Well it's official......summer break is here for us!! Yesterday I watched my baby graduate from kindergarten. They had an awesome program and graduation ceremony that was too precious for words. I just can't believe how time keeps on flying by. Seems like just yesterday when I was holding that little fuzzy headed baby in my arms! Not to mention that my actual baby will be in pre-k next year.....
As most stay at home parents do I'm guessing....I have mixed feelings about summer.....On one hand I am nervous to have to find ways to fill each day of the summer without hearing too much whining of being bored, without too much arguing, and saying goodbye to a few hours to myself 4 days a week... On the other hand I am looking forward to care free days without a schedule!! (and wearing our pj's as long as we want!) Although, to be honest...mostly what I do when I take the kids to school is take my pj's off and put on yoga pants and a t-shirt. And....I don't do yoga! Lol! We have always been the "go go family" so I'm sure we will pass the summer pretty quickly! I'm hoping to incorporate some "learning time" into our summer days too so those eager little minds don't turn to mush! ;)
In anticipation of the summer....A few weeks ago the boys had me turn our dry erase note board into a countdown to summer board. It was helpful to keep me focused on all the things that I needed to get done and how little time I had to do it... With the last days of kid free hours coming to a close...I started making my rounds to various doctor appointments that I've been meaning to schedule. With all that has gone on in my family the last couple years, I've decided to get on the preventative care wagon! Had an a-typical mole removed last week. Also, went to see the gastroenterologist...
Crystal's cancer was gluten derived....meaning she either had Celiac Disease or a gluten sensitivity....neither of which she ever knew she had until it was too late. Needless to say, I have
wanted to get tested for Celiac. So, last week I went in to see the gastroenterologist that I saw when I had a preventative colonoscopy (because of mom's colon cancer). I told them I wanted to be tested for Celiac due to the recent change in family history. I also told them of a consistent dull ache in my lower right abdomen that had been there a few weeks. With all the history...they called for the celiac blood test as well as a ct scan of my abdomen and pelvis. Had the CT scan done Monday morning. They said they would have the results to my doctor by the next day. Well, my follow up isn't until June and the x-ray tech said that no news was good news and that my doctors office would call me if there was anything they saw on the CT scan that couldn't wait until my follow up appointment. So...when I showed a missed call on my cell phone from my doctor's office only 4 hours after having the CT scan done, I was a little freaked out to say the least. I called back and talked to the nurse who said that there was an abnormal thickening in my upper stomach that the doctor would like to check into further. He wanted me to come in to have an endoscopy and they would also do a biopsy of the tissue. When I asked what it could be she wouldn't really say. She said it could just be inflammation or a multitude of things but that is why they need to go in and check it out....to determine what exactly "it" is! Of course when I got off the phone with her, I immediately got on the Internet and searched 'thickening in upper stomach'. Although I didn't find much....the dreaded "C word" did keep popping up. But, I turned off the computer and said....nope...stay positive...what are the odds?? and I prayed! Oh, how I prayed!
This morning mom took me and I had the endoscopy. Thank God all is good!! The doctor said everything looked good and that he didn't see anything at all. He still took a biopsy of the tissue just for my peace of mind! I should have those results next week. My celiac results came back as well and I do NOT have celiac disease either! All around FANTASTIC news today! He thinks that with the cancer history I should not ignore anything and I should definitely be cautious and be monitored more closely than most 32 year olds. I still have no explanation for the dull ache either but my records will be passed along to my ob doc and I will see him in a couple weeks for my annual check up.
Even before this scare, I have decided to be extremely proactive with my health and the health of my family. We have made lots of dietary changes this year. We were already pretty healthy eaters, but have gone pretty extreme lately. Mostly organic everything, cutting out most processed foods, cutting out most meats, going to natural products for shampoo, conditioner, soaps, lotions, etc...better safe than sorry! And, with soooo much cancer in my family....My dad's mom had colon cancer, his dad died of lung cancer, my mom with colon cancer, and my sister dying from lymphoma.....I just figure I can't change my genetics, but I most definitely can change what I put into my body!! And with as much as I've read up on cancer in general and specific types as well over the past couple years, I see such a connection with what we put in our bodies! The old saying rings soooooo true...."We ARE what we eat!" Much more on this later..... stay tuned!
