I'm a Sister-in-Law ...

Last weekend, my baby brother finally tied the knot. I've gained an AWESOME sister-in-law! We are all thrilled to have Candice as a part of our family now. I'm so thankful that she loves my brother and has been so wonderful to and for my nephew. I could go on and on about how wonderful she is, but I'll end by saying that I wish them NOTHING but the best! Here's a little slideshow I made of some of my favorite pics from the wedding. ENJOY!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Sweet Lizzy

Today, I had to say goodbye to my furry sister, Lizzy. She was diagnosed with cancer in November and it took her precious life this morning. Below is a picture I snapped of her at the Vet's office. It's not the best picture because I took it with my cellphone.

Rest in Peace, sweet Lizzy!

You were a wonderful companion & friend for almost 12 years.

I love you & will miss you always!

Lizzy (a/k/a Lizzy Mae)

March 23, 1997 - February 25, 2009

This has been a very sad day and I'm sure it will continue to be for a good long while. I would appreciate your prayers!

Love,

3 Years Today

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAMES EDWARD HENDRICKSON (1947-2006)

Today is the 3-year anniversary of my Daddy's death. It is so hard to believe that it's been that long. In some ways, it feels like yesterday & in other ways, it seems like 20 years ago. Looking back over the last 3 years, life has changed so much for me & my family. The past year has not been kind to any of us and I can't begin to remember all the times that I've just wanted to talk to Daddy and have him tell me everything is going to be okay. But, I believe that Daddy's spirit is still very much alive and that God has a way of wrapping His arms around me when I need it most. This past Christmas was the first one since 2005 that was actually enjoyable. It's easier to talk about him now and not break down. Time has a way of making it a little less painful. But, there will never be a time when we don't miss him. And, there will always be times of great sadness because he is no longer with us. My times of great sadness almost always come at the strangest of times. It's usually when I hear some song on the radio, like a couple of weeks ago when Prince's 1999 came on and I fell apart. You see, I have vivid memories of hearing that song on the radio when I was a little girl and asking him "Daddy, how old will I be in 1999?" And, he'd always say, "You'll be 23, but that's so far away." Oh what I'd give to have him back here to tell me that. I wish that he could've known Candice, my brother's girlfriend. He would've loved her. She reminds me of him, actually. She has such a quick wit & wonderful sense of humor, just like him. Daddy would be thrilled to see my brother so happy and even more thrilled to see someone accept my nephew & treat him as her own. What a blessing she has been in all of our lives. And, I'd like to think that my Daddy had some role in it. :-) This evening, our family will sit down and share a meal, like we've done so many times since he died. We may laugh, we may cry, we may do a little of both, but we will remember a man who died too young & will miss out on so many milestones in all of our lives. However, one thing is for certain . . . he still lives in our hearts & always will. Thank you to all of you who have been there for me & my family over the years. Each of you have made it a little easier to continue on.

Cutest Dog EVER!!

Is this not THE CUTEST dog you've ever seen??!! I fell in love INSTANTLY!!!!

How I'm Spending My Time in Flu World

I'm now on Day #4 of this nasty flu. I'm now officially going completely stir crazy. I got rid of cable back around Thanksgiving, so . . . no TV, which stinks! I have a DVD/VCR combo in my bedroom. The DVD side quit working, for whatever reason, quite some time ago. So, if I'm to watch anything in the bedroom, I'm going to have to kick it 'old school' and break out the VHS tapes. Thank goodness I've kept them, though. So, since Wednesday night, here's what I've watched on VHS:

1. As Good As It Gets (I was reminded of my daddy - had to laugh a little, cry a little - this was his favorite movie.)
2. Enemy of the State (It's been a very long time since I've watched this. I always loved Will Smith on Fresh Prince, but I enjoy him even more in the movies. I think he is a very talented actor. This movie reminds me just how scary it is that 'big brother' is probably watching all of us and that a ton of people we should be able to trust are actually people we can't.)
3. What Women Want (In my opinion, one of Mel Gibson's best movies. And, I love Helen Hunt.)
4. Dr. Doolittle 2 (A classic that always makes me laugh. I'm a sucker for any movie involving animals, but this is actually a funny movie. I'm now pondering why I don't own the first Dr. Doolittle.)
5. Nutty Professor (Another classic Eddie Murphy movie that always makes me laugh. In my opinion, much better than the sequel.)
6. Blue Streak (I'm a huge Martin Lawrence fan & this is one of my favorites.)
7. Liar, Liar (In my opinion, Jim Carrey's best!!)

