Jam Session

After church yesterday, Cole brought out his guitar and Cade joined in the fun. Adore how my kiddos love music!

Pawpaw, we need you to come teach us a few chords!

Check out this precious 'note' written by my big boy in Sunday School, SANS help!

Praying these words take root deep in your heart sweet boy. . .

We spent the remainder of our Sunday playing and relaxing. Here's little man doing a bit of both :)

Five Months

We've almost reached your half-birthday. Amazing how quickly time is passing us by! This time last year, we had just sent out our 'expecting' announcements and were totally captivated by the thought of you. Holding you in our arms still feels like a dream come true.

Yep. . .we're totally smitten :)

* You are such a good baby. We get comments on how great you are from strangers and friends alike when we're away from home. If you fuss, you have a reason.

* I think you're bashful :) When I'm holding you and someone talks or smiles your way, you grin and bury your head into my shoulder. Precious.

* You are continuing to eat cereal and LOVE it! We feed it to you twice a day (around 10:00 a.m. and before bed). You also enjoy oatmeal.

* You roll EVERYWHERE! It takes you less than 5 minutes to move from one side of the room to the other. You are never still. . . but alas, we knew that from the womb!

* I'm beginning to wonder if you'll ever learn to sit on your own. Your strength amazes us, but you refuse to sit anywhere. On laps, in the Bumbo (for a long period of time), etc. You want to STAND constantly. Our sweet little Bam-Bam.

* TWO teeth popped through! The bottom left on Thursday, Sept. 15 and bottom right on Friday, Sept. 16. No wonder you had been waking during the night. I'm sure those gums were hurtin'!

* We can dump your infant toys/rattles all around you and you'll play for close to 30 minutes.

* Your brother is still your favorite. On top of cooing and grinning from ear to ear, you now reach for him when he's near. Watching the ever evolving love between the two of you melts this mama's heart. Nothing. Better.

* Mommy still rocks you to sleep. . . precious quiet moment that I treasure. A receiving blanket and your paci are still a must as you drift off to dreamland.

* You've gone from sleeping on your back to sleeping on your side. I'll lay you down only to have you roll to your right side and continue dozing.

* You moved to size 3 diapers on Sept. 24 and are wearing quite a few 6-9 month things.

* Fall is here and I can't wait to take you outdoors to explore. Your first trip to the apple orchard is this Friday!

* You've been in childcare at church a few more times for small group and iMom. You seem to do okay, but I still count down the minutes 'til you're in my arms again!

* You found your feet! Chewing on your right foot toes is preferred over any teething toy :)

Reminiscing. . .

Cole - 5 months

Cade - 5 months

Remembering. . .

September 11, 2001

A day that will forever be etched on the surface of my memory and heart.

Just as my grandparents remember the specific details of Pearl Harbor and my parents remember the fateful day of JFK's assassination, I'll never forget the moment I saw evil personified. . .

It was a gorgeous day in middle Tennessee. I remember waking up to a clear, blue sky and thinking, "Woo-hoo! Kiddos (students) get to head outside for recess today!"

hey. . . for a teacher it's the little things. . .

I headed into my job at Gene Brown Elementary where I had just begun teaching first grade. Feeling the responsibility of guiding, shaping, and molding 20 six year olds was daunting, but I had begun to settle into a daily routine and fell quickly in love with my profession.

That morning started off as any other with calendar time and a spelling drill. I had then given a busy work assignment so I could sift through take-home folders, when I noticed a lot of commotion and movement in and out of the teachers lounge across the hall from my classroom. It was common for a crowd to form in the afternoon during lunchtimes and kindergarten dismissal, but odd for so much traffic so early in the school day.

While my kiddos were busy, I ventured over to see what all the buzz was about. All eyes were fixed on a television screen and that's when I saw the second plane hit the World Trade Center. For a moment, I thought it was one of those "I survived" kind of documentaries, but then noticed that it was real time and being shown on a well known news station. It was then that commentators began to quickly recap the events of the morning. . . I stared in disbelief.

Questions of "How could this be happening?, Why are these planes flying into buildings?, Are we under attack? Are there more weapons in the air?, Does Michael know what's going on?" filled my mind.

