Not So Wordless Wednesday

Our local forecast said bad weather was on the way Wednesday afternoon. Blake drove my car to work, just in case he would be driving home when the weather got bad. I had no idea what the day was going to bring to our area. As soon as I got out of the shower, I turned on the news....they suggested our area take immediate shelter. I grabbed Jackson, put Claire in her car seat (I was thinking this would protect her most if something happened), and took the mattress off of her bed. We went to the hall bathroom. I turned up the TV as loud as I could to hear further instructions. My plan was for us to get in the bathtub and cover our heads with the mattress, if need be.

I took Capri Suns, a flashlight, and dry cereal to our safe spot, and convinced Jackson we were going on a really cool adventure. He was going to eat breakfast in the bathroom (like I would ever really suggest that!) The news anchor then stated a funnel cloud had been spotted just miles from our house...at the school I used to teach at. We prayed.

Blake and I were texting back and forth. I stayed in contact with my mom, mother in law, and Brad called to check on us. Schools dismissed. Blake and I decided to go to my parents' basement for "Round 2." We were safe, and fine. We came home after what we thought was the worst part had passed.

The weather got worse as the night went on. There is tons of damage to our area.

Sadly, people lost their homes. And their lives.

It will take years before communities recover from yesterday's storm. We took these pictures today, about 15 minutes from our house. The damage is very severe all over the Southeast.

We pray, and try to help, the best we can.

Princess Ear Infection

Claire started her third round of antibiotics on Monday to get rid of a nasty ear infection. Her pediatrician said that even after two rounds of medicine, her ears look terrible, as if they had not even been treated. She also has thrush in her mouth. The thing is, until bedtime, she is totally happy, just not sleeping too good. We are going back tomorrow to have them checked again.

Trampoline Time

Jackson is taking a tumbling/trampoline/burn lots of energy class on Saturday mornings. He loves it.

Sunday Snapshots: Easter Edition

What does a 6 month old get in her Easter basket? Diapers and new pacifiers, of course.

Newest praise team member. On the guitar.

Just keeping it real.

Easter Fun!

Easter Egg at Church. Jackson's buddies Eli and Ben Cheng Yu joined him.

Jackson's face after we made Resurrection Rolls. So cool.

Emma's 3rd Birthday Party was Saturday night. I can't believe they are already 3. Time FLIES!

Lightning McQueen Easter Egg Dying kit.

Busy Day? Check.

Fun Day? Check, Check.

Good Friday...but, Sunday is on the Way!

What Wondrous Love Is This

American Folk Hymn

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!What wondrous love is this

That caused the Lord of bliss

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down

Beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;

To God and to the Lamb I will sing;

To God and to the Lamb, Who is the great I AM,

While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,

While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.And when from death I’m free

I’ll sing His love for me,And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,

And through eternity I’ll sing on.

http://youtu.be/CgwGY6xpvLI

Click here....this song is played with some beautiful images.

107-113: Busy Week and Blessed

We have had a pretty busy week. Blake's great grandmother passed away. She was 99 1/2 years old. She would have been 100 years old on October 15. I can't even imagine all of the changes and amazing things she got to see in her life. We also celebrated Bella's first birthday with her on Saturday. She is so precious.

The boys were so excited about cake. Loved the glittery, sparkly icing.

And Claire...she is just a happy girl! There was also a baby shower on Saturday morning for a friend at my parents church. I loved seeing all that pink being unwrapped...those tiny newborn clothes get me every time....

Jackson expereinced his first fine art performance. "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" at the Tivoli. He enjoyed the show. I enjoyed a little one on one time with my son.

Claire had cereal for the first time today (4-21-11). She did not love it.

This rascal came into the living room last night (we thought he was asleep). He was sporting a pull up on his head, and over his pants. He said he was Mr. Potato Head.

This mess happened in exactly 1 minute and 30 seconds. I know this because I had put something in the microwave to warm up...went to my bedroom to change my clothes...by the time the timer went off...Bisquik. I am going to have to find higher ground for some of my stuff.

Firemen: Jack and Ben.

This poor girl went back to the doctor again yesterday. She still has a double ear infection and has a virus....tons of blisters all in her little mouth. Last night she grabbed and scratched her ear so much in her sleep, she made herself bleed. Hoping this second round of antibiotics does the trick.

That's about all, folks.

I have been reading Beth Moore's book, "Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only." It is excellent!

I read a paragraph a few weeks ago, and it keeps resounding in my spirit. (I think it is on page 145 if anyone else is currently reading this book).

"The original word for "blessed" is makarios. Revel in this definition of the term: "Biblically, one is pronounced blessed when God is present and involved in his life. The Hand of God is at work directing all his affairs for a divine purpose, and thus, in a sense, such a person lives coram Deo, before the face of God."

My prayer for myself and for my family is that we always live a blessed life. I want God present and involved in my life, and in our little family's life. I want Him directing all of our affairs, so we may know Him more and seek Him in all we do. Our purpose here on this Earth is to share His love...to further His Kingdom. Everything doesn't have to be just perfect in order to be blessed. Having Him is more than enough. I am blessed.