Protection From a Creepy Guy

This post is about what happened when we dropped off Audrey to her grandmother (Nikki's sister) after the birthday party. 

Several times when I have picked up the kids from Nikki or dropped them off we have met in the old CiCi's pizza parking lot on Broadway. (even when they lived here) In fact, we have met to eat there before they closed. I don't know if they closed or are relocated, but they are no longer there. So, the parking lot is usually empty. This day there was a car parked there when we picked up Audrey, and when we brought her back. There are several businesses across two parking lots on the other side (Party City, Dollar Store, Pawn Shop, Riley's Auto Parts). 

We got back to the parking lot to meet Nikki's sister between 9:30-10:00PM (I think). It was dark. The parking lot was empty except for that (abandoned?) car. I didn't park near it. We sat there waiting with the car running because it was hot. We were watching cars across the way come into the parking lot to see if it was Nikki's sister. She was a little late. A white car with dark windows pulled into the parking lot and drove toward our parking lot. Ryan said, "could she be driving a different car (her car was black)?" I looked and said, "no." I didn't pay any more attention, but Ryan watched that car. As he watched, he saw the guy drive directly behind us and then he saw his wheel turn (from his side mirror) right beside us. The guys window was half way down. Ryan said quickly, "move, move, move, move!!!" I leaned forward as I started to put it in drive and saw it was a black guy with a lopsided hat. Ryan said I was very slow. The guy stared at us. Ryan said he gave him a such a look, that Ryan knew he was up to no good. He was afraid he was going to get shot. We didn't open our windows, and since I started moving, he started moving. He drove straight back out of the parking lot. Thank God!! He did not stop anywhere else. He drove straight to us from the road and straight back to the road. I know God took care of us. Why the guy decided not to bother us and move on, I don't know. Ryan said maybe because he saw little Audrey in the back and decided not to bother us. Who knows. I just know God protected us, and I am so thankful!!

I moved to the Riley parking lot way down on the corner. They were still open, but I didn't feel safe. We watched everyone constantly. Finally Nikki's sister got there and we all left. Ryan and I went to feed Martha's cats. Funny thing, many times I have felt a little creepy being outside there at night because it is in the country next to the woods. But, this time we felt really, really safe. Hahaha I was never so happy to get home in my life. I thought about it, and creeped out about it for days. It has taught me a lesson to be more careful. Life is precious and I don't want us to loose ours. It isn't worth it to take a chance at danger (although we didn't know it was a dangerous place). I should have thought to park in a more populated area (and no where in the city at night!!!!) 

I am SO thankful God spared us from harm.
I am so thankful I live in a place where I feel safe. (I know danger can happen anywhere, but I pray for my family's safety daily.) And the truth is, I don't like to be outside my home at night really.
I am so thankful Ryan was with me that night. I don't want to even think about it otherwise!!

Till next time...

Haley and Mason's Birthday

A few weeks ago Nikki had a birthday party for Haley and Mason. She always celebrates with one party because their birthday's are so close together and they have the same friends. She invited the neighbors, and Ryan and I brought Nikki's sister's granddaughter Audrey. Nikki told me she didn't know who would show up because she didn't request rsvp. Oh my! We were both shocked. I think the whole neighborhood showed up. It was a great block party. LOL

Nikki got a huge, fun water slide for the kids to play.

They had a blast!!! It was the best party the kids have ever had. I heard one little girl tell Haley it was the best party she had ever been to. 

The older boys were jumping high and then sliding down. Of course Haley had to also. She is very athletic. I love this pic of her.

I love that boy's smile!! It melts my heart!

It started to thunder, so we all went inside for cake and ice cream. Nikki made Haley a "Dora" rainbow cake, and Mason had a chocolate m&m cake. I didn't get a picture of Mason's cake.

Nikki amazed me how she made the decorations for the cake.

She also made them individual cakes to use to blow out the candles.

Nikki's friends were a great help in getting everyone their cake and ice cream.

After they ate they played again on the slide, then they went inside to open gifts.

After everyone left, I gave them my gifts. I got Mason a wooden train track on a table. He was so surprised.

I got several smaller gifts for Haley.

My favorite gift to her was a box of craft/card making supplies.

After a long day, they were finally able to play with their toys.

Ryan went outside to put together the trampoline and swing set Andrew and Nikki got the kids. Then they all came out to help. :)

They loved them!!

Mason even pushed Haley on the swing. How sweet he is!

It is hard to see, but he is behind her. 

What a great party they had. Nikki says she is never doing that again, and I say, "Yay!!! Hahahahah It was crazy at times, but it turned out wonderful!!

Ryan and I took Audrey to meet Nikki's sister, then we went to feed Martha's cats (Martha's family was on vacation). By the time we got home we were so exhausted!!

I am so thankful it turned out to be a wonderful block party. Ha!

I am so thankful we made it home safely (to be written about in another post)

I am so thankful they are friends with their neighbors. I only talk to one of my neighbors, and I think it is great when neighbors are friends.

Till next time....