tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54801572059438673162024-02-19T05:40:31.625-08:00Laughter Through TearsSherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-81408506662950562892018-12-25T06:27:00.001-08:002018-12-31T03:52:48.953-08:00Christmas Eve <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>Tonight is Christmas
Eve.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s the first one in 26 years where it’s just
been Brad and I, and we have been trying to bravely prepare ourselves
for months.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The girls aren’t home
because they have both graduated college and as workplace newbie’s, have to
work over the holidays. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I miss them like
crazy, but they are doing exactly what they were raised to do, make their way
through life as strong independent women.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I am one proud mama!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>Then there’s Josh.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>That’s a whole different level of missing!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>While I can pick up the phone or jump on a
plane to see my girls, I will have to likely wait many more years before I get
to see my son!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>Today I was driving
over to the cemetery to put flowers on his grave.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I readied my bag with everything I needed and
headed out.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>About 3 minutes into the
drive I had a sudden deep urge to go by the florist and pickup live
flowers.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>While we usually use silk,
today I needed more.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>I walked in and was
greeted by a smile of a lovely woman named Laura who asked how she could help….such
a loaded question and she is a brave soul indeed.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As I gently shared with her my current
situation,<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“my son died 8 years ago and
while I was heading to the cemetery, I felt the urgent need for live flowers. Can you convert one of these bouquets into something I can lay upon his grave?”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>She thought for a moment and then began to
pull individual flowers from the bins as she shared her plan for something
special for my boy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I thought it sounded really nice and in a moment she
gathered all the plants in her arms and disappeared behind the counter.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>I of course became distracted by all the beautiful and shiny things that surrounded me in this shop, <span style="margin: 0px;"> when </span>a second woman near the front desk preparing flowers looked at
me and said, <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“I overheard what you said
to Laura…” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>Something in her eyes
let me know I was safe so I shared special moments about Josh.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s been a while since someone welcomed me to talk about Josh and it was so very touching.<span style="margin: 0px;"> She </span> finished her task, smiled at me and moved to
the back area.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>A moment later, Laura arrived
with a beautiful bouquet of red roses, white daisies, pine branches and a big red bow!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It was just perfect!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I turned to pay at the counter, but she just continued
around the counter directly placing the flowers in my arms as she said “Merry
Christmas!”</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>When I asked her how
much, she responded, “The woman you just spoke with is the owner of the store
and she wants you to have this for your sweet boy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Merry Christmas!”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>My initial response of course was to give her
a big warm hug and then it was time for a quick exit.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I could feel it happening, the mask and
composure I have worked so hard to reinforce over the last eight years completely
crumbled.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>I didn’t even make to
the car before I was overcome with tears.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>An ugly full mouth, gasping barrage of tears!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I wept for such an act of kindness, I wept
for someone taking interest in Joshua, and I wept over my selfish sadness
because I would rather have him home from college celebrating Christmas with us.
</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>A few minutes later as I laid the bouquet on his stone, I thanked God for that special boy He gave me,
even if only for a short time, and I thanked Him for kindness of strangers.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>With one act of kindness, Christmas became
heartfelt and holy.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #990000;">“A kind gesture can
reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i>S ~Ste</i><i>ve Mariboli.</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><b>On this eve when many are separated from their loved ones may you find the magic of kindness and love! </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "ink free"; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Merry Christmas!</b></span></span></div>
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Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-15948798180917745582016-08-28T05:29:00.000-07:002016-09-02T17:38:30.959-07:00The Heart Can't Lie!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stephi went back to college, Britt has settled and
finished her first week as a Teacher’s Assistant/Grad Student in Illinois.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summer is coming to a close and was
uneventful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I couldn’t quite yet figure out the funk I was in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was doing my usual stuff, reading the news,
blogs, and Facebook with all the kids going to college and posting their high
school senior photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no energy,
no desire to do anything but binge on Netflix, didn’t want to hang out with
friends, counting the hours until I could leave the office and return
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even going to Yoga was a chore…now
something has got to be up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We really are doing fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Brad and I are realizing how blessed we are to have a strong loving
relationship that is standing the test of time…..25 years is quickly
approaching.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The girls are doing very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both are very caring, loving, smart,
independent women making plans for their bright futures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why did my chest tighten and my heart start racing when mom
scheduled family photos?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">FINALLY, it hit me like a load of bricks……senior
pictures!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should be posting Joshua’s
senior photos!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should be replacing the
photo frame on the wall in the living room with his senior photo just like his
sisters. Our family photo should have 5 faces in it, not the 4 that would show
up in a photo.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTC_au7zBwQbH3mywdc07mV2PkHbhoSOFkI6SHPLucbbUk_gah8Y-rkYC1CLyPr2PNXgkCbBtv8s7l6wm84vaprbnyFaYQBiLILb1tOX_3bO61_s2mDVxXm9c2PFk5Siem_eWS98F8Gt0/s1600/IMG_6821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTC_au7zBwQbH3mywdc07mV2PkHbhoSOFkI6SHPLucbbUk_gah8Y-rkYC1CLyPr2PNXgkCbBtv8s7l6wm84vaprbnyFaYQBiLILb1tOX_3bO61_s2mDVxXm9c2PFk5Siem_eWS98F8Gt0/s320/IMG_6821.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our forever family!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ugh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I’m
so good at putting on the “Everything’s Fine, I’m Good” mask, that I think I
have it all under control; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least that’s
what my brain says, but then my heart sets me straight!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last night, I posted our family photo. It should be
Joshua’s senior photo, but it will never be, and I am reminded of that every
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But….when I looked at the photo and
saw my two beautiful girls smiling back at me, my heart jumped with love! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Looking back, it was pretty obvious, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when you’re living in the moment, another
day, it can be hard to see it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Loss will always be a part of my life, and I will learn
to embrace it when grief bubbles from my heart and overtakes my mask, and it is
OK!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just Fine!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hearts will never be practical until they are made unbreakable! ~The </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wizard of Oz!</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hugs!</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sherri</span></i></b></div>
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Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-23434544333556569442016-06-26T05:07:00.001-07:002016-06-28T04:34:14.968-07:00Ducklings and Fairies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">I woke up with slightly swollen wet
eyes, and the pillow was wet. It took a second for the conscious to catch up to my subconscious. Ohhhh...It's
Joshua’s 18<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> birthday.</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">
</span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">I wouldn’t allow myself to “go there”
yesterday; and I always try to keep June 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> at arm’s length, but it still comes!</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">I remember when I LOVED June 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>. I remember teaching Josh his birthday so he
could answer the question, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #0033cc; font-size: large;">“</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0033cc; font-family: "tempus sans itc"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When
is your birthday</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0033cc; font-family: "tempus sans itc"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">?” “</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">June
Ayyyfff</span></i><span style="font-size: large;">”</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large;">.</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">He was so excited when he answered....he was just so darn excited about his birthday every year.</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">How can a great day turn so dark, so quickly?! I was pretty despondent all morning, and the tears just kept coming as I hit YouTube to listen to those
meaningful songs like Mercy Me’s “Home”. It's Ok, there are times when wallowing is allowed and therapeutic. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Brad stopped over from time to time to
sit quietly and give me a hug. He knows
I grieve quietly and alone. </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">But then...IT WAS TIME TO PICK UP THE CUPCAKES!</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Yep, the cupcake Fairy strikes
again!</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">90 green cupcakes with sprinkles were
sitting right there in plain sight in the bakery waiting for us. 90 shots of color cutting through the
darkness surrounding my mood. </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We picked them up, grabbed some napkins and headed off to deliver them to
the 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> graders at the Newmannettes’ elementary school. Our school has always been so supportive
and caring towards our family. That first year
when we wanted to fulfill Joshua’s wish to give cupcakes for his birthday treat, they agreed without second thought. A simple gesture became a tradition that brings giggles and laughter from the kids, and helps us find our joy on an otherwise dark day. The kids love a visit from the cupcake fairy and even tell the rising 6th graders, "and in June, the cupcake fairy brings green cupcakes with sprinkles!" </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvg9MsKS4xJglRVFhKKREmdZggCWyNrla1Tt80Xy1lagMNyrCJzzzDo70ojk_O9g9EoXy9JM2NBgImoQPCWx_ApoMVoTCZiXjNU_cbJnc3lOXo8om7g8_RZUk20NSHFabfu0Fumd2d-8l/s1600/13427769_10154270291250127_7959970941078740157_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvg9MsKS4xJglRVFhKKREmdZggCWyNrla1Tt80Xy1lagMNyrCJzzzDo70ojk_O9g9EoXy9JM2NBgImoQPCWx_ApoMVoTCZiXjNU_cbJnc3lOXo8om7g8_RZUk20NSHFabfu0Fumd2d-8l/s320/13427769_10154270291250127_7959970941078740157_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We always take a few moments to say
hello to those special teachers; This year, a familiar face for many years in the life of our kids, is now the Principal. Oh, that smile!</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">While we were there, the full 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
grade passed by wearing duck caps. Hmmm, this is not a normal fashion accessory, but then it suddenly hit me... "The ducklings have hatched!" Yep! A long time tradition at our school is to get duck eggs as part of a science project. The kids always anxiously await the pending hatching and when they hatch, it's time to celebrate! Cupcakes and the duckling celebration in the same day....how awesome is that!!! When the project is over, the ducklings are taken to a ‘no
kill’ duck farm to lay the next generation of duck eggs for the next 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">
grade celebration.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U4z0xwaLnKmfaouwf83aoj0-hbMSQXspiFYuC00Kme9DsUdo79i5n8gcROb3za1DYD95JqtJ_ZoANKMFiGbOHuAdlrqTea5wsJNkb5HcIDC5993j1AefDb9DfkR911Vqt8XXyjPD6_PU/s1600/13403125_10154265091565127_7553763895707082559_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U4z0xwaLnKmfaouwf83aoj0-hbMSQXspiFYuC00Kme9DsUdo79i5n8gcROb3za1DYD95JqtJ_ZoANKMFiGbOHuAdlrqTea5wsJNkb5HcIDC5993j1AefDb9DfkR911Vqt8XXyjPD6_PU/s320/13403125_10154265091565127_7553763895707082559_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Suddenly, out of the blue, I heard my
name, and turned around to see our sweet neighbor. This sweet guy has been so good to me over
the years. His mom was
in that final waddling phase of pregnancy when we moved in next door, so we have known him his whole
life. He was always the little brother trailing the big kids in and out of the house as our kids were growing up. When Josh died and people didn't know what to do, he would stop what
he was doing when he saw me and just give me hugs. There he was with his big smile! He is one of the few who still know the story behind the cupcakes, and he was so excited to finally get one.</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">In that instance, with just that
little smile and hello, I went from despondent, to feeling love. Yes, it is truly the little things that bring
joy.</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">After our little adventure, I dropped
everyone off at home to do their own thing, and picked up my cemetery bag. I’ll bet there aren’t too many people who
have one of those. Mine holds cleaning
items, gardening tools, florist wire and wire cutters. I went to pick out some flowers, and then
went over to the cemetery to take care of Joshua’s stone. I held the bouquet together with some florist
wire, and lovingly placed them in the
vase and tapped his stone as I stepped away.
I always have to stop to say hello to our other next door neighbor who is in
his final resting place directly across from Josh, and thank him for watching over my baby. </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Then I came home, and went immediately
to my special place on the patio surrounded by my beautiful butterfly garden,
listening to the water fall from the fountain the girls gave me for that first Mother’s Day, to just be
and dream.</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Later that evening, this was what waited for me on Facebook.</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><i>Six years ago I was blessed to have an angel in my science class. Happy Birthday in heaven, Joshua! The cupcake fairies made an appearance again this year in your honor. Green frosting was on everyone's lips and my heart was full of memories of you and your amazing family!</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjpG6c9Y01x5_wickVLIlhMlpnlNvgAjSjOQRROImzjKztJ1J2KOhLUe38RIsv_Ld4FEt8bUB3nfcM8rMLam7gJr0v0g50F1YhmNDZ3UcLdNKBUiX6sI1xUJ3-hxtrMZqKVq9uY9KtVtU/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjpG6c9Y01x5_wickVLIlhMlpnlNvgAjSjOQRROImzjKztJ1J2KOhLUe38RIsv_Ld4FEt8bUB3nfcM8rMLam7gJr0v0g50F1YhmNDZ3UcLdNKBUiX6sI1xUJ3-hxtrMZqKVq9uY9KtVtU/s320/IMG_1057.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i>Little things seem nothing, but they give
peace, like </i></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i>those meadow flowers which individually seem odorless </i></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i>but all
together perfume the air. ~Georges Bernanos</i></span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday Joshie! </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i><b>Hugs,</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i><b>Sherri</b></i></span></div>
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Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-32521977254452765502016-06-05T15:17:00.000-07:002016-06-05T17:47:31.059-07:00Up, Up and Away<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm trying to find my way through this angel mom, empty nester thing,
and keep the romance alive with my mountain man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> All </span>need attention, and a little creativity
doesn’t hurt either.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last November, as I was scanning Groupon for anniversary gift ideas,
I jumped on board the hot air balloon adventure and purchased a trip for two, placed
the photo in the anniversary card to Brad, patting myself on the back
thinkin’ I was pretty darn creative and thoughtful.</span></span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Brad’s response…He was a happy boy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Winter came and went, and then it was time for our
balloon adventure, so we jumped in the car for our 2 hour drive through God’s
Country, aka The Shenandoah Valley!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We were a bit hungry on the way, so we stopped for some
great pizza in a college town dive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Wow, I was so shocked to realize I </span>recognized most of the songs playing.
That’s how you can tell <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how cool you are
when you know the music of a college town. (I can hear my daughters rolling
their eyes saying “whatever you want to believe, Mom”).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Soon, we were sitting behind two jacked-up pickup trucks that sped away and left us in their black exhaust fumes at each traffic light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty sure they weren’t concerned about
their gas mileage, and when the smoke cleared, we found ourselves at the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">high school field where our valiant captain and his colorful balloon
awaited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYBm3iPJMUa9g3qEFd8NTgKRoHINps3Z56NPuNxXDa81tLYzo4nT1ehMgG0aML8swK7-WRAAtWdf83ajLKbiJJjxFDgqkmLtqrhMtN4xEccoZA_fbOuGkLK2jpWLzyGTPBavMKdzBy3ft/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYBm3iPJMUa9g3qEFd8NTgKRoHINps3Z56NPuNxXDa81tLYzo4nT1ehMgG0aML8swK7-WRAAtWdf83ajLKbiJJjxFDgqkmLtqrhMtN4xEccoZA_fbOuGkLK2jpWLzyGTPBavMKdzBy3ft/s320/IMG_2450.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling up the Balloon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYBm3iPJMUa9g3qEFd8NTgKRoHINps3Z56NPuNxXDa81tLYzo4nT1ehMgG0aML8swK7-WRAAtWdf83ajLKbiJJjxFDgqkmLtqrhMtN4xEccoZA_fbOuGkLK2jpWLzyGTPBavMKdzBy3ft/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The sky was glorious, but winds were gusting a bit, so we
weren’t sure if it would happen or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The balloon began to fill, and we jumped into the basket eagerly
anticipating our ascent when, KERPLUMP….the basket was blown to its side;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not on the best side of the basket as I found myself lying on the ground looking directly up at my 275 lb. mountain man
who was bracing himself above me so as not to crush every bone in my body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fortunately, the pilot’s twin brother rushed to our aid, right-sided the basket, and we exited the basket to wait out the wind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When it looked like it might not happen due to wind, I admit I sent a
prayer to God asking him to take away the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I knew it wouldn’t have importance over other prayers for strength in
hard times, feed my children or the “thy will be done” prayers, but we know God
also loves to show us amazing things, so it was worth a prayer!<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7xkAVWZtX-XaR1VE7_FvJ4HQ7PxMoCwY3-zM5g1WdGMB8_IOj7sPTu5BYdM-_kRJGqI5PiqtpBdC0leZbUCfAXeBlWKGcu9zc70-Cb76MewF9xUIYAifGcjSvphiii0_4sYsM-ppD9Z7/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"></span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this case, He stopped the wind; we jumped in the
basket and ascended into the most gorgeous sunset that had us in
awe of His wonder. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7xkAVWZtX-XaR1VE7_FvJ4HQ7PxMoCwY3-zM5g1WdGMB8_IOj7sPTu5BYdM-_kRJGqI5PiqtpBdC0leZbUCfAXeBlWKGcu9zc70-Cb76MewF9xUIYAifGcjSvphiii0_4sYsM-ppD9Z7/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The quilt of farmers’ fields set against an orange
and pink sky setting behind the Blue Mountains. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We were flying low enough to make
out people and animals below us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
horses weren’t too keen on us…apparently, the hot air heater scared them, but
the cows sure were curious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The herd below
stopped grazing, came together like synchronized swimmers as they turned and
followed us the entire pasture and lined up against the fence to watch us.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbysIXLvTfmekzgFHH1HVo-tmlpMluR-DFvYXedIOSMwRr2hhtbwyFkUNW6O5j5D5ryQaQyYt0InjOCUmfAVjsteNZhWmG250BVP8xdadX2egA6oktc0gSSF3LN_bVEjagBt-nvp3w7jZp/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbysIXLvTfmekzgFHH1HVo-tmlpMluR-DFvYXedIOSMwRr2hhtbwyFkUNW6O5j5D5ryQaQyYt0InjOCUmfAVjsteNZhWmG250BVP8xdadX2egA6oktc0gSSF3LN_bVEjagBt-nvp3w7jZp/s320/IMG_2470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Synchronized Cow Racing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our time with the birds was coming to an end and we began
to search for a clear field that hadn't laid manure yet.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7xkAVWZtX-XaR1VE7_FvJ4HQ7PxMoCwY3-zM5g1WdGMB8_IOj7sPTu5BYdM-_kRJGqI5PiqtpBdC0leZbUCfAXeBlWKGcu9zc70-Cb76MewF9xUIYAifGcjSvphiii0_4sYsM-ppD9Z7/s320/IMG_2463.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">God's color palette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, we found the perfect field as our pilot brought
us in for our landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
basket jumped a few times before falling to its side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>guessed it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on the bottom
and that big mountain man was on top trying to not to crush me again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This time, the twin brother was enroute and
not yet on sight, so we had to improvise. When the pilot said “go ahead and pull
yourself out”, I grabbed the sides of the
basket and quickly pulled myself out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard
the “sighs/gasps” of the other passengers, but didn’t know why until I was on
my feet.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I SET THE BALLOON ON FIRE!</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaXqtUdECwCTTmgnWpPPr_lYeOyolb2mlABz215GwAv24hZqhHJDq5NLgHoe0sgr2HOHpgVSKPZXRfYlWbnANjMxjqeb110N7BsXh50QAw9WxI27qpUZjTwJ5d0mvhQ5dWnnDm1_vyTFy/s1600/IMG_2472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaXqtUdECwCTTmgnWpPPr_lYeOyolb2mlABz215GwAv24hZqhHJDq5NLgHoe0sgr2HOHpgVSKPZXRfYlWbnANjMxjqeb110N7BsXh50QAw9WxI27qpUZjTwJ5d0mvhQ5dWnnDm1_vyTFy/s320/IMG_2472.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnt and crunchy on the right side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Apparently, in all the confusion of the landing, the
pilot forgot to turn off the propane, and as I pulled myself out, my head hit
the trigger shooting flames into the deflating side of the balloon.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A few seconds later, the pilot jumped out and stamped out
the embers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was absolutely
mortified!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The burns on the balloon were
pretty obvious, but the pilot assured me it was an easy fix…</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">he knew a guy.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzi2L1qHBiJ6NwhCFJU0mXKQp3QmRr2aCKk4rxPV2v3lYIFXvYSJIPaqNCrElsRBAhn_d2P79kKC9izHs58FInZJrJPPZnw6sDhPyo4zLKtVo0Ba4zBDLTfrTm0IfJ4677L7VlaL6cXEM/s1600/IMG_2474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzi2L1qHBiJ6NwhCFJU0mXKQp3QmRr2aCKk4rxPV2v3lYIFXvYSJIPaqNCrElsRBAhn_d2P79kKC9izHs58FInZJrJPPZnw6sDhPyo4zLKtVo0Ba4zBDLTfrTm0IfJ4677L7VlaL6cXEM/s320/IMG_2474.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Soon, the Calvary rolled in on horseback, tractor, trucks
and bikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>30 Mennonite families saw
where we landed and came over to see the balloon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were so kind and gracious, though they
did smile a bit when they heard about my fire incident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the crew arrived to retrieve the balloon
and passengers, the local men helped the crew return the crackly balloon and
it’s basket into the trailer, said their goodbyes and we all jumped into the
truck and returned to the high school for a toast of thanks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We survived!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Brad could see my guilt from my clumsiness showing
itself once again, and took me to a local custard stand to bury myself in
custard.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That did it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
cured!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we rode home, I couldn’t help but feel happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Happy
the soul that has been awed by a view of God’s majesty.</span></div>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%;">~</span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "calibri";"> A. W. Pink</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><b><i>HUGS!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sherri</i></b></span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-14078343892989216892016-01-25T06:27:00.002-08:002016-01-25T12:21:28.090-08:00Snowcation 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We’re
on our 3<sup>rd</sup> day of our 'Snowcation!' I’ve actually run out of
pjs to wear, so I’m gonna have to do some laundry.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">True to form, the local media
stirred panic with their week long special reports, “the sky is falling, make
sure you fill you house floor to ceiling with water, bread and butter”.
