We headed out to one of our favorite spots in the world, the IOP (Isle of Palms) on Sunday - which also marked my birthday and, more importantly, this year, Mother's Day! I was so blessed to celebrate both of these special occasions on the same day ... some say that I miss out on something, but I think it's just easier on Stewart :-)
And, I would like to take just a minute to thank my mom for being the best mom in the world - I know that I'm 3 days late, but, hey, better late than never! I simply would not have survived these past 2+ years without her. When I was pregnant, she took every update as a matter of fact and never waived emotionally - at least not in front of me. I can remember when Stewart called her after the doctor's visit where we learned of Ian's initial condition, Truncus Arteriosis - I wasn't strong enough to form the words myself so he called - he had tears coming out of his eyes, but mom simply replied with "Well, what can we do? We'll get through this together!" I hit my knees when I got home and prayed to God, "Lord, I can do nothing about this - it is completely in your hands - and I pray that you will heal him, but if that is not your will, then please let me be strong enough to handle him and be the best mom to these 2 babies that I can be!" I pray each day that she is proud of the person I am and the mom I have become; I owe most of it to her and I am so thankful!
Stewart's parents also arrived here on Sunday to spend a few days in paradise! It was a special treat to spend time with my "other mama" on Mother's Day as well. Ms. Marti has been a terrific influence on me as well over the years - she's raised 3 great children and influenced 7 grandchildren in a way that I can only hope to do one day! It was a special Mother's Day for me to see my mom Sunday morning before we left, to be with my children who made me a Mother, and to hang out with Ms. Marti that evening!
On Monday morning, we hit the pool and as you can tell, our motto was "too cool for the pool" :-)
After the kids were all dressed and ready to go to the pool, they just wanted to "slide" on the wagon - it's amazing how creative they can get at even this age!
Finally, Ian decided it was time to go down the hall to wait for the "ele-BATOR"!
And, finally, we arrived at our destination - the beloved HEATED pool at the Wild Dunes aquatic center! The water was warmer than the temperature outside which was nice :-) The kids couldn't tell any different! Bonner jumped right in ... literally - Ian preferred the steps and the noodles! It's crazy since last year, he was the fish and she was scared silly of the water!
On Monday night, Stewart's dad wanted to go cat-fishing in Lake Marion so we all set out for the kids' first boat ride. We stayed out there for about 4 hours and didn't even get a bite on a rod :-( The kids did great and thoroughly enjoyed their first adventure on the boat in the "wah-wah"!
And on Tuesday, the skies were overcast so we headed downtown Charleston to eat at our favorite, Jestine's, and to enjoy a little walking through the market!
We went down to the beach when we got back from downtown; but, I forgot the camera - I'll definitely snap some photos tomorrow - and probably some video :-) Bonner "jumping" the waves is priceless and Ian finding the nearest Wild Dunes chair and umbrella not currently being used is ... well, all boy :-)
Unfortunately, today, we had to go to Florence for a funeral. As many of you know, my dad, Garth, passed away when I was only 7 - I have been blessed since I was 5 with a terrific dad in Steve and I don't forget that for one minute every day. However, I miss my dad alot! Before he died, he dated a special lady, Connie, and I loved her so much. My mom was a true blessing as well in that she let me stay close to Connie after my dad passed away and we have formed a friendship over the years like no other ... it's really weird, but I wouldn't trade it for the world! Well, Connie's mom, Ms. Aline Waddell had suffered these past few weeks from simply old-age and she passed away on Monday. Stewart, the kids, and I (and even my mom) went to the funeral today in Florence and I wouldn't have missed it.
I loved "Grandmother Waddell" just like my own grandmother - she was so kind and I always wished that by the time I was playing golf that she could still "hit the links" with me to show me the ropes ... her arthritis was already bad by that point, but she, along with my mom, were probably the 2 biggest influences on why I love the game of golf so much. She was a really sweet and loving lady and she will be missed! When I say my prayers tonight, I will pray that Ms. Waddell has been reunited with her beloved husband who died many years ago and my dad... she wanted to make sure that I always remembered him and thought about him and I pray they are sharing some great stories up in heaven tonight!
Love to all!
Jennifer
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