Philippians 4:6-7
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus
God ALWAYS hears our prayers whether they are said in mind and heart or said aloud....you just have to have faith that he is always listening!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Another Busy Weekend
Well, it was another busy weekend for the Mixon's. Kit was playing in a golf tournament and Drew, Cory, and I went to mom and dad's. The Gwinnett County Relay for Life Event was Friday night. We all went to honor and remember Crystal and also to honor mom in her cancer fight. It was another emotion filled tribute to the one we all love and miss dearly! Relay for life is a wonderful event and a special way to honor all of the many lives touched by the dreaded "C word!!" The luminary bags lined the walk ways and it was surreal to see so many bags with Crystal Marietta on them. The candle lit lap that we all walked was the saddest part. To see the little signs hanging from Caitlin and Tyler's necks that displayed that they were walking in memory of Mommy.....heartbreaking that cancer took their precious mommy from them so early in life!! Caitlin in all of her innocence said to Nana, "don't you wish we could just wish for mommy to come back down?" Oh how we wish that every second of every day! But, as Cory (my 4 year old) tells me every time he sees me get upset about Curtie...."It's ok....we will see her again one day in Heaven!". I'm very thankful that we will see her again one day. And, for now we just have to take comfort in the fact that she is watching over us as our Guardian Angel! The Carrie Underwood song, 'I will see you again' hits so close to home and sums it up pretty good....
(These pictures aren't the best because I was using my phone.....forgot my good camera)
Mother's Day was a perfectly wonderful day spent with my 3 guys! It started out with sleeping late and yummy breakfast in bed! Then, I got showered with lots of homemade gifts (my absolute favorite) and a yummy strawberry (dipped in chocolate) bouquet, and charms for my Pandora bracelet! Then it was outside to see our brand new golf cart! Ours has been acting up lately and we needed an upgrade....;) The rest of the day was spent outside enjoying the beautiful weather! We even had a picnic at the pool. We ended the day at the Tim McGraw concert with great friends!! (thanks for the tickets and the concert care package Mike and Karen!!) Mother's Day is a great day to sit back and reflect on all the good in life!! I am very grateful for my sweet husband and our 2 precious (and wild) boys! There are definitely days where I want to pull my hair out in frustration at them....but man, they fill my life and my heart with overwhelming joy!! I know there are so many women in the world who desperatley want children of their own and can't have them. We need to remind ourselves how lucky we are to have two beautifully healthy and rambunctious little boys who fill our house with laughter and lots of love!!! And......dirt, clutter, crumbs.......ha ha ha! And, of course I think about how blessed we are to have two wonderful mom's ourselves. Of course we call them Nana and Vimi more than mom these days, but they will always be our mommies!! :) I also think about all of the other women in my life (past and present) who are mom's and whom I've learned from, making me the mom that I am. Blessed, Blessed, and more Blessed!! I hope all of you Mom's out there had a fantastic Mother's Day surrounded by love!!
It was such a beautiful day on Sunday so we cruised all over the neighborhood in our golf cart! Love all the great scenerary around us! This has been such a fun neighborhood to raise our boys! There is always something to do and see! There are sometimes in the summers where we don't even leave the neighborhood for days! It's so nice to have everything you need in your neighborhood........especially when you live out in the middle of nowhere! ;)
(These pictures aren't the best because I was using my phone.....forgot my good camera)
Caitlin with wings like Mommy!
Hope for a CURE for Cancer!!
Walking for Mommy!
Walking for Aunt Curtie!
There were 22 luminaries there with Crystal's name
Saturday morning fun.....
