We are visiting our daughter Briana this week.  We came over on Friday, and Friday night James and I had dinner with her and Troy.  It was a really nice time.  On Sat. afternoon, I went alone to see them in Shenandoah.....which is where they met.  On Sunday,.....I went again  (sheepish grin) with Ashley.  Sunday was their final of 36 shows since it opened mid-March.  She was getting pretty tired of it these last few weeks, but was still, in some ways, sad it was over.  Of course, she is in full swing of Hairspray rehearsals.  She's 10 to 10 tomorrow, with an hour and a half break for lunch, and one for supper.  It's like that most of this week.

Troy and Briana in their Shenandoah costumes.

  Thankfully, she is off today.  She's off most Mondays unless it's tech week (next week).  Today is my birthday, so we're planning to go for a cookout this afternoon.  Unfortunately, there is a 50% chance of scattered storms this afternoon.  : (  I hope we don't get rained out!

   Ashley is still plugging away at her college history course, and she and I have been enjoying some fun times together.  It's funny how you can miss one so much, and yet be thankful for the opportunites it's giving you with another one.  Confusing emotions.  : ) 

Speaking of which, this letting go thing is just not easy.......learning to share them with others (especially a man! : ) ), and that they are spreading their wings in new, higher, different places, and learning from God what your new place in that is.........  I'm getting there....I think.....

I had hoped to go home Tues., which became Wed., which I find out now, is Thurs.  I enjoy visiting with Briana, but we're going to be seeing very little of her Tues.-Thurs. with her rehearsals.   And, we will be coming back 5 days later for James to take pictures at Hairspray dress rehearsals 2 nights, then the 3rd night we will go to the opening. 

Ashley is getting very excited about her Kenya trip.  If you are on Facebook, look up "Ashley's Going to Kenya!", and join her group to join us in prayer for the trip and team. 

The younger girls are doing good.  They are looking forward to coming back over next week again because 2 of their cousins will be here that week.  It's kind of a low key week for them this week.  Not much of their stuff here, their grandparents are out of town this week, we haven't been able to get swimming passes to the pool yet (hopefully today), and I've been gone a lot of the time we've been here.  They played Wii quite a while yesterday with their Daddy.  They're watching Animal Planet right now. We watch very little t.v., but I do let them watch some of the shows on there sometimes.  I tell you.....that little Daniella can remember every single detail about animals that she hears on that show.  Even when she has trouble comprehending and remembering other things, she can tell you word for word details about animals on a show she saw months ago.

Off to get pull everything together for our cookout.  Troy is joining us, and I'm looking forward to some fun family time.....please don't storm!

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Posted by ReviewsbyHeidi

Tomorrow is Gracie's birthday (9). I'm with you - it's hard to see them spreading their wings and flying. I'm so glad to have you as a friend - you're paving the way and can help me through it when the time comes! :)
Enjoy your special day.
Heidi

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Posted by tn3jcarter

If nothing else, your girls will definitely know that you & James are totally crazy about them. You all do such a good job of spending time together as a family.

Enjoy your special day today.

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Posted by bbullard

Wow! I was feeling the anxiety on my end as I read through your post about Brianna and her new gentleman caller, as the old folks say. I read through about 4 posts as it's been a while since I stopped by--the recital just about wore me out this year with the three kids dancing in about 1/3 of the total dance numbers. Like that commercial says, life comes at you fast, huh? Now I know why you spoke of the 11-year-old and the time passing quickly when he'll bless some young lady's life. Unfortunately, some of the little girls are so aggressive at the dance center until I have to caution him less that moment come sooner than we're ready for.

I'm glad that you are at peace with the decision she's made, and I know that she has been raised with a good sense of who is worthy of her time and attention. It's also great that he's comfortable with the family. I hope it all continues to work according to God's plan.

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Posted by MamaJ

I haven't been on to read your posts for a while, so I did some catching up today. Wow, there has been a lot going on for you! That picture is lovely, by the way. I do hope you're resting well. So glad you have God's peace about it all. I'll be praying for Ashley's trip to Kenya, that must be so exciting! God bless.

Mama J.

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Posted by Shine

Wow...so much going on in your life! Brianna! So happy she has found such a nice fellow. All of your girls are especially special. Miss seeing all of you guys! Tell Marissa hello for Anna! Love, T

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Posted by Tammy ~@~

Wow! You've been busy since the last time I stopped by here!

I do hope you had a special birthday w/o rain :-)

It is a challenging season of life for moms as our children learn to spread their wings. It's learning a whole new way of communication as they become young adults. Sounds tough, but there are certainly a lot of blessings in the process, too! {{{{{Letitia}}}}}

Take care!

Blessings,
Tammy ~@~

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