What a Start to the New Year

I guess I have all but forsaken my blog and moved on to Facebook. I do still check everyone's blogs and love to read the updates. As most of you know, we have had a pretty rough start to the new year- Addi and Katie have both been sick, and then today Levi fell and cut his chin (he is still in the ER as I type). My sister, Patsy, has also had surgery. She was a sick cookie, but is on the road to recovery after the removal of a massive ovarian tumor (all is good and benign, thank God). Katie, hopefully, will have some relief week after next when they go back in for the second time to get her big kidney stone. Addi, my sweet Addi, has truly been in terrible pain with what we have just found to be a pseudo tumor. She had a spinal tap yesterday, and today took her third dose of the medication. She looked up at me today and said, "Granna, I am in such pain." Now talk about want to cry for a child, I wanted to cry. I pray the medicine works in a hurry- apparently they can't really give her anything for pain- it must not work for the problem. She is going to go home today, once Levi leaves the ER.
Pray for us- we need it!

Happy New Year!

Today is the first day of the New Year, and in reflection of the past year, we had a good year in the Courington household. We were blessed with the birth of Jaiden, which was a great highlight of the year. David's parents have had better health, and that has been a blessing. As we head into a new year, I am looking forward to what it holds, and pray that whatever is ahead, that we will face it with the knowlege that God is in control.
As for resolutions...well, let's just say that this is a great time of the year to evaluate things that need to be "worked" on and I will let it go at that.
May each of you have a wonderful year!

Open House 2009

Each year we have an open house on a Sunday night in December. This has become a "tradition" and we truly enjoy it so much. I thought I would share some pictures. Enjoy!

The Polar Express Rides through Hathcock Drive!

What fun we had watching the Polar Express with Addi, Levi, Lila, Ian, and Maddie. David made hot chocolate and we poured it into their sippy cups! I love these kids.

Christmas is knocking at the door and we are looking forward to making some wonderful new memories.

Thanksgiving has come and gone and we certainly enjoyed being with our family. Aunt Marie left yesterday morning, after a 10 day visit. We enjoyed having her and I only hope that life is as much fun for me at 85. We also had the honor of having Paul's parents spend the holidays with us. Charles and Genie got to see Alabama and Auburn fans in action!
There was some sad news over the holidays, as well. Greg Terry, age 41, dropped dead unexpectedly on Thanksgiving morning. We attended the funeral yesterday. I think it might have been the largest funeral I have ever attended. Please remember the Terry family in prayer. Greg was planning to be married on January 9th. He also leaves behind a young daughter that he was raising. He died much too soon- but then again, death has no age restraints.
Also, last night we learned of the death of little Helen Gray. Helen would have been 3 on December 23rd. She was killed in a car accident yesterday as they were returning home to Georgia from a Thanksgiving holiday visit to family. Her mother, Kristy, has a broken back and is in serious condition. The father, Brian, was treated and released. They were rear-ended. Kristy and Brian were college friends of Katie and Jared and Emily. We have known members of the Gray family for years, and we attended school with Brian's aunt. While I do not personally know Brian and Kristy, I follow their blog. It is funny..when you read about people's lives, you feel like you know them. Helen was a little red-head, and things about her made me think of Lila. I just physically ache for this family in their loss. Just from reading the blog, I knew how adored she was. Her grandparents doted on her, as well as the extended family. As her aunt commented on FB, she was the family's bright star. She is now a beautiful angel, but the earthly emotions that her family will have to deal with are going to be painful. Pray for this family.
If you don't know it...I love you all!
Susan