Monday, January 21, 2008

Museum Pictures








Today we had a fun trip to the museum with a surprise visit by Uncle Sam!

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ah, it's so good to see those pictures. That's so awesome that yall are enjoying getting out and having fun. We're going to come see you soon...no pressure...we'll just see you when we can and then explore if you're busy. We love yall!

Jean Joiner said...

Love to see those smiles! Holly is looking so big...almost 2...wow!

Jean

Anonymous said...

I should've taken off work today...dang.

Anonymous said...

We are still thinking and praying many times daily for you all!!! We are thankful for the great times you have had in the last few days. Excited to see your smiling faces in the photos. Love, Karl and Martha

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the pictures. soooooo good to see you guys. Everyone looks great and soooo happy.
Thanks for being a great brother and Uncle...SAM!!
love you all

Anonymous said...

What a treat!! Thanks for the pictures. I love seeing all your smiling faces.

Praying,

Susan

Craig and Gwen said...

So glad to see you all laughing and having fun!!!

Hurrah!

Gwen

Christy said...

Thank you SO much for sharing those. I'm kinda wishing I could have a bite of whatever Holly and Joe P. were sharing there at the beginning. Hamburger?

Anonymous said...

Gill,so glad you had a good day with Sam. Everyone should have an uncle Sam, in fact if you live in the USA you all have an uncle Sam!!
the photos are great, see you Wednesday AM.
love y'all, Mom, Dad and the Dave the Ravy Baby.

Melissa P. said...

so glad you guys had a good day! it is great to see so many smiles!

Anonymous said...

So great to see the pics and the wonderful smiles! How awesome to have respite and joy in the midst of a very hard road!! Thank you for posting!! I was also thinking how big Holly looked, then read Jean's comments re: the same. Growing up so fast! Love, Jeanne

courtney said...

So good to see your faces!!
You all look like you had a grerat time!!

Unknown said...

Gillallenjoephollly,
Today was such a great day... The children's museum gets better every time! JoeP, I am glad you have grown so attached to the disc gun (originally placed in my stocking), however, your skills with the sword are quickly becoming equally as threatening to friend and foe alike. I love you all... see you soon.

sam

Anonymous said...

What beautiful pictures!! I love the first one too. :) It warms my heart to see your family getting to have so much fun together.

Gillian you are definitely not alone in having "not such a great parent" moments ... we have all been there. And if anyone deserves to have a few (dozen!!) "not perfect parent" moments right now, it's you all.

When I lost my father almost 18 months ago I was completely devastated, and my children - especially my (then) 4 year old - constantly talked about how we will see him again in heaven. I don't know how I would have gotten through that time without their constant reminders. Of course I believe that we will see him there too, but my children's matter-of-fact faith is so much more than what I feel like I cling to on some days. The love and faith of a child is amazing, and how sweet that you are already seeing that through Holly.

Thank you so much for sharing your happy day with us! We hope and pray that you will have many more to come!!

Chloƫ said...

Hey guys, great to see you online! It is comforting to know that Joe P has the fighting instinct! Also, great to hear the good news in the previous blog about a rashy face. Who would have thought that would ever be good news, I'm thrilled to hear it.
No news from here, but we're all thinking of you all the time. We have been sending gallons of love across the atlantic especially for Joe P. Love you all. X Chloe

Anonymous said...

Great pikkies!! Found it hard to believe that Sam is so "grown up" long time since we've seen him. Hope all continues to be well. Please give Nana Pauline a special hug from us when you see her!! Thinking about you all. Love Susan and Brian

Lynn T said...

Gill, Allen, Holly and Joseph,
So great to see all the happy faces. I miss you. I'm so glad Sam surprised you all.

Love you all tons.

jane said...

my heart is sooo ful of joy to hear and see how things are becoming, if not more normal, at least a little more fun!
what a gift to see joseph smile!

Anonymous said...

So happy to hear Joe P. is off the 'roids (hope he doesn't have to testify about it before congress with Roger Clemens and those other MLB guys) and sleeping well again.

