Between Us

What a month....school is in full force, Army is still playing games with the waiver business, and well, i guess my blog entries say a lot about how i'm doing.  However, I can say that today, i am better than I have been in months!

I've started coaching with Girls on the Run!  God is good and I am loving my chance to get physically moving, spend time with Alyssa actually having fun, and with girls!  It runs through December and we end with a 5K (3.1mile) run at the end! 

I was blessed to attend the Deeper Still conference this weekend with Will's mom, and I was beyond blessed with her presence and with the word God brought through 3 marvelous speakers, Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur.  My heart has been refreshed and my hopes renewed, God is ABLE!

There's not a whole lot more than that....I pray you are all doing well!

So, there's really not too much new stuff going on around here.

Will's still waiting for the Army to approve his waiver.

School starts again for both Alyssa and me on the 24th!  I can't wait.  I am two classes away (i know i've said it before), but I'm on the road to graduation.  WOOOHOOOO

So...it's a quick hello, but like I said there's really nothing else exciting to mention!

Summer's in Session!  :)  School's out and I've really been enjoying the down time. 

It's nice to say that there's not a whole lot going on in the Huggins Family.  We're really just using this time of our lives to refocus - on each other, on our home, on our family. 

I have registered for my fall classes and am preparing mentally for the home stretch....December 20th is the final day of classes!  Praise Jesus! 

There's still no update on the Army status, but Will is preparing and trying to stay motivated.  All the prayers you can offer up are welcomed.

Hope you are all doing well....drop a line and say hello once in awhile.

xoxo,

Gail

Hello lovely peeps!  There's been soooo much going on lately that I recognize that I haven't kept up with my hellos too well.  But things are getting better.

Will and I are back from a weekend getaway in Daytona - just the two of us.  It was a quick trip but a restful and much needed one.  We really just enjoyed each other's company.  Check out some of the new pics in the photo gallery.

I am now finishing up my last week of my current course and then will be officially OUT FOR THE SUMMER!  Woohoo....A time of much needed regrouping and family time.  I'll go back in the fall to anticipate completing my last two course before graduation in December!!!!! 

For some of you who didn't know, Will is in the process of enlisting in the Army - Yes, Active Duty!  And Yes, I am very much okay with this and fully supporting him.  Anyway, we've been waiting since then end of March for an X-Ray on his ankle (that's the only thing holding up the process). Once we get this complete, then he's as good as in.   So, our lives are kind of in a holding pattern until....then I imagine a whirlwind.  :-)  Please keep us in your prayers for this season and that we get some closure to this process soon.

Alyssa's doing well and is enjoying summer camp - not at all ready to go back to school.

Love you all....Gail

Hello All....just a quick hello.  Nothing too terribly exciting (i know big change, huh?), but it is May and HOT.  I love living here in good ol' Sunny Florida and the warm (yes-humid) weather. 

Happy Mother's day to all the momma's out there!  Enjoy your day.  I am looking forward to a relaxing, take it easy bithday/mother's day weekend. 

I finished my seminar course and not a moment too soon.  I don't have the final grade quite yet, but from the gradebook online, this might be my 1st B in 2 YEARS!  I know it's not a big deal, but to me it is.  And well, I haven't quite appreciate the course content or the instructor for the 1st time.  All is well, I am now 3 classes away from graduation. PRAISE JESUS!

No other new updates....look for some new pics by the end of the week.  My next class starts Monday so, i'll be doing lots of little things - including rest - this week while i'm off.

XOXO,

Gail

Well, Happy Belated Easter to everyone!   I pray that everyone had a great day celebrating the Ultimate Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior!  He has Risen! 

I suppose that is the best news of all, it certainly tops any petty update that I might have for you guys. Let's see - what's going on?

Well, Will was sick for the past 2 1/2 weeks, but is finally better and his coughing (hacking) has subsided!  Thank God.  Alyssa had 4 teeth removed on the top of her mouth...the others needed some room.  She did great at the dentist. 

We took a short out of town vacation to see Shea, Buddy and the kids in Alabama.  Minus all of our illnesses, the cold and the rain, we LOVED the time we got to spend with them. Things just aren't the same anymore without them here in JAX. 

I've moved on to my next class, it's a "seminar-type" course, which isn't fun online...it's WAY TOO MUCH reading...and the articles are rather difficult to grasp and well, boring. I have roughly 3 weeks left of this course and a MAJOR paper and powerpoint due by the end.  Tough topic to find good quality stuff on, "Hypnosis and the Christian Faith." (This is a class on integration of psychology and Christianity - it really should be more interesting than it is.)

