Abby's 1st Birthday Invitation!

I know most of you have already seen this, but I just wanted to post this for those of you who haven't. I love how it turned out! Abby had a blast destroying this cupcake. Too fun!

By the way, I cannot believe she is almost a year old. Where did the time go?

Gracie- Abby's New Friend

Since Abby LOVES animals, especially dogs, we have been looking for the right one for a birthday/Christmas gift for her. I have scrutinized many, many dogs and puppies in the past few weeks, and there have been several great animals out there. However, when we met Gracie, we decided to give her a 2 week trial in our home (the usual process with this animal rescue organization). At the end of the 2 weeks, we can choose to complete the adoption process.

After only a couple of days, we are pretty sure that Gracie is perfect for our home. She has a very quiet, gentle demeanor and is incredibly patient with Abby. Gracie is already housebroken and crate trained. She responds well to several simple commands and walks well on a leash. We have enjoyed her company.

Here you go, introducing the newest member of our family.... Gracie, the friendly collie/beagle mix.

P.S. Gracie even gets along well with Mr. Peeperz. Quite a plus in our home!

Heavy-Weight Stuff

Abby and I spent time with the only childhood friend I have kept in touch with over the years. She has a terminal illness, and the doctors anticipate she has less than a year to live. Spending time with her today reminds me how short life is (for all of us) and how much we mismanage our priorities. Walking along this journey with her has been tough. What 24 year old thinks about death and wonders if she will make it to Christmas? I'm young, but she is even younger than me. She'll never get married or have kids. Days like this I wonder how people make it without Jesus... sure is tough enough for me with Him. I am thankful for His presence and constant reassurance. I can rest in His Word. In Jesus alone- I find peace.

Jesus, come soon.
This world needs your restoration.
So many sick, so many hurting.
Only You can bring order to this madness.
Redeem us.
We are a fallen people.
Desperate. Defiled. Lonely.
Helpless.
As we are, we come.
As I am, I come.
You are all I need.
Hold me.

Baby Boba Giveaway

I loved my Sleepy Wrap- the most amazing baby carrier to date in my book. Since my chunky monkey has outgrown its usefulness, I am very interested in the next step up- the Baby Boba. It's a soft structured carrier designed just for toddlers. The pricetag is pretty hefty in my book, but a mommy blog is hosting a giveaway. Check out the link below. I sure would love to win one!

http://www.justmommies.com/blog/2009/10/a-review-of-the-boba-baby-carrier-and-a-giveaway/comment-page-1/#comment-2079

Ancient Words... Timeless to Me

For the past two weeks, our church has been reading 10 chapters a day in the New Testament. By the end of this month, we'll have read it in its entirety- pretty cool. That's our way of celebrating the Bible and Reformation Day, October 31st.

Some things I have noticed from keeping up with our reading assignments:

• It started off really slow and difficult. The first 5 days were the toughest, but now, I am really enjoying my time in God's Word... not that I don't usually read but the quantity has definitely been greater.
  
• My mind really is being transformed according to the Word- it is living and active.
• I have been a better wife & mom because of the Word's effect on me.
• Joy has been pouring out of my soul like a fountain- you know the way it does when all you can do is sing one song after another like you're living in a musical.
  
• I am listening to God again... more often... more clearly.
• I am really burdened for our church and for how "different" things are in the present from what things were like in the early church when they were doing things correctly. We need to be more Jesus-saturated.
• Self- I am more aware of when I am getting in the way and how I need to be less and He needs to be more.

Seriously, take this Scripture reading challenge for a month. Drop the hours on the internet, phone, games, tv, or whatever your vice may be. Spend more time in the Word, and be transformed by the renewing power of His might. You'll get more than what you bargained for.

The Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch

Our little girl is 10 months old this October! Can you believe it? After designing and creating Abby's little pumpkin shirt, I was very happy to see her in it enjoying a local church's pumpkin patch yesterday. Though it was overcast, I still think my lil' pumpkin glowed as she played and experienced pumpkins for the first time. Here are some photos. Enjoy!

Abby LOVED this huge pumpkin- it was almost as big as her!

Mommy's Lil' Pumpkin

Enjoying every minute of her new experience

Yes, she is our family comedian. Telling the pumpkin jokes.


A photo of Abby & me at the Pumpkin Patch- courtesy of a local photographer/friend

Bitter Relief

A few weeks ago I was subpoenaed to appear as a witness for a patient I cared for while a nurse at Blair E. Batson. Austin Watkins, only 4 years old, was murdered cruelly by his aunt and grandmother... one of the worst starvation cases Mississippi has ever seen. At his death, Austin was only 19 pounds. He had been given only water for 2 weeks- no food at all. His organs inevitably shut down. The case against his family was this month, and I have to admit I have been dreading it. Austin was a precious kid, and I was really attached to him. I have really had a hard time understanding how someone could treat a child this way. I just received a phone call from the District Attorney's office, and both his aunt and grandmother plead guilty this morning. They now have been given life without parole in prison.

While I am very thankful I will not have to be part of this stressful trial now, I feel bitter that his unrepentant relatives have received such a merciful sentence. I think it is unfair to taxpayers to have to support wicked people for the rest of their lives. I think it is unjust that those who took Austin's life will get to relax in an air conditioned cell, eat until their bellies are full, and watch soap operas for the rest of their days. Murder should be treated seriously. Take a life intentionally- expect to lose yours. Starve a child- expect to be starved- not well fed. Our justice system is twisted.