The Lowrys

FOUR

2012-01-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

MY BABY BOY IS FOUR....Can you believe it??????????

Ofcourse a BIG blog will come soon about the birthday weekend and 4 amazing years...stay tuned friends! We have just been so busy celebrating I haven't quite had time to stop!

Youth Trip

2012-01-29T14:18:00.000-08:00

We had the awesome opportunity and responsibility to take the youth from our church to Gatlinburg a few weekends ago. We had an AMAZING experience and we are so blessed that God led us to such a wonderful opportunity of service. Bethel Baptist has some really GREAT kids and we are just thankful to be a part of such an awesome ministry. We pray that God will continue to use us!

Elsie Clayre Lowry

2012-01-29T13:57:00.000-08:00

Well...meet the newest member of the Lowry family...Elsie! She was born in December & she has the cutest chubby cheeks ever! I don't think she looks like big sister...she looks just like Daddy! She is a very sweet baby! We are so lucky to have yet another niece!

Darby Ruth Snuggs

2012-01-29T13:53:00.000-08:00

This is Darby! She is the daintiest little princess ever! Big sister Shelby is so proud to have her! She decided to surprise everyone a little early...but Mommy did a great job & Darby is home & out and about visiting and causing hearts to melt all over the place! We are so blessed to have such sweet friends!

Paul Austin Stead

2012-01-29T13:48:00.000-08:00

This is baby Austin! Isn't he just absolutely precious! We have prayed & prayed for this sweet boy! He is now home, healthy, & growing everyday! Mommy & Daddy are very proud!! God is still in the business of some pretty amazing miracles!

Mr. Cole Man

2011-12-31T07:41:00.000-08:00

Well..its been a while since we have updated...so here we go. He weighs 36lbs now & about 40 1/2 inches tall. He is WILD:) He is definitely ALL boy. He climbs everything & jumps off everything. I must say that he does have incredible balance though. He says a few things backwards lately...and we get so tickled....like he says "flowsnake" instead of snowflake. "Arm hip" instead of "arm pit". He LOVES to watch Peter Pan, Mickey Mouse, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and Cars. He loves to play with cars, guns, balls, and anything motorized. I really think a broke down car in the back yard would mean more to him than a swingset. He loves to get in cars & pretend to drive...switch gears, etc. He cranks the truck for me almost every morning ( me sitting right there ofcourse:) ) and when we are at my school parking lot...he likes to drive around the circle. He loves to eat goldfish, sourcream &; onion chips/ BBQ chips, P & J sandwiches, cheeseburgers, fries, hot dogs & chicken. He also likes fruit. He still will not drink any form of milk. He loves McDonalds, Wendys, &Chick-Fil-A....but most of all if you ask him where he wants to eat...he says Logans...he gets that from his daddy:) . He loves Jimbo. He loves to sing and pretend to play the guitar...I guess we might do lessons one day if he still shows interest. He loves church! He enjoys going and has lots of friends there. He loves school. He takes computer class and tumblebus during the week. He is sleeping better these days. He sleeps in his own big bed...but somewhere in the wee hours of the morning he ends up in our bed...we never even hear him...we just wake up with a little snuggle bug beside us...this may bother some people...but not us....he won't be little forever. We still have to use Pulmicort in our nebulizer every night before bedtime...but PTL...he's had a good winter so far when it comes to respiratory trouble. We are so thankful! He just got his 2nd set of tubes and this time had his adenoids removed. It was a little rough for a few days...but then he bounced right back. We talk about building a house one day and he always says he likes the "little house." And so do we:) We will definitely build...but still waiting on those appraisals to get better....so we really need foreclosures to stop. We want to build what we want to build& if that means waiting until the economy gets a little better...then we'll be patient. Cole loves being able to run down the hill to see Nanny & Pappy whenever he wants anyway:). We are so blessed to have such a sweet little boy. He makes us laugh everyday! We are loving every minute of this life with him!

Paul Austin Stead

2011-12-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

Little Austin was also a BIG Surprise and he was born on December 26th. He weighed 4lbs and 15 oz. He is super cute! He is in the NICU and has already fought an amazing fight! Please pray for him to continue to get stronger and healthier everyday! We are so thankful for every day that he has gained strength!

Darby Ruth Snuggs

2011-12-30T19:23:00.000-08:00

Darby Ruth Snuggs was born by BIG surprise on Wednesday December 28th! We were able to spend the day with Big Sister & Cole has lots of fun. Darby was 6 lbs 4 oz & also had a few breathing issues to watch so she is also in the NICU along with Elsie...but we are praying she also will be released to come home in a few days!

Elsie Clayre Lowry

2011-12-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

Elsie Clayre Lowry was born at 12:11 on December 29th. She weighed 7lbs 14oz and 20 1/2 inches long. She is absolutely precious!!!! We had a wonderful day with her...Ashton helped with her bath & we all adored her. She was taken to the NICU later that evening & has been there since due to some breathing issues. Please pray with me that she will be released in a few days. She is doing WONDERFUL and we are so thankful for each moment of improvement. I am so thankful for another beautiful niece....

Happy Anniversary!

2011-12-30T19:11:00.000-08:00

8 years ago I married the BEST guy ever! I cannot believe it has been 8 years married & 12 years together...WOW! We have been through many valleys and over many mountains & I am just so glad we did it together. God has blessed us so much! We may not be doing exactly what we planned to be doing in life...but God's plan has been perfect. We feel so blessed to have a precious little boy and a wonderful life together. We have no idea what God has in store in our future...but we know that every year keeps getting better. I am such a lucky girl! I love you Blayne Thomas Lowry!

Well, I don't want the whole world

The sun, the moon, and all their light
I just want to be the only girl
You love all your life
You love all your life....

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2011-12-30T18:59:00.000-08:00

A few days before Christmas we celebrated Jesus' birthday by making a cake at my house. The kids had a GREAT time and made a HUGE mess! Such a mess...that none of the adluts were brave enough to try their cake:) ....but these seemed to enjoy it! We plan to always have this tradition....we always want them to remember why we celebrate this special holiday.

