Coming In and Going Out!!!

This week has been one of milestones in our family! And it is weird, two different children, my oldest and my youngest, and both milestones involve teeth!!! I have one getting teeth and one losing them.

Erin Hope cut her first two teeth at the same time. On Tuesday I discovered that her two bottom teeth had both cut through!!

On Friday, Nate got in the car after school and said: "Mama, I have something to tell you." He went on to say, "I have a loose tooth." I thought no big deal, he has a wiggler. Not a wiggler at all...it was a dangler. Very loose. This tooth went from being NOT loose at all to being barely there. Today after his basketball game it was gone. He didn't even miss it. And I feel pretty confident it went down the hatch with his after-game snack. I wish I could say "Easy come, Easy go" here, but I do remember that it wasn't an easy-come thing. Cutting those first teeth is such agony!! And I actually thought that it was going to be agony losing it too. But, it wasn't at all.
Just a little sad for his mommy. I like his baby teeth. But, I also really like the fact that I have healthy children that are meeting those milestones despite the fact that this mama isn't quite ready!!

Beauty

We have heard all of those old cliches. "Beauty is as Beauty does." or my personal favorite that my grandmama taught me: "Beauty is only skin deep and ugly is to the bone. And when the beauty fades away the UGLY holds its own."

I try to live by these. But, I know I fail miserably every day. (So thankful for a merciful Savior)

I shared with you on Valentine's Day that a friend of mine from church went on to her heavenly home. Through the course of this past week, I have had the privilege of sharing in the services that were held for Kristi Walker. And I can tell you she was a beautiful lady. She had a zeal for Jesus that is not easily matched. Much less by someone of her age. And I do believe that because of the road God chose for her, there were lives changed for eternity. What a BEAUTIFUL testimony.

But, after this past week, I have been thinking a lot about beauty. With the new role of a girl's mommy I want to teach her what true beauty is all about. I believe that Kristi's parents did an excellent job in that category. And I can honestly say that she portrayed "beauty to the bone."

We get so wrapped up in secular beauty. In shape, size, clothing, hairstyle, hair color, shoes, etc, etc, etc. As women we work so hard to impress. But, who is it that we are impressing? Who is it that I am so diligently trying to prove that I am pretty?

What a question, huh? I want Jesus to see beauty in me.

"Please Lord, help me to seek beauty in your eyes and in your eyes alone."




This is a picture of Kristi at my baby shower in July 2008. I remembered after my last post that I had it in my collection.

Happy 11th Birthday

Today is our niece Anya's 11th birthday. And I wanted to wish her a happy one.


I have been a part of Anya's life since she was 2. And it has been fun watching her grow so far.


She is a beautiful girl with a lot of spunk. She loves an adventure and goes full-speed as much as she can. Anya is a very smart girl and most things educationally seem to come natural to her.



Anya wasn't necessarily dealt the best hand in life. Her "cards" are not a hand that we would choose. At 7-years-old her mom, a single-mom, was tragically killed in a car accident. But sweet little Anya has prevailed so far. And I know with the determination that she possesses she will always prevail. Mimi and Popi take such good care of her and she is very blessed to have young and healthy grandparents. And they are grandparents that love her and want the very best for her in all areas of her life. Spiritual, Physical, Mental and Social.

Anya, I do wish you the very best birthday. I hope it is fun and all that 11th birthdays should be. I pray for you every day, but today especially as you grow a little older. I hope that you will always lean on Jesus and look to Him. I know you miss your mom terribly. And sweetheart, that is ok! But, I do continue to pray, that as you grow, the love and acceptance of Jesus will remind you that He doesn't make mistakes. And He has a perfect plan for you and your life. Follow HIM and HIM alone, Anya, and you won't ever be disappointed.

I love you sweetie.

Ponytail time????

Do you think I could get it in a ponytail yet? Just wondering. I know, but look close, there is enough back there to mess up!

A Significant Date

February 15th is a significant date in my family. It was my late grandmama's birthday. She would have been 90-years-old today. However, she went to be with Jesus last March. (pre-blog days)

I have thought of her a lot today and felt it appropriate to write a sort of tribute to her on this day.

My grandmama was a gentle woman full of grace and dignity. She was so generous and more often than not put others before herself. She was truly a Southern Bell and loved a pretty dress. She could cook with the best of them and never wanted anyone to go hungry. She was a HARD worker. But, she also knew how to laugh. She even knew how to take a nap when need be. Even if it meant just a short one at the supper table.

I sadly have to admit that I didn't KNOW Daisy Cornelia White Evans as well as I would have liked, but I loved her just the same. It strikes me odd that even though a grandchild adores its grandparents, there seems to be a disconnect with learning ALL there is to know before it is too late.

Some years ago Grandmama began losing things. And she seemed to tell us the same stories over and over. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. It was so sad to watch her decline. To lose the dignity that she so purposely carried. It was a long, slow death of a sweet lady. And I hope I don't ever have to see anyone else close to me experience it. I could share MANY stories about her in recent memory. Most would evoke laughter, but that sad kind of laughter that comes from not knowing what else to do. So, I will spare you those stories.

One thing I do want to share is that my grandmother left a great legacy. She raised a fine family and passed on a love for Jesus. She has left her mark on many lives. We miss her. And I think that in itself speaks volumes. When I am gone, I hope that people miss me too. I hope that I can live a life that makes her proud, but not just that, a life that shows she really did leave a legacy.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I can't believe it is already February 14th again. Life moves along so quickly these days. But, I am thankful. Thankful for life. Yes, life in general. You see, yesterday, a friend of mine from church went to be with Jesus. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer in October just after the birth of her 3rd son. She has been fighting ever since this diagnosis. And yesterday ended her short battle with cancer. Now she is WELL and she is not fighting anymore. Plus, she is spending this day of LOVE with the creator of LOVE! What a way to spend Valentine's Day.

I pray that you too know the Creator of Love as my friend Kristi did and as I do. If you do not know him, then I pray that you will before we reach another February. (or even another day!)

Until we see Kristi again, we will rejoice in the LOVE of our Father and be thankful for every day He so generously gives us. Valentine's Day and all the others too.

Here is one of my Valentine Sweeties. And yes, she has worn pink (or red) every day this week.

Happy Birthday KOBIE!!!

Today is my friend, Kobie's 12th birthday! I can't believe he is that old. We have been through a lot together! I enjoy my little fluffy friend! He has been very patient with me and our ever-changing family. And he even has learned to love all of our additions! Especially their food!!

I know everyone doesn't understand the love of a dog. I am not sure I even understand a dog's love. But, I do understand that he is happy to see me when I come home. The kind of happy that makes him go in circles over and over. I also understand that he needs to know where I am when I am home-even if he doesn't actually want to be with me. He still does his version of "roll-call". Kobie is my friend. He isn't a perfect dog. Not even close. But, I love him just the same. And you know what, he loves me just the same too!!!