October 21, 1974

Kerry B Etheridge

July 7, 1951 - October 21, 1974

Kerry - age 13

Today is the anniversary of the day my biological father passed away.   Still 39 years later, the struggle is real!   There is a hole in my heart that I will never understand.  I will never forgive Cancer for ripping him from my family, but I will always lean on God to get through each day without him. Forever grateful to my step dad for filling the role that was robbed from us, I lived a very full, somewhat normal (ha) life.

I yearn to know what his hopes and dreams were, and what he might look like today.  I wish to know how he would interact with my kids and if he would think I was doing a good job raising them to his satisfaction.  What would be his favorite food?  Would he ever call to just say hi?  Would he remember my birthday?  Would he be in the stadium cheering Cole to victory or would he be seated on the front row in the auditorium beaming at Kerri and Kadi during their plays? 

I do know much about him from other people, especially my grandmother.  However, I wish to know his inner thoughts.  What did he think of cancer?  Was he mad?  Did he accept it?  I just get so mad.

Yep, the struggle is real. 

I have in my possession a photocopy of a writing assignment in his own handwriting, and it is one of my prize possessions that I hold so close.   MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY was an assignment that my grandmother saved and from reading it, I assume he had questions that prompted him in what to write.  When I read it, year to year on this day, sometimes I cry, but sometimes I laugh.  Most of all, I just enjoy.

Kerry Etheridge

My Autobiography

I was born in the General Hospital in Winnfield on July 7, 1951.  I weighed in at 10lb. 6 oz. and 23 in. long.  My first money was a dollar bill from my great aunt and kept it in a bank given to me by my grandmother.

I liked to play cowboys with my brother in the woods.  I would romp with the dogs in the backyard.  My first long trip was to Houston when 3 months old.  I could also do pushups when 3 mo. Old.  I cut first tooth when 4 mo. Old.

I attended the first grade at Winnfield Elementary School under Mrs. Sowers in 1957.  I had Mrs. Jackson in the second.  In the third I had Mrs. Dufresne and we drew all the time.  I had Mrs. Harrel in the fourth and collected bird nests.  In the fifth, I had Mrs. Nugent and Mrs. Teddle in the sixth.  In the seventh, I had two teachers.  I had Mrs. Terrill until she started teaching 8^th grade math.  Then I had Mrs. Bowen.  I have always liked Math and English sort of.  I’ve never liked History and Gov., and I don’t especially like science.

In my family there are four people; my brother, Bonner, 16; my sister, Denise, 10; myself, 13; and my mother.  My father died in June of 1962.  One way I would like my home changed is to have my father back.  I like to have friends to come over, but I don’t really entertain them.

I am a member of the First Baptist Church, and I go most every Sunday. I like to go to study the Bible and worship God.

I don’t like to be around people who laugh all the time, but I don’t like to be around people who don’t laugh at all.  I don’t really know who I look up to.  But I do like people who know about the things I like, such as hunting, fishing and mechanicing.

I like to tinker with engines and to hunt and fish best.  In the last year, I’ve been hanging around Cleo Austins junkyard.  He is a mechanic, a welder, and different things.  Since I’ve been hanging around there, I’ve grown to like mechanicing.  I like to work with tools and to fix things.  I don’t really have any hobby.  I’ve been to Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, Ark., Oklahoma, Texas, Miss., Alabama, and Louisiana.

I would like to be a mechanic.  I don’t know if my mother likes the idea.  I will go to trade school. 

I don’t have a favorite movie star, radio star, tv star, athlete or teacher.  I am scared that when I do something I’m not supposed to, I will get in trouble.  I haven’t tried to overcome any fears.

One thing I wonder about is the way outerspace goes on and has no end.  I also wonder about blowing glass and the way its formed.  Another things I wonder about is how carpenters drive nails in concrete.

Three things I would wish for are to have a motorcycle, a set of craftsman wrenches, and to have my father back. 

