On Thursday January 10, 2008 around 1pm my Grandmother passed away. It was somewhat of a shock as she was really doing much better, but within two days she spiraled downhill. I think she was ready to let go and was tired of fighting with her body. Scott and I leave for St. Lois this afternoon where the funeral will be on Monday. We will return late Tuesday night. I'm looking forward to showing Scott all the places my grandmother had made an impression on. There is nothing worse than the feeling of losing someone you love so much...it just feels like someone kicked you in the stomach. The memories rush through my mind trying to remember them all... almost in a panic not to forget any. With God as my strength, I will make it through this. Please pray for us as a family to come together and celebrate her life!
Elizabeth Black Simcoke Jan. 7, 1913- Jan. 10, 2008

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

Today is my Grandmother's 95th birthday! I just can't believe 95 years! It's amazing to think how long that is .. She was born in 1913! WOW all the history she has lived through. She is an amazing women with such a giving heart. I just want to take this time to thank her for being such an inspiration to me. She has poured so much love into my life and helped me be the person I am today. She is my rock the one thing in my life that has been stable. Whenever down I could turn to her to lift me up. I'm just so thankful God for giving me so many years with her! Please Pray for her as she is starting to slow down because her heart is causing her problems. She hasn't seen the babies since they were 6 months old. We are planning a trip as soon a Scott comes home.. I just can't wait for her to see her great grandchildren running around, laughing and smiling ear to ear. That will be a great day! I'm just so proud to call you as my Grandma. Have a great day today you deserve it! We all love you soo much!
ps. What is so cool is she still using the computer and checks this blog and uses email. You go Girl! Your the hippest 95 year old I know!

Cruise

Two days after Christmas we went on a 4 day cruise to Cozumel. It was suppose to be for my grandmothers 95th birthday but she has not been feeling well the last few months. She insisted we go with out her. We knew it would be an adventure with 14month year old twins. After the 1st hour we found out the most disappointing news .. babies are not allowed in the pool until they are potty trained. Wow that was the one thing we were planning to do the whole time. Not to worry we just let the twins run up and down the hallways entertaining guest as they walked by. The best thing about our trip was the endless amount of food that I didn't have to cook! The twins ate like they have never eaten before. When we arrived in Cozumel we did find a nice beach resort with had a great swimming pool and playground. The twins got to ride in a van without car seats and they thought that was pretty cool. The beach was beautiful it was a great day perfect weather!

Our second time at the beach was in Mexico! We are already world travelers!

Our formal night was fun to dress up as a family for dinner

It was great to hang out with my family as it's not very often we get to see each other. They were a great help with everything! Thanks Everyone!

We had a great big room with a balcony that was a blessing so we had room for all of our stuff.

on our balcony

I love you Parker! Happy kids

We had fun on our 1st out of the country vacation! Thanks Gigi Mom for a wonderful vacation with the family, I so wish you could have been there with us!

Christmas Day!

Christmas was a different story for us this year. The twins were so much fun... it brings so much joy to Christmas when you have children to celebrate it with. Their wondering minds and overwhelmed with excitement was so fun to share. Their "PAW" (Preston) had gotten them the jungle animal rocking horses. Brooke got on and knew exactly what to do.Parker tried but he for sure got the sound of a lion down with a big Growl.

We love our animals!! Thanks PAW and Aunt Owie!

Parker getting the hang of opening gifts and Brooke ready to take it from him.

Brooke was excited when she got a snowman ornament she so easy to please..

Not awake yet trying to figure out what's going on?
Our brand new red wagon! We can go to the lake and feed the ducks. Thanks Mimi and Pops We love it!! Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Bible Study Christmas Party

It is amazing to think that we have lived in Orlando over a year. It was this time last year that God united our couple's bible study. God knew we needed it moving to a city I knew no-one. In a matter of us all meeting once we formed a bond. We have completed 4 different bible studies helping us grow in our faith and challenging us to be better spouses. I am so blessed to have such a great group of friends here in Orlando! I know I had to trust in God to take us away from our life in Jacksonville to provide us what he has to offer us in Orlando. I feel like our purpose is more complete with this group. We have been through and shared a lot together already! I just can't wait to see all the blessings God has in store 2008!!