Well, I was going to do some serious blogging, but after watching Amanda do the belly bump with Michelle I have no other thought in my head! For one thing, I so remember Michelle as a little girl in church and GA camp. That beautiful hair and tiny voice as well as a tiny tummy! And then there was Amanda hangin' out with my precious niece Paige with all the Jr. high and High school stuff...slumber parties, cheer leading, etc. I'm just sure I can find a picture somewhere in all my stuff. So hold that thought and I'll add one later. When I can clear my head I will get back to blogging my first thought which was....?

In all seriousness - loved the belly shots (I have several of myself) and you are still as adorable as "back in the day."

Funeral services for Norma "June" Blythe, 71 of Van, will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8th at the First Baptist Church of Van under the direction of Hilliard Funeral Home. Family graveside services will be Monday, March 9th at 2:30 p.m. in Coweta, OK. After a courageous battle with cancer, Ms. Blythe went home to be with her Lord on March 5, 2009. She was a brave example for all, expressing love even in her last hours.

Born October 4, 1937, in Coweta, OK she spent most of her life in "her town", Van, TX. She graduated from Van High School and continued her journey there working in the school cafeteria for 20 plus years. She became known as the town hugger where she freely gave hugs to anyone who would accept them. Ms. Blythe attended the First Baptist Church and was a member of the Adult Three Sunday School class where so many aided in her care.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Bryan and Oreta Blythe.

Those left to cherish her memory are: her devoted sister, Barbara Gillentine and husband James of Longview, TX, nephews: Steve Gillentine and his wife Judy of Longview, and Chuck Gillentine and his wife Cindy of St. Louis, MO, niece: Julie Weldon and her husband Ed of Longview, and special friends: Patsy and John Green and Charlotte Terry of Van, and Frank and Nancy Alford of Longview. She will also be missed by ten great nieces and nephews who will continue her legacy of love.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of Margaret's House and especially her home nurse, Kay who demonstrated great love and compassion during her final days. You are truly angels in disguise.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House, 5016 Gilmer Rd. Longview, TX 75604.

Blaire Bear

Look at this cutie pie - Blaire Bear! I had her all ready and looking cute for school last Thursday so I insisted that she practice some poses for me. Notice that hiney bo, it's not all diaper. That little girl has a behind. And they say she gets it from me! Today she and Blythe had a cat fight over the computer. Earlier she bopped Turner on the head with a hard plastic alligator. I'm not sure what that riff was about. She'll say "No, no Turn, Turn!" Having a big brother has taught her how to take up for herself. However, no need for that because Reed is constantly watching out her...making sure Turner doesn't have her baby (which she does not share - no negotiating), that her sippy cup is available and her blanket close by. He is quite the mother hen when it comes to "his baby." That's what he calls her - "my baby." Sometimes I suggest that she should try out the potty, but she says "No NayNay, I baby" and off she goes strutting her stuff. Soon enough she will be our big girl and proud of it. Just like Reed and Blythe she will slowly gain her independence and ween herself off her baby ways. Have we spoiled her? Sure, but not as much as Reed has. What a super big brother and what a precious baby girl.

June is hanging in there, just lingering really. It is hurtful to watch her die. Yesterday I got there early and we were alone. She told me she was on her deathbed for sure. I replied that yes, I guess she was. I said, "June, are you scared?" She whimpered "Yeah." I said, "Well, I would be too. It's just the fear of the unknown." The unknown in that we've never been to heaven so that it is somewhat unknown. She answered "Yeah." I said "Well, you know the bible says Out of the body into the presence of God." June answered "Yeah, I'm going to meet my Maker." "And He will say Well Done, my good and faithful servant" I replied. When she said I hope so, I assured her that I knew He would. There is something very special about sharing time with someone who you know is in there last days. So soon she will be with God. Wow, I should be joyful for her, and I am as much as the human in me will allow it. It's hard to wrap my brain around the spirit world. Are we humans trying to live a spirit filled life or are we spirits living in a world of humans? Just a thought...