Coming Home

Gate 2.  I have formed a love/hate relationship with gate 2. 

Beaumont is a small airport, and we always arrive and depart from gate 2.  I have never seen gate 1.  Or, I have always been so excited that I zoomed past or sad that I overlooked a second gate.  Either way, Gate 2 all the way!! I am forming many memories with Gate 2.

Once, we were so excited when we arrived, we forgot to stop and get our checked bags.  We were about to have a seat in the rental car, when I finally realized that I had no clothes in tow.  “Our luggage!” I exclaimed.  Once again, I am sure Brian was a bit perturbed at my bucket of hair products that I “can’t live without” which required us to check bags in the first place.  Regardless, Brian being Brian, volunteered to go grab them, while I pulled the car around. 

A second time, I recall being the first to arrive at Gate 2 --  the very first to go through the security line.  I had never given any thought to “who” showed up first at the airport in the mornings as I am accustom to flying from a larger airport, such as Eppley Field or DFW, but this particular morning, Brian and I were first.  I wasn’t eager to get home; it was the first flight out, and Cole was sleeping.  I was not Gate 2’s friend this day.  In fact, I cried when I saw it. 

Today, Cole will meet Gate 2.  In fact, he should be sitting in one of the seats right now.  I wonder which one.  I can picture him sitting there as I saw the athlete from OU once or the young man in the service on his way back to somewhere.  Will he look lonely?  I hope his travel mates will say a quick prayer for safe travels and an easy plane change in DFW.  

I wonder if Cole will develop the same love/hate relationship.  I am so very excited to have my Cardinal home for the first time!  It will be a whirlwind of a weekend, but we will make each moment count until he returns to Gate 2.  

Just Thinking.....

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

As we travel through this journey called life, we meet many people in different walks of life.  Some may touch your life; you may touch lives. 

As I reflect on my journey in the past 41 years, I smile fondly of the great people I have met.  It is true – some people come into your life for a moment, some for a season, and some may be special enough to bond for a lifetime.  Regardless the length of stay, they all have their purpose. 

There are certain people, places and things that I may run across or be reminded of that automatically place a memory of someone in my mind.  For instance, I think of Gena Catalani every time I see a beautiful bow made of ribbon.  The song “Boot, Scoot and Boogie” immediately conjures up the memories of Sonya Bellah, Christy Richardson, and Melinda Ready.  Jimmy Buffet will forever remind me of Lisa Arnold. I cannot see yellow laffy-taffy without thinking of Dawn and Diane.  Tony Romas restaurant was a must have for Robin Montano.  I can’t hear Def Leppard’s, “Rock of Ages,” without thinking of Stacie Bice or any song by Danger Danger without thinking of Kelli Davidson and Troy Jackson.  Each time I watch Pretty Woman, I instantly think of Dixie, Bonnie and Kim. Cake Pops from Starbucks always make me smile and think of Tracy Gengler. Tiffany’s and the little blue boxes, Kim Sheffield.  Bob Seger, Peggy Huston.   Any opera music, Allison Pollitt.  Eli and Payton Manning , Tracie Williams. Madonna, Heather Becraft.  Top Gun, Angie Wheeler. Valley Girl (and most 80’s movies), my Jr Hi BFFs! Gate B33, a stranger named Danya.

The list could go on and on. 

Literally.

Flickers of memories remind me of these beautiful souls, and while these memories certainly do not define them, it causes me great joy to smile at the times once shared and for a brief second wonder what might remind people of me. A song? A restaurant? A movie?  Some may have Positive memories; some may have negative.  Some may not remember at all.

What I do hope that people remember is that I love the Lord, love my family, and love my friends.  I hope people remember me as being a loyal friend, leader and mentor, and above all else, a Christian. 

B33 - Beacon of Light

B33  - Be a Beacon of Light

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

January 2013

Even in my somber mood, I turned just a teeny bit giddy at the thought of the gate being “33.”  33 was everywhere lately, and it was my beacon of light.  I took it to be just a shred of hope.  These emergency flights home were becoming a bit more frequent, and with each one, the news a little more scary.  I would cling to anything – even 33.

