October 5th - It's Been A Year

One year since Aaron's "homegoing". It seems like yesterday we got the terrible news of my brothers death. But, strangely, there is a feeling that it happened years ago - like I haven't seen him in ages. That feeling gets stronger and stronger.

It is odd, I admit, that we recognize deaths with anniversaries. But as several friends have reminded me, it is how we mark time and how we choose to never let the memory of those we love die. Our family put this in the Bedford Gazette and the Cumberland Times News marking the one year milestone.

In Honor And Memory of Aaron D. McCoy

1/9/72 to 10/5/07

He was more than just a son, sibling, husband, father, friend

A hunter who loved PA mountains, every hill and bend

He was more than a member of the U.S. Air Force each time he flew,

A distinguished loadmaster on a C-130 Gunship crew

He was more than a singer with a strong tenor's voice

A person who greeted others with excitement and joy

He was more than a hero and a motorcyclist

A sparkling smile that we'll forever miss

More importantly Aaron was a Child of God

He trusted that Christ died for him on the cross

A servant of the Lord, He taught God's Word

And shared it with passion to all he could

His life was lived with purpose and his death was nothing less

For our God is sovereign and He knows what's best

He would want you each to know that Jesus died for all

Accept this gift of eternal life - for soon, He will call!

We'll see you there, Aaron!

We all attended church together and my mom actually sang "I Can Only Imagine". The Lord gave her an amazing amount of calm and composure. She shared how we all were celebrating Aaron's homegoing and trying to imagine that awesome sight of our Lord Jesus that he saw when he was immediately caught up to be with Him that day, October 5th, 2007.

After church Joel, Raegan and I stole away to spend some time at the gravesite. When we turned around my mom and dad were right behind us. We shared a few tearful stories and laughs together and then headed on our separate ways.

Aaron's grave is never lacking for decoration. Daddy said that he's never seen such a decorated gravesite. My mom laughs and says, "Aaron knew I liked to decorate for the seasons".

We have come to know the peace that passes all understanding that comes only from knowing the Lord Jesus as our Saviour and that He has a plan for each of us. As I've said before - there are NO accidents. Each event in our lives is to be used to bring honor and glory to our Lord and to lead others to Him.

October

I knew that I was dreading this week. I just didn't want to flip the calendar and see that month OCTOBER staring me in the face. It's not as if I didn't know it was coming but I guess I was in denial or just wishing it away. It has affected my mood. I've found myself preoccupied, emotional, and anxious. Each day inches us closer to reliving that terrible traumatic day. But a verse came to mind this afternoon:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7 (NIV)

As this month begins and the day draws near, my prayer for each one of us that have been touched by Aaron's home-going is that we will not be anxious and distraught but rather we will seek the Lord in prayer offering up to Him our fears, our heartache and our emptiness. And that the peace that He promises will guard our hearts and minds to see His ways and His plan.

In much prayer and thanksgiving,

Rivals!

Just like many of our friends, we spend most of our Saturdays at the peewee football games. I told my mom that I think it just might be a cult! Seriously though it demands alot of time but there are valuable lessons that the kids learn in the process. Atleast I hope so - I'm not spending all this money for nothing am I?!

This past weekend was especially neat because Raegan and her cousin Olivia (Adam's daughter) played against each other. Olivia cheers for the Saints and Raegan cheers for the Colts. You will notice the considerable amount of space between Raegan's front teeth - she's had her palate expander on for 6 weeks and the braces are coming in 2 1/2 weeks. yippee.

When I took this picture the little boy moved - #30 had been leaning over on #4. It was darling.

Cheering loud and very proud - the colts WON!!!

Grammy and Pap got to come to their first game - it was perfect, they pleased 2 grandkids at once!
They had to run between sides but that was okay with us. Here my dad was talking Lance's ear off during the game. Lance goes to church with them and we all grew up with him and his siblings. Raegan's twin cousins came to watch her - well, they really watched the game but she liked that they came. They are big into soccer but now have the fever for football.......lookout!!
The weather held off for almost the entire game but near the end we got some showers. The girls were prepared with their ponchos. Raegan and her friend Maddie posed for me. Another month to go of being cheer mom!

