Nashville and Middle Tennessee Flood

The rain started here on Friday and it just kept pouring through Sunday. And I mean, pouring. Thankfully we didn't have any damage to our home, (unless you count the wet carpet at our back door due to the strong winds blowing the water in through the cracks) or our neighborhood. All around us was flooding. Downtown Nashville has major destruction and damage and the waters are still receeding slowly. Opryland Hotel had about 10 feet of water inside and the mall was the same. The historic Grand Ole Opry was flooded and Titans stadium is under water. Flooding is no respecter of persons. Everyone from the richest celebrities to the homeless community of Nashville have been affected. Several people died, many lost their homes, cars and businesses, but we are proud of our city that there has been virtually no news of looting, stealing or crazies loosing it. People have banned together to help rescue with their personal boats, rafts and anything that floats. All over the area neighbors are helping neighbors with clean up. Here are a few pictures of the flooding to give you an idea of the amount of water we had. These range from a block up the road from us to the Opry Hotel about 40 miles away. I don't think anyone can understand the severity of the flooding until you see the footage and I know not much has been on the national news about this, so hopefully if you aren't here in Tennessee, this will give you an idea. Please pray for the people who have been affected by this and pray for the churches in our area to meet the needs out there. What a great opportunity to serve the community!


King's Creek Golf Course up the road from our house


Historic Grand Ole Opry House


The creek at Jennifer and Garner's house in Spring Hill


Elvis Floating away in Nashville


Downtown Nashville

Jeremiah is 8 months old!

At 8 months, Jeremiah:

*moves around quite efficiently on his bottom. He's close to crawling, but right now we're enjoying watching him get from Point A to Point B by scooting.
*can push himself into a sitting position from all fours.
*says Dada and Dad-dee when he wants Daddy.
*eats everything Mommy has made for him so far.
* talks all the time.
*has decided there is too much to do to sleep through the night.
*loves to play with his friends.
*loves to go to the store.
*loves to go for walks in the stroller, but he still misses the wagon at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
*loves balloons.
*sings songs when you sing to him.
*chews on anything he can get his hands on.
*laughs all the time.
*dances when he hears music.
*loves his Praise Baby DVD's, they can always make him smile and he recognizes the intro music.
*dumps his basket of toys out to make sure he can see everything.
*isn't allowed to play with our cell phones or the remotes, but fights for them constantly.
*recognizes his favorite people and can't focus on anyone or anything if his daddy is anywhere nearby.

Good Friday

This is the song being sung in our house today:

I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives
today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

If you don't know Him, I would love to tell you how I know He lives! I am so thankful for what this day represents and for the reminders the Lord is giving me today of His goodness and mercy towards us. He died for me so that I can live! Enjoy these pictures on this Good Friday! We love you!

Wordless Wednesday

March was a busy month!

I can't believe that I haven't posted about Jeremiah's dedication or our trip to Tulsa or all the fun we've had with friends this month! Since there is so much to catch up on, I will let the pictures tell most of the story...


Al praying a prayer of dedication over Jeremiah.

There were so many people standing with us that the camera couldn't capture them all. We are so blessed to have such a huge extended family here in Tennessee. We were humbled and so blessed by those that stood with us, prayed with us and who love our boy so much. Jeremiah wanted to hold the mic so badly and Daddy wouldn't share!



It was so special to have Jordan pray for Jeremiah. Jordan and Bethany are two of Jeremiah's biggest fans and the feelings are mutual!


Jeremiah and Lars

These boys have so much fun together! Even though they are six months apart, they play great together. When they see each other they both get so exited, it is precious! It makes me excited for Peter and Melinda, their boys will be about the same age difference.

A little basket time with Aubrey. She thinks he's the best kind of doll.


Swinging with Mommy at LaFortune Park in Tulsa


Taking a ride on PaPa with his cousin Wes


Kisses for Bella! Gideon couldn't figure out Jeremiah's fascination with kissing his sister, Bella.



Besides the people, the wagon rides were by far Jeremiah's favorite part of the trip. Most afternoons my Mom and Dad go for a long walk and while we were there Jeremiah rode in the wagon for those walks. He loved it! If Grandma didn't pull fast enough he would rock back and forth trying to get her go faster. Al & I are planning on getting a wagon for Jeremiah this summer.


When I was in the first grade I met Sarah Bagby. She lived around the corner from us. Over the last 25 years we have stayed friends, sometimes we don't talk for months, but every chance we get we reconnect. She is one of those friends that I always feel like we pick up where we left off. This trip Jeremiah and I headed to her house for dinner with her family. She and her husband have a 4 year old cutie pie, Wesley. He is so cute and says the funniest things! He was sweet with Jeremiah and even shared a toy or two with him. Wesley wasn't too sure about sitting so close to my drooler for this picture, but when Sarah said he could have a piece of candy afterwards, he threw his arm around Jeremiah.

That's our update for now!

Out for a stroll!

Jeremiah is 7 months old!

At seven months, Jeremiah:
*rides in a "big boy" car seat
*eats big boy solid foods
*loves to play with friends, young and old!
*makes friends wherever we go
*loves trips to the grocery store
*loves to watch Praise Baby
*sleeps with his favorite bear every night. (I didn't mean for that to happen, but he loves his bear!)
*sleeps through the night... sometimes
*still often asks for Momma during the night for a drink of milk and some kisses
*lights up when Daddy walks in the room
*loves to play Peek-a-Boo
*startles easily, just like Momma
*growls when he's being silly
*fake coughs, to get attention
*drinks water and juice out of a cup, or should I say, we give him water and juice in a sippy cup and he drinks it, spits it out and sometimes swallows it ;)
*laughs easily and often
*was dedicated to the Lord by his mom and dad!
*recognizes "his" people
*sits up and plays on his own, but loves if you sit and play with him
*gives kisses to Mommy freely, but likes to tease Daddy
*makes funny faces to get a laugh
*loves his UTurn, (New Song youth) friends

Jeremiah is so much fun! I am truly enjoying my days with him. We are so thankful for the son the Lord has blessed us with!