My mom is supposed to be bringing me a bunch of tapes tomorrow of TV shows she's taped for me - Dr. Phil, American Idol, Ace of Cakes, Dinner: Impossible, etc.) - so, that will give me something new to watch.

Movies that are still in the pile to watch are:

1. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (This is one of my favorites. I just think it's a great little love story.)
2. The Waterboy (Honestly, really cheesy, but . . . funny, all the same. Adam Sandler is a hoot in this one. It's a great movie for passing the time.)
3. Domestic Disturbance (This one is really good, but very intense. I might have to skip this one until another time.)
4. The General's Daughter (Another great movie, but very intense. Another one that'll probably get skipped until a later time.)

I'll probably wind up having at least 1/2 of these watched by the end of the night and the others before mom drops the other stuff off. Needless to say, I've had my feel of movies. I've worked sudoku puzzles, read magazines, blogged, surfed the net, and slept a BUNCH! I'm running out of things to do, people. Any suggestions? I have a stack of books to be read, but my head has been hurting too much to crack any of them open - I have to be in the frame of mind for reading (and sickness usually doesn't put me in that frame).

I will say this about being down for the count right now . . . it has made me appreciate my friends & family even more than I already did. It's made me grateful for everything I have! It's making me appreciate everything about my life! I cannot wait until all is better & I can get out and live my life again!!! I've talked to my precious nephew last night & today and will talk to him tonight & tomorrow, as well. Usually, we're having our 'slumber party' at this time every other week, so I'm missing him terribly right now. Every time I talk to him, here's the dialog:

ME: "Hey Bubby. Whatcha doin'?"

BUBBY: "Aunt Sissy, you sick?"

ME: "Yes, Bubby, I am."

BUBBY: "Well, I love you."

ME: "I love you, too, Bubby."

BUBBY: "Okay. Bye!"

My mom then gets on the phone and I say "Man of many words, huh?" and she laughs. But, at least he said the 3 that mean the most . . . "I LOVE YOU!" That'll melt your heart in a hurry! I love, love, LOVE him so much!!!

We'll have to have an extra-special slumber party in two weeks to make up for this week. I better get to planning! Well, I'm off to yet another movie. Enjoy the rest of your evening!

Happy Valentine's Day

As someone who falls into the 'hopelessly single' category, this particular holiday isn't for me! I usually get a little down & out because everyone else has a special someone in their life - receiving flowers, cards, jewelry, chocolates, etc. But, this year . . . I surprised myself. I mean, really SURPRISED myself! I don't know if it's because I've been 'shoveling crap' for the last few months and have more to worry about than whether I have a man in my life or not OR if I've just gotten comfortable & content with my situation.

Now, if you knew me 10 years ago, it was quite a different scenario. I had the opinion that I wasn't complete without a man in my life. I didn't think I had a great life because I lacked that. I cried A LOT over the state of my life in the relationship category. I've never really been a big 'dater' to begin with, though. I've only dated a handful (maybe a handful & a half) of guys in my ENTIRE life (all almost 32 years of it). I would've married 3 of them, which now . . . SCARES me (at least for 2 of them). I've been hurt & disappointed time and time again. A LOT of it MY fault - for 'falling' too quickly, for not getting the warning signs, for feeling like I was better off as long as I had someone in my life. Throughout the course of things, I've developed a distrust of people in general, but especially men.

