Congratulations, Moonchild!

June 10, 2016

Dear Faerynn,

Graduation Day is really here! I’ve been thinking of this day for a lot of years now, not because I was anxious for it to arrive! J I distinctly remember an evening 13 years ago, sitting with a group of women in Mrs. Falk’s living room where we went around the room sharing what we were looking forward to in the coming school year. I said that I was looking forward to this being the last time that I would teach a child to read! (Little did I know!) I also remember starting each school year and being sad that this would be the last time reading my favorite Sonlight books aloud.

I started thinking about what I would write in this particular letter about 10 years ago, when I wrote my first graduation letter to Allison. Then your little brother arrived, your high school years began, and our lives shifted. These years have looked nothing like what I imagined them to be, but they have been all the richer for what God planned them to be.

Teaching you has been a delightful journey. Your enthusiasm for learning, your dedication and perseverance is evident to all who know you, but especially to me. I’ve had the pleasure of spending nearly every day of your life mentoring you and enjoying sweet friendship with you. Now you’re ready to start the next chapter in this journey through life and I have every confidence that you are ready for whatever lies ahead. Please don’t forget, I will always be here for you…whether it’s to talk through your thoughts or share a cup of tea.

I love you dearly and can’t wait to see what God has in store for your life.

Mama

Graham Buttons

The end result of my quest for a whole wheat and honey graham cracker for Gavin. Ta-da! Adorable little Garaham Buttons. They are extra delicious with peanut butter.

Congratulations, Elaina Joy!

May 19, 2013

Dear Elaina,

What a delightful journey we have been on over the past 13 years of your education! It’s been such a pleasure teaching, guiding, and encouraging you as you’ve learned and grown.

God has gifted your life in so many ways: from a sharp mind, your artistic and creative spirit, and beautiful singing, to your gentle and encouraging heart. You are a blessing to all who have the pleasure of sharing in your life! I look forward to seeing how you will continue to put these gifts into use in the coming years.

It’s a bittersweet thing to come to the end of our school years together. But I know that you will continue to grow and thrive as you begin this next stage of your journey through life. And I will continue to be here cheering you on.

I love you to the moon and back!

Mama

Thankful for Small Blessings

This little fellow has stolen our hearts and filled our already joy-filled home to overflowing. I'm incredibly thankful for this good gift that God has sent our way. He knew just what we needed!

Gavin Curtis Glasscock

Impatiently Waiting

I'm feeling very anxious for baby Gavin's arrival. I know it's still early and I've never had a baby early without  being induced. But there is more to it than just being huge, hot, and uncomfortable. Oldest sister is moving across the country in just under 2 weeks now and I really want them to have time to spend together before she leaves! I don't want her first glimpse of little brother to be at Christmas when he's 4 months old already!
So, hurry up, little guy. There are special people waiting to meet you.

Welcome, August!

It was with great delight that I turned the calendar page to August this morning. Baby month is finally here! The calendar tells me there are ten days to go, my body says "any day now", and my brain reminds me that if this little guy is as late as Bethany I could have another 3 weeks of waiting! I very reluctantly scheduled another prenatal visit for next week on Wednesday, but if I could will myself into labor sooner I would. And you know...there is a full moon tomorrow night...and Shannon will be returning home from the latest work trip by midnight tomorrow. I think early Friday morning would be most excellent.

Celebrating Daniel!

I'm so glad God chose to bless our lives with Daniel 20 years ago! 

Picture Perfect Wedding Day

Cassio and Maria

Shannon and Bethany

Cassio, Bethany, Rich, and Grandpa Jim

Mr. & Mrs. Vianna

Our Beautiful Little Guy, Gavin!

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Technology has come a long way in the last 24 years...in fact, even in the past 13 years! I have to admit to feeling like somehow it is cheating to see my little guy so clearly before his arrival. But that doesn't stop me from  admiring his pictures over and over. I am most definitely in love with our baby boy.

21!!!!!!!!

For years and years Cameron has had a German Chocolate cake on his birthday. I guess turning 21 called for change and so this year we celebrated with Raspberry Filled Chocolate cake. It was a yummy choice! Even if it did put your sisters into a bit of momentary shock when they realized what was happening in the kitchen.

Traveling Birthday Girl

Shannon and Allison

 My first born is 24 today...it doesn't seem possible! We celebrated early as she is spending the next few weeks visiting the many universities she's been accepted into for her graduate studies. The day of her big decision is quickly approaching. What's the path of her future going to be? I'm looking forward to seeing what she chooses. But more importantly I'm looking forward to remaining months she has at home with us. I know they are going to pass far too swiftly.

15 Weeks

Feeling so much better this week! Hurray for the second trimester.

Sunshine for a Dreary Day

Just what I needed. Thank you! I feel loved.

Life As Seen From The Recliner

My nesting place for the past 5 weeks has been the recliner nestled closely to the wood stove. I've watched Christmas and New Year's come and go from my place of rest. I've overseen school and meals and chores from  here as well. And while it's a cozy place to spend the winter, I'm growing weary of it. I want life to return to normal. I want to eat real food and do real work. I want to have energy to go places and see people. I'm ready to feel pregnant instead of just sick. ( I even did another pregnancy test this week to make sure this was real and not just something wrong in my head! It was still positive.) I want my husband to stay home for more than 3 days  of the week!
That's a lot of wants. So to balance it here's my list of things I'm thankful for: Carnation Instant Breakfast, hashbrowns, jello, and ginger ale, a good job for my husband (even if he has to travel 4 days a week), the company of my kids at home, phone calls from Daniel, the fellowship of my church family on a snowy Sunday afternoon (you brightened my day), and most of all knowing that Shannon is on a flight home and will be here when I wake in the morning.

Surprised by Baby G

Life is full of twists and turns...full of surprises. And while Baby G is not an unwanted or unpleasant surprise, it is a very unexpected surprise. Having my 7th child at 44, thirteen years after my current youngest, was pretty far out there on my radar screen! Being 7 months pregnant at my daughter's wedding was the last thing I was dreaming of!!! But as my husband is so fond of saying, "It's all good!". Baby G is a good gift. God knows exactly what our family needs. I'm trusting Him for the stamina to see this through to the end.

From The Hilltop

My Son, My Soldier

PVT Daniel Glasscock

It's Thanksgiving Day and his place was empty at the table, but not in our hearts. I woke up crazy early this morning and couldn't go back to sleep, so I did what I do whenever that happens lately and prayed for my son. Mom's pray for strange things...I prayed that he would be served a good Thanksgiving dinner, WITH PIE, and that he would have ample time to enjoy it. I also prayed that he would be allowed to call home today...even though he told me Sunday that he wouldn't be able to.

I was planning to have dinner on the table by 3. At 2:40 the phone rang with the voice I most wanted to hear on the other end (he always sounds so small and far away). So the turkey sat...stuffing half out and time stopped for 20 minutes while we talked to our boy and shared our Thanksgiving.  He had the best meal he's had for the past 2 months, with Apple Pie, and an hour to eat and savour. God cares about the little things!

Time resumed and our table was full of good food and better company. Our computer in the corner displayed our soldier, brother, son's picture so that he too was part of our circle and close to our hearts. It's been a very happy Thanksgiving.

Giving Thanks for Autumn Beauty

So Happy for You!

 Bethany and Cassio

These two make a pretty cute couple.
Welcome to the family, Cassio!