Memorial Day 2007

There's not a lot to tell about the long weekend...we didn't jet off to somewhere exciting or have an elaborate camp out...we just hung out around the house and relaxed. We did have 1 really fun outing...a cookout at our friend's house - Wendy, Pork Chop & Piglet had us and a few other people over and treated us to yummy burgers, hotdogs, beans, potato salad and STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE! As Zoie would say, nummy nummy nummy!





We also took time to remember and think about all of our loved ones who are no longer with us who we miss dearly. And I just wanted to add our thanks to all military personnel who lost their lives in previous wars and the current one and to give our support and prayers for all those who are fighting the good fight...while I totally want ALL of our troops HOME like yesterday (especially our cousin, Clint), I understand and appreciate why they feel they have to do what they're doing. I don't want to get into politics so I'll just leave it at that. All families who have lost loved ones in the war are also in our thoughts & prayers and we hope this quote will bring them a little comfort:

"Heroes never die. They live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps."

- Emily Potter

Zoie's "Uncle Angel"...

Some of you know about this and some don't, so here is the story...

On April 20, 1969, my Mom had a baby boy, my older brother, who died during birth and was stillborn...probably with today's technology, he would have been fine, as nothing was physically wrong with him...it's been a void I've always felt even though I didn't come along until a couple of years later...but I always knew from when I was very little that there was something very special about this baby we never knew and I always felt a connection to him. I've always had him pictured in my mind as a rosy, round-cheeked baby with bright blue eyes and curly blond hair and sweet red lips...I'm sure part of that comes from the fact that there is an angel on his headstone that looks like how I always imagined baby Norman Glenn Doxon to look...

When I found out I was pregnant with Zoie and that I was due April 23rd...one of my first thoughts (besides HOW will I ever do this?!) was, "Oh my gosh...I hope I don't have this baby on NGD's birthday...it just wouldn't be right because that's HIS day!" I didn't want to take anything away from the experience my Mom...and the rest of the family...had where he was concerned. Plus, realizing I was about to have a baby of my own, it made me appreciate what my Mom had to go through when she lost this child - still I can't even imagine it. I didn't want to overshadow it in anyway...but, as it usually happens, God had other plans...Zoie DID end up being born 37 years later on the same day...April 20, 2006. Mom was right there by my side and I think it brought her comfort that Zoie did arrive on that day...we knew just exactly who the Guardian Angel was that accompanied Zoie on her trip into this world and it's a blessing to know that her Uncle will always be there for her as her Angel to watch over her...

On our recent trip to Kansas, we stopped at the cemetary where Baby Norman's grave is and placed a small wooden cross with some baby blue carnations and daisies on the grave...I just stood back to see what Zoie would do. You'll see this in the photos, but she just looked up at me at first and then, very sweetly, she bent down and laid both of her hands flat on the headstone and smiled...then stood up and started running around the cemetary and laughing into the breeze. It was probably one of the most touching things I've seen in my life so far...and whether there really is some kind of connection there, or if these are just stories that we as adults contrive to make things make sense and help us understand and get closure, I know that I'll keep this story, and that moment in the cemetary, close to my heart as long as I live...and Zoie will always know about this very special person that she never knew. Or maybe she does know....

Trip to Kansas

We packed up the car and hit the road for a weekend trip to visit the Barnett side of the family in/near Perry, KS!! My Zoie is such a good traveler and was so ready to "Go!"...We stayed with cousins Shelly, Tony, Spencer, Tyson and Aunt Linda and Uncle Dan...they sure have a lot going on right now...changing houses, getting ready to build a new one and a lot in between! Whew! It was nice to get to just hang out and catch up...we hadn't been down there since Zoie was about 3 months old so it was definitely time! On Saturday, Aunt Linda, Zoie & I went into Topeka to do a little shopping...we really enjoyed it and had fun on the short shopping trip. Saturday night was a big to-do: Uncle Gus' Surprise 50th birthday party! And, boy, WAS he surprised! It was great to see everyone! Uncle Jim & Aunt Ava and their daughter Cousin Glenna, her husband, Mike, and both of her kids, Justin & Erin...Linda's & Shelly's, Uncle Laurel & Aunt Debbie & Debbie's daughter, Carrie, and her husband...Uncle Logan (I'm with tha band, dude) and Aunt Janet...and, of course, Gus' kids - Jake and his wife, Beth, and their daughters Natalie and baby Gabrielle; Samantha and Ms Katie!! Also lots of old friends & new ones!! There was lots of great food, fun and music! And Zoie was loving all of it...she'd get out in the drive while the band was playing and dance all by herself...putting on a show and not even realizing it (I think)! We took a leisurely drive home during which Zoie slept most of the way - she was tired from having so much fun!

Da Booze Cruize Mon!

"Ain't no party like the booze cruize party cuz the booze cruize party don't stop!" The pictures speak for themselves! Ha! I felt like I was either drunk or on a boat or both for a few days after this! We had so much fun...the captain even let Vonda drive the boat for a while! I was too busy dancing and being my social self! Yeah! Before the party got really going, though, we did stop at a great spot in the water and did some awesome snorkeling...it was the best snorkeling I've done - so many fish - and the only time I haven't brought an underwater camera! Ugh! Some people spotted a huge barracuda, but I swam the other way!

Pics from Atlantis, Paradise Island BAHAMAS

These are all from our day trip to Atlantis...we just did a tour of what is called "The Dig" where they discuss and show what is theorized to be the life of Atlantians - people who lived in the Lost City of Atlantis! On the one photo of the main towers, you'll notice that they're connected by what appears to be a corridor...well, it's not. That whole "connection" is a HUGE suite! It's $125,000 a night with a minimum 4 night stay...the first occupant was Michael Jackson...Oprah and Michael Jordan have also stayed there among others. Anyone want to reserve it? Ha! Also, there is another pic that is mostly a large sting-ray...it is a 'baby' still and is already 16 ft across! His name is Zeus and they estimate he'll be 23 ft across at least when he's full grown. While they do have some in the aquarium, this particular ray is not the species that attacked the Crocodile Hunter, it is actually quite docile.

Bahama Mamas 2007

Well...we used to say it jokingly, but this time it was true...I really was a Bahama Mama now! Yes, there was another annual girls' trip to the Caribbean from Apr 27 thru May 5...just me and my friend, Vonda, and the blue ocean and the cold drinks...and the casino...and the booze cruize...it's all so blurry now. Ha! We stayed on Cable Beach in the capital city of Nassau for a week...and let me just say that a couple of years ago, that week wouldn't have been nearly long enough, but this time...well, this time was different! I missed Zoie SO much and I had some emotional breakdowns during the week and it was the first time I can remember EVER being glad that I was leaving the Bahamas...if only I could have taken it with me! In between the emotional times, we did have a great trip though. Lots of laying in the sun and swimming...nice laid back evenings out...a great day trip to the Atlantis Resort (which is nothing short of FABULOUS!) and a riot on the booze cruize the last day to wrap it up and watching the sunset from a beach house back porch! I will definitely go back to the Bahamas, but for a shorter period of time probably or WITH Zoie! Enjoy the pics!!