Little girl love...

These 2 cousins sure do love each other. All day Monday, they kept talking about getting to see each other at the America party. It's refreshing to see such pure love, and we are excited about them growing up together!

These 2 cousins sure do love each other. All day Monday, they kept talking about getting to see each other at the America party. It's refreshing to see such pure love, and we are excited about them growing up together!

Hope deferred...

In my quiet time today, my heart lead me to a familiar verse...

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." ~Proverbs 13:12

This verse is one that I have prayed many times for friends and family...in hopes for parenthood and being blessed with children--fertility and adoption and the waiting process, love and dating with the desire for marriage, job searches and changes and fulfillment, etc... I have definitely prayed this verse for myself when I am hoping a life dream of my own will be realized. I wonder, though, if I am praying it in the right way... Are my longings the Lord's longings? I know my ways are not his ways... If I am praying in the right spirit, will he align my longings with His? I do believe that His desire for us is that our greatest hope is in Him, and so how does that translate into/relate to/connect wuth our earthy--albeit spiritually earthly--desires? So much over-thinking sometimes! In all of my theological literature, I cannot find much specificity.

I wish that King Solomon would have laid out the complete context sometimes; other times I am satisfied with this sweet morsel. I just want my prayer of the verse to be pure and real and realized.

Hope is a wonderful motivator, but longings fulfilled are sweet to the soul indeed. I pray the same for you and your hopes today!

In my quiet time today, my heart lead me to a familiar verse...

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." ~Proverbs 13:12

This verse is one that I have prayed many times for friends and family...in hopes for parenthood and being blessed with children--fertility and adoption and the waiting process, love and dating with the desire for marriage, job searches and changes and fulfillment, etc... I have definitely prayed this verse for myself when I am hoping a life dream of my own will be realized. I wonder, though, if I am praying it in the right way... Are my longings the Lord's longings? I know my ways are not his ways... If I am praying in the right spirit, will he align my longings with His? I do believe that His desire for us is that our greatest hope is in Him, and so how does that translate into/relate to/connect wuth our earthy--albeit spiritually earthly--desires? So much over-thinking sometimes! In all of my theological literature, I cannot find much specificity.

I wish that King Solomon would have laid out the complete context sometimes; other times I am satisfied with this sweet morsel. I just want my prayer of the verse to be pure and real and realized.

Hope is a wonderful motivator, but longings fulfilled are sweet to the soul indeed. I pray the same for you and your hopes today!

Lazy Morning Recaps (the Zoo!)

***Still would love book recommendations! Scroll down!***

We are enjoying our lazy mornings on this long and lovely weekend. This is what we've been up to most mornings:
We've had a fun weekend, starting off with a fun trip to the zoo with Bear, followed by grilling with friends, trips to the playground, and movie nights. We got a season pass to the zoo this year, and so far we are loving it! Here are some pictures from the zoo trip. I practiced using my zoom lense.










The older Addison gets, the more aware she is of all of her surroundings. The monkeys and zebras were still her favorites, but she excitedly named all the animals that she knew. She called the lion skin above "Baby Simba" and kept saying, "He sleeping." This time she loved the petting zoo--especially when she found the llamas. She definitely was little Miss Independent, exhausting Dad and me as she ran almost the entire time! She kept yelling back, "Come on, Bear! Come on, Mommy!" We had a blast.

***Still would love book recommendations! Scroll down!***

We are enjoying our lazy mornings on this long and lovely weekend. This is what we've been up to most mornings:
We've had a fun weekend, starting off with a fun trip to the zoo with Bear, followed by grilling with friends, trips to the playground, and movie nights. We got a season pass to the zoo this year, and so far we are loving it! Here are some pictures from the zoo trip. I practiced using my zoom lense.










The older Addison gets, the more aware she is of all of her surroundings. The monkeys and zebras were still her favorites, but she excitedly named all the animals that she knew. She called the lion skin above "Baby Simba" and kept saying, "He sleeping." This time she loved the petting zoo--especially when she found the llamas. She definitely was little Miss Independent, exhausting Dad and me as she ran almost the entire time! She kept yelling back, "Come on, Bear! Come on, Mommy!" We had a blast.

Children's Book Recommendations, anyone?

I have a little pigtailed person who LOVES to read...

Mommy, however, is getting bored with our personal library...

So, on Day 1 of summer, we headed to the library for story time. We also checked out these:This is one I haven't bought yet because I think it will be sent to us via Cousin Dolly. But she LOVES it, and interprets it in her own words. "Llama Llama scared... Llama Llama cryin... He better... Ni-night..."She loves the pictures in this one, and she really loves the octopus, but the words are too dense, so I just make up my own story, and she commentates: "Fish sharing... He give his sparkle... It shiny... It blue one... It pink one..."

And the other was a pajama party book that goes month by month.

We own some of the classics, and as a book lover, I have a budget item for Addy-books, but I don't want to just blow it. Let me know what age-appropriate books you'd recommend!

