She's Home!

Savannah rolled in @ 2:30 this afternoon. It took my breath away to see her car pull into the drive! I was out hanging her welcome home sign and had the camera with me just in case I could snap her pulling in. Perfect timing! She was so excited to be home and of course I sobbed to hold her once again. Life is sooooooooo good!!! She just wisked off to pick up the girls and Jordan from school. Boy will they be surprised!!! Here's to the start of a perfect weekend!!!

Scott's 46th

Yesterday was Scott's 46th birthday so when he got home from work, we drove to Anderson for a birthday dinner. He wanted a steak so we chose Longhorn's. It was DELICIOUS!!! I snapped a picture of him and the girls minus me and Savannah. We plan to celebrate with cake and candles tonight since Savannah will BE HOME!!!

A Little Shopping Trip

We went on a little shopping trip with Sheryl and Madelyn today in Anderson, SC. for some new toys and such to put in the preschool rooms at church. We found some great things @ Lifeway and TJMax. Chick-fil-a was our lunch choice and then we headed home for the girls to get their nap. I think they were both asleep before we were out of Anderson. Some people asked us if the girls were twins and others thought maybe just sisters. In a way they will always have a connection just like sisters because of their culture and heritage. I am so thankful they have each other, and I am thankful to have Sheryl to confide in as we raise these two amazing little girls!!!

My Song Bird

As I am sitting here this morning reading my favorite blogs, I wondered what I could blog about today. Our piano is in the same room as our computer and EllaKate comes in and pulls out the bench to sit down. She began playing with one finger on each hand. THEN, she begins to sing 'Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Star', and THEN she proceeds to get down and try to open the bench. She looks @ me and says, "Music, Tinkle, Tinkle".... which means, "I need some music to read and play the piece I am singing." She played a few notes on each page and sang Twinkle Little Star on each page. I have got to figure out how to put video clips on here. Even as I sit here blogging, she is still pulling out music books, climbing up to play, and getting down for more. She is definitely musically inclined and has learned so much through song. As a teacher, I taught lots of skills to my children through music and it working with EllaKate as well. Most of the time when we are reading a book or putting an ABC puzzle together, she says, "Sing Mama Sing". She is learning her letter sounds with some songs I am teaching her. We are off to spend some time with our friends, Sheryl and Madeline (home from China about 4 months) and pictures of the day to come later.

Thankful Friday

Since I am always a day late, I am celebrating Thankful Friday today. I am so very thankful that our 3 school girls are happy in their indiviual situations.

Savannah has called us each day with yesterday being the best so far. She called to say her classes were great, she had met tons of new friends, and connected with old ones that she didn't even know were at North Ga.


Amelia says Hart Co HS is so great because the people are nicer and she has more friends here,

Rosemary loves her new school because she had gotten involved in the drama club, met some great friends, and her teachers are really nice.

EllaKate finally go interested in dress up this week. I put all her clothes in a basket and she picks out what she want to wear. She has even put the dresses on by herself a couple of times!!!


I am also thankful for the good friends I am making! One in particular is Kathy Carter who has gone way out of her way to make our family feel connected and welcome here in Hartwell. She has been so concerned about me missing Savannah so much. On Wednesday, I had a call from a local florist and they delivered a gorgeous arrangement for me from Kathy. Card said, "Just thinking of you". How sweet is that? Anyway, I am thankful for old friends, new friends, blog friends, and family!!!

The Dance

Savannah had a dance last evening since all the students were back on campus. She said it was quite interesting because they did something called a panty raid where they bought panties to have on hand when one of the cadets came up to them and asked for them. The girls were to ask the boys to do something for them like buy them an ice cream or something. The boy with the most panties was the winner. Not sure of the outcome- Savannah called this morning on the way to her first class and told me she had sent the following pictures from last night. She will fill me in more on the festivities of the dance when she calls this afternoon.

Savannah Update

Savannah called yesterday when she got out of class, again last night, and this morning. I am so thankful she is willing to call and let us in on all that is going on. Yesterday was very productive. She had a leadership class, picked up her books ($400 worth), picked up her parking decal, finished organizing her room, and still had to time to call us. She had a class in Atlanta last night so she met Scott for dinner, went to the class, and then spent the night @ Jason and Amy's. She headed back to school this morning and called me when she got there safe and sound. She was so excited because her computer was up and running. She said all the upper classmen are moving in today so it is really busy around there. Today is a free day to get ready for classes to begin in the morning. There is dance tonight, a movie on the lawn Wednesday night, Baptist ministry thing Thursday night, and something else Friday night. They are keeping them really busy so that is great! She and Kristen are doing something with the Baptist ministry this weekend and they plan to go to church with Kristen's brother and wife on Sunday. She plans to come home Labor Day weekend!!!