Catching Minnows in the pond behind Nana & Papa's House
(Tyler, Cory, Drew, and Caitlin)
Sweet Cousins Cory & Caitlin!
Busy Boys catching minnows
Just a Fishin!
Decided to take a day trip to the lake house to check on things and cut the grass and move the dock....and of course the crazy boys had to get in the freezing lake for a swim!! The water was beautiful and the lake was fuller than its been in years...but it was definitly COLD!
Clearly not too affected by the icy water! ;)
Mother's Day was a perfectly wonderful day spent with my 3 guys! It started out with sleeping late and yummy breakfast in bed! Then, I got showered with lots of homemade gifts (my absolute favorite) and a yummy strawberry (dipped in chocolate) bouquet, and charms for my Pandora bracelet! Then it was outside to see our brand new golf cart! Ours has been acting up lately and we needed an upgrade....;) The rest of the day was spent outside enjoying the beautiful weather! We even had a picnic at the pool. We ended the day at the Tim McGraw concert with great friends!! (thanks for the tickets and the concert care package Mike and Karen!!) Mother's Day is a great day to sit back and reflect on all the good in life!! I am very grateful for my sweet husband and our 2 precious (and wild) boys! There are definitely days where I want to pull my hair out in frustration at them....but man, they fill my life and my heart with overwhelming joy!! I know there are so many women in the world who desperatley want children of their own and can't have them. We need to remind ourselves how lucky we are to have two beautifully healthy and rambunctious little boys who fill our house with laughter and lots of love!!! And......dirt, clutter, crumbs.......ha ha ha! And, of course I think about how blessed we are to have two wonderful mom's ourselves. Of course we call them Nana and Vimi more than mom these days, but they will always be our mommies!! :) I also think about all of the other women in my life (past and present) who are mom's and whom I've learned from, making me the mom that I am. Blessed, Blessed, and more Blessed!! I hope all of you Mom's out there had a fantastic Mother's Day surrounded by love!!
My Mother's Day Treasures - check out my flowers that will never die! ;)
It was such a beautiful day on Sunday so we cruised all over the neighborhood in our golf cart! Love all the great scenerary around us! This has been such a fun neighborhood to raise our boys! There is always something to do and see! There are sometimes in the summers where we don't even leave the neighborhood for days! It's so nice to have everything you need in your neighborhood........especially when you live out in the middle of nowhere! ;)
Went down to the shoals
Drove to the horse barn
Again.....thankful for all of the many wonderful blessings in our lives!
Until next time....
Monday, May 6, 2013
Family Time
Well....I enjoyed sharing my first post with you so much, that I decided to go for a second one! On Friday afternoon, we found ourselves cruising down the most boring interstate ever....16...headed to Vidalia, where my hubby, Kit, was born and raised. We would probably live there now if I weren't such a "City Girl!" Ha! Just a side note.....when Kit and I first met in Athens, in 1998...I was still sporting my Gwinnett County accent....whatever that is. Apparently to those from Vidalia I sounded a bit like a city slicker. Don't worry....I have been completely reformed and I am ALL country now! ;) Anyway...those dang emotions got the best of me yet again while on the drive to Vidalia. It dawned on me that the last time we were making that drive was THE DAY....the day that forever changed our lives! December 28th we were heading back to Vidalia after just having left 2 days prior from our Christmas visit there ...but we were back celebrating the LIFE of Kit's Mom who was turning 60! And, on that ride is when I got the phone call from Joey that they finally figured out what was ailing my sweet sister......CANCER! I still remember the details of that day and what sadness invaded our world...again!
