Abby is in her third week of school and still loves it. On Monday, she got her first "needs improvement" on her daily chart. What was her crime...? Squirting juice on someone with her juice box at lunch! And the fun begins!

It's amazing what they are doing already. Abby has sight words to learn and is learning to write her letters and numbers. It seems like so much and so quickly to a mother. Abby has already learned she is not a fan of homework either. So we'll just take it one day at a time and continue to praise the Lord for His gracious blessings!

Dusty got his first hair cut and I think it's adorable. He is such a teddy bear!

First Day of HOMEWORK!

Abby had her first homework yesterday and she's not a fan after about 5 to 10 minutes! I see a "Homework Reward Chart" coming along real soon. She had to trace the letter "a" several times and her name. I am just blown away with how much control of her fine motor skills she is gaining. Today it's letters... tomorrow, algebra! Ughh

Random Thoughts...
- I got the best cd today, "Leeland". It's a christian cd and the lead singer, Leeland Mooring, is 17 years old. His voice is so smooth and the lyrics are passionate and the music just rocks. It came out yesterday and I want everyone to know about it so you can buy one and support them!
- Had my first pilates class yesterday and loved it. I am so much enjoying my time at the gym.
- Met with four dear friends this a.m. to discuss a women's bible study and we are moving forward with a study on contentment. Our prayer time was wonderful and I am very excited to see God meet with us each week. Thank you Lord, for these precious gifts in friendships you have given me.
- Girl at christian bookstore complimented my necklace today and I got to tell her about my NEW website... very fun!
- Dad is flying to London today. He's a pilot for United and with what's happened this morning, family is not thrilled with this route. Pray for him and my mom. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God." Isaiah: 41:10
- Things I love- laughter with friends, the purity and sweetness of female friendships, good music, Abby's smile as she gets off the bus, my precious dogs (such joy from animals)

LAST HOORAH at the lake...

We've rented the house out for seven months and so this past weekend was our last frolic at the lake.. :o( It's a blessing to have snow birds, but not going back until Spring is hard to comprehend.

Abby was a swimming ninny poo, Elizabeth was the ski bunny, Sam tried out platform diving (ha), and Don mastered docking the boat on "dry land" (ha)!

Baby Sam... killin us with the shades!

My friend Elizabeth, myself and Abby... Sam's onboard trying to start the boat... Don's tied up on the platform!

"But I'm not so hungry for the dinner. Abby want to stay in the water!"

Anyone seen Sam?

Georgia Jewels!

Yeah! I have jewelry

online at

georgiajewels.blogspot.com

I am so excited, after struggling with my attempt for a website! So hopefully this will help those of you who have been begging for pics online (hint... Virginia friends and MOM!). I also have jewelry in my third store. Gentleman's Outfitters, on St. Simons Island, has just become my third store... also very exciting! This is a BIG month for "GJ's"!!!!

Lastly, but not least, I have a show coming up on August 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Red Door Consignment in Tyrone. I'll be sending out invites, soon, to those of you on the mailing list. It will include a 10% discount coupon too! You can call 770-487-9100 for directions.

I also have a Christian Women's Conference I am going to be at for three days in September at Atlanta City Church on the 21st - 23rd. My mom is also flying down to teach her workshop for them on decluttering and organization!

I am working on my Fall collection now and will try and get pics up soon. It's hard to get my brain to switch to Fall mode... but I have FALL fever and am SO ready for cooler weather! Bring on the breeze and smell of chimney smoke... my FAVORITE time of year!

God's Blessings Continue!
Abby's first week of school was amazing. She absolutely loves every minute of it (wasn't sure about rest time at first). On last Thursday, the special education coordinator called to say she didn't think Abby needed to be in the bridge class and that she'd been staying in the regular K class and doing great. We were really hoping that she'd "get there" but didn't dream it would come the first week. Our hearts just swell as we see what God just continues to do in her life. To see her progress so constantly is the most precious thing!
So we have started week 2! She's working on the letter "T" this week and the number "1". She also traces her name each morning on the "sign in" sheet! Tomorrow is her "share day" and she'll be taking a picture of herself at the lake and sharing about her adventures there this summer!

Great First Day!

Abby had a wonderful first day at school! I forgot to put her vitamins in her back pack and ran them up to the school around 10:30 a.m. One of her coordinators stopped me in the hallway to tell me that Abby had become her classes first class leader. She was leading them down the hall with her "quiet finger" on her lips and smiling from ear to ear. She ALSO said that when it was the first time for her to go into her bridge class, they decided to keep her in her main classroom because she was doing so well! I left with such excitement!!!
When she got home from school, she played school for an hour without interuption. She lined up all her "little people" on the counter and told me it was her class. Then she showed me two female "little people" and told me they were Ms. Osborne and Ms. Folk. It was so stinkin cute! They got on the bus, went to the gym, and played on the play ground!
We could not have asked for a better first day and remain THRILLED to see what this year brings. Of course, we'll keep you posted!

