"The River House"

One of the blessings while the twins were in the NICU was that St. Vincents Hospital offers a hotel room to the long term patient's families.  This is a generous complex located within walking distance from the hospital and the love gift of Mike Davidson, Mike Davidson Family Overnight Guest Center.   And what a blessing it was!  After Erica was discharged,  we were able to spend our days very close to the NICU so Erica could still nurse/care for both girls.  And then after Arianna was discharged, it was even more of a blessing, because she had to nurse the girls within a 30 minute window in two separate locations!   That would not have been possible without a room close-by.   Heart-felt thanks for the generosity of so many!

More moments of thankfulness...

NICU DAYS...

For the past few months I had the privilege of helping Clayton & Erica with Braddock, Beckham, Arianna & Alayna.  Many, many great moments of great memories just being "Granny".   I will share some of those moments in pics.  Enjoy!

Publix Trip

"THINGS ARE DIFFERENT"

Many years ago, Clayton was in the hospital (he was only 11 mos) when he had to have two surgeries.  He was there for 6 weeks and I stayed by his side until he was released.  Steven managed our home, the church and Adam & Brandon while I was away.  Everyday, Adam & Brandon would say, "I'll be glad when Mom gets home."  And Steven would reply, "Things are different."   Meaning that they would need to adjust during this unusual chapter in our lives and our home.

Well, "things are different" here now too.  Our sweet Arianna & Alayna arrived safely and perfectly formed earlier than they should have.  Thankful to Jesus for that!  But because of their "Preemie" status, they remain in the NICU, while Erica has returned home and is fully recovered from her surgery.  They turned 3 weeks old this past Friday.  Erica's days are divided between spending time here with Braddock & Beckham and time in the NICU feeding and cuddling Arianna & Alayna.  Her car is on auto-pilot to St Vincent's daily.

Clayton has deployed with his Air Guard Unit and I am living here to help-out during this unusual chapter in their lives and their home.  Steven is once again taking care of our home, the church and our cats while I am away.  So, "things are different."

Things were also different that first glorious Easter morning when the ladies arrived at the tomb to anoint the body of their precious Lord.  Not what they expected, certainly not what anyone would have expected.  "Things were different"!  And oh what a difference that made in the lives of all of us who believe and call HIM our SAVIOR.   I am eternally grateful and thankful for the difference HE has made in my life.  And my heart rejoices every single day that HE loves me with a love that is incomprehensible!

        HE IS RISEN...HE IS RISEN INDEED!   HALLELUJAH, WHAT A SAVIOR!

WELCOME ARIANNA & ALAYNA!!!

This morning (Friday the 13th) we were blessed with two beautiful granddaughters!  Arianna (5lbs 6 ozs) & Alayna (4lbs 14 ozs) were born at 34 weeks and both girls are doing great!  Erica is recovering from the C-section and will probably come home in 3 days.   There will be many pictures in the next few weeks, but I just wanted to post today and say, "Thank you Jesus, for such an amazing gift."

MARCH 2ND

Today Steven & I have been married for 42 years!  It is amazing how many blessings we have been given by God in the past 42 years:  The JOY of being brought together, the privilege of raising three incredible sons whom we love very much and have made us so proud.  The wonderful "daughters"  He provided to share their lives are absolutely perfect for each of them and the sweet grandchildren that delight our hearts...ten here and two on the way!   Our wonderful extended family who share in our joys and pray for our sorrows and the many, many friends that God has blessed us with over our four decades as a couple!  We are so, so thankful.

To update from the last entry.  Erica is back home, still living her life from the couch.  She was allowed to go home, but has to report in daily for monitoring of the girls.  The Dr is hoping she can go another couple of weeks...as are we!   Tomorrow makes 33 weeks!

My sweet sister flew to be by Sheri's side as they said "goodbye" to George and held his memorial service.  Prayers being offered up for Sheri, as life will be different without her Dad there.  Praying that she finds Hope in Christ as He fills that void.  We love you, Sheri.

Some moments in our family in the past week:

Beckham loves my new slippers.  

Cael showing Grace snow...not a sight in Ghana!

Sweet Riley has teeth!

Happy Birthday, Lauren (niece, left) with Ginnis & Maeve

Tina's new office name plate!

Addyson & Kynley turned three!!!

Taylor on trampolene in snow!?!

Liz at church with friends

Adorable Maeve!

Sheriff Callie Party!

Cute, Cute, Cute!

Sweet Kynley making a wish!

Blowing out candles!

Fresh pedicure makes me happy!!

Sweet e-card from Steven, as we are apart.  Will celebrate later.