Dogwood Garden Club

Let me introduce you to the Dogwood Garden Club. This group of ladies are the definition of good neighbors who really care. I was invited to join withing 24 hours of moving into our house. I heard it was a good idea to join that way you don't get talked about but not true in a gossip way. They know what's going on in this neighborhood because they care. It was founded in May 1985. Flower is the Dogwood, Bird is the Cardinal and Colors are Green and White. Meetings are the 2nd Tues of each month and the annual picnic is in May and Christmas party in Dec. and the husbands can come to those. There are rules, bylaws, officers, projects and dues are $20. Worth every dime for the camaraderie and wisdom the 3-4 of us under age 65 who come to the meetings receive. Not all meetings are about gardening...matter of fact, not one I've been to is on gardening...topics vary. I got to host it this month as I found out last month, since I was next in the alphabet. A speaker from the Lovelady Center spoke this month. The host has coffee (be sure it's decaf)and a dessert of some kind. What I like most if the genuine care this group has. A lady on the street lost her 30 year old daughter recently. The Garden Club got on the horn and notified all the members and our neighbor was not short on food, care or concern. I dare a thief or prankster to set foot on our streets...may get a cane or Geritol somewhere it doesn't belong. They keep up with Hoover city events and watch each others' backs. Our baby will be the first one on this street in at least 8-10 years and he/she will have more great-grandparents than ever dreamed. I got to chat with 2 ladies after the meeting. One will celebrate 61 years of marriage and one 48. I asked their advice/wisdom on a strong marriage: They said "We don't fight and we ENJOY spending time together - even the little things...and don't forget to laugh a lot!" Love that! So take it from the Garden Club: Get to know your neighbors and care for them and if you are the youngest on the block like me: Listen to what they have to say!! HEre's a pic of the group that came to this month's meeting and here's a pic of the genuine interest one generation has for the next.

First Trimester Screening

So there are some benefits to being over 35 years old and pregnant. You get a few extra tests and screens to let you know if your baby may have some congenital issues. They test for lots of stuff but one of the benefits is an extra ultrasound. We got to see Baby Carver moving around and hear the heartbeat again. We could not get enough of that! At 2.5 inches long he/she has everything needed but needs to develop of course. We saw the nose, eyes, spinal cord, arms and legs...arms went up as if to say "Touchdown Bulldogs...and Tigers"...or as Uncle Bob said, "...Touch down, Crimson Tide..." Those feet were going as if treading water or doing the "happy dance." I sure can't wait for that day to feel this baby move. We are thankful that all is going well and so far we are at very low risk for having any problems. Either way we know God will provide as He has done so faithfully so far. Wanted to share an updated pic with you. We continue to absorb the whole miraculous notion that another life is growing in my belly that seems to continue with hunger like a lion! I continue with fatigue most nights that demand a 8:30 bedtime. I obey since I'm sleeping for two! No belly to show so far and I think I've gained one pound. More to come I fully expect! :)) We are checking out day cares and wow, are they all different! We think we have found one but will keep you posted! Enjoy a look at baby Carver whose heart was beating strong at 166 beats/minute!