I have a little pigtailed person who LOVES to read...

Mommy, however, is getting bored with our personal library...

So, on Day 1 of summer, we headed to the library for story time. We also checked out these:This is one I haven't bought yet because I think it will be sent to us via Cousin Dolly. But she LOVES it, and interprets it in her own words. "Llama Llama scared... Llama Llama cryin... He better... Ni-night..."She loves the pictures in this one, and she really loves the octopus, but the words are too dense, so I just make up my own story, and she commentates: "Fish sharing... He give his sparkle... It shiny... It blue one... It pink one..."

And the other was a pajama party book that goes month by month.

We own some of the classics, and as a book lover, I have a budget item for Addy-books, but I don't want to just blow it. Let me know what age-appropriate books you'd recommend!

Addison's Eagle's Nest

The Early Childhood Program at school is named the Eagle's Nest, a fitting name since IHS's mascot is the eagle. Addison loves spending her days here during the school year (except for her favorite day of the week, Wednesday, which she spends with her Jaydee and Savannah). I like it too. I see her everyday when they go on walks and when she wakes up from her nap.

I've written about how I love my job; this program enables me to love it. I know that Addison is happy and loved and that she's just a stone's throw away from Mommy. A happy Addy makes a happy Mommy.

One of her sweet teachers, Miss Caitlyn, made us a cd of pictures from the year. We sure will miss her when she goes away to college next year!

This free digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

The Early Childhood Program at school is named the Eagle's Nest, a fitting name since IHS's mascot is the eagle. Addison loves spending her days here during the school year (except for her favorite day of the week, Wednesday, which she spends with her Jaydee and Savannah). I like it too. I see her everyday when they go on walks and when she wakes up from her nap.

I've written about how I love my job; this program enables me to love it. I know that Addison is happy and loved and that she's just a stone's throw away from Mommy. A happy Addy makes a happy Mommy.

One of her sweet teachers, Miss Caitlyn, made us a cd of pictures from the year. We sure will miss her when she goes away to college next year!

This free digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Sawyer Daniel

Can't believe my sweet nephew is already 1 week old. I also can't believe I haven't seen him since Friday. Gonna have to change that tomorrow!

Sawyer Daniel was born May 18th at 1:08 weighing 7 pounds and 8 ounces and measuring 20 inches. To me, he is the boy version of Savannah, another perfect mixture of Lindsay and Daniel.

I had the responsibility of getting Big Sis from school and taking her to the hospital to meet her brother. It was a fun ride, that's for sure. Here are some pictures!

We love our new cousin/nephew!

Can't believe my sweet nephew is already 1 week old. I also can't believe I haven't seen him since Friday. Gonna have to change that tomorrow!

Sawyer Daniel was born May 18th at 1:08 weighing 7 pounds and 8 ounces and measuring 20 inches. To me, he is the boy version of Savannah, another perfect mixture of Lindsay and Daniel.

I had the responsibility of getting Big Sis from school and taking her to the hospital to meet her brother. It was a fun ride, that's for sure. Here are some pictures!

We love our new cousin/nephew!

Title: "Mrs. Crawford Flipped Me the Bird"

An essay with this title lay on my desk Monday afternoon when I returned from break. My first, thought, "What? Did I? Could I have possibly...without knowing it?" Then I saw the author, sighed to myself, and thought, "Well... I might have... you know... scratched my nose with my middle finger... just to make a point..."

Nervously reading on, I uncovered a heartfelt reflection of her high school experience written by a student whom I will always remember fondly. A witty smart aleck. A creative soul. A lover of words. She will be a student who will always brag about how she passed my class without reading a single novel I assigned--well, all except one; one who came back to my class in years following during her study halls to listen and contribute, to bug me, to ask for essay help or recommendation letters, to help me organize or file, to just walk and talk when she was going through a rough time. I will remember her as a student who overcame adversity to achieve high academic honors, as a student who blossomed through her maturity with language, as a student who made me laugh and smile and roll my eyes and even scratch my nose with my middle finger. She graduates next Saturday and, like so many peers in her class, has the world before her. I find myself a little nostalgically jealous about that fact. She is truly going to be somebody.

It's that time of year again--the hustle and bustle of last minute grades, the influx of essays that have yet to be graded, the pressures of state and AP testing, students on the border of passing or failing. It's enough to make me want to pull my hair out.

This morning, Kris and I tucked in our 80 AP students who are taking the exam--complete with their "Good Luck" goody bags, their essay cheat sheets, their enthusiastic reminders that "All Roads Lead to TONE!" And I feel completion. Seeing each one of them arrive at the testing site gave me a feeling of pride. Watching them become Seniors will make me even prouder.

I'm thankful that even while I want to pull my hair out with all of my last-minute stressors, I feel thankful, blessed, fulfilled, content in my job. I love it.