As the announcements came for each delay at DFW, my hope was fading.  I just wanted to get home.  Surely these people surrounding me didn’t have as big of need as mine.  Couldn’t American Airlines do a better job of scheduling their crews?  What was the hold up?  I remained positive, getting to know my travel mates names, hometowns, travel plans, and any other info we deemed acceptable to share during our wait, until our focus turned to a young lady sobbing loudly.  Some gawked.  Some stared.  Others looked away.  I prayed.  I wasn’t sure what was making her cry uncontrollably, but I was certain, I wanted to cry just the same if only to make her feel better.  It was like a magnetic force pulling me towards her -- the kind that pulls you out of your comfort zone.  I was perfectly content sitting with my travel buds, discussing travel mishaps and delays, but God insisted this lady needed me.  I love to argue, but it does no good arguing with Him.

I walk over, and ask if I can get her some water or a tissue.  I do.  She shares her father has just passed away, and she is desperately trying to get home to Shreveport.  I silently chide myself for thinking I had the biggest need on the flight, and ask if I can pray with her.  In the middle of DFW, we stand outside gate B33 praying.  What I prayed for, I have no recollection.  I would have to guess comfort and peace, safe travels, a hedge of protection, understanding, a flight crew….

The crew came, and as God would orchestrate, we were seatmates on the plane.  She shared her name, so I could add her our prayer list.  Danya.  I shared that I have a cousin named Danja.  I hadn’t known anyone else.

July 2013

While in Beaumont shopping, I received a phone call from my cousin, Louellen and Danja’s sister, asking if I had prayed in the middle of DFW with a young lady.  I had almost completely forgotten because once we landed, my focus turned to helping my family.  I am ashamed to say that I prayed for Danya for a few days, but not much after that. 

As it turns out, Danya was named after Danja.   Danya had shared our story and what it meant to her, with my cousin and others at the visitation of her father, but she didn’t recall my name or relation. 

Louellen just wanted me to know that I had made a difference. 

October 2013

I believe people are beacons of light to others everyday just as people need others to be a beacon of light for them.  It is such a small world, and never did I think anyone would ever know of my experience that evening.  But I smile remembering how I felt to know it DID make a difference, not only to the young lady, but my family.  We never know when God may call us to be a beacon, but we know he calls us to let His light shine everyday!

·      Who can you give hope to today?

·      Have you told someone lately what a difference they have made in your life?

·      Have you paid it forward lately?

RIP Brandon

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

I May or May Not Be THAT Mom!

I may or may not be the mom who refuses to allow you to complain.

I may or may not be the mom who dances in the rain.

I may or may not be the mom who busts out in song driving down the road, or in front of your friends.

I may or may not be the mom who has crazy rules about the contact lens.

I may or may not be the mom who overnights a calculator

I may or may not be the mom who is a terrible navigator.

I may or may not be the mom who stops at 3 restaurants for 1 meal

I may or may not be the mom who will hand over her last bill.

I may or may not be the mom who plays games instead of completing chores

I may or may not be the mom who yells over slamming doors

I may or may not be the mom who allowed you to pick your own clothes because she couldn’t decide.

I may or may not be the mom who let chores slide

I may or may not be the mom who insists homework to be done

I may or may not be the mom who signed up for every classroom party because it was fun.

I may or may not be the mom who runs all over town to find the perfect dress

I may or may not be the mom who insists on your best

I may or may not be the mom who will stalk you, track you, go crazy mom on you til the cows come home.

I may or may not be the mom who is gullible enough to buy an instyler or floam.

I may or may not be the mom who allows you to make mistakes on your own

I may or may not be the mom who prays for you all day long

I may or may not be the mom who yells, screams and cusses

I may or may not be the mom who forgets and fusses

I may or may not be the mom to take you toilet papering and to ride roller coasters.

