The South

Where tea is sweet and accents are sweeter; summer starts in April; front porches are wide and words are long; macaroni and cheese is a vegetable; pecan pie is a staple; Y’all is the only proper pronoun; chicken is fried and biscuits come with gravy; everything is darling and someone is always getting their heart blessed. -unknown

Thursday, May 29, 2008

I was tagged.

I was tagged by Tamara to write a 6-word sentence that would summarize my life. I have thought a while as to what it should be, so here is what I have come up with.

“He leadeth me beside quiet waters…”

I know that it is also in the header of this blog, but there is a reason for that.

First, the literal aspect of it: We live on a pond. It is so nice to just look out and see the ducks floating along, or the reflection of the trees across the water. Something about the water itself is calming.

Secondly, I feel that my life is like those calm, quiet waters. I have been blessed with so many wonderful things in my life, and I realize they truly are a blessing. I have 2 wonderful, healthy children, and a husband who loves me -for me. I am not proclaiming that we have a perfect life, only that I have so many things to be thankful for. We have not had any major challenges or catastrophes come our way and I am thankful to the Lord every day for that.

As I think back over the 9 years we have been married, (Our anniversary was yesterday!) I have wonderful memories of the boys being born, moving to our house, vacations together, etc. and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless us as he has.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Farewell Friends

We had a great time on Saturday evening even though the occasion is sad. Some of our friends from church are moving to Huntsville. We had a wonderful going away part for them. I think all of the children had a great time. I commented to Brent that I didn't know if it was because of what age the kiddos are, or if it was that they are ALL genuinely kind-hearted, but anytime any of the kids in the pool felt like they needed help, it was as if all of them came and helped the child "in need". What a sweet spirit all of the children have. It is no doubt a reflection of the wonderful parents they all have. Needless, to say we had a wonderful time and Brooks was SUPER tired that night. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend everyone!
Enjoy the pics!



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Pictures Part 2




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Pictures Part 3




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Pictures Part 4




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Sunday, May 25, 2008

Memorial Day

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day. I hope we all can pause and remember the sacrifices of others that enable us to be free.
October 2007 - Arlington National Cemetery

Friday, May 23, 2008

Recently Heard Part 2

Brooks: "Momma, You can turn your car into cash with TitleMax! You don't even have to sell your car!"

Me: "Really?"

Brooks: "Yes, you can call 1-88TITLEMAX."

Monday, May 19, 2008

Recently Heard

Upon seeing a ladybug on the window....

Brooks: "Mommy, Ladybugs are gently creatures."

Me: "Why yes Brooks, that is right."

(I pause to think how sweet that is.)

Brooks: "Now give me something to kill it with!"

Monday, May 12, 2008

Special Mothers

In honor of Mother's Day, (I know I am a day behind) I thought of something that might be fun. Have you ever noticed that women love to tell stories about their pregnancies or labor? Because it is such a wonderful experience, everyone wants to share those special memories that they take with them. Each story is unique and special to that mother.

I am tagging anyone who would like to share any stories (funny or sweet) they may have from their (or their wife's) pregnancy or labor. Some who read this are pregnant now, some have young children, and others are enjoying their grandchildren. Yet we all have special memories that we will treasure.

I loved, loved, loved being pregnant. I can't tell you specifically why, but I just did. I was blessed with easy pregnancies with both my boys. One of my special memories was when I was in labor with Brooks. My epidural didn't take quite right and Julie showed up to come visit me right about the time that we all realized this. I let out some kind of unintelligible sound, that quickly made her turn right around and leave the room. I never actually saw her but I knew that she and Amy were right outside the door. Something about knowing that they were out there meant a lot to me. I often think about that this is a metaphor for life. That sometimes when we are going through struggles and trials in our life, that our friends are there for us, even if we sometimes don't see them lifting us up.
Long story short, Brooks came a short time later, and all was fine.

My experience with Reese was all pretty routine. What I will always remember is that Dr. Phillips delivered him and during the whole delivery, he seemed genuinely excited. He made me feel special as if he didn't deliver children everyday and I will always remember that. When he got ready to leave he said, "I want to leave you with this thought... Psalms 127 :3-5 says 'Sons are a heritage from the Lord, Children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are son's born in ones youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.'"

What a special and thoughtful thing to leave me with. So, I will leave that thought with you as well.....

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Pictures Part 4



Reese navigating our way home!
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Pictures Part 3




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Week in Review

Well we are home now from our trip. It was a great week, and I enjoyed getting away from the normal day to day routine. Reese is still getting better, but he is greatly improved! The boys had a blast and it was fun to watch them on the beach. The first time Brooks went, he was concerned about getting the sand on him. Reese is the same age now, that Brooks was then. So, I thought it would be about the same. Oh no... Reese goes running on the beach and ends up throwing the sand all over himself. He would have run straight into the ocean if we had let him! NO FEAR!
So, I will start back to work tomorrow and only have the memories of our time on the beach.

Pictures to follow...

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Potty break

(Leah, you will probably appreciate this post.)

Brooks, Dad, and I were down at the beach today and Brooks said he had to go to the bathroom. I told him he would just have to go do it in the ocean. He looked at me funny. He hasn't had too many chances to go tee-tee outside in his lifetime. (Maybe he has been to sheltered.) Anyway, so dad walked with him down to the water. I looked up and saw Brooks in the process of pulling down his bathing suit!!! Note to self: Explain fully each step in how to go potty in the ocean, including the phrase "Do not pull your pants down."

Reese has progressed to the productive cough now, which is better in terms of what stage he is in this sickness, but he is still pitiful. His eyes get real red underneath them when he gets sick, so he really looks bad right now. He is slowly making the turn toward getting better. Thanks for all your sweet comments!

Monday, May 5, 2008

No break

I wish I had some great post of how relaxing it is down here in Gulf Shores. Instead, I will give a brief synopsis of today:

Woke up at 5 to Reese barking like a seal.
Wrapped him up and went out on the balcony. (The sunrise was quite pretty though.)
Mom and I Found a urgent care place in Gulf Shores.
Got there and it was closed!!!
Drove north to Foley.
Found a walk in place there.
Got a prescription for a steriod.
Came back for naps.
Mom and Dad were awesome to listen for the boys during nap while I went down the the pool. Two trips into a steamed up bathroom to get Reese to breathe better.
After a small time for him to play, mom and I packed up and went to the emergency room in Foley.
Breathing Treatment with child that thinks we are trying to make him breathe in fire.
Chest and neck X-rays. (for those of you who have had a chest x-ray of your 1 year old-you can feel my pain)
More steriods.
Come back to condo 4 hours later than when we left.
Reese sleeping with me tonight.

.......after all..... tomorrow is another day :)