She's here!

Annabelle Brooks is here! She arrived at 8:40am, and she weighs 7 lbs. 12 0z. at 18 3/4 inches.






Jay was able to "meet" his sister via an email. Technology is amazing!



I'll post more photos as I get them. Oh! I just got another!

Life

Just over 7 months ago, I lost my sweet Granny. The next day, February 25th, Johanna confided in me that she had discovered that she was pregnant. Oh what joy filled my heart during what was a very sad time for me!

It's often that we learn of a life following a death, and with the birth of a precious girl tomorrow, I will reflect on the life of my grandmother and the joy that she added to my life. And in doing so, I know that this little girl will be adding even more joy to my life.

Our families live within minutes of each other, and we have recently started a tradition of sharing a meal together once a week. Tonight was such an occasion. It was the last meal shared with this family of 3, as our next meal together will include another child to love and hold. Oh, the joy!

And, as soon as I have some photos I'll be posting them here. However, the hospital and CDC have some policies in place due to the swine flu that may not allow us to visit while they're in the hospital. So, please know the photos will be in place just as soon as I have them.

In the meantime, please know that I want you to celebrate life, no matter the moment. It's a precious gift from God - rather it's taken or given, and either way, with Christ we live forever in complete and utter joy beyond imagining!

Big Shoes

This baby has some big shoes to fill. He's going to be a BIG brother real soon - maybe this week!

Stay tuned!

A look back....

And when I returned home from being with Joel and his new ride, I saw this photo of us in May 1990 during his initial training in this bird.

At first I thought I should replace this one with the one taken today, however I am sentimental, and I think I'll just put the two together. And then that makes me think of all the things that have gone on in between these events. (The Dash - for all of those who are familiar.) Wow! What a life we have experienced and will be celebrating come October 28th!

Welcome Aboard!

I think Joel picked up on my sadness yesterday, so he arranged his mission to fly to Dobbins and have lunch with me today! I must tell you I am honored because he has been flying all over the country for a variety of foods. He's traveled to Louisiana for some Cajun cuisine, the Keys for some key lime pie (not really - he had a blackened mahi sandwich with no room for the pie), Pennsylvania for a Philly cheesesteak, and to Ft. Lauderdale for some more seafood (his favorite). Today, he traveled for some Greek food at Marietta Diner. Yum-o!

Mike and Joel landed just before 11am, and I picked them up at Dobbins ARB, and his dad met us there for our delicious lunch. We returned back to the base with JR in tow so Joel could show us the aircraft. Now I understand why Joel likes this ride better than the "tree-skimmer" (helicopter)! They had already flown to Nashville this morning before landing in Marietta, and then they were leaving for Ft. Hood to pick up a soldier, who had just returned from Iraq. They would then return to Ft. Rucker to determine their mission for tomorrow. Look out; he could be coming to a neighborhood near you!

And they're off...

... to high school and the middle of middle school! And now I find myself in a quiet home, literally. I normally can't stand a quiet house, so I have to have the television on. Today, however, I'm suffering through some odd feelings, and my inclination is to keep it quiet in the house.

The Jenkins' "normal "has been off since April with Joel away, and now with the children starting a new year in their lives, I am realizing that a new year begins for me as well. Joel has not ever been away for the start of a new school year, and he won't be here for next year as well. With school starting, holidays and vacations seem to come into view, and I am realizing that Joel will be away for all of those as well. So, I guess quietness is what I need today to process the changes that are ahead of us. This may be my new "normal". I digress.....

On the horizon though, there is excitement. Caroline is a member of the JV softball team, and she'll be participating in the high school chorus. Both entities will keep her engaged in extra-curricular activities and plugged into groups within the large high school she is attending. She has terrific friends, and the road ahead is promising. Reid has found the love of lacrosse, and he is excited to begin playing again this Fall. He also wants to continue voice lessons. I'm thankful that my children have passions in their lives, and I know they, the children and their activities, will keep us engaged while Joel is away. We'll just miss him being alongside of us to witness these moments.

Stay tuned. I hope I will keep you plugged in on all of the jaunts.

Celebrate today!

It's my "little" boy's birthday today! He's 12! Wow; just where does the time go? It's in the history books for sure, however we look forward with eagerness to what lies ahead.

Happy Birthday, Reid. I love you.
Mom