I’ve always wondered,</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What can you do with
bread, water and butter?</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My cart was filled with a
couple of steaks, a pot roast and some wine…that seemed more practical.
While others were panicked about being stuck at home, I was planning
romantic dinners, movies, and a contingency that if electricity gave out, a
cozy fire and candles.</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Colleagues
outside of the area called to share their concern for us...so
sweet! I assured them, all was well. Couples and families will have
much needed time together….and the proof will be the baby boom in about 10
months.</span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin: auto auto auto 12pt;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 4.5pt;"><div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickxZ_UusWqSs_9rbRpJWJqD2lZJQ-uJ2sv74Ye4UoMMUU7wE8lPvJ7pWZ4wuSgJYSPApPvDsSAj5z4YaxA76scVRLYQzyy8bhxI622_EajFDLFATo2R1FClEICQ-8exDycpojZtMVrtX1/s1600/12417997_10208656782634916_1770262779492239874_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickxZ_UusWqSs_9rbRpJWJqD2lZJQ-uJ2sv74Ye4UoMMUU7wE8lPvJ7pWZ4wuSgJYSPApPvDsSAj5z4YaxA76scVRLYQzyy8bhxI622_EajFDLFATo2R1FClEICQ-8exDycpojZtMVrtX1/s320/12417997_10208656782634916_1770262779492239874_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickxZ_UusWqSs_9rbRpJWJqD2lZJQ-uJ2sv74Ye4UoMMUU7wE8lPvJ7pWZ4wuSgJYSPApPvDsSAj5z4YaxA76scVRLYQzyy8bhxI622_EajFDLFATo2R1FClEICQ-8exDycpojZtMVrtX1/s1600/12417997_10208656782634916_1770262779492239874_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG2Fpg3P4YJVHUSyAg89HAZiD4umT3MOXC8TpfXIje03cQ7xHnG3QQOYwfHgqrnTADt7f6IqXicihL5Rx4nFkswpaohz1LHMVZRJRKCXc7ZnSFE3VIf4sq3_l0CqCrzKnKjgbY-HsxpEP/s1600/12417997_10208656782634916_1770262779492239874_n.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 3pt 4.5pt 4.5pt;"><div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Brad's car is a great decoration...it ain't goin anywhere!</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickxZ_UusWqSs_9rbRpJWJqD2lZJQ-uJ2sv74Ye4UoMMUU7wE8lPvJ7pWZ4wuSgJYSPApPvDsSAj5z4YaxA76scVRLYQzyy8bhxI622_EajFDLFATo2R1FClEICQ-8exDycpojZtMVrtX1/s1600/12417997_10208656782634916_1770262779492239874_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>I
pulled the car into the garage just as the snow started to fall. 24
hours later, it was still falling and the street disappeared. Brad left
his car out...here's what happened to his black car.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Brad and I shoveled 5 times on
Saturday, 3 times on Sunday, and today our goal will be to break
through the 4 foot wall that stands between us and the street.</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1ike55v-QaDXmDcaSHNHv17FIbzL-XOsqdMFUCaIuf4O1ViyY1gRzietLInzMsUpMhJtIwUHWkU5vD51aUZhAJ521N9NCP95XW35ytRfVc0IezuiZ_-MKoZWqX14hFWmRKaxQhAEnkxD/s1600/12439006_10208662109168076_6602561679056372414_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1ike55v-QaDXmDcaSHNHv17FIbzL-XOsqdMFUCaIuf4O1ViyY1gRzietLInzMsUpMhJtIwUHWkU5vD51aUZhAJ521N9NCP95XW35ytRfVc0IezuiZ_-MKoZWqX14hFWmRKaxQhAEnkxD/s320/12439006_10208662109168076_6602561679056372414_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I took this time to do a little
cleaning out. </span></b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>My
first project was the records drawers in our basement. Earlier this
week, I worked on our taxes, so as I went through the drawers, I
took out my tax returns from 2008 to destroy them; At that moment there
was a lump in my throat as I realized there is only 1 more year that Joshua
will be listed as my child. While he will always be my child, the IRS
will no longer care. Ugh…it seemed like a “nothing” moment,
yet, I felt those tears.</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gotta snap out of it!</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I turned
my attention to some piles nearby and found some Josh treasures within.
School reports, artwork. What a gift!</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I finished what I was doing for the
day and came upstairs just as Joshua's favorite football player, Peyton Manning
was on the tv celebrating his team's victory! We get to see Peyton
and the Broncos in the Super Bowl again. Oh my gosh, Josh was
would be doing a happy dance. I did it for him!</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
went to bed that night with my electric blanket wrapped around me and slept
like a rock.</span></b></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 4.5pt 4.5pt 4.5pt 4.5pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 4.5pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 3pt 4.5pt 4.5pt;"></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickxZ_UusWqSs_9rbRpJWJqD2lZJQ-uJ2sv74Ye4UoMMUU7wE8lPvJ7pWZ4wuSgJYSPApPvDsSAj5z4YaxA76scVRLYQzyy8bhxI622_EajFDLFATo2R1FClEICQ-8exDycpojZtMVrtX1/s1600/12417997_10208656782634916_1770262779492239874_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1ike55v-QaDXmDcaSHNHv17FIbzL-XOsqdMFUCaIuf4O1ViyY1gRzietLInzMsUpMhJtIwUHWkU5vD51aUZhAJ521N9NCP95XW35ytRfVc0IezuiZ_-MKoZWqX14hFWmRKaxQhAEnkxD/s1600/12439006_10208662109168076_6602561679056372414_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdCXQ9g4oy8C6FYqNJ9rWwS44zTaz-hCom4L2S6qUZPjE7iAFm4RQhqi1qeApqjzMq5411hbymPha_bvLnzNuwE9m6SJbcEeaMy6IQKUewJxsS48HN_WXhSGKWki9iN3sThAporbuS6Fp/s1600/12510322_10208653535153731_4833582676653929116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdCXQ9g4oy8C6FYqNJ9rWwS44zTaz-hCom4L2S6qUZPjE7iAFm4RQhqi1qeApqjzMq5411hbymPha_bvLnzNuwE9m6SJbcEeaMy6IQKUewJxsS48HN_WXhSGKWki9iN3sThAporbuS6Fp/s320/12510322_10208653535153731_4833582676653929116_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="176" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickxZ_UusWqSs_9rbRpJWJqD2lZJQ-uJ2sv74Ye4UoMMUU7wE8lPvJ7pWZ4wuSgJYSPApPvDsSAj5z4YaxA76scVRLYQzyy8bhxI622_EajFDLFATo2R1FClEICQ-8exDycpojZtMVrtX1/s1600/12417997_10208656782634916_1770262779492239874_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1ike55v-QaDXmDcaSHNHv17FIbzL-XOsqdMFUCaIuf4O1ViyY1gRzietLInzMsUpMhJtIwUHWkU5vD51aUZhAJ521N9NCP95XW35ytRfVc0IezuiZ_-MKoZWqX14hFWmRKaxQhAEnkxD/s1600/12439006_10208662109168076_6602561679056372414_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJL4HKALToEkzOLUYNDs4E7AZVHgDDq33m8VapSEHy0_RmM1A9uOthQ7Do4S8c6N5S21Fws9mG1_FMIILB0MivBb1Uno-bGmf43h54ruOsw6Pu0BPxFBWXkdVWrsOa2-o582MtexpuZ_x/s1600/12510322_10208653535153731_4833582676653929116_n.jpg"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When I woke up, I took Alex for a walk on the
street; The only spot to walk. Alex was so happy to
stretch his legs. It was a beautiful with the sun rising
upon our quiet street. I was alone with my thoughts when
I felt the urge to look up. Joshua's bedroom was
lit. We hadn't turned it on, so I knew that in
the stillness of the morning, Josh was taking the moment to say “<span style="color: blue;">Good
Morning</span>!"</span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></b><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickxZ_UusWqSs_9rbRpJWJqD2lZJQ-uJ2sv74Ye4UoMMUU7wE8lPvJ7pWZ4wuSgJYSPApPvDsSAj5z4YaxA76scVRLYQzyy8bhxI622_EajFDLFATo2R1FClEICQ-8exDycpojZtMVrtX1/s1600/12417997_10208656782634916_1770262779492239874_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>There is always music amongst the trees in the
garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. </i></b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>~Minnie Aumonier</i></b></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdCXQ9g4oy8C6FYqNJ9rWwS44zTaz-hCom4L2S6qUZPjE7iAFm4RQhqi1qeApqjzMq5411hbymPha_bvLnzNuwE9m6SJbcEeaMy6IQKUewJxsS48HN_WXhSGKWki9iN3sThAporbuS6Fp/s1600/12510322_10208653535153731_4833582676653929116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiQhqLK_gb_ygtp0OAQmy41-8F5jeMa4tz37Cu71OF6tZHVZ4qaCs9La8RowaOWOHH_eVeUoTF1UIE44RxP5rHgcu5N42ZdGj6AmXb6ww3lWSxooV0drIkkEEidzSqxXTSRkke2julTYk/s1600/PROM+2013+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiQhqLK_gb_ygtp0OAQmy41-8F5jeMa4tz37Cu71OF6tZHVZ4qaCs9La8RowaOWOHH_eVeUoTF1UIE44RxP5rHgcu5N42ZdGj6AmXb6ww3lWSxooV0drIkkEEidzSqxXTSRkke2julTYk/s1600/PROM+2013+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiQhqLK_gb_ygtp0OAQmy41-8F5jeMa4tz37Cu71OF6tZHVZ4qaCs9La8RowaOWOHH_eVeUoTF1UIE44RxP5rHgcu5N42ZdGj6AmXb6ww3lWSxooV0drIkkEEidzSqxXTSRkke2julTYk/s320/PROM+2013+013.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1ike55v-QaDXmDcaSHNHv17FIbzL-XOsqdMFUCaIuf4O1ViyY1gRzietLInzMsUpMhJtIwUHWkU5vD51aUZhAJ521N9NCP95XW35ytRfVc0IezuiZ_-MKoZWqX14hFWmRKaxQhAEnkxD/s1600/12439006_10208662109168076_6602561679056372414_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Joshua 2003</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Stay Safe and Warm!</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Hugs!</span></i></b></div>
<b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sherri</span></i></b></div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-8793818845776428362016-01-16T05:34:00.000-08:002016-01-25T12:32:39.451-08:00I need a Silent Night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">We really made an effort
for Christmas this year. We threw ourselves into the
preparations for our first hosted Holiday Party, we dusted off decorations
and lights we hadn’t used since Josh died 6 Christmases ago, and we went out
and picked up some new ones because we wanted to "<span style="color: #7030a0;">Go
Big</span>". We wrapped this house in '<span style="color: #c00000;">Merry</span>'
front to back in and out; even the commodes were decorated. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br />
Either I’m getting old, or I have a lot of stuff because it took quite a while
to get it all done. Mom said it was because I didn’t have my little
helpers. That was probably true…we were planning a party and our kids
weren’t a part of it. How very empty nester of us.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br />
A couple of weeks later, the house filled with friends, music
blared, delicious smells of food filled the air, and Stephi walked in with
stealth kitty. Yay! Bonus! </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Everyone was having a
wonderful time, and the last one was out the door at 2 am. Good thing
since I had to be at church to sing the Christmas Cantat 5 hours later.
Who needs sleep?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br />
Choirs were a centerpiece of my world that slipped away as the children
arrived and their care took priority. As part of the throwing myself into
the season, I joined not 1 but 2 choirs! My big
plan worked, I was a busy girl with no time to think!</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">
Our choir sang the cantata three times, and though I was wiped out, I
jumped at the chance when Stephi came running down the aisle. “<span style="color: #091393;">Mom, that was so good, let’s go celebrate!</span>” This
is one of those times where you thank God that your child wants to spend time
with you, and you’re very thankful that God also provided caffeine!</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dkgDjVk1vE4SyMkKJD2fV6VjTJX77w3xv8UGTwP51qB1i-P59DtgiMSLpx0_5ITaT7q9agpsQsuhjGUv15AaDZV4T9UcS71LWNYI6_-MdT7PX1BkvOPnnsI6SWK7J-OVQAJsq2TSyVil/s1600/1929973_10207532427127356_3735934285909879616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><b>
Britt arrived on Sunday with her hissing cat…such a friendly guy. It felt
like our very own partridge in a pear tree. </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Two hissing cats, one barking dog, and a Christmas tree that
miraculously remained intact</b></i><b>. </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dkgDjVk1vE4SyMkKJD2fV6VjTJX77w3xv8UGTwP51qB1i-P59DtgiMSLpx0_5ITaT7q9agpsQsuhjGUv15AaDZV4T9UcS71LWNYI6_-MdT7PX1BkvOPnnsI6SWK7J-OVQAJsq2TSyVil/s1600/1929973_10207532427127356_3735934285909879616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dkgDjVk1vE4SyMkKJD2fV6VjTJX77w3xv8UGTwP51qB1i-P59DtgiMSLpx0_5ITaT7q9agpsQsuhjGUv15AaDZV4T9UcS71LWNYI6_-MdT7PX1BkvOPnnsI6SWK7J-OVQAJsq2TSyVil/s320/1929973_10207532427127356_3735934285909879616_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br />
Britt was rushing in so we could see the Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith Holiday
concert. Anyone who knows the history of contemporary Christian knows
that Amy and Michael are the founders of this. As a college student,
I remember actually thinking the church cared because they were welcoming the
music I could relate to.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">These two musicians love the
Lord, have a lion share of musical talents and lets face it, in this time of
terrorism and fear, it was a welcomed change to hear heartfelt chords for
Christ. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">During a part of their
concerts, I swear I could hear the heavens sing a joyous song. I felt a
connection with Josh and tears streamed down my face not only for the beauty of
the sound, but</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> <b>the
joy that Josh was surrounded by love and beauty and I missed him dearly.