One Flew the Nest

When you have a baby, you are amazed that this little baby grew inside you and now you are holding it- for the rest of your life. So it began with Savannah. I wanted a girl so bad when I was pregnant, I was convinced I was having a boy. Can you imagine my surprise when Dr. McCoy said, "Well, we have a little Savannah Lee Ankerich." Then for the next 6 years, we took care of her every need in preparation for her to start kindergarten. Because I was a teacher, I don't think it was as hard as it could have been to send her. She already knew the school and her teacher so she was completely ready. So was true when she went to middle school and high school. I can remember the first time we watched her drive away from the house in her car by herself- that was a break down moment.

But... none of those moments prepare you for the moment Scott and I experienced yesterday when we took Savannah to North Georgia. It began as a very happy morning with packing, breakfast, and the drive up to Dahlonega. We drove up through Toccoa and Cleveland and it took about an hour and 40 minutes- 80 miles. We arrived @ the college about noon and drove up to the front for unloading. It was so exciting to be surrounded by so many families doing the same thing. We unloaded and then Savannah registered. There were a really nice group of people there helping everyone take their stuff in. Even the new military boys were helping. It took two loads to get everything in.

Not long after we began putting Savannah's things away, her roommate Kristen and family arrived. The girls decided to loft their beds as to create a study and relaxing space underneath. We got all the clothes put away and decided to get some lunch. We made a Walmart run too.

Savannah and Kristen had a meeting @ 4:30, so we got them back right on time and we had to leave. Savannah had asked me not to cry when I was there so I held myself together until I realized she was tearing up and I walked away. When I got to the car, I couldn't hold back any longer. My heart was breaking.... breaking away from body to stay in Dahlonega inside Savannah.

It was a very quiet ride home. We actually came home through Gainesville and I85- same time only 90 miles- we liked that way better- no turns- straight shot. We got home around 6:15 and we both had a good cry. We remember the day my mom left us in Atlanta with a newborn Savannah ~ we cried and cried because we didn't know if we could take care of her by ourselves. 18 years later, we sat and cried and cried because we are amazed that we raised (With God's grace) such an amazing young woman who now lives in Dahlonega on her own at college to fulfil the great plan that God has for her life. Sweet Savannah we are so proud of you and you Bless Us Beyond Belief each and every day of our lives!!!

CCAI Volunteer Appreciation Day

Saturday morning we made pancakes for the girls, got dressed, and left for Atlanta. We were invited to a volunteer appreciation day @ the CCAI office. They had a farm petting zoo for the children. EllaKate saw some of her Chinese American friends there. It was a little warm so we didn't stay very long. EllaKate loved the rooster- interesting in that she was born in the year of the rooster.

Hot Shots

There is a place here in town called Hot Shots that teaches classes for cheerleading, tumbling, baton, and dance. Rosemary signed up for cheerleading and went yesterday afternoon. She had fun and did very well because of so many years of gymnastics. Today was EllaKate's 1st day for ballet. We were able to take her in but had to wait in the lobby during class. We couldn't see them but could hear and it sounded fun. I can't believe she is taking ballet. Can I just say how adorable she looked in her outfit? ADORABLE!!! Rosemary will be taking baton on Thursdays and has on her outfit in the pictures.

Rosie's 12th Birthday

How I wish I had scanner so I could show you pics of Rosemary as a baby (as a matter of fact, I may just get one). She was born Sunday, August 13, 1995 @ 2:23pm @ Gwinnett Medical Center. We had decided on Rosemary for her first name but didn't have a middle name so because she was born on Sunday, we named her Grace. Rosemary Grace Ankerich weighed 6.8 and was 181/2 inches long. What a precious baby!

Rosie is having her friend birthday party this coming Friday for the debut of High School Musical. We had our families over yesterday to celebrate family style. My SIL Susan made Rosie a red velvet cake because it is her favorite! It was delicious!!! Scott made homemade ice cream and we really enjoyed having everyone here- since we live here now:-).

After the party, Scott had the boat put in and we took the girls to the lake! Some friends of ours, Don and Donna Jones wanted the girls to be in their ad for the football program, so I bought them Hart Co shirts and we made pics on the boat. They turned out great and then we let the girls tube. EllaKate has always been so afraid to get in the water, but she got in with Scott and LOVED it. We stayed out until sundown, and made some beautiful pictures. God showed out for us last night!!!

Sydney's Party

We were invited to celebrate Sydney's 4th birthday today. Kim, Sydney's mom, had the party @ her mom's home here in town. Kim and her family actually just moved into a fabulous townhome in Buckhead. They have been home with Sydney a little over two years. Three little Chinese girls were there - Sydney EllaKate, and Madelyn. It was a really fun time!!!

Thankful Thursday on Friday

Oops... I missed Thankful Thursday because I was doing so many things I am thankful for. I am most thankful that Amelia and Rosemary have had a wonderful beginning to school. They could have very well come home that first day crying to move back to Atlanta, but that was not the case. They have really enjoyed their new schoool, teachers, and friends!!! Rosemary is actually spending the night with her new friend tonight and we are all going to a birthday party tomorrow. Amelia has been invited to a friend's house after school too.

I am thankful for new friends to walk with in the mornings. After I drop the girls at school, I park and walk my 2.5 mile walk. Yesterday with Kathy C. and today with Cathy L. I am thankful to be healthy enough to walk every day! It makes me feel so refreshed to start the day with exercise, after my quiet time, and my coffee of course.

I am thankful I live so close to my mama and daddy. We went up last night and ate dinner with them and Mama usually comes by to visit most every day. Ella calls her Mamama. I am also so thankful to live so close to Susan and Tony. The girls adore them and we usually see Susan on her way to work when we are walking. Ella's face just lights up when we see her!

I am so thankful to be back home living in the place where I grew up. It was so fun to be at the girls' schools the other evening and see so many people we went to school with! Home sweet home!

First Day @ HCMS and HCHS

Today was the first day of school in Hart County. We had orientation last night and it was wonderful @ both schools. Amelia had to pick up her schedule @ 5:00 and then we went to her homeroom @ 6. Jessie, my brother's daughter (Amelia's 1st cousin who is senior this year) took us around and showed Amelia how to get to all her classes. We met all the teachers and lots of new friends. I think Amelia will have a great year!

At 7:00 we went to the middle school for orientation. We started in the gym with a big meeting and then followed her schedule in order to meet her teachers. We were able to meet each teacher and Rosie already knew some friends so it was really fun to see them there. Actually a some new friends of ours, Stephen and Kathy Carter, invited Rosie to Emily's bd party so Rosie could meet some friends before school started. What a sweet thing to do!

Finally about 8:30 we made it home, ate dinner, and got to bed. The girls had so much fun picking out outfits for today and getting their bookbags ready.

This morning was so peaceful. EllaKate and I were up to see Scott off about 6:00 and we got the girls up about 6:30. By 7 they were dressed, fed, rooms cleaned, teeth brushed, and ready to go. We were amazed at how much time we had to just relax.. and play with Ella. We took some pictures. Here they are waiting to go.

I had to leave around 7:45 to drop off Rosie. I was @ the school in 10 minutes. Here is Rosie looking back @ me so I could snap a picture as she walked into Hart Co Middle School. Oh my, how can that be? It seems just yesterday that we stayed home everyday and homeschooled kindergarten. Time passes like turning the pages of a book- said my late grandmother Martin.

Going, Going, gone.....
Jessie wanted to take Amelia on her first day, so she came by about 7:50 to pick up Amelia and Jordan. Jessie is so sweet to be taking such good care of Amelia. How great is it that she can ride with Jessie and walk in with her today and not be afraid of walking alone. Thank You Jesus!!!

As I walked this morning, all I could do was praise the Lord that our first morning had been so wonderful. I pray each day will continue to be blessings for the girls, that they will make lots of friends, and will be so happy here in our new home of Hartwell.

We're Home

It is so wonderful to be home, although when crossing back into Georgia, we almost kept going on to Atlanta instead of getting off in Hartwell- pure habit. We had a great end to our vacation. I think because I couldn't post pictures and it took so long to get online, I finally quit wasting my time. I am glad to be back home with fast service and the capability to post pictures! Hopefully you will go back to the older posts and take a look at the pictures I added. For the next few days, I will add pictures. On Friday, we had a pretty cloudy day, so I didn't take any pictures and we really didn't stay out on the beach that much. We took the girls to the outlets, and Scott says, "They broke the bank." What do you expect when 5 girls go shopping? We found some great things for back to school.