Christmas Day

2011-12-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

We woke up early Christmas morning to find out that Santa came! Cole must have been a good boy! He got a dune buggy, a chainsaw, weed eater, leaf blower, cars chair, some new DVDs, and a few stocking stuffers. He loved ALL of it!!! After he opened gifts we had to get out in the drizzle rain and try out the dune buggy:) Then it was time to get dressed and go to Nanny & Pappy's house for breakfast. Nanny had some surprises for the kids....one of which was Clifford that Cole loves:) After breakfast we headed off to celebrate at church. We had a wonderful time celebrating Jesus' birthday! After church we headed over to Nana & pop's house where Cole got lots of fun stuff to play with!!! He loves his Shake N Go CARS racetrack! We then ate another yummy meal with Blayne's family to wrap up the evening. We were SO BLESSED this Christmas and we are so thankful for the time we were able to spend with family. We had an absolutely wonderful holiday season this year.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-30T18:45:00.000-08:00

We started Christmas Eve off with baking goodies for Santa...Cole was so good with cookie decorating...he used LOTS of sprinkles!

Then we went and joined my family at Nanny's house for Christmas Eve dinner & presents! Cole was very excited about getting WAY too many goodies:) A few favorites were his motorcycle & Home Depot Work bench. Later we came home & he and Daddy ate the last candy from the advent calendar....they have done it together everyday in December. Finally after a bath we read the Christmas Story about baby Jesus and then we read The Night Before Christmas. Cole set out Santa's cookies...said goodbye to Bernard & we quickly went to sleep!

Christmas Photo Shoots

2011-12-30T18:38:00.000-08:00

We had a few Christmas Photo Shoots for grandparents....here are a few favs!

Parties with friends!

2011-12-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

We were very blessed to be able to get together with several friends during the holidays! Family is so important...but so are friends & we are blessed to have so many people in our lives whom we are able to call friends. Here are just a few ....

Cole's Wee Care Party

2011-12-30T18:28:00.000-08:00

Cole had a great time at his Christmas party at school this year. They began by singing Christmas carols with Mark Seymour & then had snacks and a visit from Santa Claus....it was very cute and all the children had a fun time. I am so glad and blessed that he is able to go to such a great Wee Care Program.

Christmas Programs!

2011-12-30T18:25:00.000-08:00

Cole & Addy were both in Christmas programs this year. Our family went to watch Addy in hers on Sunday morning & then gathered again to watch Cole Sunday night. I am so glad our children are growing up learning that Christmas is really about worshipping God & celebrating Him.

Cookie Decorating

2011-12-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

We had our annual cookie decorating party at Brooke's house this year. The kids loved it ofcourse...but the weather was so beautiful...they really just wanted to play outside :) And I think they all ate more candy than they used to decorate!

Away in a Manger

2011-12-30T18:15:00.001-08:00

We wish you a merry Christmas!

2011-12-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

Cole's First Christmas Program

2011-12-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

Check out Cole' s very first time to sing in church....so funny!!!

Bernard

2011-12-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

Well, Bernard has arrived in the Lowry house. He is a lot of fun & Cole loves to see what he is up to everyday! We have caught him swinging from the ceiling fan, playing Daddy's X Box, Reading on Cole's couch....he is a funny little elf!

TWINS!

2011-12-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

My friend & coworker Cayla is having TWINS! We are so excited for these miracle babies to arrive. She is now at home on bedrest until its time. We are praying they will cooperate atleast 4-6 more weeks...but we will pray for each day that they behave in there:)

Darby is almost here!

2011-12-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Well, Courtneys new little girl is almost here. We had a party to get ready to welcome her a few weeks ago. I am sure she will be super cute just like her big sister Shelby!

Ho Ho Ho....

2011-12-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

We saw Santa last week at the Bass Pro Shop...Cole's favorite place ever! We made a night of it & met Santa....played in his workshop, shot a few ducks, rode some 4 wheelers, ate in Uncle Buck's Sandwhich Shop, looked at the fish, rode the elevators, & played in tents upstairs & cried our eyes out when we had to leave hours later. Who knew fun could be so cheap:):)

Christmas Parade

2011-12-17T09:13:00.001-08:00

Cole got to ride with Addy in the Odenville Christmas parade this year. He had a lot of fun!

Our Tree

2011-12-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

Cole was very excited about putting the tree up this year. He was interested in every detail. It took a while because so many of our ornaments hold meaning...mostly all of them. I decided to do a little blog on a few of my favorites...

This one was mine when I was 2.

This was Blayne's when he was 7.

Me & my friend got these a LONG time ago ....its a friendship dove. Its atleast 15 years old:)

I got his the first time I went to NYC!

This one represents Blayne's team.

This was with my wedding present from Blayne the day we got married.

The next few are from the first year we were married.

This is when I worked at Bethel Wee Care.

The year we were expecting Cole....

Cole's 1st Christmas.....

Cole's 2nd Christmas....

Cole's 3rd Christmas & the year Jimbo joined our family.....

And now this Christmas.....

Putting up the tree is always a fun trip dowm memory lane:) We have SO many more with many more stories....but it would take all day to blog on them all:)

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T12:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for this year! Here are a few....

Our Savior who blessed us with salvation
Our family
FREEDOM and those who fight for it
Our Church
Friends
Sunday School classes
JOBS!
home
food
working vehicles
clothing
health
FUN TIMES

God has been so good to our families and we are so thankful for all the many blessings. This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at Nana & Pops house on Wednesday night and then we had lunch at Nanny & Pappy's house on Thursday. It was a little different without having it at Mamaw &Papaws house this year. But I know he was feasting at a much better table:) Please keep my mamaw in your prayers. She continues to not feel well and is having a hard time regaining her strength. She continues to battle with congestive heart failure and they seen to be having a hard time finding the right meds to work for her lately.

I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Roll Tide!

2011-11-26T09:52:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a very sweet friend...Cody...we were able to take Cole to his very first Alabama game! He has been wanting to go all season long! He was so excited and he had so much fun! And it realy worked out because Brooke & Josh were taking Lucy and Addy to the game too & Nana & Pop & Ashton were going too ...so all of the kids got to go together! They had a lot of fun together and it was a very good memory. I'll never forget it! He LOVES the kickers...maybe he'll be one one day:):)

Gatlinburg

2011-11-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

We went to Gatlinburg over Veteran's Day weekend and had a great vacation. The kids enjoyed a carnival & playing in the big bathtub:) We ate some yummy food and enjoyed the rest. The weather was beautiful and I am very thankful that we had the chance to get away together.