This feeling was captured in a tear.</b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PYOy3GdD7sTsKZIPPEvcJr-v5qGCxu9rpFgHThTGy7bA_ZWltiCl7Lg_HifanLEMRyrYGz4mK3mxGyXCozkAhhFaOM1X1_w-oudigeYicRWLXT2PyRqQYVYXscIGsp6OooZnalPFucmX/s1600/6045_10207569199126633_6896569475770888020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PYOy3GdD7sTsKZIPPEvcJr-v5qGCxu9rpFgHThTGy7bA_ZWltiCl7Lg_HifanLEMRyrYGz4mK3mxGyXCozkAhhFaOM1X1_w-oudigeYicRWLXT2PyRqQYVYXscIGsp6OooZnalPFucmX/s1600/6045_10207569199126633_6896569475770888020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">On Christmas Eve, I was
back up in the choir loft making my own joyful noise with both girls next
to me. They were recruited to join the Contemporary
choir by my charming ways “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">C’mon and
do this, it will be fun</i>”. Snagged them!</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PYOy3GdD7sTsKZIPPEvcJr-v5qGCxu9rpFgHThTGy7bA_ZWltiCl7Lg_HifanLEMRyrYGz4mK3mxGyXCozkAhhFaOM1X1_w-oudigeYicRWLXT2PyRqQYVYXscIGsp6OooZnalPFucmX/s1600/6045_10207569199126633_6896569475770888020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><b>Silent Night by
candlelight made the sanctuary glow in white. It was
gorgeous and those tears that hold every emotion, sat in the corner of my
eyes.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05OAVmYvzEPTc1TS_-xw4kshm_ZaDi6wt99eQAWzYaJwE-5-gFXZpBbG8Gb84cakpJz4ebWK9z1rbDCh8P3313Z-CnEEFUcotcKFX0ENllktHwH8sf1TJSLBqZGMYT6TD10x8TfEBtWmA/s1600/1150202_10207569198966629_8637772805883178947_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PYOy3GdD7sTsKZIPPEvcJr-v5qGCxu9rpFgHThTGy7bA_ZWltiCl7Lg_HifanLEMRyrYGz4mK3mxGyXCozkAhhFaOM1X1_w-oudigeYicRWLXT2PyRqQYVYXscIGsp6OooZnalPFucmX/s1600/6045_10207569199126633_6896569475770888020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PYOy3GdD7sTsKZIPPEvcJr-v5qGCxu9rpFgHThTGy7bA_ZWltiCl7Lg_HifanLEMRyrYGz4mK3mxGyXCozkAhhFaOM1X1_w-oudigeYicRWLXT2PyRqQYVYXscIGsp6OooZnalPFucmX/s320/6045_10207569199126633_6896569475770888020_n.jpg" width="217" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05OAVmYvzEPTc1TS_-xw4kshm_ZaDi6wt99eQAWzYaJwE-5-gFXZpBbG8Gb84cakpJz4ebWK9z1rbDCh8P3313Z-CnEEFUcotcKFX0ENllktHwH8sf1TJSLBqZGMYT6TD10x8TfEBtWmA/s1600/1150202_10207569198966629_8637772805883178947_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05OAVmYvzEPTc1TS_-xw4kshm_ZaDi6wt99eQAWzYaJwE-5-gFXZpBbG8Gb84cakpJz4ebWK9z1rbDCh8P3313Z-CnEEFUcotcKFX0ENllktHwH8sf1TJSLBqZGMYT6TD10x8TfEBtWmA/s320/1150202_10207569198966629_8637772805883178947_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Christmas brought fun
gifts…the psycho dog discovered tissue paper is cool to shred, all bows had
been mysteriously separated from their gifts, and two cats looked on
with a glint of guilt. They were both so curious. Here’s the
moment Britt captured on camera because she thought it look exactly like the
photo on the left. What do you think?</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>It was a good Christmas. We felt
the Joy of the Season for the first time in 6 Christmases. There was
only one thing that was missing...Josh! His stocking may have been
empty of stuff, but it was still part of our season, just as Josh always will
be. </b><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i>Hugs!</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i>Sherri</i></span></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-76092160594941657182015-11-13T16:41:00.000-08:002016-01-25T12:44:46.976-08:00I was doing ok!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was doing ok, really I was….. until the woman sitting
next to me in choir suddenly asks, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">November 20<sup>th</sup> will be the 5 year mark
for you, won’t it</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">?” </i></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How did you know that</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">?”( I don’t even know who she is.)</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Her – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“ <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My son’s birthday is November 20<sup>th</sup>,
and he knew Josh</b></i>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t
breathe! There is no air left in lungs for what seems like an eternity, but is
likely a mere second or two.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I kept it together in choir by making fun of a song we’ll
sing in church with the words ding dong in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m not going to hell for singing ding dong in church am I</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">?</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A moment of relief to laughter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Practice is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love to sing and have recently rediscovered my love, but tonight I
want out of my skin, I want out of this space!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I walked towards the exit and a church friend greets me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is your bad week, isn't it? Let’ pray as she grabs both my hands into hers</i></b>!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God
Grant this Gracious Woman strength during this very hard week. </b>“ <br />
Tears are forming in the corner of my eyes. This is an act of love, but it hurts so much.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Brad notices when I get home and wants to know what’s
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s my wedding anniversary first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to celebrate with great thanks the
24 years of marriage to my mountain man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I gotta hold on!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Distraction – texting the girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are both responding tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, that distracted me about 15 minutes.
Only a gazillion more to go.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The heaviness is there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I feel it, I see it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing
around me has changed, but my heart knows, it has told my head and had told my entire
body to revolt<b></b>!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Who goes 5 years without hugging or seeing their
child?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What kind of mother does that?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I see her in the mirror!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The mother who woke up one Saturday morning expecting to stain a fence
with her little boy and found him lost to SUDEP. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Epilepsy sucks! My desire is simple, I want my son back!!!</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-62775518805003793972015-10-18T15:04:00.000-07:002015-10-20T17:14:23.996-07:00Yeah, But<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I know, it’s
been a LONG time since I posted something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It isn’t that I’ve stopped writing down thoughts, it just that they ‘re
not very<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cohesive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty much “Yeah…. But”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yeah, we got
our new shelter pup, who’s been a lot of work BUT he’s so doggon’ cute;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>believe me, his cuteness saves him on a daily
basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our first walks resembled a pin
ball machine <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dart right, dart left, dart back,dart left…oh crap, the leash is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>around my legs cutting off my circulation</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought trash cans were meant to be
“trashed,” and dog beds “christened”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span id="goog_560211805"></span><span id="goog_560211806"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Fast forward
3 months and we now <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">mosey to the right,
and mosey to the left;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever since he trained us to make sure he gets
his morning and evening walk in addition to his back yard runs, the christenings
have ceased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A “sps” noise diverts all trashing
episodes, and his cuddles and kisses have made a welcomed difference in our day
to day empty nester world.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Britt
graduates from OU in May and is prepping for grad school in Nebraska.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whaaaaahhhhh….says my mother heart! Being 21
hours from home is hard enough when she texts me or calls me during a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“life is hard moment.” When that happens, I
just want to step through the phone and hold her. Luckily, she is doing really
well, enjoying roadtrips, acing her classes and keeping us entertained with all
the photos to go with it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter
where she goes, we will find those airline specials that go from DC to ?????.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I just got to
see Stephi last weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is looking
forward to turning 20 on February 29<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>! Yep, it’s Leap Year and she wants to go to Disney which stays open 24 hours every Leap Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent last weekend at the beach for some girls’
time…with puppy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She usually comes
north, but when I offered some beach livin’ and ‘chik flik binging’, she was
all in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped by to pick her up at
her house… Oh my gosh, think about that…my daughter’s house!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a great time! I have to admit, it’s so nice to talk about life without
having to threaten with “because I said so!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yeah, both
girls are back in college, and Brad and I are finding things to do together and
separately, BUT we crave those simple evening meals and movie nights with the
Newmanettes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Brad is usually
off with his dimpled mistress for one day per weekend, and I kick up my weekend
Martha Stewart warrior. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The physical
cleaning, organizing and reorganizing is my coping mechanism/relaxing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No judging....whatever works!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I throw some Yoga in there too!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We have been
setting up double dates with some great couples too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started attending a bible study together,
and continue our nightly walks to catch up with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, we’re in a good place together BUT we
are both struggling with the milestone we face next month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joshua’s death 5 years ago from SUDEP.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We both look
at each other and wonder how we made it all this time without our Joshua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first it was breath by breath, moment by
moment, now the two worlds seem to coexist;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Memories of Josh and the pang of
missing him accompany the life that continues.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">People often
wonder how the world can go on when their child dies, and you can keep asking
that question, but we have learned that the sun does continue rise and set, bills
need to be paid, and in our case, we have two living daughters who continue to bring
joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ve become pretty adept at merging
the two worlds…probably more than I realize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The other day I was chatting with my supervisor and was playfully
threatening to become cranky and mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She responded, “I can’t even picture that because you are always so
cheerful”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little does she know that while
we’re sitting in a meeting discussing important matters, Joshua flashes through
my thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t even miss my
response by a beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yeah, I’m
finding moments of contentment BUT I achingly miss my boy! Yeah, I am finding moments
of joy BUT there is that level of grief that sits in that same space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found my<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>emotions seem to match Kenny Chesney’s song “Save it for a Rainy Day”
where he sings about tucking away the heartbreak and enjoying the sunshine, the
joys of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is where I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it’s a beautiful world, Yeah the sun is too
bright, the sky too bright and my heartbreak remains but I tuck the tears away for a rainy day.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Now I’m off to
walk my pup to experience God’s wonder
as the leaves show their brilliance, at this moment I have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>visions of Josh jumping into big piles of
leaves just raked in the front yard.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sending Hugs!</i></b></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sherri</i></b></span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-15809594808491843092015-06-29T21:30:00.000-07:002016-01-25T12:47:03.034-08:00It's All Gone to the Dogs!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Everyone says it’s summer, but it takes me a moment to realize they're right!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>Wow, how life has changed!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>My
summer used to be all about keeping the kids entertained, but now </b></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>it’s about going to work, and only baring those glowing white legs in shorts on the weekend while I clean the house and do chores.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>I haven’t seen the neighborhood pool in two
years.</b></span><br />
<b></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Don’t cry for me though, a couple of weeks ago I went to
Nassau, Bahamas, with the women in my family for a lovely Girl’s Weekend.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>This is a tradition that spans well over a
decade.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>On the first one to New York City, my sister-in-law
was pregnant with my niece, and now on this trip,</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>
</b></span><b>“almost 16” year old Kayla joined us.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>
</b></span><b>It’s a weekend to enjoy our girliness.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>There’s always a spa visit involved, shopping,
and a show…this time was Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga…a very interesting choice.</b></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaozBwTVlgoUIJyxrJfK-RRah6Q-LGdkgt-aml5YV8OE5ZUrM9JmsJUNgPMxNe-o_1gBs11Jt2QSUWYE_LWVhnnr0uKSTkn4IIZ7b8S9zbatB8cL7-OuB5Wsh1uY3TKB2nHpkkIXFZ_hB-/s1600/bahamas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaozBwTVlgoUIJyxrJfK-RRah6Q-LGdkgt-aml5YV8OE5ZUrM9JmsJUNgPMxNe-o_1gBs11Jt2QSUWYE_LWVhnnr0uKSTkn4IIZ7b8S9zbatB8cL7-OuB5Wsh1uY3TKB2nHpkkIXFZ_hB-/s320/bahamas.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mom and Stephi share a hug</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><b></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><b></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>We’re a pretty close family, so getting along is never an
issue, and given the setting, it was a few days in paradise.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>We played with dolphins, enjoyed some great
food, and just basked in the bright colors and glorious sunsets of
paradise.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrl1_kl074p4jcQoCC_jS1LZPXCu9Y9uyhyphenhyphenF8OrYg7KyopZtcPQU0Vt7BtzMT-Uln1Pn-gQ5FYNf2uG6pvSqvMHlmXacu6rh1mhNasbzmeMigzA5fqBIdVsygaXDnkpHuoABYYgQ5T_td/s1600/dolphin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrl1_kl074p4jcQoCC_jS1LZPXCu9Y9uyhyphenhyphenF8OrYg7KyopZtcPQU0Vt7BtzMT-Uln1Pn-gQ5FYNf2uG6pvSqvMHlmXacu6rh1mhNasbzmeMigzA5fqBIdVsygaXDnkpHuoABYYgQ5T_td/s320/dolphin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lori and Me with our girls and a new friend.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Note to self:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>
</b></span><b>When spraying aerosol sunscreen on your back, you must actually spray
directly in the direction of your back, or you will get sunburned.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>I thought I sprayed my back, but a few hours
later, it was beet red.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>Always the good
wife, I blamed Brad, who was back in Virginia!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>
</b></span><b>For 25 years he always applied lotion to my back so I was out of
practice contorting my body to make sure I self-covered.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Meanwhile back home, Brad was dealing
with heartbreak when our sweet old Yankee boy suffered a major neurological
event which left him paralyzed.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YMqv2bmcRg5jvqE-9FbRIB36AXyG3bpuH5SvJ1-D9evggT7wgTvNdbmOCgwPPb28WrWbhYNv0uxAuhcVhckz51Tlyco0gjoHFBcMKm0JEygT1oFRNUm677jkJ442PL7Q82r1QTcM728X/s1600/IMG_0870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YMqv2bmcRg5jvqE-9FbRIB36AXyG3bpuH5SvJ1-D9evggT7wgTvNdbmOCgwPPb28WrWbhYNv0uxAuhcVhckz51Tlyco0gjoHFBcMKm0JEygT1oFRNUm677jkJ442PL7Q82r1QTcM728X/s320/IMG_0870.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moments before Yankee learned to jump into waves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>How could I not know this was happening?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>I couldn’t access my email account for some
reason.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>Stephi could, so after a couple
of days of sun and fun, I asked her to write to her dad and let him know I was thinking of
him, but unable to email.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>His response
included the string of emails sharing the sad reality of Yankee’s illness.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>The next day Brad sent a lovingly written note
letting us know Yankee was gone. For him it had been 4 heart-wrenching days, for us, it had only been minutes to absorb what happened.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>I was immediately overtaken by grief.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>I not only mourned the loss of my loving
furry companion, but I lost one more piece of my life with Josh.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>I could barely speak as I sputtered
out the news to Britt and Stephi who both immediately crumbled in tears.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>This was the pup of their childhood; The last
pet they shared with their brother.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fWSld1L8IekOqWteqHLt2dcGFmjOa566qkAGKrDlMFKNGHxjt1tb0gRxKCU2RzYkQ64gYatsSqpcQxEGZvWHMFGfNZmooTWGqAmyXVTg7fTcsLuRh4AZbJD1g2Sb0SWTk3_aPoLqVDfF/s1600/11407130_10206235445863635_7493566823542895621_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fWSld1L8IekOqWteqHLt2dcGFmjOa566qkAGKrDlMFKNGHxjt1tb0gRxKCU2RzYkQ64gYatsSqpcQxEGZvWHMFGfNZmooTWGqAmyXVTg7fTcsLuRh4AZbJD1g2Sb0SWTk3_aPoLqVDfF/s320/11407130_10206235445863635_7493566823542895621_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Yankee Boy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><b></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>The next day we returned to the same house we left only 5 days
before, but it was so different.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>
</b></span><b>For the first time in thirteen years there was no wagging tail to greet us.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> I saw his</b></span><b> things in the garage, and the medical
supplies sat in the corner, serving as testament to Brad’s heroics
efforts.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>There was a paw print in clay
on the counter; This along with his collar became instant treasures.</b></span><br />
<b></b><br />
<b>The silence was starting to get to me....after a couple of weeks the quiet is too much.</b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>When a cat you nickname Stealth Kitty is the
only noise in the house, something's gotta change!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>I started looking through the various shelter websites for our next pup,
much to Brad's chagrin. He has </b></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>dreams of jumping on a jet and seeing
the world at a moment's notice, but he knows me and loves me
enough to support my search for a new family dog.</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>We decided to forgo the puppy stage and adopt a non-shedding
small dog from a local shelter.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>It
seemed innocent enough.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>The first
weekend, Stephi and I laid out our roadmap to visit three shelters that had
dogs which met our criteria.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>I was very
hopeful for the first one;</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>An adorable Havanese
who looked so happy in his beautifully posed photo.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>The initial hello was great, so we asked to
meet him.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>This adorable dog bounced into
the room, said hello to us, instantly saw the toys, and went into piranha mode
“killing” every toy in the room.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>Turns
out he was returned for doing that to cats…..this was not a good match for
Stealth Kitty, so we had to say goodbye.</b></span><br />
<b></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>The other dogs were adopted before we arrived, and all that was
left were big and beautiful shedding babies.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>
</b></span><b>Not a good mix for one with asthma tendencies.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>As time went on, every time I found a potential dog, he/she was adopted
before my eyes.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>I even started to fall