I've joked with my friends over the last several years that God will have to strike me in the forehead with a lightning bolt to get my attention on "Mr. Right" (if that person really exists). I no longer focus on whether or not I have a man in my life. I'd rather be happy alone than miserable with someone. I've watched far too many people suffer in relationships of 'convenience' and I don't want that for my life. Don't get me wrong . . . I WANT to get married and have children, but I also WANT God's will for my life. So, I have focused more on Jennifer (me) and less on other things over the last couple of years. And, I think I've gotten into a place of complete contentment, which several years ago didn't even look like a possibility. I will say that I am proud of myself for that.

On this day of all-things-LOVE, I wanted to say how much I love my friends & family! The past couple of years have not been easy for me - losing two of the most important people in my life (my grandmother & my daddy), financial issues, self-esteem issues, family problems, etc. Through it all, there have been a circle of you (and YOU know who YOU are) who have NEVER faltered in your friendship. I've learned in the last few years that saying you're a friend and actually being a friend are two totally different things. But, I also believe that nobody comes into your life without a purpose & a reason. I suppose some people are only for a season, while others last a lifetime. To my 'lifetimes' - - - I love you very much!! Thank you for always being there to listen, support, encourage, laugh, cry, lean on, etc.

Today, I felt more love than I've felt in a long time. From the sweet e-cards to the snail mail cards to the chocolates, flowers, balloons, teddy bears & giftcards - - - it was ALL very much appreciated! It wasn't about the 'things,' though. It was about the love you showed to a friend. And, I will forever be grateful!!!!

I hope everyone reading this had a very Happy Valentine's Day and felt loved all day long. But, I also hope that you will feel loved every single minute of every single day. You never know what kind of impact a smile, a hug, a card, etc. will do for a person. I've been in a very low place lately & God knew that I needed some encouraging, especially on a day like today. So, YAY God!!!! And, a big thank you to all of my precious friends & family!!! I love, love, LOVE you!!!

Here's one of my favorite poems by Mother Teresa that I believe is so true. I hope you enjoy it!!!

Praying for Tim

A guy that is involved heavily in Relay for Life with me is battling cancer for the third time! He is a young (in his 30s), single dad. He was diagnosed with appendix cancer in 2004, gall bladder cancer in 2006 and most recently, in late 2007, with liver cancer. He went into surgery at 8:00 yesterday morning and was still in recovery at 9:45 last night. It was a long day, but I'm told that Tim came through the surgery well. They removed 3% of his liver, a small spot on his colon and a small tumor off of his diaphragm. He is currently in a "step down room" (better than ICU) and will hopefully get into a regular room soon. If you would, please remember Tim and his family in your prayers as he recovers from surgery & goes through treatment. Thank you so much!!

TIM - - - if you're reading this - - - we all love you & are praying for a speedy recovery!!! Let us know if there's anything you need!

A Reason to Relay

If you know me very well or have been reading this blog for a little bit, you know how important the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event is to me. I have participated in this event for the past three years. I am the Paws for a Cure team captain and Online Chair for the event this year. You can click on the image to the left to check out our web site.

I debated whether to post this on my blog, but I have family & friends who read my blog + I've met A LOT of amazing people in bloggyville. A lot of you have experienced cancer personally and others have had a loved one who has battled cancer. Unfortunately, almost everyone can say that they know someone who has been touched by this terrible disease.

For those of you who don't know my story, I wanted to take a moment to share it. I wrote the following for the Faces and Stories of Cancer section of our web site. Here is my story:

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REMEMBERING . . . MY DADDY

Lost His Battle in 2006

Oral, Lung & Brain Cancer

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In 2001, Daddy was diagnosed with oral cancer. He had surgery in April 2001 and went through 6 weeks of radiation and was deemed ‘cancer free’ later that year.

