DIY project for my Dining Room- brought to you by the letter N

I saw this on Pinterest and knew I wanted to make one.  While I love wine, I knew it would take me forever to collect enough corks so I asked my Dad to save his for me and I picked them up in March when we went to visit.  I ordered the wooden cut out online and just used a glue gun to stick them on.  And...viola...
I LOVE it!  It will be the perfect addition for our dining room.

Mia's preschool graduation

Better late than never, right?  I've been preoccupied this month, but I wanted to take some time to catch up on some important events. 
Mia graduated from preschool this year and will start kindergarten in September.  I can't believe my baby is growing up.   I am so proud of the beautiful smart and caring little girl she has become.  Her generosity and love for others makes me so happy. A little out of order, but here are a few pictures from her special day.

Preschool Graduation Class of 2014

Mrs. Cindy giving Mia her "diploma"

Pledge of Alliegence

Singing "This Little Light of Mine". 

Ms. Heather helping them play "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" on the bells (Trent, Mia, and Elaina)

Hunter, Aiden, Trent, Mia and Elaina with Mrs. Cindy and Ms. Heather

Family picture

With Nana and Grandpa (Nahas)

With my Mom (Grammy) and my Aunt Lily (Gigi)

I was so touched that Mia's teachers remembered Parker on this special day. 

Mia, Age 5, Teacher- Mrs. Cindy, Favorite Color- Pink, Favorite Food- Macaroni and cheese, Favorite Book- Princess Books, Favorite thing to do- Play

When I grow up, I want to be a "Doctor"

Dad's memorial service

This Saturday is my Dad's memorial service/celebration of life.  I am still at a loss for words.  I miss my Dad every single day.  The worst is when I am at work or driving home from work because those are the times when my Dad and I would talk most (either over email while at work or on the phone on my drive home).  I'm having trouble remembering him when he was well.  I'm guessing that is because I spent 24 hours a day with him for the last 5 weeks of his life.  I saw his rapid decline and suffering.  When I think of him, those are the images that I see and I can't fix it.  I'm hoping that will change in time. 
This Saturday, I will be giving a eulogy.  I will be talking about the life my Dad lived and the advice he gave me.  Please pray that I can get through this, that I will have the peace and strength to talk about the wonderful man that my Dad was.
Thank you

James: Faith Becomes Real, Book Review

 

About a month ago, I downloaded James:  Faith Becomes Real by Carole Arceneaux.  James is my favorite book in the bible so I was excited to read this book and....it did not disappoint.  The Chapters break down each verse in the book of James and really digs into the meaning. 

The part that I found most helpful, were the questions at the end of each chapter.  It makes you reflect on your own life.

This book was a quick/easy read and could easily be used as a daily devotional. 

 

 

 

Dad's Passing

I'm sorry I've been MIA recently.  I've had a lot going on and I've had little/no access to blogger.  You see....In March, my Dad ended up in the ER.  His cancer had spread and we reached a breaking point.  He had to have surgery to put in a G-Tube to drain his stomach and he was released to hospice for palliative care.  We (as a family) went down a week later to visit.  We came home after a week and then a week later, I flew back down and pretty much stayed until he passed away on May 24th.  I came home twice to see my kids. 
I don't think I can write about the experience of watching my Dad's health deteriorate.  I can't yet form words to write about what I experienced.  I'm not sure I will ever be able to describe the feelings I had/have and the emotional toll it took on me to be a primary caregiver for my parent.  I will; however, attempt to post more about his life, including a copy of the eulogy that I wrote for his celebration of life.