I may or may not be the mom who gets so mad over a silly toaster.

I may or may not be the mom to stay up and go shopping at midnight

I may or may not have been the mom to fly a kite.

I am the mom who loves you with all her might!

What is a Jelly and Why do I Care?

I see all the requests on facebook for candy crush – every day.  Multiple times a day.  I see posts.  Victories.  Complaints.  I couldn’t resist.  It was a little like Bejeweled blitz, but in slow motion.  Whatever.  I’m done. 

Ignoring the requests, I just keep playing my “drug(s) of choice.”  Bejeweled Blitz, Ruzzle, and Canasta.  Kerri turned me on to Blitz and Ruzzle, but she moved on.  I haven’t.  But then I see a tweet by my son – WILL TWERK FOR MORE CANDY CRUSH LIVES Really? 

I couldn’t resist the urge to try it out again.  If it is holding Cole Carleton’s attention enough to tweet about it, I better take a second look…..

That was one week ago today. 

I went for 4 days without even realizing the meaning of his tweet.  I would play a couple of levels and move on to something else.  And then came level 33.  I was stuck.  I then realized you get a new life every 30 minutes.  I would try again.  Then I set it to notify me when I had 5 lives.  Gone.  I was consumed with trying to beat that level.  Every free minute I was sneaking in a try.

I finally beat level 33 in the airport while charging my phone.  I wasn’t really even trying.  I was certain I wouldn’t clear all the jellies.  I just wanted to use up all my lives and before Brian sat down and we would play yahtzee.  I moved on to the next level and then the next.  At some point I ran out of lives, again. 

Brian wasn’t feeling well, and asked the stewardess for a blanket when we boarded the plane.  She was snarky with him.  Rude.  (My first class king was sitting coach with me because there were no upgrades and was battling nausea and fever.) As we buckled our seatbelts and waited for passengers to file in, I went back to my candy addiction. The same RUDE stewardess approached from behind.  I think she is bringing the blanket – no.  She says, “what level are you?”  “Excuse me?” I answered.   “Candy crush?  What level are you?  I have been stuck for 2 months on ….” I quit listening.  Wow.  This lady was so tired that she was treating people rudely, but as soon as she saw candy crush, happy, happy, happy was swimming through her veins.  WOW.  I three-peat – WOW.  Unbelievable.  The lady next to me joins in… "wait until you get to level 165.  There are……"  Seriously people, my husband is dying here, and forget the candy, he might crush you if you don’t get him a blanket!  He never got the blanket. 

I am now sending those pesky little requests for more lives and something called tickets or something to unlock a bridge.  I have no idea.  24 hours later, I am stuck on level 38.   I don’t even know what a jelly is that I am trying to remove or why I want all the fruit at the bottom.  Now, I have shackles to break, and I am wondering if Christian Grey is lurking behind one of the jellies.  Whatever.  You are welcome to ignore my requests, but if you are addicted too, send a  sistah a new life!  

Now Servicing C445

We have a new driver in the house!

WHAT?!?!? 

Our sweet little Kadi turned 15 this summer, and after weeks of discussion, she finally went last week to take her written test in order to obtain a learners permit.  The discussion went something like this:

Mom – Kadi, have you studied for your driving test?

Kadi – You never gave me the book!! 

Mom – Oh, yes I did!  Find it! 

Kadi – Oh, here it is.  My bad.

Days later:

Mom – Kadi, have you studied for your driving test?

Kadi – No, I don’t need to!  I’ll pass.

Dad – STUDY! Or you won’t pass.

Kadi – I’m just going to take the practice test.  I’ll be fine.  My friends said……

Mom – I don’t care what your friends said!  If you don’t study, you won’t pass!  Ask Cole!  He didn’t read the book and only took the practice test and failed.  Kerri studied, and passed the first try.

Kadi – I’ll be fine.

Dad – Oh well, guess I don’t have to buy her a car.

