Monday, September 20, 2010

Let the good times roll..

I don't care if you're young or old
Let's get together and let the good times roll.
--BB King, "Let the Good Times Roll"

Since getting back home, we've been super busy - there's quite a list of doctors' appointments, lab work visits, physical and occupational therapy sessions that are keeping us out of the house (and, for the most part, out of trouble!). But even more importantly, there's a an enormous list of people that we want to catch up with.

To start, yesterday we visited our friends at Jay & Luke's school - and it was like homecoming. Everyone seemed glad to see the boys and ready to welcome them back to NCSU Bright Horizons. They have treated Jay like one of their own - and he's never even spent a day there! Apparently being Luke's brother gives you special treatment. We are incredibly grateful to have found a wonderful center that can take both of them.

We squeezed in Luke's 6 month checkup (only a month late!) then we trekked over to visit Gabby and fam. We hugged, we laughed, we ate Aunt Mandy's fantastic empanadas and (wonder of wonders!) managed to make it out before either of the kids had a meltdown.

But those two visits took half a day, and we're realizing that it's going to take forever to see everyone we want to see...

So, we're throwing a Welcome Home Jay party!

Please join us this Saturday (9/25) for a big ol' backyard bash, Foster-style. The gathering will start around 4:00 and continue until we're celebrated out (or until the mosquitoes eat us alive - whichever comes first). We'll grill hot dogs and load up the crock pot with baked beans. To round out the meal, please bring a snack, side, drink, or sweet treat to share. There will be a yard full of toys for kids of all ages, but you might want to bring your own lawn chair. But no gifts, please!

Yes, we realize that by putting this out on the blog, we could have a really big crowd. And that's the idea! Seriously, we have been so overwhelmed by the generosity and prayers by so many of you. And we really do want to see you, hug you, and thank you for being a part of this difficult journey we've been on. We really mean all of you--friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone else who wants to come. Don't know where we live? Email me. So that we know how many hotdogs to get, let us know you are coming--email, comment on the blog, facebook, or whatever works best for you.

So, please come as we celebrate life and finally returning home.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I WANT TO COME!!! But alas, I live half way across the country and I have class this weekend. Have a wonderful time and please post pictures. and we will have our own party in a few weeks!
LYTB,
Jamie

Anonymous said...

We will be there. Can't wait to see you all!
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Let's see . . . if I leave the house right now, will I make it in time for the party!?! Have a wonderful time.
Hugs,
Mindy

TOJ said...

I'll be there and promise to try really hard not to cry when I see y'all....but you know me.

Unknown said...

We'll come! Can't wait! Amy, Jaunffrey & Riley

Stacy said...

Hi Fosters!
We're so glad that Jay is home and doing so well! We'd love to be there to celebrate with you, but we will be out of town on Saturday. Have a great party!

Anonymous said...

I'll be there.

Anne

Anonymous said...

I would love to celebrate the little miracle boy with you, but we are going to be out of town. Have a great time!

Vickie

Saxenda&Me said...

Sounds like it will be a wonderful day! We're going up to Williamsburg this weekend, so can't make it. Have a wonderful time and enjoy :-)
Amy Kunkle

Anonymous said...

We cant wait! What no meatloaf??? Count the three of us there!
Crystal

Unknown said...

Count us there with Mandy, and - we hope - with Kylie & Pierce too. So anywhere from 3-5.

Gabby

Cara Lynn said...

Jesse & Jamie will be there...and I'll be arriving late--but hopefully not before the partying is done. Is there a particular recipe provided earlier that you want me to send by the boys?
We'll send an email for directions.
Cara Lynn

Diane W said...

I'd love to be there to help celebrate, but since Scott is getting over a cold and Jason still has one, we will be steering clear of your house this weekend. I figure you don't need us to bring germs!!

Anonymous said...

This sounds like soooo much fun!

P has a football game at 5 in Johnston County on Saturday, so I'm guessing it will be past J and L's bedtime before we home and showered.

Our family sends our joy your way, though, and we look forward to many days of celebration to follow!

Looking forward to our visit tomorrow!

Lynn L.

Anonymous said...

We are so glad to see Luke and Jay back at church. Following your journey has given us so much perspective on our own lives. Your positive attitude through everything has been really inspirational. I just want to take you for that.

Dee

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful celebration! I wish I could be there, but I will be out of town. Continued prayers for all of you.

Debbie Gilland

Unknown said...

Logged in for the first time today after learning about your blog from Mindy -- what a great day to be "connecting"! My very, very best to you and your family on this special day.

I'll be in Raleigh the first weekend in November (my dad's running the marathon), so perhaps we can connect then?

God bless your celebration and settling home!
Timalyn

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen, Derek & family,
Wish we could come and give you a hug! We have a family reunion tonight. Enjoy your celebration with family and friends. We are so happy for you and you are still in our thoughts and prayers. What a journey!
Take care,
Pat and Maurice Evans