I am so thankful for all of the Veterans that have served our country. I am honored that both of my grandfathers & father-in-law served proudly. I am also extremely thankful for all of the men who are serving today! They are very special people and we cannot be thankful enough for what they do!

Grateful

2011-11-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving I have decided to focus a lot on the word grateful. I feel like I am daily surrounded by ungratefulness...myself included. I have recently been studying a lot in the bible that talks about "thanksgiving" and what that actually means. Well here are my thoughts after lots of pondering.... first of all God supplies ALL of our needs. All of them! It may definitely not be all of our wants...but he covers all of our needs. The problem is...we are not grateful enough. We want and want and want. We need to stop and look at what he has provided everyday. I have a wonderful husband and a strong marriage to a very faithful man. We both have jobs. We have the opportunity to go to work everyday. And yet we complain and drag out of bed each morning. I have always had food. I have NEVER been hungry. And yet we complain about what sits on the dinner table. I have more clothes than one should ever have and yet I stand infront of my closet wishing for new ones. I have got to learn to be more grateful in this life. God has given us so much and we really don't need anything else. I am determined to focus on this in the years to come and I am going to be more grateful. I also challenge my readers. If God has blessed you with a wonderful husband...be good to him. Love him. Be faithful and appreciate him more. I am going to try to myself:) Its important. And I take mine for granted when I shouldn't. If God has blessed you with a family. Spend time with them. MAKE time for them. We are not promised tomorrow. If God has blessed you with a job...work hard and do it happily! And budget that money wisely and be generous and give to others....I am talking to MYSELF here too! If God has given you a church family...get involved...SERVE....HE needs you to! He called you to! If God has given you a healthy pregnancy...cherish it...enjoy it...don't complain, don't wish it away...there are many women who would give anything to carry that weight and walk on your swollen feet. Life can change in a moment. If God has blessed you with children...play with them...read with them...take off work to attend their programs at school. You only get one chance at this....there are no do overs. You can't go back....they keep growing! One day you will blink & they will be grown & you'll have a pile of sick days you do not need. If God has given you a home....take care of it...and share happiness with an open door to reach out to others. I could go on and on...but the main thing is...be grateful. Don't take this life HE has given us for granted. Forgive people. Love people. Pray for people. Give to people. We need to stop complaining and LIVE. Soak up every moment of this life. I know I am going to definitely try to! So help me be accountable if you hear me being ungrateful! :) I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We did! God is so good!

Disney on Ice

2011-11-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

We went to Disney on Ice the first of November. We had great seats & one of the big parts of the show this year was Capt. Hook & Peter Pan! All the kids LOVED it and we all had a great time together! He lOVES Mickey Mouse and all his friends.

Happy Birthday Hunter!

2011-11-21T09:31:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Hunter's 4th birthday in November at I-Jump. Hunter is one of Cole's favorite friends...he is always talking about him! I think they'll be great friends growing up. Hunter is such a cutie and SO funny!! We feel blessed to have their sweet family in our lives.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

We LOVE HAlloween in my house...its just fun! And its such abeautiful time of the year! Cole was Capt. Hook this year and per his request me & Blayne attempted to be Peter pan and Tinkerbell. We went to the FAll Festival at Bethel on Sunday night. It was A ALOT of fun & he had a GREAT time. Then on Halloween night we trick or treated in a neighborhood for the first time. Jonah, Addy, & Mayli joined us. It was so much fun and the kids had a ball together! Great memories shared with family & friends!

Pumpkin Carving

2011-11-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

We continued our tradition of carving a pumpkin again this year. Cole really got in to it this year. He had a book with a picture of several jack-o-lanterns so he picked on from there that he wanted us to do. Jimbo joined the fun as well:)

Homecoming

2011-11-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

Well...we had Homecoming in October too. Addy & Cole came to my school for the day. They enjoyed the pep-ralley...it was alot of fun! Afterwards we joined Nanny & Lucy at Jacks and then we went ot the parade. It seems liek only yesterday Ashton was in that stroller watching the parade. Time flies!

Addy turns 5

2011-11-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

Addy turned 5 in October. I cannot believe our little Addy bug has gotten so big! She is so special to us and Cole's best friend. He calls her his sister and she might as well be:) They have a great time together &; they fight like crazy too:):) She has such a fun personality. She LOVES babies....all babies and all their "stuff." she loves car seats &;strollers a lot. She has LOTS of play babies too...but always wants more. They consume Emily's house. She is not a prissy girl though. She likes going to practice with her Daddy & playing outside. She did GREAT in capball this year & I really think she is going to be very talented at softball. She can tell you a story and keep it up for days...and you will believe her...she is GOOD. ...too good! She basically survives off milk & mac & cheese. If either of those go away..that girl is in trouble! I am blessed to have this sweet girl in our lives and look forward to watching her grow up..but maybe a little slower than the past 5 years:(

Pitiful

2011-10-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

This defines pitiful! Lucy fell off the couch trying to get a balloon after her party and broke her arm in 2 places. So sad! I can't take it! But don't be fooled..it is not slowing her down one bit! And it also gives her a built in weapon. We just thought she was dangerous before!

I just wonder how it will ever heal at this rate...the Dr. told Brooke to try to keep her still. That'll make you laugh outloud... the only time Lucy James was EVER still was hen she was in a body cast for her hip...she has never slowed down since!

This just defines Lucy in our kids though! Brooke said she knew she would be the first with a broken bone!

Old Baker Farm

2011-10-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

We went to Old Baker Farm this weekend! It was a lot of fun! Cole was so excited about visiting the farm. He loved petting the animals & the pumpkin ride. They also got to meet some Native Americans...but Lucy was the only one who would dance with them. The Tumblebus was there too..but it was very crowded and he said he wanted off bc the tumblebus man was not incharge:) I guess he likes structured activities on there:) We had a great day with more beautiful weather....this fall sure has been pretty! He loved riding the pedal tractors as well! This boy loves tractors! Baby Luke came too this year! Isn't he so cute! We saw Shelby when we were leaving...but Cole was in a bad mood...so she got her picture solo...sorry Shelby:)

Happy Fall everyone! Get out there and enjoy this weather & all the fun things and places you can go! We may not be home every weekend and my laundry may be piled up...but we are soaking up every moment with this sweet boy & family! I know there will come a day when he will have better things to do than visit a farm with Mommy, so until that day...we aren't wasting a minute! We are going to soak up all of life's adventures!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

We went to the Pumpkin Patch in Hayden with Nana & Pop and Brent & Stephanie & Ashton . We had a great time. The weather was beautiful! The kids had fun riding horses, picking pumpkins, jumping & spending time together! We are so blessed with a great family! Next year we will add Elsie Claire to the adventure!