In my last post, I wrote about how being a mother is one of the greatest blessings in my life. It is so true. I want to add that being a teacher is up there on my list as well.

(The last sentence of my student's essay read, "And as for the title, I totally deserved it.")

An essay with this title lay on my desk Monday afternoon when I returned from break. My first, thought, "What? Did I? Could I have possibly...without knowing it?" Then I saw the author, sighed to myself, and thought, "Well... I might have... you know... scratched my nose with my middle finger... just to make a point..."

Nervously reading on, I uncovered a heartfelt reflection of her high school experience written by a student whom I will always remember fondly. A witty smart aleck. A creative soul. A lover of words. She will be a student who will always brag about how she passed my class without reading a single novel I assigned--well, all except one; one who came back to my class in years following during her study halls to listen and contribute, to bug me, to ask for essay help or recommendation letters, to help me organize or file, to just walk and talk when she was going through a rough time. I will remember her as a student who overcame adversity to achieve high academic honors, as a student who blossomed through her maturity with language, as a student who made me laugh and smile and roll my eyes and even scratch my nose with my middle finger. She graduates next Saturday and, like so many peers in her class, has the world before her. I find myself a little nostalgically jealous about that fact. She is truly going to be somebody.

It's that time of year again--the hustle and bustle of last minute grades, the influx of essays that have yet to be graded, the pressures of state and AP testing, students on the border of passing or failing. It's enough to make me want to pull my hair out.

This morning, Kris and I tucked in our 80 AP students who are taking the exam--complete with their "Good Luck" goody bags, their essay cheat sheets, their enthusiastic reminders that "All Roads Lead to TONE!" And I feel completion. Seeing each one of them arrive at the testing site gave me a feeling of pride. Watching them become Seniors will make me even prouder.

I'm thankful that even while I want to pull my hair out with all of my last-minute stressors, I feel thankful, blessed, fulfilled, content in my job. I love it.

In my last post, I wrote about how being a mother is one of the greatest blessings in my life. It is so true. I want to add that being a teacher is up there on my list as well.

(The last sentence of my student's essay read, "And as for the title, I totally deserved it.")

Mother's Day Loot

I truly love being a mom. I count it as one of my greatest blessings and could go on and on about it. I also think that my mom is the best one out there--just like most of you. The more life I experience, the more I realize that I want to be just like her. Our Sunday celebration was special and wonderful, but we shared all the sentimental stuff with each other personally. On here, I just want to share my loot! :)

At school Addison made me a picture with her handprints and a poem on it. It was crazy to see how much bigger her hands are this year than they were last year at this time. Patrick organized cards to give me from him, Addison, and the baby, and all were so sweet. He and Addison also gave me this:

I was sort of over my former phone, the blackberry pearl. Over the course of 2 years, being constantly accessible to the world had lost its luster. Thankfully, our loyalty to tmobile keeps us from being tempted into the iphone world, but nevertheless, I needed a new phone. Addison helped out my cause by repeatedly dropping my phone on concrete... so, Friday night, we went out and picked out this and I LOVE IT!

Patrick and Addison also gave me a gift certificate for a pedicure which I can't wait to treat myself to. Any new OPI recommendations? My fallback favorite is "20 candles on my cake," but I'd like to try something new this time. (P.S., these are not my toes... just a pic I found.)

My mom gave me the new James Dobson book on Bringing up Girls which I know I will read, earmark, and reread in all of the years to come. (BTW, I am currently reading Parenting by the Book by John Rosemond, and I HIGHLY recommend it!)

Hope all you ladies had a special day of honor!

I truly love being a mom. I count it as one of my greatest blessings and could go on and on about it. I also think that my mom is the best one out there--just like most of you. The more life I experience, the more I realize that I want to be just like her. Our Sunday celebration was special and wonderful, but we shared all the sentimental stuff with each other personally. On here, I just want to share my loot! :)

At school Addison made me a picture with her handprints and a poem on it. It was crazy to see how much bigger her hands are this year than they were last year at this time. Patrick organized cards to give me from him, Addison, and the baby, and all were so sweet. He and Addison also gave me this:

I was sort of over my former phone, the blackberry pearl. Over the course of 2 years, being constantly accessible to the world had lost its luster. Thankfully, our loyalty to tmobile keeps us from being tempted into the iphone world, but nevertheless, I needed a new phone. Addison helped out my cause by repeatedly dropping my phone on concrete... so, Friday night, we went out and picked out this and I LOVE IT!

Patrick and Addison also gave me a gift certificate for a pedicure which I can't wait to treat myself to. Any new OPI recommendations? My fallback favorite is "20 candles on my cake," but I'd like to try something new this time. (P.S., these are not my toes... just a pic I found.)

My mom gave me the new James Dobson book on Bringing up Girls which I know I will read, earmark, and reread in all of the years to come. (BTW, I am currently reading Parenting by the Book by John Rosemond, and I HIGHLY recommend it!)

Hope all you ladies had a special day of honor!

Saver's Weekend

I'm so excited! My great friend April (from here) is married to Patrick's great friend Jeremy, and he organized this workshop tomorrow! I'm going with my friend Jen (Jack's mom from here), and we look forward to learning some great money-saving tips. Jenny began the popular website Southern Savers which is one of the most streamlined, helpful websites I've referenced.


If you in the Nashville area and interested in going, she'll be at Brentwood Baptist tomorrow morning from 9-12. Proceeds from tickets are going to help flood victims. You can buy them here!

Hope to be back soon with all the new things I've learned.

I'm so excited! My great friend April (from here) is married to Patrick's great friend Jeremy, and he organized this workshop tomorrow! I'm going with my friend Jen (Jack's mom from here), and we look forward to learning some great money-saving tips. Jenny began the popular website Southern Savers which is one of the most streamlined, helpful websites I've referenced.


If you in the Nashville area and interested in going, she'll be at Brentwood Baptist tomorrow morning from 9-12. Proceeds from tickets are going to help flood victims. You can buy them here!

Hope to be back soon with all the new things I've learned.

Our neck of the woods...

This weekend has been scary...to say the least. The entire Nashville, middle Tennessee area is virtually under water. For the past 48 waters, we have received over 13 inches of rain, and the quickness of this rainfall has devastated our geography. This video is from downtown Franklin, in the back yard of Patrick's office.

Our home is ok, but the roads around us are immersed in water--some even ripped apart by the flood damage. We are homebound for now, and I am out of school tomorrow. We are in a declared state of emergency and have had a curfew enforced. Please take a minute and pray for all of the families who have lost their homes during this widespread disaster.

"God is our refuge and our shelter,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
so we will not fear, even if
earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the ocean roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge."
~Psalm 46:1-3

Meanwhile, before things got too bad and unbeknownst to us, we trekked out to Murfreesboro. Leaving our neighborhood, we heard tornado sirens blaring. As we got on the road, we listened to the weather and learned that we were being chased by a tornadic storm--about 5 miles behind us and heading in our direct path. We reached our destination, forgot about our troubles temporarily, and as we were leaving 2 hours later, a neighbor reported that there had been 2 touchdowns in nearby areas. We were barely able to get home. Two hours worth of sheetlike rain had produced floodwaters reaching up to surrounding homes' front porches. Who knew things could get so dangerously bad so quickly...

Our trip was all worth it, though, because we got to celebrate this little guy turning 2! Jackson is one of Addison's best buddies at school, and we had a blast at his Circus Birthday.

Jen went all out--with this clown picture op, a jumping machine, a ball machine, pin-the-tail on the donkey, and all sorts of circus-like games. With the inclement weather, she transformed her garage into party-central. Party snacks included popcorn and peanuts, cotton candy, gumballs, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and more--all packaged in theme appropriate, personalized containers. She really set the bar!

Addison wasn't too sure what to think at first, but she soon let loose and ran around with her school buddies. She LOVED jumping and playing in the balls. This morning she woke up and said, "I want Jack's house." It was fun!
Just one of Jen's snack stations. Se cute and so creative! We were thankful to have something fun to celebrate during this otherwise dismal weekend.

This weekend has been scary...to say the least. The entire Nashville, middle Tennessee area is virtually under water. For the past 48 waters, we have received over 13 inches of rain, and the quickness of this rainfall has devastated our geography. This video is from downtown Franklin, in the back yard of Patrick's office.

Our home is ok, but the roads around us are immersed in water--some even ripped apart by the flood damage. We are homebound for now, and I am out of school tomorrow. We are in a declared state of emergency and have had a curfew enforced. Please take a minute and pray for all of the families who have lost their homes during this widespread disaster.

"God is our refuge and our shelter,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
so we will not fear, even if
earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the ocean roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge."
~Psalm 46:1-3

Meanwhile, before things got too bad and unbeknownst to us, we trekked out to Murfreesboro. Leaving our neighborhood, we heard tornado sirens blaring. As we got on the road, we listened to the weather and learned that we were being chased by a tornadic storm--about 5 miles behind us and heading in our direct path. We reached our destination, forgot about our troubles temporarily, and as we were leaving 2 hours later, a neighbor reported that there had been 2 touchdowns in nearby areas. We were barely able to get home. Two hours worth of sheetlike rain had produced floodwaters reaching up to surrounding homes' front porches. Who knew things could get so dangerously bad so quickly...

Our trip was all worth it, though, because we got to celebrate this little guy turning 2! Jackson is one of Addison's best buddies at school, and we had a blast at his Circus Birthday.

Jen went all out--with this clown picture op, a jumping machine, a ball machine, pin-the-tail on the donkey, and all sorts of circus-like games. With the inclement weather, she transformed her garage into party-central. Party snacks included popcorn and peanuts, cotton candy, gumballs, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and more--all packaged in theme appropriate, personalized containers. She really set the bar!

