Family Matters
As many of you know, there has been alot going on in my life these past 7 months that has caused much heartache and stress. As all of you have been so very supportive during this time, I wanted to bring everyone up to date on what has been decided.
Yesterday was the date of the pre-trial that would have involved the introduciton of the divorce papers and a temporary custody decision for Emma. However, after a long and difficult discussion, Earl and I both informed our attorneys to withdraw our petitions. So instead of attending court yesterday, we attended our first counseling session to try to rebuild our lives.
It is obvious that we have a long road ahead of us, but I feel that we owed each other and, most of all, Emma the opportunity to try one last time to see if we can make it work. We have been getting along much better the past few weeks and the counseling session was difficult but encouraging. It will take much patience and "baby steps" but I am hopeful that we can do this. Please keep us in your prayers and I appreciate all the continued support I receive from so many of you.
Birthday Fun
Yesterday was also Earl’s Birthday. After the counseling session, we went to dinner together and enjoyed each other’s company for the first time in a very long time. Then we went to Grandma’s to pick up Emma and have birthday cake. She makes a German choclate cake from scratch that was her mother’s recipi. All day long, Emma looked forward to blowing out the candles on his birthday cake as she now associates a birthday with birthday candles so she was delighted when at long last the moment arrived.
We bought Daddy an American flag and mounting kit that he has been wanting for the front porch, so Emma had to have a flag too.
Going Home
Emma and I will be flying home to Virignia Beach the last two weeks in September. Her Nana and brothers will be so surprised to see how much she has grown as we haven’t been home since last May.
I am so excited…I miss my kids, my Mom and sister so much. I have a grandaughter that was born in January and my great niece that was born in May to see for the first time as well as my grandaughter Chloe who was born two months before Emma…it will be wonderful!
Here some updated photos of my great neice who was born in May; little Chelse Elizabeth is a doll and I can’t wait to meet her. I haven’t received any new photos of my new grandaughter so I’ll be taking lots of pictures when I go home as well as giving my son a big lecture…LOL!
Weather and Emma
The weather here has been so nice. The past four days haven’t gotten out of the 60’s and the rest of the week is calling for the low 70’s.
We have only seen temps above 80 four times…I love it!
Emma and I get out and enjoy the beautiful weather as often as we can and she enjoyed going shoe shopping ove the weekend.
Shoes and hats…I hear the fashion runway calling already!
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and that life is treating you kindly!
Me and my girl!
Hugs to all from me and Emma!
Sharing My World 
Jul 15, 2009 @ 15:36:54
Wishing you both all the best Rhonda, I hope that you both can make things work out… You have a lovely family and Emma is a cutie… Hugs and Blessings and you are in my prayers xx
Jul 15, 2009 @ 15:50:54
Good luck to you, Earl and Emma!!
Jul 15, 2009 @ 15:55:23
Take it moment by moment,learn to forgive and above all keep on loving.Remember also that love sometimes may require a difficult decision.Wishing all concerned the best,keeping everyone in my prayers.Peace.~ Piggy ~
Jul 15, 2009 @ 16:06:49
I am so happy to read this post, good luck Rhonda, Earl and Emma. Remember forgive and forget! Its hard but it work, I am still trying! 🙂 Mei
Jul 15, 2009 @ 16:09:56
Good news Rhonda! All you can do is both give it your best shot and see what happens. Wishing you all the best and hope things do work out for you sweetie. You are a lovely and devoted friend and I am keeping you all in my prayers.That little baby is just sooooo beauiful. And how lovely that you are eventually getting the chance to fly home. I bet you cant wait either and I know the camera will be a click click clicking lol!!!
Jul 15, 2009 @ 16:19:08
aw bless you !! simply cannot say anything else<good luck> ~x~
Jul 15, 2009 @ 17:38:02
Half the battle was won when you both decided to go for counselling, as well you both confirmed your commitment to each other. I think in the long run, you will all be better for it, certainly Emma will be a happier child too. This is good news Rhonda. Take care eh…
Jul 15, 2009 @ 17:50:16
I wish you the very best of luck. You have taken the right step and we will pray that it all works out for all of your sakes.
