Time to Write?

Okay, I know it is time for a new post, but between work and mom and dad's visit, and family, I really haven't had a lot of spare time. So here is a little something to tide you over until I can get something more up with pictures.

We had a wonderful visit while mom and dad were here and I was sad to see them go. I told Sara on Sunday night that I couldn't believe we only had one more day with them. She reminded me that I would get to see them again in a couple of months.

The three of us (mom, dad and I) had a wonderful day in Dallas on Monday. I revisited a couple of sites I have seen before, but more importantly, I saw some things that I have not taken the time to see before. Hopefully dad will get some pictures of the 'cattle' up before too long. We did a lot of walking as the only times we were sitting down were on the train, on the trolley and eating lunch. The trip to the Sixth Floor Museum was incredible. I'm not one for museum's, but I enjoyed the whole presentation there.

For now, I have to look forward to Sara's graduation. She and Lauren want to do their graduation party together, but have not decided on a date yet. They have already told (not asked) John that he has to cook. We also need to get her senior pictures done. Hopefully we can do that within the next week. There is a studio here that can turn the pictures around within an hour. We used them for our Christmas pictures and were very happy with the way they turned out, and the price.

Until time permits more, love to all!

Counting The Days

Only five more days until mom and dad are in Texas. The girls at work can't believe how excited I am that my parents are coming into town. I guess it is because most of them have parents that are only a couple of hours away so they get to see them on a more frequent basis. The only drawback to them coming is that I have to clean the house; and all that know me know that is one thing that I really don't like to spend time doing. And do you think I can "recruit" the husband and kids to help? Ha ha!!!

We don't have things planned while there are here except for on the 28th. Since they have not been to Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum yet (the spot where Kennedy was shot), and I have not been to the Sixth Floor Museum, I thought we would do that. We'll just take the train into downtown Dallas and walk around. There is plenty to see in downtown and it will be some good exercise and hopefully some good weather. Other than that, we'll spend the time visit and just 'going with the flow'.

Sara, Cami and I are really looking forward to coming to Michigan in the summer to see everyone (except Priscilla, Craig and Melissa, darn it). Unless things change within the next couple of weeks, I am going to look at flying us up there. I really don't like the idea of us driving that distance, especially with gas prices the way they are.

And for anyone that is interested, even though she officially graduated in October, Sara has decided to walk the stage with the rest of her class. The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, June 9 at 8pm. Whoever came up with that date and time must not have been thinking clearly!!! We are going to have a combined graduation party for her and her best friend Lauren, probably that weekend. For those of you who don't know (or have forgotten), Lauren is the girl who lives across the street. She and Sara have literally grown up together as Lauren's parents moved in across the street before she was born, so the girls have known each other since they were babies.

So, all said and done, I am counting the days until Mom & Dad get here; counting the days until Sara's graduation; and counting the days before summer vacation. LOVE TO EVERYONE!!

Catching Up

Ok it's time to start catching up on news and pictures since it has been about three weeks since I've posted anything. Not a lot has changed except Camryn continues to grow. She is crawling, "walking" around the furniture and standing for short periods by herself. I figure it is only going to be a couple more weeks before she tries walking. She continues to be a joy to have around the house.

Here are a couple of pictures of Camryn in her Easter dress. Unfortunately, it got chilly, so we had to put a sweater on her after the pictures were taken.

And who knew that a toy basket could be such entertainment for the adults. I was cleaning up the kitchen when John hollered at me to come into the living room with the camera. He had been keeping an eye on Camryn and watching TV, and suddenly saw just feet sticking up in the air. I guess her balance is still a little shaky, but she did manage to get where she wanted to be - inside the basket with the toys.

Sara, Camryn and I were able to meet up with Cindy and Joe at the Dallas airport yesterday (Saturday), and we spent about an hour together. If I had gotten up a little earlier and checked the flight arrival information, it could have been longer. I think yesterday was one time that American managed to be early instead of on time or late. Their flight got into Dallas about 30 minutes earlier than it was scheduled to. By the time the girls and I got out the door and to the airport, we made it there when the flight was supposed arrive originally. I am going to see what I can do to meet them on their layover Friday. It will be a little more difficult since it is in the afternoon and work gets in the way.

Later this month Mom and Dad will be here. We are looking forward to that visit as it has been since Dad's surgery since we have seen them, and a couple of years since they have been to Texas. The early part of May will find us heading to Louisiana for a couple of days to attend Jim's memorial service. That will be a difficult trip, especially for John. He is missing his weekly talks with his brother terribly. I know time will ease his pain, but it is still very fresh for him.

Other than that, life continues on and we take each day as it comes. Love to everyone!

Goodbye Jim

All, it is with a heavy heart that I write this update. This morning at approximately 2:45 CST John's older brother Jim passed away. John is holding up, but I know that the next few weeks are going to be difficult for him, and the rest of his family. At this time, we do not know what the plans are. John's parents will stay in Connecticut for a little while longer while they, and Jack, settle some of Jim's affairs. Sometime in the next few weeks, a memorial will be held for Jim, most likely in Baton Rouge. Jim was loved by many and will be sorely missed.

Where Do I Start?

It seems forever since I last posted something, and I really don't know where to start. February (and so far March) have been difficult times emotionally.

As you know, John's brother Jim has been fighting cancer since the first of February and John's parents have been in Connecticut giving him support, and just being there. Jim has some wonderful friends that have been there for him and his parents during this trying time. John flew to Connecticut on Sunday, March 2 and the kids and I followed on Monday, March 3. We did not tell anyone that the kids and I were going to be there, so it was a wonderful surprise for them; especially since they have not had a chance to 'meet' Camryn yet. She and Dad have been spending quite a bit of time at the hospital with Jim and are worn out. We were all prepared to see a different Jim, but I was still amazed at how thin and frail he appeared. As of yesterday, Jim has decided to stop all treatment for the cancer. He will be leaving the hospital on Wednesday to spend what time he has left at home. His spirit remains upbeat and he is comfortable with his decision. We are going to get John back up there within the next 2-3 weeks again. If you want to keep more up to date with Jim, there is a web site set up. It is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimwhitehead. Here are just a few pictures that I took while we were there.

Camryn with Nana &PopPaw Camryn with Nana

Four Whitehead women

We all returned home late Wednesday night, and I spent the early part of Thursday unpacking and doing laundry as John and I were flying out to Phoenix on Thursday night to visit an old high school buddy of John's, Roy, and his wife, Tracy. We were a little concerned about whether we were going to make it out or not since mother nature decided to throw some snow at Texas for the second time that week. We ended up with about 4 1/2 inches of the beautiful white stuff at our house. Luckily flights were still getting in and out of DFW Airport and we landed in Phoenix only 30 minutes later than scheduled. We spent the next three days relaxing at the hot tub and pool, going to spring training baseball games and enjoying the wonderful cooking of Tracy. John and I both needed the break and it came at a perfect time. We are back home now and facing going back to our 'normal' schedule.

From the back patio (pretty isn't it?); Cami "enjoying" the snow; good friends Roy and Tracy Courtright in Phoenix.