Addison wasn't too sure what to think at first, but she soon let loose and ran around with her school buddies. She LOVED jumping and playing in the balls. This morning she woke up and said, "I want Jack's house." It was fun!
Just one of Jen's snack stations. Se cute and so creative! We were thankful to have something fun to celebrate during this otherwise dismal weekend.

Addison updates

Couple of days late on this one since she just turned 19 months, but since it's for family and my own personal memories, I know they'll forgive me...

At 18 months:

Addison weighs 25 pounds and is in the 50%
She is 34 inches tall in the 95%
Her head circumference falls in the 75%

• Her favorite foods are strawberries, applesauce, pizza, mac-n-cheese, grilled cheese, and EGGS
• She sings all of her "A,B,C's", "Jesus Loves Me," "Twinke Twinkle Little Star," "Happy Birthday," most of the Dora and Elmo songs and and most of "The Wheels on the Bus" with the motions.
• She is talking--nonstop--in sentences, asking questions, and my favorite is, "Hey Mommy, you know what?" followed by some partially coherent babble.
• She loves bubbles, loves to draw and color, loves to fingerpaint although she HATES getting her hands dirty, wants to read stories all the time, still loves to jump, and adores the playground and baseball games. She asks for both of those daily--as well as asks to ride in "Daddy's Car" because when she gets to ride in his car, she gets to go to Jaydee's house.
• She is finally calling Savannah "Manna" now instead of "Dora," names all of her family members, and besides her cuz, her best friends are Jack and Owen. She sings the "Night-Night" song and prays for them every night.
• She has also become increasingly independent, "I wanna hold it." "I do it." and she throws the typical toddler tantrum, mostly about something that she claims "MINE!" We're mostly past the hitting stage for now...thankfully.

As I've said about the others, I really love this stage. It's so much fun even with the "terrible 2's" symptoms brewing. :)

Couple of days late on this one since she just turned 19 months, but since it's for family and my own personal memories, I know they'll forgive me...

At 18 months:

Addison weighs 25 pounds and is in the 50%
She is 34 inches tall in the 95%
Her head circumference falls in the 75%

• Her favorite foods are strawberries, applesauce, pizza, mac-n-cheese, grilled cheese, and EGGS
• She sings all of her "A,B,C's", "Jesus Loves Me," "Twinke Twinkle Little Star," "Happy Birthday," most of the Dora and Elmo songs and and most of "The Wheels on the Bus" with the motions.
• She is talking--nonstop--in sentences, asking questions, and my favorite is, "Hey Mommy, you know what?" followed by some partially coherent babble.
• She loves bubbles, loves to draw and color, loves to fingerpaint although she HATES getting her hands dirty, wants to read stories all the time, still loves to jump, and adores the playground and baseball games. She asks for both of those daily--as well as asks to ride in "Daddy's Car" because when she gets to ride in his car, she gets to go to Jaydee's house.
• She is finally calling Savannah "Manna" now instead of "Dora," names all of her family members, and besides her cuz, her best friends are Jack and Owen. She sings the "Night-Night" song and prays for them every night.
• She has also become increasingly independent, "I wanna hold it." "I do it." and she throws the typical toddler tantrum, mostly about something that she claims "MINE!" We're mostly past the hitting stage for now...thankfully.

As I've said about the others, I really love this stage. It's so much fun even with the "terrible 2's" symptoms brewing. :)

Addison's New Tshirt

She'll be wearing this to school tomorrow to proudly announce:

Yay! Today I hit my 12 week mark, and all three of us got to hear the baby's heartbeat. We are thrilled! I am due in early November, and we are just praying for a healthy, sweet baby. I think Addy-belle is going to be a great big sis! Please keep us in your prayers!

She'll be wearing this to school tomorrow to proudly announce:

Yay! Today I hit my 12 week mark, and all three of us got to hear the baby's heartbeat. We are thrilled! I am due in early November, and we are just praying for a healthy, sweet baby. I think Addy-belle is going to be a great big sis! Please keep us in your prayers!

Sawyer's Blessing

On Saturday, we celebrated some Spring Babies on the way. First, Linds and I went to a shower for our sweet friend Reid and Baby Lane on the way. Then yesterday afternoon, we had a time of "Blessing' for Lindsay's Sawyer-boy. All of Lindsay and Daniel's close family women gathered to pray over Linds with blessings, offer advice and well wishes, indulge in desserts, and shower her with gifts.

This picture is a sampling of the gifts she and Sawyer recieved.
We had her party at my Grandmama Holt's house. She made Lindsay's favorite dessert, pound cake. We served it with a chocolate sauce and strawberries and/or a lemon sauce and blueberries. It was soooo delicious. My grandmother is a Master Gardner, so the flowers she displayed were beautiful. She is also the quintessential hostess--just look at all of her silver and crystal serving pieces--and really enjoyed hosting this for Linds.


A close up of some of Sawyer's personalized goodies. Mom gave her the lovey and bib in the middle; the bib goes with the "coming home" outfit that she got him. The burp cloth and bib on the edges were from me. :)

This is an outfit that Daniel's grandmother made him. I thought it was so adorable.

The white and navy smocked outfits in the middle were outfits that Daniel wore as a little boy--also made by his grandmother. His mom brought a box full of his old clothes, and our favorite items in that box were the cowboy boots he wore as a little boy. Adorable. (Btw, the yellow and blue Polo romper on the edge was also from me. :))

This is a shot of the women in my family who were able to come. Mom, Grandmama Dean, me, Linds, Aunt J (Mom's sis), Grandmama Holt, and Cousin Loren.

Meanwhile, at home, Addybelle was enjoying a Daddy-Daughter day. In this pose, she is proudly donning her new hat. They had a ball, and I was able to join them for an afternoon at the park. It was a beautiful Saturday.

On Saturday, we celebrated some Spring Babies on the way. First, Linds and I went to a shower for our sweet friend Reid and Baby Lane on the way. Then yesterday afternoon, we had a time of "Blessing' for Lindsay's Sawyer-boy. All of Lindsay and Daniel's close family women gathered to pray over Linds with blessings, offer advice and well wishes, indulge in desserts, and shower her with gifts.

This picture is a sampling of the gifts she and Sawyer recieved.
We had her party at my Grandmama Holt's house. She made Lindsay's favorite dessert, pound cake. We served it with a chocolate sauce and strawberries and/or a lemon sauce and blueberries. It was soooo delicious. My grandmother is a Master Gardner, so the flowers she displayed were beautiful. She is also the quintessential hostess--just look at all of her silver and crystal serving pieces--and really enjoyed hosting this for Linds.


A close up of some of Sawyer's personalized goodies. Mom gave her the lovey and bib in the middle; the bib goes with the "coming home" outfit that she got him. The burp cloth and bib on the edges were from me. :)

This is an outfit that Daniel's grandmother made him. I thought it was so adorable.

The white and navy smocked outfits in the middle were outfits that Daniel wore as a little boy--also made by his grandmother. His mom brought a box full of his old clothes, and our favorite items in that box were the cowboy boots he wore as a little boy. Adorable. (Btw, the yellow and blue Polo romper on the edge was also from me. :))

This is a shot of the women in my family who were able to come. Mom, Grandmama Dean, me, Linds, Aunt J (Mom's sis), Grandmama Holt, and Cousin Loren.

Meanwhile, at home, Addybelle was enjoying a Daddy-Daughter day. In this pose, she is proudly donning her new hat. They had a ball, and I was able to join them for an afternoon at the park. It was a beautiful Saturday.

Spring is in the air!

Finally! And boy have we been enjoying all that comes with it. Since it's been another month-long posting drought, this one will be a picture-caption recap. Hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things on this blog soon.

First, look at this mischievous grin. Think we might have our hands full?

At our class' Easter Egg hunt at Harris Fisher's house. Just getting into the groove of hunting eggs.
Celebrating Aunt Lindsay's birthday with song and dance.

One of A's new favorite animals at the zoo. "'Raffs!"

Hunting eggs at the zoo's Eggstravaganza!

Ready for her third egg hunt in her Easter best from her Nana

Looking at their loot.

Family Easter pic.

We've had a fun and busy month. We enjoyed a visit from Steven, have re-landscaped our yard, and enjoyed Spring Break.

The end.

Finally! And boy have we been enjoying all that comes with it. Since it's been another month-long posting drought, this one will be a picture-caption recap. Hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things on this blog soon.

First, look at this mischievous grin. Think we might have our hands full?

At our class' Easter Egg hunt at Harris Fisher's house. Just getting into the groove of hunting eggs.
Celebrating Aunt Lindsay's birthday with song and dance.

One of A's new favorite animals at the zoo. "'Raffs!"

Hunting eggs at the zoo's Eggstravaganza!

Ready for her third egg hunt in her Easter best from her Nana

Looking at their loot.

Family Easter pic.

We've had a fun and busy month. We enjoyed a visit from Steven, have re-landscaped our yard, and enjoyed Spring Break.

The end.

February Recap

Can't believe it's been a month since I last updated this page. February was a month--that's for sure. Our family ran the gamut and experienced a wide berth of events.

We dealt with health issues:Miss Addy-belle had her tube procedure. She was a trooper. During pre-op, Mom and I distracted her with all of the pictures of trees and flowers in the waiting room. We took her through her repertoire of tricks--focusing on her new favorite--jumping. She bends down low, rocks back and forth, and announces "zsump!"