Days later:

Kadi – Mom, are you ever going to take me to get my permit?

Mom – Yes, I’ll take you when you study.

Days later  - Mom finds note cards on the counter that resembles driving questions.

Mom – What are these note cards? Kadi are you ready for your test?

Kadi – (smirks) Well, I took the practice test and those are the ones I missed.

Mom quizzes Kadi. 

Kadi thinks she is ready, so off we go to the DMV.  I ask again, if she read the book, and she insists to me that she didn’t need to, and that she would be fine.  I hope so because my least favorite place in the world in the DMV.  I think they take all the crazies of the world and place them in the waiting room, and then plop us right in the middle.  Really?  No other nice Omaha family needs a driver’s license at the same time we do?

We take a number “C415” and a form with clipboard and proceed to find a seat next to the least crazy person we can find and begin filling in the blanks.  As I get the SS# blank, I panic.  I don’t have hers memorized.  I could call Granda as she always has them with her.  I could call and see if Kerri is home; she could look in the lock box.  This is crazy!  Why haven’t I learned? I continue filling out….

OMG!  I have her social security card as her proof of ID with me!  Okay!  Who are the crazies of the world?  Just add me right along with them.  Geez.

NOW SERVICING C415.  Here we go! 

The gentleman takes our form, my license, her proof that she is Kadi Carleton, and adds her into the Nebraska database.  She barely passes her eye exam because the glasses (that she is proving to us that she will wear non-stop so she can get contacts) are home. She is laughing and joking, very relaxed for someone who is going to take a test in which she hasn’t read the book.  As she receives her instructions, I proceed back to my chair among the crazies.

Out she comes with a big SMILE on her face, and said, “I failed.”  I immediately assume she is joking.  She would be furious.  I know this child.  Nope.  Failed.  Missed 6.  As soon as we get to the car, the child I know appears.  I get the pouty, turn towards the window, ignore mom, child.  I can’t resist.  I say those 4 little words that I so love to say, but really give me no satisfaction: I TOLD YOU SO!

Another hard lesson in life that could have been avoided by just listening to mom, but of course, when they learn the hard way, perhaps they won’t make the same mistake twice.  I hate to see my kids upset, in pain, or disappointed.  But, I have to remember, that is how they learn. 

I promised I would take her back on Monday after school.  I would even pick her up early from school and treat her to ice cream.  On this day, she is visibly nervous and studying and even questioning things as we are driving. 

“C445”

Same routine; different crazies. 

I get a text:  I PASSED! 

I breathe a huge sigh of relief……that is until I realize what comes next:  LEARNING TO DRIVE.  

One Month Today

It's been ONE MONTH since I pulled out of the driveway on Jackson St, embarking on a road trip that would change my "normal" FOREVER.  July 8th.  The day I left Brian and the girls at home, stuffed Cole's truck full of his belongings, and headed south with him behind the wheel.  He was leaving home, and I was helping him.

How did we get here?  I had 17 hours to reflect on the journey.  There were definitely a few speed bumps, a few roller-coasters, and a lot of smooth ground in 18 years.  A lot of laughs, a lot of memories, and a few tears.  All in all, I couldn't ask for anything better.

Cole drove most of the way.  I think in an attempt to "prove" he could or probably more along the lines of he didn't trust me with his truck!  We went to Louisiana to visit my grandmother on her 85th birthday before heading to Beaumont.  What a treat to see them together.

As we pulled into Beaumont, Cole was a little nervous, but plenty excited.  He was meeting his roommate Rex for the first time, and other players he had met online, but would soon be his new family.  Traffic was tight, but his first order of business was to fight the traffic, exit and find a what-a-burger!  Ah, Texas!

We pulled up to the Athletic complex around 4pm on July 9th, and Cole was beaming.  The nerves were gone.  He was in his element.  That was the moment I knew, "this is right."  We got our instructions, and headed to the dorm.  His room was 24303.  2 - threes.  and the storage closet at the end was 33.  This is right.