In November 2004, we started noticing a change in the way he was walking, his memory, his speech, etc. We begged him to go to the doctor. After much convincing, he finally went to the doctor in February of 2005. On February 23rd, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The next day, he went for additional tests and was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Doctors suggested radiation & chemotherapy, but the prognosis was not good, either way. He was given about a year with treatment and 3-4 months without treatment. He begged us to make the decision for him, but we could not do that. We told him that we would support him in whatever decision he made, but we were not going to decide whether we would loose him sooner rather than later. He opted to undergo treatment. He went through radiation on the brain tumor. It shrunk slightly, but it was not a significant amount.

In May 2005, we took what would be our last family vacation to the mountains of North Carolina. He was unable to do much of anything, but he thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the deck which overlooked the 15th fairway of the golf course. The family dog, Lizzy, joined us on this trip. She was his constant companion & we believe she helped make his battle a little less difficult for all of us. After this trip, he went through a complete round of chemotherapy and started another round, but decided he didn’t want to continue it.

In October 2005, he was admitted to the hospital after my mother came home from work to find him lying in the bedroom floor, unresponsive. He was diagnosed as having an additional brain tumor. From that point forward, he needed round-the-clock care. We were blessed to have friends & family who could help us with this. I was blessed to have a job where my bosses never made me choose between family & my work. I was able to spend a great deal of time caring for my daddy in the last year of his life & those are memories that I will always cherish. I am forever indebted to my bosses for the opportunity they gave me to care for him.

He fought a hard fight, but by the time Christmas arrived, we knew it wouldn’t be much longer. On Sunday afternoon, January 8, 2006, my mom & I took a much needed break to just get out of the house for a few hours. We had been gone about 15 minutes when my brother called to tell us that we needed to come back to the house because daddy wasn’t breathing very well. By the time we arrived, EMS was there & working with him. I knew that the last hug, kiss on the cheek and “I love you” that I had shared with my daddy just 30-45 minutes before would be the last.

He was taken to the hospital and we were told by the ER doctor that it was just a matter of time. We called friends & family and said our last goodbyes to the man whose life was going to end far too soon. Around 3am, my brother & I went back to my parents’ house, at my mom's request, to take care of the dog and try to get a little rest. At 5:05am, the phone rung and what we had dreaded for the last 11+ months had happened. Daddy lost his battle at 5:00am, January 9, 2006 - - - almost a year to the day of his initial diagnosis. His death was peaceful.

On January 12th, we gathered at our home church for a memorial service to celebrate his life. It was a wonderful service. It is a true celebration to know that he is no longer in pain, has a new body and is in Heaven with Jesus. We know that we will meet him again someday. Until that day, we will celebrate the time we had with him, remember him always and fight for those who are going through cancer and who will face it in the future.

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My personal fundraising goal is $1,000. We will have a luminary ceremony at the event. This is where decorated bags are filled with sand, a candle placed inside and then placed around the track. They are lit during the luminary ceremony, which honors those who have been touched by cancer. They are $10 each and all proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society. If you feel led to contribute towards this wonderful cause, please go here to make a contribution. If you would like to mail a donation, purchase luminaries or have any questions, please feel free to go here to contact me.

* * * ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE!!! * * *

I say a HUGE thank you in advance for your support of this wonderful cause!!!

2 Years Ago

It's terribly hard to believe, but 2 years ago today . . . this is what I was going through!!! I decided I would just copy excerpts from a few e-mails I sent out to friends & family about that day!

[Christmas 2005 - Last Family Photo]

1/9/2006 - 12:06 a.m.

Daddy is in the hospital - Greenville Memorial, Room 2337. Mom & I had gone out together this morning/early afternoon to do a few things & [brother] was staying with daddy. [Brother] called us a little before 1:00 today & said that daddy wasn't breathing very well & was basically unconscious. By the time we got home, [brother] had called EMS & they were in the process of getting him ready to transport to the ER. We spent all day in the critical care section of the ER. The doctors have told us that they do not think he will make it through the night. He is unconscious and barely breathing. He is on oxygen & they have put him on a morphine drip. His wishes have been very clear from the beginning . . . that he did NOT want to be put on life support, etc. So, we are basically, at this hour, waiting for the Lord to call him home. I know that he is ready - he & I have had that conversation numerous times. He has fought a very long battle, but he just cannot continue to fight. He weighs less than 100 pounds and is so frail. It has been very difficult to watch him go through this, but he has been so strong & for so very long. We knew this day would come, but you are never prepared to lose a loved one. Sometimes I get very angry and question why God would take my daddy away from me at such a young age (if almost 30 is young), but God knows what he's doing. I do not want to see my daddy suffer anymore. I will miss him so very much & my life will never be the same, but I am at peace knowing that he will definitely be in a much better place when he passes from this life. THANK YOU to all of you who have been so very supportive to me & my family during this very difficult time in our lives. We will most definitely need your continued support & prayers. Thank you to everyone who has already been to the hospital or called, though I hope you know that I certainly do not expect any of this. The only thing I need is your prayers & support. Just knowing you're there means more to me than any of you will ever know. I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. I am truly grateful every day. Please pray for us - that God will give us the strength we need during this time. I will keep you posted. I love all of you.

[Christmas 2005]

1/9/2006 - 11:03 a.m.

I just wanted to let all of you know that daddy passed away this morning around 5:00. He went peacefully. We know he is in a better place, though we will miss him so very much. We have an appointment to make arrangements at 2:00 today. Daddy's wish was to be cremated; however, we are planning on having a visitation and memorial service. I will update you with the specifics when we have them set. I appreciate (as does my entire family) your continued prayers & support during this very difficult time. I love all of you.

Cancer took my daddy's life, but it can't take away all the memories I have! I miss my daddy more now than I did the day he died. I have started a 'new normal' for my life, but there will always be a longing in my heart for him.

Today, I took some time to reflect on the past two years and to remember him. Dear friends of the family took my mom, my brother & me out to dinner and it was wonderful & so very thoughtful of them.

I will end with one of my favorite 'poems' by Maya Angelou. It is a reflection of how I feel about life & tells a little bit of how losing my daddy has changed my attitude towards things.

I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

I miss you daddy & love you very much! Until we meet again . . .

The BIG 3-0

Today was my very best friend in the whole wide world's (Shell) birthday. It wasn't just any old birthday either. It was the BIG 3-0! I turned 30 in April of last year and it hasn't even phased me, though people warned me I'd have a meltdown! She was a little more bothered by the whole 'turning 30' thing, but I think she handled it well! Welcome to the 30 Club, my friend. It's not so bad here! I hear that 30 is the new 20!

With that said, let me tell you a little about Shell - - - Of course, Shell isn't her real name, but that's what we all call her. Her name is actually Michelle. I met her through my brother. My brother is best friends with her husband, Bubba (also not his real name - it's Danny). Both Bubba & Shell have become like family to me (and the rest of my family). They've helped me through some very hard times, especially in dealing with the death of my daddy almost 2 years ago. Shell & I really didn't become close friends until after daddy died! While losing daddy was the hardest thing I've ever had to go through, I feel like God (with daddy's help) sent me Shell as a friend because he knew I needed her. Because of her, I have now found a new church home that I absolutely LOVE! I wouldn't trade this church for any other one in the world! She has introduced me to scrapbooking, which is now an addiction of mine. I've introduced her to handmade Christmas ornaments, which I would like to think is now an addiction of hers. We talk every day and she always knows exactly what to say! Our families celebrate the holidays together every year. Basically, Shell is the sister I never had, but always wanted! And, I gained a big brother (Bubba) out of the deal, too. I'm doubly blessed!!!

To celebrate her special day, we all got together this evening and did exactly what she wanted to do. We went to see Alvin & the Chipmunks and then headed to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. The movie was SUPER cute and dinner was AWESOME, as always! After dinner, we headed back to their house for gifts & birthday cake! We had given her the 1st two Harry Potter dvds for Christmas and we completed the set by giving her the last three! She was thrilled! She said that tomorrow would be a "Harry Potter Sunday." I think she had a great day - at least I hope she did!

With that said . . . Happy Birthday my precious friend! I pray that God will bless you with many more years and that we will always remain the best of friends! THANK YOU for making me very aware of what being a true friend is all about!

I love ya!!!

Headaches & Congratulations

This lovely lady to the right . . . . that's ME for the past 5 days! I have had a splitting headache since Friday. Taking tylenol, etc. has NOT helped. I know it's my allergies/sinuses (gotta love the ragweed that's blooming around here). I can't take anything over the counter (for the most part) because of the beta blocker I'm on, so I don't get the easy "fix" that some people can get from taking a Tylenol Sinus, etc. I feel like that character in the sudafed commercial - where she blows her nose & her head blows up like a balloon! I just hate feeling this way. When my head hurts like this, I have a very difficult time functioning & sleeping well is almost completely out for me. So . . . I'm having a little pity party tonight. Sorry to be such a downer. I just don't feel good. Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow. Here's hoping.

On a different note . . . a huge CONGRATULATIONS to my mom!!! After only 14 months at her new job (she left her previous job of 25+ years last August), she has received multiple raises & has now been promoted to Assistant Manager. I am so happy for her! She deserves this after so many years in the business!!! Congrats Mom - - - I couldn't be prouder of or more excited for you! I love you very much!!!

Well, off to bed to TRY to sleep!!! Hope everyone has a great evening & a wonderful Wednesday! Until next time . . .

Welcome to the World, Davis!

INTRODUCING . . . Davidson "Davis" Barnette Hadel

Birthday: October 1, 2007

Time of Grand Entrance: 12:11pm

Weight: 9lbs., 5 ozs.

Length: 21 1/4 inches

Proud Mom & Dad: Rebecca & Justin

What an exciting day . . . one of my bestest friends had her first baby! Is he not just PRECIOUS??!! They are thrilled to finally have him here. I know they will be GREAT parents. I can't wait to meet Davis and add him to the list of children that I "spoil rotten."

Rebecca, I am so proud of you. I'm happy for you both!!! I will see you very soon!!! If you need anything, please let me know! Love you all!!!!

Welcome to the world, sweet little man!!!!

The Many Adventures of Bubby

Just a little slideshow I put together from the past couple of weeks. We've done so much with Bubby lately - ALL fun, but really just not in the mood to think & recap everything (maybe I'll do that in a later post). But, here's a shortened version of what's included in the slideshow:

1st Time Swimming

Car Show @ Kevin Whitaker

Arts & Crafts with Granmommie

Shopping @ Petco

Birthday Party in Memory of Daddy/Poppa (August 30th)

SC Upper State Fair

Visiting the Greenville Humane Society (which we do all the time)

Bathtime silliness

Click on The Many Adventures of Bubby to view the slideshow. ENJOY!!! Until next time . . .

Clemson, Labor Day & More

College football season has officially started, which means that Fall (my VERY favorite season) is almost here! Woohoo!!! I've never been into the whole sports thing! I have a feeling, with a sports crazed nephew, that will change! He has been "brainwashed" into being a Clemson fan (after all, that's the ONLY team to pull for, right?), but he has announced to us several times lately that he is now a Gamecocks fan! We won't be having none of that!!! :-) I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that his buddy Michael (at Stax's) is a USC alum and loves to pick on all of us about being Clemson fans! Plus, he takes every opportunity to give Bubby USC memorabilia, just to get our goat. So, it'll be interesting to see what team Bubby ends up pulling for in the future. But, us other Hendricksons will always be Tigers fans! They kicked off at 8pm tonight against Florida State. This game is always a big deal - it's the "Bowden Bowl" (father vs. son)! At half-time, they were ahead - - - GO TIGERS!!!

On a different note, I hope that everyone had a GREAT Labor Day weekend! Color Clay Cafe on Friday for Girls' Night Out was A LOT of fun! Just chilled out Saturday and yesterday! Spent the day with Mom today. We went to Cracker Barrel for early lunch and then hit EVERY craft store in Greenville County! Made a Starbuck's run and went to Bath & Body Works, too! So, the day was great!

