Beach Vacation

Well- we've been home now for a week, so I thought it was time to post some vacation pictures and memories. We all had a wonderful time- it's always much too short, though! I think I could spend an entire summer on the beach and not get homesick! I love the ocean, the sand, the sun, and just the break from the usual routine.

We usually go to North Myrtle Beach, but this year we decided to do something a little different (due to travel time as well as gas prices). We went to Panama City Beach- yes, Redneck Riviera, or whatever you wish to call it. I haven't been there in 15 years, and while much has changed, many more things are still the same. We enjoyed staying at the Calypso, which is right across the street from the new Pier Park, a new open shopping mall with lots of great restaurants and stores. Although it doesn't compare with Barefoot Landing in N. Myrtle Beach, it was nice for a change. The condo was quite nice, especially the two huge pools. We were a bit disappointed that the pier was under construction, but Matthew and my Dad enjoyed watching the men work on the barge out in the ocean- Matthew was actually fascinated and has built a pier out of his blocks every day since we've been home. The "crystal clear" water Richard has always raved about was only clear for about 2 days, after which time there was thick green algae and lots of seaweed every day (I included a picture of it in the slides). In the afternoon it was easier to find a clear spot, and we were able to get in, then, but I missed the giant waves of the Atlantic- the gulf was almost like a lake most of the time.

The kids' favorite thing to do was to swim in the pool. Both have taught themselves how to hold their breath underwater, and did it regularly (which made me quite nervous at times.) Matthew has been doing this for some time, now, in our small pool, but SB has never attempted it. She took a cue from him and started swimming underwater! They LOVED jumping off the side over, and over, and over...... Mommy's arms got a workout, for sure! SB also learned how to float on her back, and then started crossing her legs like a little lady while she floated- so funny! We enjoyed lots of eating out, and Richard and I even got to go on a date (something I don't think we've really done in a couple of years) The first night we all went out, on Father's Day, Matthew was so tired, that he literally fell asleep on the table while we were waiting on our food to arrive. Needless to say, they were both very ready for bed every night after long days of playing.

One great experience was with a photographer out of Atlanta. We had already taken some family pictures as usual, but the next day, I inquired as to what exactly he charged for a sitting fee. He had been sitting at the tiki bar every day with a poster of some beautiful beach pictures as he worked on his laptop, so I thought it was worth asking about. Surprisingly, he didn't charge a sitting fee at all- he was trying to build up his beach portfolio, and wanted to take some pics of my kiddos. Well- O.K.! He literally just took them from me, told me to sit down and relax, and he did his magic with them. SB is usually quite shy around strangers, especially photographers, but he got them to do everything he wanted for the camera- it was great! Mom and Dad took them back for an evening session while we were on our date, and the sunset pictures are incredible, as well. You can check them all out at www.KenRada.com, and the login code is diprima. He did a great job, so much that I might just drive to Flowery Branch for more pictures another time. I was quite impressed with his work!

Overall, it was a great trip with lots of good memories. We always enjoy my parents going with us, although this year my Dad's 3 herniated discs in his back limited him in several ways. The pain seemed to ease by the time we were leaving the beach, so hopefully he's on the road to recovery, again. We had a good time, but we're probably headed back to N. Myrtle next year (I've already started looking at condos!)

Happy Birthday, David!

Today, June 12, is my brother's 38th birthday! He is on a surprise vacation planned by my sister-in-law right now, and I'm so glad he's getting a break from work and all his responsibilities. I hope he and his family have a wonderful time relaxing together.

David is the kindest, most thoughtful brother. He truly cares about people and it is so evident in his gentle ways. David is a wonderful father to his twin boys, and I often see him encouraging them in different ways. He is a very devoted husband, as well.

I'd have to say David's passion is music. He definitely got all the talent in the family! He sings, plays the piano, trumpet, and guitar, but his biggest gift is writing music. It is unbelievable! He regularly writes "jingles" for advertisements for companies/ tv shows, etc., all over the country. I love it when he sends them to me so I can hear the demo- it's just amazing to me how he puts all of it together in his home studio! He also often writes music for Lifeway- children's music as well as youth music, and some choruses we'll probably sing in church one day. He is so very talented, and he is intentional on using his gifts to glorify the Lord. David is the leader of one of the 3 bands at his church, and those are all truly gifted musicians..... if you really want to hear some serious music, Nashville is definitely the place!!!!

One more thing that I love about my brother is that he has always chased his dreams of being a musician. In college, there were extended family members who commented that David would never succeed in majoring in music, and if he did, he'd never get a job, etc. Well...... he succeeded in his music business degree, moved to Nashville after getting married, and has always had a job in the music industry in one form or another! He's rubbed shoulders with the "great ones" of Christian music, and I'd say he's done quite well at making money doing what he loves! I'm so very proud of him, and today, I celebrate his life!

Happy Birthday, David!

Summertime Fun

I just had to post some of these pictures from our fun weekend. We didn't do anything major at all, and actually, that was what was nice about it. The kids played in the pool and on the waterslide much of the time, with the usual popsicles and icees to keep them cool. They both helped Daddy cut the grass (love that picture- if only they want to do it when they're teenagers!), and they enjoyed swinging and playing in their "clubhouse" together.

