I have a very sweet story to tell but it is not for today. Something happened Sunday afternoon and I want to share that very soon. Today I am just going to open my home to you and invite you in for a cup of my new favorite coffee: Tully's Extra Bold French Roast.
(There is a story behind that coffee cup, too.)
Audra is swimming, biking and running...registering for lots of spring 5k's.
She is my favorite song writer!
(HS graduation party '08 ~ Andrew in the background)Avery is leaving for a school mission trip to Montana this Saturday. They will be serving at a reservation under the leadership of missionaries.
(photo ~ 2010)They will have a day planned for skiing, too. I'm sure my boy will enjoy showing off his snowboarding skills and I will be praying, praying, praying...
(photo ~ 12/08)Andrew is enjoying Eternal Life in Heaven...I saw his face so clearly in my dreams last night. I love his face. I love him. I miss him so much. Next month we will celebrate his birthday (13). I am planning to make his favorite dessert.
(photo ~ '07)My husband is THE BEST. I have a story in my head about him that I have never written. I'm looking forward to getting it on paper.
(photo ~ 12/08)Ted is a spoiled little dog. Andrew used to ask me if I had kissed Ted on the head for the day. I only did it when Andrew insisted on it. But now I do it everyday. I kiss Ted on the top of his warm little head and I say, "This is for Andrew, Ted."
(video of Ted below)
We have friends coming in a couple of weeks. I am looking forward to it. They are "family kind of friends."
Every Wednesday I walk with one of the most Jenuine of women I have ever had the privilege of knowing. We walk at a local park or trail. Avery says that he is part of her family. Isn't that great? I love that!
She makes delicious banana pudding for us.
Yesterday while walking, my friend and I saw an alligator at the water's edge. We decided to pet the gator.
photo ~ http://www.mthurricane.com/alligator.htm(Just kidding!) She doesn't make banana pudding for us.
(Just kidding!!!)We didn't get that close to the alligator. And she DOES make banana pudding for us.
I videotaped Ted today. That always makes Andrew happy...videos and pictures of Ted.
Be forewarned: I am guilty of "baby talk" to Ted. He is a widdle baby.
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Hi Melanie. Oh my heart goes out to you. Goodness, i'm crying here for you. Please know that I think of you often and even though we don't know each other in real life, I have come to love you and your family and continually pray for you all. Sending hugs all the way from Texas. God Bless You.
ReplyDeleteSandra
I think you need a hug right about now...I know I do just thinking about you!
ReplyDeleteI am still praying for you and your family!
I have lost lately too and although the pain for me is not as great as yours...I do know that each day is yet another step toward feeling a bit better.
Not recovery because I don't feel
that is not a possibility...but managing!
Being there for others.
Have a blessed afternoon...I'm glad you made the coffee strong!
Big hugs...donna
That coffee cup is awesome. Your family is so beautiful, Melanie, I'm guessing on the inside, as well as on the out. I relate to your post today so very much- so many good blogs in the head, but no time to get them down on the blog. I look forward to reading them whenever they do appear- someday.
ReplyDeleteI was so believing you about the gator and I was thinking, what? you can pet those? So gullible up here in Michigan. I totally believed the pudding story the first time.
Are you okay with the fact that I shared Avery's pi poem today as part of my Thankful list for Thankful Thursday. I was very blessed by that poem, as well as the picture of Avery doing a summy through the rainbow. I gave Avery total credit and linked back to your post on it. Let me know. I probably should have asked before I posted it, instead of after.
Have a blessed day blog friend.
Oops fumbled and stumbled over a few words!
ReplyDeleteSorry!
I was a little teared up and my thoughts got away from me.
It's a beautiful day here and
i hope you have the same!
Blessings to you and yours~donna
Coffee is wonderful! Thanks for the invite. So glad we can share today. Your family is so precious. I know you are so proud of them. I'm sending a big ole Texas hug your way. Hope you feel it. You are a special lady. Soak in God's presence today and sing His praises.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Tara
Oh girl, how did you KNOW I needed a cup of coffee..SIGH..I REALLY DO to,,lol.
ReplyDeleteLove Audra's dress in that pic. Just beautiful.
Sounds like Avery is going to have some fun on that mission trip plus so much more!!
Oh how Andrew is enjoying himself, amen girl..And to think his first Easter rejoicing with our Lord...wow...
