excited at what they were seeing and experiencing.

They climbed rocks...

Looked for detours....

Stood over the little city....

and yes, climbed more trees.

They had fun playing with dandelions and blowing the fuzz off (and sometimes into their mouths)

That evening, we spent some time with my Aunt Susan in Gahana and went on a nice little walkway by a creek. We fed ducks and swans and just enjoyed another beautiful Ohio evening.

It was bittersweet being in Ohio.  We were all having so much fun reconnecting, and I kept thinking we would go back to Mama Pat's and Papa Sam's for a big dinner when it was all said and done.  But that didn't happen.  It won't happen again.  My sweet grandparents were now with the Lord, and that will come in a later post.

One more meeting with the cousins :)