I'm an AUNT!!!!

This past Friday my sister brought Mason Alexander into the world. Weighing in at 8lbs. 6 oz. and 23 inches long, he is a biggin'...and he was 2.5 weeks early. Garin and I were not able to be here for the birth...actually we didn't even find out about it until Saturday morning because we were somewhere out in the Gulf of Mexico when he arrived. I was SOOOO bummed. Once we got on dry land we made a bee line up to NC to see our new nephew (we didn't even go by home)! So I am up here now for as long as they need me. I don't have the connector to upload pictures from my camera, so pictures will come in the weeks to come! But let me just tell you...he is a beauty!!

On another note, our cruise was great...we had a blast! I just wish we hadn't missed all the excitement!!

Visitors!!

Well this past weekend we had the joy of hosting Meghan (Garin's sister) and her boyfriend, Eli! I had warned them that it was boring down here because there really isn't much to do except go to the beach...but they were troopers and came anyway. They got here at about noon on Friday and we headed out to the Blackwater River to do some canoeing/kayaking. Garin opted for the canoe and Meg/Eli opted for the kayak. I must admit that after I'd paddled in the canoe for an hour or so and then tried out the kayak, I think I'm a bigger fan of kayaking (even though you did get a bit more wet). Next time we head out there Garin can have his canoe, I'm going for the kayak!

On Saturday we took them to the only redeeming thing this place has to offer...the beach. I checked the weather forecast on Thursday and it said that it was supposed to be warm and sunny on Saturday...apparently some things changed in two days. It was mostly overcast and the wind made it a little chilly. The waves were pretty choppy so we couldn't get in (not that I wanted to because it was pretty cold....of course Garin got in anyway!) and the sand was all churned up so you couldn't really see how clear and emeraldy the water is...bummer. Nonetheless we stayed out there a while and a few of us got a little sunburned (this does not include Meg and me...apparently we were the only ones that knew you could get sunburned when it is overcast).

All in all, I hope they had a good time with us old farts! We are so glad they took the time to come down and see us!! We can't wait for the rest of you to come!!! We are currently taking reservations for the guest room!!

Meg and Eli and then a picture of them at the beach

P.S. Garin and I booked a last minute cruise, so this week we will be heading out to the Caribbean for some sun, sand, and lots of good food!!! I'll post our adventures when we return!

What Easter Means to Me

To me, Easter is not about the Easter bunny (although, one did visit our front door on Easter morning bearing candy...seriously, not kidding...that was pretty cool!), its not about the candy (although, I do think its the holiday with the BEST candy...those Robin's Eggs, Peeps, and black jelly beans will get me every time!), its not about buying a new spring outfit to wear to church (I didn't even get one this year), and its not about being able to FINALLY wear white shoes (Florida gets warm and my white sandals have been itching to make their appearance, but I couldn't do it because my mom's voice would come to my head telling me that I can't wear white before Easter!), to me, Easter is about emptiness.

Yes, emptiness. Its because of the emptiness of Jesus' grave that the emptiness of my heart can be made full. If it weren't for the fact that Jesus died that dreaded Friday for all of my sins and then three days later got up and walked out of His earthly tomb, leaving it empty, I can't imagine where I would be today. That moment in history made a historical moment in my life many years ago when the emptiness of my life was filled with an eternal purpose. He LIVES, the tomb is EMPTY!

Since this was the first year Garin and I would be away from our families for this joyful day, we decided to invite our extended family, our friends down here, to come over to celebrate with us. So I prepared my first Easter meal...for 15 of our friends (make that my first holiday meal ever...we usually go over to my sister's or Garin's parents for holidays and they do most of the cooking). I was a little nervous because my cooking skills definitely aren't seasoned, but I think in the end it turned out okay. There was food left over so hopefully everyone had enough to stuff themselves (or maybe it was just too bad to go back and get seconds?? I hope it was the former!!). Below are some pictures of the festivities:

Home Sweet Home

This past week Garin and I got the opportunity to return back to our good ol' home town of Indian Trail, NC. Last weekend my sister had two baby showers and Garin got to go to the wedding of one of his OCS buddies (he said it was quite the event!). On Monday we spent some time with G's parents and the evening with our good friends Kristin and Aaron Byrum (our hang out time most definitely included some La Unica...which we miss tremendously). Tuesday brought us to my dad's place and I spent much of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday cleaning up the upstairs of his house (Goodwill is getting a trailer load!). On Wednesday Garin headed out with Aaron to backpack at Mount Rogers State Park...after a rainy day hiking they came back on Thursday night. On Thursday I went and visited my good friends at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities and then got to spend the evening with our former Sunday School teachers and friends, the Richards family. Friday was spent tying up some loose ends and getting ready for our 9 hour drive back on Saturday. It actually took us over 10 hours because we got stuck in some nasty Atlanta traffic. Traffic on Saturday...gotta love Atlanta!

Overall we had a fantastic trip back home. Thanks to everyone for their hospitality! We miss you guys! I should be returning in another month when I will become a new AUNT!!!

Since my camera died, I didn't get to take any pictures...but I did steal one of my pregnant sister. She would kill me if she knew I was posting this, but fortunately she never checks my blog so she won't know...or maybe someone will tell her and she will be forced to check it! But anyway, she thinks she looks huge, I think she looks great! She is such a cute pregnant girl! I hope I'm as fortunate as her and only gain weight where I'm supposed to!! Oh yeah, and I'm sporting my new short hair do...I'll get better pictures of it when we finally get a camera that works!