The Mercy That Covers Me

Today was Emerson's Memorial Service.  It was a private time with close family and friends.  For those who were unable to attend I will attempt to share some highlights.   The service was held on the front lawn at Aunt Lisa's home.  The weather was beautiful and the air was crisp.  There were about 40 people in attendance.   The service opened up with the song Fire and Rain by James Taylor.  After the song Pastor Josh Greene shared some scriptures, spoke a word of encouragement for those who mourn and said a powerful prayer. Michaela Stivers was next.  She sang an emotion-pack version of I'll Fly Away.  Michaela is Brooke's cousin.  I heard her tell Brooke, just before the service, that she was worried that she would cry during the song.  Brooke told her not to look at her :-)  The first verse went well.  She sang without accompaniment and sang in perfect pitch.  And then she looked at Brooke.  Tears started f...

It's been a crazy busy week.  I was finally able to get away with my mom to go to the beach for our annual Birthday Beach Blast.  Sounds real exciting but we just get a hotel room for a night or two and hang out at the pool.  This year Mike, Colleen, Oliver, Jeff and my nephew Stephen joined in the festivities.   At dinner time Ray, Luke, Rebecca, Josh and Stephanie joined to make a near perfect dinner.  Only thing that would have made it perfect were if four others were there! Well, Oliver was such a big boy!  When we first went to the pool he was pretty clingy.  We put on the water wings to help give him a bit of confidence and after a while it worked.  Here is a video clip of Oliver discovering his ability to move through the water on his own!

Yogurt overdose :-)

Before the show. In his seat and waiting for the show to begin. During the show! The stage as seen from our great seats! So last night Oliver and I went on a "date".  We went to see Elmo and his Super Hero friends.  Oliver sat quietly through the entire 1.5 hour program.  There were children running around and crying but he was content to sit and watch all the characters dance and sing.

This visit will conclude with lunch at the Indian restaurant.  It won't be long before Gigi gets to visit again. In the meantime, a certain 2 year old (who insists he's 3 now) and I have a date next weekend to see Elmo! Here are some pics from this week's visit of the girls. September 9, 2011 Coeur d'Lane September 9, 2011 Coeur d'Lane   September 9, 2011 Lennon September 9. 2011 Lennon Lennon has taken Coeur d'Lane's hand and put it in her mouth! Coeur d'Lane wrapped in the blanket that belonged to her daddy!

Lennon Lennon and Coeur d'Lane

Coeur d'Lane and Leo! Oliver pointing to Coeur d'Lane's nose! Oliver and "Uncle" Josh The Kids The Schmidts Papa, Tia and the girls