One incident that happened Fri. morning as I was cleaning the house was rather funny. I heard Matthew tell SB to bring him the toilet paper. He was in the living room, so I thought that was rather odd. I go to see what's happening, and SB had brought her pink potty (she has just become potty trained- learned in about 2 days! Woo-hoo! I digress...) into the middle of the living room, next to where Matthew was building. I asked what in the world they were doing, and Matthew states that he is at his worksite, and all builders have a potty at the worksite so they don't have to leave while they're working. He was about to actually use that potty in the middle of the living room! Good grief! He has a knack for completely and totally learning every detail of things he's interested in, and then recreating it to the best of his ability and with whatever resources he has available. So funny! I LOVE his imagination- it's incredible!

Anyway, after that episode, I created a treasure hunt for them so that they would be entertained while I finished cleaning the house. They loved that (Matthew walked around with a hanger b/c of the "hook" on it like Captain Hook- a pirate looking for treasure....). They got chocolate and money for their piggy banks at the end of the hunt. It was lots of fun.

I just love these lazy summer weekends! We're looking forward to our beach trip coming up soon!

Jesus will still be there....

I have been deeply saddened and grieved by one family's tragic loss this week. Many of you who read this probably received a series of e-mails from me for prayer regarding a little 2-year-old girl named Avery.

Earlier this week, when Avery was with a babysitter, she was standing on her changing table and fell off, severely injuring the left side of her brain, causing a subdural hematoma (bleeding on the brain). She was rushed to Egleston and made it through the surgery. However, the swelling on her brain never went down, and yesterday a series of tests determined that there was no brain activity whatsoever. Avery went home to heaven at approximately 5:10 pm on Friday afternoon.

Although I do not personally know this family, the grandparents of the little girl are long time family friends, and I do remember Avery's father (he was several years younger than me). Anyway, no matter if we personally know people or not, whenever there is such a tragedy, it seems like we all have a moment where we put ourselves in their "shoes," and try to understand how in the world we could ever cope. I have shed many tears over this little girl, and I have never even met her. The obvious "why, God?" is there, whether or not we ever say it aloud, and whether or not we ever really know the answer to it.

I have felt such pain for this family every time I look at my own 2 year old daughter, and can't imagine their grief, anger, frustration, emptiness, sadness, and loneliness without their baby girl. That has been my focus all day today until this evening when I had to make a quick trip to the store. The kids were on the waterslide with their Daddy, so I went alone (which rarely happens), and was able to listen to my "own" music. I was listening to Christian radio, and the song "Jesus Will Still Be There" by Point of Grace just happened to be playing. The words really spoke to me.....

"Jesus will still be there, His love will never change, sure as the steady
rain. Jesus will still be there, when no one else is true, He'll still be
loving you. When it looks like you've lost it all, and you haven't
got a prayer, Jesus will still be there."

Wow- what a message. I've heard that song so many times before, but it had different meaning this time....much deeper, as I ponder the death of little Avery. Although we may not have understanding for ourselves, or words to express our sympathy to the family in such a situation, we can always know that .....Jesus will still be there....no matter what happens.

Please pray for this family, as well as the babysitter who was with Avery at the time of the accident. God can bring healing for them all in time.

Fun times on the waterslide

Well.....Memorial Day weekend marked the beginning of summer for my kids, for sure. Matthew has been asking us for weeks to get out the waterslide. This is his absolute favorite part of summer!!! We got it last year, so this is our second year to have it, and we used it so much, we weren't sure what to expect when we blew it up after being stored for 9 months. We were pleasantly surprised to see that it looked as good as new (well, almost), and worked perfectly (thank goodness!!). While Matthew has always loved it, Sarah Beth only got on it one time last year, and got water in her eyes, so that was it for her! However, this year, she decided she might want to try it without the water....so she did. Next thing I knew, she was going down it, fully clothed, and Matthew turned the water on! They both were soaked, and having a blast! She is hooked, now.....loves it! Needless to say, they stayed on it most of last weekend with Daddy home. Matthew has the most fun when Daddy is on the slide with him! We also enjoyed a great dinner of smoked bbq ribs (my favorite food) at my parents' house. It was a great relaxing weekend- wish we could have more of those! Oh, and I also included a picture of Richard getting a manicure and pedicure that weekend- I think they tried styling his hair, but that didn't go so well- he doesn't look that great with pigtails!

Nene's 84th birthday!

We celebrated my grandmother's 84th birthday last week. My parents, the kids and I took her to the Victorian Tea Room on her actual birthday and had a wonderful time. The kids enjoyed dressing up and having a "tea party." They especially love the "little cakes" as SB calls them- a real treat. We then went back to Nene's house to open some gifts. Little did she know that on Sat., we were all going to be down at my cousin's parents' lake house for a surprise for her! There were about 60 people there to celebrate her birthday, and we all enjoyed seeing one another and being at the lake on such a beautiful afternoon. Matthew and Sarah Beth had their first ride on a waverunner- they loved it!! We also took a ride on the pontoon- lots of fun.

It was a fun time, but most importantly, we hope Nene knew how loved and appreciated she is to all of us. My cousin put together a great video where she had interviewed many of us talking about our favorite memories of Nene. It was really interesting to hear the different perspectives, and all she's been to different people in different ways. I guess one thing that stands out is that she is always doing things for others. Sure, she has ALWAYS been known for her catering and cooking (she did countless weddings/rehearsal dinners/church functions, etc.), but she has also always tried to do things for all the children that live in the houses around her, for widows, and for those who do not have much to call their own. Her work ethic has always been quite incredible as well- from dawn to dusk (and much later!), she worked at an insurance company, then in the garden, canning vegetables, baking cakes, and anything else she could cram into 24 hours of a day! We all have wonderful memories of her, and look forward to many more. Happy Birthday Nene!