Jul 15, 2009 @ 17:58:25
That\’s great news, Rhonda! We are really happy for you and your family. Now we\’ll get to see our hometown through your lens. Then, in December when we go home for Christmas with Mom……All our best to you and your, hugs for little Emma and Happy Birthday to Earl!
Jul 15, 2009 @ 18:01:57
Rhonda , my dear friend you know I only wish you the best. I wish only the best for you and your family. I hope it works out and now maybe you can quit worrying so much over who\’s going to get Emma. Enjoy your visit home with your family, I\’m sure it will be a much needed vacation for you. Smell the ocean for me, I don\’t know when I\’m going to get back down there. Hopefully before winter. We will see. Take care and know that I think of you often. Hugs Pat
Jul 15, 2009 @ 18:17:53
recious Rhonda pyayers for complete love and joy for all three of you and wishing you a wonderful time with your family angel eyes
Jul 15, 2009 @ 18:37:08
Just give it your best shot.Hugs Jewelie
Jul 15, 2009 @ 19:11:47
wow rhonda thank you for the lovely pic i love it.ive just read your blog, and its great that you are both giving it another go.i wish you all the luck in the world, take care hugs xxx sheila.
Jul 15, 2009 @ 19:49:07
It will be a hard road and many changes will have to happen but if both sides give a little and try always to see the other persons point of view love can grow again. I am happy to hear your family won\’t be torn and you don\’t have to go thru the custody hearing. You will always have my support and prayers. How wonderfu that you will also be returning to visit your family. May the sparkles continue to light up around you.. Hugs Carrie
Jul 15, 2009 @ 20:02:19
RhondaPlease know that im thinking of your all and wishing you nothing but the bestI hope you and Emma have a wonderful holidayLove the pic\’s they wonderfulTake careSue
Jul 16, 2009 @ 00:10:29
So much news and so many smiles in the photographs. Such courage by all. Hope events guided by God\’s wisdom and hopefulness that things go well as intentioned. Hope there is tranqulity after such stress. Take care. Many blessings for all.
Jul 16, 2009 @ 00:16:40
This is good news Rhonda. I\’m glad you decided to try and work things out. gpd bless you ♥ ♥
Jul 16, 2009 @ 06:57:08
i am happy for you Rhonda, i do hope it all works out for you bothtake care and be happy, love n hugs Mo xxxx
Jul 17, 2009 @ 19:51:05
Rhonda, I wish you all the best of luck .Take care and love…connie
Jul 18, 2009 @ 09:33:31
My dear friend…I am so happy to hear that you are going to try & work your marriage differences out. Emma is a very lucky little girl & the joy of you both staying together will make every event in her life more special to have both her mum & dad there together to share it with. God bless both of you & lots of hugs for Emma…hugs from your friend Valerie x0x
Jul 19, 2009 @ 18:47:22
Hi Rhonda. I had no idea you were going through such a time. I have been devorsed with three children. I stayed for as long as I could, thinking I needed to just stay until they left home. But we couldn\’t. There was alot of heart ache on both sides. I thought I did what was right for my children the best I could. Unfortunatly my ex did not want to communicate, just take over so I think it is brilliant what you both are wanting to achieve for your daughter, very responcible and grown up. The children are so important and if their parents can put aside them selves and try and put the children first, it does help the child in the long run. Even if the parents don\’t end up back together, being able to sort things out regardsto the child is so responsible. It is such a difficult time. You are in my thoughts and well done. XXX
Jul 19, 2009 @ 18:52:47
I hope everything works out between you both. Will keep you in my prayers.Emma you are such a cutie pie.Hugs, Darla
Jul 21, 2009 @ 01:37:37
This is so beautiful!
Jul 21, 2009 @ 18:39:12
Best wishes to you all. I hope the situation is resolved in whatever way that will work the best, especially for Emma.Peace, Doc
Jul 27, 2009 @ 23:17:22
you and your girl are beautiful, I wish you all the smiles and love this world has to give, God watch over you always.
Aug 05, 2009 @ 10:07:16
Rhonda I missed this one some how. I\’m pleased that you are trying to work things out and going to counciling. My prayers go up for you, Earl and Emma. Ally sends you all a big hug. God bless