But, this was going to be a fun weekend! We were going to Vidalia this time for a family reunion on Kit's mom's side of the family. We usually make it every year. We like to refer to this event as JOHNSON MANIA!!!.....insert appropriate year here. :) So, my point is....I am thankful for holidays and birthdays and all the things that bring us together with our families. Because, when you think about it....Family is what it is all about! And, so often days pass and turn to weeks and weeks to months and we realize that we haven't seen some of our family! So, we came together with Kit's family and had a nice weekend visit. His older brother lives in North Carolina with his family and we just don't see them often enough! However, they just moved into a newer (and bigger) house that we can crash at now...so they don't know it yet - but they will see us more often...like it or not! He he! The days were filled with visiting, eating, boys climbing trees, visiting, eating, boys climbing trees.....seriously...I'm pretty sure they were in trees more often than not during the daylight hours! Our boys are at least 80% monkey! And....just as mommy always says when they are climbing trees and get too high and scare me to death.....both Drew and Cory fell out of a tree for the first time. Drew's fall was short and he caught himself with his hands right before hitting his face on the ground. Cory wasn't so lucky. Apparently, he hit a few branches and landed on his face with a mouth full of dirt! Ouch! Luckily the only injury was a scraped cheek. And...luckily mommy didn't see it. Believe it or not, on an afternoon in May in South Georgia...I was inside sitting by the fire chatting with one of Kit's grandma's cousins. Sometimes it is so refreshing to hear the perspective of an older generation. Not the perspective that we often hear....of walking to school in the snow...up hill both ways! Lol! This fun and kind soul spoke of fortune (not the monetary kind). You see he recently (since the reunion last year) had a stroke and lost his vision as a result. And, instead of being mad and grumpy about it, he just makes jokes like "It's so good to see you!" He and I talked for a while and he told me that he isn't bothered by it too much and that he feels fortunate that it happened at a time in his life where he didn't have to make that many adjustments...meaning he was already retired, etc...So, he just takes his circumstances in stride and keeps on trucking! It warmed my heart more than I can say. So many people, (myself included) often mumble and complain about things going on in their lives that aren't ideal. But, its nice to ALWAYS remember that it most definitely could be worse. I've thought of that alot over the last few months. I try to be thankful to God every day for the abundant blessings he has given me in my life! Beyond being thankful for my family, the love of my life, his family, our boys, great friends, etc....there is so much to be thankful for! For instance, I am thankful that Mom is cancer free. I hate that she ever had to have it at all....but what a story of fighting with grace and strength when she was literally (and still is) scared to death of Cancer! I am thankful that I had 32 wonderful years and so many memories with my wonderful sister before she went on to be an angel! Again...I hate that she had to ever get cancer. In losing her I have seen my own life in a whole new light...and for that I am thankful! I guess, in a way I just try to look at the silver lining in things now. Just helps me feel better and its way more productive and spirit lifting than asking why and feeling down!
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
~ Until next time.... :)
Feel free to leave comments! I love hearing from yall too!
Here are a few pictures from our weekend in Vidalia.....it appears they didn't want to post in any kind of proper order. Oh well...still getting the hang of this blogger thing. Sorry for the pic overload....these were just a few of MANY taken....told you I LOVE taking pictures!
But, this was going to be a fun weekend! We were going to Vidalia this time for a family reunion on Kit's mom's side of the family. We usually make it every year. We like to refer to this event as JOHNSON MANIA!!!.....insert appropriate year here. :) So, my point is....I am thankful for holidays and birthdays and all the things that bring us together with our families. Because, when you think about it....Family is what it is all about! And, so often days pass and turn to weeks and weeks to months and we realize that we haven't seen some of our family! So, we came together with Kit's family and had a nice weekend visit. His older brother lives in North Carolina with his family and we just don't see them often enough! However, they just moved into a newer (and bigger) house that we can crash at now...so they don't know it yet - but they will see us more often...like it or not! He he! The days were filled with visiting, eating, boys climbing trees, visiting, eating, boys climbing trees.....seriously...I'm pretty sure they were in trees more often than not during the daylight hours! Our boys are at least 80% monkey! And....just as mommy always says when they are climbing trees and get too high and scare me to death.....both Drew and Cory fell out of a tree for the first time. Drew's fall was short and he caught himself with his hands right before hitting his face on the ground. Cory wasn't so lucky. Apparently, he hit a few branches and landed on his face with a mouth full of dirt! Ouch! Luckily the only injury was a scraped cheek. And...luckily mommy didn't see it. Believe it or not, on an afternoon in May in South Georgia...I was inside sitting by the fire chatting with one of Kit's grandma's cousins. Sometimes it is so refreshing to hear the perspective of an older generation. Not the perspective that we often hear....of walking to school in the snow...up hill both ways! Lol! This fun and kind soul spoke of fortune (not the monetary kind). You see he recently (since the reunion last year) had a stroke and lost his vision as a result. And, instead of being mad and grumpy about it, he just makes jokes like "It's so good to see you!" He and I talked for a while and he told me that he isn't bothered by it too much and that he feels fortunate that it happened at a time in his life where he didn't have to make that many adjustments...meaning he was already retired, etc...So, he just takes his circumstances in stride and keeps on trucking! It warmed my heart more than I can say. So many people, (myself included) often mumble and complain about things going on in their lives that aren't ideal. But, its nice to ALWAYS remember that it most definitely could be worse. I've thought of that alot over the last few months. I try to be thankful to God every day for the abundant blessings he has given me in my life! Beyond being thankful for my family, the love of my life, his family, our boys, great friends, etc....there is so much to be thankful for! For instance, I am thankful that Mom is cancer free. I hate that she ever had to have it at all....but what a story of fighting with grace and strength when she was literally (and still is) scared to death of Cancer! I am thankful that I had 32 wonderful years and so many memories with my wonderful sister before she went on to be an angel! Again...I hate that she had to ever get cancer. In losing her I have seen my own life in a whole new light...and for that I am thankful! I guess, in a way I just try to look at the silver lining in things now. Just helps me feel better and its way more productive and spirit lifting than asking why and feeling down!
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
~ Until next time.... :)
Feel free to leave comments! I love hearing from yall too!
Here are a few pictures from our weekend in Vidalia.....it appears they didn't want to post in any kind of proper order. Oh well...still getting the hang of this blogger thing. Sorry for the pic overload....these were just a few of MANY taken....told you I LOVE taking pictures!
Two little boys mighty excited about a tire swing...Cory with cousin Rainier
One of the MANY beautiful trees at the Johnson House
Drew in a HUGE tree. He was even a little nervous up there when the wind started blowing the branch.
Picking peas out of Gaddy & Vimi's garden - YUMMY!
Feeding the chickens!
Drew in yet another tree....with flip flops on
Family Pic time....
Cousins close in age...Cory (4 1/2) and Rainer (4 next month)
Just a swingin'
Loved this!
Kit with his grandma, Marme - such a sweet soul!
Time for a walk
Tractor Rides - free for a hug!
Cory Bug
Drewby Doo
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
My Very First Blog Post
I've decided to go for it! I am starting a blog. I have been debating on this for weeks now and just decided to try it out and see how it goes.....so, we will see! There are several reasons why I wanted to start blogging. Mainly, because with recent circumstances, (the loss of my sweet sister at such a young age) I have come to realize how very precious life is! This is a great way to document things that are going on in our life and something for my boys to be able to look back on when they are older. I know that my memories of childhood are somewhat limited and blurry. Pictures help, but written (or typed) words I believe help tell the story much better! ;) My other reason is to keep our families involved with our day to day lives. We don't live too terribly close to my family or Kit's family, so we all miss out on the day to day stuff that goes on in each others lives. At least this way there is more of a chance of feeling connected. (If they decide to read it that is! :) Ha!) Facebook has been an awesome way to stay connected over the past few years, but I post more pictures than anything! For those of you that don't know....I LOVE taking pictures! It has been a hobby of mine for some time and hopefully it will turn into more than that somewhere down the road! But, with facebook you don't really have a choice of what you view that I post (unless you have blocked me from your news feed!) With a blog, you only come read my blog if you want to! So.....here it is! The name of my blog was inspired by a dear friend of ours, Spring Tyler. We met in 2005 when Kit and I first moved to Forsyth, and we were instant friends. She nicknamed me "Mix" right out of the gate. I have gained many nicknames over the years.....Mel, Meli Ann, Melers, Chica Mel, Faber, Zanz, Rootie.....some other seriously long ones....Meli Ann Morine Jirene Corine, and Zataranzerbellumgramamaissimomo.....don't ask! LOL! I come from a pretty "unique" family, and we have weird words for alot of stuff! (It's funny too how our kids started speaking our language from the time they were talking and most people have no idea what we are talking about when we talk this way! Anyway..... I thought using one of my more recent nicknames and a play on my last name would be a good fit for my blog!
