School's Out...School's Out!!!

Today was the final day of school for this year at Pilgrim Christian. I have to say I'm pretty excited for summer to be here. Although it will be super busy, a change of routine is always welcome! Monday evening Kaitlynn and I attended the Women of Worth Mother Daughter Banquet in our school Commons. It was an excellent time, with one of my former co-workers, Tina Thomas (mother of five kids in five years - one set of twins) speaking, and one of my former GBS schoolmates, Regina Thomas, doing some incredible things with her violin. It was a night of many laughs, and made me know that I AM NOT ALONE in this crazy thing called "motherhood"! Tuesday night was our annual PCS Awards Program. The theme was "God Is Faithful Through The Seasons" and our banquet area was decorated to represent the four seasons. I'll have pics of the boys with their trophies as soon as the film is developed. Of course, Wednesday was Prayer Meeting at church, and now on Thursday Kaitlynn and I are enjoying some quiet time around the house. We enjoyed sitting out in the yard swing for awhile while Greg and the boys were at his softball game. Tomorrow night is Evan's kindergarten graduation (sniff, sniff) and we are excited about his achievement.
As a side note, the hotel we had at Liberty sported a half-dollar sized spot of blood on the top part of the bedspread. Looked like maybe someone had a nosebleed or something. Mom had me to call down to the desk and ask for fresh linens, which the lady promptly brought up. Mom and Dad made the bed, and we thought no more about it. When dad went to check out the next morning, the first shift lady at the front desk said, "Due to the trouble you had last night, we are discounting your room to $75." Dad's response, "Hallelujah!" I dare say we got the cheapest room in Lynchburg that night, and it was a comfy one at that!

What???? A $166 Super 8?

Tonight I am blogging from the beautiful campus of Liberty University. I am so excited to be here (even though we will have logged 1,000 miles in about 48 hours)! We arrived this afternoon just in time to attend Dr. Jerry Falwell's viewing in the stately DeMoss Center. It was the most spectacular thing I have ever seen, and had to be similar to viewing a deceased U.S. President. The police presence was heavy, of course, and the beauty and formality was unmatched. As we filed past his body, I was in awe of the moment. We stayed around to watch as the casket was escorted from the building down many steps and into the hearse. Following a wonderful dinner at Ruby Tuesday's, Mom, Dad, Greg and I went to the Baccalaureate in the new Thomas Road Baptist Church sanctuary. Incredible. Dr. Jerry Vines presented one of the most fantastic messages I have ever heard. We watched as a group of soldiers were commissioned, and their music was second to none. There was much emotion due to Dr. Falwell's death, but the service was a great blend of memory and blessing. We had planned to head over to Roanoke to find a hotel, but thought we would take our chances of someone cancelling out around the college. We were fortunate, I guess, and ended up taking the last room at Super 8 right across from the college. I'd say we were gouged at $166 for one night, but since we have to be in our seats for graduation by 8:45 a.m., location is everything. So, for the 2nd night in a row, Greg and I are sharing a room with Mom and Dad...hmmm. I have tons of pics for all interested, which I will try to post soon. Posting pics has been difficult for me lately, not sure why, but I know they are really what ya'll want! So long for now!

I'm Still Here...

For all of you avid bloggers, please bear with me through the last 10 days of the school year. I have been so swamped that I haven't had time to do the things I enjoy! I started to write the other day, but became so overwhelmed, that I saved the draft and it is still sitting there...I am 31 now. Maybe that's what happened! Anyway, I did get to enjoy a concert tonight with my hubby, sister, and brother-in-law. Mike and Kelly Bowling were in town with the Crabb Family on the farewell tour. Jeff Snyder sings with Mike and Kelly now, and previously travelled in a GBS quartet with my brother, Eric. We enjoyed visiting with Jeff and hearing their group for the first time. Since it is now 12:21 a.m. and I must get 3 kids up and at 'em to be at school in the morning, I must sign off. I promise pics of our week soon. We are headed for Lynchburg, VA for Liberty's graduation on Thursday evening, so I'll try to post before I leave.

A Sad Day for LU...and America

News Release to Liberty Students and Alumni
Office of Alumni Affairs
Falwell, Founder of Liberty University , Dies
Date: May 15, 2007
Contact: Dr. Ronald S. Godwin, 434-582-7600
LYNCHBURG , Va. — The Rev. Jerry Falwell, Founder and Chancellor of Liberty University and Founder and Pastor of the historic Thomas Road Baptist Church , died today. He was 73.
Rev. Falwell was found unconscious in his office around 11:30 a.m., by members of his staff and received immediate resuscitation efforts there, again in the ambulance and at Lynchburg General Hospital .
He was officially pronounced dead at 12:40 p.m.
Rev. Falwell’s family, including his wife Macel and sons Jerry Falwell, Jr. and Jonathan Falwell, were with him at the hospital at the time of his death.
Ministry officials called a special 2:00 p.m. meeting in the Thomas Road Baptist Church auditorium and on less than an hours notice over 6,000 faculty, staff, students and church members attended the announcement of the passing of their Pastor and Chancellor.
Rev. Falwell established the Thomas Road Baptist Church in 1956 where he pastored for over 50 years. He founded Liberty University in 1971 and oversaw its rise to prominence as the largest evangelical University in America . .

Busy, Busy Times! (this post is a week old)

Although I've enjoyed catching up on everyone else's blogs, I haven't had time to post! Last Friday my family had a birthday party for me at my parents home. We celebrated a couple of days early due to mom and dad leaving with the kids for the Jr./Sr. trip to Missouri on Saturday. During the party, my family presented me with gifts including one biggie:


My dear husband, knowing my need of a laptop for educational survival during summer travels, wanted to give me a much needed gift. Our parents chipped in with him, and I am now happily blogging from the comfort of my bed! I also took my first exam for HSER 509 while lounging on pillows last night. Pregnancy may not be all that bad after all! Anyway, since last Saturday we have been staying with my grandmother again. It has been a busy, busy week. Monday was my 31st birthday which, by the way, didn't bother me a bit. 30 was horrible, but now that I know there is life beyond 30, things are good! Since staying with grandma, I decided to take off teaching for the week. On Monday, I met my sister and four of her students at The Meeting Place (a cozy little eatery/coffee shop) for a birthday lunch. Kaitlynn thoroughly enjoyed my White Chocolate Caramel Frapp, and we had a great time. At my advice, we went to McDonald's for my birthday supper so the kids could entertain themselves on all the cool games they have. After a visit to the park, we were all done in and ready for bed. Tuesday found me at the Dr's office for an 8 hour shift. It was interesting and fun. Wednesday and Thursday were what I'll call "preggo" days. Just didn't feel so well. On Friday I was flying around trying to get things done at my parents house, and fell down their flight of stairs. Greg heard the "boom" and came flying to my rescue. Due to my typical clutziness, he wasn't surprised, just sympathetic! Now it is Saturday evening, the Mother's Day gifts are all purchased, lasagnas will soon be ready for baking, and we are awaiting mom and dad's arrival so that we can go home and prepare for Sunday...A very happy Mother's Day to all my blog mom buddies!