I quickly remembered that I had a class of little ones working diligently (and yes, they were still working quietly) and scooted back across the hall. I had to mask my emotions as not to cause alarm or panic. It was extremely difficult to continue teaching knowing that innocent people were dying and a national tragedy was unfolding before my eyes. As more information was quietly shared among teachers throughout the of the day, my heart continued to break for our country.

In the days, weeks, and months that followed, I gained a new love for the grand ol' USA and a new found respect for our leadership, emergency responders, and service men/women - one that Michael and I hope to pass down to our boys. A waving Old Glory causes my heart to swell with pride and offer praise to God for living in such a grand, wealthy nation.

I don't know why, but our Almighty Father allowed 9/11 to pass through His hands and is faithful to heal hurts, mend hearts, and offer everlasting peace and comfort to those that still mourn.

I'll never forget the cost of that day.

The heros that were born. Lives that were saved. Lives that were lost.

Let us always remember. . .

3 Month Pictures

Here is a small glimpse of the photo shoot with K.G. Photography for Cade's 3 month photos. Lots of creative ideas made for some really precious pics.

A favorite. . .

I'm sure he'll get me for this one day - I couldn't resist!

Almost four months old, so we went with #4 :)

Love. Love. Love.

Great job as always bro! I heart these and can't wait until the 6 month session. Fall will be in full swing with pumpkins, colorful leaves, and crisp autumn air. . . so excited!

Bittersweet

Well, we've finally taken the plunge.

After many years of praying, this is now what graces our front yard. . .

I wasn't at home when our realtor brought the sign, so I missed the 'ceremony' of placing it outside; but I can tell you, that when I drove around the curve and saw it, tears pricked the corners of my eyes. It's amazing how many sweet memories can be made over 10 years between four brick walls.

Overall, we are excited and anxious to see what the Lord has in store for our family. We have our eye on a few houses, but no set in stone plan. Totally not the norm for this Type A gal! I know that God will strengthen our faith and trust in Him as we complete this process.

Prayers are appreciated - and keep me posted if you know of anyone looking for a BEAUTIFUL (I'm not biased at all) 3 BR, 2 BA home :)

Friendship

I love looking back through journals and times with the Lord. Seeing the way He continually answers prayer never ceases to amaze me.

A few years ago, Michael and I prayed specifically for friends. Might sound a bit silly or simple, but it was a desperate cry for us. Many of our closest friends had moved away and others became mere acquaintances as life carried us along different paths. We had a new son, new church home, and longed for real community. Relationships that would encourage our spiritual walk, hold us accountable, challenge us to live more for the Kingdom, and help shape our parenting skills.

ones that would DO LIFE with us. . .

even when the road was tough.

The Lord heard our cry and has blessed us with a precious group of friends (both near and far) that love us, our boys, and have truly invested themselves in our lives. Many are from our small group at church. . . oh how I LOVE and treasure my brothers and sisters in Christ. We are so thankful the Lord led us to Long Hollow and that we were obedient to serve where he commanded. Such goodness our God has lavished upon us!

Lovely night out at P.F. Chang's

Small group ladies retreat (this past March)

Last month, it was also wonderful to see friendships from the past that have stood the test of time. Ones that you know will last forever!

A few of us from the College & Career class at CHBC 'reunited' one Saturday at the park. Oh the laughter that ensued as we looked at photos from the late 90s - we were quite the crew!

Such a joy to see how our families have grown and how the Lord is leading us all. . .

The sweet White family

Charlie and Cristie were our C&C leaders. Kinda crazy that we enjoyed lovin' on their kiddos when they were young - now they're lovin' on ours!

My bestie, Charis, and I

Dear friends, the Woodliefs, also made their annual trip in from Canada. We met up at Rita's with the 'old gang'.

Their daughter, Mackensey. I remember bouncing her on my hip when she was Cade's age :)

(picture taken by Cole)

Conor, their son. What a handsome teenager he's become!

If you find yourself in the same position as we were, cry out to the Lord. No request is too great or too small for Him to answer. He inclines His ear towards us and longs to meet our needs. . . cheers to friendship!