Current life....
We are all still processing the death of my sweet sister, Crystal. There are days when the whole scene just doesn't seem as if it could possibly be real life. Getting a cancer diagnosis on our dad's birthday (Dec. 28th) and not making it even 2 months.....Harsh! There is not a day that goes by (rarely an hour) that Crystal is not on my mind. Grief is weird too....so many stages and emotions that change with each passing day! But, here is what I tell myself when I get sad and I shared these thoughts with Mom and Joey over the weekend....We should not wallow in sorrow. Crystal would not want that! If anything we should take this as a life lesson....that life can be short and we NEVER know and are NEVER promised another day. So, don't take it for granted! Get out there and LIVE!! No regrets! For me...be a good leader for Jesus, be a good follower of Jesus, be a good wife, be a good mother, be a good daughter, be a good sister, be a good friend! I think if I do these things, Crystal will be proud! She will smile down on me. Because, rest assured....she is not sad! She is happy, healthy, and living her new eternal life! Sadness gets the best of us all at times and its good to get it out and let those emotions flow! But, I mean the true wallowing in sorrow that any of us feel in losing a loved one....there is nothing that we can do to change the situation, there is no point in saying "what if"! None of that matters now! No good can come from it. The good that can come is in learning from it.... learning how to be healthier, learning to love and to live and to give of yourself to others in a selfless way! That's my take on it anyway. Don't get me wrong....I am still sad every day! I still have tears flowing almost every day. (Like right now!) But, my smiles are real. When you see me out and I am enjoying myself and smiling and laughing, that is real! Because, I know Crystal would want me to live life on Earth to the fullest! The ONE thing that I am ALWAYS wishing though is that she was right beside me smiling, and laughing (she had a beautiful smile and the most wonderful laugh, often times followed up with a good clap!)! She will forever live on in my mind, in my heart, and in all the wonderful memories we shared together!
Please realize that I know my grammar stinks. I'm not going to get caught up in all that. (Sorry Mrs. Ward: my favorite English teacher) I'm more of a free flowing kinda gal. :)
I just want to say that I have been feeling overwhelmed with emotions over the last week. The benefit concert honoring Crystal's life on Saturday night was absolutely beautiful and PERFECT! Beyond the emotions of missing her and celebrating her life, my emotions have turned towards thankfulness! My heart is so FULL! I am thankful for all of the MANY wonderful people I have in my life. I am truly blessed beyond words! From the time Crystal was admitted into the hospital in December and all of our worlds were turned upside down, so many people selflessly stepped up to help out in any way possible....and this has continued. The organizing of the benefit concert touched my heart so much! Not only was so much time and effort poured out by our sweet friends, Spring and Chad, but the help they received from many along the way in making this night a success...truly amazing! The musicians were awesome by the way and they gave of their time freely... and were happy to do it! I am just feeling so blessed to have so many awesome people in my life that have given to me and my family in our time of need! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Mere words could never express how overwhelmingly lucky and blessed I feel! When we live in a world that seems so hopeless at times, it is a nice reminder to see the good in people! I am lucky to be surrounded by truly good hearted people!
At the concert there were trees that were donated for us to plant in memory of Crystal and the quote tied to the trees sums life up perfectly!! "Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can." - John Wesley
I am going to attempt to post a few pictures from the concert with this blog...
Here is Crystal's sweet family....Joey with the kids - Tyler (8) and Caitlin (5)
A picture of some of the folks who came out to show their love and support for Crystal's family!
Until next time.....
Current life....
We are all still processing the death of my sweet sister, Crystal. There are days when the whole scene just doesn't seem as if it could possibly be real life. Getting a cancer diagnosis on our dad's birthday (Dec. 28th) and not making it even 2 months.....Harsh! There is not a day that goes by (rarely an hour) that Crystal is not on my mind. Grief is weird too....so many stages and emotions that change with each passing day! But, here is what I tell myself when I get sad and I shared these thoughts with Mom and Joey over the weekend....We should not wallow in sorrow. Crystal would not want that! If anything we should take this as a life lesson....that life can be short and we NEVER know and are NEVER promised another day. So, don't take it for granted! Get out there and LIVE!! No regrets! For me...be a good leader for Jesus, be a good follower of Jesus, be a good wife, be a good mother, be a good daughter, be a good sister, be a good friend! I think if I do these things, Crystal will be proud! She will smile down on me. Because, rest assured....she is not sad! She is happy, healthy, and living her new eternal life! Sadness gets the best of us all at times and its good to get it out and let those emotions flow! But, I mean the true wallowing in sorrow that any of us feel in losing a loved one....there is nothing that we can do to change the situation, there is no point in saying "what if"! None of that matters now! No good can come from it. The good that can come is in learning from it.... learning how to be healthier, learning to love and to live and to give of yourself to others in a selfless way! That's my take on it anyway. Don't get me wrong....I am still sad every day! I still have tears flowing almost every day. (Like right now!) But, my smiles are real. When you see me out and I am enjoying myself and smiling and laughing, that is real! Because, I know Crystal would want me to live life on Earth to the fullest! The ONE thing that I am ALWAYS wishing though is that she was right beside me smiling, and laughing (she had a beautiful smile and the most wonderful laugh, often times followed up with a good clap!)! She will forever live on in my mind, in my heart, and in all the wonderful memories we shared together!
Please realize that I know my grammar stinks. I'm not going to get caught up in all that. (Sorry Mrs. Ward: my favorite English teacher) I'm more of a free flowing kinda gal. :)
I just want to say that I have been feeling overwhelmed with emotions over the last week. The benefit concert honoring Crystal's life on Saturday night was absolutely beautiful and PERFECT! Beyond the emotions of missing her and celebrating her life, my emotions have turned towards thankfulness! My heart is so FULL! I am thankful for all of the MANY wonderful people I have in my life. I am truly blessed beyond words! From the time Crystal was admitted into the hospital in December and all of our worlds were turned upside down, so many people selflessly stepped up to help out in any way possible....and this has continued. The organizing of the benefit concert touched my heart so much! Not only was so much time and effort poured out by our sweet friends, Spring and Chad, but the help they received from many along the way in making this night a success...truly amazing! The musicians were awesome by the way and they gave of their time freely... and were happy to do it! I am just feeling so blessed to have so many awesome people in my life that have given to me and my family in our time of need! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Mere words could never express how overwhelmingly lucky and blessed I feel! When we live in a world that seems so hopeless at times, it is a nice reminder to see the good in people! I am lucky to be surrounded by truly good hearted people!
At the concert there were trees that were donated for us to plant in memory of Crystal and the quote tied to the trees sums life up perfectly!! "Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can." - John Wesley
I am going to attempt to post a few pictures from the concert with this blog...
Here is Crystal's sweet family....Joey with the kids - Tyler (8) and Caitlin (5)
Here are the very talented musicians....Matt Pippin, Thomas Tillman, & Jared Wade...and a guest appearance by our dear friend Chad Tyler...singing a song he co-wrote called Blue Cans
A picture of some of the folks who came out to show their love and support for Crystal's family!
Until next time.....
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