"About Time" March 2015

Hey Sista, I've been planning this blog for a couple of weeks now.  Finally in the frame of mind to sit down and write it.  I know I'll leave things out, it's just who I am :) but let me just say that I miss you beyond words and oh how I wish I could physically share with you all that is going on!  Life is good, it really is! Do you remember lying in bed at night when we were young ( I know it's all relative, but for those of you that don't know we shared a double bed until Cindy went off to college which means I would've been 13 and she 18.) and you would ask me things about your wedding dress, kids names, OMG the list could go on forever, and we'd talk about life when we were actually adults?? We didn't think of it in those terms but it's what we talked about.  All the while, "Christopher Robin" played on the record player by Loggins and Messina helping me go to sleep.  It seems weird now to look back on those days and know that you had a plan, a vision. You taught me from the day I was born and I tried really hard to listen and learn but looking back, it was a little overload for me.  You had so much to give, it was hard to keep up.  Guess who got it??? Anna and Addie!! They are so you it is really hard to believe.  They think like you, they love like you and they give like you.  Could you really ask for more?  I know, you were proud of them no matter what...same here!  But, honestly, you can't craft more loving, responsible and respectful girls.  Anna is the mom you could've only imagined her to be.  Finn is a lucky girl and I believe she knows it.  Anna and Ryan work so well as a team and Finn relishes in the fact that she is loved.  She is a blessing beyond blessings, there are no words that express the joy she has brought into all of our lives! The Evans family are true love and devotion and it's wonderful to sit back and watch that unfold.  Finn knows that her Bon Bon loves her and they have a special bond.  Addie is thriving as a college student (I know, how does that work in our family but she has CERTAINLY figured it out!) and Finn couldn't possibly ask for a better aunt.  I love her to the moon and back!!!
So, last week I went to Seattle to present at the National PE Conference "ShapeAmerica" with Sabrina.  It was a wonderful experience and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to share with my colleagues.  Sabrina and I work really well together (remember when the 3 of us presented at the SC PE Conference. It was a blast!!)  The convention was powerful, uplifting, inspirational...but I missed you so!  I found myself wanting to call you to ask a question or call to say how great it is.  You would have been right there with me and I felt you throughout the week.

One of the things we used to talk about was how Mammaw and Grandaddy were ahead of their time and so were Mom and Dad.  They were inclusive people, ALL were welcome at their house. Nowadays that is more of the norm than the exception but we still aren't there. Society still doesn't get it, they want everyone to fit inside of the same box.  How did you understand so early on that not everyone had to fit inside that box?  I spent 2 hours yesterday afternoon at my church having a discussion about same-sex marriage and whether it should be allowed in our sanctuary.  I'm empowered by the conversation and I feel that I'm able to listen to others and share my own thoughts because of those late night talks in the double bed and listening to Loggins/Messina! Back in the early 1970's I bet you had no idea that this would be a topic at a church.  I'm proud of our church for coming to the table to talk, I wish everyone is as open to ALL people being God's people as you were but all I can say is thank you for loving unconditionally all those years ago.  I don't fit inside a box, and I'm proud that my family doesn't expect everyone to be the same.

Last night was "Faith and Film" at church.  We gather to watch a movie and then discuss it afterwards.  We watched a movie called "About Time" which gave one of the actors the chance to go back in time and change how things turned out.  Not typically my style of movie but I highly recommend it! Moral of the movie was to live life fully each and every day! It wasn't a huge revelation for me, I do try to think of others and make choices based on how I feel and how it affects others. But powerful for sure!

I wrote this a couple of weeks ago and left it as a draft.  I have since taken a trip to Manchester, Vermont to join Sally and her Converse friends at the beautiful Manchester Inn B & B. Julie (a Converse friend) and Frank Hanes opened their B & B to our crew of 16 and it was wonderful.  To sit and listen to them reminisce was a treat.  To see love and respect float around everyone was invigorating.  What a wonderful group of people, most I met for the first time and a few I've met only once.  But I felt like a part of their family, I was included, I was loved...

Thanks Sista, for teaching me to include, to love...


Love ya Sista

Griffin, Finn, Cutest thing you've ever seen!!!

January, 2015 are you kidding me?  February 25th is just around the corner and the 3 year mark is approaching.  I last wrote on November 23rd with the note that Finn was coming but on her own time...sound familiar?  Water broke the morning of the 24th and Finn was on her way!  Doc said she will have a November 24th birthday...she waited until the 25th!  Wouldn't give anything for the 17+ hours we hung out and congratulated ALL of the other families that celebrated their newborns that day.  When Finn decided she would grace us with her presence she was more perfect than we could ever imagine!  I know you chatted with her and loved on her before she was born so you know what a little angel she is-but as excited as we were for her we had NO idea of the depth of joy she would bring. 

Finn looks like you and Daddy in the picture on the left but she is so her Daddy as noted in the picture on the right.  Mostly she looks like Ryan but every now and then she gives you that Addie, Shimmy, Cindy look!





There are no words for the joy that she has brought us this Christmas season.  Life is good!  It always has been but for me it's gets a little clouded sometimes.  I try to be strong, knowing how we roll, always looking for the positive, finding the happy in our lives.  It's been there and will always be but Finn just opens my eyes WIDE-OPEN.  A gift from God, a true blessing, more than words can describe!  I was so emotional before she was born about how I wish you could hold her, teach her your sayings, just be in her life. But, now I feel like you are ALWAYS with her, I'm more at peace with that part of it than I ever thought I would be.

Sista, you would be so unbelievably proud of both of your girls!  Anna is an awesome mom, she has been in training for years now just like you were-(remember how you fed me on your lap with a baby spoon when I was about 12?!)  And Addie-just WOW! She is not only rocking out the grades in college and working so hard in that area, she is the most amazing aunt!  She has a connection with Finn like no other.  She is such an amazing person, I just sit back sometimes and take in all of the awesomeness!  You and Jacob "done good!" your girls are thoughtful, kind, respectful, responsible...that list can go on-

There are so many fabulous people in Finn's life and for that I'm grateful!  Ryan has a loving family that also thinks Finn hung the moon and they have friends that spend time with her which makes a difference.  Anna and Ryan and all of their friends and family will forever do what is best for her and love her unconditionally!  I sometimes think of how Anna and Addie had 4 grandparents and then what seemed like a blink of the eye they have 1.  So, Bon Bon there are so many great pics of you and Finn but this is one of my favorites!  You're singing her a song and I can think back and hear those same words all those years ago-

To reminisce on times gone before and look forward to great things to come is a gift!  Here is a pic of 4 of my favorite people looking at photo albums of years past but making memories of years to come!

So, tonight I am thankful for all of the glorious things 2014 brought us...special marriages, a bundle of joy and relationships that matter...always!


Love ya Sista, forever and always!

November 23, 2014

A quick blog before church this morning.  We know Griffin's, aka Finn, debut is soon, just not sure exactly when.  The range of emotions in the past few weeks for me has been overwhelming.  I absolutely can't wait to meet her officially.  I already know her, know she is loved beyond words, know she is protected by wonderful parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents and countless friends and family.  Cindy, I know you are so proud of Anna.  She and Ryan have created a loving home for Finn and will be wonderful parents.  She will know you and feel your love her entire life.  So, when Finn decides to grace us with her presence she will be showered with nothing but love!  I'll be back to blog VERY soon-
Love ya Sista!!

November...oh my what all do you have in store for us!!

So Fall is moving on and the year is flying by-how things can change in such a short period of time.  Addie is 21, can you believe it?!  Such a love, such an angel, so mature and she has your drive and determination.  She's making us proud each and every day-
Baby Finn is due any day now!  Anna and Ryan are ready and have the nursery looking great.  They are going to be awesome parents and she will be surrounded by love!  I know I'll be her great-aunt but I feel a little like a grandmama (crazy I know but my heart is just so full.)  Finn has more love for her already and she hasn't even made her debut yet!  I had some sweet teachers at school today holding my phone for me while I was in the pool with the 4th graders all day.  Just in case that text/call comes through while I'm out of reach.  Otherwise, that phone is attached to me.

It snowed in West Columbia on November 1st...did you have something to do with that :)  Snow brings up some great memories!  Thanks for bringing those on early this year-looks like we could be in for a cold, snowy Winter.

Election Day was yesterday-lots of things happening but for one the bond referendum passed and Lexington Two will be making some major improvements on the school buildings.  Springdale is due for the overhaul and Cindy's Place is still going strong.  Looking forward to a great year and more great things happening there.  I'll upload some pics during the next blog.  Should have some new action happening by then.

Our family is good-never a dull moment!  You're missed beyond words but we know we are who we are partly because of you!  So, you are in each and every day, in more ways than we can share.  I was cleaning out the storage room upstairs yesterday and came across this card you sent me.  I miss you...a whole bunch too!

It's August 2014, really?!?!

I haven't blogged since April, have things changed since then...yeah, just a bit and I am thrilled to share with you!  Cindy's Place is still going along and a shout out to Rosalie and Viki for grinding through the difficult stuff to continue to make things happen.  It is awesome the transformation that is taking place and I see your vision coming alive :) So many behind the scenes people making sure the playground is just right for the kids and their families!
It's truly amazing to me to see how often you are present in life around us.  Just today I attended a funeral for a dear person at our church, Susan Moore. What a lady...fun, dedicated, committed, determined, leader, supporter, confidant, mom, sister, wife, aunt, friend, volunteer, teacher, play-doh player, listener and that list can go on and on.  I love listening to others talk about people like Susan because it reminds me of all that you were to us.  It means that I can continue to see you in others, that I can continue to strive to be more, that I need to stop and play more, be more spontaneous, help others even if it's not the easiest, love more, listen more and so much more!  Working on it Sista, working on it!!

So, why blog tonight?  The funeral was a good reminder but also it's just time!  Mom is visiting which means a little porch time, some Luigi's Italian and just chatting.  It's good to be together and I loved sharing some of our porch moments with mom.  Faith, friends and family...yes, life is good!

Your girls are doing great and continue to make us proud!  Addie is doing fantastic in school (stiill trying to figure out how she's related to me and you in the academic area.)  She's working hard, has a great apartment, roomie and she is so you in her personality and actions!  Anna and Ryan are married and expecting a little girl in November, are we lucky or what?!  They are adorable together and are going to be wonderful parents.  Their new house is so neat and we have already had several celebrations there.  It's going to be a gathering place for sure and I'm already looking for another time to get together and celebrate something (just getting together is celebration enough, right?!)

So, the question again, why blog tonight?  Because it's August and school is in the air!  When August gets here I always get pumped about the new school year.  What other job do you get to start anew each year and see the thrill and excitement of starting a new year?  I LOVE teaching and I am grateful to be able to teach another year!

Why blog tonight?  I attended the National PE Institute for the 3rd year.  It is rejuvenating, everyone there wants to be there and is freely giving up their summer vacation to attend.  The most positive environment to be in and a great way to learn so it's a win-win! We had planned to go together that 1st year and you have been with me in spirit every year!

So, why blog tonight? Because I think of you and talk about you each and every day. Because I am who I am today because of you.  Because you are my sister and I strive every day to follow your lead and do what God has called me to do.  Because I feel that much closer to you when I blog :)

I love ya Sista!

Cindy's Place

So, this morning I traveled down to Springdale to work on Cindy's Place...it was cancelled due to supplies issues. Why was that a good thing? I got to spend some quality time with Mom and my body is WHIPPED due to my Fun Run, looking back on it not sure what I could've done.  My kids ran 1,432.5 miles which is amazing to me-we have 620 kids which averages out to about 2 1/3 miles per child in 35 total minutes.  I am in awe of these kids and am so proud of their drive!  Today's kids have a much better understanding of healthy lifestyles than we EVER thought about!  So, today-CRW - WE run because YOU ran!  You worked so hard to make a difference in families exercising together and Friday as I watched kids run with their parents I thought of you so much.  On that same note, we are BOSTON STRONG! The Pirate Way reminds me of the Boston Community as they came together to support each other and show up to run or cheer or provide a safe, secure environment! So, hats off to that Boston Pride!

But when I sit back and think about where I am now compared to where I was a little over 2 years ago.  What is different!?  I still try to do what's right by the kids, I still love my family, I still treasure relationships of friends and colleagues. But, I'm certainly different!  I realize that what I say to someone could be the last thing I say to them. I know that life throws us a curve ball when we least expect it.  I now know what it feels like to take a punch in the gut and be doubled over!  I still have a wave of nausea come over me when I consciously think of the moment I realize you (that is I knew you) were gone. I look back on those moments of being gathered around your bed, standing just outside your room or taking in the support from ALL those from the waiting room and truly would give anything to go back to those days. Only because there was a ray of hope, a sliver of a chance that you would hang around for us. In reality I knew differently, but I still wanted things to go on as they were! Life goes on, life is good, there is so much to be thankful for, and I am who I am because of you!

And because of you, I am happy-I run-I love-I cherish others-I give my best-I look forward-I respect others-
Those of you that read this, what about Cindy makes you who you are today?

Snow 2014

So, it is January 2014- hard to believe that we are coming up on the 2 year mark of that horrific week in February.  I visual it as if it was just yesterday.  It's a snow day, so I'm home for the 2nd day in a row.  It makes me think back on cold times spent with you and for someone that loves her shorts and flip flops, you sure did love the cold weather too!  I look at times like these where we watched Addie cheer and think what a fun time.

 This was the snow in February 2010 when we had presented in Myrtle Beach but came home early because of the snow.  Glad we did because it was a wonderful weekend. Friends and family enjoying being together. It was a magical weekend on many levels.

 Oh how I miss this smile!

 Nothing better than snuggle time!

 I wasn't on this trip but I understand that you may have just slowly made it down this hill...Anna on the other hand flew!!

 And then there was the trip to Snowshoe just 2 weeks before you got sick.  We had a great time in the snow and spending time together.  Snowmobiling was a highlight (we won't mention the poor guide that had to stay back with you as you coasted behind everyone else)

As I brush the snow off the cars and steps and reflect on past snow days, I cherish our times together.  I'm thankful for being able to make more memories, surround myself with friends and family, remember such wonderful times and be grateful that I was one of the lucky ones!  I had Cindy Roof Wilkerson to call Sista and Friend!

As always...I love ya Sista, forever :-)