Seminary Graduation!

The Decatur Ward Seminary Grads! Chris Ferris, Sara's friend and non-member received a 1 year certificate of acheivement, we are sooo proud of him!

The graduate names are: Chris Ferris, Sara Trigg, Adam Holden, Monica and Ashley Jenness, and Sister Debbie Fredrickson, the instructor!

The Big Weekend Slide Show

The Big Weekend!

Friday, May 1, 2009, started off with a bang! Stephanie Willis came up from Birmingham to go with us to the hospital for Phil's big brain surgery! Thanks Steph for your support! We had to be at the hospital by 6:00 am and had to fight the weather all the way. Phil was very nervous, but thanks to the priesthood and those who magnify it, he was pretty calm, and all went well with surgery. The surgeon was very confident that he would go home the next morning and that we would see significant results in less than 24 hours. He was right! We are thrilled. Now Phil just has to recover from the procedure. Today is that magical day 3, so he is really feeling lousy.

Saturday, we came home from the hospital and watched Sara get ready for her big evening at the Senior Prom for Austin High School. Julieanne Lowman, in our ward and one of our best friends, helped Sara get ready as I was busy with Phil. We were able to go to her house and take a few pictures as they were heading out. Then we ran home to get Phil back in the recliner. She looked great and was excited!

We are tired today, but so happy that all went well with Phil's surgery, and yes, he has seen major improvement just over the last 24 hours and hope to have continued improvement as the shunt does it's job. Thanks to everyone who has prayed, loved, supported, and physically been able to help! We love you!

A Very Happy Surprise!

Saturday Jessica and Papa drove away for the great wild west! We did pretty good keeping it together emotionally, but still shed a few tears! My sister and kindred spirit felt my pain and very sweetly sent these beautiful flowers to cheer me up! I think they did more cheering for Phil because he truly had the hardest time! It has been so soothing to come in and see this big beautiful arrangement sitting on the table! The See's candy is from Mom, and might I say with all of our favorites! Thanks for helping to cheer us up!

Leaving Home . . . .

Here I sit . . . .

We have been busy trying to get Jessica outfitted and physically ready to leave our home to start her new adventure out in the wild west. Some days have been filled with emotion, and other days excitement. Do you remember days like this? I do!!

Yesterday was a crazy day. Storms everywhere! Really bad weather! But that did not stop us from meeting up in the afternoon at Sam's club to buy some new tires for Jessica's little Kia Sportage. We then ventured to the mall in Huntsville to outfit Jessica with some new blue jeans that don't smell like Big Bob Gibson's! (our dogs love her when she comes home from work!) We stopped at Macaroni Grill for what the girls are calling "The Last Supper" and enjoyed each other's company! We raced home to Decatur all exhausted and ready for bed!

Today, the new tires are going on the vehicle and chores must be done for the new week. I am not ready for Easter, but will be ready by this afternoon. Coaching Jessica to get packed and staying happy will be a chore, but one that can be done! Papa better gear up, he will have a very eventful trip across country with Jessica! We will send him home with a door prize for his willingness to help! I think Peach Nehi will do the trick! Sometimes just thinking about all that needs to be done is a little overwhelming! Oh well, just get started and the rest will take care of itself!

Eric is off at the Rodeo in Salina, Utah this weekend. I know he loves this and enjoys being there and working hard! I wish I could see him in action! He wrote the girls a letter this week and a short note to Phil and I which we really loved! I know he is a crazy mess, but we love him!

Well, the day has started and I haven't. I guess I better get busy! Wal-Mart is waiting!

Thank You Jen!

Great video that Jennifer McCleod shared on her blog! How touching and inspiring!