Fire works and So Forth!

This has been such a great summer for our family. In June, Mark and I along with his parents, brother and sister-in-law traveled to San Antonio to attend one of our close friend's wedding-KID-FREE! We had a great time seeing old friends and visiting old places...such as the alamo...is that Dottie and PeeWee that I see? As much fun as we had, I just about went into withdrawals without Jackson., but it was good for us.
Randy...bless his soul...fell into a bit of bad fortune...being pooped on the very first day that he arrived in San Antonio. He was a good sport of course, but we had a good laugh.Mark and some of his school mate buddies.We also had the pleasure of making our way again to the Beckler lake house for the 4th. We had a great time with family and friends and of course being with the cousins.... Sweet WillFiesty CharlieThe three munchkins...never a dull moment. We have also had the opportunity to share some time with the Watkins' side. We had a great time in Florida this past week.
Of course the guys had to have a little fun. Me after a long day at the beach...haha. Acutally we found the coolest park where we found this guy. The kids loved it.
Jackson just kept saying "Sand box"!
He and his beloved Jay-Jay playing in the largest sand box ever.

HOT MAMA...literally! Don't kill me sis. I had a great time with ya this week.

Jase was hillarious the whole trip, but especially the night he enhaled crab legs for the first time.
What a great couple! Thanks for hanging out with the fam. We love you guys.The boys had a great time with their pop. He is so patient and totally involved with everything they do. I don't know who enjoys the other the most!
Nee and her sweet boys, playing at the pirates ship. What would we do without Nee?

After laying in the sand, Jackson was covered so we just rinsed him off on the spot...couldn't help but catch this one. Winding down.

Last day at the beach with cuz

Baby news and summer fun

HaHaHa, I can imagine all of you rushing to your computer to see who's having the baby....surprise, it's Lesli!!! We are all surprised to say the least. In December, their fertility specialist told them that there was pretty much no chance of getting pregnant. Isn't God amazing. He consistently reminds us that He Is the ominopotent in all circumstances. We have already had such a great spring/summer, enjoying our families. In May, Mom and Dad took us back to our beloved river along with the Talleys. We had a great time together. Jase got to float the river for the first time.On the home front we have made some changes. Jackson decided one night to crawl out of his crib. He hit hard busting his nose and scaring us to death. Thankfully it was a great warning so Mark with his handyman skills changed his bed into a toddler bed. He is growing up so quickly.Last weekend he also experienced another first. His first boat ride. Jase got to come along too.He wasn't too sure at first, but...It didn't take long for the wild child to kick in.Cool hair...Bo and Jackson (no pun intended)Here's a funny shot. He fell asleep with his head propped on his life jacket.Heading home after some time on the lake.Just a cute shot taken on the porch of the lake house. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and to have so many wonderful experiences. Thanks Pop, Nee, Beppie, and Bo. We love you guys. (and Happy Father's Day!) To end my blog we have two very concerning prayer request. Many of you have heard that on May 27th Luke Sponberg passed away. Please continue to remeber Greg, Nicol, and Summer in your prayers as they are still grieving. Please also pray for their extended family and friends as they bear this tragedy along with this precious family.

(Summer and Luke early May 08)

We also ask that you pray for our sponsored child in Honduras, Maryuri. We have learned that she has left the protection of the orphanage at her own will at the age of 15. Pray for God's protection and guidance.

It is finished!

Oh happy day!!! Mark completed his degree with his graduation from DSC on Friday night. What a relief. We are so proud of him!This is Mark and Stacy (many confuse this picture as Mark and myself). This is actually my cousin Stacy. She was also a graduate of the education program. She and Mark leaned on each other many times throughout the program. After the last blog, many of you emailed me wondering what I have been up to. At the time, I couldn't say much, but I had been planning a surprise party for Mark since January. Friends from Louisiana brought fresh crawfish (mark's favorite) for a low country boil. Of course my close friends and family helped me pull this one off on old Curls.

We had over 150 pounds of food for friends and family to celebrate Mark! (these are the crawfish)

Mark's buddies took him to Blue Ridge to fish all day so that we could surprise him that night.

Thankfully the weather was perfect and so was the food and fellowship!
(definately a redeemable picture, Jeremy. See blog from Sept. 4th, 3rd picture down to compare)

Jackson just enjoyed the water !
This is Jackson's most favorite place...the sandbox. Just thought
these were some cute shots of our 18 month old (can you believe it)!
CHEESE!!!!I've also stay busy with my gardening. I have a small garden at the edge of the yard just for tomatoes, herbs, squash, lettuce and cucumbers. Small but convenient. Mom, Lesli, Jase, Jackson and I made a trip to McMinnville, TN. It is the greenhouse capitol. Every year, the weekend after taxes are due, we load up and head to Mary's nursery. There are at least 30 green houses just at that nursery. We have a great time together.

Many of you probably also know that I am a physical therapist. I am currently working 4 days a week in the home health setting. This is a great set up for me-allowing quite a bit of flexibility, but also, God has allowed me to be blessed by so many people. I have the wonderful opportunity to develop a personal relationship with many of these people. Each day I am touched by people like Mr. Rollins- with their wisdom, kindness and thoughtfulness. My life is so full!