As everyone knows my sis-in-law had an amazing slip-n-slide birthday party this year! I ended up with bruises and sore body parts even though I only went down the slide a handful of times. It was great, but there were a few injuries (LOL). Hope everyone has recovered from them! These are some of the pics I had from the festivities. Happy Birthday Tiff! We love you and your awesome slip-n-slide! Thanks for the wonderful time! And tell DJ he did a great job!

Special CONGRATS!

I just wanted to send out a congrats to some awesome people we know (you know who you are!) We are so excited for you and can't wait for the years to come!

Let The Music Move YOU!

Jackson was exposed very early in his life to music. Jonathan would play the banjo and I would sit in our old living room and listen. It amazed me that my husband had that amazing talent! I was about 5 months pregnant when we went to Knoxville to see Drive By Truckers in concert and I believe Jackson has had a love for music since then. If he ever hears music he starts to dance and smile..... I can only hope he has a fraction of his fathers talents!

Update on Kyle

My brother got to come home from the hospital this Monday and has been doing pretty well. He is on a very restricted diet and has actually lost around 28-30lbs over the past 3-4 weeks. He is only able to eat soft foods right now and his doctor is wanting to perform surgery on his colon to remove the area that is causing so many problems. Everyone please continue to keep him in your prayers. We are glad he's home, but he still has a journey ahead of him! Thanks so much to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!

Grateful

This Thurday my older brother had to make a trip to the ER at MTMC with a diverticulitits flare up. He has had this for the past 7 yrs and this time was extremely serious . He was possibly going to require surgery. Thankfully, prayers were answered and he has not required surgery at this time. He is doing better, but he is still in the hospital. I am so grateful to everyone who has asked about him or called. Thanks to for everyone's prayers!

Another update.... James is doing great! Thanks again to all who called, texted, or sent messages about him too!

4th of July Stars & Stripes Fun Run

Jonathan and I ran at the 4th of July Stars and Stipes Fun Run today. My mom brought Jackson up town to watch us run and he was so cute sitting in his stroller waving as I past them! This is my second 5K to run and I was very proud of myself. Jonathan and Brent did exceptionally well (as always). Jonathan came back and found me just when I was passing S. High street and helped motivate me to finish strong! So, CONGRATS to all those who ran/walked this annual Stars and Stipes Fun Run/Walk and for all the fun that is provided for the community!

Up next...... training for my first half marathon! Wish me luck!

A bit of thanks....

This picture was taken for father's day and some of you may not know, but our family had a little bit of a scare this week! James, Jonathan's dad, started having chest pains while coming home from work. He went to the ER in McMinnville and was having a heart attack, so he was airlifted to St. Thomas where the doctors placed a stent and he is now doing well! Hopefully he will get to come home on Monday, but he is going to have a lot of lifestyle changes over the next few months. Please continue to pray for James. For those of you who know this man he is such a hard worker and is always willing to help someone out. It is going to be difficult to keep him from overdoing it for a while. He is such a wonderful father and pa and we love him so much! Thanks to everyone who has called to check on him and the family. Your thoughts are prayers have been a blessing to our family!

Independence

This was Jackson's 1st week at Covenant Academy and while he has done very well with transition (except for Monday), it has been emotionally straining for me. I guess it is because my little boy is growing up so quickly. I am so proud of him for being such a big boy and going off to daycare, but a part of me wants to rewind time and make him a little baby again! He is becoming so much more independent! I think we all tend to forget the important role we play in our children's lives and this week has truely made me appreciate the times I get to spend with him. One day he will grow up and it will not be "cool" for him to sit and talk with me or Jonathan. I am cherishing these moments while I have them and hope for many more to come.

I also hope everyone has a GREAT 4th and I pray that everyone can remember the importance of this day! It's not just a day to get together for food and fireworks, but to pay respect for thos who have given us our freedom! I am thankful for all the men and women who have provided our country with this luxury and I pray for those who are currently in harms way! God Bless America!!!!