We walk into his room, and Cole immediately states, "well this is less glamorous than the room they showed us."  Light bells went off.  I can make it as glamorous as you want, honey.  After all, he was 17 hours from home, so this will be his new home -- even on weekends.  :) I had 3 days and I was headed to Houston to see my mama!  Great stores in Houston!

My new BFF Jill (Rex's mom) and I did a little shopping for the boys, cleaning and putting things away, and within 24 hours, they were set.  Jill and I celebrated my 20 yr anniversary with Margaritas. The boys even joined us later (without the margaritas), though I think it was more about us paying then spending time with us!  It was time to say goodbye to my LamarBFF.  I will forever be grateful to her for raising the type of son I had prayed would be chosen to room with my son.

With Cole headed to class and me heading to Houston, I was excited for him to meet the gang and get settled in his new digs!  I spent a glorious day with my mama, and she shared her activities and friends with me -- Bingo, Physical Therapy, Syd, Lou.  It was at that moment as I listened to her introducing me to her nurses and friends, that I realized how proud she was of me and the depth of love she had for me.  I knew because I felt the same for my child.

I had just a couple of minutes to budget shop around Houston, and WOW, did I find some great bargains.  The following morning as Cole and Rex left for class, I went to work on their room.  VOILA!  HOME!!!  Rex said, "we are sure to get all the chicks now."  Well, that really wasn't what Jill and I had in mind.

I am counting the days until I see him.  17 days to be exact.  I won't be so pitiful to tell you the hours and minutes, but I know! Brian gets to see him in 10.  Am I jealous?  You bet!  However, I am trying to put on a pleasant face and those silly big girl panties everyone talks about.

We have conversed daily.  It might just be a couple of texts, a quick phone call, or occasionally he has time to face time and I get to see that beautiful face.  The bests are the unplanned, unsolicited calls and the random instagram posts where he publicly mentions that he misses us.  I know he does.  I miss him more, though.

What gets me through the heartache is the fact that my son loves football and he is getting to do what he loves to do! I am very thankful to Coach Woodard and Lamar University for giving Cole this opportunity.  I am so proud of Cole's dedication to pursue what he loves through the hard work, long hours, slight homesickness and his lack of enjoyment of school.  :)  If you know my child, you know he isn't crazy about school.  He started school on July 10 and he is going to class, doing his work, and getting good grades.

The girls have mentioned lately (a lot lately) that Cole is the favorite.  I would tell you that I don't have favorites.   I will admit life has been about him recently from his senior year, graduation, and his send-off Crawfish Boil and now to college football.  They will have their time!  I can't imagine the day I send them off in this cold world.  I have 2 more years with Kerri and 4 with Kadi! Hopefully, they pick somewhere a bit closer, though I encourage them to chase their dreams.

I am excited to see what the new normal holds for the carleton crew with just 2 kids at home. Our first new normal trip is girls shopping and worlds of fun!  Here's to enjoying the ride~~

A long flight back home

As I sit in my seat high above the clouds, I find myself feeling an overwhelming amount of comfort.  Is it because I am closer to God up here among all the white stuff outside my window?  Is it because he knows I need him?  Is it because I am reaching for his hand?  Maybe all of the above or none of the above, but regardless, I am extremely grateful to know that he is right here holding me close in my time of need. 

It seems I need him all the time for many reasons, but today the reason is the very person that God chose to be my mother.  I fight back tears as I type.  Mom fell and broke her hip yesterday.  She called about 1pm, but I was with friends on the patio and didn’t hear my phone.  Again, she called late afternoon.  As I said hello, the first thing she said was:  “I’m in bad shape.  I can’t move.”  As the story progresses through my multiple questions, “did you call 911,” “did you call dad,” “where are you?”  I realize, yes, she is definitely in bad shape.   No, they didn’t call 911, but yes dad was right there. 

It didn’t take me long to realize she had broken her hip (yes, all the way in Nebraska, so just call me, Dr. Donna!), but convincing her and dad was not happening.  In fact, they were adamant and stayed home all night in the living room as mom couldn’t stand to get upstairs.  By morning, dad called the ambulance service, who helped get mom in the car to get to the hospital.  Around noon, confirmation came.  A broken hip.

Mom is scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning, and I am on a flight as we speak to be there with her prior to surgery.  I try my hardest to remember to praise God daily for the many blessing he has bestowed upon me and my family, one being my mother.  I am thankful to have shared so many good times (and some not so good) with her, and I am asking him to give me many more.  Ask and ye shall receive, right? 

Specific prayer requests: 

Pain free through out the night for mom.

Good nights rest for the surgeon and steady hands for him tomorrow.

Peace and comfort for both mom and dad and my sister who is out of town for a girls weekend and Brian who is on his mancation.  I hope they are able to enjoy their time despite their worry.

Safe travels for all.

I will post updates as they come!  

2012 - A Year in Review

Kicking off the year in style, proved to be a very smart choice for our family.  2012 has been one of the most memorable for our family in so many ways. As we began the year with the Miles' family, we not only reconnected our friendship, but also reconnected our bond within our own family.  Seven full days to relax, play and explore.  Favorite highlights were a jeep ride around the island of Cozumel, movie night on the deck in our robes, a proposal by Matt to Sherrie and the of course the ice cream machine!  I know as my kids grow and start their own lives, this will be one holiday that they will never forget. 

Starting with a vacation allowed us to free up our summer for family and friends as well as trips the kids wanted to take with school and church.  The kids are very active in choir, so they were able to take a trip to Chicago with the fine arts department.  Our church took the youth to Joplin to help rebuild from the horrific tornado, as well as renew their faith in our Savior.  We traveled to Arkansas to reconnect with the Miles' again.  It was my honor and privilege to help with a very special wedding; Sydney and Dustin pledged their love.

Hosting special guests was the highlight of the summer/fall.  Carleton's, Weaver's, and Nana all had the chance to visit as well as several of our dear friends.  It is always such a blessing to open our home to those that we love.  We also are experiencing family in a way we never have in our married life.  Local.  My cousins have moved less than 7 minutes from our home.  What a joy! 

As the kids started school, God continued to bless our family in ways we had never imagined or even hoped.   Cole was nominated for team captain of his football team and went on to earn Team MVP, All District, All Conference HM, All State HM, Most Inspirational Player, a football scholarship and already has offers to play for several colleges.  He was named to homecoming court and has already begun his wrestling season where he continues to thrive. 

Kerri participated in the school musical and earned her first speaking part in the One Act, as well as a spot in the coveted JV show choir.  Kerri was also offered a modeling contract, but we decided she had enough at school to keep her busy.  She is also a wrestling manager and on the speech team.  She is in a number of clubs and begins driving in a month.

Kadi was newly named to student council and continues in Destination Imagination and Circle of Friends.  She earned a 19 on the ACT as a 7th grader and earned a National award of merit.  She most recently has taken up the sport of bow hunting with her daddy and has her very own bow.

All 3 are maintaining A's and B's this year (PTL) and continuing to nourish great relationships with their friends.  It is safe to say, "my kids are blessed."

This has been the first year that I am a full-time, non-working mom.  While sometimes I do miss working, I am cherishing the time I have with these precious little ones God has entrusted to me.  It is a full-time job managing the Carleton calendar; sometimes I think I need a secretary! 

Brian has earned a much-deserved promotion this year, Vice President of Operations!  We are so proud of him, but mostly I am proud of the dad and husband he is and the life lessons he teaches our children, such as a strong work ethic and dedication to his family. 

My new year's resolution last year was to learn to be content.  I truly worked hard at my resolution and my trust in God, and it definitely proved to be one of the best years for our family.  I am forever grateful for all our blessings from God, and the life he has so generously given to the Carleton Crew.