Abby's Big Day... Kindergarten!
What a morning it has been! Our precious Abby has been bursting with excitement since meet-the-teacher day last Thursday. We were surprised she actually beat us up this morning, 6:30 a.m. we meet in the hallway! "Abby go to kindergarten today!" she exclaimed. So she got dressed in her new clothes, put on her new sparkley flower hair clip, AND painted her nails! Daddy made special "first day of school pancakes" with a smiley face and whip cream hair!
What a blessing this is and how excited we are for her and for what this year will bring.

WE LOVE YOU ABBY!!!!!!!

Breakfast Menu- One smiley face pancake with whip cream hair, apple juice, and many vitamins

Snack- cranberry, white chocolate chip and nut mix

Lunch- peanut butter & banana sandwich, carrot sticks, apple slices, apple juice, & many vitamins

"Are we there yet?" "Hey, there's a school bus... and another one!" "Are we there yet?"

Walking in with Daddy.
This is her posed smile... I call it the Popeye!

Outside her class, Ms. Osborne's class. She also has another teacher in her bridge class, Ms. Folk.

Sitting at her table with new friends.

~~~ Reynosa, Mexico ~~~ June 2006 ~~~
~~~ To love is to serve ~~~
Don and I had the amazing PRIVELDGE to go together on our first Mission's trip this summer. It was the first family mission trip at our church, Heritage Christian Church, and it was amazing, almost beyond words. There were so many things going on at one time. We were bonding and loving with the families we went with, with the families we were serving (building houses for), and with the Lord God Himself. It was a week full of God sightings (where and how you saw the Lord that day), love, joy, humility, service, and excitement. I could go on and on.. and on and on, but will just share a glimpse. We can not wait to go again and our desire to travel and serve the Lord has really been ignited. I can't wait for our next opportunity. We also can't wait to take Abby. She spent the week with Grammy and Poppy and had a great time. So, here is a peak at our very special trip this June. Hope you enjoy.

On a morning like this, how can you not be thrilled about what the Lord has in store for you that day?! The Lord says He has our days planned before we are even born... how excited I was to know I was walking in His will and about to see Him EVERYWHERE! This was one of the greatest weeks of my life, meeting Abby in her orphange is right there with it.

I snapped this picture walking back from breakfast. The women were in one building and then men were in another. What a neat blessing that turned out to be. I love each and every one of the women I lived with and really miss my bunk (but not the cramped shower or ROACHES). Granted, we were blessed to just have a shower!

All teams gathered in the church each morning for prayer. This is where VBS was held each day. Familes lined the edges and workers stopped working and watched from outside. God met us here each day and many children (and hopefully parents) came to the Lord on Thursday.

This is the colonia of Reynosa. This small colonia was bursting at the seams with love.

My God sighting came
on Thursday ...
Maria Francesca.

I was sweeping the dirt floor of the church after VBS. This little hand came out to pick up a pom pom I was sweeping up (from a craft). I reached down to get it for her and when I looked up, our eyes met. She was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen and I instantly felt connected to her. We just smiled and I started gathering up scraps all over the ground for her. She smiled and I told her, "Tu es muy bonita, su ojos muy bonita." In my broken spanish, she understood that I told her she was beautiful and that her eyes were beautiful. She told me my heart and eyes were beautiful and we were bonded. I asked if if she knew the Lord and she said yes, she was a christian. I told her that I was a christian and that we were sisters, sisters in Christ. She smiled and said "Yes, I'll see you in heaven." She was and is my angel. I miss her so very much. We got together again the next day and just could not part. After many tears and precious words of love, I left on the bus as she waved from her small home. She will forever and ever be in my heart. I adore you Maria... you are the eyes of the Lord.

The beautiful Carlita. She warmed up to me quickly and was just so stunning. Heather and I taught her some girly games and her friends later joined in the fun. She was the mother hen of her younger sister, Angelica. She loved her new house and made sure the children took of their shoes before entering. Angelica took this picture of us.

Me and Angelica... she was the youngest in the family and a little shy. I was so taken aback the first day they came home from school (in their precious uniforms) by how "American" she looked. I wanted to take her home with me... I wanted to take all of them home! She was so sweet and had a great time with my digital camera. She would gasp every time she'd take a picture and then I'd show it to her... so sweet.

Our friends Scott and Heather (aka Spankey and Ace) on the roof of our house. Spankey was our team leader and did an amazing job. Our house was built and finished in 4 days! They have just moved to Denver. We miss you so much and can't wait to come and visit (AND SKI) you all this winter!

After that, He (Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. John 13:5

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. ... If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13: 14, 17

After dedicating the house to the Lord and our family, we all washed their feet as a sign of our love and service. It was truley a Holy moment.

Heidi, (aka Tremor) how beautiful you are. Your love for the Lord and for these precious children was such a bright light on this trip. YOU have made a difference in many lives AND you helped bring many children to the Lord's family... I love you and am so blessed to be your friend. Much love, Dawn (aka Screech)

*** Abby's Five! *** Abby's birthday was July 18 and we are so blessed to have enjoyed her another year. She has come so far and continues to amaze us everyday. On July 22, we invited some friends over to celebrate her big day. Sam, Quinn, Abby and Josie, Sarah and Katie, and Raquel and Sarah came over and played with Abby. It was a great morning and we thank you all for coming!
***** Happy Birthday Abby! *****

Party Mommies! Ryan, me, Erin (not a mommy yet), Camilla, and Kelly.
I am so blessed to have such wonderful, fun, and godly women in my life... love you.

I made my wish, I've had my picture made, now give me my cake... Please!

The party girls in the pool! After a water balloon fight, sand box games, much eatting, and some swinging, the girls took a dip, and I mean DIP in this magnificant custom designed pool, and gave me a flash of their precious smiles! Thank you for coming and sharing in Abby's birthday celebration!

Here are the doggies... sock eatter and drama queen. Dusty just keeps growing like a weed and Lodie keeps trying to die! Lodie, the mini-schnauzer, is officially on her 7th life! She has come close to the pearly gates on three attempts with pancreatitis and liver failure. Next, she walked off a dock at the lake into 35 foot waters and went up under a dock. Luckily, the docks owner jumped in and found her beneath the dock, suspended in the water, and pulled her to the top (very much the less dramatic version of this story). After Don and I gave her mouth to mouth three times and he slung her in the air (vet trick)... she twiched... and slowly came back. Then she fell down the flight of about 20 something stairs at the lakehouse... then she pulled the trick at home. Upon arrival at the bottom, she leaned her head back and moaned. By the time Don got me out of bed, she was pooing and I thought she was a gonner. Don went and got a couple pieces of food to try and get her to move... after about 5 minutes of begging, she decided to give us another go, got up, shook all over, and ate her food. She's acted fine since! DRAMA...

Here we are... tubin! The first attempt got Abby's foot in the tube, second attempt got her in the tube but wouldn't leave the platform... third attempt got her in the tube, out in the water (boat not moving), next came tubing with Mom, slowly, and mommy "pretending" to fall off... walaw... "You're tubing by yourself big girl!"... and she was hooked. She's now a tubin loner!!!

Here's the clan! How cool is it that two of our closest couples of friends have moved here... and live right next to us in the cule-de-sac! From left to right... Don, Dawn, Abby, Joel, Ryan, and baby Quinn, and Calvin, Elizabeth, and Sam. Lodie and Dusty are mixed in there too. Our first of many trips...

One of my favorite pics of Abby Doo... too cute (and grown) in that hat!

Who's that walking on water....? It's Daddy! This is Don's favorite pastime... water skiing.

Mommy and Abby lovin the wind on the boat! Abby has increased her love for the water this summer at the lake and has accomplished jumping in the water by herself, swimming by herself in her life jacket, and tubing by herself. She'll be driving the boat before we know it!

Our Miracle... Abby Grace. After a year of battling mitochondrial disease, losing her ability to walk, talk, stand, hold her head up, or even eat sometimes, and having anywhere from 20 to 40+ seizures a day... our Most Gracious Lord has restored her health and we have her back. After just two days of glyconutritional suppliments, Abby was sitting up in her bed again. The Lord has allowed us to share in the most amazing miracle... we are and continue to be blessed. Abby has been seizure free for a year and a half, is walking/running, talking & singing, swimming and starts kindergarten on Monday!

A glimpse of "Georgia Jewels". I started my jewelry business in March of 2005 and love creating new pieces all the time. I WISH getting my business website going was as easy as this blog. Anyway, hopefully I'll have it up within the year. Until then, I have two shows coming up and a Christian Women's Conference this September... very excited about that.

Here is the newest member of the family... my little lover boy, Dusty. He's a cockapoo and I could just eat him up. He is my real life teddy bear and is so full of personality. His favorite hobbies are eatting Abby's socks, (let's not forget throwing them back up hours later), chewing Abby's toys and Don's underwear, and seeing how fast he can inhale a roll of toilet paper (prefers double ply!). This pic is at 6 weeks, he is now 6 months and I'll post an updated photo soon!

Mommy and Abby Doodle in Seaside on our vacation to the beach this year. Abby's favorite pastime was diving headfirst into the sand... mouth fulls of grit did not slow her down. She loves the ocean too and is our water lover!

My handsome husband, Don, and the
beautiful Abigail Grace... playing at the lake!

This is my beautiful sister Cynthia. She starts college this Fall... mercy she was just two! Now I have a five year old. Anyway, I love this picture and want to wish her the best of luck on her first day as a Freshman... a college freshman. You rock Neener! Love you crazy!