Weekend Escape!

Joel and I gathered 3 other couples on Friday and headed to Canaan, WV for a weekend away. It was time for us to escape (yes escape) from kids, jobs and responsibilities - that sounds extremely mature doesn't it? Well, every once in awhile it's a good thing to do. So we did it.

Joel and I have stayed at this house before and really enjoy all the space and extra amenities.....flat screens, hot tub, fireplaces, etc. We spent our time playing a game that is called Corn Hole (hate that name, I think it might mean something really nasty in other contexts) it's just a bean bag game that has become popular in the WVU tailgating circles.
Competition was stiff and who knew we had a CHAMP in the group - Brady, you're "amazing"! ha ha. That's Brady on the right.
It was obvious that we had some competitive spirits among us when we pitted gals against guys for Taboo, Battle of the Sexes and Cranium! For the life of me I don't remember who won which game but I can tell you the guys were astounded at the vast knowledge we women had of obscure subjects like pan fish, snare traps, golfing and oh, yeah Monica Lewinsky!!

We also spent a fair amount of time in the hot tub (no pictures allowed) and lounging around.

We are definately creatures of the technology age! We had laptops, Iphones, and cellphones all in use during the weekend! Bridget and Brad - the best pictures are those spur of the moment ones.
Smile Lucien, it's just a game! Joel, decked out in his camo apron, making bacon for breakfast.
Five of us ventured off to go horseback riding. Joel set it up for us and did a great job. He knows how much I LOVE to ride and I think this may have been the highlight of the weekend for me. Brad, Joel, Bridget and Mindy all ready to hit the trail.

OH MY GOSH! That picture just got erased!!! oooops

Mindy's first time horseback riding (well, she rode one once in high school). Let's just say she was very nervous about this experience. I was so proud of her - she did it! They gave her this horse named Cricket - it's the one they put all the kids on. He was perfect for her!

I requested a spunky one and they gave me just that. His name is Chamois and he definately made it worth my money! Reminded me of my horse from home, Tashi.
We rode for an hour and a half through the State Park - the weather was perfect and the views were picturesque.

At the 1/2 way point we stopped "on top of the world" for our Koday Moment!!
What a weekend!

Thanks honey, for making it happen.

Labor Day

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend. I know many are getting a last minute camping trip in and others enjoyed a wonderful day tail-gating at the WVU game-- go 'eers! You can bet that Coach Rodriguez is wishing he would have stayed in the mountains instead of heading for the hills of Michigan! His loss!

Most of all, our prayers are with those in the path of the storm headed for the coast. We pray that all the preparations will be for nothing and it totally surprises us all and takes a different course leaving the states (and our oil rigs!) unscathed.

God bless,

Month of May (In Review)

So here's the month of May in review. When I left off it was Mother's Day, we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Puccini's after church with my mom, dad, Carole and Olivia. Adam was on the road traveling somewhere - hard to keep track of his many journeys! Isn't my mom just gorgeous - no one ever believes us when we tell her age. Yes, she's 59!

Christina and the kids arrived around the 21st or 22nd - we were so relieved to have them arrive safely. It was a very emotional return since the last time they were here was to bury Aaron. We vowed to work through it and enjoy each moment, making more memories.
That Friday my mom, dad, Christina, the kids and Raegan and I went skating. Everyone of us skated and I believe everyone had atleast one bruise to show for it! It was quite an experience to be at the skating rink - it's where the 4 of us kids spent alot of our Friday and Saturday nights. We loved to skate and it was THEE place to hang out. I don't think they've changed a thing since then! Same floor, same carpeted walls, same bathrooms and yes, even same skates -ha, ha!

The lighting is terrible there and my old camera doesn't do well with any movement, but this is Christina and I with Raegan and Lanie.

Love this picture!

Samuel, Chandler, Raegan and Lanie smiling big - Bennett wasn't in the mood at the time.