Happy Birthday Lucy

2011-10-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

Well Lucy turned 2 this month! Can you believe it? She had a big party...ofcourse nothing but the best for our little miracle Lucy! She is such a stinkin doll & we are so blessed to have her in our lives! I just love to hear her tell us stories now...she is so animated. She loves to tackle Cole and we all have fun watching it:) He is still a little scared of her...but they are finally getting along better! She is going to keep us smiling for years to come! Happy Birthday Lucy...we love you!

Happy Birthday Brody

2011-10-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Brody! I cannot believe this little boys is 5! Wow time flies!!! We had a great day with lots of fun with GREAT friends!

New Adventures

2011-10-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well, me & Blayne have embarked on a new adventure of our own. We are teaching youth Sunday School. So far we love it! Blayne is working with 8 & 9th grade boys and I am working 10 & 11th grade girls. I am learning a lot about teenagers for sure:) Please keep us in your prayers as we are trying to serve in this area of our lives. It is a huge resposibility and we want to give it our all for HIS glory. I am so glad we were given the opportunity and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for this great group of kids at our church!

busy busy busy

2011-10-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well, we have been busy lately....but fun busy. Last weekend we took Cole to the Greek Festival downtown and had lunch with some friends. Then we went back to Margaret and he enjoyed the Friendship Festival. He got to sit in a helicopter and of course..they had jump jumps. It was a lot of fun. We also attended the Ragland Homecoming Game with TaTa, Pappy & Brooke & Josh. He and Lucy had a great time. He has also found that he LOVES games. So we have been playing Memory...Uno...and a Letter Game. He really enjoys them so I guess we will be getting more.

He is really enjoying this weather lately. He rides his tractor down to see Nanny & Pappy almost everyday and sometimes enjoys a game of Putt-Putt at their house:). We have also been going to the park several times and Nanny takes him once a week too. He LOVES to play outside.

He loves to play with hot wheels...especially with Pop:)

He is also OBSESSED with the movie Cars. He watches atleast part of it everyday. We have it memorized I think. Everyday seems like quite an adventure with him....he surprises me everyday with something he says or does! I feel so blessed to have such a fun sweet boy!

Goodbye Summer

2011-10-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

Me & Emily took the kids to Alabama Adventure one last time in September. They rode all the rides since it was a little cooler. They LOVED the rides! We definitely have a few dare devils on our hands. They weren't scared of anything. We will definitely have to try out a few carnivals this fall.

Happy Birthday Brad

2011-10-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can tell I am very behind and playing "catch up" on the blog. In September we celebrated Brad's birthday. Brad & Jessica are great firends and we feel so blessed to have them in our lives! And Luke is just icing on the cake...isn't he the cutest thing ever! I just love those rolls!!! I look forward to a lifetime of birthdays with them!

ADDY'S 1ST GAME

2011-10-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I have the privilege to go with Addy & Emily to Addy's very first Bama game! We had a great time and she LOVED it! She stood in her seat and cheered her heart out! Her favorite cheer was DEFENSE BAMA DEFENSE! I am so glad Nana & Pop shared their tickets and I was able to share her very special day!

September 11, 2011

2011-09-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

10 years ago today I was in class at UAB. Our class was interrupted and our teacher walked out. She came back in and rolled a television in with her. She turned it on and we watched as the first building was in flames and then as the 2nd building was hit. All classes were dismissed and we were told to go home. I walked out of that building confused that this was really happening to America...land of the free. As I walked to my car I saw a large group at the Hill Center and I decided to go. I grabbed the hand of a perfect stranger and I joined them as we prayed for those in NYC and D.C. I then went to my friend Gina's apartment and we watched the replays and events of the day. We sat in silence for the most part. All eyes watching something we had never experienced. I talked to my parents & to Blayne. We all had a sense of fear. No one knew what would happen next. I remember waiting on pins & needles the remainder of the week. What was happening next? Who would they get next? I remember my Papaw saying..."we've been attacked again" and saw his fear...realizing they had been through this before. I remember people driving around with flags waving from the back of pick up trucks. I remember a nation praying. It was a scary time. It was a sad time. It is hard to believe it was 10 years ago. Today I think of those who lost someone that day and those who were heroes. I think of those who sacrificed their own lives to help others. And I also think about all the men and women who have continued to serve and those who have enlisted since that day. I am thankful there are courageous men & women willing to serve and protect our country.

God saw us through that terrible day. We sought HIM and he was there. I only wish we called out to HIM everyday like we did then.
¹⁴ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
In my opinion....our country is just as desperate today as we were that day...maybe even more only this time in a completely different way.

Who am I?

2011-09-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

SO todays sermon was very good. We discussed Matthew 16 where Jesus asks" Who do you say I am?" I thought a lot about it and in 31 years..it would be very hard for me to sum up who HE is...who HE is to me....so I'll just give you what I thought about immediately...
He is my savior. He saved me from an eternity separated for him. He is my leader. He is my father, He is merciful. He is a teacher. He is a Daddy. He is the one who calms fears. He is the one who you go to when decisions are too hard. He is the one with open arms after you have gone away too long. He is the one says...its ok. He is the healer. He puts a baby where a doctor says one will never grow. He is the string between 2 people in a marriage. He is the provider at the beginning and end of every month. He is the giver and He is also the taker. He is the one who listens and answers prayer. He is the one to wipe away tears. He is the one standing with you when everyone else has walked away. He is the one you run to when life is too much. He is the hand reaching out for you when you are drowning in this life. He is the one who has answers about raising kids. He is the one who comforts in death. He is the one who can heal all things. He is perfect. He is mighty. He is my protector in this life. He shares. He did and still is doing miracles everyday. He is powerful. He is sought after by those in need. He is wise and shares that wisdom through his word. He is the one who forgives me. He is constantly moving in our lives. He is compassionate. He is distinctive...there is no one like HIM. He restores the lost and broken. He destroys the enemy. He is victorious. He is everlasting. He is ALIVE! He is preparing a place for me. He is coming back! HE IS JESUS.

