A Weekend Apart

Grandpa Yaichner is very sick.  He is in his final days here on earth...and then onto eternity with the Lord.  His life is such a blessing and a legacy left for generations to come.  Daddy has a very special relationship with his Grandpa.  The had some fun together many summers during Daddy's childhood; Grandpa calls Daddy "Duke".  Daddy and Hannah Reece traveled up to Holgate, Ohio together this weekend by car to join Grandma and Grandpa there.  I can't wait to hear their stories of the time with Grandpa and other family members. 

Graham, you are totally fascinated by Grandpa's farm.  On a trip up when you were about 2, you got to see the combines working there.  Grandma and Grandpa Yaichner always spoke about how smart and obedient you are, they are proud of you.

Hannah Reece, Daddy called this evening to tell me how much your sweetness has perked Grandpa up, even as his health is declining.  He called you his little "sweetheart" and smiles at you. You've blessed he and Grandma Yaichner in a very special way this weekend.  I believe that they can see in your zest for life a piece of the legacy they'll leave behind as they move onto the mansion God's prepared for them in glory.

Camille, Grandma and Grandpa Yaichner just loved the photos we've sent of you and I know that Daddy's told them about what a sweet, sweet girl you are.  We look forward to visiting family in Ohio as a family of five...maybe next summer.

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Graham, we've really had a quiet, laid-back weekend together.  I've enjoyed playing our new board game "Armor of God" with you and visiting with you.  Tonight I even gave you a good scrubbin' in the tub...I can't even remember the last time I did that!  You're such a big boy now, you usually take showers.  You've enjoyed playing uninterrupted Mario Brothers on the Wii and building marble tracks...without having to worry about your sister coming by to level it.  :)  You told me that you like going on a "date" with me this weekend.  It's been a sweet time together.  You've enjoyed sleeping in Momma and Daddy's bed this weekend...and are excited that Grandma's riding back with Daddy and Hannah Reece.  Plus, you get to "camp-out" on the living room sofas with Daddy while she's here and sleeps in your bedroom with Hannah Reece. Can't wait for tomorrow when we're all together again.

Hannah "Maria" Reece :)

She climbs a tree and scrapes her knee

Her dress has got a tear

She waltzes on her way to Mass

And whistles on the stair

And underneath her wimple
She has curlers in her hair
I even heard her singing in the abbey
She's always late for chapel
But her penitence is real
She's always late for everything
Except for every meal
I hate to have to say it
But I very firmly feel
Maria's not an asset to the abbey
I'd like to say a word in her behalf
Maria makes me laugh
How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibbertijibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!
Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand
Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?
When I'm with her I'm confused
Out of focus and bemused
And I never know exactly where I am
Unpredictable as weather
She's as flighty as a feather
She's a darling! She's a demon! She's a lamb!
She'd outpester any pest
Drive a hornet from its nest
She could throw a whirling dervish out of whirl
She is gentle! She is wild!
She's a riddle! She's a child!
She's a headache! She's an angel!
She's a girl!
How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibbertijibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!
Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand
Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

(song: "Maria", the Nuns)

Rainy Day Fun

We spent Memorial Day at the North Carolina Zoo with our friends, the Tuttle Family plus "Mimi" Chris' mom.  Chris and Dan spent several college summers on staff at Montreat Conference Center.  They've been friends ever since.  We consider them family.  It's been such a treat to live just a few hours away from each other while we're in N. Carolina.  We've gotten to enjoy some really fun times together. On our way to Ashboro, look what pulled onto the interstate from the Charlotte Motor Speedway...Graham was so tickled to see a NASCAR car carrier!

It was sunny and very warm when we arrived.  About an hour into our time there, a cool breeze kicked up, the clouds rolled in and it started to rain.  Not just a little.  A lot of rain.  Fortunately, we were on our way to see the chimpanzees when it started sprinkling, and there was a nice covered area there.  The kids LOVED it!  They were just running around with the chimps (who also happen to love playing in the rain)! 

These huge glass panels were all that separated "us" from "them".

Resourceful Aunt Carrie just happened to have crayons and paper, score! The kiddos enjoyed coloring in between running around in the rain.

Hannah Reece just could not help herself.  :)  She tells me she would love to paint her hair black like Gabriella Montez on High School Musical.  I haven't told her yet that there are millions of women (like her momma!) who spend way too much money trying to have hair the color of hers! 

 

The kiddos making their best chimp faces in the mirror

It was such a great day.  :)  We will really miss these dear friends.

2 months

Mommy and Me

I have really enjoyed attending bi-monthly MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meetings at a local church this year.  I treasure the friendships God's provided with other women I've met there. Today's our last meeting for the year, and also my last meeting while we're living in Charlotte.  I'm feeling sad about that, but grateful for God's provision of friendship and incredible support during this year in a new city.  Just one example of the love these friends have shown... after Camille was born these precious women and there families provided MANY meals for us, a delicious relief.

If you know a mom with preschool-aged children who is lonely, living away from family or just plain needs a friend...please look MOPS up and find a local group for her to attend.  I guarantee she'll be blessed enormously by that.  

This particular group has a tradition of a "Mommy and Me" photo contest at the last meeting.  My in-house photographer, Dan :), set up a little photo shoot in the girls' bedroom yesterday.  I love this one.  My big girl with her boo-boo knees, my big boy doing his big brother thing and my baby girl looking cute with her sweet fuzzy head. ;) 

I decided to take a few more while we were in a smiley-way.  Sweet thangs.

Graham, Camille and Hannah Reece,

From the tip of your nose to your teeny tiny toes...God loves you...and made you just right.

Love, Mom

mmmmmmm....

A Message and Big News

Thought I'd post the link for the message Dan delivered at FPC last Sunday:

http://fpcbonita.org/index.php/worship/sermons/but_now 

I'm so happy to share that this is the end of the line for Dan's travels away from us for the REST OF HIS SEMINARY CAREER!!!!!  HOORAY!!!  :)  After four years of monthly, bi-monthly and sometimes WEEKLY travels away from us for school and then to work in the last year, this is so HUGE... I can hardly believe it! WOOHOO!

In 5 weeks, we'll return to Florida...this time to set-up household in our first home.  My stomach just did a little backflip when I typed that...I haven't even begun to pack!  We are grateful for God's provision and hope that you will come visit us!  :)   (Please don't let the pictures scare you!)  ;)

*Photos credits: Graham and Hannah Reece*