It was such a joy to see the photos and hear the story of the Peabody ducks! Have to taken the kids to Rendevous yet? (Food's great, just don't let them touch anything...it's kind-of dank in there)....

Missing and praying for you!
Lizzi & Tony

Anonymous said...

Joe P, my class at Intown School has been praying for you. We all hope you are better soon. JT Vaughn, 3rd grade

scott cunningham said...

Ah, the Children's Museum of Memphis. Celebrating Kroger grocery store, I see. I get a little freaked out every time I take my kids or my nephews there. Something about all the pieces that are in desperate need of repair, I think. That freaking airplane deal will not fly anymore, for some reason, for instance. Glad to see you guys had a great time though!

Laurie in Ca. said...

Joseph looks so good and so happy. My prayers continue for him to continue to amaze everyone and for him to be healed.

Laurie in Ca.

WY Gramma said...

I have been reading your blog and praying for your family and Joseph for several weeks now. I don't remember how I was linked to it in the first place, but you have blessed me through your posts and you have given me the opportunity to pray for your family regularly. Seventeen years ago we found ourselves on the doorstep of Denver Children's Oncology Department with our then nine year old son. After months and months of steroid treatment and one diagnosed blood disorder after another, we found ourselves breathing again. If I could offer you one bit of advice it would be this: Journal. There are so many dark times in the middle of the night, when you really need to be reminded of the blessings in your life. My journal helped to ground me and remind me of those blessings. And when you come through the other side, your experiences can be a blessing to someone else walking a similar path. My second bit, if I could be so bold: Don't lose sight of the everyday miracles while you wait for the big miracle. Every day, every minute holds something miraculous. I will continue to pray.
- A Grandma in Wyoming

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for your family. I have a two year old little girl and can't even grasp the daily struggle you go through watching your son fight this cancer. But take heart my sister in Christ, God is definately watching over your precious family. Rejoice that He has found you worthy to go down this trial because He knows that you will handle it with grace and continually give Him the praise. I have been reading the blogs since June of last year of a dear sister in Christ who struggle with cervical cancer. God's praises were continually on her lips. Though she won her battle over cancer when she went home to her Loard on January 11th, she never faultered in pointing to God through everything she said and did. God has placed you on a path that will bring you around many who may not know Him but will get a glimpse of His glory and majesty by watching your family.

Please know that I will do whatever I can to help your family. My family goes to Bellevue Baptist Church and we would invite you to come worship with us on any Sunday. We are in the same Sunday School class Audrey and Andrew were in while in Memphis a few years back. Don't ever hesistate to come our way and visit, we would love to have you and get to love on you first hand. I would also like to extend an invitation for you to join us at our MOMS ministry at Bellevue on Thursday mornings. We will start back the first Thursday in February. Though I know your schedule may be a little questionable, you are welcome to come as often as you can. Childcare is FREE (can't beat that) and the large group times are broadcast live on the church's website. So you can always join us on the internet if you aren't able to attend one week. We would love to have you come. It is always a time for me to sit back and recharge my batteries. This semester the study will be on Elijah and prayer.

Please just let me know if you are interested and I can get you more info. My family will continue to pray for you, your husband, Holly and especially Jospeh.

Michelle Fye
901-466-0879
901-604-7073 (cell)

Audrey said...

Gillian-
My mom (in KY) has some friends in Memphis that are going to be contacting you guys soon, probably through Allen's sister since that's the contact info I had. One lady is Janice Harris who is over the Dream Factory. The other lady (I don't know her name) works at St. Jude. Anyway, so if someone says "I'm a friend of Audrey's mom" this is who I'm talking about. Just wanted to let you know that possibly some more love is on the way... :-)
Oh and my friend Michelle commented above. A big group of girls out of our old SS class that she's referring to are praying for you and would love to wrap their arms around you.
Audrey

Anonymous said...

Hi Gillian & Allen
It's so good to see the happy smiling photos and to read about the unexpected visit from Sam. Hope you have a lot more fun days.
love to all Ann Ben & the boys

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the pictures. Holly has gotten so big also....happy early birthday to her. You all look happy and I LOVE seeing you enjoying some family time & good times while in Memphis. Joseph seemed to really like the activities. We are praying constantly and glad that his tempermant and activity level has improved once off steroids. You two amaze me as parents and love to see you smiling Gillian....! Lots of love, Jody

Anonymous said...

The Museum looks like lots of fun. We're so glad Joseph is having more fun these days. What a blessing. We'll pray for many more blessings in this journey.

Love, Bill and Lisa Allen

Eleanor and Neil said...

Gillian and Allen

Its great to see you having a fun day with joseph and to see him smile. Lovely to see you Gillian and Sam! What a nice surprise. Love to you all.
Love Eleanor and Neil

Anonymous said...

Such wonderful pictures! Thanks for posting them.
Praying for you,
Abbie

Susie said...

Gillian and all,
We're all missing you here at Intown -- Oasis and Got Kids. We continue to pray for you and love to see pictures of you smiling!!
Lots of love and hugs to Joseph and all of you, Susie

Mary Vagnoni said...

"A picture speaks a thousand words" and these are all so good. Can't wait to see you next week and help blow out the candles.SJ I hope BC is feeling better
Love Mary

Lynn T said...

Gill, Allen,

Thinking of you all the time. I keep coming back to look at the sweet photos.

Love you lots

Anonymous said...

Al and Gill, My body made it back to Franklin, but my heart seems to still be in Memphis with you all. I started missing you when I walked away from the fountain at the mall. Wish I had a picture of Joseph's big smiling face looking down at me from the glass elevator. (Couldn't see Holly..too short!)Know you will have a great time with Nana there. Praying constantly for rest, peace, and much laughter. Love, Mimi

Anonymous said...

Hey Gillian, My wife and I read every update. Still thinking of youre family often. Joseph is so cute:)
-Eugene Shim

Emily D. said...

I love to see the pictures. Please keep posting them. Sorry, I said a Happy Birthday to Holly a little early. I'm such a nerd. Praying as always.
Love,
Emily

Anonymous said...

Gillian - long , long time no see or hear!!You were just a little girl when we last met!!Your Mum sent us a card at Christmas so we heard the news .I am srry to hear about Joseph, but very glad to see from your diary that he seems to be doing well now .He looks like a gorgeous little boy.

I always wonder how you are all doing and now I hope we can keep in touch - I must email Lynn and Sarah Jane .

I will leave you now and write later - big kisses for lovely Joseph and I hope he continues to improve .

Love Sacha ( Moran, now Juniper!!)

SUZANNE said...

I have been following your blog and have been praying for Joseph. It is amazing how complete strangers make a mark on your heart. Sounds like you have an army of prayer warriors! I also have a 3 year old boy, so it is fun to read some of the stories of what Joseph is doing when he is feeling good. Looked like he had lots of fun with his sister in these pictures. I will continue to pray for your family.

Anonymous said...

These are great pics. Chas and I prayed for you all last night.

Anonymous said...

Hi Gillian,

The last time we met was about 16/17 years ago, (if my memory serves me right!) when we were little girls. You were all back in Ireland for a visit and you came to stay with us for a night or two.

Since then I have thought of you all often, and have wondered how life has lead you. I can now see from your mums card that life has been good to you, and that you have a lovley family of your own. Your little boys struggle is inspiring to us all, but these are always family struggles, and not one person alone. When one of you hurts, you all hurt.

I will be logging on regularly to keep up to date with Josephs progress, and always hoping and praying for the best. Thinking of you all,

Cliona Lawler

Megan Gray said...

Hi Allen, Gillian & Family,

The Duke Chapel Choir is praying for you. I have received so many wonderful touching messages following my prayer request to them on your behalf. They are dear sweet loving people....please know that you are in their hearts and that they ask me about you several times a week.

I also hope my former colleagues at St Jude have stopped in...several from Developmental Neurolobiology have offered any of their assistance to me for you.

Much love & many prayers,
Cousin Megan in NC

Carrigan Family said...

Love seeing those sweet smiles on Joseph's face and him having fun! I know those things we once took for granted - a simple day at the musuem or park - are now such treasures!! Praying for your sweet boy!

Mary Lee Carrigan

Lynn T said...

Goodnight Gill, Allen, Holly and Joseph,

Miss you. I am praying for a great week-end for you all.

Love you tons,

Lynn

Anonymous said...

Your new verse reminded me of Grey's memory verse for the month at church: Ps. 31:24, "Be strong and let your heart take courage." Seems appropriate for you guys. Warm wishes and prayers sent your way...
Kate

John and Sue Burch said...

Allen and Gillian - and of course sweet Joseph and Holly, we have not posted in a while, but wanted to assure you of our prayers for you. As you walk with Joseph through this incredible challenge, we are sure there will be many times where you wonder, how hard is this going to get. It encourages me and ministers to me that there are many many dear ones who are praying for you. What a blessing to have people you do not even know show up with food and other blessings! God us using His people to take care of you! We are moving in a week's time to San Juan Puerto Rico to a new ministry. We will share with our team there of the needs as we read about them on your blog. Praying and trusting God for you - John and Sue Burch PS - "But let all who take refuge in You rejoice: let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you!" PSALM 5:11

Anonymous said...

Woke up this morning with this verse on my mind, "...God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Praying for a good day today full of joy with all the grandads and uncles visiting.(Wish I were there!) Love, Mimi

Anonymous said...

Hope you are enjoying the weekend and some great family time!
Margaret

Anonymous said...

Goodnight Sheriff Sally Lightening Macqueen and Mac Guido here .Lightening David was so sad he couldnt make it down to Memphis with Maitre.David had to go to the doctor he was really sick and now has to take a lot of medicine to get better just like you and he has to drink a lot too!Iam soo proud of you Joe p drinking a lot today do the same tomorrow and Ill tell David to do the same and then you both will feel better very soon.David said thanks for calling today. I am glad the Grandads and Uncle Sam and Uncle Matt got to spend time with you all.Tell them to go home early tomorrow so you all can get some good rest,I love you all dearly .May the Lord bless you all tonight.Sleep sound in Jesus.lots of love amd kisses Nana

Anonymous said...

Hope you had a relaxing day. "Bid" Daddy and Matt P. made it back and I've asked dad a million questions about the weekend. Seems you had a great time with all the men being there. Can't wait to see a picture of Joe's new hair cut! I pray that tonight will be joyful, restful, and peaceful. I pray that you will rest in Jesus. Love, Mimi

Anonymous said...

A new haircut???? What will Bella do...she likes Joe's hair now (or before). Hope you got the kids message..or I should say...hope Joseph liked it.
we love you all so much and miss you

Anonymous said...

Im super-bummed I didnt get to go down there this weekend!! Oh well.
I heard Joe got a cool new new hair cut. I'm looking forward to seeing you you guys next week!

David

Anonymous said...

Goodnight all sleep tight dont let the bed bugs bite!!no more barking no more meeaouing!!!That brings back memories to the five Taaffe kids oh how time flies!!Well Lightening Macqueen i heard you had a great time in sunday school!!you are the best!!Keep drinking lots of milk Doctor Nick will be soo happy and so will Sheriff and Sally.We love you lots sleep sound in Jesus.Guido and Maitre aka Nana and Grandad

Chloƫ said...

hey there all you guys. hope you're doing well and have been having a great week. it sounds like there are plenty of lovely things going on all the time. thinking of you. missing you all! chloe.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and praying for you today. How wonderful it was to talk to all of you on the phone, it made my day. The children in my class came up to me and wanted to know why I looked so happy!! They are prayer warriors for Joseph. Have a good night and may the presence of God fill your hearts with peace. Love, Mimi