Philip _May

Mowing the grass with the "Green" mower

Cutest graduate

Mrs. Liz, Mr. Andrew and Philip
Pre-K class at Grace Chapel

Shooting hoops!

Here we go!

And we are off to Tennessee!

Moving Out

I had our move planned down to the minute. We had to be out of the house 2 days before closing. Since we closed on Monday, I scheduled us to pack up on Friday. Enjoy an evening with our small group on Friday night, and then pull out of Cumming on Saturday morning. Our relator had given us no reason to believe anything else so we had made all plans and arrangements based on this timeline.

Thursday afternoon, the kids and I were saying goodbye to "Ms. Tricia" when I received a call and text from Wesley. He had just received a text from our relator who was checking in to make sure we were out of the house.

WHAT?

He called her and said "No, we were planning on getting out on Saturday, 2 days before closing" and she replied "2 business days, didn't you read the contract?"

Turns out we were supposed to be out of the house Thursday morning but we were not made aware of this. So, we went into Turbo mode. 

Thankfully, Ms. Tricia agreed to watch the kids for me while I made a quick run into Lowes for boxes and tape. We then said a quick, teary-eyed goodbye and headed home.

Ms. Tricia watching the kids while I ran into Lowes

I sent out an SOS text for help, and immediately received word that Jenn would be able to watch the kids; Lisa and Clay could come pack; and Kate could drop her kids off with Robin to come help pack. Aimee stopped by while JJ was napping to help and Gerald, Minutha and Aleem came as soon as they could.

Our relator said if the house inspector came by while we were moving out, there was the potential for the contract to be voided so we worked super fast.  I wanted to be mad at the relator, and I was, but Wesley reminded me, she wasn't in control. All the prayers that had been offered up for this move meant, God was in control. We would work but not worry.

It ended up being a fun fun night. Laura came to help Jenn with the kids so they enjoyed hours of playing with their friends. Wesley and I had a blast loading all our belongings with our dearest friends. We laughed, cleaned, cried a little and worked. 

Dinner Break!
Wesley, Minutha, Aleem, Gerald, Leanne, Clay, Lisa and Kate

Uncle Geral and the kids 

Kate, Elizabeth and Leanne in the empty house

Jackson took a picture of where he had measured his stuffed animal, ZuZu

Then, as the last box was packed and the kids came back home, we were able to go through our empty house and say "Goodbye." We treasure so many memories from 4418 Shillham Court, and together as a family, we were able to talk about those memories and remember all the good times we shared in this wonderful house. 

It ended up being such a blessing. Instead of our racing around packing on Friday, we were able to enjoy time with friends. We had an impromptu sleepover on Thursday night with the Rowells and Friday night with the Hazlewoods. Memories were made among the chaos. 

Jackson and Miss Aimee

Joey, Jess, Philip, Elizabeth, and Jackson

Jess and Philip

Elizabeth and the Ballerina

The Manchester Park Crew
Aiden, Andy, Jack, Elizabeth, Philip, Jackson and Emmy

Philip and Jack 

Andy and Elizabeth

Sleepover!
Sam and Jackson

Jack and Philip

Oh the memories that have been made with this group!

Top Golf

Last on my "Bucket List" for Atlanta was Top Golf in Alpharetta. We decided to combine this activity with our Small Group Goodbye for a fun night out!

Ben, Wesley, John, and Jeremy
Kate, Leanne, Amanda, Maren and Ashley
(we missed Rocky)

These girls were such a source of strength and encouragement each and every Friday night! 

Elizabeth_May

Elizabeth & Baby Chord

I turned my back for five minutes!
Haven, Paisley and Elizabeth playing baby dolls!

Tired little one!

Well...that's one place to sit

Playing Wii with Jackson

Beautiful girl in red

Elizabeth & Andy
Andy has finally come around to Miss Elizabeth and I caught him with a smile! 

Places in Cumming

Before we headed to Tennessee, I wanted to take pictures of some of our favorite Cumming places!

Our neighborhood

Our Playground

Our Publix

Miss Kimrey with her boys!

WES
Whitlow Elementary School

Forsyth County Family YMCA 

Grace Chapel Church of Christ 

North Lanier Baptist
(Awana & Preschool)

Preschool Entry

Week of Goodbyes

Since we decided in February to move back to Tennessee, I have dreaded the day we would say "Goodbye" to our friends in Cumming. Our calendar was full of parties and get togethers with friends who we hold so dear to our hearts.

Manchester Park

A huge source of strength for me has been my neighborhood friends. I have leaned on them during times of stress, excitement and boredom! We have spent many of afternoons on the park benches watching our kids playing and discussing all the problems of the world. I am going to miss having these ladies right around the corner. Tonight we celebrated at Lisa and Clay's. It was fun to eat, laugh and spend a few hours together before the move. 

Lisa, Marybeth, Leanne, Laura, Lisa, and Jenn

What a crew!
Joey, Ellery, Aiden, Jack, Elizabeth, Philip, Emmy, Jackson, Jess, Andy, Nate  

Mrs. Lisa and Elizabeth

Andy and Elizabeth

Clay, Wesley and Bernie

Grace Chapel

Our friends threw us a "Going Away" luncheon this morning after service. 

Rocky lead a prayer over our family

I don't know how I would have survived without these two!
I love them so much and all the memories and moments we have shared!

Book Club
What started out as a good way to get to know the neighborhood girls and read a little has turned into monthly times of chit chat, tears and laughter. I am going to miss these ladies so much!     

Lisa, Leanne, Jennifer, Marybeth, Laura and Lisa

North Lanier
One of Philip's friends from North Lanier had us and the Gorhams over for dinner. Aidan, Jack and Philip have been together for three years and needed one more night of fun!

Aidan, Jack, Jackson, Philip, Elizabeth and Andy