My Youngest Has a Birthday!

The only recent pictures I have of Kate, that you haven't already seen on Facebook, are snaps taken late at night from our chats on Skype. I've tried to capture her essence as we've talked, but due to a slight delay in the camera, I seem to always to get her mouth open or her eyes closed but the smile is always there. Skype is a wonderful tool even though not the same as being with her, especially on a special day. Today (Korean time and tomorrow, our time), I will use the trick Kate and I learned a long, long time ago and I'll be there to sing to her...

I'll just turn on the quiet,

 and close my eyes

and listen inside

(unconditional)

 (unconditional)

  (unconditional)

     and I'll be there to sing to her...

   Happy Birthday to you, 

                                     

Happy Birthday to you…

 Dad and I celebrated your birthday together and...

together we wished that all your dreams would come true.

Visit from Alan and Kristin

Terr and I feel lucky that Alan and Kristin grew up in Atlanta and both have parents, family and friends here for even though they live in California their ties brings them back home.  .

On this trip they were coming to support and witness the wedding of a friend they went to school with.  I'm told it was a lovely wedding at Trinity Church with the reception and sit down dinner at the Piedmont Driving Club.

Shannon came to pick Kristin up for breakfast this Sunday morning.  We had just come in from church when Shannon brought Kristin home and Alan was coming  down the stairs.  I couldn't stop myself from hollering out to Terrence, "Honey, the children are home!"

How blessed is the man/woman whose quiver is full!

postscript...
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More dressing up events in April!

  Kim and Tom going to the Wesleyan Gala, 4/14/2013

Mike and Issy, father-daughter dance, 4/20/13.

Emily ready to go to the 8th grade formal, 4/5/13

The Shuler Awards, 4/18/13

Such loveliness. :)

Just Takes a Little Magic to Make a Better World

It's a lucky day when a little magic comes into your life, especially when it comes in the form of unconditional love.

That happened about eight years ago when the S. Croft family rescued and adopted a retired racing Greyhound named Magic...and he adopted them!

Magic gave the first part of his life to racing; with his powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine and slim build, he seemed born for the job; besides Magic was bred to be a champion.  But when champions get a little slow they are retired from the business and left to the mercy of adoption.

Then the real magic happened!  The Crofts and the Gray's paths crossed at just the right time in their lives and unconditional love flowed both ways.

The Crofts knew Magic had worked hard in his life, and needed a place to rest and be loved for the years he had left.  Magic was grateful and did all that he could do to love his people and be a good dog.  It was a good match.

 Eight years later...

Magic died in his sleep this week, resting in his favorite place on the lounge chair at the end of sofa, on his blanket.  The family had gone to school and work so he slipped away before the (middle of the day) dog walker came to care for him and warned Shannon so the others wouldn't have to see him lifeless.  I think that was a pretty magical plan for Magic to have.

Magic will live on in the lives of his people.  He taught them patience, responsibility, consistency, selflessness and yes, unconditional love.   I  am sure they will pass these things on for the rest of their lives.

The Crofts are building a garden deck Magic didn't live long enough to enjoy, but his ashes will be buried nearby.  The new addition has now been named, "Magic Garden".  Fitting, don't you think?

The making of "Magic Garden".

Goodbye Magic...and thanks for loving our Shannon, Molly, Ford and Morgan.

Work Selected for Art Show

Both Keegan and Aidan had their artwork selected to be part of a White Hill Student Art show.  White Hill Middle School has approximately 650 students, all of whom take art.  Approximately 22 of those students were selected to have their artwork on display.   There was an opening reception last Friday evening and their work will be on exhibit for the remainder of the month.

I taught them everything they know.

(Okay, So I wish I could spend more time with them so I could learn their techniques!)

Whitehill Middle School

Student Art Show

By Keegan Pedersen

By Aidan Pedersen

Excellent!

Congratulations, boys, I am so proud of you!!!!

April 13

What a special day...

Happy Birthday you two.

Keegan Going Through a Rough Spot

I am asking each of you to keep Keegan in your thoughts and prayers, an MRI revealed that he has a "syrinx" which is a cyst on his spinal cord.  At best this will mean more tests and reduced activities (which are many in his young ball playing life) until doctors can figure things out and decide what, if anything, should be done.  

I will keep you informed as I get any news about his treatment.  God watch over Keegan.

Happy 15th Birthday To Joe!

It is near the end of Joe's 15th birthday.  He played another good game of baseball today and I imagine, as soon as possible, he will have his learner's permit so he can drive his parents to future games.

Be careful, my handsome grandson, be wise and may God protect you, as he has Ford and Andrew, while you learn this year to be among the best drivers ever!  You will always be in my prayers.

Happy Birthday!