Post-op wasn't quite as successful. We heard her wails as soon as we walked into recovery area, and when we got to her, she was being held against her will by a well-meaning, effeminate male nurse. He was a bit on the snarky side, and when he got in her face and tried to get her to kiss him, she... in the only word I can think of to describe this event... b*!@#-slapped him! I was mortified, but part of me wanted to shrug my shoulders and tell him that I told him not to get in her face. Needless to say, every nurse in the recovery room got a good laugh and told us we'd be retelling that story to all of her prospective suitors during her dating years. I couldn't get us out of there fast enough. Her recovery has gone well, and we are praying that her ears will have the help they need now!

During this month, I've also learn that I have hypothyroidism--to a pretty extreme degree... I knew something wasn't "right" with me, and upon diagnosis and researching the condition, I found that I fit every symptom in the book. I honestly don't know how I had been functioning at all with my levels so out of whack. My condition probably spiked postpartum, but with family history, it was likely bound to come at some point. While it is humbling to realize that I will potentially be on medication for the rest of my life, it's also reassuring to finally be able to explain why I've felt so off and to know that this situation can be corrected.

My brother-in-law has also experienced some scary events as he was hospitalized after having a probable TIA (mini stroke). After running every test in the book, the doctors at Vanderbilt diagnosed him with having a hole in his heart that was responsible for the stroke. He will undergo several more outpatient tests with his new neurologist and cardiologist to determine his plan of treatment. Please keep Daniel and Lindsay, Savannah and Baby Sawyer (on the way) in your prayers.

While all of these health issues can seem doom and gloomish, they really have reminded us not to take whatever measure of health we have for granted. It has humbled us to the very core fact that we are humans, created from dust, only to walk this earth during the times and places that the Lord has determined for us. It has made us want to make every day, every moment count. It has made us want to count our blessings.

During this month, we also celebrated:Our first big event of the month was an 80's party hosted by our great friends Chris and Bond. I wore leggings with keds, a hot pink dress with a bright turquoise shirt with an oversized shoulder-padded blazer and big belt, and of course, a side pony-tail. Patrick went more Miami Vice-ish, his blazer and bright shirt paired with tight-rolled acid washed jeans and loafers. We didn't get good pics of the kiddos, but Addison had leg warmers over her leggings, a jean jacket and a high ponytail, while sweet Jackson went all prep. We all had a blast, and we enjoyed our blast from the past!We also celebrated the upcoming birth of Kelly and Evan McCasland's little girl. Isn't Kel the cutest pregnant girl! We are so excited for them, and Kelly is going to be a great mom.

We also celebrated my dad's parents' 80th birthdays. Both of them turned 80 in February, and we dined at JAlexanders, a favorite of all!

Finally, Nana and Pop came to visit:


Patrick, Addison, and I enjoyed a visit from his parents in February. It was actually warm enough for us to get to play outside some and ride in the Cozy Coupe. We enjoyed time with family.

While I am thankful for the 8 snow days we've had this year (6 of them in Feb), I am certainly ready for some warmer weather. My serotonin levels need it! So does my daughter! She begs to go outside every time the door opens.

Here's to spring being a season of newness to us all!

Can't believe it's been a month since I last updated this page. February was a month--that's for sure. Our family ran the gamut and experienced a wide berth of events.

We dealt with health issues:Miss Addy-belle had her tube procedure. She was a trooper. During pre-op, Mom and I distracted her with all of the pictures of trees and flowers in the waiting room. We took her through her repertoire of tricks--focusing on her new favorite--jumping. She bends down low, rocks back and forth, and announces "zsump!"

Post-op wasn't quite as successful. We heard her wails as soon as we walked into recovery area, and when we got to her, she was being held against her will by a well-meaning, effeminate male nurse. He was a bit on the snarky side, and when he got in her face and tried to get her to kiss him, she... in the only word I can think of to describe this event... b*!@#-slapped him! I was mortified, but part of me wanted to shrug my shoulders and tell him that I told him not to get in her face. Needless to say, every nurse in the recovery room got a good laugh and told us we'd be retelling that story to all of her prospective suitors during her dating years. I couldn't get us out of there fast enough. Her recovery has gone well, and we are praying that her ears will have the help they need now!

During this month, I've also learn that I have hypothyroidism--to a pretty extreme degree... I knew something wasn't "right" with me, and upon diagnosis and researching the condition, I found that I fit every symptom in the book. I honestly don't know how I had been functioning at all with my levels so out of whack. My condition probably spiked postpartum, but with family history, it was likely bound to come at some point. While it is humbling to realize that I will potentially be on medication for the rest of my life, it's also reassuring to finally be able to explain why I've felt so off and to know that this situation can be corrected.

My brother-in-law has also experienced some scary events as he was hospitalized after having a probable TIA (mini stroke). After running every test in the book, the doctors at Vanderbilt diagnosed him with having a hole in his heart that was responsible for the stroke. He will undergo several more outpatient tests with his new neurologist and cardiologist to determine his plan of treatment. Please keep Daniel and Lindsay, Savannah and Baby Sawyer (on the way) in your prayers.

While all of these health issues can seem doom and gloomish, they really have reminded us not to take whatever measure of health we have for granted. It has humbled us to the very core fact that we are humans, created from dust, only to walk this earth during the times and places that the Lord has determined for us. It has made us want to make every day, every moment count. It has made us want to count our blessings.

During this month, we also celebrated:Our first big event of the month was an 80's party hosted by our great friends Chris and Bond. I wore leggings with keds, a hot pink dress with a bright turquoise shirt with an oversized shoulder-padded blazer and big belt, and of course, a side pony-tail. Patrick went more Miami Vice-ish, his blazer and bright shirt paired with tight-rolled acid washed jeans and loafers. We didn't get good pics of the kiddos, but Addison had leg warmers over her leggings, a jean jacket and a high ponytail, while sweet Jackson went all prep. We all had a blast, and we enjoyed our blast from the past!We also celebrated the upcoming birth of Kelly and Evan McCasland's little girl. Isn't Kel the cutest pregnant girl! We are so excited for them, and Kelly is going to be a great mom.

We also celebrated my dad's parents' 80th birthdays. Both of them turned 80 in February, and we dined at JAlexanders, a favorite of all!

Finally, Nana and Pop came to visit:


Patrick, Addison, and I enjoyed a visit from his parents in February. It was actually warm enough for us to get to play outside some and ride in the Cozy Coupe. We enjoyed time with family.

While I am thankful for the 8 snow days we've had this year (6 of them in Feb), I am certainly ready for some warmer weather. My serotonin levels need it! So does my daughter! She begs to go outside every time the door opens.

Here's to spring being a season of newness to us all!

Relearning old things...

I've spent much of my free time during these snow days rereading Books 1 and 2 of Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion Series. I first read these when I was working in Tuscaloosa with the campus ministry, and the words provided so much hope, humility, and purpose during those dark days. The story of a young faithful Christian woman who survived the fall of Jerusalem, Roman slavery, and persecution with such grace inspired me and touched me deeply.

For years, I recommended them to anybody who would listen, but somewhere along the way, I lost the message--the literary appreciation overshadowing the truth. Rereading them has totally brought me full circle and humbled my spirit in a way that I know I have needed. Although God brought me out of those dark days, I have continually struggled with so many of the aftermaths--forgiveness, trust, the sanctity of the church, the validity of the church.

Rereading this story, in a different place, in a different time, in a different set of circumstances, has opened old hurts, doubts, and fears that remind me of a time I would rather forget.

However, I should hope to never forget that time as it is a part of my story, and rereading these words reminded me about passion, determination, and fearlessness of the supernatural kind... the kind you experience and know has not evolved from your own strength, the kind that I did once experience...and I thank God for that gentle reminder.

As I became more captivated with each section, I realized that I already knew the end of the story... yet knowing that end did not keep me from sleepless nights of devouring every word, turning each page with fresh anticipation, reading each dog-eared, tear-stained page with hope and promise. The end left me no less satisfied, but even more affirmed.

It reminds me of another amazing book with its own wear and tear, full of my tears and joy, hope and promise. I'm thankful to also know the end of that story, even more thankful the author wrote me into it.

In this different time, different place, different set of circumstances, I look forward to immersing myself back into that truth with inspired anticipation as I turn each page.

I also am excited about sharing that story with this sweet person:

I've spent much of my free time during these snow days rereading Books 1 and 2 of Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion Series. I first read these when I was working in Tuscaloosa with the campus ministry, and the words provided so much hope, humility, and purpose during those dark days. The story of a young faithful Christian woman who survived the fall of Jerusalem, Roman slavery, and persecution with such grace inspired me and touched me deeply.

For years, I recommended them to anybody who would listen, but somewhere along the way, I lost the message--the literary appreciation overshadowing the truth. Rereading them has totally brought me full circle and humbled my spirit in a way that I know I have needed. Although God brought me out of those dark days, I have continually struggled with so many of the aftermaths--forgiveness, trust, the sanctity of the church, the validity of the church.

Rereading this story, in a different place, in a different time, in a different set of circumstances, has opened old hurts, doubts, and fears that remind me of a time I would rather forget.

However, I should hope to never forget that time as it is a part of my story, and rereading these words reminded me about passion, determination, and fearlessness of the supernatural kind... the kind you experience and know has not evolved from your own strength, the kind that I did once experience...and I thank God for that gentle reminder.

As I became more captivated with each section, I realized that I already knew the end of the story... yet knowing that end did not keep me from sleepless nights of devouring every word, turning each page with fresh anticipation, reading each dog-eared, tear-stained page with hope and promise. The end left me no less satisfied, but even more affirmed.

It reminds me of another amazing book with its own wear and tear, full of my tears and joy, hope and promise. I'm thankful to also know the end of that story, even more thankful the author wrote me into it.

In this different time, different place, different set of circumstances, I look forward to immersing myself back into that truth with inspired anticipation as I turn each page.

I also am excited about sharing that story with this sweet person: