Today Terry and I both had off from work. It was wonderful! We got the kids dressed for school, and
Terry drove them while I slept in a few more minutes...boy that was nice! We went out to lunch together, ALONE!!! In the afternoon hours we were over at Donna's and managed to talk her into letting us take her to Wal-Mart. We brought a wheelchair for her and although she was just pushed around she thoroughly enjoyed getting out of the house. While we were shopping she bought both Kyler and Lizzie toys and then Happy Meals at McDonalds. They were thrilled! I could see by the time we got home she was completely wore out. She at this point cannot walk by herself, get up or even keep her eyes open for very long due to motion sickness. So a trip to the store was definately a brave move for her. She seems determined to get better. I spoke with my step-mom Julie and learned that my Dad is still not doing so hot. He has RA. They were cutting back his meds in hopes that he was getting better; however his body isnt ready just yet as he was having inflammation again. We pray for him everynight, I cannot imagine what he is going through. He is the strongest person I know and to see him not diving into life the way he always has makes me realize how terrible this disease actually is. They live in South Florida and it is about 3.5 hours from us. Julie really has her hands full with my Dad and her mother has cancer as well. I am concerned for her health in a different way. There's only so much stress one person can endure and she has passed that a long time ago. She still manages to balance things out and still hasnt totally lost it! Better than I couldve done, I'll tell you that! To boot, she still carries herself with grace and is a trip to be around...she's always happy, or at least she carries herself that way, even in rough times. I believe that is a gift that she inherited from her Mom. She is the exact same way. Her needs ALWAYS fall behind everyone elses, and is happy to do it. She has been my step mother since I was 5 and I tell you what, she is the ONLY person that could give my Dad the attention he needs right now...She is type A to the core and will only have the best for my father. For that I am truely greatful. Being so far away, theres not really much support I can offer her...But anything I can is hers for the taking : )

Pictured above is my Dad and Julie (I told you she always looks happy) and then Elizabeth and Kyler on our trip to Wal-Mart today