We all went to church together that Sunday and they had a Memorial Day Tribute - tears, tears, and more tears! Our family had a picnic afterwards and then the kids wanted to go for a ride in Pap's truck. Something we used to do alot as kids but is less than legal these days since there are no seatbelts in the back of trucks. Oh well, in the small town of Centerville you can get away with a small violation of the law. : ) So we all piled in pap's truck and went for a very long ride that included a drive past the house where we grew up. Lots of stories were told and I think the kids enjoyed hearing stories of their parent's exploits from Grammy.
When we got back we all enjoyed rootbeer floats in honor of Aaron. In the heat, they were a welcome treat!
Christina pushing Lanie and Bennett. Raegan is on the left

Like most families, the kids always want to go to the other's house or have one of them stay over. Well, before you know it all the kids were divided up and Christina was "kidless" - we took them all. Samuel and Bennett came with us. But before we went home we drove to the cemetary to see if Aaron's stone had been delivered. Christina, Samuel, Bennett, Raegan, Joel and I stood and watched them unload, arrange and set the black granite headstone. As heavy as those stones are, it's quite an accomplishment for anyone to set them but two women set this stone by themselves, very impressive!!!
Mother and Daddy did an excellent job picking it out and designing it. The picture of Aaron in the left hand corner is in color and guaranteed not to fade, the top right corner shows a C-130, a Bible is displayed in the bottom left corner and in the right corner there is a big buck bounding through the woods. The back of Aaron's headstone includes each of the children's names. It brings tears to my eyes each time I see it. This stone is the epitome of all that Aaron loved.

This is the footstone placed by the U.S. Air Force, not sure why it does not include the Iraq War on it as well. I'm sure there are guidelines, etc. I'd love to know the specifics if anyone knows. by this time the sun was going down and the kids were tired and needed baths so we headed for home. Raegan and Samuel got in some valuable Wii competition while Bennett got a bath.
Bennett really liked Uncle Joel's bear

The next day Samuel and Joel went to the farm and played on the tractors and 4-wheeler. We joined them later until Bennett fell asleep on the 4-wheeler WHILE we were in the woods!
Joel took the time to teach Samuel how to use the weed eater.

more male bonding time. Bennett & Raegan on the trampoline
We loved having the kids at the house but Bennett wanted mom after 2 days, so he went home to Pap and Grammy's and Samuel stayed with us.

Raegan loved having "a brother" and Samuel loved picking on her. Here she made him sit and listen to her read a book for school. He was very patient and even watched Hannah Montana with her - way cool!

Which one is really asleep?I can't explain the emotions I felt as I looked at Samuel sitting on the couch. He looks, acts, talks just like Aaron did at that age. Watching him and Raegan was like watching a replay of my childhood. Sooooo wierd. But what great memories!

Coming next......June!

Leah

Back to School!

I've basically taken the summer off from my blog and I've been informed by many of you that you are waiting for updates. Honestly, I've been surprised by how many people have been reading the blog (I didn't know so many people knew about it) and humbled by your comments. I do enjoy the writing and honestly I hope the Lord continues to use it.

Yesterday was the first day of school for WV schools. Raegan started 2nd grade - what a BIG girl. Her school day begins very early at 6 am!! When I went in to wake her up she was smiling and said "is it time yet?" Wow, I hope this lasts for a couple weeks, but it's likely to diminish as the novelty wears off. I drove her to school - they have to be there by 7:30 and she chattered the ENTIRE time.
As you can tell the hair has grown back but we both are anxious to cut a few inches off of it again. She has also grown taller, the girl just keeps growing!
Not my choice for a backpack, but can you get the girls to choose anything but Hannah Montana these days? She's the "senior" of the primary school because it only goes to 2nd grade. She's enjoying this fame and extremely excited about the year and her teacher Mrs. Wagner. Can't you tell?!

I have always found it difficult to "leave" Raegan at school. She has been (is) a complete blessing in my life and I tend to want to protect that innocence and gentle spirit that can be so easily tarnished when it is exposed to so many other influences in the world. My prayer each day is that the Lord will grant her protection and strength to guard her heart and mind. This prayer will be even more passionate as she enters the higher grades!!

Coming soon.....overview of the last 3 months!

Trying to catch up

Leah