Be Still

I have been very touched lately by stories of so many people on their death bed, losing a child to miscarriage or disease, etc. I don't know why these things are being so visibly placed in my path...maybe it's just life. And maybe it's a lesson that I need to value, treasure, and embrace every minute of life, especially with my children and family. I get so wrapped up in the day to day activities that I sometimes forget to "be still". I'm don't feel "busy" per se, but just the checklist of...pack lunches, go to school/work, cook supper, give baths, read the right books, etc. My prayer tonight is that I can be still, be grateful for each minute, and that I can exude God's love to those around me.

(p/s-sorry no pictures, I have been really bad about taking them lately.)

(p/s/s-today is my sweet baby sister Holly's b-day. Happy Birthday to you Holly, I love you so much!!)

Where were you?

Where were you on this day 6 years ago? I was in Newark, NJ, right across the river from NYC. I was supposed to eat supper at Windows of the World in the WTC on the night of 9/11. I flew into Newark late on the night of 9/10 and was looking out of the plane as we flew near the WTC. My boss and I said to each other...there's where we'll be tomorrow night. Upon hearing the news the morning of 9/11 in a room full of hospital administrators from all over the state of NJ who were told to get back to their hospital's immediately...there was a major national emergency occurring, my boss and I knew we had to get the heck out of there and back to TN. We got the very last rental car (by telling the people we would bring the car back). We saw the smoke of the towers burning. We drove straight through a toll booth at about 70 mph. It was about an hour or so after we were on the road that my brain even stopped the mission of get me the heck out of here (and about that long to even get cell service) to slow down enough to call Jeff and my mom. I remember the relief in both of their voices. We drove from NYC to Baltimore, MD to pick up some colleagues. Neither one of us had ever, ever driven in that part of the country and had a small road map and the address of the hotel where we were supposed to pick them up. We drove straight to it with no wrong turns. We drove through some of God's beautiful country that day in a small car, with 4 people in the car that you would've never thought would be together. But I felt safe, blessed, and led. And I was scared. I didn't really see pictures of anything until that night in a small hotel room somewhere in Virginia. I was alone in the room, and I just remember seeing those pictures over and over...and how sad/mad/confused it made me. Time goes by so quickly, but it still makes me so sad/mad/confused.

Officially a Soccer Mom (Kinda)

Whew, what a weekend. We started the weekend at the BBS football game Friday night. Because Addie had attended cheer camp this summer, she was able to cheer during 1st quarter. She loved every minute of it, but I think she actually only did one cheer. I think she was overcome by all of the people and excitement.








Then Saturday morning, we had our first soccer game. Addie and Matt weren't too interested in actually playing once we got there, but mom and dad were glad to be on a soccer field. Jeff is coaching...he's the only coach (as in, has no assistant, and they have to spilt up the team into 2 teams of 3 players each and play on 2 different fields), so it should be interesting.





And then Addie and I went to one of Addie's best friend's (Sami's) b-day party at Libby Lu. They all got made-up and dressed up like Hannah Montana...it was hilarious! Addie thought she was big stuff with that make-up on and her hair all done. And of course, Addie always has to be the different one...she didn't want to wear the Hannah Montana outfit, she wanted to wear the fairy outfit. So, she wore the fairy outfit!







We have had a busy and fun weekend. Matthew is sick this afternoon, in fact, I here him starting to moan through the monitor. Better go....

Life through the eyes of a child

Doesn't the innocence you see when you look into the eyes of a child just bring you to your knees? You can almost see their innermost being just by looking deep in their eyes. Pictures of children also tell so much about a child. And that's why I love to share pictures of my children (and other children). If we could only savor these innocent years for a lifetime!

Addie and her cousin Charlie
At Nana and Papa's house...


On a roller coaster at Lake Winne (I'm not going to attempt to spell it out)


Matthew in pure amazement and wonder on the carousel


Addie and Savannah at Savannah's 4 year old Wizard of Oz B-day party


And the rest of the attendees


And sweet baby Nora (talk about seeing their inner-being through their eyes...this picture speaks volumes to me!)


We also went to Cookeville this past weekend, and saw all of my fam (I didn't take my camera). Haven and her family are building a house that is going to absolutely beautiful...she inspires me. Jaxson is looking so big...he started kindergarten this year, too. I am so proud of him! And my sis and bro-in-law, Holly and Levi, found out they are having a little BOY!!! Congrats Holz and Levi! I am so excited for you guys! I love all of my family, and I am so thankful for each one of you. And I miss sweet little Sophie, too...I can't talk about family without mentioning them. We love you guys, and can't wait to see you in Sept.