Alyssa's doing well in school and ready for summer.

While time sure is flying by, i can't seem to grasp that it's already mid-April.  Fortunately, I don't mind it this year.  I am counting every long and dreadful (it's not that bad) day until December when I will finally be complete with my Bachelor's degree!  OH the JOY and celebration!

Love you all....Gail

Happy St. Patricks Day!

So, I've obviously not been updating as much as I could be.  It's already the middle of march and I don't know where time has gone.  I know I've been productive, but wow...

Will passed his test for the sheriff's office, but there's been some hang ups in the process.  So we are looking at options and alternatives as we brace for upcoming changes.

We've been enjoying the love of our local beaches and our family...spending some much needed quality time outdoors.

One class down and only four more to complete...Graduation day in December is on it's way.  It's been a very long time coming and I can't wait to finally finish and move on to another season of my life.

And I'm totally looking forward to Spring Break....less than two weeks to go and I get a WHOLE week off of work and it will be totally needed.

Sending love your way,

Gail

Holy Cow...It's February already!  Seriously, while I don't mind rushing the work week along, time overall could slow down a little.  It's flying by and I can't seem to catch up. 

So, let's see..... Oh, please be in prayer for Will.  He is taking his exam for the Jacksonville Sherriff's Office, Department of Corrections on Wednesday.  He needs to pass this general entrance exam in order to make application to the department and should he not pass, he'll have to wait another six months.  Please pray...he wants this really bad and there are so many great officers that we know personally pulling for him.

Alyssa is still doing great in school and at basketball. She has really started to love the sport and really does well with it.  She's got defense down and has gotten a little better on offense.  She has scored each of the last 4 games.  And you should see the smile on her face.  :-)

My counseling skills couse has been interesting, involved, and keeping my brain pre-occupied (hence the lack of time spent updating the site.) For those of you who actually keep up with it, I apologize.)  I promise to get better at it again.  We haven't had any big events going on to upload a lot of pictures, but I'll try to get some soon. 

OH....I have finished my article for the 1st edition of the new CultureShock Magazine I've mentioned to you all before.  Launch date in April - so be on the look out.  If you get a chance, check out the website links.  If you would like to donate and become a founding member with the magazine we'd could definitely use your love.  The publication is going to be free for our youth so we need a way to get it started while we continue to work on funding and outside donations.  On the sites, there is a link to donate if you are interested in supporting our cause in reaching the youth.

http://www.cultureshockmagazine.wordpress.com/

www.myspace.com/cultureshock2008

I do have a great blog post in mind to write up, so look for it soon....maybe tomorrow - maybe by the end of the week. I have a paper to write tonight and lots more work to get started.  My brain is exhausted.

For now...here's some random shots to close out today's short hello......

(check back later for pictures...they don't seem to want to upload right now.)

Have a great day/week/month!

Wow....I can't believe that it's been almost a while month since I posted on here last.  For those of you who keep up with this, i'm sorry I've been slacking.  Obviously, I've been staying pretty busy, but mostly I've been hanging out on Facebook a lot more recently and getting to know how to use it.  So, if there's any of you on facebook, look me up.  :-)

Alyssa is doing great in basketball.  She has 3 games left of the season.  She has made a basket each of the past two games and that has been totally exciting.

Check back soon for a longer update. 

Wow....i can't believe that it's been so long since I've updated the site or said hello.  I've recently stumbled into the world of Facebook....there's a lot to keep you busy and a lot of people to connect with. 

I pray that each and everyone of you had a great Christmas holiday.  Mine was great and I am constantly reminded how blessed I truly am.  I thank you all for being a part of my life. 

As we move forward to 2009, it's a time of reflection, yet a time of looking forward to what God has in store for me and my family. Most of all, i think I am really looking forward to December 2009----I will finally be done with my bachelors degree in psychology.  phew.......by that time, it will be about 11 years of college work.  I can't wait for a real break! 

Check out the photo gallery.....I have lots of pictures to add!

XOXO,

Gail

Yep- those are Alyssa's new Basketball Shoes!  She and Will was so excited. She started her first basketball practice last week and this coming saturday is her very first game.  It is going to be interesting.  I will admit that she shocked me at her first practice.  She did great.

Two more weeks of my current course--it ends on the 21st and then i will be done for the holidays and start fresh on Jan 05 (i think.) My next course will be Counseling Skills....look out world, Gail's going to have lots of loving and psychological advice coming your way.  LOL....LOL>...Just Kidding.  But it will be fun and interesting to say the least.

From our house to yours.....We Wish You All a Merry Christmas! 

This was a picture of our tree before it was completed.  Some of the ornaments have since been re-arranged thanks to cats and dogs.  They seem to love this time of year as much as we do. 

Ummm.....let's see, anything else to share....hummm....... Please keep me in your prayers.  I have finally taken a step forward and posted for a new management position with my current company.  God willing, this would be such a great opportunity professionally and for our family. 

Check out the photo album.  It'll have some fun pictures to enjoy!

XOXO,

Gail

Wow....I can't believe that I haven't posted since Nov. 3rd.  I guess that's to say that not much has been going on. 

We signed Alyssa up for basketball and her first practice will be next week on the 4th and then December 13th is when she will play in her 1st game.  As the proud mom, you will definitely be seeing some pictures role around. We bought Alyssa her first pair of basketball shoes this weekend and she is totally excited....and so is Will. 

We are definitely planning on visiting Shea and Buddy in rival territory on December 6th!  We are bringing the Orange And Blue to represent! 

We have completed Will's application for JSO corrections, but he still has to take the test at FCCJ before he can officially submit the application.  Not sure when he'll do it, maybe after the craziness of the holidays is over.

I am already in week 5 of my course and will posting a new blog soon.  Learning so much, yet would learn soooo much more if i read the entire chapters.  IT'S SO MUCH READING....the kind that puts you to sleep.  But the topic is great. 

I leave you all with a new picture.....Alyssa and my neices, Amaya and Makayla, all got their pictures taken this past Saturday for Christmas......

Well, the Big Birthday Weekend is over.  Pictures will be posted soon, but how about them GATORS!  They rocked it out!  Last week while Florida was playing Kentucky, I predicted the game to be 49-3 in favor of FL.  Everyone thought I was crazy for that prediction and told me that GA was favored to win this past weekend, but something deep down kept me saying, 49-3!  I told Will during the game that if my prediction came true, I would wear my florida attire and orange and blue nails to church on Sunday (thank God for an awesome laid back church).  And would you know---The Gators pulled it off!  That was an awesome game and I honored my husband and the Gators yesterday sporting my attire as promised.

My next prediction is that Florida will play Alabama in the SEC Championship.  We promised Shea and Buddy that if that prediction comes true, well be bring the orange and blue to their crimson town!  Get the spare room ready! 

Alright, check out the newest blog and I'll be posting pictures from Alyssa's Gator Themed birthday party soon.

XOXO,

Gail

I'll have to make this short and sweet.  It's been a busy week and boy am I tired. 

Tuesday was Alyssa's birthday and she is now officially 8 years old. 

Yesterday was Derrick's Retirement ceremony and it was great.  Those are times of much honor and respect.  Alyssa was able to attend and she really thought it was neat.

AND.....it's official!  I have voted.  Since alyssa was already out of school yesterday, I took her with me to the early voting site.  She patiently stood in line and was very excited.  They even gave her an "I voted sticker."  As we walked out, she said, "mom, wasn't that cool?  You and I both voted for the first time."   I am so proud to have shared that moment with her.

Tomorrow is Alyssa's birthday party at the park.  God, please don't let it rain today or tomorrow and let the sun be warm.  And then, it's time to watch the FL Gators kick GA Bulldogs out of town.  My prediction (which is based on no legitimate info) is that FL will win by 49-3.  I know it's a long shot, but they can do it! 

Check out some pictures in the photo gallery.  I took alyssa out to a friends house last saturday the 25th and took lots of pictures.  Hope you enjoy!

XOXO, 

Gail

Let's see....where to begin.

Research Methods is officially over.  I received really great feedback from the instructor on my final paper and throughout the course.  I look forward to finishing the collection of data one day and really moving forward with the topic.  No set date yet, God knows I have a lot on my plate.  The next course starts Monday 10/27 and this one is Developmental Psychology.  The syllabus and sstructure are different than I'm used to, but the discussion topics sound exciting. 

In exactly one week, Alyssa, my baby, is going to be 8years old!  WOW....I just can't believe it.  She's been counting the days.

