Thinking of my mom ....

It's almost two years since my mother went to heaven and for some reason, today I feel her especially near. I decided to update my music on my blog so if you hear a song starting, it is the one that Rachel sang at my mother's funeral service, "If You Could See Me Now". I think of several who have gone on to heaven recently -- two of those most recently have been Rev. Mark Russell, Sr., and Dan Downing's mother.

When my sister sang, her face litrally beamed and I had the feeling that she caught a glimpse of my mom -- her pain gone (finally!!) and she was where she had wanted to be for so long!

Do I wish her back? Maybe in some ways but I know that I will one day see her again -- so, if you have time ... listen to the song and remember those who have gone on ahead of us!

I was looking for the photo above and there was one right beside it -- while my heart had been a little heavy missing Mother -- this photo brought a chuckle as it was so typical of her. I wish I knew the amount of money my mother had put into post-it-notes and duct tape. This is what my dad found when he came home one day!!

Kamen's Birthday Party

Thought I would post some photos from our party last night.

Happy Birthday, Bob and Rachel!!!

Tomorrow, Bob and Rachel both celebrate their birthdays. Actually, today is Shaley's birthday -- Rachel and Allen's daughter. She's 12 years old and growing up into a beautiful young lady!!

I met Bob when Rachel was about a month old. I didn't really get acquainted with him for a few months but needless to say, Rachel doesn't remember life without Bob. ("What about Bob?")

There's quite an age difference obviously -- I was almost 15 when Rachel was born and Bob is three years older than I am. Rachel has not been just a sister but also one of my very best friends (along with my girls!)

Then we have two more birthdays -- Kamen will be 10 on Thursday (the 11th) and my brother, Joel's, grandson, Joel Ryan, will be five years old on Thursday. (Two September 11th birthdays!)

So, happy birthday everyone ... We have another friend who celebrates a birthday tomorrow. Dr. Don Riggs who pastored the West Morris Street Free Methodist Church in Indianapolis. I had the privilege of working for him and his wife, Iris, for a few years. So, a special 'happy birthday' to him as well.

Wow ... I need to go get ready for a birthday party tonight -- we are celebrating Kamen's birthday with a few close friends. Then, he is soooo excited because he gets to go to the Nickelodeon Hotel on Thursday. It's an awesome place to celebrate a birthday!!

Stone Mountain Laser Show

Tim, Sandi, Tyler and I were in Atlanta for the past couple days and last night, visited Stone Mountain to see the laser show. We had to wait until dark for it to start but it was well worth the wait! The final song is "The Star Spangled Banner" sung by Sandi Patti! I'm in the car now so won't write a lot but will share a few photos here.