Who knew??

It's hard to imagine when you have children what they will be like when they get older. I've thought of many scenerios but never imagined they would be what they are doing now. Scott is entering medical school this Fall after doing his tour in Iraq and time as a Marine, graduating from The Citadel. Jen just told me she has been accepted to law school in San Diego - starting this Fall, a Lieutenant in the Navy. She graduated from the Naval Academy - maybe go JAG? And Annie graduates from nursing school in one more year and will be a Navy Nurse, heading with Audrey to somewhere that the Navy says she needs to be. I am so proud of them!

California - Part I

Jen, Annie, Audrey and I set off for our trip - Jeff was along too (Jen's friend). Many bags, lots of baby stuff, and very excited!!

Waiting for the flight with Aunt Jennifer.

Audrey gets a window seat......and promptly begins to study the safety brochure. She was particularly intrigued by pics of plane crashing into water - wanted to know if we were going to do that! (This child is afraid of NOTHING!)
With 4 adults to help, there was no shortage of entertainment. No tears, no whining - she had a blast. Annie even taught her how to 'pop' her ears so there were no issues! Such a good Mommy! One of our first stops - wanted to see the IMAX "Under the Ocean" at the science center. The film was kinda lame, but we had fun with all the displays! Playing ball in the wind turbine was fun, until... ...Jen decided to try her hair in the machine. The results speak for themselves -- Audrey loved it! Lots and lots of displays, and Audrey's favorite was checking out groceries and working a cash register. Let's see, anti-gravity machine, electrical circuits, optical illusions or - check out groceries. Yup, groceries won every time.


Throwing pennies in the fountain.

Back at the house, some popcorn and interaction with Buddy-The-Really-Huge-Amazingly-Sweet-Dog.
Close up of Buddy.

It was a great day! I left for my conference, and we reunited for a trip to Disneyland! More to come!

California Cruising...ending with a bruising

Jen's dog, Buddy, after the party....

In Houston airport - on my way home with Annie and Audrey (thanks to free Southwest tickets!) from California. A wonderful week that had two different conferences (AERA and NARST) with two different presentations that went awesomely well. Disneyland with Annie, Audrey, Jen, Jeff and Courtney. Jen and I saw BodyWorlds - amazing. Precious time spent with my daughters, and a great party at Jen's with lots of food and friends topped off a stellar week. Pics will be forthcoming. Last night, on my way into my fourth and final hotel of the week, dragging a large suitcase and in my party shoes -- an unseen curb and a misplaced step. I landed face first in the concrete...quite literally - face first. An ambulance ride and ER visit followed. It's not pretty. Four front teeth shattered and hopelessly broken, and a lip that looks like ground beef. Thank God Annie was with me. Audrey keeps asking me if I feel better. She spent the trip home giving me lots of kisses on my cheek and I am decked out in stickers --- that is what they give you at the doctor's office when you go in for your shots you know. The sentiment literally chokes me up thinking about it. She is so precious.

Tomorrow is a full day - and I'm hoping to get into the dentist's office and find out what the prognosis is.

Stay tuned. Much to blog about, but gotta get home first.

My fortune cookie at lunch - which I could not eat - said, "laughter is the best medicine". Words of wisdom....

A Perfect Easter

It was perfection - first, all my children are in town, and JP too. Mass at the Cathedral was perfection - the choir, who worked soooo hard, was ON. The music and accompanying orchestra were amazing. I had to hold back tears while singing. Then, Audrey was baptised. Yes, I know, she's three - it takes a village and it's hard to round up our villagers when they are scattered all over the world doing their duty overseas and also living on both sides of the U.S. coasts. The whole family was here including a full complement of grandparents. My heart was so full. When we went into the church as it was drizzly and rainy and cold. We came out after all the festivities and the SUN WAS SHINING! It was as if God was smiling on all of us Easter Sunday. Thank you God for a perfect day.
Audrey and her Mommy Annie, and her Godparents Scott and Jen. She never cried once - such a well behaved girl! I love how Audrey's hand is on Jen's cheek, and Annie's on Audrey's.

Patiently listening to the prayers we all offered.


Salt and Oil being applied - all part of a very ancient rite. The oil was just blessed during Holy Saturday Mass. I smelled it in Audrey's hair afterwards - it was a sweet smell. Scott said that is what new Catholics smell like :)

Afterwards we gathered at Landry's Seafood for dinner. Audrey was happy to color, not realizing how important the day really was!

Super silly Scott and Jen.

It was a perfect day!

All three children in the military

It's official - today Annie found out her application has been accepted and she passed muster with physical exams, interviews, GPA's, etc. and is going to be a Navy nurse. She has another year of civilian life as she finishes her program in nursing school, but then -- she belongs to them. That means all three of my children are in the military service -- Jen a Lieutenant in the Navy, Scott a Marine and now Annie Navy Nurse. Part of me is so proud I could cry. Another part of me is very apprehensive as I will be taking care of Audrey when Annie goes to Officer Training, and whenever she has to leave to serve...somewhere. Yeah, nervous. Lots of prayers for their safety - and for all those who are serving their country. Definitely more proud than nervous as I know they are in good and loving hands....

They're coming....

the birthday pics I mean. Work has been relentless and I will get the pics posted soon. Here is a preview - Audrey at the beach -- her wish for birthday trip was to "chase birdies and throw shells in the water" -- proudly showing her age. Preciousness!

To Audrey who is Three

You know I love you more than anything. You stole my heart 3 years ago, and the ties that bind have grown stronger. I hope that you will always remember, no matter what, your Mommy loves you more than ANYTHING. More than herself. She has given up so much - and never questioned why - for you. She is a woman who is strong, seldom complains, and simply goes from square A to square B to C...etc. always putting you first. I am so proud of her. Someday, if you are very lucky you will understand.

You have so many who love you beside me. J, Bebe, Farrar, Courtney, ALL of the Gantt family, your uncle Scott and Aunt Jen. Many other friends and relatives including a grandpa and a whole 'nother side of the family pulling for you - we love you unconditionally.

I remember watching you every night after you were 6 weeks old so Annie, a brand new Mommy, could make money at the Cracker Barrel to support you while she was doing nursing school. Me a brand new professor making time for you. And you a brand new baby. We did brand new pretty well. I am proud of how we pulled it all together and seldom complained.

God willing, there will be many more birthdays. There will be untold challenges as you deal with life and all that goes along with it. Know that your Grandmomma ("momma") loves your unconditionally. You are my treasure. I am so proud that you are my granddaughter. I never imagined how far my heart could stretch past loving my children, and make room for another. You have taught me how far a heart can really, truly stretch and make room for more love. I so love you Audrey Anne.

With all my heart,
Your Momma.