Snap shots with Georgia family

Cody and Nate were the last two in our wicked game of monopoly

Chris, Nate and Me

Two happy tired girls

My 5 yo cousin Jackson

Josh, Chris and Cody holding Thumper

My Uncle Scott with his wife Stephanie and son Jackson

Eating dinner at one of their favorite restaurants Nagoya

Nathaniel and I drove to Georgia and Steve flew up the next day to meet us. I went with the full intention to keep grandma busy. On Wednesday, we just lounged around the house....recouping from the drive. Thursday, we visited the beloved Hobby Lobby. For dinner we went to their favorite Nagoya Japanese House. Grandma was disappointed as the chef did not do any of the cooking tricks/show that they usually do. That is twice now that we have gone with them and no show...it must be us texans that scare the chefs. In the evening Steve and I went bowling with Josh and Nate. Totally fun, but my game is definitely not good. Friday was our pedi day and dinner at the Spaghetti Factory. After dinner, Steve and I went driving and found the Atlanta Temple. I figure after all of our trips to Georgia, it was about time to see it. I'm glad we saw it now since construction is about to start to refurbish it. Saturday, Steve left us to visit a friend in Savannah. We went to breakfast, saw Knowing with Nicolas Cage (not bad...not good), and checked out an awesome mansion that was going to be tore down. The night ended with a wild game of monopoly. All I can say is that Nate plays as dirty as his father. We had a great time and I was successful at keeping grandma busy!

Nothing like a pedi

I was so excited to go visit family in Georgia. I had many plans to keep those family members busy. Friday I decided we were going to get pedicures done. Now how relaxing is that! My pictures do not give justice to the giggling that took place....

My Aunt Chris laughed pretty hard when they scrubbed her feet

Grandma was pretty subdued and just taking it all in

My uncles wife Stepahanie did a little giggling herself

Steve had a mani/pedi session. The technicians had a great time spoiling my man! look at his grin

My Central Charger Swimmer!

The Radisson had a picture perfect fountain
The swimmers that earned letters for the 2008-09 season
(back row)Shailey, Devyn, Lori, Spencer, Nathan
(front) Pam and Nate

Nate earned "most improved swimmer" for the guys
Coaches Ann Tracewell-Wang and Lauren Wink

A week later the jacket came. I think it looks awesome!
In the summer we will get it embroidered to Nates taste

On March 7th, the banquet was held for the Central Swim team for the 2008-09 season. I was in charge of the planning and all the festivities. Luckily for me, I became friends with Becky Davis, and she bacame a great friend and partner on the swim mom job! We were lucky and we were able to secure the Radisson Hotel for the banquet. We had expected that maybe twenty would come...we ended up with 28 swimmers and 30 guests. The food was great and our decorations looked fantastic. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a picture. I think the evening came off as a success and the kids had a great evening. Becky and I put in a lot of hours and learned many things that will make being team moms much smoother next year. I am so proud of Nate and his accomplishments and improvements with swimming. He definately worked hard and improved greatly. Sorry, as I timed every meet, there are no stats to post. Half way through the season, we thought that Nate was going to quit. He then said that he would finish the season, but would not be returning next year. I was truly sad! I am just happy that Nathaniel finished the season and has a change of heart and will be returning to the team next season.

Too Much Illness and Death

This morning at 2:00 AM my sister-in-laws (Stephanie) mom died. It was an expected death, but sad none the same. Jan was a very nice lady and endured more than her share over the past two years. Many times before, we all thought, death would come and then she would have another beginning. Unfortunately, this last time she went to the hospital, she had said to me that she wanted to die and was not going to come home. I am glad that I was able to get to know Jan when I took her to some of her appointments. She listened without passing judgement and I was also able to learn a lot about her family.

A week ago this past Sunday, Steve became ill, and found himself once again as a patient in the hospital. The doctors had told him initially that his stay would be just over night. The stay ended up turning into six days. He was lucky enough to have an NG tube for three days and a diet of ice chips. He endured a few nights of high fevers and one too many IVs. The doctors actually wanted to discharge him on Thursday....however, I came down with the flu and his stay in room 440 lasted one more. As for Steve's health at this time...we are not any closer to understanding what is wrong. He had a follow up today with the GI doctor and is now scheduled for another procedure. We are awaiting for the Hematologist to schedule his appointment there.

As for me, I came down with the flu on Steve's third day in the hospital. I was in complete denial as I stayed that night with him in the hospital. However, two days later, I succumbed and visited the doctor myself. I am now attempting to feel better and get some of my strength and energy back.

Last night, my mom was admitted into the hospital in Seattle. She is over all well, and will no doubt recover. Moms hospital stay will refresh her and in the end be more of a hindrance than was needed at this time. The family is not freaking out...but we must say that Brody has reached his wits end on health issues.

For the final trial, my brother, and his in laws and a family friend are all at their house ill and trying to do the end of life things that must be done at this time.

I end this entry with saying....no more to illness and death at this time!