Jandad

Late in October, John's dad asked us to take him to the emergency room because he had a "croopy crud" that he couldn't quite shake. We thought they might admit him that day because he was having such a hard time breathing. We didn't realize that he would end up with pneumonia and in ICU. Or that he would never leave that hospital. Emmy never got to see him again and John and Cathy were broken hearted to lose their remaining parent.

We have so many wonderful memories of Jandad. I am forever grateful to him for how he would stay with Emmy while I traveled for work. He was so sweet to take his time and stay with her in Memphis since John had to be at work so early in the mornings. When Emmy had her rock and roll birthday party, she said she wanted a band. "I don't care who plays at my party, Justin Beiber, Justin Timberlake or Jandad, but I want a band!" and she got one. Hearing all of Jandad's former students talk about him was remarkable. We were so lucky to have had such a great Jandad.

Our first Friendsgiving

 

Halloween

As is our normal routine, Emmy had more than one costume. For the carnival at her school, she dressed as a mummy. I was out of town for the one she went to at Idlewild Pres but she was something else.

 

She always loves carving pumpkins with friends even if our cake didn't turn out like it was meant to look. 

Then for Halloween night, she dressed as the President of the United States. John and I were her Secret Service Agents. We had so much fun. We had a podium that we decorated at home and then made a cardboard one to carry around for Trick or Treating. She would say, "I would like your vote and your candy". It was precious.

 

We got to meet up with some friends to walk around and the police stopped to give the kids candy too.

 

Emmy drew this awesome picture of the night. One of the houses we went to had someone dressed as Chris Farley from SNL.

Gulf Shores

John and Emmy had been given me lots of grief about not going to the beach this summer. So, we took advantage of the great weather and made a quick get away on Columbus Day weekend. It was perfect. It was still warm enough to get in the water but not sweltering. We rented a house a block from the beach and walked back and forth everyday. We had the best time, especially since we rented a convertible for the trip.

We stopped in Tupelo on the way down to visit Elvis's birthplace and the shrimp festival was going on while we were in town. I have never seen the water so clear. It was kind of creepy how clear it was; I think I prefer not to see the little fishies while I wade out!

Smile Check

We try to walk to school every day now that John is home with us in the mornings. This motorcycle is parked on the sidewalk and Emmy stops and snaps at her reflection and says "smile check".

This Little Piggy Turned 40!

My coworker and friend had our yard flocked for my 40th birthday. We woke to 40 pink flamingos!

 

 

At one time I thought I wanted to go to Las Vegas with the girls for my 40th birthday. Then I went for a business trip and decided there was no way I wanted to ever go back there. Instead, I wanted to go to my favorite place on earth with my favorite people. So we all piled into a passenger van and went to Fayetteville for the weekend. We had such a great time and I am so thankful that so many folks loved me enough to take time to go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my best friends from childhood lives in Fayetteville so I met her for a quick coffee before I left town. 

 

 

The last thing we did was Crystal Bridges Museum. It was amazing.