Who am I?

I am HIS.

Heavy Heart

2011-09-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

I have not had time to post lately...but life has been overwhelmed with sadness lately...so much sadness that I lie awake at night and cannot sleep because my heart is so heavy for friends.
Please pray for my friend Amy as she lost her husband in a car accident. She and her children are rebuilding their lives now in TN and they need daily prayers.
Also, please pray for my friend Ashley. She lost her triplet boys Harrison, Jack Thomas, and Merritt. Please pray for healing and peace for she and Colin in the days ahead. These boys were miracles to begin with and I know God had a special plan for their life even if it was in their mommy's womb. They brought her such unbeleivable joy and I just pray that God can comfort her in a way that we cannot here.
Thank you for praying for my friends. I truly beleive that he hears every prayer and that every prayer matters.

updates

2011-08-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

I know I know...WAY behind...so here are some updates on our life!

School started back...Cole is doing GREAT! Daddy takes him to school now and he is right back in the swing of things....it probably helps that his school has a new playground that he LOVES:)
We are going to have a new neice in January...Elsie Clayre. Ashton is so excited!
I am not sure if I ever mentioned...but we moved back to our home church in March and are loving every minute. We have connected with some old & new friends and look forward to every Sunday & Wednesday. We are so thankful God sent us somewhere we can serve and we hope he continues to provide opportunities.
Tomorrow starts day 4 and so far my class is precious. I feel like i work at the BEST school in the BEST system and have the BEST boss and am so thankful to be there!

Along with updates I have several very important prayer concerns that I want to share so you can join me in prayer daily. A former coworker, Amy Fannon, lost her husband in a car accident this weekend. I taught 2 of her children and am so heavy hearted for this precious family. Please pray for strength as they lay him to rest tomorrow.
Also, my friend Ashley has anxiously awaited to have a baby and God blessed her with 3 boys! However, she has already gone in to pre-term labor an is now on permanent bed rest at 21 weeks. Please pray for her safety as well as the boys.
My heart has been very heavy worrying about my friends and I am constantly reminding myself that he said we can lay our burdens down at his feet and that is what I am trying to do....daily.

See you soon Papaw....

2011-07-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

Today we laid my sweet Papaw to rest ...not saying goodbye but simply...we'll see you soon.

I have been blessed to have him in my life for 31 years and on Thursday July 28th he left this life and joined my SAVIOR in heaven. He was an AMAZING man....there are not many men left on this earth like him and I am honored...really more than honored to be his grand-daughter.

My Papaw grew up in Margaret, Al with his parents and sister Evelyn, who they called Sis. He went to the University of Alabama and left from there to serve our country in World War II. He came home and was many things...grocer, post master, and finally worked for HUD for 20 years.

He met my Mamaw & they were married on his birthday 61 years ago....you don't hear that very often! I only pray that me and Blayne will have 61 plus years together...he'd be 81 and I would be 83:)

My Papaw had 3 sons, 5 granddaughters, 1 grandson, 2 great-granddaughters, and 1 great-grandson.

He served his Lord...always...as far back as I can remember. He loved his family. He worked for everything.

He LOVED Alabama football! He wore his Alabama jacket everywhere. He always wore dress shoes and dress pants...always. I never saw him in jeans:) He cooked breakfast every morning when we stayed there....and it was served at 6 am and you better get up to eat it! He would get you with a fly-swatter if you ran in his house. He loved turnip greens. He LOVED his garden and had one until he was absolutely physically unable to walk out there. He hated the beach, but always took my Mamaw because she loved it. He LOVED red snapper. He always chose Red Lobster over Olive Garden....not sure if it was because he liked it more or if he knew if drove Mamaw crazy:). He hid newspapers under his recliner. He LOVED his grandchildren....but he ADORED his great grandkids.

I have a few favorite stories....

He told us that he NEVER took off his wedding band. When he had heart surgeries he would argue and argue and they would finally cover it in medical tape. He finally told us it was because when he was in the service he watched all these married men take off their rings and go out to bars and he swore that if God gave him a wife when he returned home, he would forever be faithful and he would never take off his ring. He kept that promise.

He did love my Mamaw for 61 years ...but several years ago my Mamaw took away his keys. I am not sure if you have experienced what happens to a man when you take away his keys...but you basically take his freedom. Well...one day she called and said Papaw had left and said he was tired on her and was leaving her. ....

we found him at Wal-Mart...and he came home:) But it was a little funny for a day.

A few years ago I had the honor of sitting with my Papaw in the hospital for the day when he was there after a heart-attack. We sat and talked and I fed him applesauce. There is something VERY humbling about feeding your Papaw in his late 80s. We discussed life in general and he told me he was tired and ready to go home. I told him I was sure they would release him soon...he said no...I am ready to go "home." He then went on to tell me he missed his Momma....my Papaw missed his Momma. He told me he had not seen her in so many years and he could not wait to see her face again. He also said he missed his Sis and was glad they were all together again in heaven but he was ready and wanted to go too. That day changed my life. I realized that my Papaw was tired. I realized that all the praying we were doing to keep him alive was selfish for us. He was ready. He knew where he was going and he was ready. That day in the hospital made the last few weeks of him here on earth easier for me because I remembered and I prayed differently this time. I prayed in his favor...for peace and rest and my SAVIOR and HEALER heard my prayer.

Today we buried my Papaw and we were still able to smile. We were still able to laugh. Some people may not understand this, but we had peace. My Papaw has suffered for weeks....really months. He has not been able to recognize us. He has not been able to communicate. He has not been able to walk. He has suffered and he was ready to go home and when I got the call early Thursday morning my heart was broken and sad....but also relieved that my sweet Papaw was finally free from the pain of this world.

I cried as we looked through old pictures and we laughed as we read letters we found that he wrote home to his parents during the war. We shared good memories with Mamaw and we grieved together....be we all had peace. God is so good to our family . I do not know how people get through these times without him. The only reason I can have peace is knowing he is with Jesus and I'll see him again.

I am so thankful to have had him in my life. His morals and integrity have carried over into my life. He set the example before all of us. When I pass away I pray that I can be remembered with the upmost respect...just as he was today.

We'll see you again soon Papaw & we'll miss you!

You could ALWAYS find him in a recliner somewhere:)

Uncle Barry's wedding

My high school graduation

My wedding day

The day we brought Cole home from the hospital...they were waiting in our driveway with lunch:) We ate and they fed Cole his very first bottle at home and ooooed & awwwwed over him for hours.

Papaw's baby picture

This was his Airforce picture

A trip of firsts...

2011-07-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

This was also a trip of firsts in our family! Cole learned to swim WITHOUT any flotation device! He saw Addy without floaties and he was determined. He got it QUICK. We have been working a little all summer but he just took off with it & is swimming under water & everything! We are so proud of him!

He also rode go-carts for the first time. He was a little nervous but obviously liked it because he keeps asking me to do it again:)

It was a wonderful vacation and I feel blessed we were able to go and spend time with my family. The kids are

growing up so fast. These days are bittersweet

...so exciting that they are learning new things, but sad that they are growing up so fast!

More Beach pics!

2011-07-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Beach Trip

2011-07-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we left for our family beach trip to Panama City Beach. It was a little different this year because Nanny & Pappy could only come for a few days because Nanny hurt her back and Papaw was not doing well and Pappy was nervous to be away from home...but we still had a GREAT time and the kids played and had a blast! It rained one day on us...but it didn't slow them down...they swam and played in the rain.

Time to Celebrate!

2011-07-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

Cole was very excited about fireworks this year! The Urbans hooked us up with GREAT fireworks from BOGO fireworks in Gadsden and he was ready to shoot them ALL day! We taught him that we celebrate FREEDOM and Daddy's Birthday!

Cars 2

2011-07-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

We started our actual holiday with a visit to the theaters....Cole's first official movie! He went to a free summer flick last year but basically just walked the isles and talked.....he LOVES Cars the original...so we thought he might be ready! He has NEVER watched much TV....and hardly any movies...I guess he is just too busy. But he finally watches Mickey Mouse & Jake and the Neverland Pirates....and now he is addicted to Cars....however Cole is still not quite ready for the BIG screen. He still enjoyed the isles and playing in seat...thank goodness there were only a few people in there:) He did watch some of the movie and enjoyed it when Mater came on! It was fun anyway and I am glad we went!

Daddy's Birthday Dinner

2011-07-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Cole & Daddy went to pick out his big Cars prize. 2 weeks ago we had to visit a GI doc and Cole had to go on ALL milk products for 2 weeks. Cole doesn't drink milk products...so this was quite a battle. He finally agreed to yogurt smoothies. We promised him a prize if he met his goal of 2 weeks...he did and all he wanted was a BIG Mater!

So we hope the tummy issues are going to be better and Cole is happy because he got his Mater!

That night we went to Top of the River for Blayne's Birthday dinner. That place is so yummy!

Happy Birthday Preslee!

2011-07-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Preslee's 3rd Birthday at Pump it up! All the kids had a great time! She is such a doll!!

Starting the 4th!

2011-07-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

We started our 4th of July celebrations out at the river on Saturday. The kids enjoyed stopping by Pirate Island and jumping off the boat.

It was a beautiful day and we all had agood time.

I feel so blessed to live in a country with all the freedoms we have! I am so thankful for all the men and women who serve and protect in order for me to have that freedom!

I will also mention in this post...since i don't think I have yet...my sister-in-law is expecting again. Ashton is going to be a BIG sister. We are all very excited and awaiting to know the sex of the baby in about 5 weeks now. It will be fun to have a baby around again!

Happy Birthday Andy!

2011-07-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

These are going back juts a little bit...I forgot to blog on them. In June we celebrated Andy's 2nd birthday! He is such a cutie!!! I know he and Cole & Brody will be big buddies always....and maybe big trouble one day:)

The Zoo

2011-07-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo with Courtney, Shelby, Josh, Brooke, & Lucy last week. We had a great day. The new part of the zoo is actually pretty nice and despite the heat the kids really enjoyed all the animals. They ofcourse loved playing in the water afterwards too:) It was a fun day!

Summer Days

2011-07-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our latest adventures. We have been staying pretty busy since my last post. We go to Alabama Adventure atleast once a week...sometimes 2. Nanny went with us on Monday and she enjoyed watching all her grandbabies....The Johnson crew also joined us. They all had a lot of fun. Ofcourse I forgot my camera ...we are so on the go these days I am behind on pics. We also had Vacation Bible School this week. Cole LOVED it! he does not understand why we can't go every night.

Cole also celebrated Charlea's 3rd birthday at the splash pad.

Lucy came to stay with us one day this week and they enjoyed the pool and playing together.

Summer is halfway over:( Sad its going by so quickly but enjoying all of these precious days with my little guy. He keeps telling me..."I love summer Mommy."

So thankful for this time with him!

2011-06-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

So I know...I know...he looks just like his Daddy...he acts just like his Daddy.....but I found a few that may show...he does have just a little bit of me in him! I know...more of his Daddy...but still...a little of me:)

My Deddy

2011-06-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

So I found some old pics for this post. Pics of me and my Deddy...(yes thats how we say it:) ) are RARE...he is not a camera guy! But...he is a GREAT guy! He is one of the hardest working men ever...he's worked for everything he has and wouldn't take it for free if you tried to make him! He can do just about anything and he'd give the shirt off his back if you needed it. He may not be a hugger and definitely not much on words of affection...but he'll let you know he cares in many many other ways.

And when it comes to his grandkids....he has definitely gone SOFT! They have him wrapped around their finger!

I love my dad very much!

Father's Day

2011-06-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the BEST Daddy ever! We are so lucky to have such a great guy in our lives and Cole loves every minute with him!!! I posted a few pics from 2011 events. We are blessed to have a God fearing, hard-working, kind, caring, funny, and loving man leading our house. God has blessed me more than I could have ever imagined and I look forward to growing old with this guy the rest of my life!

Spring Valley Beach

2011-06-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

We went o Spring Valley Beach on Saturday with our Sunday School class. We had a GREAT time! We are really enjoying our time with our new group of friends..some old and some new. Cole has a great time with the kiddos and everyone has welcomed us right in....we look forward to serving with these friends for years to come. God has been so good to us and is plugging us right in where he needs us!

Teaching

2011-06-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

So a popular topic keeps coming around in conversation lately in lots of places where I go...teaching. I have heard lots of things lately due to the recent pay-cuts and budgets....I hear...."Do you regret it?" "Do you wish you would have done something different?" " " I guess they are getting ya'll for those summers off now huh?" You name it...I have heard it and I have put a lot of thought into it lately. No I don't regret it. No I don't wish I could have done something different....unless of course my Nashville career could have taken off :) . And technically we don't have summers off and receive a free paycheck in the summer. They just spread our paycheck that we earn for 9 months over 12 months. So for example if you make 100 dollars a month you would only get 75 so they could spread it out over the summer.
All that answered...I don't think you go into teaching for the money or the summers off....atleast good teachers don't. Teaching is a calling. Its something you know you want to do. I knew early...I tried to run from it and do nursing...but it found me again & again and I knew it was what I was supposed to do in my life. And I know I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. And that in itself is fulfilling. I love my job. I love the place I work. I love the people I work with and the people I work for. How many people can actually make those statements?
No I don't make a lot of money. Yes my paycheck in declining each year lately. Yes I spend my own money on my classroom events. Yes I purchase things for my room all the time because the state and federal government no longer gives us a dime. Yes my work follows me home at night when I worry about a child. Yes I work for free on any event that takes place after 3:15. NO I DO NOT REGRET IT.
I still feel called to teach. I still love to see those babies walk in that first day of school in their best outfit purchased from a Nana. I love little one that blinks back tears trying to be brave walking down that hall and looking back at the momma crying her eyes out in the lobby. I love to hear them singing our new songs after that first week of school and that first...I love you Mrs. Lowry....is PRICELESS and money could not buy it.
I love to hear that timid little voice sound out their first word and the light in their eyes when they realize THEY CAN READ! I love to figure out a huge letter string that is supposed to be a sentence and laughing when I finally realize what it says.
I love to tame that little boy who gets dropped off the first day and Dad yells back...you'll be calling me to come get him in a little bit. I love when he gets a little structure and it changes everything about him.
I love to see which little boy is just a lil country and decides to water the grass on his own at recess and which little girl cries at the top of the big slide that first time on the playground.
I love that everyday is different and everyday is what you make of it! I love that they still believe in magic and make-believe...leprechauns and elves and fairies! They listen to stories and they love to sing.
No everyday isn't perfect...some are just terrible...come see us in May:) But the good days definitely outweigh the bad....anytime! And even a bad day can be changed in an instant.
No I may never have enough money for a condo or lakehouse. I may never see a cost of living raise again. And I am sure people will say the say things the rest of my life...."I bet you wished you had done something different."
But I am sure my answer will still be the same...I love my job. I feel blessed to have it. Holidays & summers...yes they are a perk. Its great "mommy" time. But thats not why I chose this profession....it chose me!

Summer Days

2011-06-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

Look who came to swim with us! Baby Luke! This was his first water experience he LOVED it! He was such a good boy and floated and napped! He is getting so big...too fast! He already weighs 15lbs 8oz at 12 weeks! Cole better watch out...he might catch him sooner than we think:)

He is so stinkin' cute!!!

AA Again!

2011-06-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed another great day at Alabama Adventure this week. Ashton spent the night Monday night and then Addy joined us and me & TaTa survied all 3 in the waterpark. They played great together and all was well until poor Cole had a battle with the concrete and the concrete won! Then it was time to pack it up and head home! They were exhausted!

Daddy Time!

2011-06-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Cole and Blayne now have a new favorite time together...swimming at night! I do not like to swim when the sun goes down...too chilly for me...they LOVE it! When its almost time for Blayne to get home...Cole starts planning it... me and Daddy are going swimming and he gets really excited about it:) I guess the little cheap pool will be well worth its money by Septemeber:)

Alabama Adventure

2011-06-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

Well...let the weekly Alabama Adventure trips begin!!

We had a great time last year...but this year is even better.... no swim diapers:)

We had a great time today!

CapBall Team Party

2011-06-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our team party at the Baron's game Friday night. The kids had a great time and most of us made it to the end & the fireworks were fantastic! I am so glad we were able to coach his team this year. We had a GREAT time and since he is a boy...I know my time to actually help is very short so I am thankful for this time in his life. He had a great first year and we were able to meet a lot of people that he will play and grow up with through the years & we are excited about such a great group of kids and parents!

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! We celebrated Saturday at the river with Nana & Pop and Brent, Stephanie, & Ashton. It was a beautiful day! Then we spent Monday with my family at Casey & Emily's house. We had a great food & good company. I am so thankful for the men & women who have given their lives for our freedom. We live in an amazing country and I am so grateful for those who fight, serve ,and protect us!

Let the summer begin!

2011-05-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

Let the good times begin! Summer is here & Cole is soaking up every minute of daylight everyday! He is enjoying riding the tractor with Pappy...driving his own little tractor...riding bikes & motorcycles...and playing with his cousins. Its going to be a great summer!

Happy Birthday Coby!

2011-05-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

We had a great time celebrating Coby's 4th birthday last weekend! It was at a really fun place & Cole could have stayed there all day! Cole & Coby will go to school togehter one day and I am sure they will be good friends...or wild teacher's kids :)

Baby Luke

2011-05-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

We celebrated sweet baby Luke at church this Sunday. He was dedicated in the service. We feel blessed to have Jessica & Brad in our lives and look forward to our boys growing up together. We also got to keep sweet Luke for a very short while earlier in the week....he is PRECIOUS! We will have to talk his mommy into staying away longer next time:) He is a very special gift from God and we are just glad we get to play a small role in his life!

My Neighbor

2011-05-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

Well...my neighbor is moving.....

No, not the person who lives next to me....my neighbor at school. If you don't teach you may not understand this statement or its significance...so I'll start by defining "neighbor" in school terms. My neighbor is the girl who teaches next to me. She is the girl who stops by Jacks & brings me a diet coke in the morning...she is the one who sits with me at recess...she is the one I plan with...the one I complain with...she is the one who listens when i need to talk and she is the one who helps me when I am too stubborn to ask for help. She reminds me to stay calm and cool off before responding to an ugly note from a parent and she is the most loyal person I have ever known! She sacrifices her sanity to help me get to Dr. appointments and never complains once although I know she is so tired of watching extra kids. She is the one who hears me talk about my kid all day & never acts like it gets old although I know it is. She is the one I trust with anything & everything. She is RARE and after a couple months of friendship I knew we'd be friends when we're in our 90s. She's calm...and funny...and quiet...and HONEST....again I tell you she's RARE. And she's moving....TOMORROW to another grade. And I have to help her. And I will because I know its gonna be great for her & she is gonna be awesome there....but she's my neighbor and she's moving...and I'm sad. So I guess we'll have to make up for lost time in the future with lots of fun this summer. I just hope 2nd grade knows how lucky they are and her new neighbor appreciates her as much as I did. I am very excited about my new neighbor...but will greatly miss the one who has stood by me all these years. So I'll repeat my earlier statement...my neighbor is moving. Get it now?

Cousin Whitney

2011-05-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

The day before the tornado hit Al...my cousin Whitney came for a visit from California! Wow was she in for a treat. She had never seen a tornado & didn't know much about them. She left here an expert:) We had a great week spending time with er despite the storms & no power. Cole instantly fell in love with her and now keeps asking me when she is coming over. Its hard to explain how far away CA is from us:( I am so glad she came & so thankful we were able to spend lots of time together!

Shoal Creek Valley

2011-05-01T18:37:00.001-07:00

A night we'll never forget

2011-05-01T18:20:00.001-07:00

entering the driveway...finally the excavator & our guys with chainsaws

gazebo by the lake

patio

the driveway

one of the buildings in the back

patio

backyard

what used to be Brooke's driveway

Standing on the front porch

Brooke's side yard

Brooke's front yard

Driving Down Shoal Creek Valley

Driving Down Shoal Creek Valley Thursday MorningThe back of Brooke's house

"Praise You in the Storm" Tuscaloosa Tornado by Shari Gilbert

2011-05-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

April 27th

2011-05-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

In my 31 years...I have never seen as such and felt as much as I have the past 5 days. It began Wednesday afternoon as we watched Tuscaloosa get hit by such a horrible tornado on the TV and knowing it was headed straight for us. We watched as those students...still kids...stood on streets that were demolished and our hearts were broken for them. Then we ourselves took cover in my brother's basement and thanked our Father when we were all ok. Then my heart stopped as I heard my Dad's voice on the other line say...your sister was hit...your sister was hit. The storm had just become personal....at that time we had no idea...just how personal. Our savior was definitely with us the past few days....he was with us while Tess waited to hear if Steven made it through the Tuscaloosa storm and as she waited to hear the fate of her friends that lived there. He was there as Brooke, Josh, Lucy, Steve, Nancy, Mark, Tiffany,Deb, Esther, and Seth prayed underneath a pool table while tress and houses were blown away and demolished around them. He was there as we piled in the storm shelter in Casey's basement. He was there as our guys drove through the storm determined to cut our family out of Shoal Creek Valley. He was there as we watched the horrible aftermath of a storm I could never even imagine. Jesus held our hands and we didn't even know it. He was there.

He has also sent heroes during such a devastating time. Heroes in fireman and policeman uniforms. Heroes like Matt Coupland & Officer Talley & many more from the Sheriffs Dept. as I saw them tired and worn down as they continued to serve Shoal Creek Valley day after day. Heroes like the fire & rescue squads as they have worked around the clock even after they were off duty. Heroes that drove up and cleared Brooke's driveway with an excavator and started working and jumped out of jeeps with chainsaws and were gone to the next home to help before they could even utter the words"what do I owe you?" Heroes like friends and family who drove through storms to help try and get my family to a safe place. Heroes like churches and community members driving around feeding those who have no power, water, or even a home. Heroes like the people who donated stuff piled to the ceiling at AMS. Heroes who are holding peopel who have lost loved ones tonight. Heroes who are praying on their knees for those suffereing. They are EVERYWHERE! From those men with chainsaws to women sorting clothing to churches feeding homeless to the men from all over southern US in power trucks & phone trucks working all hours to restore our state. If you have served, fed, helped, or prayed...THANK YOU! You are all heroes in my eyes.
Yesterday me & my mom went delivering lunch to families in Shoal Creek....they were so humble...they were turning us away to go help others! Keep praying for these people. Our hearts were broken for little old ladies sitting in darkness and families weeping over rubble. Pray for healing. Pray they remember....HE has not left them...HE is still there.
I can barely stomach to watch the coverage of Tuscaloosa. I think of those kids...yes they are still kids...and their faces show it now more than ever. I pray for restoration in that city.
I pray for all the babies who lost their school. School is usually a child's safe haven...a place where no matter what they feel safe...some of them don't have a school to return to tomorrow...my heart hurts for those kids & their teachers.
I think of Pleasant Grove and friends I have who call it "home." I pray for their friends and family there. I pray God can heal that community and the people who have lost everything there.I am so proud of the people I see serving others in the state of Alabama.
I pray that as things slowly return to normalcy that we don't forget those affected and those hurting. That we continue to pray. We continue to give. We continue to work together. We continue to serve. If we take anything from this ...I pray we learn to LOVE.....

If you are reading this and you were affected...please let me know specific needs...specific areas to pray...to serve....

Easter Dinner

2011-05-01T14:27:00.001-07:00

We had Easter dinner at Mom & Dad's house with my family. The kids of course had a great time together and we enjoyed the evening together. We feel so blessed to have such great families to celebrate with each year and to simply enjoy life together!

Easter Lunch

2011-05-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

We had Easter lunch at Nana & Pop's house. The kids hunted eggs in a different way this year...they had vehicles:) We had a very nice afternoon with our family!

Easter Morning

2011-05-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

Still catching up a bit....

We had a wonderful Easter morning. We spent the morning at church and me & Blayne had 3 year olds....and Bro. Chris went over.....can you hear my excitement? :) All kidding aside...it is wonderful to serve in God's house! We tried really hard to get all those 3 year olds to remember that we celebrate Easter because Jesus is Alive! Cole practiced for a few weeks and whenever I asked...he got it! We love Easter Egg hunts and the Easter Bunny...but in our house Easter is celebrated because our Savior came to save us...died on a cross for our sins...and rose from the grave and one day he WILL RETURN! And while we are here...we are to GO TELL everyone about him!

Capball....

2011-04-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

We are still having lots of fun in our capball world!

Saturdays are definitely a treat. Our little team has gotten much better and the kids are really improving every week. However they each still have time for a meltdown on occasion...Cole had one in Saturday's game...TaTa got it on camera....classic.