Ha Ha Ha...I finally got to the gym yesterday,  Felt great working out, but this morning, my neck and shoulder are really bothering me.  Good thing I have a chiro appt this afternoon. 

I am SUPER PUMPED about being blessed with the chance to become involved in "the start start of something new." (get the high school musical song reference.....yes, please help me....I've heard way too much.)  Anyway, a dear friend, with a HUGE vision from God is starting CultureShock Magazine.  www.myspace.com/cultureshock2008  I am sooo excited to be able to finally write my heart out and have a chance reach the youth that needs God's touch so much.  Check out the link and keep in the know....look for it and spread the word.

For our anniversay, Will and I went to the new Wasabi Japanese Restaraunt in the Towne Center....sooo yummy.  Then we went to see FireProof.  Outstanding...I love and appreciated the simplicity of the film.

OH----Early Shout out to TONY AND LISA....Tomorrow, October 22 is their wedding anniversay!  wooohooo....

Love you all and hope everyone is doing well.  I'll probably have some more pictures after Alyssa's birthday.

OH--Hold ON....I must give a shout out to my dad, Derrick, um..sorry, Senior Cheif Lovell!  He is retiring from the Navy on Thursday October 30!  26 years!!! Congradulations!

Ok, Peace out....

WOW...I am soooo behind in updates.  Please forgive me.  But we'll start by saying where was I when October rolled around?????

Anyway, let's start with the fact that my laptop at home has reached the end of it's life.  (which is partly to blame for my lack of timely updates.) Half of out stuff is still on the old pc, but i have to rig it up just to get the ac connector to work.  Thankfully, God answered a prayer early and we had an extra laptop at home that Will received from work.  It doesn't have all we need, especially no sound, BUT it is giving me the ability to finish up my school work.  A bad PC is the one of the worst things that could happen in the middle of online school courses.  Again, thank God for a wonderfully forgiving and lenient instructor. 

School - I am in week 7 of 8 for this course and my final research paper is due on Monday the 13th!  Please keep me in your prayers as I complete it all this weekend.  My survey turned out great and the instructor really liked it's set up.  (thanks to all who gave feedback.)

My neice, Makayla's birthday was great.  Sorry for the delay in getting pictures posted, but again, I blame the pc problem.  Soon, very soon.  :-)

Alyssa is doing pretty well in school.  Had a parent teacher conference last week and attended a short reading "seminar" for parents to get resources in order to better help our children.  She got her first progress report and overall has done well, but we are obviously moving into some harder topics for her and she is finally being challenged.  Practice, Practice, Practice.

OCTOBER 15th is Will and mine 3 year wedding anniversary! Phew----that's it??  only 3 years!?! God has truly blessed us and we are definitely happier now than ever before. 

OCTOBER 28th is Alyssa's 8 year old birthday and we'll be having her b-day party on November 1st.  Will and i can't believe that our little girl is going to be 8....they really do grow up way too quick.

Pastor Ed Young, from Fellowship Church, is going to be speaking tonight at our Wednesday Night service.  I can't wait....I've seen his preaching on TV before and it was great. 

Well, I promise to get some pictures updated soon, maybe by the end of this week.  In the meantime, God's working on my heart for a new blog entry.  I can't wait to be able to post it for you all.

Take care,

Gail

Yesterday was Alyssa FINAL orthopedic follow up at Nemours.  Her wrist is healing great and she no longer has to wear her splint or return to the doctor unless she's having problems.  Phew....what a relief.  However, she is still limited in her activities as far as sports are concerned.  For another 9months or so she can not participate in gymnastics or organized sports.  Her wrist is still sensitive and it generally takes about a year for a full healing to take place.  She was told she can ride her bike, swim, and run...stuff like that. 

I go to doctors today and tomorrow to talk about the next step in the treatment process for my hand troubles.  While they are SO MUCH BETTER than before I went to the Chiropractor, the general issues are still lingering.  My family practice doctor is addressing all the potentially underlying vitamin deficiencies; i am on every prescription strength vitamin i think that is made (that's exagerating, but still.... :-) )  We'll see what they have to say.

I am making progress in my homework and working on my survey for the class, but it's been hard to get my head in the right frame of mind.  Clarity...God...I need clarity. 

Have a great day...week...and rest of september.  I hope to have some pictures from my neice, Makayla's 1st birthday! 

Well, there's a lot to update, but not much time to do it in. 

I think that more than anything, I need prayers. 

I am slightly behind in school work because of my travels last week to attend my grandmother's funeral. (Check out the Blog if you haven't already.) Not terribly behind, but we are now in week four of an eight week course and there's a big project to work on. 

Alyssa's school has still yet to impress me and quit honestly has left me questioning why we ever did the right thing in transferring her there.  Without complaining, there's much needed in several key areas.  But just a hint---alyssa came home telling me about a new game she learned, it's called, "SPIN THE BOTTLE." And yes, the teacher in extended day allowed them to play, while not suggesting inapproriate activity, one is left to wonder....I obviously made a call to the principle.  Please pray for Alyssa!

Anxiety levels are kind of high right now and it really becomes evident when I begin to not sleep well.

Alyssa's supposed final check up on her wrist is Monday 9/22.  We're finally coming to the end of it all. 

That's good for now.  Love you all.  Have a great week.

Gail

Would you believe it?  Can you believe that it's September already? Time has sure flown by.

Let's see.....really not a lot to update on. But just a few things.

1) Will received his test results from the Border Patrol Exam, but his score did not make him eligible for the next step in the process.  Good News: we stay local, unless he decides to try again in 3 months when he'll be allowed to do so.  That aritifical language part of the test was the kicker....But we're all ok with the outcome.  He will now focus his efforts further in preparation for application to JSO corrections. 

2) Off and running, my research methods course is full speed ahead.  7 weeks left and a huge research experment/paper to complete.  My topic, "The effects of depression on marital satisfaction." Don't worry, friends and family are off limits...he he...only classmates will be allowed to participate in the study.  But I'd love any feedback if you are willing to share it with me.  (All information is always held strictly confidential.)

3) I can't think of anything else right now....OH---medically, i am doing great.  As long as I take all my vitamins, I'm good to go.  I am still seeing the Chiropractor on a regular basis and continue to feel improvement.  I'm not 100% yet, but in due time.

Have a great rest of the week.

Gail

An d to bring you all up to speed....and in the know...

There's been a lot going on.  First, Alyssa has finally gotten her cast off on Monday, the 25th.  They fitted her with a hard splint to wear for another month, but it's removable....woohoo.  So, she can play outside, go swimming, and no plastic bags in the bath....ha ha ha

School has started for alyssa and Tropical Storm Fay has finally gone away.  Life and schedules are almost back to normal. She seems to really like the teachers; so far so good. 

My course in Research Methods started this past Monday.  The reading is kind of dry.   But the course work seems easy enough. 

Will finally took his test for the Border Patrol on Monday the 25th.  I will keep everyone updated when we get the results.  He is also working on getting his application in with JSO Corrections. 

My daddy turned 50 yesterday....wow...

Love you all---check out the blog.

Gail 

Well, let's see what's going on.  Not much has changed from last week.

This is the last week of summer camp.  Monday the 18th, Alyssa starts 2nd grade at a new school.  She will have 2 teachers again this year, one male, the other female. 

I start my next fall class on Monday the 25th.  This one is a research class.  Look out all...you may be my next project.  ha ha ha....Isn't it like a pyschology student to use friends and family as subjects for research.   

As a result of my treatment at the Chiropractor's office, I continue to feel dramatic improvements in my hands.  It's been great to start journaling again and to be able to type with out pain.  There's still some tingling, but not the numbing pain that I was dealing with.  Phew....relief.  It's been great!  Except that I've been told that i can't "workout." So much for a gym membership this month.  I did talk him into allowing me to walk on the treadmill and swimming.  So, i think i'll try that out today. (maybe.)

I think that's good for now.  I hope to soon be able to post a good blog for all to read.   look for it soon. 

God is good and I love my family!

Gail 

Well, Here's the most recent picture of Alyssa.  Today was the big pin removal day.  They took out the pin in her wrist this morning, but are still requiring her to stay in a cast for another 3 weeks.  She will finish up summer camp with it and spend just about the 1st two weeks of school in her new "camoflauge" cast.  They were kind enough to give her the use of her elbow back so she's relatively happy.  This time she remembered to ask to keep her old cast, so that's what is wrapped in the blue plastic. 

Ok...I went to the Chiropractor this week, took X-rays and all the fun stuff and began treatment yesterday to help re-align my neck and spine to a neutral location.  This is anticipated to help release the pressure on the nerves in my spine, hence stopping the numbness and tingling pain in my hands, wrists and now forearms.  I've only had one treatment, but my body feels as if it's in better alignment already.  What's even better is that this Dr came by special recommendation from my boss, it's her nephew.  The office staff are great, they are obviously Christians and such wonderful atmosphere.  On their front door, where their hours are posted, next to Sunday, instead of saying "closed" it says, "CHURCH."  Go Jesus!  If anyone is interested, visit their website: http://www.piercechiropractic.com/

School starts soon......for alyssa on the 18th and me on the 25th. 

I pray you all have a great day and week.

Gail

Would you believe that we are already in August.  The kids have officially been out of school for two whole months and we're only a couple of short weeks away from the beginning of the new school year.  Alyssa will be in 2nd grade and I will be just over a year away from college graduation!!!  I can't wait.

Let's see what's happened since the last hello.... Alyssa had her doctor appt and apparently the pin had moved a bit, not enough to re-consider surgery again, but enough to concern the doctor and put a bigger cast on her arm to restrict even more movement.  So, now her cast up above her elbow until at least August 7th!  She has such a free spirit that she tends to throw caution to the wind and has no fear.  Which is typically a great thing, but man...her arm needs to heal!  So, August 7th is the day that the cast is supposed to come off.  We'll re-do X-rays and pray for good results.  Maybe the last week of summer vacation can be salvaged. 

Will did not complete his test for the Border Patrol on the 26th, but has rescheduled for Monday, August 25.  Time to do some serious studying.

Let's see.....there's not too much else going on.  I have so much that I want to write about, but there's a small (big) hang up.  MY HANDS.  I've seen the doctor for issues with my hands, especially my right hand going numb and hurting to write.  So, it's apparently the good ol'pain in the butt- Carpal Tunnel.  Well, lately, it's been worse.  Even as I type, my hands are tingling. So, where it didn't bother me to type before, it is now.  I have a follow up on the 13th of august to find out what's next.  So, i share this frustration so that i can ask for prayers.  There's a lot i could say about the possibilities, but simply, I just want the NORMAL use of my hands back now. 

OH----Alyssa is now wearing glasses.  My mom took her to get her eyes checked last week-which was very timely- and we found out that she actually needed glasses for reading, homework, computer work, etc.  What a difference they have made in her reading.  Click on over to the photos and i put up one of the "best" pictures I could take at the time. 

Love,

Gail

I realized that i hadn't updated and sent out a hello lately.  And then as I looked over the last entry, I also realized A LOT has happened since then.  After I submitted the last entry on July 8th, I received a call from Alyssa's summer camp stating that she had hurt her wrist and that I needed to come get her from the center.  Long story real short, we spent that night in the ER to find out that she had BROKEN both bones in her wrist and that they weren't able to re-align the bones manually - surgery would be the inevitable outcome.  Friday the 11th of July, Alyssa had a pin placed in her wrist and a hard cast put on. 

She has a follow up appointment this Wednesday the 23rd and I am simply claiming that the doctors won't believe their eyes.  They will see healing they hadn't expected and the pin can come out and the cast can come off and our beautiful little girl can go back to having a great summer. (In Jesus Name!)

Other than that, Will's Border Patrol Test is on Saturday the 26th at 0900.  God Willing!

OH---I got my final grade for my Spiritual Formation course and while I absolutely loved the course and the fact that I got an A in the class, i can't imagine that many people got less than that.  It was truly an easy class and honestly, how do you grade spiritual formation?  Anyway, i am thankful-all thanks be to God for getting me through it and the lessons that i learned along the way.

I'll keep you all updated if you will all pray with us!

Gail

So, we made it.  Alyssa and I had a great trip to Alabama to see Shea, Buddy and the kids.  It was so nice to see them and even better to snuggle the baby!   There's new pictures in the photo gallery from the trip.  Check them out when you get the chance.  The drive was nice, but would you believe there's no Starbucks??@?!?!  I know, it's a shame.  But it saved me a few dollars, I suppose, if I must look to the bright side.

School's over for the summer.  Thank you, Jesus!  I made it to the end.  Hopefully I'll have my final grade by the end of this week.  Although, I think the instructor has until the 15th to submit grades.  I'll be sure to update all on my progress.

So, I've joined a gym!  Yes, I finally submitted myself to the call of a sweaty ol'gym.  I tried to get back on track at home, but there's simply nothing relaxing and stress relieving about workout while being tripped up by dogs and the call of a dirty kitchen.  lol... So, I am making the transition.

Look for a new blog entry soon.

XOXO,

Gail

Well, Happy soon to be 4th of July!  Can you believe it?  We are half way through 2008 already!  I tell ya, time sure flies as you get older!   But that's ok, I'm closer to seeing Jesus one day. 

Ok, so...last week...last assignment of the summer and it's all due thursday.  Pray that I quit procrastinating and get all done with. 

Alyssa and I will be leaving early, early, Friday morning to start our trip to Alabama and will come back home at some point on Sunday.  Alyssa knows we are going now and I kind of wish I had waited because she has LOTS of questions....even argued about what day it was this morning when I woke her up! She's ready to go and I can't blame her.

I pray that you all have a safe 4th of July celebration/weekend.  Enjoy the sun as much as possible and have fun!

While there's not a whole lot going on right on, here's the line up:

My class is over July 3rd!!  Woohoo, only one more assignment to go and I am about done with all the reading.

I anticipate going to see Shea in Alabama. Pray for safe driving! PS...Alyssa doesn't know yet! 

Will is looking into the US Customs and Board Patrol right now.  He went to a recruiting fair last saturday and got some information.  He signed an online application and received notice the other day that he is scheduled for testing July 11th!  Please join me in prayer that God's will is playing a part in this, no matter what the outcome is.

Rocky and Trinity-our dogs----are driving me crazy!  I love them though!

XOXO,

Gail

WOW....what hasn't been happening.  May 1-3 was Celebration Church's annual Shine womens conference.  It was abosolutely amazing.  I finished Human Biology as of yesterday (may4)..Praise God.  I should know by the end of the week what my grade was.  Will's date for his test has moved to May 24th.  Please keep that in your prayers...that God's will is what will prevail.  My next class starts monday, so I am grateful to have week off! 

xoxo-Gail

visit http://www.shineinc.com/ for our Shine website.  There will soon be pictures, videos, and testimonies.

Well, Will and I took off last week for Spring Break to hang out with Alyssa and to tackle a painting project.  While we managed to paint the kitchen and Alyssa's bathroom and survive the week , Alyssa was busy hanging out with her grandparents and uncles on a Carnival Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico!  What a lucky girl!  She came home with lots of pictures, cool stuff, and memories that will no doubt last a lifetime!  Here's a couple of pictures from their cruise.  Look for some more added to the Photo Gallery soon!

Believe it or not, I am told this GOLD GUY was REAL!  (The lady with the sling, YEP, that's mom! Poor thing, broke her arm when alyssa accidentally tripped her BEFORE the trip even began!)            Papa, Josh, and Alyssa-Just hanging by the pool!

Saturday we took a trip to Wild Adventures.  We went specifically for the concert, but rode a few rides before hand.  Alyssa was such a good girl and so patient.  She actually started to rock out a little towards the end.  Michael West, Jeremy Camp, and Toby Mac were the performers and they all did an amazing job!  I admit that I enjoyed Michael West the most as I hadn't heard much of his music before and was able to just sit and listen to the music and praise God for an awesome day with family!  I'll add some extra pics to the Photo Gallery soon, but for now here's a few notable memories.

That was the about the 3rd picture of Alyssa with her Grandma and Grandpa that I tried to take...she's just like daddy and made lots of funny faces. :-)  She tried to give me bunny ears in the picture of me and her-which we finally managed to get into a different picture after about 6 tries, and well Will and Alyssa were enjoying the Toby Mac performance. 

Well, I just finished my first class this semester and have a week before the next class starts-I believe this is what I would consider my "spring break." Whatever it called, it's time off from school and I couldn't be happier!  As far as the family, we are all doing well.  The same ol', same ol'.  But we are trying to get out doors more often, even me!    A few weeks ago, I stole Will away from fishing and we enjoyed some much needed time together outside.  We visited Hannah Park to check out their walking trails!  We could have spent hours walking around there.  It was so nice and such a beautiful day!  I've attached a couple of pictures from that trip!  I'll soon-hopefully this week-update some more pictures of Alyssa for everyone to see.  Look for a new Blog on the "Just Bloggin'" Tab coming soon this week too.  Love you all and leave a shout-out when you visit the page, at least I'll know you stopped by! 

It's great to have a camera with a timer and we found a great tree to hold the camera still for us!!! 

During this season , I am learning a lesson in Family First!  Putting God First in our family has been what God is teaching us right now.  So, to commemorate our God First Family, here's our long awaited family photo: