apparently my blog is incorrectly named . . .

So . . . my friend Kourtney and I were driving down the highway (returning from an arduous day of shopping), and I commented on the scenery . . . the highway was literally built over the swamp (trees/grass growing out of boggy water). And I explained that this was why I named my blog "Life in the Swamp". Kourtney says, yeah, but you don't live here on the highway, do you? No, I admitted. She said, yeah well, if you wanted to accurately name your blog, it would be "Life in the Hood!" Is it really that ghetto? I asked, but then we both answered that redundant question together . . . YES! So . . . I guess I should rename my blog "Life in the Hood"

Of course, I couldn't post with including at least one picture . . . my nephew (Noah), who obviously loves his Aunt Carly so much that he can't even pronounce her name. But he loves me so deeply that when asked who is Aunt Carly married to? he can tell you, Matt! (yes, he has met Matt twice in his life of 2o months and can say his name, but not mine!)

remembering Wayne

I was very privileged to be with Wayne (my step-grandfather) and my family during the time of his passing to be with the Lord. It was a unique and blessed experience, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. A myriad of emotions hung in that hospital room during his last hours on earth, as we all reminisced about our time with him . . . and those precious moments that seemed so short. Wayne had been in my prayers regularly during these past months, as his health deteriorated. Now I know that as I was praying for the Lord to ease his pain and to comfort him, give him peace . . . now I know the Lord was listening. For he is now in a much better place than any of us. I am ever so grateful for my amazing family, who were there to support and comfort each other during this time. I know that it meant a lot to my grandmother to have us all there. There is such healing in family.

Here are a few memories of our time with Wayne . . . these first two pictures were taken this past July, at the family reunion.
Grandma and Wayne sitting in Valerie's backyard . . .

Jackie and Wayne by the pool . . .

These are some snapshots from my wedding (July 2007) . . . Wayne had such a splendid time at the wedding. I think he had more energy than I did . . . he danced to every song!

He really liked dancing with this 'gal' . . .

Wayne and Leann dancing together . . .