A Brother and a Sister Kinda Thing...

As the Rascal Flatts song goes, my two share quite the bond. That bond was clearly apparent tonight as Lily packed up to leave for NY. They both hugged, cried, and told the other how much they loved em. It was such a touching moment...(even dad got in on the misty eyes).

I hadn't realized how hard they would take being apart. I think the next few weeks might get interesting as they'll be attending separate schools for the first time. I am blessed by my two beautiful kids and even more fortunate for the love they share. It truly is an answer to prayer.

Don't Feed the Animals...

Igglers was a lifesaver this week and came into town to watch the kids for their last week of summer. The kids loved having her here and I think she may have liked it a bit too. Bobo came this weekend to see the kids, so they decided to go to the Knoxville Zoo. Mom was NOT invited so they enjoyed a day with two of their favorite people.

Bobo loved this pic...he was trying to recreate the "See No...Speak No...Hear No" (note the monkey in the bottom right hand corner).

The kids always love their BoboIggs time. They are so lucky to have the two of them in their lives.

Let Me Introduce Myself...

After reading the next several blogs, you might understand why I haven't posted in awhile. It's been a crazy July, but I'm happy to say we've survived. We travelled to NY, Ohio (twice) and Dale Hollow. I've also switched to my new job, Tate has been getting ready for kindergarten, the kids were gone for a week to Kentucky, Robbie went on a business trip, we've had several nibbles on the house, and Lily leaves tomorrow for a week in NY with Bobo and Igglers. Whew! I think we made it. My stamina is recessitated and I'm on the ball. The lapse is over, so stay tuned...

A Dozen and A Third

I-71 was the scene of yet another roadtrip. This time we headed north to meet the Mlinarichs, Turners, and Sheltons for family fun at Kings Island. 8 kids ages 3-7, 1 year old, and 7 adults made for quite the interesting mixture. It is always so amazing how well the kids get along. I'm sure there will times when they don't get along as well, but for now, it's great. Good friends, good times...doesn't get much better than that!

Lord Help Us!

We travelled up I-71 for the 2nd time in a month to attend the Mooney Family Reunion in Cleveland, OH. Robbie decided to forgoe family bonding and stay home, so Bobo and Igglers volunteered (I think????) to ride with me and the kids. The trip was LONG, but getting easier as the kids get older. Anytime you get my mom's family together, there is no telling what will happen.

We started the weekend at the Cleveland Indians game. The highlight was the all you can eat hot dog bar. Lily got her money's worth...

The next day we took a train ride...

Surprisingly the kids were great for the entire three hours. Of course, Bobo got his nap in

and the kids swindled the relatives for souvenirs.

I hate living so far from the family and it was so nice to see them all for the 2nd time in a month. Now...we're all holding on waiting for the next visit....

Fade to Blue...

The time came and it was heart-wrenching. I've been here before, but this time, it seemed to be much harder to process through. The Lord works your mind and soul in such a way that it oftentimes is hard to recognize the gentle nudgings from pure emotion. But this one was different. I knew it was time to go, but I struggled to say goodbye. It was five years of growth, laughter and friendship. Fortunately, all of these will stay with me as I start my new journey. In the meantime, I must honor those who made it worthwhile...