How precious of a gift to see his face like that in your dream last night...I thanked God when I had those experiences when a beloved of mine passed away tragically many years ago and I would have these dreams like that...SIGH...yes,,,a gift...
that is freaky with the gator Melanie..and YOU CRACK ME up girl..lol..and the puddin part,,lol...I almost spit out the coffee that you gave me,,lol
Liked the way you put it across (and the coffee too)
ReplyDeleteAnd where did you see that gator? :) I love you, your stories and your humor...
ReplyDeleteStill praying for you and the family my friend!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Debbie
Oh I enjoyed this. Your family is so beautiful. I actually thought twice about that gator, haha. A little gullible I guess. How wonderful to see Andrew's face soo clearly in your dream. Still praying...Hugs, Debbie
ReplyDeleteWould luv a cup of that fine coffee...cream and sugar too please. Yes mamm, real sugar, just a little.(wink)
ReplyDeleteLooks like everybody is busy busy. My jaw dropped, for a moment, about petting the gator.
Thankful for dreams and precious faces in those dreams. Gorgeous photos of your treasure.
Thanks for inviting us in today.
p.s. I love that about your boy too....his love for dogs.:):):)
Not much for coffee, but would love a large diet coke! That's my drug of choice. Thanks for letting us in your heart and sharing your family with us! Can't wait to see Andrew's birthday cake next month! Wonder what birthday celebrations are like in Heaven???
ReplyDeleteI prayed for you today!
ReplyDeleteI laughed at the dog. I have 3 dogs and have been known to talk baby talk to them.
Your family is beautiful and I love to hear what's going on with you, and keep in touch. So keep it up! :-)
Keep eatin' the pudding!
Thanks for inviting me in for a cup of your favorite coffee. Great mug, can't wait to hear your story about it and your hubby! Everything you write touches my heart!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, hugs, and prayers,
andrea
what a sweet post. you have such a beautiful family. wish i could just pop in and have coffee with you.
ReplyDeletehugs and love!
Mel--I'd be on the next plane to Tampa if I could...just to have that cup of coffee...on the beach...with YOU...and without the gator!
ReplyDeletePS Little dogs deserve widdle talk.
Looking forward to the stories.
I love you, sister.
You have beautiful kids!!! Your Hubby's not bad either, joking, he's hunky. Is hunky a word? As long as I live, I will NEVER forget Andrew's beautiful face. I can only imagine the conversation we might have in Heaven...Andrew might say, "Oh, yeah, I remember you, you're the weird Christian lady who never met me and I heard how much you loved and missed me, even though you didn't know me". I look him in the eyes and say, "yes, sweet brother, yes". Ted is a cutie pa tootie!! I don't know if I ever told you this...but as I finished my 5K a few weeks back, I started to cry as I approached the finish line because I was thinking of Andrew and a couple of other dear people. Okay, I've rambled enough..pass the coffee, please. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI would love to sit down with you while you drink a cup of coffee...coke for me please! I don't think a day goes by that I do not say a prayer for you as you walk this journey...and I too will be looking for Andrew in heaven. He made a definite impact on my life for the short time I followed his story...and even though I never met him....the love I feel for him in my spirit is just as real as the love for my own grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteStill praying for your family.....
It was precious for me to hear your voice! Even the 'baby talk' one! I do the same with my cat, Griffin!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the time with your friends! That is special! May God bless your time together!
{{HUGS}}
Stephanie
I enjoyed this sis. I love you so much, pray for you constantly. Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a beautiful family Melanie. Thanks for inviting us in for coffee. I enjoyed it very much. You totally had me with the gator. :)
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you and continued prayers.
Oh I arrived too late for coffee, it would keep me awake anyway.....sounds like someone was having a good day today.....love it.
ReplyDeleteI think Andrew being in your dream is a way of God letting you know Andrew is with him, he is okay, he is happy. I remember praying to God so I may have a dream of my son and he allowed that beautiful, wonderful dream.....I will never forget it, beautiful...be well my dear friend, enjoyed the photos and video...:-) Hugs
Thanks for giving me the prettiest mug! Enjoyed the cup of java with you. I didn't realize that my baby and your Audra had their HS graduation parties the same month! Beautiful girls. God is faithful.
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
ReplyDeleteThinking of you dear one. Wish we lived close enough to walk together and talk together and drink tea together and just be together.
Blessings and love to you on this Saturday evening,
Dawn
Ted is so cute. (that's my oldest's name, btw, which cracks me up). I baby talk our Lucy Mae also. It's our privilege as the higher mammal, right? :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still praying for you, Melanie. I'll have some coffee with you anytime. :)
Appreciate you sharing your precious family with us. Loved your voice on video. And I am thankful for our friendship. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDelete