what day is it?

We're back from our second trip to Sewickley. It was a bitter-sweet reunion of sorts. Lots of friendly faces came from far and wide to celebrate Matt's mom's life. But, we miss her so.

Between visitations, we grabbed some dinner at Monte Cello's. I asked if it was tacky to take pictures while home for a funeral. We agreed to capture all moments! (Lipstick shot, compliments of Aunt Seaweed)

Beth and Mike...we love them so!

This photo was while we were still in Pawleys. Spencer loves playing with "boy Teddy", as her cousin is "girl Teddie".

Our too cool for school nephews for a photo op. The two oldest are coming to stay with us for two weeks! We can't wait!

new day...new look...

I'm sitting here in Sewickley and everyone is fast asleep in the Carson home. It's 9am and my little girl is even asleep! I know she's so wiped out from all the time she's had with family over the weekend.

I know I haven't updated in over a week, but this past Wednesday, Matt's mother entered eternal rest with our heavenly father, which put Spencer, Hagrid and I in the car for a 10 hour trip back up to Sewickley for a celebratory funeral in Helen Jean's honor. We had Robert Manuel and Ramsey do some special music, which really blessed our family, and mom's good friend, Joyce, spoke...and she did such a fabulous job. We had a gathering over at the Carson's house, which went late into the night and was just what Helen Jean would have wanted.

So, I hope you like the new look of the blog and hope you'll continue to keep up to date on our little beachy life.

about time to update...

Here are a few snaps from last weekend in Sewickley. I finally unloaded my camera (all the other pictures were from my friends cameras), and I was happy to see what I had gotten. I think it'll be time for the Elliott's to invest in a new camera (something a bit more grown up) soon, as well as making sure I get shots with all the girls. I didn't get one shot of Alysha and me! :(

The Carson's were amazing host's to us and spoiled Spencer rotten. I miss all my ladies, and my family, a ton. We do love the beach and our life here, I just wish we could all be closer and see each other more often.

I think it's time to give my blog a makeover and update a number of things, so be looking for that to come. It's the calm before the storm in our lives with June facing us and my travels to pick up big time!

I was able to get a shot of baby Silas' first visit to Eat 'n' Park...and who better to experience it with but the ladies...and Patrick! (He was one of the girls all weekend long.)

On some harder news. Upon our return, Matt headed back up to Pittsburgh on a plane yesterday morning. His mother is rapidly declining and they have brought in all of the family. Please pray for Beth, Trish and Matt and for Helen Jean as she prepares to go home to be with our Heavenly Father.

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a fun filled weekend...

We are in Sewickley right now, where I've enjoyed time with lots of friends! It's been a great time so far, and it's not even over yet. Yesterday we celebrated Andrew Jayson's graduation from Duquesne University (where he graduated MAGNA CUM LAUDE!) and then last night we celebrated my dear friend, Alysha's, 30th birthday! It has been great, and I am looking forward to a wonderful Mother's day with family.

It's been super fun because this is the first time I've had the opportunity to meet Alysha's son, Silas, and my friend Erin's daughter, Emma. (The Lacey Family and the Leghorn Family)

All of the pictures are from this past weekend, except this one of Corinne and I, which is from our friend Emily's wedding two years ago. Corinne has never wiped out her card and she had all these old pictures on her camera! So, I took advantage of it and grabbed this photo as well.

Spencer enjoyed giving some love to Silas.

The Great Escape 2008

taking a new step

(Please notice the shirtless Jono in the background...)

Spencer picked out her outfit this morning and I had to make sure I shared it with everyone.

We had a great weekend, filled with fun times with my mother and Brian and Jono, as well as baptizing Spencer on Sunday. It was a great time and we had a little gathering at out house after church. The food and fellowship was awesome and it was totally worth it to go "all out" (in our eyes) for Spencer. She really enjoyed the party and the attention!

I'm hoping to turn over a new leaf in my blogging. I know I've been so slack, lately, on the blog thing. Partially, it's due to the fact that so many of you are on facebook and that's been a key way of keeping up with folks, but I also know a number of you aren't, and I have to re-up my commitment to those of you I know, or don't know, who read this! I've been quite moved, lately, by the Lord and really hoping to take new strides in furthering HIS Kingdom and hoping to take you all along the way!

Blessings!