Back to the grind tomorrow, but at least it's only a 4-day work week! It will go by quickly because I'm still neck deep in this embezzlement case and I have something EVERY night this week! Then, I get to see Bubby this weekend! :-)

Until next time . . .

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

Today would've been Daddy's 60th birthday!!! It has been almost 2 years (January 9th) since we lost him. Some days it seems like yesterday and A LOT of days, it seems like forever ago. I can't help but think about all the things he has missed and will miss in the future. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him! I miss him more & more with every passing day! I know he is looking down on us & is proud of us - - - for making significant changes in our lives and for pushing through the grief.

If you would like to see the full slideshow I created of some of my favorite pics of daddy, please click on REMEMBERING DADDY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!!!! I love & miss you VERY much!!!!

James Edward Hendrickson (1947 - 2006)

Bubby's Birthday

It's hard to believe, but Bubby turned 4 years old on June 14th. Before we know it, he'll be in school. He has grown into such a sweet little boy. He has a great sense of humor, does NOT meet a stranger (which, I guess is a good thing), is well-behaved and listens well (for the most part). On the flip side, he has his daddy's temper and attitude, from time to time - - - thank goodness that he only exhibits these qualities on rare ocassions. He loves animals, all sports, reading (this was my TOP priority with him & it "stuck"), watching his videos, playing with cars, etc. He entertains himself for the most part, though he follows me around like a shadow. Between him and the dog, I can hardly go to the bathroom in peace. :-)

I wanted to share a little about Bubby's birthday weekend. . .

On Friday night, he wanted to go to IHOP for "pannycakes" and then we watched "Cars."

On Saturday morning, we went to Stax's, which we do EVERY weekend that we have him. Some of the waitresses got together and got him a card and put money in it and then they did their version of a cake (whipped cream on a plate w/ gummy lifesavers & candles) and sang to him. That's the ONLY time I've ever witnessed that happening there, so he must be loved. Actually, I know he's loved because when we're there, someone is always over hugging on him or giving him something. One of the waitresses puts money in his pocket every time we're there & he gets larger amounts on birthdays and Christmas. I joke with her that she will be paying for his college education. Which, is FINE with all of us! I wish adults got paid every time they went out to eat because I would be a RICH person! Unfortunately, I'm not a sweet, blonde, blue-eyed little boy, so it just doesn't swing that way for me! OH WELL!!!

That afternoon, we just hung around the house and then went to Tito's Pizzeria (he calls it "Cheetos") for early dinner. We met Bubba & Shell there and had a little "party" (if you want to call it that). Our plan was to go to the Greenville Drive game, but as is typical of summer weather, it stormed on and off up until time to go downtown. It finally cleared up and we went down, only to discover that it was sold out. We were afraid he would pitch a fit because he had done NOTHING but talk about the baseball game for weeks. But, we explained it to him and he was fine. What a WONDERFUL child!! We ended up just walking around downtown and then went to Marble Slab for ice cream. He even got free ice cream just because he batted those little eyes at one of the girls & told her it was his birthday. SUCKER!!! He picked out strawberry with sprinkles & we figured it would go straight into the trash, but he ate EVERY BITE!!

His favorite gift was from Bubba & Shell - - - a remote control Gravedigger (one of those monster trucks). The batteries were dead after one weekend of play - typical, I suppose. Mom, Lizzy & his daddy got him a "Cars" chair, safari play set, and several other things. I got him books, a dvd set, a binocular viewfinder set & a cute little thing called "grow a head." The "grow a head" is a dog and it's kind of like a chia pet, but much cuter. The dog's name is Spike and on Sunday, Bubby & mom worked on getting Spike ready to grow hair. He has now grown hair & Bubby checks on him every time he's over. It's really cute to watch him.

The weekend was GREAT!!! He had so much fun and we did, too. We still owe him a baseball game, but will just have to play it by ear! Below are a few pictures from the weekend. ENJOY!!!