We had a great weekend. (Sorry, this post is long, but that's what happens when you don't update all weekend).

Friday, Ava and I went shopping for Carly's birthday. Then we ate lunch at Chick Fil A! We had a fun day together! Ava is so precious, and I found myself soaking up every moment with her and loving it! Friday night, we went to Opelika and visited everyone participating in the Relay for Life! We saw a lot of wonderful teachers we know, friends, and people who have been praying for Carly! We really enjoyed it. So much, in fact, Scott and I plan to be full participants next year!

Saturday I spent most of the day cleaning. I got the kitchen, den, bathrooms, and Ava's room done. Whew! Lots of hard work, but it made me feel so much better! Nothing like a clean house!

In the middle of the night, we had a thunder storm (or as Ava says...dunder storm). Both girls were in bed with us! How wonderful was that? I was always scared of thunder as a child, so when my kids get scared, I snuggle with them in our bed. I think it is something they will always remember when they are adults.

We got up around 7 this morning and hung out! We got dressed and went to Scott's parent's house for brunch. It was great! We gave Scott's mom and my mom hanging baskets for Mothers Day! I got fuzzy red slippers and windchimes! I loved it! After breakfast, Carly got ready for her First Communion! She looked so beautiful (see the picture).

We were worried she wouldn't go through with it because she is having a hard time swallowing. So we practiced, and she just freaked out. So we told Father Bill that she would not participate in the host, but that she would take the blood of Christ. So she does fine through mass, but one time came to sit with me because she was having a panic attack. But as we got close to communion, she wanted to go sit with her class. Then, it was time.........she walked up, put her hands out to accept the host, and Father Bill was confused a little. He asked if she wanted to take it, she nodded, so he gave her a small piece. Then she went to receive the blood of Christ. As she turned and looked at me, her eyes got really big, and she stuck out her tongue to show me she took the host, and just smiled the biggest smile! She was so proud! She even was able to swallow it! So that was extremely exciting for all of us! Thank you to Janine Babbitt, Angela Hamby, Julie Clardy, Mary Beth White, and Susan Ford and everyone else for all you did today. I know you worked very hard for today and I am so glad Carly was able to participate! Also, thanks to Father Bill for all he has done for us these past 6 months!

I spent the afternoon shopping at Lowes and Home Depot with my parents and sister. Then I came home and played with Ava a little while Carly played with Peyton and Maggie, two of our neighbors. Scott cooked a great steak (gosh, it's so good to be home with our grill and our kitchen!) and now we are just hanging out.

We will update more later! Sorry this one is long! Please continue to pray for our cancer buddies and all of our friends in need. We love you all!

Miki (Scott, Carly and Ava)

Matthew 19:26 and Philippians 4:13