Making the most out of a sad situation

Since the whole gang, minus John, headed to NC to see my dad, we decided to make it as much fun as possible. We stopped off in Raleigh first to see my Aunt and Uncle. Xavier hasn't seen them since he was 4 months old and never been to their house. We stopped there again on our way back and he got to meet my cousin Anthony and sing Happy Birthday to him.
While in Eastern NC, we took a trip down the beach where I grew up and Xavier lived the first 6 months of his life. We saw my sister Rachael, the Grave Digger Monster Truck, ate at my favorite restaurant, Chili Peppers, and made a stop at the beach.
On the way home, we stopped in Charlotte and walked around a mall and ate at the Texas Roadhouse.
We are going back to NC in April and will get to a lot more stuff and hopefully see my Dad again.








Addison is eying up that chocolate birthday cake.


My cousin Anthony and Addison.


Addison and Xavier playing with the wooden train we played with as kids.



I love that my kids are eating at this table. I ate at the very same table when I was a little girl. (this is at my Aunt Helen and Uncle Ray's house.)


Addison and Uncle Ray. He was trying to make her laugh. I love the look on her face.



Addison and Aunt Helen.



Eating my aunt's awesome mac and cheese. We even got a doggie bag to take home with us.



My beautiful children all curled up and ready for bed.








NC is home to the Grave Digger. I have past by it a million times. Xavier is all about monster trucks right now, like any normal boy is, so we made a special stop on our way down to the beach. The store is closed until March, but we got to walk around and see the original one and some other trucks. I love the one where he is inside the tire.










We made a short stop by the beach. Had to see the ocean. It was super cold and windy. Xavier was ok, but Addison screamed the whole time. Funny b/c that is what Xavier did the first time I took him to the beach and it was warm then. Guess my kids take after their dad.






Xavier and his Aunt Racheal.




Addison got to meet her Aunt Rachael for the first time, They were wearing matching shirts, which was a total coincidence. Their birthdays are 2 days apart (and 28 years)




The kids got to see their Uncle Daniel, again. Going to try and get him down to GA in a few weeks.




Alexis and Xavier on the electric train that went all around the mall and back again. Xavier is still talking about this train and how we need to go back to Charlotte, NC and ride it.




Playing peek-a-boo under the menu at the Roadhouse.



Pretending to ride a horse at the Roadhouse.

A little sunshine mixed with clouds.

On Wednesday, January 14th, my Dad had 2 heart attacks. He was taken by ambulance to Albemarle Hospital in Elizabeth City, NC. I got a call around 8a.m., but didn't check my voicemail until my lunch break at 12:30. John called my estranged sister back and got the basic information. He was ok but there was no real prognosis. After leaving work early and talking with John, I decided to wait until Thursday afternoon to leave for NC. I went to work that morning, so I wouldn't go stir crazy, and left early so we could get on the road. My Aunt Helen and Uncle Ray called us while we were in SC and told us my dad was still ok and that they were headed back to their place in Raleigh, NC. I decided to head there instead and go to hospital in the morning. I got to the hospital around 11a.m. and got to see my dad. He was looking a lot better than I had anticipated from all the reports we had gotten through the night. He was really glad to see me and the kids. We visited for awhile and then left to go check in to our hotel. I came back and stayed with him for 2 hours later that evening. There was talk of releasing him Saturday afternoon, but he would have to get up and move around and couldn't go without using forced oxygen.
When I saw him Saturday morning, he was tired, but feeling better. He decided to take the oxygen and see where that would take him over the next few weeks and months.
The kids got to see him one last time before we left for Raleigh that afternoon.
While at my aunt and uncle's that night, we talked to him on the phone very briefly. He was glad to be out of the hospital and not sure if he would be able to go back to work. We are going to call him later this week to check on him.

I am glad that I went and saw him. This is the beginning of the end for him. John's mom passed 5 years ago of COPD, so I already know what is expected. It is hard and sad at the same time. I know that God gave me this opportunity to say goodbye, because there may not be time to do so later.

I am so grateful for all the love, prayers, and support from family and friends over the last few days. It truly helped me and my family get through a trying and emotional time.

Addison's 1st Birthday Party!

Well our baby is not a baby anymore. She's a big 1 year old. The year seems to have just flown by. :(
We had a nice party for Addison today after church. We invited everyone from church and some of my friends from work. It was a full house, but we had a great time playing games and eating yummy food. Addison was great all afternoon and pretty much just played with the big kids in the playroom. She loved all her gifts and so did Xavier. (he has to play with her stuff too.)

Now we get ready for Xavier's 5th birthday. Party central at our house. :)




First thing in the morning. Happy Birthday!





eating chocolate frosting with her breakfast. Hey! You only get to be 1 once in your life. :)






Her first present of the day, a big stuffed Elmo from Grandma and Alexis. (she needed a bath after the chocolate frosting.)





John and Xavier directing guests where to park. They take their work seriously.




The dessert and gift table. I forgot to get a picture of the other table with all the yummy food I made. oh well.





Playing with the big kids.



sneaking another cupcake. I lost count after 3.



Xavier and Addie before singing.




singing Happy Birthday. Xavier blew the candle out in the middle of the song, but Daddy came and relit it for us.



getting ready to eat her cupcake.




After eating her cupcake.




opening presents with Mommy.





Ribbon girl.





waiting for Daddy to open the present from Karol. (it was her favorite for about 20 mins.)




ohhh lookie here, what's this toy?



the cool toy from Stacy.





ewww....look ribbon.




Playing with Karol.



Cool new toy from Tammy.



Playing with her bear from the Sheehan family.