for the adorable puppies, but Brad held his ground.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Who knew it would be this competitive?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>I was growing impatient and slightly
obsessive, so I stepped it up and recruited both girls to search with me.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>Together we scoured shelter websites
daily.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>Finally, we all noticed the same adorable
mini doodle named Alex. I immediately called about him, and was actually asked to submit
an application.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>I took this as a positive
sign. </b></span><br />
<b></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>How hard could it be?</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Let me just say I am so glad I didn’t have to fill out this
application when my babies were born because I’m not sure I
would have passed.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><b>I understand the
thought and heart behind it, but it is a bit intimidating. I suddenly wondered if I had the muster to raise this pup after caring for 5 dogs, 4 cats, 6 hamsters, 4 turtles and 20 fish.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>I emailed my application within minutes. </b></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Now all I can do is sit and wait. God Grant me Patience, but do it now. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><b></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>While our country is celebrating Independence Day, I hope to
be cuddling a new friend.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><b></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>I'll let you know how it goes.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Hugs!</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Sherri</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><em>Friendship isn’t about who you’ve known the longest, but it’s
about who came and never left your side. ~Unknown<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></span></div>
</div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-70036885029789949202015-05-30T19:15:00.000-07:002015-06-01T14:12:14.071-07:00Leap of Faith?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>We would like you to consider going overseas…..<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I sat there looking at my managers and I was so flustered. I didn't know how to respond. I was flattered,
but absolutely terrified…..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not
see this coming, but then again, since Josh died I tend to stay in the moment and not look ahead. It's been this way....inching along with life, since that black day in 2010; Slowly getting back into the game of life, but this would be more like a leap!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been working my butt off at work to avoid thinking
about what I’ve lost (Joshua) and where I am (Empty Nester), and somehow someone
took this as commitment and passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow, I guess the mask I wear hides it
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>What does Brad think?</em></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The man has mentally packed his bags, including his golf clubs, and is
ready to go. I was always happy to follow him…and now apparently he’s willing to follow me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Me?</em></strong> My thoughts are all over the place……How do I leave my Joshie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, he has gained his wings and doesn’t need
me anymore, but even knowing that doesn’t take away my mama bear need to
protect him and be near his resting place. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>How do I leave my girls?</em></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Never mind that they are grown up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They just need me to touch base from time to time and they're fine with text, phone
or video chat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my heart still asks “<em>Where
will the girls spend their holidays, summers and breaks</em>?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
needed to know, so I asked them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both instantly
perked up and told me they would jump on an airplane to come to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess this is nothing new to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Friends and family?</em></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The friends I have at this point in my life will follow
me to the ends of the earth, and we’ll be sure to post those adventures on Facebook!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkvmu6nmtKpeKfLGKUc7fL0mOIsMPs2GT3qoMIEzYhyphenhyphenC3q1YIZusF3EhV5SZggMPMypN1SQv3U8iRZLSVCN6RBr-3ZAJL8DhuB8O0-lGEpcolXGneAc1zCtLwjmn2IqSxb5ZzgzcTXL3F/s1600/Meteora+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkvmu6nmtKpeKfLGKUc7fL0mOIsMPs2GT3qoMIEzYhyphenhyphenC3q1YIZusF3EhV5SZggMPMypN1SQv3U8iRZLSVCN6RBr-3ZAJL8DhuB8O0-lGEpcolXGneAc1zCtLwjmn2IqSxb5ZzgzcTXL3F/s320/Meteora+%25286%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once upon a time I loved adventure, I loved sights and
sounds, I loved people watching, and I loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also loved having my kids with me and raising them wherever life took
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> No matter where home was, I had them </span>with me. Then<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Josh died, the girls left one by one
for college, and it was back to Brad and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTHR3BRmf-ZVoDJiC3sNbzKSVX3esKyyb4uhcYPFWXk4TSYvxtND3xI9pbfP955i0M1Z0Ib1T3SduaNsR0ekmXWPAfjtZqgTO-3MwteyWgjgACyRcs7Ebl6zti4yQ80j7qODPVtzi6pGv/s1600/Marriot+Cairo+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTHR3BRmf-ZVoDJiC3sNbzKSVX3esKyyb4uhcYPFWXk4TSYvxtND3xI9pbfP955i0M1Z0Ib1T3SduaNsR0ekmXWPAfjtZqgTO-3MwteyWgjgACyRcs7Ebl6zti4yQ80j7qODPVtzi6pGv/s320/Marriot+Cairo+118.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what’s really at the heart of the matter??? If I do this, I will have to pack Joshua’s
room and pack up the girls’ rooms;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hoped I could put that off another decade or
so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arrghhhhhhhh!!!!!! I'm also not so sure how I
feel about trying to enjoy life and dream again. After losing Josh this seemed impossible.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So much to consider. Fortunately, we are just at the beginning of this and I have some time to keep tossing and turning. </span></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><em>Here is the test to find whether your purpose on earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't.<br />-Richard Bach </em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">HUGS!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sherri</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
<strong><br />
<em><br />
</em></strong></span></div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-38093062733474202972015-03-05T06:09:00.000-08:002015-03-07T04:05:57.425-08:00BINGO<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just got back from my annual scrapbooking retreat with
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>GNO </strong><strong>(Girls Night Out)</strong><strong> on steroids!!!!</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s always such a great time away from the
daily grind while we actually do some work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1SJvTh2EptnBRFb76rPJFTZvoMmvRpxDQ1kg6xNv-P-SMJDBoI7twQvvtln-rjT4ToiVU_dyS8PDfMJh5v7ejBZGZcqZR5cU3LWHIYaQO_I8Q5MarGs4F9FiieUb_bYUqMSDurnZ5V-Y/s1600/gettysburg+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1SJvTh2EptnBRFb76rPJFTZvoMmvRpxDQ1kg6xNv-P-SMJDBoI7twQvvtln-rjT4ToiVU_dyS8PDfMJh5v7ejBZGZcqZR5cU3LWHIYaQO_I8Q5MarGs4F9FiieUb_bYUqMSDurnZ5V-Y/s1600/gettysburg+2013+003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cropping group</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been scrapbooking for a REALLY long time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Mom handed me the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“take your old stuff from the basement box,”
there was an old scrapbook filled with photos and autographs of The Osmonds
from <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“back in the day”. I was framing photos of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">fun places with colored paper and stickers in a three ring binder way ahead of the crowd, so it was a natural fit for me to teach scrapbooking t</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">o earn a little extra income
(and fuel my habit) during my SAH days with the Newmanettes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZnX4BkYUnAWai5yJIk317yl8P0sJrLuDJL-JEFpFwnkCW0Md1pb3Cn1GwWzL8NIyHke0lMQicxR_PJp9Ed1fxJpBsJzB3EBzVRxEZ3tQ0D4ihX-l8P_rtLQ3hRQ1cIDr_c8ltj1ydeq8/s1600/oct+2013+095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZnX4BkYUnAWai5yJIk317yl8P0sJrLuDJL-JEFpFwnkCW0Md1pb3Cn1GwWzL8NIyHke0lMQicxR_PJp9Ed1fxJpBsJzB3EBzVRxEZ3tQ0D4ihX-l8P_rtLQ3hRQ1cIDr_c8ltj1ydeq8/s1600/oct+2013+095.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo of Josh from his book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby books, family adventure books, Christmas books were strewn
around the house almost as often as Legos and Barbies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Josh was the biggest photo lover, always
pulling down his baby books and leaving them out across the floor in his room
or playroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he died, it was those same albums family
and friends quietly took from the shelves and passed around to remember our
sweet and ornery boy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLQqNgVNeVbcvre_KL4ZYe6QJEWZpHw9Zt2EjAbMKgp6TmYxvvW6__aXSz0vMRd34uEAyQRuEkCg7eKV4rzESj5s7b0jpjMa0fivevsN51Xi3SPydf1j6mqkvXxFqwhCjWxLhAKDLIEZr/s1600/gettysburg+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLQqNgVNeVbcvre_KL4ZYe6QJEWZpHw9Zt2EjAbMKgp6TmYxvvW6__aXSz0vMRd34uEAyQRuEkCg7eKV4rzESj5s7b0jpjMa0fivevsN51Xi3SPydf1j6mqkvXxFqwhCjWxLhAKDLIEZr/s1600/gettysburg+2013+004.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet sweet Erika</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDWmPrcIUyc44ORxNgnH-dJQSMx7FITCFkEwdvUIMy_HSa1SuI3q_oCrBRUJcck2uBIDYaWbpikSWtiPLmgCto7F-ONjANzwdaQuRmhjIIaWWboyFa6EEkFzYtCAxvgm7TNo38_483eDo/s1600/100_1635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDWmPrcIUyc44ORxNgnH-dJQSMx7FITCFkEwdvUIMy_HSa1SuI3q_oCrBRUJcck2uBIDYaWbpikSWtiPLmgCto7F-ONjANzwdaQuRmhjIIaWWboyFa6EEkFzYtCAxvgm7TNo38_483eDo/s1600/100_1635.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy at work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The scrapbooking retreat was only 5 months after Josh died, and
I wasn’t sure I could go, but my best buddy Erika convinced me to keep going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was fighting cancer,
and if she could go with her bald head and chemo bag, I could go with my box of
tissues and broken heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled me
close and promised she would take care of me that weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After losing her to cancer in 2013, that
promise was even more meaningful to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">80+ women attend this retreat and go downtown to a local pub
for Friday dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That first year I
found myself on the end of the table with an empty chair next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Cue massive </span>sweating and anxiety over just the
thought that a stranger would sit down next to me and ask that dreaded question
“how many children do you have ?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will
always have three children, and I will always say it proudly…it’s the followup questions
I dread. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to take the
avoidance route by eating in with a small group of
friends who know my story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an angel
mom’s take on “choose your battles”.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My avoidance strategy has been working pretty well for the couple of years but then the group organizers decided <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we needed to play ice breaker BINGO. Sigh….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked over the sheet and it looked simple
enough, There was the “sang in choir” , studied abroad, studied a language,
etc, and then there it was <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Has three children or more</b>”……If someone
used a hot poker to poke my eyes out, it would <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>feel better than what I’m feeling, I’m sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I stayed back from the group a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly they came by, “Which box can you
sign?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was safe for a while because I
had a couple of choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "</span>Yes, I sang in choir,
Yes, I studied abroad, Yes, I can line dance".<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: right 6.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was slowly building up the
courage to participate when the mom of one of Joshua’s friends came up to me and said “Would
you sign my box for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Has three children
or more?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have three children”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at her with a grateful heart and
said “thank you so much for remembering” as I proudly signed my name. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: right 6.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I LOVE this event! Once a year
I get to openly talk about Joshua without judgement or pity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once a year I am on equal footing with the
other mothers around me, as we laugh and laugh even more over the wonderful <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>memories we put in our books. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><em><strong>"As long as we have memories, yesterday remains. As long as we have hope, tomorrow awaits. As long as we have friendship, today is beautiful."~ Author Unknown</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><em><strong>HUGS!</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><em><strong>Sherri</strong></em></span></div>
</div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-63276876992201608662015-02-22T17:17:00.000-08:002015-02-22T17:17:18.973-08:00Snowy Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The DC area shuts down with the threat of snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming from the snowbelt, where we tunnel
through the snow, and went to school in near white out conditions, this seemed
ridiculous to me in the early days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was certain I had the stuff….I could effortlessly handle the little dusting
they called storm warnings and covered in detail on the news;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One day I ignored the warnings, went out on the streets and
was almost instantly smacked off the road by other drivers not accustomed to
driving in snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After making a deal
with Jesus, I became ONE OF THOSE DRIVERS who pays attention to the threat of snow
with both eyes and ears…AND, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep my
butt off the roads. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here I sit at home, the Federal Government is closed
down, following a lovely Valentine’s weekend that brought both girls home unexpectedly. While I was so happy to see them, I hated what brought them home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 days earlier we received the news that my sweet Aunt had completed suicide. It hit me very hard not only from realizing the wonderful aunt of my childhood memories had taken her own life, but it was exactly
two years to the day when I received a similar call from my friend Nancy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpnv4s6IzcQpAfBkb8achfOLNFTA8z3wG2WksPPvS3_qxePNvFJ9N9vCeX-NubEAwSKq8gmms2vdM47RqrYou8ZsN6TKFEfDFf-oAUDYxp7AHFxZjDoEb9ouDf-kr5YeyeS-asiEClUPf/s1600/20150213_215812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpnv4s6IzcQpAfBkb8achfOLNFTA8z3wG2WksPPvS3_qxePNvFJ9N9vCeX-NubEAwSKq8gmms2vdM47RqrYou8ZsN6TKFEfDFf-oAUDYxp7AHFxZjDoEb9ouDf-kr5YeyeS-asiEClUPf/s1600/20150213_215812.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The news set off a grief trigger with Brittany and we soon realized
we needed to get her home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her dad booked
a flight using his miles, and her little sister dropped all her
plans to drive up to support her sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Valentine’s Weekend went from an empty nester nice dinner, to a weekend
full of kids who needed comfort and assurance that life would be ok. There were
moments when the girls jumped on my bed and I shared stories about my aunt, spoke
of Josh, and broke out in delirious giggles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday night was an unexpected dinner with their cousin and
his girlfriend with an eye to the sky looking for snow.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Monday, with the storm heading our way, we shooed Stephi back
to NC , and dropped Britt off at the airport as the
snowflakes began to hit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When her
flight was delayed, her dad began to pace and stalk the airline updates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Three</span> hours later, she was in the air and made
it to Houston before she was stuck overnight, but at least her dad stopped his
pacing and called it a night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXtyzBLRbW1PAFhIH2rqMFTDPcmbK98GxvpSbVhTAv82IuLcBHtKAY1MOKqeh6vONw3wcg1EEzS7yr26XrglMiwa2MxOQSDpO3ndcFFsNtWos-gdBHDKIwUDrkUuUcWhsja9ctW-y43H3/s1600/20150222_200335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXtyzBLRbW1PAFhIH2rqMFTDPcmbK98GxvpSbVhTAv82IuLcBHtKAY1MOKqeh6vONw3wcg1EEzS7yr26XrglMiwa2MxOQSDpO3ndcFFsNtWos-gdBHDKIwUDrkUuUcWhsja9ctW-y43H3/s1600/20150222_200335.jpg" height="172" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua loving the toy he received from Great Aunt B </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The girls are doing much better, and so am I after having
them home for just a little while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart
goes out to my cousins, and I can’t help but feel a little jealous of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the warm homecoming my Aunt had at the pearly
gates.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Aunt B., You are missed, and Loved Forever!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong><em>"This world is to be likened to the porch; the world to come unto the palace." --The Talmud</em></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>HUGS!</em></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em><span style="color: #990000;">Sherri<o:p></o:p></span></em></strong></span></div>
</div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-16686018609740238902015-02-07T06:57:00.000-08:002015-02-10T04:03:12.854-08:00Showing Grace When You Just Wanna Spit!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I came home from work this week to find Brad down right
pissed off!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping it wasn’t aimed
at me, when he pointed towards a letter on the counter.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It didn’t take long to figure out the source of his anger....There was a letter addressed to <em><strong>Joshua Newman</strong></em>
from his former Neurologist announcing the doctor’s move to another practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The gist of the letter stated that if you wished to continue seeing him, his
new contact information was included.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">Heart stab with salt crusted knife!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My body </span>went numb!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All that hard work was gone in an instant! Just when I was getting to that point in healing where I was
starting to forgive myself for the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<strong><em>What
Ifs,</em></strong>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> t</span>he things I wish I had done
differently ( in my mind) that could have saved Josh, this stupid letter arrives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the
things<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listed in an earlier blog, <a href="http://thenewmans.blogspot.com/2012/04/sudep-what-i-wish-i-had-done.html">http://thenewmans.blogspot.com/2012/04/sudep-what-i-wish-i-had-done.html</a> "W<span id="goog_838130494"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_838130495"></span>hat I
wish I had done differently" , alluded to the challenges of communication and disorganization with the doctor’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were only with this doctor for four months when Josh died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> During that time we </span>struggled<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with busy phones, scheduling challenges,
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> which had led us to make some decisions I regret. </span>We knew this doctor’s reputation was
great and we had great hope, but we were also looking around for other options. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fast forward 4 years and we receive this letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I mean, seriously, h</span>ow hard is it to update records?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>Sweet Ornery <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deceased!</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a4ER6yPCMGXq7KSsGw-an79M1jp9-j2Pk-kuOEVHNtGPI_CZ57c_LodRXBlfWvCW1Tkh0arOcdP6QLW_4rkzjw3wiv3SXP30d0Ucm0YgNX_BRuUPjXhGOyzhraaHJwrn2ubQzzoJC39a/s1600/Josh+in+dryer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a4ER6yPCMGXq7KSsGw-an79M1jp9-j2Pk-kuOEVHNtGPI_CZ57c_LodRXBlfWvCW1Tkh0arOcdP6QLW_4rkzjw3wiv3SXP30d0Ucm0YgNX_BRuUPjXhGOyzhraaHJwrn2ubQzzoJC39a/s1600/Josh+in+dryer.jpg" height="320" width="316" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnazR8Zl_ZxTK9N3cFqiiBaTNW9X2CxAbccSl86T-QsyY2xeClYnXDydGzwmG29c23_hOq5O-173By3EhGUS2dntcKtPkWh5JeLP141S0Cm5gbw6k9C4GNBECziHHi6iDOiBBfpfo5HQH/s1600/Josh+at+Nat'l%2BZoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnazR8Zl_ZxTK9N3cFqiiBaTNW9X2CxAbccSl86T-QsyY2xeClYnXDydGzwmG29c23_hOq5O-173By3EhGUS2dntcKtPkWh5JeLP141S0Cm5gbw6k9C4GNBECziHHi6iDOiBBfpfo5HQH/s1600/Josh+at+Nat'l+Zoo.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do you respond to such a thing? I've learned my first thoughts are never the way to go, so </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I slept on it, and then responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Dear Dr. </strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>We received the announcement of your practice change this week. You can imagine our surprise since our son Joshua, died from seizure in 2010.</strong></span><br />
</span></o:p><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>It was really hard to receive this announcement as it meant our son's records were not updated to show his death in your office.</strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigivOPp7pNyvjb9Zt_XmMElF29u3XBvR5XbMoMrxbJhT-Wp1bm_zQo1YDUdg-RaCdxlBh3mRwIGwv7zKuRi_jtQNf36hS5yWc74fwmyA-6TE-W6riY9b7dhZFrUV2TGPW9JHlhzvTyfyAP/s1600/I+wear+purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigivOPp7pNyvjb9Zt_XmMElF29u3XBvR5XbMoMrxbJhT-Wp1bm_zQo1YDUdg-RaCdxlBh3mRwIGwv7zKuRi_jtQNf36hS5yWc74fwmyA-6TE-W6riY9b7dhZFrUV2TGPW9JHlhzvTyfyAP/s1600/I+wear+purple.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>I know he will always be in your heart, as you shared with us in the early weeks following his death, but we need his records to be updated and ensure we don't receive any future notifications like this. It's just too hard.</strong></span><br />
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>We have walked the National Walk for Epilepsy every year since 2011....you should come. It's an amazing event and advocate for seizure awareness.</strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong> </strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Best of luck with your new practice.</strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Regards,</strong></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
</span><strong>In his response he apologized, blaming the error on the new group's administrators and he would try to </strong><strong>make sure, this never happens again. </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
It didn't give me great comfort nor did I feel confident that it wouldn't happen again. It just reminded me once again, <span style="font-family: Calibri;">that no matter how much
time goes on, my family's pain lies just beneath the surface and can show itself in
full force in a second. We need to prepare ourselves as much as we can.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can't believe I did this, but I posted the incident on
Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The response was swift,
including offers to kick the doctor in the shins, offers to call his office (so sweet) to
make them aware and get the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>issue
fixed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I so appreciated the love and
support which helped me</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> rediscover my grace, and helped me start to "get over it".</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Four days later I was commissioned as a Congregational Care Minister to take care of those who need love and support during times of trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My emphasis will be holding the hands of the grieving.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5yggRPhxYzHmbA7hZX8LZK6axttqzIltvR9oXbyn4iYKEli1XqqaIleb0kVdG-l3f7gOP81ybyagrl1RBlma7FKG4P-J541IM4avW5GxRwbqhZ6CBFs3rJUz-hOiOOjgyk88Ehrv2HjU/s1600/311140_4970356134630_423001871_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5yggRPhxYzHmbA7hZX8LZK6axttqzIltvR9oXbyn4iYKEli1XqqaIleb0kVdG-l3f7gOP81ybyagrl1RBlma7FKG4P-J541IM4avW5GxRwbqhZ6CBFs3rJUz-hOiOOjgyk88Ehrv2HjU/s1600/311140_4970356134630_423001871_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Surrounded by friends, m</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">y name was called, and I knelled before the Minister and
was anointed in Christ to serve others. It felt like I had come full circle emotionally in a matter of days. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s not a plan I would have chosen for myself, to be the mother of any angel, and I am
obviously forever broken and vulnerable, but God’s grace and Love was once again revealed and assures me that He will carry me even
during tough moments.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><em>What gives me the most hope every day is God's grace;
knowing that his grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face,
knowing that nothing is a surprise to God.<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><em>Rick Warren</em></strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><em><o:p>HUGS!</o:p></em></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><em><o:p>Sherri</o:p></em></strong></span></span></div>
</div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-74705653861031247072015-01-25T08:38:00.000-08:002015-01-27T05:54:40.991-08:00Making friends is tough!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stephi came home for the long weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea she was coming home so it was extra
nice! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was laying across her bed catching up as she unpacked and
peppering her with the usual questions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How are classes going? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Great, except Math…..I need to learn to translate Chinglish.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you discovering places around college? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prefer hanging with my roomie or the quiet of my room.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do you do for fun?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not much. Video games, Netflix binging Gilmore Girls and Ally McBeal. Sometimes I walk the beach alone.</b></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This stops me in my tracks and my brain is screaming <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Noooooo!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Not that I don't appreciate binge watching Gilmore Girls or Ally McBeal.</span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOhwH_BdXRS6RUgmw8LwyvO9xOAcDC7a4WSutNFLl0CQ95kZs7zG3KfiFK4_X3HtEAaqKoqYqat_EP5jMU5tEoX5Shnz_js_XM2uoI9o073EDRKKyJK5u7W41Tvvpc4x2J_eV4-OXF_at/s1600/n1167275616_30292079_6971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOhwH_BdXRS6RUgmw8LwyvO9xOAcDC7a4WSutNFLl0CQ95kZs7zG3KfiFK4_X3HtEAaqKoqYqat_EP5jMU5tEoX5Shnz_js_XM2uoI9o073EDRKKyJK5u7W41Tvvpc4x2J_eV4-OXF_at/s1600/n1167275616_30292079_6971.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A day at the beach. Stephi & Josh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: #741b47;">After prodding a bit more it came out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t like to make new friends because
she doesn’t want to tell them that her brother is dead.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hands to the sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whhhhhyyyyyy Myyyy Chilllldddd?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My next thought was maybe this would be a good time
to become a helicopter parent and make her life easier. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqG3f8EDSbRUmqkgP72zVzOXqnaCQtaUb-f2uHLhmj3TxQm3uxFs_DlFw7BeaWFX8dLN2cHkR5uTvaiZduuo6MNyNbdU0rVtU0b1zZCZ-yltJvEjuV7bzWR4h70QVmqimXW4jkUs1gt05/s1600/IMG_9473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqG3f8EDSbRUmqkgP72zVzOXqnaCQtaUb-f2uHLhmj3TxQm3uxFs_DlFw7BeaWFX8dLN2cHkR5uTvaiZduuo6MNyNbdU0rVtU0b1zZCZ-yltJvEjuV7bzWR4h70QVmqimXW4jkUs1gt05/s1600/IMG_9473.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Newmanettes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course, who am I kiddin'? I haven’t exactly been a great model myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit I’ve avoided situations that mean I have to answer the "How many kids do you have?" question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>There was that time during my annual scrapbooking retreat a couple of years ago, where I went into
town for dinner with some of the ladies and suddenly realized there was an empty seat next
to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart raced, my hands
sweated as I thought about the possibility of someone sitting there and innocently asking me about my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then, I’ve opted for
pizza delivery with friends who were at my side in 2010.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I should expect better from a shy teenage girl?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is so unfair!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was so young and has seen so much ugly
already. She did nothing to deserve this!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I have no doubt God will use her to do amazing things down
the road of her life, but right now she’s in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">slow cooking character forming
part of life</i></b>, and it’s so hard to watch.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjd7ksYsj20kLgaKMApCNsyCVX045ySMRZO8l7pABdNKU3RReUvd4pK-QaAhCNDZTY4hcXHUlhx7sUhmQKPPzQEEWG9WdtgZvD9-6bV6f45JSvhBpBvC29U5I_J2CDQWInEpBQ6jHD6N4/s1600/1654398_10204376939962149_6355129314914803382_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjd7ksYsj20kLgaKMApCNsyCVX045ySMRZO8l7pABdNKU3RReUvd4pK-QaAhCNDZTY4hcXHUlhx7sUhmQKPPzQEEWG9WdtgZvD9-6bV6f45JSvhBpBvC29U5I_J2CDQWInEpBQ6jHD6N4/s1600/1654398_10204376939962149_6355129314914803382_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britt & Friends at Texas State Fair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear God… it’s one thing to put me through this horrible
experience, but why must my children go through it during a time that's supposed to be so much fun?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do find hope when I look at Brittany’s early college
days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her early days were eerily parallel to Stephi’s
until God sent some special people to her life who had similar experiences to
her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She now has a core group of great
friends who know the boy in the photos, and the sadness she struggles with every
November.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The core group shows up in her Facebook
photos at football games, Texas State Fair, birthday parties, and even bison
watching.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAxrvHqxAqtz8GTgpWPGbzUCwuK0QxuTUaF6IRN9gl7dEbLO-DA1zyrLw4nRAe6OCpsgncw8oetrMXvokfHKhC0vo4HCO2eOcILEtCOn0y3OQFjQI1Es3QRrGChUYCNyH74FHndK2p3i6/s1600/Spring+2014+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAxrvHqxAqtz8GTgpWPGbzUCwuK0QxuTUaF6IRN9gl7dEbLO-DA1zyrLw4nRAe6OCpsgncw8oetrMXvokfHKhC0vo4HCO2eOcILEtCOn0y3OQFjQI1Es3QRrGChUYCNyH74FHndK2p3i6/s1600/Spring+2014+018.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road trip to see Britt = Phil Vassar concert in a field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m prayin’ hard for Stephi!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
I trust her with my whole heart, and I know I am not a </span>helicopter mom, but I think this calls for a
roadtrip to North Carolina, “Gilmore Girls style" a little crazy, totally spontaneous, and with lots of laughter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><strong>Where You Lead by Carole King (Gilmore Girls Theme)</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>Where You Lead, I will follow</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>If you're out on the road<br /> Feelin' lonely and so cold<br /> All you have to do is call my name<br /> And I'll be there!</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Hugs! Sherri</span></strong></span></div>
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Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-14253489724329208472015-01-24T05:48:00.000-08:002015-01-27T05:54:00.947-08:00Fortune Cookies and Beignets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How many fortune cookies are too
much? I'm mean, what’s the magic number we are allowed to eat in one sitting? It's part of my attempt to live life on
the edge in 2015! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think I started it out right with a trip to New Orleans and Brittany's 21st
birthday. Yikes! Where are those fortune cookies!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Earlier in the Fall, I talked Brad into a trip with
the girls. It's part of my personal goal which is to continue to do fun things as a family; Not become that family that stares at each other 4-5 hours at Christmas and Easter. After some pondering and visiting the piggy bank,
we decided to go to the Big Easy. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our goals were simple: Warm weather,
beignets, give Stephi a chance to hear some French Creole, and celebrate Brittany’s 21<sup>st</sup> birthday. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">F</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">lights and hotel were soon booked, so all we had to do was wait.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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First came Thanksgiving, my most dreaded holiday since Joshua’s death in 2010. Luckily, the 3<sup>rd</sup> Annual Joshua Newman 5K followed quickly. This year we
raised $9,000 for EMFIT Seizure monitors for those families unable to afford
them. The event is always so wonderful, and so bittersweet…I love the
support, the kids, the families. My heart still wishes I was home just chillin’ with Josh. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We waited through December when the girls returned for Winter/Christmas Break. Soon the house was
brimming with tweeting, cell phone rings, and laughing
teens/twentysomethings ploppin’ down on the couch to watch Christmas movies. We sang the familiar hymns by
candlelight, zipped through Christmas, and brought the tree down
a couple of days later as part of kitty proofing the house for our trip preparation. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2BeYNv3q9dGNTUAkzaJfaFEetuxtzBv2CbUQ0nE_xDEaQARTZc96G4BSfplGm0RXQfj2czM1SAFX7IAhy-ddMWnxcbcMbLfVtaJbc92wyhQyXKR4FWYDn-M6_dpPLvoXpWnYn7xyp7NK/s1600/Dec+2014+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2BeYNv3q9dGNTUAkzaJfaFEetuxtzBv2CbUQ0nE_xDEaQARTZc96G4BSfplGm0RXQfj2czM1SAFX7IAhy-ddMWnxcbcMbLfVtaJbc92wyhQyXKR4FWYDn-M6_dpPLvoXpWnYn7xyp7NK/s1600/Dec+2014+021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Sherri\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image005.jpg"
o:title="proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Xmb-AcWtjB0%2FVMLnVT-ZA8I%2FAAAAAAAAA_k%2FqzJl6dC7J6Y%2Fs1600%2FDec%252B2014%252B021"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My birthday came along the way, so a group of soccer moms piled into a couple of vans and hit the
local karaoke bar where we sang loud and proud albeit slightly out of tune. At the end of the
evening I sang “Midnight Train to Georgia” the unofficial love song
between Brad and me, with my very own Pips,
backing me up. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span> </span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New Year’s Eve came and went, then it was time
to throw our suitcases in the taxi and head to the airport. I gotta admit, w</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">hen I was
waiting for the trip to come, I never imagined this kind of wait after we boarded the plane.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vacation begins. Jet Engine 1 not working; Back to gate. Engine fixed in 1
hour; </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pilot announces end of their shift; must bring on new crew -1 hour. </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crew not replaced, let us know they'll do their best to get us there safely
even though they've been working since 8 am..... </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Passenger freaks out. Doesn't want to die at the hands of tired pilots.
Wait for someone to escort her to gate and must remove her luggage-1 hour. 3
hour delay in all. Come through lightening and high winds. </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think the flight attendant said it best......</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #990000;">We're
sorry for the long delays but really just glad we got here.</span></span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">It was so worth the wait!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_-c-10-usX0zUQz1v21zzRdX3zLvuDkyp6rDDqq9izMXEJUXbKO8Q2_braYLeA9LdUKtFclrXaJgobh_Rowl65GG9azldnQq1fDnn92z1tDLjdP6GwLr2f2qmbZq2IJkjn6NxkAQCnr2/s1600/Joan+of+Arc++4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_-c-10-usX0zUQz1v21zzRdX3zLvuDkyp6rDDqq9izMXEJUXbKO8Q2_braYLeA9LdUKtFclrXaJgobh_Rowl65GG9azldnQq1fDnn92z1tDLjdP6GwLr2f2qmbZq2IJkjn6NxkAQCnr2/s1600/Joan+of+Arc++4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just trying to teach my girl some real life skills. Drink responsibly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajtmcYQ77ufZpKUY-IBDIAZFR1_sHMlJqs17RhZhr5a9TAkFYM28rF3iWURQefXqK0VWdL9HtycfHAwlFfYA9Cvjm3ONEt_2u5Y8IRrFfAxhwoq7NTBuoaptcZUIr9hYi4bMRuHNIsrd7/s1600/Beignets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajtmcYQ77ufZpKUY-IBDIAZFR1_sHMlJqs17RhZhr5a9TAkFYM28rF3iWURQefXqK0VWdL9HtycfHAwlFfYA9Cvjm3ONEt_2u5Y8IRrFfAxhwoq7NTBuoaptcZUIr9hYi4bMRuHNIsrd7/s1600/Beignets.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love = Beignets!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoUMGaAKxOfY0VbnwlGuQeaPEL_rN9k7RIzV9XDMTMbhAA0B5PnpNR_texncqq-RpZxs042rESqCYiAvAfWwPoDghWC3wn5sfQ5_yvMRBfeF-mSXERhecKRV5-HI11h8VZhF4_kPMzn2K/s1600/Jackson+Square+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoUMGaAKxOfY0VbnwlGuQeaPEL_rN9k7RIzV9XDMTMbhAA0B5PnpNR_texncqq-RpZxs042rESqCYiAvAfWwPoDghWC3wn5sfQ5_yvMRBfeF-mSXERhecKRV5-HI11h8VZhF4_kPMzn2K/s1600/Jackson+Square+3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo bombing Stephi's selfie at Jackson Square!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zWxOefMLNgwIFy9vkrASmS5Vf4HacsY6QrW1jhvtlS6ltb4lXZ7VASWWqDys8GXNHjTUJcuQkdL_B7Du9UmN4ukVStYbkbeoEUsrOeJBExEvHLQshEf7MPtQkqR0MyMJRHQwjBnJ_OBu/s1600/Britt's%2B21st%2BBday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zWxOefMLNgwIFy9vkrASmS5Vf4HacsY6QrW1jhvtlS6ltb4lXZ7VASWWqDys8GXNHjTUJcuQkdL_B7Du9UmN4ukVStYbkbeoEUsrOeJBExEvHLQshEf7MPtQkqR0MyMJRHQwjBnJ_OBu/s1600/Britt's%2B21st%2BBday.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Balloons on Bourbon Street. Say it 5x fast!</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then just like
that, everything we were waiting for was over. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The girls left and it became waaayyyyy too quiet! To stay busy and get into the spirit of the new year, I thought I would organize my whole
house, work out 3 hours, diet and save money for 2015. Instead I stayed
in my pjs, binge watched Gilmore Girls, and ordered Chinese take out which brought me the fortune cookies I'm binging on, and some great insight to follow in the new year. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm open to suggestions.....</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without
having to go outdoors.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Two days from now, tomorrow will be yesterday</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
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</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A new voyage will fill your life with untold
memories. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here's to new adventures in 2015.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: xx-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hugs!</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: xx-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><em>Sherri</em></strong></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Life observation for the week....all
those years ya try to instill "holiday traditions" into your kids and
it's like pulling teeth to get them to do it. Now they return home from college
and are just all over ya with those same holidays traditions.....it's like
pulling teeth to get me to do them. lol! ~Sherri</span></strong></em></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMP_HVslMwOuEVUK55rZ1nQZ1F1JLWACqBae6SzJjaDGNYd25FogzJZG2qbMnneM6JoLZ19hKxBm82SHFkM9kjX_U6lqvcj5CGT3fFBIiGuGdzUlpYKd8x54NQhc3v-CIJra5rERlNFTz/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMP_HVslMwOuEVUK55rZ1nQZ1F1JLWACqBae6SzJjaDGNYd25FogzJZG2qbMnneM6JoLZ19hKxBm82SHFkM9kjX_U6lqvcj5CGT3fFBIiGuGdzUlpYKd8x54NQhc3v-CIJra5rERlNFTz/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas 2009</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are in the middle of the college invasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls are back home on Winter Break, and
their friends are beginning to swoop down on the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh how I love these times!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The house has been so quiet with everyone gone in one way or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only noise we hear is Stealth Kitty’s daily run
through the house at lightening speed, and Yankee giving his one bark to
remind us that we have left him outside longer than 2 minutes, and it’s time for
his nap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This has been a busy season for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve travelled, and put in some serous
overtime, which helps me not think about how we are now premature empty nesters, but it also limits my ability to <em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">“make the house cozy."</span></em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCx3zq1DcLWOJ7a-FKOCoNeJdGkYbKPqqgXS7eaSeQWzkDhVOoiyaGj9WCLinUHZv_kUc5tYTfQjEfGlXLEEoF7r-nYTxkj3p4eks0J9y8vL4XgLM-Mit-QNAgL9BlLKaKeokdCvJP3mi/s1600/20131209_214223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCx3zq1DcLWOJ7a-FKOCoNeJdGkYbKPqqgXS7eaSeQWzkDhVOoiyaGj9WCLinUHZv_kUc5tYTfQjEfGlXLEEoF7r-nYTxkj3p4eks0J9y8vL4XgLM-Mit-QNAgL9BlLKaKeokdCvJP3mi/s1600/20131209_214223.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pretty much all the Christmas decorating I did this year was November 29th right after Joshua’s
5K when the girls were going on and on about Christmas
“<em><strong>we do this and we do that</strong></em>,” so I went downstairs and dug out the 20 boxes full
of Christmas Cheer, and pulled out......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. One prelit Christmas tree which we decorated with
White House Ornaments and red white and blue ornaments collected over the last 25 years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. One beloved Nativity set we purchased during our time overseas when the Newmanettes were still debuting
into this world</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRXpsvQV7dMj-K-zc2gNoZIOMYfUU-U2-3ZDno9txD5RG8BcIwL8AfPqrBGehjOXv3NGF_52CBhZDyc3EbmPiV8nNlj1EjOFA84W4NlHToMrkFmiTdwoSzohEuE-5uUNY4cc5TuCCpcEb/s1600/Josh+Christmas+program+'08%2B019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRXpsvQV7dMj-K-zc2gNoZIOMYfUU-U2-3ZDno9txD5RG8BcIwL8AfPqrBGehjOXv3NGF_52CBhZDyc3EbmPiV8nNlj1EjOFA84W4NlHToMrkFmiTdwoSzohEuE-5uUNY4cc5TuCCpcEb/s1600/Josh+Christmas+program+'08+019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken by Josh</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. One the Dickens Village we received as a wedding gift 23 years
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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4. One stairwell garland.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">A few tzatkes, and some candles. It was enough for me to </span>build up a sweat, so I feel
good about my efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I emptied about 6
of the 20 boxes and the other remain almost
untouched.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The live tree didn’t happen this year, the Dining room was
not transformed into the room of the Merry Feast; The angel for the lawn remains in the basement, but luckily, Brad decorated the outside while I was gone and it looks
nice and festive.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who’s got the energy to do it all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who wants to? Josh was always after me during this time of year to bake cookies, decorate, put on the music. Now that he's </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">gone, there’s no youthful energy in the house,
there’s a sadness even four years out that just settles on us and zaps our energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are more times when we quietly wipe away
tears since this is the time of year that families around us are bubbling over with sports award ceremonies,
musical concerts, and family gatherings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It does help having the girls home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked them what they wanted to do, and I expect their schedules to be full of friends, but they respond,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong><em>“Mom, we gotta make
the cutout cookies,”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom we gotta watch
our Christmas movies,”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom, when are we
going out driving to look at the lights?” “Mom, we gotta go to Christmas Eve
service,”</em></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Traditions are so very important to them! They bring stability, remind them of happy times, and keeps our family close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oftentimes, the grief books suggest you
change traditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come up with new ones
to help ease the pain of the holidays without your loved one, but we have found
that any attempt to change our traditions, sends everyone into a frenzy; it’s the traditions
we instilled into our family fabric that bring the strength and peace our
family leans on to get through another season without Josh. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It may take a jump start from my girls to get me going, but
it’s an effort well worth it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those of you who have an empty stocking at the chimney; an empty chair at the table, and a hole in your heart this
season, may your traditions and loved ones bring you peace and joy this
Christmas Season.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11</em></strong></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><em>Hugs,<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><em>
</em></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><em>Sherri<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></span></div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-32681383247610140692014-11-15T14:24:00.003-08:002015-01-25T19:50:10.084-08:00Glorious Reunion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">Saturday night I was out waiting for a friend,
when “Baby Girl” rang from my cellphone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>when I hear that ring it means......STEPHI!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Oh, how </span>I have been missing her and her sister. I made sure to tell her that before we ended our conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">After a short visit with my friend, I ran through the drive
thru for some dinner and turned onto my street. There on the street I noticed that familiar
baby blue Mazda in front of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>MY BABY IS HOME!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little
stinker was <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not six hours away at
college while we were talking;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was sitting in my comfy spot at home eating my
pizza all the while she was listening to me whine about how much I missed her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I gave her a<span style="color: #741b47;"> <span style="font-size: large;">big silly grin</span></span> hug, and chilled with her until bedtime.</span></span></strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #4c1130;"></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">Sunday morning, I checked on Stephi and found her sleeping so
peacefully, then I watched church via the Internet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t get my feet to walk me into the sanctuary that morning; sometimes it isn't the place of worship I love; sometimes it is the place where I sat and stared at my son’s casket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">As I watched the service, the sanctuary exploded with joyful applause as they witnessed one family's joyful reunion after a four year separation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
The father, </span>Nick, was a self-professed Christian in a predominantly Muslim country, who religious belief forced him to
flee the country to save his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, his family
was unable to join him immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
sure no one realized at that time it would be four years before they would be reunited.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #4c1130;"></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">Four years apart! That hit me square between the eyes! We have been separated from Josh for four years!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></span><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I couldn’t take my eyes off this family before me on the tv. I was so drawn to the smiles on
their faces;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I was so thrilled for them; so envious of </span>their joy!</span></span></strong></div>
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Our 4 -year mark is very different from theirs. We are hurting to the very core!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The number of heart-wrenching phone calls has
jumped, Stephi needed to drive 6
hours to go to the cemetery to see her brother, and come home to us, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brad has that hollowed look in his eyes, and I am all over the place trying to hold it together.</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #4c1130;"></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">
As I listened on to the service, I could feel the sermon speaking to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
pastor <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>talked about how God may not <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>change my circumstances, which I am grappling with, but he changes ME in my circumstances .<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<a href="https://onepage.events.org/data/ddfil01/Joshua%20Newman%20Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://onepage.events.org/data/ddfil01/Joshua%20Newman%20Logo.png" width="443" /></span></strong></a><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Hmmmm, guess I’ll have to sit on that one for awhile but as I do that I will celebrate my 23rd wedding anniversary, welcome my girls back into my arms for Thanksgiving, remember by ornery sweet boy, and give hugs to this year's Josh Newman Memorial 5K for SUDEP awareness runners/walkers. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>There's no way to avoid all the emotions of this time of year. It will be heavy on the Laughter, and heavy on the Tears. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>If you and yours are around Virginia on November 29th, feel free to come walk with us.</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.events.org/newman5k/cpage.aspx?e=78755">http://www.events.org/newman5k/cpage.aspx?e=78755</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong><em>HUGS,</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Sherri</em></strong></span></div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-45315849161669674242014-10-19T18:39:00.003-07:002015-01-25T19:51:59.244-08:00Drinking Naked<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background: white;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Brad
and I are trying to approach this Premature Empty Nesting with an open
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last Spring I took golf lessons so
I could join him on the golf course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
far, we have been hitting some of the local PAR 3 “easy” courses as I learn the
game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our approaches are very different,
but it works for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brad is very
strategic with his range distant tools and relies on the perfect club, with the
perfect form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually go like this…. driver, 7, 9,
chipper, putter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Distance is not a
factor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I change it up, it's because
I get bored using the same ones over and over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Par 3 means you are supposed to hit the
ball into the hole in 3 hits, so I’m averaging 7 hits per hole and I'm ok with
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, where’s the beer boy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that will help my game.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>My
promising golf career was temporarily sidelined two weeks ago after
I did my usual awesome and powerful swing directly into the hard ground.
The golf club bent back, and so did my thumb. When I heard a
“crack” and felt instant pain, I knew I was in trouble. I whined for the
last three holes, and Brad did his best to distract me with his offers to stomp
on my foot to help take my mind off my thumb. Thanks honey!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
<u1:p></u1:p>
</strong><br />
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<u1:p></u1:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong> There
have been some good things brought about from my injury. It has definitely
given me the respect of the “good ole boys club” at work. “Could
you open this water bottle for me? I have a golf injury” as I point
to my thumb. “Could you please repeat? I can’t write very well because of
my golf injury”. Dang, and all this time, I thought it took short skirts
and high shoes to get their attention. Ladies, we have it all
wrong. Who knew?!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
<u1:p></u1:p>
</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Golf
is out for now, but the weather is still awesome so Brad and I had to
find something else to do while my golf injury heals. <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
<u1:p></u1:p>
</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>We
live less than an hour away from the Shenandoah Valley, so when Brad came up
with the suggestion of heading out to the infamous Skyline Drive to see the
fall color, I was jumping in that passenger seat. The day showed great
promise until we discovered 5 miles of cars filled with folks also waiting to
get on Skyline. It quickly became apparent Brad was losing his patience,
and looking for other options. <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
<u1:p></u1:p>
</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>What
to do? Oh genie in the phone, please help me! My
wonderful smart phone suggested we Drink Naked! I made the suggestion
to Brad, and he couldn’t turn the car around fast enough. A few moments
down a beautiful country windy road lined with beautiful yellow and reds, and
we turned into Naked Mountain Winery.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoAZTN3nzAPOzxkRcB10QGHdlGrVdCmiC26kkkIckSSLKKEsjgWLAetsM6qteafna5OOTvZI4sF_63TvV5eEt_v9JEGOS6IrocQbGnMS8v1Xy74ji9a43fEriXbMwRvrZZhsToSZY94WU/s1600/IMG_0533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoAZTN3nzAPOzxkRcB10QGHdlGrVdCmiC26kkkIckSSLKKEsjgWLAetsM6qteafna5OOTvZI4sF_63TvV5eEt_v9JEGOS6IrocQbGnMS8v1Xy74ji9a43fEriXbMwRvrZZhsToSZY94WU/s1600/IMG_0533.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></strong></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong> <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong> <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>At
first, we noticed all the young people, young groups, couples, families, then
as neared the tasting bar, we noticed the couples like us. Couples
making memories now that the kiddos are out of the house. We probably
looked just as normal to them as they did to us, but I can tell you, we are not
liking this next chapter at all. In fact, I’d say we have regressed in
our grief of losing Josh, and now both girls are on their own.
We just suck it up, and try to make the best of it. <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
<u1:p></u1:p>
</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>After
Drinking Naked, we walked back to the car hand and hand, and took the long
picturesque way home winding through the plantations, horse farms and majestic
color. The colors were magical. This journey has <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>shown <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>me <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that
life isn’t easy, and to make it through, you need to remain open minded and see
how life unfolds. You may have a plan, but it may be Plan B that takes
over.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
<u1:p></u1:p>
</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>As
if on cue, Stephi texted and wanted to know what we did all day. My
response? “We drank naked today”. My daughter knows humor is
how I cope, and I’m sure her eyes were rolling, but it made her smile, and
hearing from her made me smile too!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #604a7b; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #604A7B; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent4; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blessed are those
who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
~Unknown<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May you find beauty in
every challenge!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hugs!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sherri<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b><br />
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-75572426015565712632014-09-21T06:35:00.000-07:002014-09-21T15:58:55.855-07:00Not Me!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When
I was growing up, my brother and I would do all kinds of stupid kid things; Soon after, mom would come in and ask, "Who did it?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Who left the toys out, forgot to close the front door letting all the
animals run amok?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would both yell out <span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">“NOT ME!”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
would roll her eyes, and send us off to corral the wild
animals ....an old barking Miniature Schnauzer, who loved to be scratched behind the ears, and two cats so vicious they
were known to cuddle up to you and fall
asleep.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>When
I had my own children, the accusations continued, but from a new source...the man who claimed he loved me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong>“Who forgot to close
the door?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <strong> </strong><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>Not Me!</strong></span></span><strong>, it must have been one
of the kids. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong>“Who left their bowl in the
sink?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>Not Me!</strong></span></span><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must have been one of the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who left the oven turned on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Not Me!</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span> It must have been our 3 year
old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ooops! Grrr, trick question....Ya caught me!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYgDwr25uZr8vtKDwFmEH4DAEW3BQukzLEk6haDK2AZ9eYMSErrlSxKjen7hZPlPaDbgwaiFO_fpbL36hXbzx182UyHtwMpHOUcU-kdr8A0CE3u9Ieo7-9ANofziCGhzvdPT98Q3l3eZu/s1600/Christmas+2013-+Jan+2014+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYgDwr25uZr8vtKDwFmEH4DAEW3BQukzLEk6haDK2AZ9eYMSErrlSxKjen7hZPlPaDbgwaiFO_fpbL36hXbzx182UyHtwMpHOUcU-kdr8A0CE3u9Ieo7-9ANofziCGhzvdPT98Q3l3eZu/s1600/Christmas+2013-+Jan+2014+016.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who forgot to close the dryer so the baby couldn't play in it? NOT ME!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Last
year when he yelled, </strong>“Who forgot to turn off the hallway light?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re wastin’ resources!” <strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I responded, </span><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Not Me!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Must have been Stephi!</strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJPMzeEVaGSuom-ugWvMGZ4H-te9yF6UHYZoZnYh2bsRNJNR7koJOqkxurKscmA8TdeUx47xYUKC0cybxKBkNT5k7jc6sUHeh_fDVlrZpT8j9TyixSImQ54BBWsQdml5P_nmtTj20N9B3/s1600/IMG_2791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJPMzeEVaGSuom-ugWvMGZ4H-te9yF6UHYZoZnYh2bsRNJNR7koJOqkxurKscmA8TdeUx47xYUKC0cybxKBkNT5k7jc6sUHeh_fDVlrZpT8j9TyixSImQ54BBWsQdml5P_nmtTj20N9B3/s1600/IMG_2791.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just LOVE shoes! I can hide toys in them, or steal them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
last several days Brad has been out of town, so it’s just been me, Stealth Kitty
and Yankee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been a bit of an
awakening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came home from work, and
found the closet door open, and the light on, leaving full shoes access to an
ornery cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can Stealth Kitty reach the
light switch?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does he know how to open door knobs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still No!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
next morning, I went downstairs to my usual morning spot and found a cereal bowl
with dried cereal crumbs laced around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I looked around….no kids, no Brad, Yankee doesn’t eat cereal. Who do I
accuse, to whom do I deny?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grrrr, I have
to admit it, it’s me!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
hard for me to admit to these, and even harder to admit I'm missing my Newmanettes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Everyone
keeps asking me how I’m doing now that we’re Premature Empty Nesters, and I
keep telling them, "I'm fine, I'm too busy to notice". Am I one of those parents feeling a bit
lost? <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">NOT ME!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>finally sat quietly for a few minutes back to back, and it didn’t take long for me to
miss them like crazy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I texted my sister
of another mother and told her I needed a drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She immediately called and said, </strong><em>“I don’t
want you to drink alone, so I’m having a drink with you”</em><strong> and we leaned on one
another and our losses for a little while. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is also an
empty nester, and she is very much grieving the recent death of her beloved Professor Hottie, so
she understands how I am very much grieving my Joshie, and the bittersweet joy of watching my girls on their life
adventures! After a little while, I felt much better!<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL7r32AXJWAMEjqYLZsZj_y6IZelcb7eB76opYoFE8RhLYZN1gywLq3ee2rZPCuyuQLyBgbAMF-g-7OOpQbGQOMALF5OT2spkhBsFjgUv76kNblnaVgsIYhDHcW9j921sUNBixUe7ZBBj/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL7r32AXJWAMEjqYLZsZj_y6IZelcb7eB76opYoFE8RhLYZN1gywLq3ee2rZPCuyuQLyBgbAMF-g-7OOpQbGQOMALF5OT2spkhBsFjgUv76kNblnaVgsIYhDHcW9j921sUNBixUe7ZBBj/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sisters of other mothers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The one thing I am learning in this journey, is life isn't for wussies, and I am so thankful I have been given wonderful people in my life. Even though I am obviously prideful, t</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">here is one thing I don’t mind denying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> ... </span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Who is walking alone in life's journey?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">NOT ME!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, I have acknowledged some bad habits, but I don’t want to take away Brad’s reason for living, so I’m sure I
will continue to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>leave lights on, doors
open, oven turned on, put ice cream in the fridge…shhhhh, sometimes I do it on
purpose. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief. ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero</em></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>HUGS,<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Sherri<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></span></b></div>
</div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-67559788266745775132014-09-14T06:34:00.000-07:002014-09-14T06:34:02.873-07:00Light in their Eyes!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The house is so quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The girls are at college, Brad is travelling for work;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His travel happened to be near Britt, and
coincidentally?! It was the weekend of the Tennessee/Oklahoma game at
Oklahoma!</strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Let the trash talking begin!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They </span>were pretty civilized about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It didn't seem fair to me since I've been forced to relive U of Akron's defeat to </span>Tennessee THIRTY YEARS AGO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
I just roll my eyes and tell him to </span>Let it go already!!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><strong>His plan for this game was pretty diplomatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Support his beloved Vols while also being the supportive Dad…his chosen
outfit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> R</span>ed OU shorts and a orange UT
shirt. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">BLAGHHHHH! </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cringe when I think of that combo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him to consider a white shirt with
orange T on it, but he would hear nothing about it.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><em>Game on!</em></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
sitting with friends christening a friend’s new patio/fire pit on a crisp and
cool fall night, when the photos began to come my way.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>I love this photo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
first thought was, look how beautiful my oldest child has become.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYMijaQTguPONF5XgWSaD83bmgszcwmC_o12jzq40nS1QdIYR2erb75XaXbu6jeDX4TiiwB0aY604GUkIYXB-tf0uX39868jB55us5CnW8zbExJiYmcijoa4lwS1VU7aISmdXuD8jMpX1/s1600/10671362_10204181441154801_6629949662578010715_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYMijaQTguPONF5XgWSaD83bmgszcwmC_o12jzq40nS1QdIYR2erb75XaXbu6jeDX4TiiwB0aY604GUkIYXB-tf0uX39868jB55us5CnW8zbExJiYmcijoa4lwS1VU7aISmdXuD8jMpX1/s1600/10671362_10204181441154801_6629949662578010715_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Then the unexpected happened? I started getting photos from
Stephi who was checking out the local sights around Wilmington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She included this photo, and I thought, Oh my
goodness, look how beautiful my second child has become.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi912fcHd1hbsbVFE3vzYdHHav45GsAe1BhL-326lfsEx73rGWhtK4qVqUjShXRkWRF7uHXT1itcwvHMm70OETO1Pfc1anDnOk9QcxvNOcuuuOz2U49wwJkAoIxCiZDtjslasSs_6MmDfHx/s1600/10449956_10204702297895144_2764745163864659853_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi912fcHd1hbsbVFE3vzYdHHav45GsAe1BhL-326lfsEx73rGWhtK4qVqUjShXRkWRF7uHXT1itcwvHMm70OETO1Pfc1anDnOk9QcxvNOcuuuOz2U49wwJkAoIxCiZDtjslasSs_6MmDfHx/s1600/10449956_10204702297895144_2764745163864659853_n.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a></div>
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<strong>
</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>They are both growing up, and it is my joy to watch them
make their way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also have been</strong>
<strong>working through their grief, and I love that there is a light in their
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both miss Josh so much, and
there are some heartbreaking phone calls, but moments captured like these give
me</strong> <strong>such</strong> <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>Joy</strong></span>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-a60JcSHRuLkcaxqwRevZR4a7v64Xfp13-Wy6KXYcM0z7HSOxSo3Fz0w6kJokENFgAiuvENcTmzyTv6obfVlbmEGVCiZ1Z_067qwX6Uq4QNzczsHjAAcyeoqo5RfYl_O90S8y1db0TiE/s1600/10703851_10204181448834993_5680291935342831235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-a60JcSHRuLkcaxqwRevZR4a7v64Xfp13-Wy6KXYcM0z7HSOxSo3Fz0w6kJokENFgAiuvENcTmzyTv6obfVlbmEGVCiZ1Z_067qwX6Uq4QNzczsHjAAcyeoqo5RfYl_O90S8y1db0TiE/s1600/10703851_10204181448834993_5680291935342831235_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Oh by the way, Oklahoma whipped Tennessee’s butt…</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>The game of life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity. ~ Lewis Grizzard</em></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>HUGS!</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Sherri</em></strong></span></div>
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Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-68315841755433030562014-09-06T14:11:00.001-07:002014-09-07T04:54:42.470-07:00Empty Nestin - Decorating<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxIw_GP02gz40aLPLCKGMraL85FJTWWQnuHpU1-n2nKOng6mZpW4Ox-gJw773V5jWvnkoAzmSTFOd2_RNI_qa1TmaKE_Nj0v4rL-qzs1FTVPAqPNbb8izpsHJI3AbDVtR4tOKdTclW62A/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxIw_GP02gz40aLPLCKGMraL85FJTWWQnuHpU1-n2nKOng6mZpW4Ox-gJw773V5jWvnkoAzmSTFOd2_RNI_qa1TmaKE_Nj0v4rL-qzs1FTVPAqPNbb8izpsHJI3AbDVtR4tOKdTclW62A/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Decorating has been my distraction lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that the girls are off to college, I’m looking at their rooms with fresh eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since they took most of their stuff with them, I need to make
their rooms cute again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<strong></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Britt’s room was pretty easy, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all I had to do was walk around my house and
grab a few things, such as the lovely bottles left to us by Brad’s grandmother,
a huge starfish from a long ago Bahamas trip, some great seashells, and voila.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beachy Bedroom!</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><strong> </strong></div>
<strong> </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2N6zofoD_dw98qpHuWqhBOEG4UXL_-k7nxICdz8j8OA8uEo7cZL8T0F_z9wep6Yq-Xer-JTjQ9VucLA87gRIXZZzaJHjKK1m22rQrzUmNapn5ucEq8xRBBAltiLjwXAs1lbzavpzNnGl/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2N6zofoD_dw98qpHuWqhBOEG4UXL_-k7nxICdz8j8OA8uEo7cZL8T0F_z9wep6Yq-Xer-JTjQ9VucLA87gRIXZZzaJHjKK1m22rQrzUmNapn5ucEq8xRBBAltiLjwXAs1lbzavpzNnGl/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320" /></strong></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd7S5UBtVjS4M25Qg6vYrw64IR_Axy4x8mkZZEeLxeKGhk-Ixi2-_k5dx_3AmaH-TrRmul_W4yiSkZuvWkKxehDfBm5CIx3Rme-cRNH6KND1SHq-GIkW1DU7RqZFNH_WZUbdh25M4GifF/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd7S5UBtVjS4M25Qg6vYrw64IR_Axy4x8mkZZEeLxeKGhk-Ixi2-_k5dx_3AmaH-TrRmul_W4yiSkZuvWkKxehDfBm5CIx3Rme-cRNH6KND1SHq-GIkW1DU7RqZFNH_WZUbdh25M4GifF/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></strong></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Stephi’s room still has a lot of her
stuff, but there are gaps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sitting
there when one of her garden photos grabbed my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THAT’S IT!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I'll use
</span>Stephi’s GARDEN PHOTOS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Stephi is
a great amateur photographer with a great eye!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love her work so much there are several on the walls
throughout our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are two I want to put on her walls.<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><strong> </strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><strong> </strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>I kept walking by, and finally opened
the door to Joshua’s room. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve changed little things over the last 3 ½ years, but it's still Josh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Since it is the largest kids bedroom, with a large bed, h</span>is
room has always been our guest room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That meant throwing
Josh out from time to time, but he didn’t mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEill3w6Bv8WdpVZ2xLzR63pcV0BgRPHChvxBoIhWZMOrKI20bUOxA5VxYsNBa46dfaVjiSwhb82bt5M_x4UZcQYj2xrJa7QvlRYuW7_juFFT5E3qoGVq25ntFENuOTutAUX0O7A-bTAvecw/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strong></strong></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>These days, I keep wondering if we
should leave it as the room of a "forever 12 year old boy", or update it a bit like
we have updated the girls rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>I would
like to make it welcoming and peaceful, though I don’t know if that’s possible;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The four of us are split on what to do.<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<strong></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEill3w6Bv8WdpVZ2xLzR63pcV0BgRPHChvxBoIhWZMOrKI20bUOxA5VxYsNBa46dfaVjiSwhb82bt5M_x4UZcQYj2xrJa7QvlRYuW7_juFFT5E3qoGVq25ntFENuOTutAUX0O7A-bTAvecw/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEill3w6Bv8WdpVZ2xLzR63pcV0BgRPHChvxBoIhWZMOrKI20bUOxA5VxYsNBa46dfaVjiSwhb82bt5M_x4UZcQYj2xrJa7QvlRYuW7_juFFT5E3qoGVq25ntFENuOTutAUX0O7A-bTAvecw/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEill3w6Bv8WdpVZ2xLzR63pcV0BgRPHChvxBoIhWZMOrKI20bUOxA5VxYsNBa46dfaVjiSwhb82bt5M_x4UZcQYj2xrJa7QvlRYuW7_juFFT5E3qoGVq25ntFENuOTutAUX0O7A-bTAvecw/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEill3w6Bv8WdpVZ2xLzR63pcV0BgRPHChvxBoIhWZMOrKI20bUOxA5VxYsNBa46dfaVjiSwhb82bt5M_x4UZcQYj2xrJa7QvlRYuW7_juFFT5E3qoGVq25ntFENuOTutAUX0O7A-bTAvecw/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>I looked at Peyton Manning's jersey! Josh was such a huge <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peyton Manning fan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrote how happy he was to get to see
Peyton and the Colts play the Washington Redskins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>I’m so happy Josh and Brad had that night together!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
we lose a love one, we tend to hone in on regrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case, we got something right.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>As it should, although I object at times, life has moved on around us, and so
has Peyton who is now a Denver Bronco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
changed Joshua's Colts bedspread right after his funeral, which was pretty traumatic for all of
us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week, I changed the window
valance to match the bedding, which<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
admit, brought on some anxiety on my part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<strong></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz81j3cLxtPihNK-wvC_A8vf5pavxRV-8-szUCCHSr0XeVs3d7wrXlXSdxE5Sd9xtsSQqGxrxMGIz1PVP7FhcYNwHb5MXc-0pmIHPHBzzHL_JGfNpeGDDBGK9_rAySGa-pYHr0KxC5s6P/s1600/IMG_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz81j3cLxtPihNK-wvC_A8vf5pavxRV-8-szUCCHSr0XeVs3d7wrXlXSdxE5Sd9xtsSQqGxrxMGIz1PVP7FhcYNwHb5MXc-0pmIHPHBzzHL_JGfNpeGDDBGK9_rAySGa-pYHr0KxC5s6P/s1600/IMG_0510.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz81j3cLxtPihNK-wvC_A8vf5pavxRV-8-szUCCHSr0XeVs3d7wrXlXSdxE5Sd9xtsSQqGxrxMGIz1PVP7FhcYNwHb5MXc-0pmIHPHBzzHL_JGfNpeGDDBGK9_rAySGa-pYHr0KxC5s6P/s1600/IMG_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong></strong></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>After all of this, there was still one thing I just
had to do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something was
missing.….a Broncos banner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went online and ordered a pennant to go on the wall opposite of
the Colts banner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Who knew how emotional it would be to
fill these three rooms?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just yesterday, it seems, I was
getting after the Newmanettes to keep a path clear from bed to door. </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Oh how I miss the messes, the smells, and the sounds!</em></strong></span><br />
<strong> </strong><strong> </strong><br />
<strong> </strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>I sat down on the edge of the bed after I tacked the banner on the wall, and found my eyes full of the tears I couldn't stop, but when they finally did stop, I stood up, put fresh sheets
on the bed, and thanked God that there are three rooms that hold treasures
and memories of my three children.<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong>“A child enters your home and for the next twenty or so years makes so much
noise you can hardly stand it. Then the child departs, leaving the house so
silent you think you are going mad.” -- John Andrew Holmes</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Hugs,<o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Sherri<o:p></o:p></em></span></strong></span></span></div>
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I'm sitting here enjoying a muffin before heading out for some surf and sun in South Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brad is off
with his white dimpled mistress and will join me for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Both daughters are settling into their college lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Britt was already moved in, so we stuffed two
cars and dropped Stephi off in North Carolina. The move-in went seamlessly....we somehow managed to avoid getting hit by all the
couches, 54” tvs, and furniture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holy Moly, I
didn’t even have a tv in my dorm room, and we hiked through 3 feet of snow each way to use the shared hallway telephone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have dorm envy!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoFtljKKjZk6rHePVqBxQuOJQnnSrsDejyPJgyqWIVNJuUsIDNSTWDVkV84lqQfR0DQ4zUKLzxG0N2FXCU_49X79EKdTT5DVP0CFkW33FR8f_L5O4jCJyQvBnA0ucKt1dix6uxrzlptkv/s1600/stephi+dorm+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoFtljKKjZk6rHePVqBxQuOJQnnSrsDejyPJgyqWIVNJuUsIDNSTWDVkV84lqQfR0DQ4zUKLzxG0N2FXCU_49X79EKdTT5DVP0CFkW33FR8f_L5O4jCJyQvBnA0ucKt1dix6uxrzlptkv/s1600/stephi+dorm+room.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><strong>Stephi’s room looks great with the tiny tv and her beloved 1D/5 SOS
decorum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two seconds after it was set up, she was pushing
us out the door. Brad wasn’t quite ready, but I felt pretty confident
that she would be begging us to feed her in a day or two. The next
day I received this text : PLEASE TAKE ME AWAY TO DINNER!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy to Oblige!<o:p></o:p></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>After feeding her, on our dime, and setting up the all important DVD player,
it was time for that long awaited no kids vacation! Wooohooo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been dreaming of this day since the
first time we stuffed luggage, beach toys, lotion, and diapers into the
car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Turns out it’s not as easy to shut off the parent brain as we
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though Brad and I always worked
to keep the romance alive during the kiddo years, it feels sooooo weird!<o:p></o:p></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>For so long, vacation has been kid-centered<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> ; </span>always thinking a step ahead of the kiddos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I’m
free to do my thing, but I just can’t shut down those mommy voices in my head. I
fought the lurch forward reflex when the adorable toddler put that shell in her
mouth…her mom was on it! That sweet child needs a hat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so proud of that sweet girl who tried
and tried, and finally mastered riding the waves.<o:p></o:p></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixm5XnLGatq_mMkfMaEKwXlYqcip7Llg4RKm1k3LdpQKdKwKaLYEeWZa_r2UQT3D3qyzI5_ui7bTPqc_KIM-BjjFGf7NSndDMRp1nHcXj5DpN7-kgUSNDUtvcvtL1BQe3dn8aCCqaPHaBp/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixm5XnLGatq_mMkfMaEKwXlYqcip7Llg4RKm1k3LdpQKdKwKaLYEeWZa_r2UQT3D3qyzI5_ui7bTPqc_KIM-BjjFGf7NSndDMRp1nHcXj5DpN7-kgUSNDUtvcvtL1BQe3dn8aCCqaPHaBp/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></strong></a><strong>Will it ever go away?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>My mountain man and I have lots
of couple time now, but <span style="color: purple;">we know each other so well, we can’t fake it!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dang!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know he hates the beach; He knows I love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How can I enjoy a day at the beach when I’m worrying about how much Brad
hates the beach? <o:p></o:p></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>I’m thinkin maybe those little white lies we told when the relationship was
new weren’t so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>We look lovingly into one another's eyes and say....</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75;">“What do you want to do?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></em></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><em></em></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #45818e;">“Dunno, what do you want to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><em></em></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75;">“I dunno, hey, we could go to a jazz bar for 21 and over” </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see the light go on when <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he realizes “yes, we can do that” .<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></span></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">So here are a few highlights we shared with our friends and family.....</span></strong><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_qwKdOV4YoX8-jB8A721vv3NuXe3Qc9LW4p_kpA5zgE1fusDPi9_LT6XeDgvLKo57bWSQN0KdmVJHljBZyAoKiIIs5OIEk-I2flvtb_cg_xxLRT5ywvXVJtF3i7bTfZKX2laTIDZ9n2v/s1600/20140819_121741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_qwKdOV4YoX8-jB8A721vv3NuXe3Qc9LW4p_kpA5zgE1fusDPi9_LT6XeDgvLKo57bWSQN0KdmVJHljBZyAoKiIIs5OIEk-I2flvtb_cg_xxLRT5ywvXVJtF3i7bTfZKX2laTIDZ9n2v/s1600/20140819_121741.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>When wildlife and humans unsuccessfully share playground. = jellyfish sting</strong></em></span></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Facebook status, day 2: Pretty proud of myself. Its 1030 and im still awake. I doubt it has anything to do with that nap this afternoon. Yep, kids are out of the house and im a party girl. Sweet dreams all!</em></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLW2goQugyKA9tPx2vycsiZscciEWdkKvJZE5pqwyJ-o9wTiIgeDrTYmwvpydZfel2DpA65Eqdt6J8FhA0fvMve935WYzMVsCW0nWBiUpCqQ6ZLzQW7BjVLXB7ZJjsq4eqyKKGWAv80BDL/s1600/20140820_180907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLW2goQugyKA9tPx2vycsiZscciEWdkKvJZE5pqwyJ-o9wTiIgeDrTYmwvpydZfel2DpA65Eqdt6J8FhA0fvMve935WYzMVsCW0nWBiUpCqQ6ZLzQW7BjVLXB7ZJjsq4eqyKKGWAv80BDL/s1600/20140820_180907.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>Hi Girls, guess where we are?</strong></em></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Brittany response- ballpark...btw rockin' the nail polish!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Stephi response: Oh Mother! lol!</span></em></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</em></strong></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tkfqFcq1wRWQcbKSRT9wQu0yZzg7wI_I81w1Hv_xng_SSHDlXLF5RweaZVEJQzFc7vv_TkUgj9Sf79kDOSf2SzjiU82sH8rm8B5h6RqcRHtLuxxaGJ1enGs3WMZDvH0mhmjyaKfOV8C3/s1600/20140820_181248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tkfqFcq1wRWQcbKSRT9wQu0yZzg7wI_I81w1Hv_xng_SSHDlXLF5RweaZVEJQzFc7vv_TkUgj9Sf79kDOSf2SzjiU82sH8rm8B5h6RqcRHtLuxxaGJ1enGs3WMZDvH0mhmjyaKfOV8C3/s1600/20140820_181248.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">My poor attempt at a selfie.....how do you work this thing? Click!</span></em></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span> </div>
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>And this was just week 1......</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>until next time.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>HUGS!</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Sherri</em></strong></span></o:p><br /></div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-10627026868744821582014-08-09T05:28:00.000-07:002014-08-09T15:02:25.966-07:00Music Kept Me Sane<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephi graduated from high school a few
weeks ago, which means the college dropoff is less than a week away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit, I've handled it pretty well so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven't stopped eating; pouting and guilt trips have been minimal.....<em><strong>I've only begged her 100 times to consider going to college in the next city, instead of the next state!</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't believe I'm on the cusp of that next new normal....<strong><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Premature Empty Nester!</span></strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feels like a good time to reflect....or...maybe not! After Josh died, I was wracked with guilt, and questioned every decision and
action I had ever made with any of the Newmanettes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
still go there at times when I revisit the dark side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Then I got my little <span style="color: purple;"><em><strong>"Atta Mom!"</strong></em></span> It </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">arrived in the shape of a
graduation cap decorated by my middle child. Yes, she will forever be my middle child.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWajCjDJ8rnaw1Kv1u9PiChD_snovao2qbQw9IuLtyIZrJLnqzle8q0VUcgfzfSydSHAFVyEiFm_tWJv2rN8Ilxhnu72P_q0bB_orLaOfOgfyqy3xIy_P_obfn_-W_5-aTLuWlIP30RKU/s1600/stephi+grad+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWajCjDJ8rnaw1Kv1u9PiChD_snovao2qbQw9IuLtyIZrJLnqzle8q0VUcgfzfSydSHAFVyEiFm_tWJv2rN8Ilxhnu72P_q0bB_orLaOfOgfyqy3xIy_P_obfn_-W_5-aTLuWlIP30RKU/s1600/stephi+grad+16.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Funny thing is, I didn't realize the gift when I first saw it. I thought it was cute, but didn't think much more about it until Stephi said it again at the Rascal Flatts/Sheryl Crow concert we attended. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realized there was something to her statement, and maybe I could take the credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Afterall, I did h</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">elp my children discover music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>When they were afraid of the monsters under their bed, or in the closet, I sang to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47; mso-spacerun: yes;"><strong>When they were sick, I rocked them in my arms for hours softly humming and singing to them. </strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>To help them learn their ABCs, I taught them the ABC song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Who could forget "Itsy Bitsy Spider?" </strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>They always knew they were loved because "Jesus Loves Me This I Know".</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before Josh died, I was chatting with the high school chorus director who<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> was telling me how much she enjoyed having the girls in chorus and how much she would miss them. </span>I remember telling told her, "You will love it when Josh gets
here too, not only does he have perfect pitch, but he is also a walking jukebox!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>A few weeks later, my boy was gone!<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“<strong>It is Well With My Soul</strong>” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> was the obvious choice for his service. We actually played Amy Grant's video version, and while</span> the song
filled the sanctuary, I looked around and noticed everyone around us singing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The crowd was very diverse in faiths and cultures, yet they all knew this song of comfort. </span> It is one of the few things I remember about that time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the years since Joshua's death from SUDEP, the four of us have found
comfort in music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brad went Christian, I
went with Christian and Country, Britt went deeper into country, and Stephi?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stephi discovered Boy Bands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obsession is a pretty weak word to describe
Stephi and her boy bands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially,
her wrist had a single green wristband with Joshua’s name on it, then before
long she added enough Band wristbands <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to
cover ½ of her forearm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her walls were
covered with posters, and they were the center of her world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For three years it was One Direction, 5SOS 24/7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hours in her room with ears buds repeating
the songs, thousands of tumbler photos, Instagram.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She even became known for her expertise on trending
bands. I knew It helped her cope with her loss. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz517c3KbnMXHWJ2A_kztKDFwNLkM4lEkDMbjOOX21AAFeQGJLcqEHp43pvVElZ-sqrQqVJ3wGr4SRDRMeJhR4lDciasj1O0mCYYIFnng6xklcjJRtVXMyFr-901BjGsyKrrSIz6kepXy9/s1600/Stephi's+graduation+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz517c3KbnMXHWJ2A_kztKDFwNLkM4lEkDMbjOOX21AAFeQGJLcqEHp43pvVElZ-sqrQqVJ3wGr4SRDRMeJhR4lDciasj1O0mCYYIFnng6xklcjJRtVXMyFr-901BjGsyKrrSIz6kepXy9/s1600/Stephi's+graduation+072.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last Spring, when she sought counseling for her grief, we noticed her smile came back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
she was ready to stand on her own, the wristbands disappeared.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their brother’s death came when
their own lives were blooming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It was soooo u</span>nfair, but they kept baby stepping through
this journey up to the day when my baby happily walked across the stage to accept the diploma she had worked so hard to achieve.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sometimes you have to hit me over the head with it, but I suddenly realized <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Music Kept Us Sane</em></strong></span>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, music remains pivotal in our path towards rediscovering joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Britt calls home with stories of concerts she attends with groups of friends; Stephi is going to see her beloved 1D boy band on Monday night and has the biggest smile on her
face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> As a parent, I am so relieved. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I even made a very conscious choice when selecting my ringtone. The girls laugh at me, but I know it comforts them to know we'll be ok.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's Mandisa/TobyMac’s
“It’s a Good Morning”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMAllbuUkMI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMAllbuUkMI</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><em>Wake up to a brand new day . This morning I’m stepping on my way. </em></strong></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><em>You give me strength; You give me just what I need, and I can feel the hope that’s rising in me. </em></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>~It’s a good morning!</em></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Hugs,</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Sherri</strong></span></div>
</div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-20982122358423459022014-06-28T06:46:00.000-07:002014-06-28T06:46:07.358-07:00We Interrupt your Grief...with Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><em>Where am I? What day is it? What time
is it?<o:p></o:p></em></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Yea, it’s been like that for the last couple
of weeks. There are all these things going on that I should be
having meltdowns over this, but we interrupt the meltdown to give you day to day
life.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In the last couple of weeks, I travelled
to Europe for business, remembered Joshua’s 16<sup>th</sup> birthday, walked
beside my best friend during one of the hardest times of her life, planned my
high school reunion via email, planned Stephi’s grad party via email, and
made arrangements for her graduation via email.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">It all started when I had the opportunity to
go to Europe for work. Ten glorious days of discovering parts of the
“Old Country” I’d never seen, revisiting some places that are part of my fabric
and heart. I knew the trip would be challenging since it was so
close to Stephi’s graduation, but I knew we could handle it. What I wasn’t
so sure about, was the fact that Joshua’s 16<sup>th</sup> birthday was
smack dab in the middle of the trip. That fact made this grown
woman’s heart shiver. I wondered if I could handle it?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 178px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 149px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfzXPLgca6bwfAs1Nq_zPZYKvcLRsbN2-lqr4SJzEPdQTwtqkX4dFko8fgM3Op-QezXw1ykBLJj-B1bqlSo-T_OXQHxq9-aA-5oHxS-UcVZcAkZ7wlBk5wBcfj0RLl8GbtJ6gdY92NlWo/s1600/PROM+2013+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfzXPLgca6bwfAs1Nq_zPZYKvcLRsbN2-lqr4SJzEPdQTwtqkX4dFko8fgM3Op-QezXw1ykBLJj-B1bqlSo-T_OXQHxq9-aA-5oHxS-UcVZcAkZ7wlBk5wBcfj0RLl8GbtJ6gdY92NlWo/s1600/PROM+2013+002.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cute is this baby Joshua?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The trip went well, even when three of the
four wheels of my suitcase blew out leaving me dragging 45 pounds of stuff
along Hyde Park. Then the texts began; My sister of another mother, was
facing the loss of her beloved Professor Hottie! <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Three years ago, when Matt shared the recent diagnosis of Chronic
Lymphoma, I started to panic, but he
assured me all was well. Two years later, his chronic condition
morphed into Acute Leukemia. There were moments of fear we would lose
him, but he rallied into remission for several months, and was back
in our home feeding us Cincy Chili, a favorite, and loving us as he always did. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Fast forward 6 weeks and I received
texts that 'nothing more could be done' and Matt was going home to his
beloved tree house to be cared for with hospice and those who love him
dearly. This is where it became nearly impossible to concentrate on my
job, and all I wanted to do was jump on that plane to get home.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Then it was Joshua’s 16<sup>th</sup> birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, it fell on a Sunday! To
celebrate his birthday, we now ride roller coasters, and yet there was no
roller coaster to be found, so I grabbed the closest ride I could find, the
London Eye, and thought of my sweet ornery one. In the quiet of my hotel
room later that day, tears fell gently down my cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Two nights later, I was awakened from a
deep sleep when the dreaded sound of texts began. I knew …….
Professor Hottie was released from his earthly body into the arms of his
heavenly family.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabMhMXuunQ1PsWWoq3oNrZBW-Q1N1XPKJl52kkto3e9BoH24wnm_RX1n2f9ePaM-6FEyypUGqf1mw1thNj5h0kwTyCojNnXoZioXfvhk7bN4e4fma4k0DYFl2RzkDz3guWBTGlAlE3EKN/s1600/2013+230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabMhMXuunQ1PsWWoq3oNrZBW-Q1N1XPKJl52kkto3e9BoH24wnm_RX1n2f9ePaM-6FEyypUGqf1mw1thNj5h0kwTyCojNnXoZioXfvhk7bN4e4fma4k0DYFl2RzkDz3guWBTGlAlE3EKN/s1600/2013+230.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt, we will miss you dearly!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Our tears are never for those we lose, but
for us since we know how much we’ll miss them.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I came home from my business
trip overwhelmed with life, and fell into the arms of my lovely Stephi
waiting for me at the airport. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Two days later, my mountain man woke me up at
4am, for our roadtrip to Ohio to remember Professor Hottie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moment I walked into the room and our
eyes met, Pink and I burst into tears.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="background-color: purple; color: white; font-size: small;"><em>How could God do this to my friend?</em></span> <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">After a lovely Memorial, we were back on the
road to Virginia, stopped in at our first graduation party, and
then collapsed into bed.<u1:p></u1:p><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
sunrise, we were up getting ready for Stephanie’s graduation party.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Oh crap, Mom, Dad & Britt will be here in
three days. Gotta clean, run to the grocery, plan some meals, wrap
those Father’s Day gifts…..oh yea, there’s that interview tomorrow morning to
prepare for.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Oh yea, the Cupcake Fairy needs to show up at
Joshua’s school in three days. His teacher is moving on, how do we
continue a tradition?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Stop this ride, I wanna get OFF!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Breathe in, breathe out, pray hard!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Three days later……IT ALL WORKED OUT BEAUTIFULLY!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUua2QOAql-3nTCT8hBC2lM1sUGZFqPa_do1oGmFpmRE8I3Qezrnt0ifmTXseXcnoJfnneP0a1NDSQVEaCO8RiuHjOGlAVIiKF4cLnvuTAoVB6_gRmXfrLxP7yQAp4m0JB0Acwvlb16tIK/s1600/steph+grad+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUua2QOAql-3nTCT8hBC2lM1sUGZFqPa_do1oGmFpmRE8I3Qezrnt0ifmTXseXcnoJfnneP0a1NDSQVEaCO8RiuHjOGlAVIiKF4cLnvuTAoVB6_gRmXfrLxP7yQAp4m0JB0Acwvlb16tIK/s1600/steph+grad+19.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Stephi! So Proud!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Stephanie walked proudly across stage to
accept her diploma as tears streamed down my face. She makes me so proud.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">My parents and Britt filled our house for the
celebration and new memories made.<u1:p></u1:p><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The cupcakes were delivered with hugs, and Britt’s former sixth grade
teacher wants to help us keep up Joshua’s tradition.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Josh has never been far from my mind. I
went to that place… “Where would my life be if I had three more years of high
school before empty nesthood?” There has been no meltdown, but rather quick
spurts of tears .<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I can feel it, New Normal chapter three has
arrived…..</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">As Matt would quote from "The Princess Bride," <span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><em>"Have fun stormin' the castle!"</em></span> </span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hugs!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sherri<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Sherri Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198184819843544917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480157205943867316.post-3621559099491486622014-05-18T17:47:00.000-07:002014-05-18T17:48:40.810-07:00Moving From Grief to Empty Nester. Chapter Fore!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stephanie is graduating from high school in June;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mid-August we’ll take her to college, and then
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we’ll return to an empty house for the
first time in 21 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">This is not how
we planned it!</span></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had THREE children;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the second one is graduating, so <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">we should have one more at home!</span></b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I prefer the pitter patter of gigantic teenage feet, hearing
the shower turn on in the morning, the smells of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>perfume, cologne, and stepping over things on
the floor that do not belong to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
love hearing the laughter of friends chillin’ in our family room or
basement, and overhearing the latest drama.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, we had a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>life <strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">“BK” B</span></strong><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">efore Kids</span></strong>, but it’s such
a distant memory.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 407.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fear Not, Brad has a Plan!</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Picture this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A peaceful
well-manicured green field, and a golf cart with two golf bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One belongs to Brad, and the other belongs to
the tall blonde smiling next to him. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He is standing at the tee sizing
up the next shot:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He checks out the wind
conditions, weather, distance and angle. After much thought, he pulls out the
perfect club, takes the shot and it sails gracefully into the air landing two
feet from the hole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 407.6pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The tall blonde cheers on her
golf partner, stands up from the cart, sizes up the situation, pulls out the
correct club,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>swings the club sending
the golf ball gracefully into the air landing on the well- manicured
breezeway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Perfect Hit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQdA7TnOsayxLO02c4sU8hHylIKde4dTzozR5sBs0irhhva27YTSkgNTr5lJAFYH4-4GPJwukdPiS-pgOCNj_ARZcT5I9rKe2zK_3nfnEF1khyphenhyphen3jv9tRgXJkcPh2hK8Ic9EDpe50J42_w/s1600/Spring+2014+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQdA7TnOsayxLO02c4sU8hHylIKde4dTzozR5sBs0irhhva27YTSkgNTr5lJAFYH4-4GPJwukdPiS-pgOCNj_ARZcT5I9rKe2zK_3nfnEF1khyphenhyphen3jv9tRgXJkcPh2hK8Ic9EDpe50J42_w/s1600/Spring+2014+033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua's golf glove and score card in his own hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know Brad has his dreams and I want to be supportive, so I
started golf lessons two weeks ago</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed
golf clubs, so I dusted off Joshua’s clubs and put them in the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt weird…. and it felt right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then realized I needed a polo shirt with
about 5 minutes to find something . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What to do…… It suddenly occurred to me, and I ran upstairs
to the room behind the closed door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
slowly opened the drawer and pulled out a familiar green polo shirt and put it
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was actually a bit big on
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had fit Josh well 3 ½ years
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzByOOBBwLXF1cV042JvShxeXIranhU2ZjhhyphenhyphenxS-3skSnJdlkunnjnVQ6zt0PDi32ypkG6M7APsZdBZ3U7khR2IMCeMcadmHC3hb2QMk8lz7G9aSpBRluFxAHS5krJQk3JaBVylv9P1GB/s1600/T11230275011_20101123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzByOOBBwLXF1cV042JvShxeXIranhU2ZjhhyphenhyphenxS-3skSnJdlkunnjnVQ6zt0PDi32ypkG6M7APsZdBZ3U7khR2IMCeMcadmHC3hb2QMk8lz7G9aSpBRluFxAHS5krJQk3JaBVylv9P1GB/s1600/T11230275011_20101123.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua -5th grade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Heart Pangs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I zipped
up my jacket so I wouldn’t keep looking at it ,and jumped into the car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made it to my lesson on time, and met my awesome golf instructor;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A petite and spunky woman <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who is completely <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>convinced I am a natural athlete with natural
ability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If hitting the little white
dimpled ball a few yards is natural talent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am amazing!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brad was so
excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">How was it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m a natural chipper; Teacher said so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How far did you hit it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>75 yds, 150 yds?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hit it near the blue and white post in the middle of
the green field. What’s it called?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
Driving Range?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>go hit golf balls this weekend so you can show
me your natural talent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mother’s Day was our golf date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I confidently filled the bucket of balls and grabbed
the club I used at my lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set up like Teacher showed me, secretly sent
prayers of protection out to the poor unknowing guy next to me, and began to
swing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the
balls actually went in the right direction and had some distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so relieved…and a bit proud!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brad beamed from ear to ear and then took me out to buy a couple of golf shirts and shoes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
listened as he carefully explained all the technical considerations, and then I
promptly picked out the cool looking shoes with beach teal on them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Five days later after my second
lesson....<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></strong>Brad wanted to know <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“How was it? “<o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 407.6pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was fine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How’d
you do?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 407.6pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #ff0066;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m a natural putter, Teacher said so!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember Brad’s dream?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s Reality:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
man hits the golf ball which sails into the air and lands 2 feet from the hole.<o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwORiy_bNTycqQBtW9aHvEK-LFkWJ0u7J5wMlnWsplcPfj9mDpHYez709z1mf1oEcCahKvmxf-YyiA8mkph-IEBl3QT9bl8vDjzi-h2uKNX20vANPzka5isf3_MfWlyA2KZJAs52ZWvUKT/s1600/Spring+2014+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwORiy_bNTycqQBtW9aHvEK-LFkWJ0u7J5wMlnWsplcPfj9mDpHYez709z1mf1oEcCahKvmxf-YyiA8mkph-IEBl3QT9bl8vDjzi-h2uKNX20vANPzka5isf3_MfWlyA2KZJAs52ZWvUKT/s1600/Spring+2014+037.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad's birthday present from Josh in 2009. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 407.6pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The tall blonde cheers on her golf partner, returns her ice tea to the cup
holder, gets up from the cart she was driving too fast over the hill to catch
air, she looks around suddenly realizing she has to hit one of those little
white balls, so she pulls out the first club that catches her eye, and hits the
ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sails into the air about 10
feet and then rolls down the hill about 30 additional feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The group waiting behind them let out an audible #%&&! as they
open another beer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s gonna be a long
day!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 407.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s gonna be crazy hard dropping Stephi
of college, Joshua’s absence is going to hit to the core again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 407.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm trying to stay positive and that means I start thinking of the next chapter sorta like a Dr. Seuss Book....<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Matura MT Script Capitals"; line-height: 115%;">Oh
the adventures we will have.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 407.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Matura MT Script Capitals"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 407.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Matura MT Script Capitals"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Hugs,</em></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 407.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Matura MT Script Capitals"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Sherri</em></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<img height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwORiy_bNTycqQBtW9aHvEK-LFkWJ0u7J5wMlnWsplcPfj9mDpHYez709z1mf1oEcCahKvmxf-YyiA8mkph-IEBl3QT9bl8vDjzi-h2uKNX20vANPzka5isf3_MfWlyA2KZJAs52ZWvUKT/s1600/Spring+2014+037.JPG" style="left: 639.32px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1884.16px;" width="72" /></div>
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